100 places to visit in germany

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The TOP 100 sights and attractions in Germany

Germany has a wealth of fantastic tourist sights and attractions, which people travel from all over the world to see. But which architectural treasures and places of natural beauty are the most popular? The German National Tourist Board (GNTB) put this question to its international visitors, and around 25,000 people from around the world chose their personal favourites for 2022/2023.

Find inspiration from the favorites of international users!

Take part in the current voting and make your favourite sight known!

1 Europa-Park, Rust

2 miniatur wunderland hamburg, 3 phantasialand, brühl, 4 rothenburg ob der tauber, 5 nürburgring, 6 neuschwanstein castle, hohenschwangau, 8 black forest, 10 therme erding.

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Best places to visit in germany.

Full of culture, lively locals and great beer, Germany is home to many captivating travel destinations. Whether you're looking to soak up art, architecture and history or imbibe at Oktoberfest, this country appeals to a variety of tourists. U.S. News weighed factors like sights, food, culture, accessibility and value, in addition to expert and traveler opinions, to create the best places to visit in Germany. Vote for the destinations you love below to help shape next year's ranking.

Neuschwanstein

Garmisch-partenkirchen, black forest, berchtesgaden, rüdesheim am rhein.

Germany's capital city is akin to Paris and London in that you just can't visit the country without going. Like many large cities, Berlin offers something for everyone, from a lively nightlife scene to restorative green spaces. Those looking take in the arts can explore the impactful East Side Gallery (on the Berlin Wall) or visit the more traditional art galleries at Museum Island. Berlin also pays homage to its ominous past with powerful and humbling attractions. Must-visit historical sites include the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, the Berlin Wall Memorial, the Brandenburg Gate and Checkpoint Charlie.

Visitors flock to Munich every fall to take part in Oktoberfest, a two-week-long ode to Bavarian traditions featuring Germany's best beers and bratwurst. But Munich, one of the largest German cities, offers so much more than just this festival. The city is home to beautiful gardens, exquisite churches and engaging museums worth exploring. Wander around Munich's charming neighborhoods and spend some time in Marienplatz, a central square that's home to the world-famous Rathaus-Glockenspiel and hosts a popular Christmas market.

Though Neuschwanstein Castle was never meant for visitors, it has become one of Germany's most popular tourist attractions. King Ludwig II commissioned the castle as a place of refuge from public life. Today, more than 1 million people stroll through the property every year. The castle's Romanesque Revival-style is certainly romantic; in fact, it inspired Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland. But what elevates this castle to bucket list status is its unbelievable setting, perched in the Bavarian Alps. From the castle, travelers can get an eyeful of the surrounding mountains, Alpine lakes and striking foliage (especially during fall).

This scenic mountain town in the Bavarian Alps calls to adventure-hungry travelers. In winter, Garmisch-Partenkirchen draws skiers looking to hit the slopes and learn about the Winter Olympics that were held here in 1936. In summer, hikers descend upon the town hoping to climb Zugspitze, Germany's highest peak (the summit is also reachable via cable car). Other can't-miss attractions include Lake Eibsee and Partnachklamm, a narrow gorge characterized by steep rock walls and roaring rapids. Meanwhile, if you're looking to unwind, take a stroll through Historic Ludwigstrasse or explore the grounds of Linderhof Palace and Park.

One of the best places to see Germany's natural splendor is the fairy-tale-inspiring Black Forest. This section of Baden-Württemberg encompasses more than 2,000 square miles of enchanting waterfall-filled forests, rolling hills and lengthy valleys dotted with half-timbered villages. A great introduction to the Black Forest is driving along its scenic namesake highway (Schwarzwaldhochstrasse); be sure to start or end your journey in the spa town of Baden-Baden to benefit from its thermal springs. You'll also want to save time for visiting gorgeous natural wonders like the picture-perfect Triberg Waterfalls, Lake Titisee and the Feldberg, the Black Forest's highest peak.

Dresden is made for architecture enthusiasts. The city, which is located in eastern Germany near the Czech border, features remarkable facades and edifices adorned with ornate architectural details. Though you'll have your pick of stunning structures, make sure you visit the Dresden Zwinger (a Baroque-style palace) and Dresden Royal Palace (a Renaissance landmark where the Fürstenzug, the world's largest porcelain mural, resides). If you prefer modern architecture, head to Kunsthofpassage to gaze at its quirky buildings, one of which has singing drainpipes. And those visiting during festive season can't miss Striezelmarkt, Germany's oldest and largest Christmas market.

For a memorable vacation in the Bavarian Alps, visit Berchtesgaden. This destination, which sits on the Austrian border, captivates visitors with its massive peaks, cascading forests, deep valleys and Alpine lake and river that make up Berchtesgaden National Park. Start your journey driving the scenic Rossfeld Panoramastrasse before traveling south to awe-inspiring Lake Königssee and the Eagle's Nest, a mountaintop beer garden. If you enjoy skiing, arrive in winter when Jenner Mountain is blanketed with snow.

First-time visitors to this historic German city should make a beeline for Cologne Cathedral – this breathtaking example of Gothic architecture is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the city's most popular landmark. Meanwhile, travelers with a sweet tooth should make time in their schedule for a tour of Cologne's Chocolate Museum. Other activities include relaxing on the lawn at Rheinpark, exploring Cologne's Old Town, cruising the Rhine River and taking in spectacular city views from a cable car. Visit in February or March when Cologne's annual Carnival celebration takes place, an event featuring festivities like masked balls, parades and parties.

Go off the beaten track on your next getaway by heading to this Bavarian city in southeast Germany. Boasting centuries-old architecture and a prime location along the Danube River, Regensburg is known as one of Germany's oldest and best-preserved medieval cities. Most of Regensburg's top attractions can be found in the city's UNESCO-listed Old Town, including landmarks like St. Peter's Cathedral, Haidplatz Square and the Stone Bridge. Other sights worth visiting include the Thurn und Taxis Palace and Walhalla, a hall of fame honoring exemplary German-speaking figures throughout history.

This city in southwestern Germany is well known for housing the country's oldest university. However, its good looks and superb location along the Neckar River also make it a great destination to enjoy old-world character and a small-town ambiance. To see as much of this beautiful city as possible, take a long stroll through Heidelberg's old town and across its picturesque Old Bridge. Then, ride the funicular railway to Heidelberg Castle, and continue on to Königstuhl for impressive views. Additional must-see sights to add to your vacation itinerary include the Philosopher's Walk, Heidelberg Zoo and the Student Prison at Heidelberg University.

Boasting elaborate churches and palaces around every corner, Würzburg is a photographer's paradise. From the Baroque-style Residence Palace to the Romanesque St. Kilian Cathedral, there are countless buildings worth exploring. Not only can travelers enjoy beautiful architecture, they can expect manicured gardens and parks, such as Ring Park and the University of Würzburg's Botanical Garden, along with numerous vineyards and estates offering wine tastings (Würzburg is located in Germany's Franken wine region). When you're not sipping on delicious vino, consider visiting the grand Marienberg Fortress or snapping a photo of Würzburg's iconic Old Main Bridge.

Primarily known for its winemaking capabilities, Rüdesheim am Rhein is a small village located at the base of Germany's Rhine Valley. While you'll surely want to spend the majority of your time here sampling Rüdesheim am Rhein's famous riesling, you should save time for other activities as well. The restaurant- and market-lined Drosselgasse alley is a perfect place to hear live music, and you'd be remiss to skip the one-of-a-kind Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet during your trip. Another worthwhile activity is a castle cruise along the Rhine River.

Frankfurt is best known as the financial capital of the eurozone thanks to it housing the European Central Bank, but don't assume the city is nothing more than a concrete jungle. Frankfurt doubles as a tourist-friendly destination with all kinds of attractions. Here, you'll find the Frankfurt Museum Embankment, a riverside perimeter that comprises more than a dozen museums, including the popular Städel Museum. Other noteworthy sights include the city's colorful old town, the Main Tower observation deck and the Palmengarten, a beautiful botanical garden.

Located less than 22 miles southwest of bustling Berlin, Potsdam makes for a perfect daytrip. The city offers a quieter, more serene atmosphere complete with parks and eye-catching historical landmarks. The city's most popular attraction, Sanssouci Palace, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site so breathtaking that it is often compared to Versailles. The palace's name means "without a care," so plan on spending unhurried hours there taking in its splendor and the surrounding grounds. You'll also want to save time for visiting Cecilienhof Country House – where the historic Potsdam Conference took place – and strolling through the charming Dutch Quarter.

Home to Germany's largest cruise port, the Elbe river and hundreds of canals flowing through the city center, Hamburg is a great place to explore by boat. But for those on foot, many top attractions are clustered in the heart of the city, including the Alter Elbtunnel and Planten un Blomen park. Speicherstadt, a UNESCO World Heritage Site worth visiting, offers Miniatur Wunderland, the world's largest model railway system that enraptures visitors of all ages. Plus, Hamburg is a haven for music lovers with its impressive Elbphilharmonie complex, which features two concert halls and a plaza with sweeping city views.

The second-largest city in Bavaria, Nuremberg is a must-visit destination due to its well-preserved history (both medieval and more recent). The city's darker World War II connections are on display at the Documentation Center Nazi Party Rallying Grounds and the Memorium Nuremberg Trials museum. Go further back in time with a visit to the vast, all-encompassing Germanisches Nationalmuseum, which includes artwork from prehistoric times to today. Then, wind your way through old town's endearing streets, where you'll find half-timbered houses, a four-story fountain and the imposing Imperial Castle, which dates back to the days of the Roman Empire.

Head to this small medieval city in northern Bavaria to feel as if you've stepped back in time. Bamberg is famous for housing notable Enlightenment-era writers and philosophers like E.T.A. Hoffmann and Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel. Plus, Bamberg boasts a gorgeous location along the Regnitz river and a collection of exquisite architectural beauties, including the Romanesque Bamberg Cathedral and the Old Town Hall. But no visit would be complete without seeing the dreamy rose garden at the New Residence palace.

Upon first glance, Lübeck might look like any other mid-size German city. However, this northern destination with Nordic beauty holds plenty of historical significance, so much so that UNESCO designated it a World Heritage Site. Between the 12th and 16th centuries, Lübeck was considered one of Europe's most important trading ports. The city still remains a hub for maritime commerce with its location on the Baltic Sea. After learning more about Lübeck's maritime roots at the European Hansemuseum, travelers can check out the stately Holsten Gate in the city's charming old town or explore its many waterways during a boat tour.

Sitting on the banks of the Rhine River about 80 miles northwest of Frankfurt, Koblenz is overlooked by the hilltop Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. This idyllic setting is an added bonus to the city's strong cultural offerings, which range from institutions like the DB Museum Koblenz and the Ludwig Museum to monuments like the German Corner. You should also make time for a ride on the Koblenz Cable Car, which offers panoramic views of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. Plus, with access to both the Rhine and Moselle rivers, Koblenz is an excellent destination for a river cruise (many routes take travelers past vineyards, castles and more).

Situated about 10 miles east of Germany's border with Luxembourg, the country's oldest city draws history buffs in droves. Trier was founded by Romans in 16 B.C. and is filled with some of the best-preserved ruins from that era. Must-see Roman relics include St. Peter's Cathedral, Porta Nigra, the Basilica of Constantine and the Imperial Baths. When you need a break from learning about Trier's ties to the Roman Empire, explore old town's colorful Hauptmarkt square, visit Karl Marx's birthplace or take a scenic boat tour along the Moselle river.

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Germany top sights to see: 100 beautiful places you must see

Germany's most beautiful sights include fairytale castles and palaces , imposing cathedrals, historic old towns, but also modern buildings of modern times and unique landscapes such as the Wadden Sea or the Alps. We went in search of Germany's top 100 sights and traveled the entire country from north to south and from west to east. The result is the ultimate overview of the top 100 sights for an unforgettable road trip through Germany.

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Germany’s top 10 sights at a glance

What’s in Germany to do? Here you can find our top 10 sights at a glance.

• Neuschwanstein Castle
• Hamburg harbor
• Lake Eibsee
• Neurathen Rock Castle with Bastei Bridge
• Dresden Church of Our Lady
• Eltz Castle
• Hamburg Speicherstadt
• Rothenburg ob der Tauber Old Town

Map: Germany’s top sights

Our interactive map shows you Germany’s top 10 sights at a glance.

[mapsmarker map=”75″]

1. Zugspitze – the TOP sightseeing attraction

At 2962 meters, the Zugspitze is Germany’s highest mountain and a top thing to do in Germany in 2022 according to our survey. At least once in your life, you should stand on the roof of Germany.

The Zugspitze summit can be reached on foot on six routes (all hikes to the Zugspitze). If you don’t want to hike through high alpine terrain, take one of the three mountain railroads that lead comfortably to the summit.

Do you want to experience a real micro-adventure? Then stay overnight on the Zugspitze in the Münchner Haus and enjoy the summit, which is completely crowded during the day, and almost deserted.

2. Lake Königssee

Königssee in the Berchtesgadener Land region of Bavaria is ranked just behind Zugspitze as the second top place to see in Germany. The mountain lake is reminiscent of the deep fjords in Norway or the rugged mountains of Canada. It’s no wonder, then, that the region counts some 3.5 million overnight stays each year. A boat trip across the Königsee is a top attraction and should not be missed on any trip.

Tip : By boat, you can reach the famous pilgrimage chapel of St. Bartholomä and the idyllically situated Obersee , which was connected to the Königssee a long time ago.

3. Castle Neuschwanstein

The fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle in the Allgäu region near Füssen (Schwangau) is one of the most visited sightseeing spots in Germany and is world famous – really a top thing to do in Germany!

Neuschwanstein Castle was commissioned by Bavarian King Ludwig II in 1869 (like so many other castles) and romanticizes the Middle Ages. A guided tour of the imposing walls is an activity you must do. Be sure to book the tickets in advance on the Internet!

Incidentally, Neuschwanstein Castle served Walt Disney as a model for his fairy-tale castle at the Disneyland Resort in California.

The no less famous Honenschwangau Castle is also within sight, picturesquely situated between Alpsee and Schwansee . Here you can find the most beautiful lakes in Bavaria.

You can read even more tips about Füssen here with Christina from CitySeaCountry.

⭐ Recommended travel guides

You can find the 100 most beautiful sights in Germany here. For more details, we recommend one of the following travel guides. What you can use for sure is Easy German Phrase Book : Over 1500 Common Phrases For Everyday Use And Travel ( get it here* ). Also the Lonely Planet Germany 10 guide ( buy here* ) is fantastic.

4. Port of Hamburg

The Port of Hamburg is the largest seaport in Germany and lands far in front of the list of our top things to do in Germany. To get an overview of the Port of Hamburg, for example, a harbor tour is a good idea.

In addition to the Speicherstadt, which is a sight in its own right, the St. Pauli Landing Bridges are part of the port area. This is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Hamburg, for us one of the best places and most beautiful cities in Germany.

5. Lake Eibsee

Lake Eibsee at the foot of the Zugspitze is without a doubt one of the most beautiful lakes in Germany and a popular destination all year round. In our survey, the Eibsee even lands far in front.

You can walk once around the Eibsee. The tour is also easy for families with children. In summer, the Eibsee is a popular swimming lake. Definitely a wonderful thing to do in Germany!

6. Rock castle Neurathen with Bastei bridge

The rock castle Neurathen with the Bastei bridge from 1851 in Saxon Switzerland near Dresden is another sight that landed far in front in our survey. The entire region is worth seeing and will captivate you.

In Saxon Switzerland, day trippers, hikers, and climbers enjoy the beautiful landscape here. After all, around 1200 kilometers of marked hiking trails lead through deep forests, past bizarre rock formations, and through mystical valleys.

7. Dresden Frauenkirche

Built from 1726 to 1743, the Dresden Frauenkirche (website) is one of the most famous and magnificent houses of worship in the country and is considered one of the largest sandstone buildings in the world.

The Frauenkirche was severely damaged in World War II during the devastating Allied air raids on Dresden. In the GDR, the ruins were considered a memorial against the war.

After reunification, the church was rebuilt and solemnly consecrated in 2005. Since then, the Dresden Frauenkirche has once again become one of the top things to do in Germany. From the dome, you have a great view over Dresden.

8. Castle Eltz

Mystical castles and palaces can only be found in Scotland? Far from it! Eltz Castle ( Website ) is located in Rhineland-Palatinate in the beautiful valley of the Elz River and is exactly what you would imagine a knight’s castle to be.

The castle is one of the most famous fortifications in Germany (and one of the top Instagram motifs), which is why it’s also on our top sights list.

Eltz Castle was built on a hill in the 12th century and was never conquered by force. In 1920, a fire destroyed large parts of the complex. However, the castle was restored with much attention to detail. Today, the castle is open to the public and takes you back to a bygone era.

Tip: Book a guided tour with a detour to the treasury!

9. Hamburg Speicherstadt

The Speicherstadt in Hamburg is the largest historic warehouse complex in the world. The area has been a listed monument since 1991 and on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 2015, along with the neighboring Kontorhaus district . What’s to see in the Speicherstadt? The latter is characterized by large buildings in the brick expressionist style, for example, the Chilehaus.

Hamburg is one of the most exciting cities in Germany anyway – but Speicherstadt is a very special highlight that you should not miss.

Here are some more fun things to do in Hamburg. Read our other article.

10. Rothenburg ob der Tauber Old Town

Rothenburg ob der Tauber (among the top sights in Rothenburg) is without a doubt one of the most beautiful half-timbered towns in Germany. What to see in the medieval old town? It’s world famous for its winding alleys, towers, and half-timbered houses. A walk through Rothenburg immediately gives you a feeling of what life must have been like in the Middle Ages.

There are no modern buildings in the historic town center. The old town is therefore often used as a film set for historical film productions.

Tip : Rothenburg is one of the highlights of the so-called Romantic Road from Würzburg to Füssen (413 kilometers). It is worth planning a longer trip through the beautiful region.

11. Cologne Cathedral

Probably the most famous landmark of the Rhine metropolis Cologne is the Cologne Cathedral . The Roman Catholic church is one of the largest cathedrals in the Gothic architectural style and one of the most important sights in Germany. By the way, the construction of the Cologne Cathedral began as early as 1248, but the building was not completed until 1880.

Since 1996, Cologne Cathedral has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The most famous sights in the cathedral itself are the Epiphany Shrine , which houses the alleged bones of the Magi, and the Cathedral Treasury in the vaulted cellar.

Here you can find an overview of the most important sights and secret places in Cologne.

12. Brandenburg Gate Berlin

Berlin is always exciting and constantly changing. No other major German city has more cosmopolitan flair than Berlin.

Berlin never sleeps and if you are into culture, partying and long neighborhood nights, you will lose your heart to Berlin.

One of the top places to go on your Berlin trip is of course the world-famous B randenburg Gate , the only one of the once 18 city gates still standing.

Here we tell you even more sights in Berlin . Read our extra article about the capital of Germany.

13. Mainau Island

Lake Bodensee (lake Constance) (to the top sights at Lake Bodensee) is more popular with vacationers than almost any other region in Germany. One of the top highlights is Mainau Island, which you can reach by boat or on foot from Constance via a bridge.

The island is known as the island of flowers . The plants in the botanical garden are magnificent. In addition, the climate on the island is so special that Mediterranean plants grow here. Also worth seeing are the Deutschordensschloss and the elaborately designed Schlosskirche St. Marien . Learn more about Mainau Island here.

Tip : Nearby is the Reichenau , the largest island of Lake Bodensee. Reichenau and the Reichenau Monastery are on the UNESCO World Heritage List. So it’s a good idea to combine the island of Mainau with the nearby Reichenau.

14. Königsstuhl Rügen

The chalk cliffs on the island of Rügen are a highlight on any trip to Germany. Over a length of 15 kilometers, the imposing cliffs on the Jasmund peninsula (where there is also a national park of the same name) rise high out of the sea.

The top attraction on the rugged coast is the so-called Königsstuhl (royals chair). The walls here drop almost 120 meters steeply. On the Königsstuhl there is a viewing platform from which you can enjoy a breathtaking view.

15. Bamberg Old Town

Bamberg – also called the “secret capital of beer” – has the l argest preserved historic city center in Germany . The worth seeing old town with the Old Town Hall, the Bamberg Cathedral, and the Rose Garden, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993.

It’s simply fun to stroll through the beautiful alleys of the old town. While you’re there, be sure to make a detour to Little Venice . This great sight is located on the Regnitz River, which flows into the Main River, and its beautiful waterfront houses are reminiscent of the original in Italy.

A highlight is the Bamberg Sandkerwa in August. This well-known folk festival has a long tradition in Upper Franconia. From fishing on the river, to live music and culinary highlights, there is something for everyone at the festival.

16. Castle Hohenzollern

The imposing Hohenzollern Castle ( Website ) in Baden-Württemberg is one of the top destinations. When you see the fortified castle for the first time with your own eyes, you will inevitably feel transported back to a time long forgotten.

By the way, Hohenzollern Castle is the ancestral castle of the Hohenzollern dynasty, which once ruled large parts of the country.

17. Danube Breakthrough

The Danube Breakthrough near Kelheim is one of the most famous things to do in Germany. You can take a boat from Kelheim to the Danube breakthrough near Weltenburg . The famous narrow passage of the Danube valley is definitely worth a visit.

Tip : Be sure to make a detour to the Weltenburg Monastery (with beer garden) and the Kelheim Liberation Hall . In addition, the famous Walhalla – an imposing hall of fame on the Bräuberg – is nearby.

18. Sanssouci Palace

The state of Brandenburg is known for its many castles. The most famous is Sanssouci Palace . It was originally just a small rococo-style summer palace built under King Frederick II between 1745 and 1747 and later expanded.

The palace is also known as the “ Prussian Versailles ” because of its magnificent architecture, modeled after the palace near Paris. Today, Sanssouci Palace, with its beautiful rococo architecture, magnificent interior, and impressive location, is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Potsdam – and therefore cannot be left off our list of top attractions in Germany.

19. Spreewald

The Spreewald south of Berlin in Brandenburg is a unique landscape in Central Europe, with a 1,575-kilometer network of natural and artificial waterways, wet meadows, small fields, and semi-natural lowland forests.

What you should definitely do in the Spreewald is take a boat trip. Or grab a canoe or SUP and head out yourself – an unforgettable experience.

20. Lüneburg Heath

The Lüneburg Heath is an incomparably beautiful destination in Germany. Even as a teenager, I was enthralled by this landscape (yes, I actually did a multi-day bike tour through the Lüneburger as a teenager).

The Lüneburg Heath is particularly popular during the flowering season (usually from early August to mid-September). Then large parts of the land are colored purple. For photographers, the Lüneburg Heath is a real highlight at this time, somewhat reminiscent of the world-famous lavender fields in France .

But visitors to the Lüneburg Heath also have a lot to offer at other times of the year. In spring, early risers are treated to breathtaking sunrises. In May, the white cotton grass blossoms. In autumn, mystical fog welcomes you over the moors. Winter spoils visitors with the purple blooming snow heath.

The landmark of the Lüneburg Heath is the Wilseder Berg , with 169 meters the highest elevation of the Lüneburg Heath and the entire North German Plain.

21. Brocken

The mountains in the Harz National Park (one of the top things to do in the Harz) are not as high as in the Bavarian Alps, but they still offer visitors great distant views and numerous exciting Mirko adventures.

The top highlight is the Brocken, at 1141 meters the highest peak in the low mountain range, which straddles the states of Lower Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt. The Brocken (also called “Blocksberg”) is thus the highest mountain in all of northern Germany. From the summit, you have a fantastic view of the national park.

So it’s clear: The Brocken is a must-do on your trip through the homeland. On the forest-free lookout peak, there is often a harsh climate – comparable to the climate in Scandinavia. 300 foggy days a year are counted here on average.

By the way, people used to be hellishly afraid of the Brocken. Namely, the Brocken ghost lives on the Brocken. This is no joke! The Brocken ghost was first described in 1780. It is an optical effect. When the hiker’s shadow falls on the fog, this oversized shadow seems to float in the air.

You can hike the Brocken on foot (bicycles or e-bikes also work) or take a leisurely ride to the summit on the steam-powered Brockenbahn ( Website ). The train ride on the Brockenbahn is a real highlight and unforgettable fun for young and old.

22. Herrenchiemsee Castle

On the largest island in Lake Chiemsee is the New Herrenchiemsee Castle ( Website ). The builder here was also King Ludwig II, who had a view of Versailles Palace near Paris in France during construction. After the death of King Ludwig II in 1886, however, most of the complex remained unfinished.

Today the King Ludwig II Museum is located in the castle. Every year the Herrenchiemsee Festival takes place in the large hall of mirrors. Don’t miss a guided tour of the castle.

23. Frankfurt Skyline

The only German city with a real skyline is Frankfurt am Main – it’s an amazing thing to do in Germany!  “Mainhatten” is home to 15 of the 16 skyscrapers (buildings at least 150 meters tall) in Germany. The tallest building in the city is the Commerzbank Tower with a height of 259 meters (with an antenna of 300 meters).

In addition, Frankfurt is home to Germany’s second tallest television tower, the Europaturm , which is 337.5 meters high. Incidentally, the highest TV tower in the republic is in Berlin at 368 meters.

