tour de germany

Germany has a world-famous network of excellent roads and highways (Autobahn). Car rentals are available in most cities, but gasoline prices are kept high by taxation. When renting a car, be aware that most cars in Germany have manual gearbox (stick-shift), so you might want to ask for a car with an automatic gearbox if you're used to. German drivers tend to drive faster and more aggressively than you might be used to, especially on the parts of the highway system without speed limit, which is taken to be literally. Although German car makers had agreed to limit the speed of their cars to 250 km/h. Be aware that Germans drive fast and they adhere pretty much to rules, but that doesn't mean they have the car always under control. You have good chances to see serious accidents. Never ever reverse on a highway when you missed exit, go to next exit and make a U-turn. Use the right side if it's free, even if everybody seems to like the middle (if exist) and the left track. But be careful if you overtake another car left to you, it is allowed only within cities, in traffic jams or at low speed.
In case of a breakdown you may call the ADAC, the worlds largest automobile club. The number is +49 180 2222222 from fixed lines and 22 22 22 from mobile phones regardless of network. On the Autobahn, the ADAC must come to you free of charge. In other situations, there may be costs involved if you're not a member. If you're a member of a foreign AA or automobile club, you may want to check if the ADAC honours your membership. If you have to stop along the Autobahn, it is sometimes dangerous to stay in the car, as it is more and more common to use the emergency track for driving, although it's strictly forbidden. However in some areas emergency tracks are used as extra lanes in times of heavy traffic. But this is always announced by electronic light signs.
By train
Germany has a dense railway system, which reaches almost every part of the country. Unless you travel by car, the train will be your major mode of transportation.
The trains are operated by Deutsche Bahn ("German Rail"), the formerly state-owned railway company privatized a few years ago. The trains are usually reliable, and a comfortable and safe way of travel. If not otherwise indicated, the information in this section is about DB-run trains.
There are some independent railway companies which run regional trains or aim at specific target markets, like business travellers. http://www.bahn.de/ - German railway corporation
Long distance
All major cities are linked by ICE (InterCity Express) and regular InterCity trains. The ICE are high speed trains, reaching top speeds of 300km/h; and even though they rarely cruise at such high speeds travel is faster than by car and quite comfortable. Be sure to get a reservation - it's not mandatory, but you may end up standing or sitting on the floor without one.
The high speed ICE is the most expensive option, of course. On the major lines, an ICE or IC train will run each hour or so during the day. There are also EuroCity (EC) trains, which connect the larger European cities. For inner-Germany travel, these are virtually identical to the regular ICs.
Regional travel
Apart from the long-distance trains, there is a vast network of regional trains ("Regionalbahn"). The service will take you almost everywhere the intercity trains won't go or stop. Trains include 40 year old cars as well as brand-new carriages. Many are used by commuters - if you wish to have a relaxed travel, avoid the early mornings or later afternoons. Don't hesitate to inquire at the ticket counter at what times the trains are usually packed. On some of these trains, the cars may be marked with numbers one or two. This refers to the class of the rail car, "one" is first class, "two" is second class, etc. Do not board a first-class car if you do not have a first-class ticket. If you are unsure what type of ticket you have, it's probably second class.
.Online information and bookings
All information and an online timetable for the Deutsche Bahn (as well as for a large number of other public transport providers incl. buses) are available from the Deutsche Bahn homepage. The page is in German, but timetable inquiries can be made in English http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/e . You may also book your tickets online with a credit card. The most comfortable option is to take an "online ticket", which you can print out at home. Note that these tickets are non-transferable and that you'll be required to show your BahnCard or credit card as an ID. (Note that you do have to print them on paper - a PDF export or something similar is invalid.)
Fares
There are some special promotions and prices the rail company offers at various times. Your best course of action is to check their website, or to ask at a train station or their telephone hotline for current details. However, some general points to keep in mind are:
If you buy your ticket at least three days in advance you can get discounts of 25% to 50% on long-distance trains. Various conditions apply.
Children up to fourteen years travel free when accompanied by at least one of their parents or grandparents.
If you plan to travel by train a lot, you may consider getting a BahnCard, which gives you discounts on all ticket purchases. The BahnCard 25 costs €50 (€100 for first class) and gives you a 25% discount on all further ticket purchases. Spouses and kids of BahnCard 25-owners can get additional cards for €5.
The BahnCard 50 is €200 (€400 for first class) and gives you a 50% discount on all tickets. You can get this card for half the price if you're a pupil or student (up to 26 years of age), a pensioner of more than 60 years or disabled.
Informations for railway freaks
There are several railways of special interests in Germany. These are e.g.
the Rasender Roland on Rügen
the Molli in Bad Doberan
the Harzquerbahn
the Wuppertaler Schwebebahn in Wuppertal
the H-Bahn in Dortmund
the Schwebebahn Dresden
Cog railways are in Stuttgart, up Drachenfels, up the Zugspitze Mountain and up the Wendelstein Mountain.
In Germany nearly all electric trains get their power from a single phase AC network. This network uses its own 110kV-lines, which have in opposite to normal powerlines a number of conductors not dividable by 3 (most powerlines for the single phase AC grid of the traction power grid are used on pylons with one crossbar designed for four conductors)
By plane
Airlines like Deutsche Lufthansa connect major cities in Germany to each other and foreign destinations. Due to the comparatively short distances and relatively high hassle of air travel - especially when you travel with luggage - domestic air travel is used mostly for business purposes. Recently (2003-2004) many airlines have been offering very low prices due to the high competition in the industry, so it makes sense to compare the prices for plane tickets to those of the railway tickets if you want to go to some major cities
By recreational vehicle and campervans
Recreational Vehicle (RV) is a broad term used to describe a large enclosed piece of equipment with wheels designed to be moved from place to place for people to temporarily live in and be protected from the elements while away from their permanent domicile. Campervans are vans that have been fitted out for use as accommodation. They are considered as an alternative to the purpose-built recreational vehicle or motorhome because they are smaller and handle like most vans
Many RVers in Germany stay at RV parks, most of which feature electrical, water and sewer service (full hookups). If you are interested in a list of RV parks in Germany try Camper-Tour ( http://www.camper-tour.de/ ) or Michael's Reisemobil Seite ( http://www.reisemobil.online.cx/ ). Some nice RV parks are listed with fotos in http://www.kochcompany.de/womoreise/womo_stellplaetze.htm. Promobil is Europe's biggest print-magazine for RV's and also provides a list of RV parks in Germany online ( http://www.promobil.de/ ).

RVers need supply and disposal units to get fresh water and dispose sewage water. If you are looking for a complete list of supply and disposal units in Germany check http://www.kochcompany.de/womoreise/womo_vunde.htm.