School Trips to Germany

The educational value of a school trip to Germany

Subject-specific learning opportunities in Germany

A school trip to Germany supports a wide range of subjects, with destinations carefully chosen to meet specific curriculum outcomes:

History – Explore key periods including Nazi Germany, the Holocaust, the Cold War and German reunification through powerful case studies in Berlin and Munich.

Politics & Citizenship – Examine democracy, authoritarianism and European governance through visits to government buildings, memorials and historically significant sites.

German Language & Culture – Develop linguistic skills and cultural understanding through immersive experiences in everyday German life.

Germany’s clearly defined historical narrative and well-curated museums make it an outstanding destination for in-depth academic study.

Skills students can develop on a Germany school trip

Beyond subject knowledge, school trips to Germany help students build a wide range of transferable skills, including:

• Cultural awareness and intercultural communication
• Independence and confidence in an international setting
• Critical thinking through historical interpretation and ethical discussion
• Navigational and organisational skills using European transport systems
• Collaboration and teamwork during shared learning experiences

Germany’s safe environment and strong educational infrastructure make it particularly suitable for curriculum-led overseas school trips.

Popular school trip destinations in Germany

Germany is a leading destination for educational travel, offering exceptional relevance across history, politics, languages and culture. With well-preserved historic sites, world-class museums and efficient transport links, Rayburn Tours carefully selects German destinations that deliver academic depth alongside engaging student experiences.

Key destinations for school trips to Germany

Berlin (Capital City)

Key highlights students may visit:

• Berlin Wall Memorial & East Side Gallery – Explore division, Cold War politics and reunification
• Reichstag Building – Study modern German democracy and political systems
• Holocaust Memorial & Jewish Museum – Reflect on memory, ethics and 20th-century history
• Checkpoint Charlie – Understand Cold War tensions and global politics

Best Subjects Supported:

• History
• Politics
• German
• Sociology

Berlin provides a powerful learning environment for understanding modern European history and political change.

Munich (Bavaria)

Key highlights students may visit:

• Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site – A vital case study in Holocaust education
• Nymphenburg Palace – Explore monarchy, power and cultural heritage
• Marienplatz & Old Town – Examine traditional Bavarian identity and urban development
• BMW World – Insight into modern industry, innovation and engineering

Best Subjects Supported:

• History
• German
• Politics
• Business Studies

Munich combines profound historical learning with contemporary culture and innovation.

Cologne (North Rhine-Westphalia)

Key Highlights Students May Visit:

• Cologne Cathedral – A UNESCO-listed example of Gothic architecture
• Rhine River – Study trade routes, tourism and physical geography
• Old Town – Explore Roman heritage and medieval urban life

Best Subjects Supported:

• History
• Language

Cologne offers a strong blend of historical depth and accessible cultural learning.

Planning and safety for school trips to Germany

Essential travel documentation for a Germany school trip

To travel to Germany, students will typically require:

• A valid passport (with sufficient validity for travel)
• GHIC card for access to state healthcare
• Any additional documentation required for non-UK passport holders

Rayburn Tours provides clear, up-to-date guidance to support group leaders throughout the planning process.

Safety and accommodation standards

Student safety is central to every Rayburn school trip. We ensure:

• Thoroughly risk-assessed itineraries and excursions
• Carefully selected accommodation suitable for school groups
• Clear emergency and safeguarding procedures
• 24-hour on-tour emergency support
• Comprehensive pre-departure information packs for teachers

FAQs

• Do students going on a school trip to Germany need a Schengen visa?
  Whether students on school trips to Germany need a Schengen visa depends on their nationality. For UK citizens, a visa is not required for short stays (up to 90 days) within the Schengen Area. However, if the children are from other countries, they may need a visa. For more travel information, please refer to the UK government website.

• When is the best month to visit Germany?
  The prime time for school trips Germany is during the spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October). During these months, the weather is mild, and there are fewer tourists, making it ideal for exploring the country’s rich history, vibrant cities, and stunning landscapes without large crowds.

• What is the average cost of a school trip to Germany?
  The cost of a Germany school trip varies depending on destination, duration and inclusions, but the average cost is £595pp.