Frankfurt also has a great old town that you shouldn’t miss. In our article about the best sights in Frankfurt we tell you even more.

24. Zeche Zollverein 

The Zeche Zollverein (Coal Mine Industrial Complex) – located between Essen and Gelsenkirchen – is also known as the “ Eiffel Tower of the Ruhr “. Coal was mined at the Zeche Zollverein colliery from 1851 to 1986. Today, there is much to discover on the huge site, as well as exciting museums and great restaurants.

The site is open around the clock and admission to this impressive industrial park is free. There are regular events on the site ( Website ).

25. Quedlinburg Old Town

Welcome to the Middle Ages: Quedlinburg on the Bode River in the Harz Mountains of Saxony-Anhalt takes you back to a bygone era. The old town (UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994) is without a doubt one of the coolest things to do in Germany.

Quedlinburg was first mentioned in a document in 992. You can see the age of the beautiful city. You stroll through cobbled streets past beautiful half-timbered buildings.

26. Helgoland “Lange Anna”

Helgoland is one of the most famous North Sea islands and Germany’s only high sea island. A visit to Helgoland will stay with you forever. Top sights on the island include the 48-meter high surf pier “ Lange Anna ” (long Anna), the Lummenfelsen , an impressive cliff overlooking the Lange Anna, and the cliff Bread Hörn .

You can reach Helgoland by ship, which sails to Helgoland daily from the mainland from various ports.

27. Miniatur Wunderland Hamburg

The Miniatur Wunderland ( Website ) in Hamburg is one of the most visited attractions in the country . There’s plenty to see on the world’s largest model railroad.

On about 1500 square meters, 15 kilometers of track are laid, on which more than 1000 trains with over 10,000 wagons are on the move. By the way, the longest train measures 14.51 meters. In reality, this corresponds to a train length of almost 1.3 kilometers.

More than 250,000 little figures “live” in the impressive model world, going to work, having fun or arguing. If you look closely, you’ll also find residents here and there, tucked behind a tree for a shepherding session. A visit to Miniatur Wunderland is an unforgettable experience for the young and old. Our experience shows that especially boys and their fathers can spend a lot of time in the miniature world. 

28. Reichstag Building Berlin

Just a stone’s throw from the Brandenburg Gate is the imposing Reichstag building. Long lines regularly form in front of the entrance. A visit to the huge glass dome with a great view over the Spree metropolis is part of the Berlin mandatory program.

The Reichstag was completed in 1894 and looks back on an eventful history. The sad climax was the Reichstag fire on February 28, 1933, which the Nazis took as an opportunity to suspend the essential basic rights. Today, every child learns in school how badly this story ended.

The German Bundestag has been meeting in the Reichstag building since 1999.

29. Regensburg Old Town

Regensburg should not be missing on any round trip through Germany. The city is known for its well-preserved medieval city center and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Top sights include the 12th-century Stone Bridge and the imposing 13th-century Gothic Regensburg Cathedral .

In any case, Regensburg is one of the most exciting cities in Germany.

30. Moselschleife

This brings us to the next top sight: the Moselschleife (Moselle Loop Bremm). The river winds through the valley in several loops.

At some viewpoints , the loop looks particularly impressive and offers every photographer a great photo motif. The most famous view is the one from Calmont to the Moselschleife near Bremm. On your tour of Germany, this motif should definitely not be missed.

31. Munich Marienplatz

Munich is always worth a visit. A highlight in the Bavarian capital is the central Marienplatz with the New Town Hall . The New City Hall was built in three sections between 1867 and 1909 and is one of the most impressive buildings we have ever seen.

Every day punctually at 11 and 12 o’clock – from March to October also at 17 o’clock – a very special spectacle takes place on the Marienplatz. Suddenly, all the people on Marienplatz stop, whip out their smartphones, and stare tensely upward at the 85-meter-high Town Hall Tower . The onlookers – mostly tourists from all over the world – eagerly await the famous carillon , which shows two important events from Munich’s city history.

Here we tell you even more tips and things to do in Munich for an unforgettable trip to Bavaria. You should also go to the English Garden in Munich for sure.

32. Externsteine in the Teutoburg Forest

The Teutoburg Forest (affectionately known as “Teuto”) is an impressive low mountain range shared by Lower Saxony and North Rhine-Westphalia. You can go hiking, biking, horseback riding, and even rock climbing here. Or are you more the water rat? Then grab a canoe and take on the Weser, Lippe, Bega, Werre, Else, Ahr, Ems, Emmer, Diemel or one of the larger dammed waters in the Teuto.

A little adventure is a ride in a hot air balloon over the Teutoburg Forest.

Especially worth seeing are the Externsteine . This striking sandstone rock formation is unique in Germany. You have a particularly beautiful view of the Externsteine from the Wiembecketeich, in which this highlight is reflected in the water.

33. Porta Nigra Trier

The city of Trier is a piece of Italy in the middle of the homeland. Did you know that the city was founded by the Romans (most likely in 16 BC)?

According to legend, Trier is even much older. Supposedly, a son of the Assyrian king Ninus founded the city 1300 years before the birth of Rome. An inscription from 1684 on the Red House testifies to this.

In Trier, you can admire well-preserved Roman monuments such as the famous Porta Nigra (an impressive city gate), an old stone bridge over the Moselle, the remains of Roman bathhouses , and even an amphitheater .

Other highlights include the Trier Cathedral (the oldest Episcopal Church in Germany) and the Liebfrauenkirche .

It’s just incredible what great sights you can admire with us, isn’t it?

34. Schnoor Quarter Bremen

Is Bremen already on your list of top travel destinations in Germany? If not, it’s about time! Bremen is absolutely worth seeing and impresses with an exciting history. The landmark of the city is the famous Bremen Town Musicians . You can’t miss them during a visit.

Particularly exciting is the Schnoor district with the ancient little houses, the winding streets, and the many small stores.

Of course you should also visit the top things to do in Bremen, that are waiting for you, besides the Schnoor.

35. Saar Loop

The view of the Saar loop in the morning

It could be called the Horseshoebend of Germany: The Saarschleife. Here you see it in the morning – isn’t it beautiful? This place is a wonderful thing to do in Germany! We were totally overwhelmed during our first visit

The Saarschleife in the beautiful Saarland is a must-do! The fantastically beautiful winding of the Saar is often compared to the famous Horseshoe Bend in the USA (Arizona). Located directly at the loop and the best view you have from the tree top walk Saarschleife. The Saar Loop is a unique natural wonder that should not be missed on any trip through Germany.

36. Aachen Cathedral

Aachen Cathedral (also known as the High Cathedral of Aachen) is a superlative building. The imposing house of worship was built between 795 and 803 – a brilliant achievement of the builders.

Of course you should also visit the top sights in Aachen. This incredible city needs definitely a stroll around.

37. Geierlay Suspension Bridge

The Geierlay suspension bridge transports you to faraway Nepal in one fell swoop. Namely, the bridge was built on the model of the so-called Nepalese suspension rope bridge and is now one of the top excursion destinations in Hunsrück .

Opened in 2015, the suspension bridge runs 360 meters at a height of up to 100 meters over the Mörsdorfer Bachtal. Until 2017, the Geierlay suspension rope bridge was the longest suspension rope bridge in Germany.

38. Triberg Waterfalls

One of the most impressive natural monuments in Germany is the Triberg Waterfalls , located in the Black Forest . The waterfalls fall – albeit over several steps – a total of about 163 meters into the depth.

The waterfalls are one of the top tourist attractions in the Black Forest, and the infrastructure is accordingly well developed. Next to the waterfalls, an asphalted and illuminated path leads along. In addition, there are several bridges from which you can look down on the waterfalls.

39. Heidelberg Old Town

Heidelberg is one of the most beautiful cities in Germany and an absolute must-see. The dreamy charm of the Neckar city in Baden-Württemberg has fascinated people for centuries and has already inspired many famous poets and thinkers, earning Heidelberg the nickname “ City of Romanticism “. The crowning glory is Heidelberg Castle ( Website ), one of the most famous castle ruins in Europe.

The former residence of the Electors of the Palatinate was partially destroyed by Louis XIV’s troops in 1689 and blown up by the French four years later. A fire in the summer of 1764 led to further destruction. Since then, the ravages of time gnawed at the complex. Towards the end of the 19th century, small parts of the imposing castle complex were restored.

Today, Heidelberg and Heidelberg Castle are among the absolute top sights in the Federal Republic. The city and castle are world-famous and attract about a million tourists – many from abroad – every year.

A side note: During World War II, the Americans were considering dropping an atomic bomb on Heidelberg. However, Nazi Germany surrendered two weeks earlier – and so this catastrophe on German soil did not happen. Hiroshima in Japan was chosen as a “substitute target”.

40. Kaiserburg Nuremberg

The Kaiserburg (Imperial castle) ( Website ) is the central landmark of Nuremberg, the second largest city in Bavaria. Over the centuries, the fortress has served as a defensive structure, imperial residence, imperial castle, and was the Hohenzollern burgrave’s seat. This makes the Kaiserburg one of the most historically and architecturally significant castles in Europe.

The Kaiserburg is located on the Felsenberg . From this location, you have a great view of the entire city.

In our article about Nuremberg we tell you even more great sights in Nuremberg.

41. Valhalla

In the Valhalla near Regensburg, important German personalities are honored with marble busts and memorial plaques. The memorial is definitely one of the most significant sights in Germany.

42. Wartburg Castle

The imposing Wartburg Castle has been one of the most beautiful sights not only since its inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1999. Built around 1067 by Louis the Knight high above the city of Eisenach , the huge fortress, which has undergone many changes over the centuries, is now a popular destination.

Incidentally, it was at Wartburg Castle that Martin Luther produced his German translation of the New Testament in the fall of 1521.

43. Lister Ellenbogen Sylt

The island of Sylt is a vacation paradise and one of the top travel destinations. In the summer vacations and in the high season, the flow of tourists on the island does not stop.

Sylt is the largest German island in the North Sea, the most popular and best known to boot. The shape of the island is so distinctive that the outline alone as a sticker identifies the Sylt fan.

The north of the island is a very special sight: the Lister Ellenbogen is a 1.2-kilometer-long peninsula that is a nature reserve and home to birds and seals. You’re also standing at the northernmost point of Germany here, by the way.

44. Holsten Gate Lübeck

Have you ever been to Lübeck ? If not, it’s definitely about time. Lübeck was the capital of the Hanseatic League in the Middle Ages. If you walk through the old town today, you will be enchanted by the many old buildings in the brick Gothic style.

A very special highlight is the Holsten Gate , which made it onto our list of the top sights in Germany. Completed in 1478, Lübeck’s landmark is known far beyond the city limits. The Holsten Gate once served as protection for the city. Today, the Holsten Gate is a universally popular photo motif among tourists.

And you know what? You really have to try the famous Lübecker Marzipan.

45. Erfurt Cathedral

Erfurt Cathedral is one of the most important houses of worship in the republic. Anyway, the capital of Thuringia is always worth a visit. The oldest preserved synagogue in Central Europe awaits you. From the lofty Petersberg Citadel, you have a great view of the city.

46. Dresden Striezelmarkt

The Dresden Striezelmarkt is Germany’s oldest authenticated Christmas market and an absolutely extraordinary thing to do.

More than 230 stalls are located in Dresden. Advent was first celebrated here with a market in 1434. Striezel, by the way, are the predecessors of the famous Dresden Stollen. This is offered everywhere and of course the famous handicrafts from the Erzgebirge.

47. Bernkastel-Kues Old Town

Bernkastel-Kues is one of the most popular things to do on the Moselle. We were completely overwhelmed by the little place and are happy that Bernkastel-Kues made it to the list of top sights in Germany.

48. Nuremberg Christmas Market

A classic at Christmas time is the world-famous Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt ( Website ). The first record of the market, which was probably called “Christkendleinsmarck” in the past, dates back to 1628.

Today, almost 200 merchants offer their wares, of which the most famous are probably the Nuremberg gingerbread and typical Christmas tree decorations. The “ Nürnberger Zwetschgenmännla ” are also popular. The famous Nuremberg Rostbratwurst provides the perfect snack in between. By the way, the wooden stands decorated with red and white striped cloth give the Christkindlesmarkt its nickname “little town of wood and cloth”.

In our extra article you can find Germany’s most beautiful Christmas markets.

49. Hexentanzplatz Thale (Bode Valley)

The Hexentanzplatz (“witches’ dancing place”) Thale in the Harz mountains is a very special place. When you look down into the Bode Valley from above, you’ll be left speechless.

So far we had only seen such a force of nature in the USA, here the Black Canyon came to mind as a comparison. Not for nothing is the Bode Valley near Thale also called the “Grand Canyon of the Harz”. A visit to this great thing to do in Germany is a must-do.

50. Rakotz Bridge

The Rakotz Bridge in Saxony is one of the most photographed motifs in Germany. So it’s no surprise that the structure, also known as the “Devil’s Bridge,” made it into the top 100 sights in our poll.

51. Devil’s Wall (Harz Mountains)

The next sight is as spectacular as it is legendary. The Devil’s Wall near Blankenburg in the Harz Mountains reveals with its name how powerful and whacky this place is at the same time. Arriving at the Devil’s Wall, you will gaze in awe at this huge rock formation.

Since 1833, the Devil’s Wall rock formations have been protected. Since 1935, the area near Weddersleben has been the Teufelsmauer nature reserve. By the way, it’s the second oldest in Germany.

52. Imperial Castle of Cochem

The Reichsburg Cochem in Rhineland-Palatinate is fantastically situated above the beautiful Moselle valley and is one of the most famous castles in Germany. The fortress looks back on a long history. The complex was probably built around the year 1100 or in the first half of the 12th century.

Tip: Sign up for one of the rustic knights’ banquets .

53. Europa Park Rust

Europa-Park Rust attracts almost six million visitors every year, making it Germany’s number one theme park.

Covering an area of almost one million square meters, you’ll find more than 100 rides in 18 themed areas, plus several shows. The park also includes six hotels, a campground and a movie theater. Adrenaline junkies love the amusement park because of the fast roller coasters.

54. Monument to the Battle of the Nations

Leipzig is considered hip and many compare the up-and-coming city in Saxony to post-reunification Berlin. Clearly, a stop in Leipzig should not be missing on any round trip through Germany.

One highlight is the Monument to the Battle of the Nations in the southeast of Leipzig. With a height of 91 meters and an area of four hectares, the Monument to the Battle of the Nations is one of the largest monuments in Europe.

55. Old town of Monschau

The town of Monschau in the Eifel region has quite rightly made it to the list of top sights. Nestled on the banks of the Ruhr River, Monschau resembles a painting. The quaint Monschau Castle is the icing on the cake.

56. BMW Welt Munich

BMW Welt (BMW Welt)( Website ) in Munich has more than three million visitors each year – about twice as many as Neuschwanstein Castle. After its inauguration in the fall of 2007, BMW Welt quickly became a landmark in the Bavarian capital.

Customers don’t just come to BMW Welt to pick up their brand-new BMW. Rather, BMW Welt is one of the most popular destinations in all of Bavaria. Car fans get their money’s worth at the car temple with its adjoining museum. Among other things, the BMW Museum exhibits historic vehicles from the BMW, MINI, and Rolls-Royce brands. But you will also find vehicles from motorsports and exciting car studies.

57. Mountain Park Wilhelmshöhe

The Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe with the medieval-looking Löwenburg is an impressive sight in Kassel. Our readers also put Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe at the top of our poll.

58. Imperial Cathedral of Speyer

The Imperial Cathedral of Speyer is the largest preserved Romanesque church in the world. The cathedral itself is relatively plain – but the sheer dimensions will leave you speechless. It’s really a top thing to do in Germany!

Another great destination is Weimar . In addition to Weimar Classicism , the city is famous for the Bauhaus movement, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Both Goethe and Schiller lived in the city, which is commemorated today by monuments and museums.

The landscaped garden Park an der Ilm , designed by Goethe, is also one of the city’s top sights, as is the baroque palace Schloss Belvedere .

60. Maars in the Eifel

Volcanoes do not exist in Germany? Far from it. The Eifel is an impressive volcanic area and even the largest in Central Europe. Even if the last volcanic eruption was a long time ago, it is bubbling deep under the earth. The maars and the maar lakes are particularly impressive.

61. Residenz München

The Residenz in Munich is the largest inner city palace in Germany. Bavarian dukes, electors, and of course kings stayed here. A visit to the Residenz is a beautiful thing to do that you must see on any trip to Munich.

62. Völklinger Hütte

Definitely, a top highlight in Saarland is the Völklinger Hütte World Heritage Site . The former ironworks was shut down in 1986 and is now an important industrial monument. Since the 90s, cultural events, festivals, and concerts have also been held there. In addition, numerous exciting areas of the old plant can be visited – super impressive!

63. Burghausen

In Burghausen on the Bavarian-Austrian border, you can see a very special highlight: the longest castle complex in the world . Burghausen Castle is located above the picturesque old town and, at 1051 meters, is considered the longest castle complex in Europe.

In the Guinness Book of Records , Burghausen Castle even holds the title of “longest castle in the world”. From the fortress, you have a great view over the city.

A side trip to Burghausen with a visit to the imposing fortress is definitely worthwhile. On the ridge, battlements and towers line up seemingly endlessly. At the foot of the fortress lies the listed old town with its small alleys and beautiful squares.

Incidentally, excavations indicate that the castle hill was inhabited as early as the Bronze Age (from about the 16th century BC). The oldest parts of the castle, which had an important military significance for centuries, probably date back to around 1025. A massive expansion of the castle complex took place in view of the approaching Turks from 1490.

Tip: At Christmas time, Burghausen Castle attracts visitors to a very special Christmas market in Bavaria with the Burgweihnacht .

64. Wernigerode Old Town

The old town of Wernigerode in the Harz Mountains is one of the most beautiful cities in Germany and is therefore rightly on our top list. You can expect many beautiful half-timbered houses, which are typical for the region. A very special highlight is the imposing town hall.

65. Ulm Cathedral

The Ulm Cathedral should not be missing from any must-see list. Sure, the Ulm Cathedral, completed in 1890, is after all Germany’s largest Protestant church. At 161 meters, the church tower rises higher into the sky than Cologne Cathedral , which reaches a height of 157 meters.

The foundation stone for this imposing building was laid in 1377.

66. Residenz Würzburg 

The Residenz Würzburg (Würzburg Residence), a magnificent Baroque palace, is one of the most important residence buildings in Europe and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981. The Residenz is the top sight in Würzburg and also makes it onto our list of the top 100 highlights in Germany.

67. Schwerin Castle

Schwerin Castle ( Website ) in Lake Schwerin is quite rightly on our top sightseeing list. The grandiose complex was built as a castle in the 10th century and developed over the centuries.

The foundation walls from the Slavic castle rampart can still be visited by the public today. Incidentally, Schwerin Castle has been home to the parliament of the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern since 1990.

A walk through the magnificent palace garden is highly recommended. Here you will also find an orangery, a grotto, and an estate.

68. Thermal Bath Erding

Thermal Bath Erding ( Website ) is not just any spa: Therme Erding – only about half an hour from downtown Munich – is the largest spa in the world .

In the huge spa, you’ll find 35 saunas and steam baths and almost as many pools and water basins on an unimaginable 180,000 square meters. In addition, there are more than 20 slides at Therme Erding.

69. Görlitz Old Town

Görlitz , on the Saxon-Polish border, impresses with a well-preserved old town and is rarely missing from lists of Germany’s most beautiful places. Particularly worth seeing is Peterskirche (St. Peter’s Church) with its two imposing towers.

In Görlitz, you will stroll through narrow cobblestone streets and past beautiful houses from different eras. There are a total of about 4,000 listed buildings in Görlitz.

So it’s no wonder that Görlitz is also used again and again as a historical film set. Many films, including major Hollywood productions, have been shot in the city. The inhabitants affectionately call their city “Görliwood”.

70. Titan RT Suspension Bridge

With a length of 483 meters, the Titan RT has been Germany’s longest suspension rope bridge since 2017. The bridge in the middle of the Rappboden Valley in the Harz Mountains takes you over the Bode reservoir on dry feet.

From the bridge, you look 100 meters into the depth. Even in the evening, crossing the bridge is a highlight. Thanks to the bridge lighting, the crossing is possible even after sunset (open all year round and daily from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm).

For adrenaline, there’s a zip line that lets you zoom across the bridge as free as a bird- a really cool thing to do!

71. Tübingen Old Town

Tübingen is located in Baden-Württemberg and is for us one of the most beautiful cities in Germany – and apparently, our readers think so too.

We were totally fascinated by the city. Because of the many students, Tübingen is quite an alternative and has a great flair. The old town has many beautiful half-timbered houses and is a wonderful thing to do in Germany!

72. Fortress Ehrenbreitstein

Ehrenbreitstein Fortress in Koblenz is one of the most imposing fortresses in the country and thus one of the most important sights. Built in the 16th century, the fortress was blown up by French revolutionary troops in 1801.

Between 1817 and 1828, the citadel was rebuilt into one of the most extensive fortification systems in Europe. The fortress was used militarily by the Prussian army until the end of the First World War in 1918.

After the end of World War I, the complex was actually supposed to be demolished (for the lasting weakening of the German Empire). It was only thanks to U.S. General Henry Tureman Allen and retired Lieutenant Colonel Eduard Hüger that the fortress was not destroyed, citing its cultural value.

73. Limburg an der Lahn Old Town

Limburg an der Lahn impresses with an exceedingly beautiful old town as well as the cathedral. You will also find remains of the old city wall. A special highlight is the 600-year-old Lahn bridge. We liked Limburg very much.

No wonder Limburg made it into the top sights in Germany.

74. Drachenburg Castle

Built between 1882 and 1884, Schloss Drachenburg ( Website ) rises majestically above Königswinter (south of Bonn). The fantastic view over the Rhine valley and the imposing architecture make Schloss Drachenburg a true experience. The castle could also appear like this in the series “Game of Thrones”, couldn’t it?

By the way, Drachenburg Castle (which, by the way, was never a real castle, but rather a villa) has an exciting history. The nephew of the builder once wanted to convert the castle into a hotel, and a later owner wanted to build an amusement park around the castle. Nothing came of either plan.

Later the castle was used as a Christian boarding school and the art hall as a chapel. From 1942, the castle housed an elite National Socialist school, which fell under American fire. After the war, the Reichsbahndirektion Wuppertal moved in. In the 1960s, the imposing building was left to decay.

It was not until 2010 that the completely restored facility was reopened to the public.

75. Wismar Old Town

Wismar in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is fantastically beautiful and a top tourist destination in Germany. The Hanseatic city delights with a long history and a pretty old town with many historic buildings. In addition, Wismar has a vacation feeling: after all, the city is located directly on the sea.

It’s an unforgettable experience to stroll through the small harbor with colorful boats. For us, it’s clear: Wismar should not be missing on any round trip.

76. Mercedes-Benz Museum Stuttgart

Car fans can’t miss a trip to Stuttgart to the Mercedes-Benz Museum ( Website ). In the futuristic building, you can learn everything about the history of the automobile and the Mercedes-Benz brand.

On an area of 16,500 square meters, you can see countless vehicles and more than 1,500 exhibits. The museum sends you on a journey back in time to the year 1886 and brings you back to the present.

Tip: Car fans should definitely also make a detour to the Porsche Museum ( Website ) in Stuttgart.

77. Hermann Monument

In terms of nature, NRW has a lot to offer. For example, there is the Teutoburg Forest, made famous by the battle between Romans and Germanic tribes in 9 AD. Today, the Hermann Monument , which commemorates the battle, is one of the top attractions in the Teutoburg Forest.

78. Lichtenstein Castle

Lichtenstein Castle is often referred to as the “ fairytale castle of Württemberg “. Around the year 1390, Lichtenstein Castle was built on this site. In 1567, however, the castle lost its status as a ducal seat and fell more and more into oblivion.

In the course of the romanticization of the Middle Ages, Wilhelm Count of Württemberg, later Duke of Urach, decided to build a castle in the style of a knight’s castle on the site of the long-decayed castle. The present castle was then built between 1840 and 1842. Wilhelm Count of Württemberg died at Lichtenstein Castle on July 17, 1869.

Celle is the southern gateway to the Lüneburg Heath . The town, which was first mentioned in a document in 985, delights with its picturesque old town with over 400 half-timbered houses.

Particularly outstanding is the Hoppener Haus with its rich carvings. Another highlight is Celle Castle .

80. Goslar Old Town

Cobbled alleys and cute half-timbered houses – this and much more await you in Goslar , one of the most worth seeing cities in Germany. The picturesque old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and enchants its visitors with an incomparable flair.

The city, located in the Harz Mountains in Lower Saxony, looks back on more than a thousand years of history. Among the top sights of the medieval trading metropolis are, in addition to the beautiful half-timbered buildings , the many old churches and here, in particular, the stave church , the remains of the medieval city fortifications and, of course, the Kaiserpfalz (imperial palace of Goslar) built between 1040 and 1050 under Henry III.

81. Kyffhäuser Monument

The Kyffhäuser Monument is one of the attractions in the Harz Mountains that you should definitely visit. The huge monument stands on the walls of the former Kyffhausen Imperial Castle. Emperor Wilhelm I is standing on a huge horse. By the way, this monument was designed by Bruno Schmitz, who also built Leipzig’s Monument to the Battle of Nations.

