Two strong destinations, different in important ways. Here's the side-by-side, then a verdict on which suits which traveler.
The Alps done properly — skiing, hiking, and Vienna for the culture.
Serious cities, river valleys, and the Alps in the south.
Read our full guides about Austria and Germany.
Emphasised where they differ. Muted rows are much the same either way.
| Austria | Germany | |
|---|---|---|
| Best time | May–July, September, December–February | May–July, September, December |
| Climate | mild | mild |
| Budget | Budget – Mid-range · $35–130/day | Budget – Mid-range · $35–130/day |
| Trip length | 1–2 wks | 1–3 wks |
| Visa | Schengen — visa-free for most Western passports (90 days). | Schengen — visa-free for most Western passports (90 days). |
| Currency | EUR (€) | EUR (€) |
| Language | German. English widely spoken in cities and resorts. | German. English widely spoken in cities. |
| Tap water | Tap water safe and excellent — much of it is alpine spring water. | Tap water safe and good. |
| Safety | Very safe. | Very safe. |
General guidance — visas, safety, and health change, so check your government's travel advisory and the official sources before you go.
Which of the two is the better bet for each month of the year, scored on how well the season suits each place.
Both deliver on culture, nature — so on those dimensions either works.
Paris is only the opening act — wine country, the Alps, and two coastlines.
The benchmark for food, history, and beauty.
Ruins in the morning, a swim by noon, taverna until dark.
Food, beaches, and three or four cities that each justify the trip.
The ski and alpine benchmark — every other mountain range is measured against this.
Dubrovnik, the Adriatic coast, ancient cities. Compact and beautiful.
Prague earns the crowds. The rest of the country is the bonus.
Geysers, glaciers, northern lights, hot springs.
Still undecided
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