Bundesverband der Gästeführer in Deutschland e.V.

10 Things To Know About the Bundesverband der Gaestenfuehrer in Deutschland (BVGD)

1. What year was the BVGD established, and where is the headquarters?

The BVGD was founded in 1994 in Cologne. The headquarters is now in Nuremberg, Bavaria.

Tourismus und Marketing Hessisches Gästeführertreffen Fritzlar © BVGD

2. What is the primary mission/goal of the BVGD?

The main aim of the German National Tourist Guide Association (BVGD) is to successfully establish a high level of education and promote the profession of tourist guides. BVGD has developed policies that benefit not only its members but also many tourism stakeholders.

Luther Stralsund © BVGD

3. How does someone become a qualified tourist guide in Germany?

In Germany tourist guides become qualified following a system of three stars.

The first star stands for Basic training.

Second star is more advanced.

Three stars represent the equivalent of the EN 15565 certificate, the highest professional qualification for tourist guides in Europe.

Guides who have successfully completed the Germany-wide Training Program – BVGD Certificate DIN EN 15565 – are considered of the highest quality.

4. After becoming qualified, what are some of the professional development classes that guides typically take in Germany to enhance their knowledge and skills?

Each BVGD association member has its own programme of continuing professional development (CPD).

5. Is there an official badge that qualified tourist guides in Germany wear?

Every region has its own badge. The logo of BVGD is as below

6. How many qualified tourist guides are members of the BVGD, and what are their diverse backgrounds? Also, how many languages do they guide in, and do they specialize in themed tours?

The German National Tourist Guide Association (BVGD) is the umbrella organization of local and regional tourist guides’ associations in Germany. It represents around 230 areas and regions with approximately 7,200 guides. Our members can guides in all major languages and many niche ones too.

Mitglieder Leverkusen © BVGD

7. What are some of the top reasons for using a qualified tourist guide in Germany?

Best training, best information, impartiality in presentation, experience and networking with other qualified guides.

Tourist guides special role in promoting the cultural and natural heritage of the country they represent and in helping to ensure sustainability in tourism.

Mitglieder Garmisch © BVGD

Our guides do this by making visitors aware of natural and cultural environment they guides in, its importance and vulnerability.

They provide interesting and accurate information on the many historic and natural sights in Germany. All have received the basic one star training. Many of them hold the BVGD-training certificate or the three star qualification (DIN EN 15556).

8. What are some of the popular places to visit in Germany?

Germany is a very varied country with lots of regional diversity, so it’s difficult to mention just a few popular places to visit.

The visitor can choose from engaging city breaks, to relaxing river cruises, seascapes, dense forests, active mountain holidays and urban experiences.

Infos Mitglieder Chemnitz - Düsseldorf © BVGD

If one had to choose the list definitely include: the Palaces in Bavaria; the Harbour in Hamburg; the Brandenburg gate in Berlin; the wonderfully restored cities of Dresden, Leipzig and Halle which remind visitors of the communist past of the country; the island of Sylt in the north and Lübeck by the Baltic sea; picturesque Fritzlar; regenerated Ruhrgebiet famous for its industrial past. It is a never ending list.

9. What are some general tips you would give to potential visitors planning a vacation to Germany?

Germany might not be famous for its gastronomy but did you know that Duesseldorf is the best place to experience sushi in Europe?

Germany has more that 3900 wine producers so make sure you try some when you are visiting.

Germany is the top European producer of beer with 8.3 billion litres a year and is home to the world famous Oktoberfest in Munich.

Germany hosts 25 European Cultural routes, such as the Iron Curtain Trial, Mozart Ways, Viking Routes, Route of Industrial Heritage an Historic Thermal Towns.

10. Where can potential visitors to Germany find out more information about the BVGD and also find a qualified tourist guide?

Our website is www.bvgd.org where our aims, members and qualified guides are presented.

The BVGD doesn’t arrange tours! But you can search for qualified German tourist guides on the homepage using the interactive map. You can search by state, city or region and then following the link to the local association.