82. Golden Hall Augsburg

Augsburg is the capital of Swabia and endlessly rich in history and culture. Augsburg is one of the oldest cities in the country and is well worth a visit. In the beautiful old town, there is a lot to discover and marvel at.

One of the most famous sights of Fuggerstadt with the worldwide unique water management system is the Golden Hall in the city hall . The hall is considered one of the highlights of Renaissance interior design in Germany. Its ceiling is covered with gold leaf and there is no shortage of magnificent gold jewelry elsewhere.

83. Museum Island Berlin

Another top highlight in Berlin is the Museum Island , which is one of the most important museum complexes in Europe with its five museums.

On Museum Island, you’ll find the Altes Museum (old museum) (opened in 1830 as Prussia’s first public museum), the Neues Museum (new museum), the Alte Nationalgalerie (old national gallery), the Bode Museum (which gained sad world fame in 2017 for the “Gold Coin Heist”) and the Pergamon Museum . The James Simon Gallery , which only opened in 2019, serves as a visitor center.

For those interested in culture, Museum Island is one of the most important sights in Germany. You can easily spend two to three days in the exciting museums.

84. Corvey Castle and Monastery

Other highlights in the Teutoburg Forest are Corvey Castle and Monastery . You can expect an impressive monastery from the 9th century with a baroque castle with an old library. The complex is considered one of the most important monastery complexes from the Middle Ages and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

85. Loreley

You’ve probably heard of the Loreley before, right? The Loreley is a 132-meter-high slate rock, from which you have a dreamlike view of the Rhine. On the Loreley there is a viewing platform – and of course a statue of the mermaid Loreley.

According to the tale, the Loreley is a kind of mermaid who captivates the Rhine boatmen with her song and beauty. The latter are then killed by the dangerous current and the rocky reefs in the Rhine. A pretty grim story, isn’t it?

86. Phantasialand

With around two million visitors a year, Phantasialand (website) in Brühl near Cologne is one of the most visited amusement parks in Germany, making it into our top sightseeing list.

Thrilling thrill roller coasters, water slides, and countless other rides in various themed worlds await you at the huge amusement park.

87. Munich Oktoberfest

The world’s largest folk festival can’t be left off our list of top sights. The Munich Oktoberfest attracts millions of visitors from all over the world. Tip: By the way, the Munich people go to the Wiesn – and it really always means “Wiesn” and never “Wiese” (meadow) (that would be the High German and thus completely wrong way of speaking in Bavaria).

As a visitor, you should only appear at the Oktoberfest in traditional costume – at least if you don’t want to stand out from the crowd.

At the Oktoberfest, Bavarians, “Preißn” (for a real Bavarian, all North or East Germans and actually all foreigners are “Preißn”) and people from all over the world celebrate more or less peacefully (beer flows in vast quantities) in traditional Bavarian costume (ladies wear dirndl with blouse and apron, men wear lederhosen paired with shirt and janker).

In recent years, real hype about traditional costumes has developed. From mid-September to early October, trains and buses are teeming with people in traditional costumes.

Oh yes: If you prefer it cozy, a detour to the Oide Wiesn is worthwhile.

88. Wadden Sea National Park

The Wadden Sea National Park in Schleswig-Holstein is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You should definitely book a mudflat hike and go exploring. On every island and in every city by the sea, you can book a hike at the tourist information.

With over 4,000 square kilometers, the nature park is the largest between the North Cape and Sicily.

89. Museum and Visitor Mine Rammelsberg

You are enthusiastic about industrial monuments? Then the facilities of the Rammelsberg Museum and Visitor Mine ( Website ) in Goslar are right up your alley. Rammelsberg was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites back in 1992.

Rammelsberg looks back on a long history. Long ago, copper ore for bronze production and silver were mined at Rammelsberg. Silver coins were already in circulation in Goslar in the late 10th century. Over the centuries, the site was continually expanded and modernized. Finally, in 1906, the plant switched from steam and water power to electricity. The mine closed its doors in 1988.

Today, visitors can immerse themselves in the underground world and admire a piece of German industrial history.

90. Stade Old Town

Island romance in Lower Saxony – that’s what Stade offers. The small town inspires by a great old town with a lot of half-timbered houses. Especially worth seeing is the old Hanseatic port of the city from the 13th century. Be sure to explore Stade from the water – you can even do that with a Venetian gondola.

91. Sigmaringen Castle

What must-do to see in Germany? Sigmaringen Castle ( Website ) – Germany’s second largest city castle – is definitely one of them! The impressive Hohenzollern Palace was once the princely residence and administrative seat of the Princes of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen and is now a popular tourist attraction.

A guided tour through the grandiose halls of the centuries-old magnificent building is highly recommended.

92. Herrenhäuser Gardens Hannover

Let’s face it: Hannover is not necessarily on the top of the list for many tourists (especially from abroad) when it comes to looking at an exciting destination in Germany. However, the capital of Lower Saxony certainly enchants with a beautiful old town with many half-timbered houses . The market square is particularly worth seeing.

The Herrenhäuser Gardens are also a highlight in Hannover. The imposing gardens, which are among the most important baroque gardens in Europe, look back on a long past.

In 1638, Duke Georg von Calenberg had a small kitchen garden with several buildings laid out. In 1665, George’s son Johann Friedrich came to power and commissioned a palace. In the course of this, the garden was rebuilt and extended. The result is the Herrenhäuser Gardens , which are well worth seeing.

93. Coburg Old Town

Coburg’s Schlossplatz (among the top sights in Coburg) is home to several sights and landmarks of the city. On the south side of the square is Ehrenburg Castle . The magnificent building, which today houses the state library among other things, was the residence castle of the Dukes of Saxe-Coburg since the 16th century.

Around 25 historically furnished rooms can be visited on guided tours of Ehrenburg Castle – these include the first flush toilet on the European continent and the first functioning elevator.

94. Residenzschloss Ludwigsburg

The Residenzschloss Ludwigsburg (Ludwigsburg Castle) ( Website ) is a huge baroque building and one of the top attractions you should definitely see. By the way, the palace is one of the largest baroque buildings in Germany. Ludwigsburg Castle was commissioned by Duke Eberhard Ludwig von Württemberg. He allowed himself a real magnificent building here.

During a guided tour through the impressive complex, you can visit the chapel, the theater, and the gallery. The latter is particularly impressive. In the duke’s time, this is where people dined at a long table. The gardens are also appropriately pompous.

95. Fulda Old Town

Fulda is especially known for its well-preserved Baroque Quarter with its 18th-century castles, churches, palaces, parks, and gardens. Stroll through the beautiful streets and soak up the flair of times long past.

The St. Salvator Cathedral in Fulda and the many beautiful half-timbered houses are also particularly worth seeing.

96. Old Town of Hannoversch-Münden

The historic old town of Hannoversch-Münden totally inspired us. Here we stood speechless in front of the town hall. The facade with the lion heads looks impressive.

Fortunately, we also experienced the Glockenspiel (carillon). Be sure to go inside the lower town hall as well. Here you’ll find great paintings about the city’s history.

97. Dokumentationsstätte Regierungsbunker

The Dokumentationsstätte Regierungsbunker (Government Bunker Documentation Site) ( Website ) in Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler in northern Rhineland-Palatinate should not be missing from any top sightseeing list.

This impressive museum of German post-war history is absolutely worth seeing. Before our Ahr Valley trip, we honestly had never heard of the documentation site. And because we were so impressed, we don’t want to withhold this tip from you.

The nuclear bunker was state secret number one for a long time. The bunker was built during the Cold War and was intended to provide protection for the German government in the event of an atomic bomb attack. The bunker was designed to hold over 3000 people. Today, there is still an exciting museum that takes you back to a time long gone. A side trip to Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler is a must on any trip through Germany.

98. Old Town of Saarburg

What should definitely not be missing on a trip through Germany is a side trip to Saarburg . The old town is simply wonderful. The absolute highlight is the waterfall. Yes, you heard right. There is an impressive waterfall in the middle of the town.

All around you will find numerous cafes and restaurants where you can take a break. There is nothing like it in Germany, maybe not even in the world.

99. Hun Ring Otzenhausen

The next sight is no less impressive: The Hunnenring near Otzenhausen in the Hunsrück-Hochwald National Park is a mighty Celtic fortification (but it has nothing to do with the Huns).

Today, stone walls up to ten meters high have been preserved, making it a particularly impressive destination.

100. Historical-Technical Museum Peenemünde

The last top sight is the Peenemünde Historical-Technical Museum on Usedom . During World War II, the infamous V2 rocket was constructed in Peenemünde. Today, an impressive museum bears witness to that time. A visit is unforgettable.

Germany at a glance

• 3.4 trillion euros gross domestic product
• 83 million inhabitants
• 357,386 square kilometers in area
• 33,400 kilometers of rail network
• 13,100 kilometers of highways
• 2,389 kilometers of coastline
• 1949 Year of foundation
• 237 inhabitants per square kilometer
• 46 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

4 cities with more than 1 million inhabitants ( Berlin , Hamburg, Munich, Cologne)

So there you have it, the top 100 sights in Germany that our readers think you must do. We are also amazed every time at what great highlights there are to discover in Germany. We are excited to see which great places we will discover in our home country in the near future.

Florian Westermann

Florian is a travel journalist, photographer and co-founder of the travel blog Phototravellers . "Photography and the mountains are my passion. I've been to North America countless times, but I'm also fascinated by the Nordic countries, Italy and of course our home country Germany." By the way, here you can find my online photography course .

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Hello Mr. Westermann thank you for your perfect explanation, i live in Germany and i always look for places to visit since im not german and dont know the places,. i Live in Bamberg and i was happy to see it was on ur list and it is beautiful. have a good day

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The Most Beautiful Places in Germany, From Fairytale Castles to Alpine Lakes

By Caitlin Morton

The most beautiful places in Germany are at once charming, bewitching, and staggeringly pretty. Not only does the country contain alpine peaks and mysterious forests, but its major cities and charming small towns are testaments to man-made beauty: think white Rococo churches, streets lined with timbered houses, and castles that seem almost too majestic to be real.

From the fairytale castles along the Romantic Road to vineyard-covered hills along the Rhine River—and everywhere in between—here are 24 impossibly lovely places to visit on your next trip to Germany.

This article was originally published in 2017. It has been updated with new information.

Eibsee, Bavaria

Germany has no shortage of beautiful alpine lakes, but few are quite as stunning as Eibsee, located at the base of Germany’s highest mountain (Zugspitze). The glistening lake features crystal-clear water, a scattering of islands, and a hiking trail with plenty of overlooks to capture the perfect photo.

Görlitz, Saxony

Back in 2017 , this small city won the “European Location Award”—an annual prize given by the European Film Commission Network to recognize outstanding TV and movie filming locations. Görlitz is perhaps most famous for appearing in The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014), but film buffs will recognize parts of town that appeared in The Reader (2008) and Inglourious Basterds (2009), as well.

Sylt, Schleswig-Holstein

This skinny island seven miles out into the North Sea is like nowhere else in the country, with rolling heathered dunes, thatched roof cottages, beach saunas, and the surrounding Wadden Sea. In other words, it’s like Germany’s version of the Hamptons .

Rakotzbrücke (Rakotz Bridge), Saxony

Hidden in Kromlau’s Rhododendron Park, Rakotzbrücke is a 19th-century bridge that creates a perfect stone circle when reflected in the waters below it. Rakotzbrücke is often referred to as “Devil's Bridge,” since the structure seems so impossible that it must have been built by, well, the devil.

Jessica Puckett

Lee Marshall

Meaghan Kenny

Zwinger, Dresden

Once the festival arena of the Dresden Court, the Zwinger palace complex is a stunning example of Baroque architecture . Today, the palace serves as a museum and houses an Old Masters gallery, the Dresden porcelain collection, and the Royal Cabinet of Mathematical and Physical Instruments.

Saxon Switzerland, Saxony

If you think you’ve seen all of the most beautiful places in Germany, rest assured that there are plenty of off-the-beaten-path sites left to explore. Case in point: Sächsische Schweiz (Saxon Switzerland), a slice of rugged and rocky countryside just south of Dresden. Roughly one-third of Saxon Switzerland was designated a national park in 1990, and the area contains surprising attractions like the Bastei Bridge—an arched structure sitting more than 600 feet above the Elbe River.

Pilgrimage Church of Wies, Bavaria

With its bright colors and exuberant frescoes, the UNESCO-listed Church of Wies is a masterpiece of Rococo architecture—with the added bonus of a scenic Alpine setting.

Berchtesgaden National Park, Bavaria

Located near the Austrian border, the only national park in the German Alps is equal parts picturesque and biodiverse. The site is a UNESCO-designated biosphere reserve, which means you won’t find any developed towns or settlements here. Instead, you’ll find untouched natural wonders like Königssee, an alpine lake with crystal-clear water and fjord-like surroundings.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Bavaria

Rothenburg ob der Tauber, well-known for its preserved medieval old town, draws millions of tourists each year with its made-for-Instagram multicolored facades. Try to visit in December to experience the Reiterlesmarkt, one of the best Christmas markets in the entire country.

Zugspitze, Bavaria

Sitting at an altitude of over 9,700 feet, Zugspitze (part of the Wetterstein Mountains) is the highest peak in Germany. Cable cars will take you to the summit, where you can enjoy restaurants, a beer garden, and some of the best views of the Alps.

Geierlay Suspension Bridge, Rhineland-Palatinate

With a length of 1,180 feet and height of 330 feet, the Geierlay Suspension Bridge (Hängeseilbrücke Geierlay) is not exactly for the faint of heart. But its stunning setting in the Hunsrück Mountains might just inspire you to face your fears.

Cologne Cathedral, North Rhine-Westphalia

Germany’s largest Gothic church took more than seven centuries to construct, and it’s hard to argue the remarkable behemoth wasn’t worth the time and effort. The cathedral’s major attractions are its dual spires, stained glass murals, and Shrine of the Three Kings, which is said to hold the remains of the Three Wise Men.

Hohenzollern Castle, Baden-Württemberg

Set atop a 768-foot bluff in the foothills of the Swabian Alps, this picturesque castle is more than just nice to look at: With its many towers and fortifications, it's considered a relic of 19th-century military architecture. It's perhaps most impressive on overcast days when it peeks out above the fog—a literal castle on a cloud.

Rügen, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

Germany’s largest island has Baltic beaches, chalk-white cliffs, and a number of luxurious seaside resorts. Rügen is actually accessible by train, meaning you can leave Berlin in the morning and arrive at the island by lunchtime.

Harz National Park, Lower Saxony

Harz National Park is located within Germany’s most northern mountain range, and it’s one of the country’s most popular areas for outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, and skiing.

Museum Island, Berlin

An ensemble of five museums, Museum Island is actually on another island (Spree) in the Mitte district. Built between 1824 and 1930, it became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999.

Mosel, Rhineland-Palatinate

Mosel is one of Germany’s most prestigious wine regions , with terraced vineyards covering the valleys of several rivers (Mosel, Saar, etc.) near the Luxembourg border. Aside from its famous Riesling grapes, Mosel’s attractions include medieval villages, traditional German taverns, and plenty of riverside views.

Tüchersfeld, Bavaria

This Bavarian village in the Püttlach Valley is postcard-perfect—so much so that it has been featured on German postage stamps. But no matter how many photos you’ve seen of the town, you really must see the timber-framed houses and sky-high rock formations in person.

Stuttgart City Library, Baden-Württemberg

Situated in a concrete cube in the heart of southern Germany, this isn't your average library. The main attraction (a five-story reading room shaped like an upside-down pyramid) looks more like an M.C. Escher drawing than a typical library—until you notice the hundreds of thousands of neatly stacked books, that is. Cozy? Not really. Beautiful? You bet.

Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria

Built in 1886, Neuschwanstein is one of the most popular castles in all of Europe—and not just because it served as inspiration for Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland. The majestic structure has a clifftop location and ornate rooms that attract 1.4 million visitors every year.

Black Forest, Baden-Württemberg

Stretching across southwest Germany is the Black Forest , a wooded mountain range known for its dense 100-mile stretch of pine trees, picturesque villages, natural thermal spas, and, believe it or not, the invention of the cuckoo clock. The area doesn’t just look like a scene out of a storybook, though—legend says the Brothers Grimm drew inspiration from the forested area in their native country for fairy tales like Hansel and Gretel and Rapunzel .

Lübeck, Schleswig-Holstein

Located on the Baltic coast, Lübeck is a striking, colorful town that dates back to the 12th century. The UNESCO-protected city was one of northern Europe’s major trading hubs through the centuries; as such, it transformed into today’s multicultural port defined by its red-brick city gates and gothic churches.

Marburg, Hesse

If you want to get the full German fairytale experience , you can’t do much better than the Hessian town of Marburg—also known as the university town where the Brothers Grimm studied and gathered inspiration for some of their stories. Renowned for its cascading cobblestone streets and medieval churches, the town also features playful sculptures of the Grimms’ most famous characters, from the Frog King reading a book on the side of a building to Cinderella’s slipper sitting beneath the towering Marburger Schloss castle.

Schwerin Castle, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

Modeled off the chateaux of France’s Loire Valley, Schwerin Castle offers a delicious taste of French Renaissance architecture in northeast Germany. The residential palace is surrounded by water (who doesn’t love a castle on a lake?) and boasts a 60-acre garden, statues of Greek and Roman gods and goddesses, and a whopping 653 rooms adorned in lush fabrics and oil paintings.

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20 of the Best Places to Visit in Germany for Breathtaking Mountains, Medieval Towns, and Moving Historic Sites

From moving landmarks to charming villages, these are 20 of the best places to visit in Germany, according to experts.

Lindsay Cohn is a writer, editor, and avid traveler who has visited 45 countries across six continents — and counting. She contributes to Travel + Leisure, Hotels Above Par, InsideHook, Well+Good, The Zoe Report, and more.

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Germany is filled with charming small towns, exhilarating cities, enchanting castles, historic landmarks, and famous festivities — notably Oktoberfest and the Christmas markets . With 16 states, from Bavaria to Bremen, there are a lot of different ways to vacation in Deutschland. That might look like bopping around to hilltop villages on a road trip or plopping down in a vibrant metropolis and going on some interesting day trips. Need some inspiration ahead of your first (or next) trip to the land of bratwurst and beer? We asked Liam S. Dunch, product manager, Europe at Abercrombie & Kent , and Caroline Quinn, a travel expert at Black Tomato , to share their top picks. Scroll on for the best places to visit in Germany.

Related: 12 Best Small Towns in Germany, From Charming Medieval Villages to Idyllic Mountain Escapes

1. East Side Gallery

Abdulhamid Hosbas/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Once a symbol of oppression — and an enduring reminder of Germany’s turbulent past — the concrete barrier that used to divide Berlin now serves a vastly different purpose thanks to the creation of the East Side Gallery. Artists transformed the largest remaining section of the Berlin Wall into an open-air art gallery with colorful, thought-provoking graffiti murals.

2. Rothenburg ob der Tauber

One of the most beautiful small towns in the world , Rothenburg ob der Tauber is an endlessly charming village along Germany’s fabled Romantic Road in the Franconia region of Bavaria. Its cobblestone lanes, half-timbered houses, churches, medieval walls, and towers look like they were plucked from a storybook.

3. Courtroom 600

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Many people who visit Germany want to gain a deeper understanding of the tragic events of the 20th century. “Not only does a trip to Courtroom 600 means the chance to step inside the room where Nazi leaders were tried for their unspeakable crimes, but visitors can also watch real footage of the Nuremberg trials and learn about the legacy of the verdicts,” explains Dunch.

4. Bach-Museum Leipzig

Christopher Larson/Travel + Leisure

Dunch urges lovers of classical music to make the pilgrimage to Leipzig, where Johann Sebastian Bach composed most of his major works and spent the last 27 years of his life. The Bach-Museum Leipzig houses a collection of instruments, original manuscripts, and other memorabilia related to the German composer. 

5. Baden-Baden 

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European aristocracy (including Napoleon III and Queen Victoria) have decamped to Baden-Baden, a historic spa town on the edge of southwestern Germany's Black Forest, since the 19th century. This Belle Époque resort town retains its glamorous reputation and wellness credentials, continuing to entice well-heeled travelers with thermal baths and high-class spa hotels such as Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa .   

6. Museum Island

“I always tell first-time visitors to Berlin to check out Museum Island,” says Caroline Quinn, a travel expert at Black Tomato . Situated in the middle of the Spree River, this architecturally stunning cultural complex houses five magnificent museums: Altes Museum, Neues Museum, Alte Nationalgalerie, Bode Museum, and Pergamon Museum. 

7. Schloss Proschwitz

Daniel Schäfer/picture alliance via Getty Images

Schloss Proschwitz is a beautiful 18th-century, neo-baroque castle in the district of Meissen with elegant interiors and gardens. The estate also plays host to Saxony's oldest private winery, which invites visitors for cellar tours and tastings.  

8. Hofbräuhaus

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The most famous of the many beer halls in Munich, Hofbräuhaus takes patrons back in time to an era when tokens were used to pay for steins and shares the tradition of gemütlichkeit (geniality) with visitors from around the world through live music, warm hospitality, and homemade Bavarian food.

9. Meissen's Porcelain Museum

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“The medieval town of Meissen has produced fine figurines and crockery since 1710,” explains Dunch. The Meissen Porcelain Museum tells the story of Meissen porcelain through a collection of more than 2,000 objects — including ornate tables used in the royal courts of Europe in the 18th century, vases, candle holders, and intricate animal figurines. 

10. Neuschwanstein Castle 

Keren Su/Getty Images

One of Germany’s most famous and frequented attractions, Neuschwanstein Castle welcomes a whopping 1.4 million visitors each year. Travelers come from all over to gawk at the fairy-tale medieval palace and far-reaching views from atop a dramatic rocky hilltop in the Bavarian Alps. Quinn recommends booking timed-entry reservations to avoid waiting in lengthy lines.

11. Linderhof Palace

Juha Huiskonen/Getty Images

And you don't have to go far to see another stately residence. Instead of (or after) fighting the crowds at Neuschwanstein Castle, Dunch suggests visiting nearby Linderhof Palace. “It’s easy to see why this idyllic fantasy ‘hunting lodge’ was Ludwig II’s favorite getaway.”

Yasonya/Getty Images

Set on the shores of Lake Constance in Bavaria, Lindau attracts travelers with its harborfront charm and scenic views. On the itinerary? Catch sight of Switzerland across the water as you stroll the streets, check out the lighthouse, pause along Seepromenade to snap photos of the 12th-century Mangturm watchtower, and embark on a kayak excursion.  

13. Spreewald Biosphere Reserve

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Tucked between Berlin and Dresden, the UNESCO-listed Spreewald Biosphere Reserve is a unique inland delta along the Spree with waterways and woodlands. It’s an idyllic setting for kayaking along the channels and soaking in the natural beauty of the area. 

14. Porsche Experience Center Leipzig

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Sports car enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Porsche Experience Center Leipzig , a state-of-the-art factory and test circuit. Ready to go full-throttle? After the tour and a brief history lesson, accelerate, brake, and drift on an adrenaline-pumping drive on the circular track.   

15. Zugspitze

Achim Thomae/Getty Images

Zugspitze, Germany's highest mountain, rises 9,718 feet above sea level and stands out as a top spot for high-altitude fun and year-round recreation. The Wankbahn cable car operates from April to October, bringing visitors to Mount Wank for a homemade breakfast at Sonnenalm and far-reaching panoramas. Hiking is also popular during the warmer months, while winter brings opportunities for skiing, tobogganing, and glacier tours.

16. Baiersbronn

Baiersbronn, a quaint village in southern Germany between Strasbourg, France and Stuttgart, is the culinary capital of the Black Forest with seven Michelin-starred restaurants and even more that have earned other culinary awards. “It’s the perfect place to stop for lunch on a drive through this scenic region,” says Quinn. 

17. Therme Erding

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The largest thermal bath complex in Europe, Therme Erding , located just 30 minutes northeast of Munich, draws upwards of 5,000 visitors each day. The giant water slides, wave pool, and lazy river are a hit with kids. Prefer relaxation? There’s also a classic spa and sauna area just for adults. 

18. Titisee-Neustadt

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Nestled within the Black Forest in southwest Germany, Titisee-Neustadt is a local’s getaway on the lakeshore that’s beloved for family fun and access to nature. During the summer, active types love to hit the scenic trails and climb Hochfirst Mountain, while winter means skiing and sledding. Bringing the kiddos? Head to Badeparadies Schwarzwald, an indoor water park with slides, mineral pools, and saunas. 

19. Europa-Park

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Travelers of all ages will have a blast at Europa-Park , a theme park in Rust, Germany with over 100 rides — including 13 thrilling roller coasters — plus a water park, live shows, restaurants, bars, hotels, a camping site, and even a wellness spa. Looking for something unique? The resort area is also home to Eatrenalin , an experience that combines fine dining with theme park technology for a totally immersive meal.

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There are plenty of naturally beautiful places to visit in Germany, but few are as stunning as Eibsee. Sitting at the base of the Zugspitze, this pristine lake is filled with crystal-clear water and surrounded by alpine peaks that make it a favorite destination for boating and hiking.

