Are there any visa requirements if I need to travel within Europe? What is the “Schengen Area?”
Countries that have signed the Schengen Treaty have generally abolished passport and border control between their countries. This means that you can travel around Europe (only by car, bus, or train) without a special visa. The Schengen Treaty was signed by: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
However, border controls may at times be reinstituted, so always carry your passport when leaving Germany.