When I first arrived in Germany as a newcomer in 2022, I never imagined I would get the chance to explore the entire country within a few months and that too on a shoestring budget. But between June and August, thanks to the revolutionary 9-Euro Ticket, I travelled far and wide, immersing myself in Germany’s rich cultural tapestry, diverse regions, and unique people.

Based in Binz, Rügen, a quiet town on the Baltic Sea known for its healing air, forests, and wellness resorts, I used every off-day and evening after work to board a train and set off into the unknown. Many times, I would finish work in the evening, hop on a night train, and arrive in a new city by sunrise. I’d spend the entire day exploring, and either stay overnight or take the last train back arriving the next morning just in time for work again. It was tiring, but it made me fall in love with Germany in a way no textbook or travel brochures.

Germany: a country of many cultures

Traveling from the northern coast to the deep south, I realized something profound: Germany is not one culture, but many. Every federal state (Bundesland) has its own flavor from dialects to food, traditions, and even attitudes. In the north, I found people to be more reserved but deeply respectful; in the south, especially Bavaria, there was a certain warmth and pride in local customs. The west was lively and cosmopolitan, while the east revealed layers of history and resilience.

In every place, I had small but meaningful conversations with train conductors, shopkeepers, fellow travelers, and hostel owners. Many were curious about me, a newcomer discovering their land with such enthusiasm. I was asked why I was traveling so much. I simply said, “To understand Germany not from outside, but from inside.”

Cities and stories: where the 9-euro ticket took me

Here are some of the cities and landmarks I visited, along with four notable attractions in each place that left a lasting impression on me:

Stralsund: gateway to Rügen

Stralsund, just across the bridge from Rügen, was my first stop. It’s a Hanseatic city with medieval charm and UNESCO World Heritage status.

  • Ozeaneum: a world-class maritime museum with deep insights into the Baltic Sea.

  • Old Market Square (Alter Markt): surrounded by Gothic architecture and the historic Town Hall.

  • St. Nicholas Church (Nikolaikirche): a spiritual and architectural landmark.

  • Harbor area: ideal for evening walks and watching ships come in.

Stralsund introduced me to Germany’s seafaring history and the beauty of Baltic coastal towns.

Lübeck: the city of Marzipan and brick gothic

Lübeck felt like walking into a fairy tale.

  • Holstentor: the iconic medieval gate that stands as a symbol of the city.

  • St. Mary’s Church (Marienkirche): stunning Gothic architecture.

  • Buddenbrookhaus: a museum dedicated to Thomas Mann and his literary legacy.

  • Niederegger Café: the birthplace of the world-famous marzipan.

The red-brick buildings and canals made me feel like I had stepped back into a different century.

Hamburg: harbor of dreams

One of Germany’s most vibrant cities, Hamburg has a unique identity rooted in trade, music, and innovation.

  • Elbphilharmonie: a modern concert hall with an unforgettable skyline view.

  • Speicherstadt: the historic warehouse district, a UNESCO site.

  • Miniatur Wunderland: the world’s largest model railway — a magical surprises.

Hamburg felt cosmopolitan and alive — an exciting mix of cultures, music, and modernity.

Berlin: where history meets creativity

Germany’s capital holds layers of history and reinvention.

  • Brandenburg gate: a symbol of unity and peace.

  • Berlin Wall Memorial: a moving reminder of division and hope.

  • Museum Island: home to world-class museums like the Pergamon and Neues.

Berlin was a place of contrast, serious and playful, painful and hopeful.

Dresden & Saxon Switzerland: art and nature in harmony

Dresden amazed me with its baroque beauty, while nearby Saxon Switzerland stole my heart with its landscapes.

  • Zwinger Palace: a masterpiece of baroque architecture.

  • Frauenkirche: restored after WWII, now a symbol of peace.

  • Bastei Bridge: overlooking the Elbe valley, it felt like a dream.

  • Königstein Fortress: an ancient hilltop castle with views that stunned me.

Munich & Bavaria: the soul of the south

Munich offered Bavarian hospitality and culture at its richest.

  • Marienplatz: the heart of the city, full of energy.

  • BMW Museum: a paradise for anyone interested in design and engineering.

  • English Garden: one of the largest urban parks in the world.

  • Neuschwanstein Castle: a magical fairy tale come to life in the Alps.

The south was full of tradition, music, and pride—especially in food, festivals, and local dress.

Leipzig, Bremen, Wolfsburg, Düsseldorf, Köln

Each of these cities had its own charm:

  • In Leipzig, the blend of music, culture, and history reminded me of Berlin but smaller and warmer.

  • Bremen's statue of the Bremen Town Musicians made me smile — fairy tales are alive here.

  • Wolfsburg's VW Museum amazed me with its tribute to Germany’s auto legacy.

  • Düsseldorf felt polished and businesslike, but full of art and design.

  • Köln (Cologne)'s Cathedral was awe-inspiring — a true masterpiece of Gothic architecture.

Meeting people & learning culture

What I valued most was not just sightseeing, but the human connection. I met Germans from all walks of life students, pensioners, workers, and artists. Some helped me navigate confusing train changes, others shared their stories, and some were just curious about mine.

Germany taught me that its people may seem formal at first, but are incredibly helpful and warm once you connect. I learned to say "Moin" in the north, "Grüß Gott" in the south, and picked up dialect differences like "Servus", "Tschüss", and "Auf Wiedersehen".

The food changed too from Fischbrötchen in Hamburg to Weißwurst in Munich, every bite told a story.

Reflections: more than just a trip

Looking back, those months were more than a travel experience. They were a crash course in German society, regional identity, public transport, and human connection. I learned to navigate Deutsche Bahn’s delays, appreciate quiet Sunday towns, and respect the deep-rooted structure and values of German life.

Even though I was new, even though I was tired after work, and even though I had very little budget I explored almost the entire country using just the 9-Euro ticket.

Germany is not just Berlin or Munich. It’s a land of rivers and railways, castles and cathedrals, bratwurst and philosophy, quiet rules and loud festivals. And with just 9 euros, I became part of that story even if only for a summer.

Would I do it again? Absolutely.

Would I sleep on trains and return to work the next morning again? Without hesitation. Because that summer, Germany opened its heart to me one train, one town, and one unforgettable journey at a time.