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The Best Cities in Germany to Visit

 The 14 Best Places to Visit in Germany in 2024

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What are the best destinations in Germany to visit in 2024 ? Discover the top-rated places to visit in Germany , the 14 Best Places you need to visit in Germany .

Germany is one of the most visited countries in Europe along with France , the UK and Italy . This is probably because Germany offers such a diverse and authentic variety of landscapes and destinations.

Germany is the perfect destination for unique experiences in Europe with its magnificent castles , beautiful wild beaches and incredible hidden gems .

Germany is a must visit destination not only for history and nature lovers, but also foodies. Do you expect to drink beer and eat sausage every day? Forget the clichés. Germany is the second European country with the most starred restaurants, just after France .

Which German unmissable destinations will you add to your wish list? Here is a selection of the best destinations in Germany .

Book your flights and accommodation at the best price as well as your tours and activities in Germany and discover the Very Best Places in Germany to Visit .

The capital of Bavaria is one of Best Cities to Visit in Germany .

Known for the beauty of its Market Place and its gigantic events such as the Oktoberfest , Munich mixes tradition and modernity and attracts more and more travellers every year.

During your stay in Munich you simply cannot miss a visit to Neuschwanstein Castle , ranked among the most beautiful castles in Germany and the most beautiful castles in Europe .

Located near the Austrian border, the castle is accessible from Munich by car or by booking a day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich.

This year discover one of the most beautiful destinations in Germany by booking your flights and accommodation at the best price.

  How to get there:  Book your  flights  to Munich.

  Where to stay:  " Motel One München-Campus " we love its organic and fairtrade breakfast buffet.

2. Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Rothenburg Ob der Tauber is definitely one of our favourite destinations in Germany .

Much like Hallstatt in Austria , it is a real postcard town, beautiful and magical like a snow globe being waved.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is also similar to the sublime city of Colmar in France.

These cities were saved from bombardments and therefore, have retained their charming historic centres and their traditional shops, giving them a unique and authentic atmosphere.

This beautiful medieval town in Bavaria is a must-see destination for travellers on the Romantic Road, a route that runs through the most beautiful destinations in Germany and which you have ranked among the best road trips in Europe .

Book your flights to Stuttgart or Frankfurt and set off by car or train to explore Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Extend the magic and book your room in a city centre as well as your tours and activities , such as a day trip to Rothenburg from Frankfurt .

  How to get there:  Book your  flights  to Frankfurt (1h30 by car) or Stuttgart (1h45).

  Where to stay:  “ Romantik Hotel Markusturm ” located in a medieval tower.

3. Mannheim

Mannheim  is one of your top-rated places to visit in Germany . It is an exciting city of experiences at the heart of the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region. There’s always something going on here.

Pure zest for life, enjoyment, a multicultural flair and a jam-packed event calendar await travellers. Known as the city of squares,  Mannheim  impresses with a host of architectural treasures: the baroque palace, a historic water tower and an Art Nouveau square.

  How to get there:   Book your flights  to Mannheim.

  Where to stay:  " Syte ". Centrally Located in Mannheim.

In northern Germany, Bremen is one of the Best Places to Visit in Germany . It is a pretty town easy to reach by plane, car or train. Did you know that 'Beck' beer is brewed in Bremen?

Come and discover the brewery and treat yourself to a lager on one of the city's many terraces.

We have selected for you the best tours and activities in Bremen, such as a private tour to get to know its dark side and exciting criminal history.

Take a selfie in front of the statue of musical animals, the symbol of the city; a donkey is surmounted by a dog itself surmounted by a cat, itself surmounted by a rooster. That rings a bell, doesn’t it? Come to Bremen and re-live your childhood memories and the tales of the famous Brothers Grimm.

Come and discover the hidden treasures of one of the most beautiful German cities by booking your flights , accommodation at the best price and your tours and activities in Bremen .

  How to get there:  Book your  flights  to Bremen or Hamburg (1h30 by car, 2h30 by public transport).

  Where to stay:  " Monopol Boutique Hotel " located in our guest's favourite part of Bremen.

In western Germany Bonn is not only renowned for its quality of life but also for one of its most famous inhabitants, the composer Beethoven.

Bonn, one of your best places to visit in Germany , is perfect for travellers seeking a well-balanced mix of history and shopping.

Do not miss to visit the gold and pink Town Hall, just one of the many Gothic buildings in the city.

Did you know that Bonn is only 20 minutes by train from the city of Cologne ? Don’t hesitate, book your flights to Bonn as well as your accommodation , tours and activities , such as a private tour with a local to discover the city like a resident.

  How to get there:  Book your flights to "Cologne Bonn Airport"

  Where to stay:  " Motel One Bonn-Beethoven " a perfect location which serves a fair trade and organic breakfast buffet.

Berlin is of course one of the Best Destinations you need to visit in Germany .

It is a must for a city break suitable for all tastes: families, electronic music enthusiasts, shopping addicts, young people, lovers, history buffs or simply travellers wishing to discover one of the most dynamic capitals in Europe.

Visit the famous TV Tower , treat yourself to a coffee break on the Reichstag rooftop or a river cruise to discover the most beautiful monuments of Berlin.

Book your flights to Berlin as well as your accommodation at the best price and your tours and activities in Berlin.

  How to get there:   Book your flights to Berlin.

  Where to stay:  " Aspria Berlin ". Equipped with a fitness centre, swimming pool, gigantic spa and massage rooms.

Cologne is one of the Very Best Places in Germany to Visit . It is also the German Christmas capital , a city entirely dedicated to this magical moment of the year.

That being said, Cologne is very pretty in spring and summer with its flower beds and parks such as the "Hiroshima-Nagasaki Park".

Don't miss a selfie in front of the Cologne Cathedral which has become one of the city's symbols over the years.

Although more than 90% of the city was destroyed during World War II, unlike other German cities, it has been rebuilt almost identically.

Come and discover Germany’s 4th largest city by booking your flights and accommodation at the best price in Cologne.

Discover the best tours and activities in Cologne, such as a Street Art Bike tour to discover the street art scene in Cologne.

  How to get there:  Book your  flights  to Cologne-Bonn Airport.

  Where to stay:  The most incredible hotel in town is certainly " 25 hours Hotel The Circle ".

When the morning sun rises over the famous silhouette of the Old Town and the Elbe sparkles with light, even Dresdeners themselves cannot contain their enthusiasm.

Saxony’s state capital is one of the Best Places to Visit in Germany . It boasts a unique collection of historic buildings, outstanding art treasures and its own distinctive character.

The city owes its description as ‘ Florence on the Elbe’ to the charming combination of the riches to be found in its art collections and the Italian influence on its architecture built under Augustus the Strong.

  How to get there:  Book your  flights  to Dresden Airport. 

  Where to stay:  Book your stay at the " Bildelberg Bellevue Hotel Dresden "

This city in the Moselle region is one of the oldest in Germany and one of the Top-Rated Places to Visit in Germany .

You will see many remains of its Roman era, such as the “Porta Nigra”, a huge fortified gate which is one of the symbols of the city of Trier.

Trier is also a great destination for a romantic city break or for Christmas shopping when the town becomes a magical destination, a perfect destination to celebrate Christmas with the family or simply to take a stroll in the Christmas market .

Book your flights to Trier or Luxembourg as well as your  accommodation  at the best price.

  How to get there:  Book your  flights  to Trier airport or via Luxembourg airport, located 40 minutes by car from Trier.

  Where to stay:  “ Vienna House Easy Trier ” is a 4-star hotel particularly appreciated by travellers.

Erfurt  is one of your favourite destinations to visit in Germany . It is a wonderful city that you can explore at any time of the year.

At Christmas time, this city is just amazing and its Christmas market is ranked among the Most Beautiful Christmas Markets in Germany .

Erfurt is also one of the most beautiful medieval towns in Europe with its splendid half-timbered houses and many buildings of the period.

Book your flights to Erfurt as well as your hotel or apartment at the best price and stay in one of the best destinations in Germany .

  How to get there:  Book your  flights  to Erfurt or to Leipzig (1h30 by car) or Frankfurt (3h30).

  Where to stay:  “ Mr. & Mrs. President ", located in the city centre.

Essen  is the most exciting big city you may not have heard of before.

  Germany 's third greenest city, Capital of Culture 2010, European Green Capital and pulsating metropolis in the heart of the Ruhr region. Hardly any other German city stands for so many exciting contrasts.

Here, urban trendy districts meet historic old towns, high culture meets street art, lush green meadows and forests meet the incomparable charm of the spoil heaps of former collieries.

Explore the green south along Baldeneysee and the Ruhr valley or the urban north with its industrial culture and the old colliery settlements. 

Experience your very own personal contrast programme in one of Germany's most exciting metropoles . 

  How to get there:  Book your  flights  to  Düsseldorf Airport (20 min).

  Where to stay:  " Hotel Essener Hof ". Stay in the heart of Essen.

12. Heidelberg

Heidelberg is probably Germany’s most beautiful destination . This city located in southern Germany is world famous for one of the most beautiful castles in Europe .

Heidelberg is a historical city but also a young city: one in six inhabitants is a student.

Discover the historic centre of Heidelberg and explore its castle ranked among the Best Castles in Germany by taking the funicular to the top of the hill.

Heidelberg could be ranked among the best car-free destinations in Europe as the use of the bicycle has been favoured and encouraged by the local authorities for many years.

No other destinations combine the historic character of a city like Edinburgh , the eco-friendliness of Amsterdam and the dynamism of a student city like Montpellier .

In short, there are many reasons to book your flights to Heidelberg as well as your accommodation at the best price and your tours and activities in Heidelberg, such as a " Craft beer and street food tour ".

  How to get there:  Book your  flights  to Frankfurt and reach Heidelberg by car (50 min) or by train (1 hour).

  Where to stay:  " Hotel Panorama " is located in the centre of Heidelberg.

13. Nuremberg

Nuremberg is, along with Munich , one of the main cities in Bavaria, and one of the Best Places to Visit in Germany . 

You can easily reach Nuremberg from Munich by booking online a " Visit of the historic Nuremberg on a full-day excursion from Munich by train ". 

If Nuremberg is a city to be discovered all year round, this beautiful medieval city is even more magical at Christmas with its illuminations and its Christmas market, ranked among the most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany .

Book your flights to Nuremberg or Munich (1h30 by car) as well as your accommodation and tours in activities in Nuremberg.

  How to get there:   Book your flights  to Nuremberg or to Munich and reach Nuremberg by car (1h30) or by public transport (3h). 

  Where to stay:  “ Novotel Nuernberg Centre Ville ”.

14. Tuebingen

This beautiful city, located just 1 hour by car or train from Stuttgart , is certainly one of the most beautiful and underrated destinations in Germany .

Tübingen is one of the oldest cities in Germany but also one of the cities most populated by young people, thanks in particular, to its important university.

Be sure to visit Hohentübingen Castle and take a pedal boat ride on the Neckar River. To end your day, you can enjoy a local beer on one of the many cafes and restaurants terraces in the beautiful historic centre.

  How to get there:  Book your  flights  to Stuttgart and reach Tübingen by car (25min) or by public transport (1h).

  Where to stay:  “ Hotel Am Schloss ” for its magnificent views over the old town and the castle.

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The 27 Best Places to Visit in Germany

• David Angel

About the author: David Angel is a British photographer, writer and historian with 30+years experience exploring Europe. His work regularly appears in global media including the BBC, Condé Nast Traveler, and The Guardian.

Welcome to my guide to the best places to visit in Germany, drawn from a great many visits to the country going back four decades.

Germany is an astounding country, one I can never let go of and which will never let go of me either. Its cultural wealth never ceases to surprise me.

It has everything from the chocolate box villages of the Black Forest and Rhineland to the cutting edge of Berlin. And then there are its landscapes, from the lush Mosel to the snowy beauty of the Bavarian Alps in the far south.

I’ve been extraordinarily fortunate to have been visiting Germany for 40 years, including many visits to my best friend from my university days who is from Hamburg.

We have also made numerous trips across the border from our base in Prague over the last few years.

So I hope you enjoy my guide to the best places to visit in Germany and that it gives you lots of inspiration.

Table of Contents

Best Places To Visit In Germany: Our Top 25 Picks

1. berlin   .

Germany’s capital Berlin is one of the great cities of Europe.  It’s gritty rather than pretty, a large urban sprawl that once spanned East and West. The former Prussian capital has a few grand buildings and landmarks like the iconic Brandenburg Gate, but above all Berlin was shaped by the 20 th century and two of its three main conflicts.  

The result is one of the most compelling cities in Europe, indeed the planet. It’s bursting with creativity, with flourishing arts, outstanding museums, and nightlife. You’ll also discover superb architecture, from the Jewish Museum to its World Heritage-listed Modernist housing estates.  

Above all, it’s one of the best places in Europe to visit for anyone with an interest in 20th-century history and the Cold War.  The Berlin Wall is the obvious place to begin, but several excellent museums also show what life was like for the millions living behind it.   

Berlin is also one of the best places in the world to enjoy Turkish food! We often stick to Turkish food there, as it’s some of the best we have eaten outside Turkey.  

Don’t miss – Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Wall and East Side Gallery, Museum Island, Holocaust Memorial, the Reichstag, The Topography of Terror, the Jewish Museum, Checkpoint Charlie Museum, DDR Museum, the Stasi Museum, the Berlin Spy Museum 

Nice to see – Kulturforum, East Side Gallery, Schloss Charlottenburg, Berliner Dom, Glienicke Bridge (Bridge of Spies), Gendarmenmarkt, The Topography of Terror, Hohenschönhausen Memorial, Olympiastadion 

Best neighbourhoods to explore – Prenzlauer Berg, Friedrichshain, Kreuzberg, Tiergarten 

How many days – 3-4 days minimum 

Best day trip – Potsdam, Havelland, Spreewald and Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp 

See also : Berlin Landmarks and Photographing Berlin

2. Neuschwanstein Castle and Füssen  

The fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the most recognisable symbols of Germany. ‘Mad’ (extravagant is a much kinder word) King Ludwig decided to build the Castle in 1869 in the foothills of the Alps. It was an enormous undertaking which, sadly, wasn’t completed when he died in 1886. 

Unsurprisingly it’s on many people’s Germany bucket list. It’s one of the most lavish historicist (medieval influenced) castles of the 19 th century, and its location surrounded by forests and mountains is nothing short of astounding.  

Don’t Miss: The interior, which can only be visited on a guided tour.  

Nice to see:   Nearby Hohenschwangau Castle and the pretty town of Füssen  

Good to know: Unfortunately they don’t let you take photos inside.

How Many Days : One 

Day trips: Oberammergau village 

3. Potsdam  

Potsdam is the most popular day trip from Berlin, an easy one-hour trip on the S7 train from the centre. The small city is the former Prussian royal seat, and its World Heritage-listed Baroque parks, gardens, and palaces are spread out over a large area.

The city centre is also full of stunning buildings, from a mosque-inspired pumping station to one of Karl Friedrich Schinkel’s finest churches.  You could comfortably visit Potsdam’s main attraction, spectacular Sanssouci Park, in a day. But you may find yourself wishing you had a little longer.   

Don’t Miss : Sans Souci Park and Palace, including Neues Palais and Chinese House; Nikolaikirche; Dutch Quarter; Brandenburg Gate; Schloss Cecilienhof 

Nice to see: Museum B arberini, Alexandrowka Russian Colony, Filmmuseum Babelsberg, Lindenstrasse Memorial, and the ‘Mosque’ Pumping Station 

How Much Time Do You Need: Most visitors only spare one day, but you could easily spend three days in Potsdam. 

Best time to visit Potsdam: You can visit Potsdam throughout the year. We’ve been in May and October, both of which were ideal. 

4. Munich   

The Bavarian capital Munich is one of Europe’s great cities, and one of the more traditional of the major German cities.  It’s a city with many layers of history to uncover. The Wittelsbachs ruled the city and Bavaria for 800 years, leaving a vast legacy from Gothic churches to the Rococo Residenz Palace. Many of the main sights are within a short walk of the Marienplatz.   

Munich is also the city of the Oktoberfest beer festival, with traditional lederhosen costumes and all. At the other end of the scale, it’s a technical powerhouse, as the Deutsches Museum and BMW Museum demonstrate.  

Munich makes an outstanding base for day trips across  Bavaria and into Austria.  

Don’t Miss – Marienplatz, the view from St Peter’s Church Tower; The Residenz, Hofbräuhaus; Oktoberfest; English Garden; Frauenkirche; Deutsches Museum; Nymphenburg Palace 

Nice to see – BMW Museum, Olympic Stadium, Tower and Park; Lake Starnburg; Bavarian State Opera; White Rose Memorial; Teddy Bear Museum; Glockenspiel; Museum for Unusual Collections.  

How many days – a few days and use it as a base to see some of the most beautiful places in Southern Germany. 

Best day trips – Dachau Concentration Camp, Landshut, Fussen, Nuremberg, Lake Eibsee, Salzburg, Regensburg, Augsburg 

5. Rothenburg ob Der Tauber and the Romantic Road   

For many visitors, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, in northern Bavaria, IS Germany. The Plönlein, the junction of two medieval streets with a crooked yellow house, shouts,’’ GERMANY’’ louder than any other image of the country, so it’s top of many people’s lists of places to visit in Germany.   

Much of Rothenburg is like this, full of fairytale medieval architecture, with half-timbered houses, fortified town walls, brick-gabled townhouses, essentially the whole works.   

Rothenburg is one of the main stops on the Romantic Road, which runs north to south from Nuremberg to the Alps. It passes through many more small historic towns and villages, including Dinkelsbühl, an hour to the south.    

Don’t Miss – Plönlein, Town Wall Walk, Town Hall Tower, Marktplatz, Night Watch Man Tour, Jakobskirche 

Nice to see – Double Bridge, German Christmas Museum, Middle Ages Criminal Museum  

How many days – Two 

Best day trips – Nuremberg, Schwäbisch Hall, Würzburg, Dinkelsbühl 

6. Dresden  

Dresden is one of Germany’s culturally richest and architecturally most beautiful cities. Its skyline of Baroque towers and spires was long considered one of the finest in Europe, and it held some of the outstanding art collections on the continent.    

In February 1945 the city was destroyed by an intensive Allied bombing raid and ensuing firestorm. Everything was painstakingly rebuilt, culminating in the completion of the iconic Frauenkirche church in 2005.  

Dresden is a little off the beaten path for English-speaking tourists, but one of the most rewarding cities in Germany to visit.  There are a whole host of places to visit nearby, in eastern Saxony and around the Czech border, so it’s somewhere you could easily linger for a while. 

Don’t Miss – Frauenkirche, Zwinger Palace, Residenzschloss, Albertinum Gallery, Brühlsche Terrasse, Grünes Gewolbe, and a paddle steamer trip from the old town to Pillnitz Palace  And climb the tower of the Kreuzkirche, another of the Baroque churches in Dresden , for exceptional views of the city.

Nice to see – The Grosser Garten, Schloss Moritzburg, Military History Museum, German Hygiene Museum, Neustadt, Dresden Zoo, and a show at Semperoper one of Germany’s most famous opera houses. The Stasi Museum Dresden is also one of the best in the former East Germany.  

How many days – three days is enough to see the city – you’ll need more time to see the attractions nearby. 

Best day trips – Pirna (don’t miss the DDR museum), Meissen, Radebeul, Bautzen , Bad Schandau, the Bastei Bridge , Saxon Switzerland, Leipzig, Chemnitz, Freiberg.  You can also get to Prague in 2 ½ hours by bus or train.  

7. Cologne (Köln)  

Cologne is one of the ‘big four’ cities of Germany (along with Berlin, Munich and Hamburg). It’s on the doorstep of the Ruhr industrial area but has long been a city with a strong reputation in the arts and media. 

The city is over 2,000 years old and was an important Roman centre second only to Trier. It’s best known for its astonishing Gothic cathedral, which took over 600 years to build, and has twelve superb Romanesque churches, all of which precede it. 

Cologne is also home to one of the best Christmas markets in Germany, and the best Lent Carnival celebrations in the country. The city lets its hair down on Rosenmontag, the Monday before Ash Wednesday, and the beginning of Lent, with a parade through the centre.  

Don’t Miss Cologne Cathedral and the Shrine of the Three Kings; Gross St Martin Church; Römisch-Germanisches Museum; St Gereon’s Church; Köln-Triangle Panorama; Kolumba Museum   

Nice To See: St Ursula’s Church and the other Romanesque churches in the city; Schnütgen Museum; Käthe-Kollwitz Museum; Museum Ludwig 

How Many Days – two to three days ideally 

Best Day Trips – Bonn, Düsseldorf, Brühl, Aachen, Monschau 

8. Rhine Valley   

The Upper Middle Rhine Valley, between Rüdesheim and Koblenz, is one of Europe’s most famous and beautiful landscapes.   For 40 miles (65 km) the Rhine winds its way through a steep-sided gorge. Medieval half-timbered villages, forests, hilltop castles and vertiginous vineyards complete the scene.  

A few myths and legends along the way helped it become one of the focal points of the early 19 th century Romantic Revival, its castles restored, making the Rhine Gorge one of the most popular early European tourist destinations. 

Sit back with a glass of local Riesling and take a boat cruise along the river, or perhaps hike to some of the amazing viewpoints in the hills above.  

Don’t Miss – Rüdesheim, Bacharach , Boppard, Oberwesel , Braubach , and Marksburg Castle ; St Goar , the Loreley Cliff, and Rheinfels Castle; Pfalzgrafenstein Castle ; at least one Rhine River cruise and plenty of local wine. 

Nice to see – Kaub, Koblenz, Bingen, Lahnstein and the ‘Feuding Brothers’ Castles near Kamp-Bornhofen 

How many days – 3 or 4 minimum – a week if you want to take things slowly 

Best day trips – Cologne, Limburg an der Lahn 

9. Mosel Valley   

The Mosel Valley isn’t as renowned as its neighbour the Rhine, but it’s a beautiful part of Germany and every bit as worthy of your time. 

It has many similar elements to the Rhine Valley. There are many small half-timbered villages, most surrounded by steep vineyards and overlooked by a ruined medieval castle. Yet the landscape is more open and spacious than the Rhine Gorge, with breathtaking views at every bend of the river. 

The Mosel is a wonderful place to slow down, with great walks, easy riverside cycling, and scenic boat trips. If you take time to enjoy the excellent wine, you could easily spend a couple of weeks there. 

Don’t Miss – Cochem , Beilstein , Traben-Trarbach, Bernkastel-Kues, Burg Eltz.  

Nice to see – Ediger-Eller, Zell, Bremm, Alken 

How many days – 3 days  

Day Trips: Trier, Luxembourg, Maria Laach Abbey, Rhine Valley 

10. Hamburg  

Hamburg is Germany’s second-largest city. Along with Berlin it has long been one of the most vibrant and progressive cities in the country. 

It’s a great port city, once one of the mainstays of the Hanseatic League, with a worldliness and famously liberal attitudes born out of centuries of being a maritime melting pot. 

Its vast warehouse district, the Speicherstadt (‘Spice City’) bears witness to this, and its port on the River Elbe is a must-see. It’s the third largest in Europe, and has recently been joined by the superb Elbphilarmonie Concert Hall.  It’s also Germany’s musical and theatre capital.  

I’ve always appreciated Hamburg’s progressive side. It has long been strongly supportive of the LGBTQ community, with the St. Georg district full of popular gay bars. An old law from 1999 that made it possible for gay couples to unofficially marry long before the rest of Germany made it legal. 

It’s also renowned for its red-light district around the Reeperbahn. It was in the clubs around there that The Beatles learned their skills which made them the biggest band in the world a few years later. 

Don’t Miss: The Speicherstadt warehouse district, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Expressionist Chilehaus building; a tour of or concert in the Elbphilharmonie; St Michaelis Church; Miniatur Wunderland, the largest model railway system in the world; Rathaus (city hall); a harbour boat trip ( hafenrundfahrt ) from St Pauli-Landungsbrücken; Hamburg’s restored oldest street, Deichstrasse;  and follow in the footsteps of the Beatles, who honed their craft in clubs around the infamous Reeperbahn.  

Nice to see – Take a walk along the Elbe River;  Alster lakes and park; St Nicholas Church Memorial; Kunsthalle; U-Boot Museum; International Maritime Museum; Planten und Blomen Park; Cold War Submarine 434;  Övelgonne city beach. 

Best neighborhoods to explore – Shabby and chic St. Pauli, Lively Schanzenviertel brimming with bars and vintage shops, Ottesen former working-class neighbourhood now one of Hamburg’s most popular quarters. St Georg – trendy district and LGBQT hub.  

How many days do you need?   Two days bare minimum. You can see a lot of the sites in a day but we recommend spending two days or more so you can explore the neighbourhoods in Hamburg. For popular sites like the Miniatur Wunderland, you will need to book in advance.  

Best day trips: the riverside village of Blankenese; Ratzeburg; Luneburg Heath in July and August; Lübeck. 

Top tip – If you don’t want to do a boat cruise a cheaper option and very popular with tourists is the HVV ferry No. 62, from Landungsbrücken to Finkenwerder. The single ticket costs €3.60.  

