When Germany is mentioned, most Israelis likely think of a quick trip to Berlin, beer gardens, sausages, and perhaps a short city break. However, in recent years the country has been trying to broaden that image and present itself as a destination suitable even for those who have already visited and are looking for a reason to return. Alongside its familiar cities, Germany now offers a combination of gastronomy, nature, culture, and local experiences, some of which are hard to find elsewhere in Europe.
This effort comes at a time when the Israeli public is showing renewed interest in the destination. In 2025, approximately 685,000 Israeli overnights were recorded in Germany, an 11% increase compared to the previous year. The German National Tourist Board also notes a significant proportion of repeat visitors, meaning Israelis who have already been to the country and choose to return, this time to discover other areas and experiences. According to the board, without the security situation and flight disruptions during the year, tourism from Israel might have been even higher.
The aviation sector has also seen recent expansion that could make travel to Germany easier for Israelis. German airline Condor began operating daily flights between Frankfurt and Tel Aviv, while the Lufthansa Group significantly increased its number of flights to Israel. In August, the group will operate 54 weekly flights to and from Israel, compared to 29 weekly flights in July, with SWISS also resuming daily flights from Zurich. Alongside these routes, additional airlines operate direct flights from Israel to destinations in Germany.
From asparagus ice cream to pickles
One area where Germany seeks to change its image is food. The country currently boasts 341 Michelin-starred restaurants, including 12 restaurants holding three Michelin stars, but German gastronomy goes beyond high-end dining. Across the country, travelers can embark on journeys following local ingredients and dishes, making food itself a reason to travel.
One intriguing route is the "White Asparagus Route," also known as "Germany's white gold." The route spans about 750 kilometers and passes through areas where the seasonal vegetable enjoys true prestige. During the season, markets, restaurants, and events dedicated to asparagus can be found along the way, alongside opportunities to explore the rural areas where it is grown.
Another route offers a completely different experience: Cycling in search of the pickle in the Spreewald region, a nature reserve recognized as a UNESCO biosphere reserve. Here, local cucumbers are not just a side dish, but part of the region's culture and culinary identity. The route combines cycling in nature, villages, waterways, and local food.
Northern Germany also features culinary traditions that have turned into tourist experiences. Tours dedicated to winter kale offer a glimpse into local traditions, while seasonal wine festivals, including the Federweißer celebrations, connect young wine, food, and local atmosphere. Those who prefer the sea can embark on culinary journeys along the coasts of the North Sea and Baltic Sea, where local cuisine is influenced by the sea, fishing, and coastal traditions.
Sleeping in nature, but with a bit more style
In nature tourism as well, Germany is trying to give travelers a reason to venture beyond the cities. As part of the "Family & Friends in Nature" campaign, the spotlight is on dozens of national parks, nature reserves, and UNESCO World Heritage sites, alongside hiking and cycling trails.
Yet the innovation lies not only in the trails themselves. Across the country, accommodation options are developing that aim to make nature an integral part of the vacation, rather than just scenery viewed along the way. Promoted experiences include treehouse hotels on the Baltic Sea coast, accommodations in the heart of forests, and lodging options that connect nature, food, and views.
Germany also has a long coastline and numerous islands, with about 50 islands scattered between the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. For those who have already visited the major cities, these areas offer a different pace of travel: More nature, fewer traffic jams, hiking and cycling trails, small towns, and local food based on regional ingredients.
2026: A year of design, Bauhaus, and culture
The cultural calendar is also expected to be particularly busy this year. Dessau is celebrating 100th anniversary of Bauhaus, the movement that influenced the world of design and architecture, with a series of international exhibitions and events. Frankfurt is expected to stand at the center of the design world after being named World Design Capital, and in Nuremberg, the Documentation Center is scheduled to reopen after extensive renovations.
Alongside these events, the 150th anniversary of the Wagner Festival, one of the cultural events most identified with Germany, will be marked, and a new museum of digital art is expected to open in Hamburg. Additional events will take place across the country, so even for those who have traveled in Germany before, 2026 offers several reasons to return and rediscover it.
According to Ofer Kish, director-general of the German National Tourist Board in Israel, the change in tourism to Germany also reflects a shift in how the country is perceived as a destination. "Germany is in the midst of a tourism revolution," he says. "Visitors will discover a country that manages to surprise anew with every visit through top-tier gastronomy, spectacular nature, international cultural events, and cities that combine history, innovation, and quality of life." According to him, this very diversity allows returning travelers to discover a different side of Germany every time.