Germany
This application navigates Germany's public transport system. It provides schedules, real-time updates on delays, and ticket purchasing directly on your phone.
Highly recommended for detailed hiking and cycling route planning. These apps offer extensive maps (often topographical), elevation profiles, route descriptions, points of interest, and offline map downloads.
For general navigation, finding points of interest, local services (restaurants, shops, ATMs), and driving directions. Public transport routing stands accurate.
A translation app for overcoming language barriers. It offers text, voice, and camera translation (point your camera at a menu or sign).
Download a dependable local weather app specific to Sauerland (e.g., WetterOnline, AccuWeather). This informs about changing conditions, useful for outdoor activities.
The official tourism website for the region (sauerland.com/en). It details attractions, accommodations, activities (especially hiking and cycling), events, and practical tips. Often a starting point for comprehensive information.
The official website for Germany's national railway (bahn.de). Use this for all national and regional train tickets and schedules. Book long-distance tickets in advance for better prices.
Larger towns like Winterberg, Schmallenberg, and Attendorn have their own detailed tourism websites. These provide localized information, upcoming events, and specific recommendations.
For a wide selection of vacation rentals if you prefer self-catering accommodation. (www.fewo-direkt.de)
Follow official Sauerland tourism accounts on platforms like Instagram or Facebook. These often post inspiring photos, videos, and current information on events or seasonal highlights.
Look for specific guidebooks on "Sauerland" or "Hiking in Germany" from reputable travel publishers (e.g., Lonely Planet, Rough Guides, Rick Steves). These provide curated information and practical advice. Detailed topographic hiking maps, from German publishers like Landesvermessungsamt NRW or Kompass Verlag, are invaluable for trail navigation.
Explore local history books or regional fiction set in Sauerland to gain a understanding of the region's past, its people, and their way of life. This may deepen your appreciation for the places you visit. Local bookstores upon arrival may carry relevant titles.
Local newspapers (e.g., Westfalenpost, Sauerland Kurier) or free tourist brochures often contain current information on events, festivals, dining recommendations, and local insights. Pick these up at tourist information centers, hotels, or train stations.
Consult a travel health professional to discuss any recommended vaccinations or health precautions for Germany. This ensures you travel with peace of mind regarding your well-being.
Ensure you have an adequate supply of all prescription medications for your entire trip, plus a few extra days. Keep them in original packaging with pharmacy labels and carry a doctor's note for controlled substances.
Stay hydrated, especially during active days. Eat balanced meals, and rest when needed. Hand hygiene remains important, specifically before meals.
Always keep a written list of emergency contacts and medical information separate from your phone, in case of device loss or damage.
Consider purchasing a local German SIM card for affordable data and calls, notably if your international roaming rates are high.
Many hotels, cafes, and public places offer free Wi-Fi. It might require registration or a password.
A portable power bank keeps your devices charged during long days of exploring, especially when using navigation apps.
Using a VPN, such as NordVPN, safeguards your data on public Wi-Fi networks.
Use strong, unique passwords for all online accounts. Consider a password manager.
Regularly back up photos and important documents to a cloud service.
Sauerland offers picturesque landscapes. Lakes, forests, and charming villages provide excellent photo opportunities. Early morning light or late afternoon golden hour often produces the best results.
When photographing people, especially at events like Schützenfeste, ask for permission first. A polite "Darf ich ein Foto machen?" (May I take a photo?) shows respect.
Utilize the varied terrain for dynamic compositions. Wide-angle lenses excel for sweeping vistas, while telephoto lenses compress distant mountains, creating depth. A tripod can assist with low-light scenes.
Support local producers and artisans. Their products often carry a smaller environmental footprint and directly contribute to the local economy.