See also: One Day in Hamburg

11. Leipzig   

Leipzig has become one of the hippest cities in Germany in recent years. As rents have risen in Berlin, so many young creative people have moved out, many to Leipzig, which has benefited and become more vibrant. The green, hip vibrant city is often called the next Berlin.

Hugely important in the history of music it was home to Wagner and Bach. Saxony’s coolest city is home to young creatives who have moved from the fast-gentrifying Berlin.   

Leipzig has a hugely important role in music. Johann Sebastian Bach was choirmaster at the Thomaskirche for many years, and Felix Mendelssohn and Richard Wagner were also from the city.   

Leipzig played a massive part in the peaceful revolution which brought down the Berlin Wall and Iron Curtain in 1989.

A monument stands outside the Nikolaikirche, commemorating where it began with Monday evening prayer meetings and, later, candlelit processions. 

Within weeks of the 40th anniversary of the German Democratic Republic’s establishment, the state that spied on its own people was critically undermined 

Don’t Miss – The Old Guildhall of Leipzig and Leipzig Museum of Local History; St Thomas Church (Thomaskirche); St Nicholas Church (Nikolaikirche); Museum in der Runden Ecke (shows how the secret police of the DDR, the Stasi, worked); Auerbachs Keller (a historic restaurant made famous by Goethe who placed some scenes of “Faust” there); Coffe Baum, one of the oldest coffee houses in the world, founded in 1711 

Nice to see – Monument to the Battle of the Nations; Maedler Passage, Porsche factory tour (must book in advance); Grassi Museum  

Best day trips – Colditz, Naumburg, Torgau, Lutherstadt-Wittenberg, Weimar, Erfurt, Dresden 

12. Görlitz  

Görlitz is one of the hidden gems of Saxony and eastern Germany, one of the few cities in the region to escape wartime destruction. It’s on the Polish border, with part of the city – Zgorzelec – on the Polish side.

It has become more widely known in recent years thanks to having been the location for Wes Anderson’s movie The Gr a nd Bud apest Hotel . The stunning Art Nouveau Kaufhaus (department store) was the setting for this, and is in the process of being refitted for its original purpose, but still open for tours in the meantime. 

This is one of the main draws, but Görlitz has much more. Its architecture – from the 15 th to 19 th centuries – has survived unscathed, from medieval town towers through to the Kaufhaus. 

Its treasures also include the gorgeous Untermarkt, one of the loveliest squares in Germany, with its magnificent Old Town Hall. It has three fine medieval churches and a wealth of discoveries across 500 years of history to be made. 

Don’t Miss – Wandering the streets of the historic old town; Obermarkt (Upper Market), Dreifaltigkeitskirche, (Holy Trinity Church);  Untermarkt (Lower Market) and Old Town Hall; self-guided tour of all the film locations, including the Kaufhaus Department Store; St. Peter and Paul’s church and Sun Organ; Reichenbach Tower for panoramic views of the city.  

Nice to see – Rathaus tower; Barockhaus Museum; cross the old bridge into Poland  

Tip – Cross to the river to Zgorzelec, the Polish part of the town, for a feast at the marvellous Miodmaliny restaurant 

How many days – Two days will give you plenty of time to see the main sights and wander the charming streets 

Best day trips – Bautzen, Zittau, Bad Muskau   

13. Lübeck  

You’ve heard buildings or places being described as a symphony in stone. Well, without a suitable word to alliterate with, the northern German city of Lübeck is a symphony in brick. 

Brick has rarely been so beautiful.   Lübeck was one of the leading lights of the mercantile Hanseatic League, growing mightily wealthy on the back of trade with partner cities as far apart as Bruges, Bergen and Tallinn.  These riches are reflected in its astonishing architecture, from its iconic city gate to its vast churches.  

The city was also home to two giants of German literature, Thomas Mann and Günter Grass. There are museums dedicated to both, well worth seeking out. 

Don’t Miss – Holstentor, Salzspeicher salt warehouses, Rathaus (Town Hall), Petrikirche (St Peter’s Church), Marienkirche, Hanse Museum, St Anne Museum Quarter 

Nice to see – Buddenbrookhaus, Günter Grass Haus 

How many days – two or three 

Best day trips – Travemünde and its superb beaches; Schwerin Castle; Hamburg; Wismar 

14. Wismar, Stralsund and the Baltic Coast  

The Baltic coast of north-east Germany, in the province of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, is relatively unexplored by English-speaking visitors. Which is a pity as it’s one of the most intriguing parts of the country. 

The Baltic is where many Germans go to the seaside.  You’ll find some of the country’s best beaches in the region, and also some of the finest small cities. The Hanseatic League was the region’s trading powerhouse during the Middle ages, and several cities in the area were members.   

These include Wismar, on the western edge, and Stralsund. They both have outstanding brick Gothic architecture, particularly the Rathaus (Town Hall) in Stralsund and Nikolaikirche in Wismar.       

Don’t Miss – Rügen Island, Sellin Beach, Wismar, Stralsund (and its striking waterfront Ozeaneum), Usedom 

Nice to see – Rostock and Warnemünde beach 

How many days – one day for Wismar, two days for Stralsund 

Best day trips – Schwerin Castle 

15. Trier  

Trier is the oldest city in Germany, one of the most important regional capitals of the Roman Empire, ruled over its northern lands. 

Trier has some of the outstanding Roman monuments in Europe and was also the first place in the region to embrace Christianity – its Cathedral is also the oldest in Germany. 

Its Old Town is stunning, with an array of wonderful half-timbered houses from late medieval times. Trier is now a relatively small provincial city in the far west of the country, but it’s well worth the journey off the beaten path to discover it.

It’s very underrated, and also makes an excellent base for forays along the Mosel River or into nearby Luxembourg.      

Don’t Miss – Porta Nigra , Kaiserthermen,  Amphitheatre, Constantine’s Basilica, Rheinisches Landesmuseum, Trier Cathedral ,  Liebfrauenkirche, Marktplatz   

Nice to see – Roscheider Hof Open Air Museum, St Matthias Church, Toy Museum, Karl Marx Museum 

How many days – 2 

Best day trips – It’s an easy short from Luxembourg. Nearby Saarburg is a gorgeous small town with a castle and a waterfall running through the centre.   

Top Tip – Trier has a wonderful Christmas market. 

See also: 26 Best Things to do in Trier

16. Bavarian Alps: Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Zugspitze  

This part of the Bavarian Alps is only a few miles east of Neuschwanstein Castle, but over an hour’s drive away, and longer by bus. It’s one of the most famous parts of Germany and most visited. It also staggeringly beautiful.

The area around Garmisch-Partenkirchen is breathtaking, with clear green alpine lakes, dark forests, roaring waterfalls and stunning peaks including Germany’s highest mountain, Zugspitze, which you can ascend by train and cable car via Eibsee lake. 

There are also a few man-made treasures to be found here. The small town of Oberammergau – has many gorgeous houses painted with frescoes, and famously, every 10 years stages a Passion play dramatising the last few days of Jesus’ life. 

The nearby town of Mittenwald is another beauty, with more beautifully painted buildings. And if you have time, try to see Linderhof Palace, another of the extravagances of King Ludwig II. 

Don’t Miss – Garmisch-Partenkirchen; Zugspitze train and cable car; Mittenwald; Linderhof Palace; Oberammergau; Partnachklamm gorge; Lake Eibsee 

Nice to see – Walchensee lake, Kirchdorf Wamberg 

How many days – three or four 

Best day trips – Neuschwanstein Castle, Hohenschwangau Castle, Innsbruck  

17. Berchtesgaden and Lake Königssee

Even in the Bavarian Alps the Berchtesgadener Land stands out. According to one legend some angels accidentally dropped all the wonders of the world there. It’s one of the most beautiful landscapes in Europe , around the small magical alpine town of Berchtesgaden, in southern Bavaria about 20 miles south of Salzburg.  

The scenery first: the mountain setting is spectacular, especially Königssee Lake and Watzmann, the second highest peak in Germany. If you’re there on a clear day, it will blow you away. 

Secondly, there’s the Hitler connection. The genocidal dictator was very taken with the scenery, and had a complex built for him at Obersalzberg with one of the best views in the region. He spent much of his time there, so there will always be a taint of his toxic legacy. 

Must See – Königssee Lake, Eagles Nest (Kehlsteinhaus), Salzbergwerk (Salt Mine), St Sebastian Church in Ramsau; Obersalzberg Documentation Centre; Rossfeld Mountain Road 

Nice to see – Hintersee lake 

How many days – three or more, depending on how much hiking you plan to do 

Best day trips – Salzburg is a quick bus trip 

18. Bremen  

Bremen is one of the most underrated cities in Europe , one I’ve long admired having spent a lot of time in Hamburg and this part of northern Germany.  There’s a lot to see, much of it in a small area around the splendid Marktplatz (main square), including the Statue of Roland from 1404 and the World Heritage-listed Town Hall (Rathaus).  

My favourite part of the city is the Schnoorviertel, a former fishermen’s (and red-light) district, its cottages now home to restaurants and boutique shops.   Also check out the red-brick Expressionist architectural wonders of Böttcherstrasse, and the Paula Modersohn-Becker Museum, dedicated to an artist who deserves to be far more widely known than she is. 

Don’t Miss – Marktplatz, Statue of Roland, Musicians of Bremen statue, Rathaus (Town Hall), Schnoor district, St Peter’s Cathedral, Böttcherstrasse, Kunsthalle  

Nice to see – Roselius-Haus Museum, Botanika 

How many days – one or two 

Best day trips – Bremerhaven Emigration Museum, Hamburg, Cuxhaven beaches, Jever, Worpswede, East Frisian Islands 

19. Regensburg  

Regensburg is in a relatively quiet part of Germany, between Nuremberg and Passau in south-east Bavaria. This isolation may well have proved its salvation: it avoided the destruction wrought elsewhere, and is the best-preserved, most beautiful Gothic city in Germany.  

The superb Cathedral is the obvious place to start, with its splendid west front, twin towers and fine medieval stained glass. 

The entire Old Town (Altstadt) is a World Heritage Site, and my advice is to wander as much of it as time allows. It’s wonderfully preserved, and often the best part of visiting somewhere like this is making your own discoveries, spotting a stunning architectural detail to which no guidebook would ever direct you.    

Don’t Miss – Dom St Peter (Regensburg Cathedral, Old Stone Bridge, City view from cross the Danube, Old Chapel, Thurn und Taxis Palace, Goliathhaus  

Nice to see – Museum of Danube Shipping, Regensburg Museum of History 

Best day trips – Landshut; Walhalla Monument; Nuremberg; Sail down the Danube to Passau a beautiful Baroque city  

20. Bamberg  

Bamberg is one of the most beautiful small cities in Europe, a wonderfully preserved city in Northern Franconia whose entire Altstadt (Old Town) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

You could easily spend a whole day exploring the Altstadt. Many start at the Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall), a stunning building straddling two bridges over the River Regnitz. The most famous view is of the medieval timber-framed part, but the sides of it are decorated with remarkable Baroque-era frescoes. 

The rest of the riverside, including the Little Venice row of houses, is also picturesque, and just up the hill the area around the Cathedral (Dom) is packed with places to see, including the opulent Neue Residenz, once home to the powerful prince-bishops of Bamberg. 

Don’t Miss – Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall), Cathedral, Bamberg History Museum, Klein Venedig (Little Venice), Ober Pfarre Church, Neue Residenz, and a glass of the local smoked beer  

Nice to see – Diocesan Museum, St Michael’s Monastery, Brewery Museum 

How many days – two – you should stay at least one night to really appreciate it 

Best day trips – Nuremberg, Bayreuth, Coburg, Pottenstein 

21. Nuremberg  

The former Imperial city of Nuremberg (Nürnberg) is one of the best cities to visit in Germany. The iconic Kaiserburg Castle dominates the Old Town, with its streets of half-timbered houses and soaring church spires. 

Nuremberg is packed with museums, including the house where Albrecht Dürer, a colossus of late medieval art, lived for almost 20 years. It’s full of picturesque streets, three outstanding medieval churches and one of the most beautiful bridges in Europe . 

Nuremberg’s history took a dark turn in the 1930s when it was chosen as the site for the Nazi Party’s infamous propaganda rallies.  The Nuremberg Nazi sites in the city suburbs offer a fascinating insight into the country’s past. 

Add in Nuremberg’s gastronomic gift to the world, the famous bratwurst sausage, and one of the best Christmas markets in Europe, and you have one amazing city to discover.     

Don’t Miss – Nuremberg Castle (Kaiserburg), Old Town, Dürer House, Weissgerbergasse, Fembo House Museum, Toy Museum, Nazi Party Rally Grounds, St Sebald’s Church, Frauenkirche, Henkersteg (Hangman’s Bridge), Christmas Market   

Nice to see – DB Museum, Nuremberg Trials Memorial, German National Museum, Art Bunker 

How many days – 2 or 3 

Best things with kids – Toy Museum, Zoo, Playmobil, DB Train Museum 

Best day trips – Bamberg, Regensburg, Bayreuth, Würzburg, Ansbach. Charming town of Lauf an der Pegnitz.

See also: One day in Nuremberg , 2 Days in Nuremberg

22. Black Forest   

The Black Forest (Schwarzwald), in the Baden-Württemberg region of south-western Germany, has long been a hugely popular draw for visitors.  

This is the chocolate-box rural Germany of cuckoo clocks, traditional half-timbered villages, centuries-old farmhouses, flower-laden balconies, lush green valleys, deep dark forests, cows grazing, and enchanting fairy tales.  Not to mention a certain chocolate and cherry cake.  

Freiburg im Breisgau is the main gateway to the Black Forest, and worth at least a day of your time. The region has some great drives, and it’s also worth incorporating some hikes into your itinerary too. 

Don’t Miss – The gorgeous towns of Schiltach, Gengenbach, Haslach, and Calw; the prettiest in the Black Forest;  Triberg Falls and the world’s largest cuckoo clock in Triberg; the Schwarzwaldhochstrase spectacular driving route;  Gutach Black Forest Open-Air Museum; hiking in the Black Forest National Park; Freiburg im Breisgau 

Nice to see – The famous spa town of Baden-Baden, Titisee Lake, Maulbronn Kloster  

How many days – you could easily spend a week or more there. 

23. Quedlinburg  

Quedlinburg is half-timbered heaven, a gorgeous medieval and Renaissance town with around 1,300 half-timbered buildings (Fachwerkhäuser). That’s more than anywhere else in the country. 

There are enough things to do in Quedlinburg to keep you there for at least a couple of days. Begin at the Castle, gradually working your way around the Old Town. There are some exceptional Romanesque churches in Quedlinburg , in a region (Saxony-Anhalt) especially rich in them. 

Quedlinburg is also an excellent base for making your first forays into the Harz Mountains, including on the superb local narrow-gauge railway.   

Don’t Miss – Altstadt (Old Town), Castle, St Servatius Church and Crypt, Steinkeikerturm for the view, Half-Timbered Museum, St Benedikti Church 

Nice To See – Klopstock Museum, St Blaise Church, Lyonel Feininger Gallery 

How many days – two minimum 

Day trips – Wernigerode, Brocken Mountain, Harz Mountains Railway (Selketalbahn branch), St Cyriakus Church in Gernrode, Goslar

See Also: The 13 Most Beautiful Streets In Quedlinburg

24. Naumburg Cathedral   

N aumburg Cathedral, in the eastern German region of Saxony- Anhalt, is one of the great German cathedrals. It’s one of six UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the region, and a compelling enough reason to go out of your way and include it in your Germany itinerary.   

Much of Naumburg Dom was built on the cusp of the transition between late Romanesque and early Gothic architecture.  

Most of the church, including one of the two sets of twin towers, was built in the earlier period. The choir dates from the first phase of Gothic building, and includes the outstanding series of twelve sculptures of the founders of the Dom. One of these is the remarkably vivid figure of Uta von Ballenstedt, one of the most famous statues in Germany.   

See Also: Visiting Naumburg Cathedral – One OF The great German Cathedrals

How many days – one 

Best day trips – Leipzig, Halle an der Saale 

25. Saxon Switzerland  

The Saxon Switzerland National Park is an amazing landscape of soaring sandstone rock columns and forests, a continuation of Bohemian Switzerland and similar ‘rock cities’ further afield across the border in the Czech Republic.  

The river Elbe has helped carve this unique landscape of stunning rock formations, with little canyons, flat-top mountains and picturesque villages like Kurort Rathen. 

Our advice is to combine it with the Bohemian Switzerland over the border. The gateway village of Hřensko is gorgeous, and it’s close to the most popular landmark in the region, the Pravčická Brana rock arch. 

Don’t Miss – Bastei Bridge , Königstein Fortress, Bad Schandau, Kurort Rathen  

Nice to see – Lichtenhainer Waterfall; Kuhstall cave arch and viewpoint; Hřensko  

Best day trips – Dresden, Bautzen , or across the border to the Bohemian Switzerland National Park including Hřensko and Pravčická Brana 

26. Aachen & Aachen Cathedral 

The Dom (Cathedral) of Aachen is one of the greatest churches in the world. Part of it – the Pfalzkapelle, or Palace Chapel – was completed in 800 for Charlemagne, the Frankish king and first Holy Roman Emperor.  

It later became a pilgrimage destination in the 12th century when Charlemagne, who was buried there, was declared a saint. The Cathedral had already acquired other prestigious relics, such as the loincloth worn by Christ when crucified. To see everything, we recommend joining a guided tour. 

The streets around the Cathedral are also worth exploring, and the impressive late Gothic Rathaus also definitely warrants a visit. 

Don’t Miss – Aachen Cathedral, Domschatzkammer (Cathedral Treasury), Rathaus (Town Hall) 

Nice to see – Centre Charlemagne, Suermondt Ludwig Museum, Ludwig Forum  

How many days – One day 

Best day trips – Monschau, Eifel National Park; Valkenburg and Maastricht in the Netherlands 

Top tip – Aachen Christmas market is wonderful 

27. Passau 

Passau, often referred to as the “City of Three Rivers,” is a stunning Bavarian town situated at the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers. It is also a hugely popular Danube River Cruise stop.  

Passau is in the southeast corner of Germany, close to the Austrian and Czech borders. The city grew rich from trade, much of it in salt from nearby Bohemia, and its wealth is reflected in some of the finest Baroque architecture in this part of Europe.  Much of Passau had to be rebuilt after a devastating fire in 1662.   

Don’t Miss – St Stephen’s Cathedral  (Dom St Stephan), which has the world’s largest organ; the views from Veste Oberhaus, Oberhaussmuseum, Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall), Passauer Glasmuseum 

Nice to see – the Danube cycle path, Roman Museum, Heavenly Ladder (321 steps up the hill to Mariahilf Monastery –  

How many days – Two ideally, but you’d get around the main sights in a single day. 

Best day trips – Linz, Austria is just an hour away by train; Regensburg; and the gorgeous Czech town of Cesky Krumlov is less than a two-hour drive away. 

Best Places To Visit In Germany – Final Words

Germany is an exceptional country to visit, and I’m so fortunate to have been doing so for over 40 years. It has some of the most beautiful landscapes in Europe , particularly the Bavarian Alps and Rhine Valley.

Germany also has some of the most compelling cities in Europe. Whether you’re discovering Berlin landmarks or looking up in awe at Cologne Cathedral, there are several lifetimes worth of amazing places to see.

Many of you will be drawn to the half-timbered medieval towns like Rothenburg, Bacharach or Rüdesheim .

And at the other end of the spectrum, there is so much 20th-century history to explore in Germany. The Nuremberg Nazi SItes take you back to one of the darkest times in the century. And places like the Stasi Museum Dresden are a reminder that, for many, the bad times didn’t end there.

And if you’re more curious about the former East Germany, check out my guide to the best places to visit in Eastern Germany .

It’s one of the most fascinating countries in the world to visit. And one of the most rewarding.

David Angel is a British photographer, writer and historian. He is a European travel expert with over 30 years’ experience exploring Europe. He has a degree in History from Manchester University, and his work is regularly featured in global media including the BBC, Condé Nast Traveler, The Guardian, The Times, and The Sunday Times.  David is fluent in French and Welsh, and can also converse in Italian, German, Portuguese, Spanish, Czech and Polish.

• Germany Bucket List: 28 Best Places to Visit in Germany

Situated in the heart of Europe, Germany is mostly known for its World War II history and although history and culture are definitely one of the highlights of the country, Germany actually has many more things to offer.

You can visit stunning cities like Berlin, Munich, or Cologne, explore natural wonders like the Black Forest, Rhine Valley, or the Bavarian Alps, attend the famous Oktoberfest or wander around the magical Christmas markets.

There are just so many amazing places to add to your Germany bucket list! From beautiful small towns and peaceful countrysides to fairytale castles and lively cities, here are the absolute best places to visit in Germany.

* Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link. *

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Table of Contents

Best Places to Add to Your Germany Bucket List

Are you looking for the most beautiful places in Germany? Don’t worry, I got you covered! In this article, you will find the best places to visit in Germany together with a bunch of useful recommendations about the best things to do in each location, how much time to spend there and lots of other insider tips. Let’s get into it!

Recommended by Kriszti from She Wanders Abroad

No Germany bucket list is ever complete without visiting the German capital city, Berlin. Spending a weekend in Berlin is a good start but if you have more time, you can easily spend a week in the city without getting bored.

Summer is definitely the best time to visit Berlin when the temperature is ideal for strolling around the city. If you don’t mind the freezing temperatures, winter is another great time for visiting as you can find some of the best Christmas markets in Europe in Berlin.

Visiting the most famous landmark in the city, the Brandenburg Gate, is a real must on every Berlin itinerary. This impressive 26 meters (85 ft) high Neoclassical structure that was once part of the Berlin Wall got severely damaged during WW II. After the wall was demolished in 1989, Brandenburg Gate became the symbol of freedom, and later on, it was completely restored in 2000.

Although the Berlin Wall (a concrete barrier that physically divided the city into East and West Berlin) was demolished, you can still find a few sections scattered around Berlin.

The longest surviving section is called East Side Gallery which boasts stunning artworks from more than 100 different artists. With its 1.3 km (0.8 miles) length, East Side Gallery is now the longest open-air gallery in the world.

Other great things to do in Berlin include visiting the Reichstag (Parliament) building, admiring the Berliner Dom (Berlin Cathedral), paying your respect at the Holocaust Memorial, and seeing the sunset from the top of the TV Tower Berlin.

If you want to escape the bustling city life, you can relax at one of the many beautiful parks in the city or visit the Botanical Garden or the Berlin Zoo.

Recommended by Soumya from Stories by Soumya  

One of the prettiest places to visit in Germany is the historical town of Potsdam. Filled with beautiful palaces and gardens, Potsdam makes an amazing day trip from Berlin.

The palaces and parks of Potsdam include an elaborate complex of more than 150 historic buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries and several sumptuously-landscaped parks.

The most iconic of these monuments is the Sanssouci Palace which is often referred to as the Versailles of Prussia. It’s a sprawling royal mansion in the middle of an expansive terraced garden so the nickname sounds quite right. Additionally, Sanssouci is also the birthplace of the magnificent European art form, Friedrichian Rococo. This makes Potsdam a fascinating stop for every art and culture lover.

Apart from visiting Sanssouci Palace, there are many other interesting  things to do in Potsdam . Exploring Potsdam’s New Palace, taking a stroll through the historic center that includes the Old Market Square, and marveling at the red brick houses of the Dutch Quarter are some of them.

The best time to visit Potsdam is between April and October when the temperatures are pleasant and the parks are green and verdant. It is easy to get there by either bus or car from Berlin. The journey takes less than an hour.

3. Marienburg Castle, Hannover

Recommended by Fiona from Travelling Thirties

There are many well-known castles around Germany such as Neuschwanstein Castle and Eltz Castle. However, Marienburg Castle is just as beautiful and looks like it is straight out of a fairytale but it doesn’t have the same crowds of tourists. Adding this beautiful castle to your Germany bucket list is definitely a great idea!

Marienburg Castle is located 30 km (18 miles) from Hannover in a small city called Hildesheim. If you are using Hannover as a base, you can take the train or the bus to Nordstemmen train station. From here the castle is 2.7 km (1.6 miles) and while it is possible to walk, it is easier to take a taxi.

Built between 1858 and 1867 by King George V as a gift to his wife, Queen Marie, the castle was intended as a romantic summer residence. However, King George V and Queen Marie were only able to live in the castle for a year as King George V was exiled to Austria.

No one lived in the castle again until 1945 and because of this, it is one of the most well-preserved castles in Europe.

During your stay, you can visit the staterooms, the private rooms of the Royal family, and the kitchen. The most beautiful room in the castle is the Queen’s library, however, unfortunately, you cannot take photos there.

When planning your visit, allow 3-4 hours. Your visit inside the castle (and up the tower if visiting in the summer) will take you a few hours but you will want to allow some time to sit in the old horse stable which has been converted to a restaurant and to explore the forest that surrounds the castle.

Marienburg Castle is one of the best places to visit in Germany, especially during the autumn when the leaves are in bright colors.

Recommended by Maria from EuropeUpClose

Hamburg is a must-see place in Germany and such a fun city to visit. It’s a favorite destination among German tourists which is not yet discovered by many international tourists. It’s just a matter of time though, so it’s recommended to get there while it is still a hidden gem.

