The Autobahn is the federal controlled-access highway system in Germany, also known as the "highway without speed limits". The official German term is Bundesautobahn (abbreviated BAB), which translates as federal motorway. The literal meaning of the word Bundesautobahn is Federal Auto(mobile) Track. The Autobahn is an extensive network of limited-access freeways that can usually provide a driver with a speedy route from city to city. The Autobahn is a well-designed network of roads and flawlessly maintained to be one of the smoothest in the world, making it a pleasure to drive.

The Autobahn is famous worldwide as the motorway with no speed limit, but the reality on the roads is a little different. While there are some derestricted stretches, the German government recommends a maximum speed of 130 kph, which is about 80 mph per hour on autobahns. However, drivers are free to go as fast as they want in some areas. The lack of speed limit is actually justified on the grounds that it makes driving safer. The Autobahn is a bucket-list experience that unites drivers and provides an interesting talking point.

The first official stretch of the Autobahn system in Germany was completed in 1934 between Bonn and Cologne. The Autobahn was not initiated by Adolf Hitler, as is commonly believed, but by Konrad Adenauer, mayor of Cologne and subsequent West German chancellor. The Autobahn is a generic term used to describe the motorway system in any given country, but in German, the more specific term Bundesautobahn is strongly preferred when the intent is to make specific reference to Germanys Autobahn network.