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Digital Resources & Print Guides

Digital Resources & Print Guides

Bavaria, Germany

Essential Apps for Your Trip

Navigation & Transport

  • Google Maps:

    A comprehensive app for general navigation, including walking, driving, and public transport routes. It offers real-time traffic updates and public transit schedules.

  • DB Navigator:

    The official app for Deutsche Bahn (German national railway). This is for checking nationwide train schedules, purchasing tickets, and staying updated on train delays or platform changes.

  • Swa Mobil:

    The official app for Augsburg's local public transport (Stadtwerke Augsburg). Use it for real-time tram and bus schedules, route planning, and purchasing mobile tickets for convenience.

  • Free Now / Uber:

    These apps allow ordering licensed taxis (Free Now) or ride-sharing services (Uber, where available) in Augsburg, offering cashless payment and fare estimates.

  • Google Translate:

    A useful app for language translation. Download the offline German language pack before your trip so you use it without an internet connection, helping with menus, signs, and basic conversations.

Official Websites & Resources

Print Resources for Insight

Recommended Guidebooks

For practical, budget-conscious advice, consider Rick Steves Germany. DK Eyewitness Germany features detailed illustrations. Fodor's Essential Germany offers curated recommendations.

Books About the Destination

For historical context, look for books on the Fugger family, their rise to power, and their impact on European finance. General German history books provide a broader understanding. Historical fiction set in the region immerses you in the atmosphere.

Local Publications

Local newspapers or event listings (e.g., "Stadtzeitung" or local cultural magazines) found in newsstands or cafes provide information on current events, exhibitions, concerts, and local insights that might not be available online.

Emergency and Safety

Emergency Numbers & Hospitals

  • Pan-European Emergency: 112 (Police, fire, ambulance - works without credit).
  • Police (non-emergency): 110.
  • Universitätsklinikum Augsburg (Stenglinstraße 2), Klinikum Augsburg.
  • Josefinum (Kapellenstraße 30) specializes in children's and women's health.

Document & Natural Disaster Protocols

  • Lost Passport: Report to local police immediately. Obtain a police report for embassy/consulate assistance.
  • Other Documents: For lost driver's licenses or ID cards, report to the police.
  • Embassy/Consulate: Check your home country's embassy or consulate website for contact details in Germany.
  • Natural Disaster Protocols: Germany has robust emergency alert systems. Follow instructions from local authorities.

Further Learning & Exploration

Films & Documentaries

  • Documentaries on German history or the Fugger family.
  • Films set in Bavaria or southern Germany.
  • Visual inspiration.
  • Cultural context.

Music & Art

  • Classical German music (e.g., Leopold Mozart).
  • German art movements (Expressionism, Romanticism).
  • Local galleries and Theater Augsburg.
  • An enriching experience.

Online & Language Communities

  • Reddit (r/Germany, r/travel, r/Augsburg) or TripAdvisor forums.
  • Ask questions, get recommendations.
  • Duolingo, Babbel, or Pimsleur for German.
  • Structured language courses.

Pre-Trip Checklist

Essential Preparations Timeline

+ Months Before

  • Passport Validity: Verify validity for six months beyond Schengen departure.
  • Visa Requirements: Research visa needs. Start application early for Schengen visa.
  • Flights: Book international flights, especially during peak season.
  • Accommodation Research: Begin researching and making tentative bookings.

Month Before

  • Accommodation Finalization: Confirm all bookings.
  • Major Transport Bookings: Book main train tickets (ICE) or car rental.
  • Itinerary Planning: Plan a rough itinerary.
  • International Driving Permit: Obtain if you plan to drive (non-EU).

Week Before

  • Confirmations: Verify all flight, hotel, and tour reservations.
  • Weather Check: Check forecast for packing adjustments.
  • Packing Preparation: Prepare your list and start packing.
  • Bank Notification: Inform your bank and credit card companies of travel plans.

Pre-Trip Research & Booking

Required Advance Bookings

  • Flights benefit significantly from advance booking.
  • Accommodation secures availability.
  • Popular long-distance train journeys (ICE) often have cheaper "Sparpreis" fares when booked in advance.

Pre-Trip Research Recommendations

  • Familiarize yourself with Augsburg's history (especially the Fugger family's influence).
  • Learn a few basic German phrases.
  • Gain an understanding of the city's public transport system.

Home Preparation Before Departure

Securing Your Home

  • Secure your home (lock doors/windows).
  • Suspend mail or newspaper deliveries.
  • Pay any bills that will come due during your absence.

Arranging Care & Contacts

  • Arrange for plant watering if needed.
  • Arrange for pet care if needed.
  • Notify trusted family members or friends of your itinerary and emergency contacts.

Arrival Checklist Details

First Steps Upon Arrival

  1. Clear immigration and passport control at your port of entry (e.g., Munich Airport).
  2. Collect your checked luggage.
  3. Locate an ATM at the airport or train station to withdraw some initial cash (Euros) for immediate expenses.
  4. Find your way to the train station or bus stop for your onward journey to Augsburg.
  5. Follow airport signage carefully.

Orientation & Initial Needs

  1. Make your way to your accommodation. Use your pre-downloaded maps or navigation apps.
  2. Pick up a free city map from your hotel reception or the Augsburg Tourist Information Center.
  3. Familiarize yourself with the local public transport system.
  4. Understand how to purchase and validate tickets.
  5. Withdraw Euros from an ATM. Consider buying a public transport day ticket.

Departure & Digital Safety

Souvenir & Shipping

Purchase souvenirs well in advance. For large or fragile items, arrange shipping services with a local postal service (Deutsche Post) or a shipping company. Inquire about costs and customs regulations.

Pre-Departure Timing

Plan to arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before an international flight. For train travel, arriving 15-30 minutes before departure usually suffices.

Digital Document Backup

Create a digital folder on your phone or cloud storage with scans or photos of your passport, visa, flight tickets, hotel bookings, and travel insurance policy. This is a good backup.

Important Reminders for Departure

Confirm all details of your return flight or train journey. Ensure all necessary documents for your next destination or for re-entry into your home country are ready.