Hamburg is Germany’s second-largest city after Berlin but before Munich. And here are some more fun facts about the city: Do you like the Beatles? Hamburg is the place where they performed for the very first time on stage and had more hours on stage than in any other city.

Another interesting one: Hamburg is the capital of coffee in the world. It is one of the largest port cities in Europe, so Hamburg has always been a city with flourishing trade, but coffee is one of its main markets. Every 7th cup of coffee consumed has been through the port of Hamburg.

Although Hamburg is a port city, it is not located on the ocean. The city still has a very maritime feel, as it is surrounded by water – the stunning Elb river and the smaller Alster. If you like water sports, you definitely need to add Hamburg to your Germany bucket list! Another must is a boat tour around the Hamburg harbor, which is an incredible feat of engineering, timing, and organization.

Recommended by Katja from Places and Notes

Sylt , the northernmost German island with a very distinctive shape is also the largest and most popular island of the North Frisian islands group in the Wadden sea, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It has a reputation of being the place for the rich and famous, but even if you do not fall into this category there are plenty of reasons why you should visit this island.

Due to its proximity to Denmark, it offers a unique mix of German traditions and Nordic landscapes. One can get to Sylt either with a ferry from the mainland or from Danish Rømø island, but you can also arrive with a regional train or a car train via Hindenburgdamm causeway. There is a smaller airport on the island as well.

Sylt is definitely one of the most unique places to visit in Germany and although it’s only 38 km (24 miles) long and 13 km (8 miles) wide, it has an incredible network of cycling and walking paths. Bringing or renting a bicycle is one of the best ways to get around the island!

As for accommodation, there are a lot of expensive hotels but also lots of affordable apartments and campsites. You can see most of the island during a weekend visit, but for a better experience, five days are recommended.

Depending on the season, the best things to do include swimming and water sports such as surfing and kite surfing, cycling and long walks, soaking up the sun while lounging in one of the traditional beach furniture called “Strandkorb”, indulging in one of the beach spas, eating out in fancy restaurants and more.

The best place for cycling is the remote and mostly uninhabited Ellenbogen in the north. You should not miss the cliffs in Morsum and Kampen, climbing up the highest dune Uwe Dune, relaxing on the beaches in Rantum, Hörnum, and Kampen, and strolling around the island’s largest town, Westerland.

6. Düsseldorf

Recommended by Dymphe from Dymabroad

One of the best places to visit in Germany is the city of Düsseldorf. This lovely city is really worth visiting if you like art, history and German culture. The city is also amazing to visit because there is a lot to do and see and there are many events happening throughout the year.

Düsseldorf is located in the western part of Germany close to the border with the Netherlands and Luxembourg in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. In fact, it is the capital and second-most populous city of that state.

One of the best things to do in Düsseldorf is go to the old town. This is a small part of the city that has amazing architecture which is lovely to see. Furthermore, there are plenty of bars and nightclubs here.

Another great thing to do while you are in Düsseldorf is climbing the tallest structure of the city. The Rhine Tower is 240 m (787 ft) high and has an observation deck from where you can see the city of Düsseldorf. Also, there is a restaurant with spectacular views.

When you are in Düsseldorf you should also check out one of the museums in the city. There are so many to choose from! A great one is Museum Kunstpalast, which has a very diverse collection.

Even though there are a lot of things to do and see in the city, you can visit most of them in one day. However, if you want to explore the many museums in more detail, then a bit more time is recommended.

Recommended by Nichola from Family Hotel Expert

Cologne is a fantastic city for a break because it is packed full of culture, history, and wonderful places to eat and drink so you should definitely put it on your Germany bucket list. There is so much to do in Cologne you will want to stay as long as possible in this welcoming city.

Start at the Farina Museum, the world’s oldest fragrance house. Here you can find out about the history of perfume and try some out for yourself, including the original cologne recipe from the 18th century.

If you’re here on your family holidays to Germany (or even if you’re not visiting with kids), head out to the fantastic Cologne Zoo which is so well looked after and filled with interesting and lovely animals.

There’s also the NS-Documentation center for a darker side of Cologne’s history, but nonetheless, one that we shouldn’t forget. Visit this former Gestapo prison for a disturbing glimpse into the past and some of Germany’s darkest days.

Mix the history with a trip to the Lindt chocolate factory here in the city where you can learn about the story of this sweet stuff and also get to sample some for yourself. There’s a great cafe here to stop and have some more treats.

The modern art gallery of Museum Ludwig is also a wonderful place to lose yourself for an hour or two. Stay in one of the great family hotels in Cologne – there’s so much to do here, come for a weekend but you’ll without a doubt wish you had a longer stay.

8. Eltz Castle

Recommended by Maartje from The Orange Backpack

As one of the  most beautiful castles in Europe , Burg Eltz is a place not to miss when visiting Germany. The medieval castle is located on a beautiful spot in the forest and a picture-perfect gem to see, both from a distance and up close.

The castle’s origins date back to the 13th century when it was constructed for the Eltz noble family. It is one of the few castles in the world still owned by its original family.

The castle is divided through three branches of the Eltz family: the Kempenich, Rodendorf, and Rubenich branches. The parts of the Rubenach and Rodendorf families are open for visitors.

The location of Burg Eltz is what makes it such a fairytale picture. It’s built on a rock in a valley, surrounded by the Eltz forest. The best way to arrive at the castle is by leaving your car in the parking area and walking through the forest to the castle. The first view of the fairytale castle after the winding walking trail is the most stunning picture of Eltz.

The courtyard can be visited without a ticket but you’ll need to buy one for the guided tour to visit the castle. You can’t walk around at your own pace but need to join one of the tours. Your guide will tell you more about the castle, its owners and history.

9. Bacharach

Recommended by Paulina from Paulina on the Road

Bacharach is one of the cutest small towns in the Rhine River Valley that offers the most scenic views in the area. The village is about one and a half hours from Frankfurt and 15 minutes away from Bingen.

This beautiful stretch of Rhine is surrounded by castles and small towns. These towns made their money historically by collecting the tolls extracted from vessels passing by.

It’s one of the best places to visit in Germany because of the scenic views, the popular white wines harvested from the vineyards, friendly locals, historic buildings, big old castles, cobblestone streets, and more.

Bacharach offers fantastic eating and drinking experience and it is also a great place to enjoy a cruise down the Rhine river and take in the castles situated along its banks. If you want to appreciate each of its beauty spots, you must take out more than two days for the trip.

You can experience architecture dating back to historical eras and you can enjoy so much in this village including visiting the Burg Stahleck, a 12th-century castle which is a picturesque location. You can also see the Lorelei Valley and the quaint town of Bacharach down the castle.

Other exciting things to do include visiting the Saint Peter’s Church, witnessing Vineyards and wineries. You must also check out the view from Loreley Plateau by going straight through the end of it from where you can see all the valley below.

Recommended by Summer from Standby for Summer

Mainz is a Medieval town located 22 km (14 miles) from the Frankfurt airport. Frankfurt is a modern city known for banking and finance, while Mainz is laid-back and situated in the heart of the German wine country.

This town is worth exploring because of its rich history, wine production, and colorful architecture. It has a population of over 200,000 people and the Old Town resembles a fairytale village. Pastel colors and half-timbered buildings are prevalent throughout the Marktplatz and cobblestone streets pave a path to the Rhine river.

The Romans founded Mainz in the 1st century BC, and it was under their control for several hundred years. They built a six-towered Catholic Cathedral of St. Martin and St. Stephen, and it was renamed the Mainz Cathedral. Construction began in AD 975, but it mostly dates to the 11th-13th centuries. It is located in the Marktplatz and is close to the Gutenberg Museum.

Johannes Gutenberg, the inventor of the printing press, was from Mainz, so a museum was built in his name. Visitors love learning about the history of the printing press and comparing the different printing techniques used throughout Europe.

While there is a lot of history in Mainz, it is also the capital of the biggest wine region in Germany. The Rheinhessen valley is made of soft rolling hills and produces excellent Riesling. Other popular wines from this region include Liebfraumilch, Pinot Noir, and Dornfelder.

There are several wine taverns in town, and locals are excited to host wine tastings for visitors. Mainz is not the most well-known city in Germany but it should definitely be added to every wine enthusiast and history lover’s Germany bucket list.

11. Frankfurt

Recommended by Paul from KarsTravels

Over 700.000 inhabitants make  Frankfurt am Main  the fifth-biggest Großstadt (metropolis) of Germany. Its famous skyline, dominated by skyscrapers explains the city’s nickname Mainhattan .

Frankfurt am Main, or Frankfurt for short is the main financial center of Germany and is known for the yearly book fair, the Frankfurter Buchmesse. Easy to reach by plane, high-speed train (ICE), or car, Frankfurt has a lot to offer for city explorers.

Most of the (architectural) highlights can be discovered during a 90 minutes sightseeing cruise along the river Main. The downstream cruise offers the most complete overview of the city. If you have more than a day to spend in Frankfurt, a day-long cruise is warmly recommended.

Not all travelers are fond of German cuisine, since most dishes are high in calories and quite heavy on the stomach. Do try Frankfurt’s famous drink though: apple cider. The most famous water landmark of Frankfurt, the skyscraper Westhafen Tower, resembles an apple cider glass. Its façade contains 3500 glass triangles.

A good dish to go along with apple cider is pumpkin soup ( Kürbissuppe ). Apfelweingaststätte Atschel is one of the oldest and most beloved cider restaurants in Frankfurt, a bright star in the apple cider sky of Frankfurt.

12. Baden-Baden

Recommended by Amber from Thessaloniki Local

If you’re looking for a restorative, relaxing holiday, Baden Baden is an ideal destination and one of the top places to visit in Germany for this purpose. This gorgeous spa town – whose name means “bath bath” – has been specializing in leisure for centuries.

Particularly aristocratic leisure – this is also the place for high culture, like Opera, and more idle indulgences, like baccarat. Spending a weekend in Baden Baden in winter is a perfect combination of spa time and culture.

Of course, the highlight of a stay in Baden Baden is the famous baths. There are two choices: the historic Friedrichsbad, where one will have a 17 – step experience including a thorough brushing down with soap and soaks in many pools, culminating in a round pool under a high coffered dome. The Friedichsbad is strictly textile-free.

The Caracalla baths, on the other hand, are a contemporary facility you can enjoy in a bathing suit. There are also fantastic outdoor pools to have a great time year-round.

By night, the opulent Kurhaus is the place to be. There are cultural events throughout the year, but the main attraction is the casino. Even those who don’t gamble will enjoy the singularly luxurious ambiance of this classic casino, where high-stakes games unfold in silence under gilded ceilings.

By day, one can stroll along the banks of the river Oos, or hike in the Black Forest. The Altes Schloss Baden Baden is a fine destination, with splendid views. In town, the Trinkhalle is the chic promenade of choice, followed by the Lichtentaler allee. One can enjoy Kaffee und Kuchen – the German ritual of afternoon coffee and cake – at the same cafe where Franz Liszt and Leo Tolstoy once enjoyed theirs.

13. Black Forest

Recommended by Anuradha from Country Hopping Couple

The Black Forest, also known as Schwarzwald in German, is located in the region of Baden-Württemberg, in the southwest of Germany. Not only associated with cuckoo clocks, black forest cakes, and the Grimm’s fairy tales, it is also known for the dense pine forests, punctuated with thermal spa towns and glacier lakes.

It is often said that the forests are dark and so dense that it is difficult for the sun to seep through the woods. Naturally, for this reason, the region got its name, Black Forest. It is one of the most breathtaking landscapes in the country and a must on every nature lover’s Germany bucket list.

The Black Forest is truly a year-round destination as it offers excellent hiking trails, cross country skiing, and biking adventures. Spring is still cold in the Black Forest, so if you are looking for warm or comfortable weather conditions, it is recommended to visit the Black Forest during summer or autumn.

Allow 3 to 4 days to explore the forest and start your adventure from Freiburg through Baden Baden. There are plenty of things to keep one occupied for weeks in the Black Forest.

While there are many interesting tourist routes for driving, make sure to drive Hochstrasse, one of the most popular routes in the Black Forest. Be sure to explore Triberg town and Triberg waterfalls, one of the highest waterfalls in Europe.

14. Freiburg im Breisgau

Recommended by Mark from Wyld Family Travel

Freiburg im Breisgau is located in an enviable location close to the French Alsace Region and Swiss borders and on the edge of the Black Forest. Freiburg receives some of the best weather in Germany making it a city to get out and explore. There are many  things to do in Freiburg  for the whole family.

The Bachle is unique to Freiburg. It is a series of small open waterways that flow through the city. The Freiburg Minster has been standing since the 12th century, not even the war could destroy it. If you’re lucky, one of the weekly markets will be taking place around the walls of the cathedral.

You can take a cable car from the city center to Schlossberg hill. From the top of the hill, you will get some fantastic views of the city stretching into the surrounding mountains.

The Mundlehof is an open-air zoo and green zone where people can go for a walk and eat. If you are a football fan, Freiburg S.C plays in the Bundesliga and has a stadium near the city center

Food in Freiburg has a German and French feel. One should always try the Flamkussen , which is a regional specialty. Freiburg is a lively city when it comes to eating out with many cafes, bars, and restaurants. The Martins Brau Brewery in the city center brews its own beer and serves freshly cooked meals.

You can take a day trip to Titisee or Basel and you can easily reach some of the most beautiful cities in France like Colmar or Strasbourg in under an hour from Freiburg im Breisgau. Freiburg is a university town which gives a young feel because something is always happening.

15. Tübingen

Recommended by Emma from Travel On A Time Budget

If you’re looking to visit an architectural gem and a place that’s home to one of Germany’s oldest universities, then head for Tübingen . It’s an ideal day trip from Stuttgart because it takes only an hour by train but it’s also perfect for an overnight stay.

Tübingen is a lovely town to potter around and soaks in the main sights. Most of these are centered on its historic old town which is littered with old timbered buildings with colored façades and pretty cobbled streets.

The 15th century St. George’s Collegiate Church, with its impressive stained-glass windows, can be found here. It was apparently one of the first churches to convert to the Protestant movement. The main square also features a 15th-century old town hall (Rathaus) with its astronomical clock, on the opposite is the Neptune Fountain.

Off of the main square, there are some quaint and utterly enchanting small streets with tiny little streams flowing down the sides. There are also some restaurants alongside the water where you can stop for a bite to eat.

Overlooking all this is Schloss Hohentübingen, the town’s castle. Built on high ground, the castle walls afford sweeping views over the surrounding countryside.  There’s also an archaeological museum on the grounds.

Finally, a trip to Tübingen would not be complete without a short stroll along the Neckar river. There are picturesque postcard views of colorful half-timbered houses that form a row along the banks of the river.

If you would like to see them you should head to the Eberhart Bridge. At this beautiful spot, you’ll also find the Plantanelle, a wide sycamore framed promenade, which is perfect for an afternoon stroll.

16. Hohenzollern Castle

Recommended by Steve from Austria Direct

Hohenzollern Castle is set in a spectacular position at the edge of the Swabian Alb mountains in the southern Germany state of Baden-Württemberg. The fortification is built on a limestone outcrop in the farmland to the south of Stuttgart and is named after and still owned by the descendants of the former German imperial family.

The castle is about an hour’s drive from the city of Stuttgart and is just off the main road which leads south to the town of Singen and the Swiss border. There are several large car parks to help deal with the estimated 350,000 visitors annually. Visitors can walk up to the castle or take a regular shuttle bus service.

Views from the castle gardens and battlements take in the entire panorama of the surrounding countryside and visitors can purchase an entrance ticket to explore some of the ornate rooms in the castle interior. A visit to the castle rooms and exterior during a day trip from Stuttgart would also leave time to explore one of the attractive towns, like Tübingen, in the area south of the city.

Although the Hohenzollerns were once Emperors of Germany and the family is one of the most famous historic dynasties in Europe, the current castle was only built in the 19th century. In much the same way as Neuschwanstein Castle in neighboring Bavaria, the remodeling of the family ruins was part of a romantic concept that harked back to an idealized time of knights and ladies as they were portrayed in Germanic legends.

17. Neuschwanstein Castle

Visiting Neuschwanstein Castle is a true bucket list experience and it has to feature on the top of your Germany bucket list. The castle is located in a small town called Hohenschwangau in Bavaria, close to the German-Austrian border.

You can easily visit Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich or Innsbruck as a day trip but if you want to properly explore the area, it’s best to stay for a few days in one of the nearby towns.

The construction of the castle began in 1868 at the request of King Ludwig II but unfortunately, it has never been fully finished as the funds of the project were cut after the king’s death.

Two months later the castle was opened up to the public and it quickly became the most visited landmark in the whole country. Legend has it that the castle even served as an inspiration for Walt Disney when creating the famous Disney castle!

Neuschwanstein Castle sits atop a hill at the foot of the Bavarian Alps and it takes around 30-40 minutes to reach the castle by foot from the center of Hohenschwangau.

Cars and bicycles are not allowed on the road but if you’re not keen on walking that much (especially uphill), you can choose to take a shuttle bus instead. The bus will drop you off at Marienbrücke which is one of the best viewpoints at Neuschwanstein Castle and from there you can reach the castle within 10-15 minutes.

It’s important to know that it’s not possible to buy an entrance ticket directly at the castle so if you want to go inside, you need to purchase a ticket from the ticket office in Hohenschwangau in advance. The castle can only be visited with a guided tour and an adult ticket costs €15.

18. Zugspitze

Recommended by Izzy from The Gap Decaders

The mighty Zugspitze stands at 2,962 meters (9,718 ft) above sea level and is Germany’s highest mountain. Fondly known as ’the top of Germany’, the Zugspitze lies to the south of Germany’s famous mountain town, Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

You don’t need to be a hardy hiker or expert skier to  visit the Zugspitze which is certainly one of the most beautiful places in Germany. Just hop on the quaint but magnificently engineered cog-wheel train or take a ride on the uber-cool cable car, all the way to the summit.

If you want to do both – and why not – take a slow ride up on the train from Eibsee station to the Zugspitzplatt at 2,600 meters (8,530 ft). Not quite at the top, but this not-to-be-missed stop gives you the chance to stand on an actual glacier!

The glacier can be seen below the snow, glistening blue-green in the crisp sunlight and cooling the mountain air. You can also enjoy sledding here, as well as a hot chocolate from the bar, whilst wrapped in a rug.

From here, there is a small cable car to the summit, where the views across the Alps are absolutely incredible. The panoramic viewing platform gives you the opportunity to see the entire mountain range, spreading across 207,000 square km (80,000 square miles) – the views are breathtaking. It will be cold and windy at the top all year round, so wrap up warm.

The main cable car from the summit will take you all the way down to the Eibsee, revealing the gorgeous blues and greens of this beautiful lake. Once you reach solid ground again, look back and be in awe of Mother Nature and her creation.

19. Lake Eibsee

Recommended by Hailey from Diary of a Wanna Be World Traveler

Lake Eibsee is a gorgeous lake located in Bavaria, Germany. Since the lake is located at the base of the Zugspitze, Germany’s tallest mountain, you get amazing views while visiting.

You want to arrive at the lake fairly early, not only because it gets busy, but because the water is the calmest in the morning revealing beautiful reflections of the Zugspitze Mountains.

The Hotel Eibsee has a parking lot available between 5 am and 10 pm for you to park for a small fee. If there is no room here then right across the street is the Zugspitze which has a ton of paid parking. If you don’t have a car there are public transportation options as well.

In the early morning, you may experience some fog, which usually clears up by 9 am. Hiking all the way around the lake, about 8 km (5 miles), will take about 2 hours. There are a few hills that you will have to walk up but nothing crazy. Hiking boots are always recommended though, especially if you decide to climb some of the rocks.

Swimming is allowed year-round at the lake, but of course, gets very cold in the winter. Paddleboats, motorized boats, paddleboards, kayaks, and canoes are available to rent from Hotel Eibsee.

If you are a guest at the hotel some of these items can be rented free of charge. Keep in mind the shoreline is very rocky, bring water shoes if you can as some of the rocks can be sharp.

Capture the gorgeous views or spend the day on the water, there is so much to do at Lake Eibsee. No matter when you visit, it will definitely be a great addition to your Germany bucket list!

20. Linderhof Castle

Recommended by Diana from The Globetrotting Detective

Linderhof Castle situated in the German state of Bavaria is the most charming small-sized castle in Germany. It’s an easy day trip from Munich, the capital of Bavaria, as it’s only 95 km (59 miles) from Munich. You can easily get to Linderhof Castle  either by car or public transport.

Linderhof Castle is one of the grandiose and majestic royal palaces of Ludwig II, the ‘Mad King’ of Bavaria, which was built in the 19th century. The ‘Mad King’ of Bavaria is the same king who also dreamed and got the Neuschwanstein Castle built. The king’s desire was to create places that reflect his own fantasy world where he could escape from reality.

As for the Linderhof Palace, King Ludwig II’s dream was to realize a palace in Linderhof similar to his favorite palace, the Palace of Versailles in France. His dream could not be fulfilled due to financial restrictions.

Nevertheless, the palace coming to life is still one of the dreamiest castles on earth. Both the exteriors and interiors of his fairytale palace are opulent and splendid. The ostentatiously costly and luxurious interiors are indeed breathtaking.

When walking around the glamorous and glitzy halls of the Linderhof Palace, you will feel like a princess, as if you were under some kind of magic spell. Especially, when you are in the dazzling and shining Hall of Mirrors. The mirror effect of this room is exceptional, as you can witness an endless reflection of mirrors. It’s pure magic!

But the magic is not over. The prime attraction inside the castle is the Venus Grotto. Here, you can find the Mad King’s shell-shaped gilt boat with Amor, the god of love, on the top of it. The boat is resting now in a small lake surrounded by a waterfall and a dreamlike fresco in an artificial dripstone cave inside the castle.

Not only is this postcard-perfect castle awe-inspiring but everything around it. The palace is surrounded by meticulously maintained parks, tranquil little lakes, green forests, and dramatic mountains. Linderhof Palace is surely a place that needs to feature on everyone’s Germany bucket list!

Last but not least, the key highlight outside is the spectacular waterworks just in front of Linderhof Palace, which perfectly complements the beauty of the castle. The ‘Mad King’ of Bavaria was definitely was top-notch in bringing magical and dreamlike places to life that visitors from all around the world cherish today.

Recommended by Steph from A Nomads Passport

Munich is located in Southern Germany and it’s the Bavarian capital. Thanks to the city’s rich history and location, it is one of the best places to visit in Germany. There is a seemingly endless amount of things to do in and around the city regardless of the time of the year.

In spring or summer, you can visit festivals and in fall all October festivals including the Octoberfest on the Theresienwiese take place. Moreover, as winter takes hold of the city, more and more Christmas markets pop up around the city and ring in the holiday season.

Some of the best things to do in Munich are exploring the vast English Garden in the city center and taking the elevator up the tower of the New City Hall from where you will have an incredible view over the city and the Alps in the distance.

Stroll over the Viktualien market with its permanent food booths and enjoy a Bavarian wheat beer in one of the famous beer halls.

If it rains, you are bound to find a museum to explore. Some of the best ones are the toy museum in the Old City Hall building, the German Museum, and the BMW World.

Some of the best events in Munich have no set yearly schedule, so always check out the small advertisements when you are in subway stations. If you keep your eyes open, you are bound to find out about great local events and festivals that are happening while you are in the city.

Due to the vast array of things to do in and around Munich, there is no maximum amount of time you can spend in the city without finding new things to do. The bare minimum you should spend in Munich is 3 days. Therefore, it is perfect for an extended weekend.

22. Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Recommended by Sharon from Exploring Our World

Step back into the world of Medieval Germany with a visit to delightful Rothenburg ob der Tauber. If you love visiting fairytale towns, you definitely need to put it on your Germany bucket list!

This small town in Bavaria boasts an old town with half-timbered buildings and a maze of cobblestone lanes. Stone towers decorate the skyline and you can imagine people gathering centuries ago in the market square and conversing with friends over steins of beer.

The stone wall around old Rothenburg miraculously survived the World War II bombing, so it’s the original and authentic wall built-in 1142. Enter and climb up through one of the six gates. You can walk a section of the wall or go all the way around the town, which is about 4 km (2.5 miles).

As you make your way, you look down at the red roofs of the buildings that lie along the Tauber River. You’ll see why the town’s name fits, as it means “Red Castle Above the Tauber.” The jumble of wooden gables and steeples makes for fascinating views anywhere along the wall.

One of the best things to do in Rothenburg ob der Tauber is just wandering around the town and enjoying the colorful stores and restaurants. Take an hour to tour the Medieval Crime Museum, which features means of torture and punishment through the centuries.

Rothenburg is famous for its quaint shops that offer gifts of food and wine and specialty items. Most well-known is the festive Christmas shop open year-round and the teddy bear shop also makes a fun stop.

While German food and beer is easy to find, also be sure to sample Rothenburg’s featured pastry, the Schneeball. This is deep-fried dough shaped like a snowball and covered with powdered sugar or chocolate. Your warm memories of the colorful world of Rothenburg will stay with you for a long time.

23. Schwabach

Recommended by Martina from PlacesofJuma

A real insider tip among the most beautiful places in Germany is the lovely Schwabach in Bavaria. The small town of about 40,000 inhabitants is famous above all for the production of gold leaf, which is sold worldwide and is also omnipresent in many buildings in the old town.

Five companies still master the traditional craft of gold beaters, and even famous landmarks such as Buckingham Palace in London, Orthodox churches in Ukraine, palace domes in the Emirates, the Sultan’s Palace in Brunei, and many other attractions worth seeing around the world have already been decorated with Schwabach gold leaf.

Of course, the historic old town of Schwabach is also decorated with gold: the town hall with its golden roof, for example, is one of the most important sights of this town. But you can also marvel at the famous Schwabach gold leaf in the Golden Hall, which is decorated with 14,000 sheets of Schwabach gold leaf, and on the high altar of the town church.

It is also interesting to visit the city museum, where you can find fascinating exhibitions on various topics. For example, this museum presents Europe’s largest egg exhibition with over 10,000 specimens. Another part of the city museum is dedicated to model trains, another part to the history of the city and the gold-beating trade.

Schwabach’s cozy market square invites visitors to linger, with many stores and good coffee houses in the beautifully restored half-timbered houses. The 300-year-old fountain in the center of the square also contributes to the pretty townscape.

24. Nuremberg

Recommended by Rose from Where Goes Rose

Without a doubt one of the prettiest places in Germany is Nuremberg. Located in Bavaria, a region of Germany known for being historical and traditional, its timber-framed houses, churches, and castle are straight out of a fairytale!

There are many  things to do in Nuremberg including browsing for gifts and deli goods at the Handwerkerhof Market and admiring Weinstadel, a beautiful period building once used as a wine cellar and overlooking the river.

You can also browse Market Square, visit Lorenzkirche (the main church) dating back to 1250 and visit Schöner Brunnen translating as ‘beautiful fountain’. Legend has it that your wishes will come true if you turn the golden ring on the fountain three times.

A somber yet important thing to do in Nuremberg is to visit the Documentation Center, used as the Nazi party rally grounds. This is an important place to learn about the events which shaped the last century.

Nearby, you can take a more enjoyable excursion: hiring a pedal boat and exploring Großer Dutzendteich, a large boating lake surrounded by nature.

An optimum amount of time to spend in Nuremberg is 2-3 days. On summer evenings, sit in Tiergartnertor Platz and enjoy a classic Hugo cocktail made from prosecco and elderflower cordial.

25. Pottenstein

Recommended by Elliot from TheTravelKind

Nestled in the heart of the Fränkische Schweiz in Southern Germany, at the meeting point of three stunning valleys is the charming village of Pottenstein.

It is easily reached by car, and there are bus connections from Pegnitz, Bayreuth, and Forchheim. It is a popular spot for weekends trips, and often longer stays for those who truly want to immerse themselves in the surrounding nature.

The town is engulfed by iconic limestone stacks. The unique geology has attracted sport climbers since the introduction of redpoint climbing by Kurt Albert and Wolfgang Güllich, but also appeals to many hikers.

A multitude of gentle to moderate walking trails starting from Pottenstein meander through the dense forest, including an easy route that follows the Püttlach stream through Bärenschlucht, to Tüchersfeld, and back again.

For those seeking something a little less strenuous, a visit to the Teufelshöhle is another way to access the fascinating geology. The 1,500 m (5,000 ft) long cave is the largest in the Fränkische and can be explored by guided tours.

Lastly, the Fränkische is renowned for its surplus of breweries. Next to the Säger Abenteuer Minigolf is one such local brewery; Sägerbräu (the season starts 1st April). Minigolf is always better with a Seidla after all!

26. Meissen

Recommended by Kami from Kami and the Rest of the World

Meissen , the picturesque town located in the Saxony region, is a perfect day trip from Dresden. To get here you can take the train, bus or go for a boat cruise on the Elbe river.

The town is known for its world-famous porcelain (that’s where the first porcelain manufactory in Europe was) but there are so many more Meissen attractions. Be sure to visit Albrechtsburg – the impressive castle with one of the oldest German cathedrals attached to it.

Meissen castle looks fine from the outside but the interiors are truly jaw-dropping. Visiting Albrechtsburg feels like traveling back in time into the Middle Ages. The lower part of Meissen is where the Old Town can be found. It’s charming with winding lanes, cobbled streets, numerous cafes and small shops, colorful houses, and red rooftops.

Since the town is located on a hill there are plenty of viewpoints – some of the best are from the terraces of the restaurants near the castle. You can try here delicious local food and enjoy lovely views of Meissen.

When discovering Meissen start with the visit to Albrechtsburg and continue to the lower part of the town – this way you will avoid climbing steep stairs and lanes (you can get to the castle level by elevator).

27. Dresden

Recommended by Milos from Happy Frog Travels

Dresden is a paradise for architecture lovers so for them it is definitely one of the top cities to visit in Germany. There is no other place in the whole country with such a rich architectural heritage. Great examples of Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, Neoclassical, Modernist, and Postmodernist styles are all over the place.

Cool, modern and contemporary architecture complete the feast. Dresden was an important city in the past, and all these historical layers are remnants of those times.

Dresden was the capital of the Saxon Kingdom for almost 400 years. Most of the sites from that period are in the city center. The Dresden Castle was the seat of the royal family. The Zwinger Palace, however, was the royal orangery and garden, part of the new castle that was never built.

Two magnificent baroque churches are nearby: the Dresden Cathedral and Frauenkirche. Finally, Dresden hosts one of the world’s most renowned opera houses, the Semperoper.

Dresden is much more than the historical center. Indeed, the unique modern architecture is on both sides of the River Elbe. The best architecture from socialist times is south of the center, with Prager Street as its centerpiece.

Three contemporary buildings stand out. Yenidze is an oriental-inspired former cigarette factory. Kunsthof Arcades, on the other hand, is a group of patios with art installations. The Ufa Cinema Palace is a quirky deconstructivist building. There is no way you’ll get bored in Dresden!

28. Saxon Switzerland National Park

Recommended by Alina from World of Lina

A bit less than an hour from Dresden is the Bastei Bridge – the ultimate highlight of the Saxon Switzerland National Park.

Bastei Bridge is a sandstone bridge spanning over a group of almost 200 meters (650 ft) tall rock needles. It was built in 1851 with the single purpose to let tourists admire the landscape of the National Park from different viewpoints. Who would have known back then that the bridge itself will be the main tourist attraction of the park one day!

Besides this breathtaking bridge, there are even more places in Saxon Switzerland waiting to be explored. Nearby, for example, is the open-air museum Neurathen Castle. Once one of the largest rock castles in the region, only very few parts of the rooms, passages, and cisterns are left nowadays.

Another remarkable attraction near the bridge is an area called Schwedenlöcher (Swedish Holes). This gorge-like valley is the perfect place for everyone who loves to hike in unspoiled, lush nature.

If you want to see even more of the national park, visit the famous rock arch named “Kuhstall”. It’s a 30-minute drive from the Bastei Bridge and is located in another beautiful hiking area.

There you also find a very unusual attraction called “Himmelsleiter” (heaven’s ladder). The name’s not really fitting tho because it’s a very narrow ladder between rocks leading on top of the rock arch. It’s a very scary climb but the view from the top is just stunning.

Planning a trip to Germany?

Then you might want to take a look at all our other travel guides about Germany. I promise, they are just as awesome as this article was!

• 22 Best Things to Do in Berchtesgaden, Germany
• 3 Day Berchtesgaden Itinerary: A Long Weekend in Berchtesgaden, Germany
• Lake Königssee, Germany: Best Things to Do + Tips for Visiting
• The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Neuschwanstein Castle
• How to Find the Best Neuschwanstein Castle Viewpoints

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4 thoughts on “Germany Bucket List: 28 Best Places to Visit in Germany”

What an amazing list. There’s so much I want to see and do in Germany, thank you for the inspiration!

Yes you are so right, there are so many beautiful places in Germany! Can’t wait to go back next year.

Beautiful post! Rothenburg looks like a dream. I can’t wait to travel to Europe again and add some of these spots to my bucket list!

Thank you so much Summer! I totally feel the same way!

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20 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Germany

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated May 26, 2022

History, culture, and natural beauty perhaps best describe the essence of vacationing in Germany. With its many historic cities and quaint small towns, along with an abundance of forests and mountains, visitors are spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing unique places to visit in this beautiful part of Europe.

Those wanting to sightsee or experience the arts should head to the larger metropolitan areas such as Munich, Frankfurt, or Hamburg. For those looking for recreational activities, consider a visit to places such as the majestic Bavarian Alps, the Black Forest, or the Rhine Valley.

Lovely old cathedrals and grand palaces are everywhere. And in the smaller towns and villages, some boasting still-intact original medieval Old Towns (Altstadt), many centuries-old traditions are still practiced, including traditional Christmas markets, festivals, and fairs.

At the cultural heart of Germany is the capital, Berlin. Home to many fine museums and galleries, this vibrant city makes for a great base from which to explore the many other delights the country has to offer. And for nature lovers, there's a whole world of possibilities in Germany's great outdoors.

For ideas and recommendations to help plan your travels, be sure to read our list of the top tourist attractions in Germany.

1. Berlin's Brandenburg Gate

2. cologne cathedral (kölner dom), 3. the black forest, baden-württemberg, 4. the ultimate fairy-tale castle: schloss neuschwanstein, bavaria, 5. miniatur wunderland and the historic port of hamburg, 6. the rhine valley, 7. berlin's museum island, 8. munich's marienplatz, 9. bamberg and the bürgerstadt, bavaria, 10. zugspitze massif, bavaria, 11. the island of rügen, mecklenburg—western pomerania, 12. königssee (king's lake), bavaria, 13. rothenburg ob der tauber, bavaria, 14. sanssouci park and palace, potsdam, 15. insel mainau: the flower island of lake constance, 16. the berlin wall, 17. reichstag building, berlin, 18. the old town (altstadt) in nuremberg, 19. dresden frauenkirche, 20. frankfurt's main tower.

Modeled on the Acropolis in Athens and built for King Frederick William II in 1791, the monumental sandstone Brandenburg Gate in Berlin's Mitte district was the city's first Neoclassical structure. It measures an impressive 26 meters in height, which includes the Quadriga , the spectacular four-horse chariot carrying the goddess of victory perched atop this spectacular building.

Its six huge columns on each side of the structure form five impressive passages: four were used by regular traffic, while the center was reserved for the royal carriages. Huge Doric columns also decorate the two buildings at each side of the Gate, once used by toll-collectors and guards.

Undoubtedly Berlin's most iconic structure, it's hard to believe that the majestic structure you see today was severely damaged during WWII. It was also once part of the infamous Berlin Wall and, for a few decades, was symbolic of the division of Berlin into East and West.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Berlin

The towering Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom), the Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Mary, is located on the banks of the Rhine and is undoubtedly Cologne's most impressive landmark. This masterpiece of High Gothic architecture is one of the largest cathedrals in Europe. Construction on this most ambitious building project of the Middle Ages started in 1248 and reportedly took over 600 years to complete.

As imposing as its façade, the cathedral's magnificent interior covers an area of 6,166 square meters and boasts 56 huge pillars. Above the high altar is the Reliquary of the Three Kings, a 12th-century work of art in gold that was designed by Nicholas of Verdun to house the relics of the Three Kings brought here from Milan.

Other highlights include the panoramic views from the South Towers , the 12th- and 13th-century stained glass in the Three Kings Chapel , and the Treasury with its many precious objects, all of which survived largely intact after WWII. For some of the best vistas over the city and river, climb the 533 steps to the viewing platform in the South Tower. A small entrance fee is required.

• Read More: Top-Rated Things to Do in Cologne

The beautiful Black Forest with its dark, densely-wooded hills is one of the most visited upland regions in all of Europe. Situated in the southwestern corner of Germany and extending 160 kilometers from Pforzheim in the north to Waldshut on the High Rhine in the south, it's a hiker's heaven.

On the west side, the Black Forest descends steeply to the Rhine, crossed by lush valleys, while on the east, it slopes more gently down to the upper Neckar and Danube valleys. Popular spots include Germany's oldest ski area at Todtnau, the magnificent spa facilities of Baden-Baden , and the attractive resort of Bad Liebenzell.

Other highlights include the spectacular Black Forest Railway . It's centered on Triberg with its famous falls, and Triberg itself, home to the Black Forest Open Air Museum .

The best way to catch them all? Grab a map of the Black Forest Panoramic Route, a 70-kilometer driving tour that takes in the very best views over the region, along with its top historic attractions, including stunning castles and numerous medieval towns and villages.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions & Places to Visit in the Black Forest

The quaint old town of Füssen , situated between the Ammergau and Allgäu Alps and a popular alpine resort and winter sports center, is a good base from which to explore nearby Neuschwanstein Castle. This spectacular old fortress is widely recognized as one of Europe's most famous and picturesque royal castles.

King Ludwig II of Bavaria built this many-towered and battlement-covered fantasy fortress, famous as the inspiration for Walt Disney's iconic theme park castles, from 1869-86. A variety of tour options are offered, including guided tours of the sumptuous interior taking in the Throne Room, the Singers' Hall – and some of the country's most spectacular views.

Official site: www.neuschwanstein.de/englisch/tourist/index.htm

In the heart of the historic Port of Hamburg, the magnificent Miniatur Wunderland , the world's largest model railway, is an attraction that appeals equally to young and old alike. Boasting more than 9.5 miles of model railway track, this massive scale model includes sections dedicated to the USA, England, Scandinavia, as well as Hamburg. It also incorporates around 1,300 trains, more than 50,000 microscopic lights, and in excess of 400,000 human figures.

It's not unheard of for guests to spend many hours exploring this fascinating world, with its remarkably detailed miniature airports, complete with planes that actually take off, as well as crowded cities, quaint rural scenes, and bustling harbors. For a memorable experience, book one of the behind-the-scenes tours, an especially fun thing to do at night.

Speaking of harbors, be sure to explore the vast Port of Hamburg while you're here. Covering 100 square kilometers, this huge tidal harbor is home to one of the world's largest cruise ship terminals, and is known as the Gateway to Germany. To make the most of your visit, note that the harbor is best explored by tour boat.

Afterwards, visit the harborside promenade , a lovely pedestrian route, and the Warehouse District . This historic district is famous for its continuous lines of tall brick-built warehouses.

• Read More: Top Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Hamburg & Easy Day Trips

The Rhine is not only Europe's most important waterway, it's also the most beautiful. With a total length of 1,320 kilometers, this magnificent river stretches from Switzerland through Germany all the way to The Netherlands.

While there are many places in Germany to enjoy this majestic river, the lovely Upper Middle Rhine Valley section, designated a UNESCO World heritage Site, is probably the most popular spot for tourists to visit. Here, this often dramatic 65-kilometer stretch of river boasts more than 40 castles and some 60 picturesque medieval towns all just waiting to be explored either by river cruise or by car.

Looking for a great place to begin your Rhine Valley adventure? The historic town of Bingen , where the river cuts through a deep gorge before entering the Bacharach valley, is a good place to start.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in the Rhine Valley

Berlin's world-famous Museumsinsel, or Museum Island, lies between the River Spree and the Kupfergraben, a 400-meter-long canal off the river. This excellent attraction includes many of the city's oldest and most important museums.

The heart of this pedestrian-friendly district is the Old Museum . Constructed in 1830, it was designed specifically to exhibit the royal treasures. Soon after, the land behind the museum was set aside for art and the "knowledge of antiquity."

Between 1843-55 the New Museum took shape, and the National Gallery was added in 1876, along with the Bode Museum , built in 1904 and home to collections of antiquities. Another highlight of a walking tour of these spectacular points of interest is the Pergamon with its recreated historic buildings from the Middle East.

But be warned: there's so much to see among these amazing museums that you can't possibly cram it all into a single day.

Germany's third biggest city, Munich (or München in German) has plenty to offer the adventurous traveller. The capital city of the state of Bavaria can trace its roots all the way back to the 12th century when a monastery was established here, and quickly grew into the region's most important place of trade and commerce.

Central to this rise was Marienplatz , the large square where traders from across Bavaria would meet to conduct business, and where locals would congregate to shop and watch medieval jousting tournaments. These days, this vast square still draws crowds of people, but for different reasons: they're here for sightseeing or possibly to enjoy a visit to one of square's trendy cafés and restaurants, or to shop in its unique boutique stores.

The points of interest for tourists are plentiful. Here, you'll find both the "new" and "old" town halls, the Neues Rathaus and Altes Rathaus, where much of the city's history was written. Both are attractive and worth a visit. Other landmarks include the tall monument to the Virgin Mary, the Mariensäule built in 1638, as well as the elegant Fischbrunnen , a 19th-century fountain with its bronze figures.

For a truly memorable experience, why not consider a visit in winter? If so, you'll be rewarded with the chance see the Marienplatz come alive with a spectacular display of lights and ornaments during the annual Christmas Market . Other winter festivals are held here, too, including the ancient, month-long Fasching carnival. Held each January to February locals and visitors alike partake in fun dances and events that have been held here for centuries.

Visit Marienplatz at any time of year and you'll still have fun. From March through to October you can witness the Neues Rathaus' famous glockenspiel perform its merry dance, its mechanical figures thrilling viewers thrice daily in a performance that has been enjoyed since 1908.

Location: Marienplatz, 80331 München, Germany

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Munich

Located in the valley of the Regnitz, where the river divides into two arms, sits Bamberg. This old imperial city is the most important town in Upper Franconia, and is one of the best preserved of Germany's many charming old towns. It's also one of the best to explore on foot.

Your walking tour should begin in its old episcopal quarter, home to the 13th-century cathedral and the old Benedictine abbey of Michaelsberg . It's between the two river branches that you'll find spectacular Bürgerstadt , a small borough of Bamberg that contains the Grüner Markt , an excellent pedestrian zone which is home to the 17th-century Baroque church of St. Martin .

To the north is the New Town Hall , or Neues Rathaus, built in 1736. But perhaps the town's most important structure is the Old Town Hall , built on top of the Obere Brücke (Upper Bridge).

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Bamberg

Part of the Wetterstein mountain range, the Zugspitze massif straddles the frontier between Germany and Austria and is surrounded by steep valleys. The eastern summit, at 2,962 meters, is crowned by a gilded cross and can be reached by the Bayerische Zugspitzbahn , a cog railway, or by cable car.

Another great way to enjoy this area of outstanding natural beauty is aboard the Tiroler Zugspitzbahn , a railway that runs to the Zugspitzkamm station at 2,805 meters. From here, the journey can be continued via a cable car to Zugspitz-Westgipfel Station at 2,950 meters. Be sure to sample a meal at the excellent panoramic restaurant located here.

A highlight of the journey is the chance to walk through an 800-meter-long tunnel, complete with viewing windows, to the Schneefernerhaus station at the top of the Bavarian cog railroad. From here, you can ascend the eastern summit with its viewing platforms. And thanks to the many ski resorts located nearby, Zugspitze is a wonderful German destination to visit in winter.

Rügen is the largest and most beautiful of the German Baltic islands. Separated from the rest of Germany by the Strelasund, it's linked to the mainland town of Stralsund by a causeway. The island's beauty stems from its diversity of landscape, including everything from flat farmland and forest-covered hills to expansive sandy beaches, lagoons, and lovely peninsulas.

A fun thing to do here, especially for outdoor enthusiasts, is to pay a visit to the Jasmund Peninsula , which in places reaches heights of 161 meters. Here, you'll find Jasmund National Park, popular among nature lovers for its abundance of wildlife, with notable species found here, including rare white-tailed eagles.

Another draw are the island's beautiful Stubnitz beech forests, part of Königsstuhl National Park. One of the most dramatic parts of the island's scenery can be enjoyed where these dense old forests come to a dramatic end on the Königsstuhl (King's Chair), a sheer chalk cliff plunges down to the sea from a height of 117 meters.

There's also a great visitor center here, which offers plenty of valuable information regarding all aspects of the island. Another must see is the little old resort town of Putbus , seat of the Princes of Putbus and with numerous Neoclassical buildings and parks.

The lovely Bavarian lake of Königssee is one of the great beauty spots of the region of Germany referred to as Berchtesgadener Land. Also known as the King's Lake, this area near Salzburg is a hiking and biking paradise thanks to its vast network of trails.

One of the most popular things to do is follow the attractive footpath located along the east side of the Königssee to the Malerwinkel. Also known as Painters' Corner, it's notable for its superb views over the lake and the surrounding mountains.

Another equally attractive sightseeing option is taking a boat trip to the 17th-century Pilgrimage Chapel of St. Bartholomew , at the south end of the lake, and to walk from here to the Obersee. Berchtesgaden , at the end of the Deutsche Alpenstrasse, is perhaps the best-known tourist town and one of the most popular mountain resorts in the Bavarian Alps.

Also of note here is Berchtesgaden National Park. This place of outstanding natural beauty has, since 1990, been designated a UNESCO Word Heritage Site.

The old Franconian imperial city of Rothenburg is one of the most attractive places to visit on Germany's famous Romantic Road tourist route. Located on the steep banks of the picturesque River Tauber, it's notable for its walls and towers, untouched since the Thirty Years War of 1618.

This completely preserved, picture-perfect medieval town offers endless charm. One of the most popular things to do in Rothenburg ob der Tauber is to join a walking tour. For those who prefer to be their own guide, get started by picking up a map from one of the tourism offices located in the town.

There are no end of opportunities to explore, with individual buildings of note including the imposing 13th-century Town Hall (Rathaus) and the wonderful Ratstrinkstube , or Council Tavern, built in 1466 with its interesting clock. Also worth seeing is St.-Georgs-Brunnen fountain , built in 1608 near the end of Herrngasse; St. James's Church , with its fine high altar dating from 1466; and the Imperial City Museum .

Simply walking the old streets past these beautiful buildings is a timeless experience, especially if it involves the Plönlein , one of the town's most picturesque spots. And after all that adventure, end your visit at one of the many fine restaurants dotted around the town.

If traveling in winter, be sure to include a stop here for the traditional Christmas Market, which draws crowds from across the country and even further afield.

Spectacular Sanssouci Park, laid out between 1744 and 1756, is considered the most celebrated example of Potsdam Rococo. Reflecting the personal influence of Frederick the Great, the park includes a lovely Baroque flower garden, more than 3,000 fruit trees, and numerous greenhouses. It's a pleasure strolling around this huge park, especially the straight-as-an-arrow, two-and-a-half-kilometer-long avenue, shielded on each side by trimmed hedges, perfect lawns, and gorgeous gardens.

A number of park buildings are worth exploring, too, in particular the Picture Gallery with its many works of art. Other must-sees here include the exquisite Chinese House , an extremely elaborate garden pavilion, and the wonderful Roman Baths complex.

Sanssouci Palace itself, a single-story Rococo building with an elliptical dome in the center and a circular room at each end, is notable for its spectacular interior decor. This is especially evident in its large oval Marble Hall and sumptuous apartments.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Potsdam

Insel Mainau, the spectacular Flower Island on beautiful Lake Constance, covers an area of 110 acres and attracts many visitors to its beautiful parks and gardens, luxuriant with semitropical and tropical vegetation.

Access to the island is by boat, or via a pedestrian bridge connecting it to the mainland, so be sure to allow a little extra travel time in addition to the two or more hours needed to properly explore this stunning property. Ample public parking is available on the mainland, some with electric vehicle charging stations.

Another highlight is the 18th-century Schloss, notable for its lovely White Hall, the old defensive tower, and the gatehouse.

Official site: www.mainau.de/en/welcome.html

While not exactly the most picturesque of places, what's left of the Berlin Wall is one of those attractions that any visitor to Berlin simply must see. Built in 1961, the wall was the most visible manifestation of the Cold War mentality that existed after WWII, and by the time it was torn down in 1990, it extended some 155 kilometers.

Thankfully, all that remains of the wall today are small graffiti-covered sections, stark reminders of the more than 70 people who died trying to escape from the East. Sections of preserved wall include a short stretch at infamous Checkpoint Charlie , as well as a section at Humboldthafen opposite the Reichstag Building on which the victims of the wall are listed.

Also of note is the excellent Berlin Wall Exhibition , with its permanent exhibits relating to the Berlin Wall, and the Berlin Wall Memorial .

The seat of Germany's government, the Reichstag (Reichstagsgebäude) is once again one of Berlin's most-visited attractions. Constructed in 1894 in Neo-Renaissance style, it infamously burned down in 1933 and remained in ruins until after German reunification, when it was rebuilt in its former glory.

One change that was made was to the building's massive Kuppel, its central dome. Instead of a traditional wood or metal dome, a decision was made to use glass, transforming the space into a major tourist attraction in the process.

From here, visitors can enjoy great city views, which are even more dramatic at night. If planning to enjoy the view in the evening, try to catch a spectacular sunset from the on-site Rooftop Restaurant. The Reichstag also makes for a stunning backdrop for summer concerts and light shows. English language guided tours are also available.

Address: Platz der Republik 1, 11011, Berlin, Germany

Official site: www.bundestag.de/en/visittheBundestag

The historic city of Nuremberg (Nürnberg) has long held a reputation as one of Germany's most important, and oldest, cultural, spiritual, and commercial centers. If visiting, you'll want to spend the bulk of your time exploring the city's "Altstadt," or Old Town area.

Although largely destroyed during WWII, the medieval structures were painstakingly rebuilt and look today much as they would when originally constructed. Ringed by five kilometers of city walls, the Altstadt is wonderful to explore on foot, especially if you're able to take the time and let your curiosity lead you.

Highlights include Nuremberg Castle, an imposing medieval stronghold built in the 11th century, which dominates the Old Town. Most impressive are its old towers, the oldest of which, the Pentagonal Tower, was constructed in 1040, and the 13th-century royal quarters.

Other notable features of the Old Town you'll come across include the Hauptmarkt, a centuries-old market square popular for its exquisite old fountain. Also located here are the original town hall, built in the early 1600s, and numerous old merchants' homes.

The city of Dresden is home to another remarkable story of reconstruction after the destruction of WWII. Here, in the old city center, you'll find the elegant Frauenkirche, a magnificent church that was, when built in 1743, considered one of the best examples of Baroque architecture in all of Europe.

Looking at it today, it's hard to believe that the church was completely destroyed during the war. But thanks to the hard work and diligence of local city folk, what remained was carefully catalogued and stored until reconstruction began after German reunification.

The fully restored interior is equally impressive, with a particular highlight being the rebuilt high alter, which looks today exactly as it did when the church was originally built. Be sure to also take the opportunity to visit the church dome for its superb city views. Check the attraction's website for details of upcoming concerts and events, as well as for its regular service schedule (visitors are always welcome).

Address: Georg-Treu-Platz 3, 01067 Dresden, Germany

Official site: www.frauenkirche-dresden.de/home

While Germany is especially well-known for its many magnificent historic structures, the country is also making a name for itself in the world of modern-day architecture. One of the best examples can be found in Frankfurt, a former Imperial City that's fast becoming one of the most important financial centers in Europe.

Now known as "Mainhatten," a nod to both its river setting and the many skyscrapers that now grace its skyline, the city's business district feels distinctly North American. By far the most impressive structure, though, is the architecturally pleasing Main Tower. Standing 240 meters tall and with no less than 56 stories, the tower's observation platforms offer unparalleled views over the city and the Main River.

And if a fear of heights isn't a problem, book a table for an evening meal at the Main Tower Restaurant and Lounge for a spectacular sunset view (reservations recommended). Be sure to check out the boutique shops and artworks on the ground level floors of the tower, too.

Address: Neue Mainzer Str. 52-58, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Official site: www.maintower.de/en/

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Discover the World

17 Best Places to Visit in Germany

By Becky Griswold · Last updated on May 4, 2024

Located in the heart of Europe, Germany today maintains the continent’s most powerful economy. However it is probably best known for its World War II history and the country’s even more recent times when it was split into East and West; everybody knows about the Berlin Wall, which came down less than 30 years ago. There’s a load of culture, natural beauty, and much older history to discover in this large European nation.

You’ll find much of this in Bavaria, southern Germany , where you can soak up the Bavarian Alps, explore some truly charming medieval towns, and get involved in the infamous Oktoberfest. In the north, you can explore beaches and old port towns from the Hanseatic period .

Map of Germany

Berlin wows with its famous clubs and huge museums, as does Frankfurt with its skyscraper-laden cityscape. Plan your trip to this fantastic European travel destination with our list of the best places to visit in Germany.

17. Regensburg

Lying at the spot where the Danube, Naab and Regen rivers meet, Regensburg in Bavaria is one of the oldest towns in the whole of Germany and a very popular tourist destination. Founded by the Romans in 179 AD, it boasts almost two thousand years of history, with its remarkably well-preserved medieval old town the star of the show.

Here you’ll find loads of fine architecture and important historical landmarks, with countless churches, chapels and monasteries dotted about its ancient streets. Of its many tourist attractions, the gorgeous Gothic cathedral and impressive 12th century Stone Bridge should not be missed out on; they represent the best of the area’s art, architecture and engineering.

Renowned for its historical and architectural treasures, Regensburg also has a laidback, youthful feel, as well as a lively cafe and bar culture. It is this easy-going atmosphere that has regularly seen it referred to as the ‘northernmost city of Italy.’

16. Hamburg

Located on the banks of the Elbe River , just a hundred kilometers from the North Sea, Hamburg has long been one of Europe’s busiest and most important ports. Once part of the Hanseatic League , it is now Germany’s second-largest city and is noted for its maritime identity and pulsating nightlife.

Much of life in the city and its history, culture, and heritage is linked to the canals and waterways that weave through town. Next to the harbor, for instance, you can find the strikingly modern Elbphilarmonie concert hall and old brick warehouses . One of the city’s main landmarks is its beautiful Neo-Renaissance Rathaus.

Hamburg is also famed for its seedy red-light district, where you can find live music venues, cool cocktail bars, and trendy clubs. It is actually here on the Reeperbahn that The Beatles got their big break and forever changed the world of music.

15. Rugen Island

Favored for its remarkable landscapes and romantic seaside resorts, Rugen Island has flourished as a popular tourist destination since the 18th century. Located in the Baltic Sea as part of the state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Rugen Island is the largest island in Germany, connected to the mainland by the Rugen Bridge and Rugen Causeway.

Charming villas, historic old towns and beautiful beaches all draw tourists to Rugen Island, but the star attraction is the Jasmund National Park , famous for its unique chalk cliffs rising 161 meters over the sea. Of these majestic cliffs, the largest is known as Konigsstuhl, or King’s Chair. Legend has it that in ancient times, a newly crowned king would climb to the top of this cliff and sit in a chair to demonstrate his power.

Another notable feature of Rugen Island is Cape Arkona , East Germany’s northernmost tip, where tourists can visit an old lighthouse, remnants of a Slavic castle and a picturesque fishing village.

Among the island’s many seaside resorts, a few most popular include Binz, Sellin, Gohren and Sassnitz. Tourists will find a wide variety of recreation here ranging from golf to horse riding, cycling, windsurfing and hot air balloon trips.

Rugen Island can be reached by car across Germany’s longest bridge, by train and ferry service. Within the island, buses run between all major towns. Many of the main attractions are car-free, so walking and cycling are good alternatives. A great way to explore Rugen Island is by its steam-powered train, called Racing Roland.

14. Lake Constance

The third-largest lake in Central Europe, Lake Constance is nestled in the foothills of the Alps straddling the German, Austrian and Swiss borders. It is made up of three main parts, with the Obersee – or ‘Upper Lake’ – connected to the Untersee (Lower Lake) by Seerhein – a small section of the Rhine River.

Long a popular place to go, Lake Constance is blessed with crystal clear waters and a mild and sunny climate, as well as lots of gorgeous scenery. This makes it ideal for swimming, sunbathing and sailing. Cycling along its serene shores and hiking in the surrounding vineyards and orchards are popular pastimes.

Besides the ample recreational activities, the lake is also noted for the picturesque towns and villages hugging its shores. On the German side, visitors can delight in exploring the lively and historic university city of Konstanz and the idyllic island town of Lindau .

On the Swiss side, phenomenal views of the lake can be enjoyed from atop the 2,500 meter high Santis Mountain. Bregenz, in Austria , is famed for its floating stage that hosts concerts and operas in the summer.

13. Bamberg

Widely considered one of Bavaria and Germany’s most attractive towns , Bamberg is built over seven hills, with various canals and the Regnitz river running through it. It was once the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Bamberg, and, for a brief period, the center of the Holy Roman Empire , so wealth poured into its streets, with architectural marvels erected around town.

As such, history and heritage can be found wherever you go. The narrow medieval streets of Altstadt are particularly enthralling to explore. Here you’ll find an impressive Romanesque cathedral and centuries-old Rathaus. The twin spires of Michaelsberg Abbey and the turrets of Altenburg Castle can be spied nearby.

Nowadays, Bamberg is a very pretty and pleasant place to visit and is home to an abundance of pavement cafes, bars and restaurants. Many of these serve its famous smoked beer, which can also be sampled in the numerous breweries scattered around town.

12. Cologne

It may have been nearly destroyed from heavy bombing during World War II, but Cologne today is one of the largest cities in Germany and a major European metropolis. Situated on the Rhine River in the German federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia, Cologne offers several interesting tourist attractions , a buzzing nightlife, stylish hotels , and a stellar arts and culture scene.

The city’s informal symbol, the Cologne Cathedral , a stunning Gothic church that claims to contain the gifts of the Magi mentioned in the Bible is must visit. Moreover, the Twelve Romanesque Churches are magnificent examples of medieval architecture.

As a leading culture center in the Rhineland area, Cologne boasts an outstanding collection museums. Two of the most important include the Wallraf-Richartz Musem for its fine medieval art, and the Farina Fragrance Museum, which details the history and production of the city’s famous perfume, Eau de Cologne.

Every year, Cologne hosts one of Europe’s largest Carnival festivals, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors, and filling the streets and pubs with costumed people, music and dancing. However, even outside of festivals, tourists will find no shortage of nightlife choices in this city of many pubs, bars and clubs. Cologne is known for its unique beer, called Kolsch, which is served cold and fresh in every bar in town.

11. Leipzig

The largest city in Germany’s federal state of Saxony, Leipzig is often called the City of Heroes for its leading role in the 1989 democratic revolution and the fall of the Berlin Wall. Leipzig is also known for its vibrant arts and culture scene shaped by famous music composers like Bach, Richard Wagner and Felix Mendelssohn. Tourists today can enjoy performances of Bach’s music at the St. Thomas Church where Bach once served as choir leader and is now buried.

In addition to numerous museums and historic sites like the Old Town Hall, the city boasts several of Germany’s oldest and most impressive structures such as the Napoleonic Monument to the Battle of the Nations and Reichsgericht, the former high court of the Reich.

One of Europe’s largest town squares, the Augustusplatz, is situated at the central campus of the city’s university, which is the second-oldest university in Germany. What’s more, Leipzig is home to Germany’s oldest botanical garden and one of the country’s largest zoos.

Leipzig is host to a number of annual festivals such as the Bach Festival , the world’s largest Goth festival and an international balloon festival. For nightlife, tourists will find a variety of pubs, bars and dance clubs within the city, especially along the street of Karl-Leibknecht-Strasse, nicknamed “Karli.”

10. Nuremberg

Once the unofficial capital of the Holy Roman Empire and home of several German kings, Nuremberg is now the second-largest city in Bavaria and acts as an important economic, cultural and social center.

Due to its wealth and prestige, arts, architecture and culture have long flourished in the city. Marvelous museums, gorgeous Gothic churches, and an impressive imperial castle can be found dotted about its medieval old town. Much of its historic center was rebuilt and restored following the heavy bombing campaigns that destroyed most of Nuremberg in WWII.

Many people now associate the city with the infamous Nuremberg Trials ; however, its rich art and cultural scene, interesting historical sights, and fantastic cuisine and nightlife make it a popular place to visit. It also hosts the largest Christmas Market in Germany, where visitors can buy gingerbread and local handicrafts and sample traditional sweets and gluhwein.

9. Black Forest

Named after the dark, dense woods that cover its valleys, hills, and mountains, the Black Forest is nestled in the southwest corner of Germany. One of the most picturesque and popular places to visit in Germany, it is home to lots of natural sights and charming towns and villages.

Tucked away amidst its confines are gushing rivers, sparkling lakes, and flower-filled meadows, as well as a myriad of lovely hiking trails and cycling paths that take you past stunning scenery. The sunniest and warmest part of the country lends itself perfectly to outdoor activities, with skiing and snowboarding available in the winter months.

The forested mountain range also has its fair share of historic towns. Freiburg – the ‘Jewel of the Black Forest’ – and the spa town of Baden-Baden attract the lion’s share of visitors. In addition, centuries-old abbeys and monasteries can be found here and there, as well as scenic vineyards, fairytale castles , and modern ski resorts.

As one of the largest Baltic seaports in Germany, Lubeck is located in the country’s northern-most state, Schleswig-Holstein. Founded in 1143, Lubeck served for several centuries as the capital seat of the Hanseatic League . Although it was the first German city to be bombed and damaged during World War II, Lubeck still retains much of its medieval architecture, making it a popular tourist destination.

Dominated by seven Gothic churches, the city’s Old Town presents an attractive setting of romantic medieval architecture intertwined with modern day infrastructure. A walk through the old, narrow streets offers views of historic sites like the stunning cathedral, the 12th century Town Hall, the famous Holstentor (the old city gate) and the house of Thomas Mann, the 1929 winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature.

The bustling streets of Huxstrasse and Fleischhauerstrasse are lined with restaurants, art galleries, book stores and souvenir shops. A stroll along the city’s harbor allows tours of old Hanseatic warehouses and old shipping vessels now fashioned into museums.

Lubeck is well known for its production of the confection, marzipan . Local legend says that marzipan originated in Lubeck during a time of famine when almonds and sugar were the only available staples. The city also boasts its own wine specialty called Rotspon, which can be found in every shop of Lubeck.

7. Romantic Rhine

Stretching between the cities of Bingen and Bonn, Germany, the Middle Rhine flows through a dramatic geological formation called the Rhine Gorge. This region features a spectacular landscape dotted with medieval castles , picturesque villages and terraced vineyards.

Tourism flourished here after aristocrat travelers brought much attention to the area during the Romanticism period of the 19th century and the area became known as the Romantic Rhine. The inspiration behind poems, painting, operas and legends, the Romantic Rhine today is a major tourist destination in Germany.

A journey through the Romantic Rhine presents splendid views of medieval castles perched on nearly every hillside. Built between the 12th and 14th centuries, these castles range from ruins to fortresses and majestic palaces. One of the most well-preserved is the Marksburg Castle while other significant ones include Stolzenfels, Pfalzgrafenstein, the Electoral Palace and the Stahleck Castle, which offers overnight accommodation.

Bathed in color and history, the charming villages along the Rhine Gorge provide excellent sightseeing opportunities as well as cafes, shops and hotels. The town of Bacharach is particularly beautiful in its setting of half-timbered buildings, cobblestone streets and terraced vineyards.

The region’s most famous natural attraction is the Lorelei, the deepest and most narrow section of the Rhine Gorge, which features a large, treacherous rock that caused several boating accidents prior to the 19th century. Because of its unique echo, the rock inspired a legend that claims a beautiful siren sat upon the summit, luring sailors to their deaths.

The best way to experience the Romantic Rhine is by a riverboat cruise . However, there are also highways and trains that run along both sides of the river. Additionally, tourists can explore the beautiful region by scenic walking trails and cycling routes .

Before it was severely damaged from World War II bombings, Dresden was known as the Jewel Box because of its lavish collection of stunning art and architecture. After many years, the city has restored much of its former glory. The capital of the federal state of Saxony, Dresden is one of the largest urban districts in Germany, serving as an important center of government and culture.

Dresden offers several interesting landmarks such as the beautiful plaza of Bruehl’s Terrace and the magnificent palace complex known as the Zwinger . The Old Town also contains a number of historic sites like the stunning Frauenkirche cathedral . Impressive art galleries and museums abound in the city, particularly the Green Vault, which houses thousands of exquisite precious gems, jewelry pieces and fine art works.

An important culture center, Dresden boasts many cultural institutions of which the Semper Opera is most widely esteemed. The city plays host to several annual events that include Europe’s largest Jazz festival, the Dixieland Festival.

Amid the bustling city, open green spaces like the Big Garden offer outdoor leisure activities and relaxation while the River Banks presents summer sports, barbecues, concerts and outdoor cinema. Getting around the city center is easy by walking, cycling and bike taxis.

5. Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Renowned for its magnificent medieval old town, its well-preserved architecture, and charming cobbled streets, Rothenburg ob der Tauber is one of the most popular stops along Germany’s Romantic Road. Rothenburg is also famous for the stores that carry Christmas items all year round and for having an outstanding Christmas market each December.

Overlooking the banks of the Tauber River, the Franconian town looks very much as if it has just emerged out of a fairytale. Beautiful old buildings can be found within its ancient walls. Be sure to visit the Town Hall , the seat of city government since medieval times. Climb the steps of the 13th-century hall’s tower for stunning views of the city.

Remarkably, it was actually Rothenburg ob der Tauber’s outstanding beauty that spared much of the town from being destroyed in WWII. The US Secretary of War called off bombing raids to protect and preserve its history and heritage.

Nowadays, however, its picture-perfect nature means that Rothenburg ob der Tauber can get quite crowded. It is well worth staying the night, as when evening falls, most tourists depart, and peace and romance returns to its lovely lamplit streets.

4. Heidelberg

With historic treasures like the medieval Old Bridge, the Heidelberg Castle , the Church of the Holy Spirit and the Knight St. George House, it is no wonder that Heidelberg is a popular tourist attraction . The city center’s main street, Haupstrasse, is packed with pubs, restaurants, open-air cafes, hotels and shops selling the likes of beer steins, cuckoo clocks and German sausages.

Not far from the Old Town is Thingstatte, an outdoor amphitheater, originally constructed by the Nazi regime to promote propaganda events. Today, this intriguing site is the scene of concerts, celebrations and other special events.

Home to Germany’s oldest university, Heidelberg’s long academic history can be retraced along the Philosopher’s Walk , a scenic footpath often walked by many earlier philosophers and professors. Likewise, the city’s arts and history can be experienced in its many theaters, galleries and museums that include the Carl Bosch Museum, Palatinate Museum and Bonsai Museum.

The city hosts several lively annual festivals and cultural events such as the Ball of the Vampires, Carnival, Classic Music Festival, International Easter Egg Market and Christmas Market.

Set in a scenic spot at the foot of the Alps, Fussen is the last stop on the Romantic Road and can be found right in the south of Bavaria, just a kilometer from the Austrian border. While the enchanting town is well worth exploring in itself, most people visit for the three fairytale castles that lie nearby.

Although Hohenschwangau and Hohes Schloss look impressive with their prominent hilltop positions, arresting architecture, and imposing turrets and towers, the real showstopper is Neuschwanstein Castle . Commissioned by King Ludwig II, the one-time royal retreat looks so magical that Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle was modelled on it.

Fussen has a quaint, well-preserved old town that is home to pretty, pastel-colored buildings and the 9th century St. Mang’s Abbey. The nearby hills and mountains also have countless nature trails for visitors to explore, which boast breathtaking views.

Best known as the origin of the world famous Oktoberfest , Munich is a major international hub for research and technology. The capital of the state of Bavaria, Munich is Germany’s most prosperous city, boasting research universities, global companies like BMW and state-of-the-art science museums such as the Deutsches Museum.

However, Munich is not all business. This vibrant city offers one of Germany’s best culture scenes, presenting several sophisticated opera houses and theaters like the National Theater. The city center is an attractive blend of classic and modern architecture, teeming in historic churches, medieval walls and royal palaces as well as bustling shopping centers and art galleries.

Munich’s neighborhoods also offer their share of lush green spaces, which include the English Garden , one of the world’s largest public parks. Munich is home to sports teams consisting of basketball, ice hockey and a championship football club.

Munich’s Oktoberfest began in 1810 with a royal wedding celebration. Today, this famous beer festival draws millions of visitors every year to take part in the revelry that involves several gigantic beer tents, delicious Bavarian food, fun competitions and millions of liters of beer. No matter what time of year tourists visit, they can experience Munich’s beer gardens and beautiful beer halls.

A federal state and the capital city of Germany, Berlin is widely associated with its World War II history and former division of East and West Germany by the Berlin Wall during the Cold War. Since the fall of the historic wall in 1989, Berlin today is now a vast, unified city diverse in ethnic groups and abundant in sightseeing attractions , culture and nightlife.

Many tourists are drawn to Berlin’s famous historic structures, which include the Brandenburg Gate , Reichstag and the Holocaust Memorial . Although most of the Berlin Wall was demolished, there are some portions still standing near Checkpoint Charlie and the Reichstag .

Berlin is respected for its high concentration of museums , namely Museum Island , which comprises a collection of museums that house impressive relics, temples and even reconstructed villages from many of the world’s ancient civilizations.

See also: Where to Stay in Berlin

However, a visit to Berlin is not all about history. With two zoos, swimming lakes, public parks and dozens of nightlife venues, Berlin offers plenty for everyone in the family. The city also hosts annual festivals such as the Long Night of the Museums, Carnival of Cultures and the glamorous Berlin Film Festival.

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Reader interactions.

October 29, 2019 at 7:20 pm

I just spent two weeks in Germany and can’t wait to return. Travelled by train, so many beautiful sights to see. Rothenburg was a favourite. Oktoberfest was so much fun! I now have a new list of cities to visit.

January 28, 2019 at 9:17 am

I love Dresden and went to Koblenz, Cologne and Aachen last year. I love travelling with Deutsche Bahn too but it’s just so expensive – even compared to back home in the UK. Still, train travel is definitely my favourite mode of transport.

November 4, 2018 at 7:19 am

Neuschwanstein for sure! Though, all of these places look like beautiful places to visit. I’d like to travel the world someday and overcome my anxiety that has held me back all my life. My wonderlust is still very strong and prominent! Germany is a beautiful country and I would like to visit as many cities, towns and villages there as possible!

December 19, 2017 at 7:47 am

Nuremberg should have been included in the list.. A very nice place. I think most of the places in Germany are really worth seeing.

May 16, 2017 at 5:42 am

February 18, 2017 at 2:42 pm

It will be my first time in Germany this April and will be in Munich. I’m planning day trips and therefore would realy considering comments about places to visit. But would definitely go to Baltic sea.

December 14, 2016 at 2:32 am

Berlin is one of the best cities I have visited so much to see

November 16, 2016 at 7:18 am

I can not believe Nuremberg is not on this list. Great history, architecture, museums and the best bratwurst on the planet,

September 18, 2016 at 9:45 am

I definitely like the northern parts. Last week I came back from vacation in Darss and I have to say it was really amazing.

March 17, 2016 at 1:15 pm

One of the fastest growing pilgrimage sites does not make this list, but Augsburg is quickly becoming a major pilgrimage site in Eastern Bavaria. The church on the main square, St. Peter am Perlach holds the image of Our Lady Untier of Knots whom the world would not know too much about unless it were for Pope Francis. Having visited the shrine a few times, I can tell you she is beautiful and a very powerful intercessor!

December 7, 2015 at 3:48 am

You definitely forgot Hamburg. It is one of the most beautiful cities in germany. At least at the top 3 in germany. My list is, okay i live in hamburg, its my number one but for tourists i think you must see the capital.

1. Berlin 2. Hamburg 3. München 4. Köln

November 21, 2015 at 2:40 am

I believe that Regensburg should also be on this list – right on the Rhine and beautiful…

July 20, 2015 at 6:08 pm

I visited Munich, beautiful city, the Marienplatz is amazing.

June 15, 2015 at 2:22 pm

Heidelberg is the best in my opinion…I lived there for 6 and a half year’s.

March 24, 2015 at 1:22 pm

I believe that Nuremberg should be sitting right in the middle of this list. Certainly a more beautiful city than Berlin.

October 18, 2014 at 8:11 pm

Good list, it will help during my visit to Germany. I like Germans & Germany.

September 23, 2014 at 2:40 pm

August 24, 2014 at 12:07 pm

Good list, HOWEVER, I would consider Hamburg a much nicer overall city than Cologne or Leipzig. Cologne is basically famous for its dome and Leipzig has some nice architecture, but in Hamburg almost every part of town is worth seeing and is a great shopping destination.

In general, all the typical old university towns are worth a visit: Freiburg, Heidelberg, Bonn, Tuebingen, Marburg and Konstanz come to mind.

July 1, 2014 at 10:39 am

Germany is my dream country. Its my prayers to visit Germany.

May 19, 2013 at 10:09 pm

Great list!

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The Only Germany Travel Guide You’ll Ever Need

Last Updated: January 5, 2024

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While most commonly associated with beers, bratwursts and tight leather pants, Germany is a country full of delightful finds that extend far beyond the stereotypes.

From dreamy castles and fairytale towns to awe-inspiring nature and sprawling cities, Deutschland has a little something for every kind of traveler… although I’ll admit the leather pants are also great.

I first visited Germany on a 6 week backpacking trip across Europe, and as I sipped my comically large beer under the toasty Berlin sun, I felt a strange sense of calm and belonging.

Spurred by this hunch, I moved to Munich. One study abroad, and 5 years later, I’m still here, with so much giddy enthusiasm for this country that I’ve become a thoroughly insufferable dinner guest.

But my social life’s loss is your gain, my friend… because today, I’ve decided to channel all my Deutschland fangirl tendencies into this concise Germany travel guide filled with all my top tips, itineraries, and recommendations.

Save this Germany travel guide for later!

I promise it’ll come in handy!

I hope you find it helpful, and of course, feel free to ask any more questions in the comments section or on Instagram here.

Traveling to Germany Basics

Currency: Euro

Language: German, although accents and dialects vary wildly! In larger cities and tourist hotspots, most Germans also speak excellent English.

Getting Around: Trains, buses and flights are plentiful and affordable in Germany – my best tip is to use Omio to compare options easily. Having a car is ideal for visiting smaller towns, more remote locations and numerous destinations in a short amount of time, but is otherwise not needed for big cities.

Germany Highlights (By the Season)

• Winter: Christmas markets, skiing & alpine sports, Karneval and Fasching season (Carnival), Starkbier (Strong beer) season
• Spring: Cherry blossoms in Bonn , Frühlingsfest (Springfest) in Munich
• Summer: Hiking, Beer Garden season, summer festivals/celebrations
• Fall: Oktoberfest and other Volksfests, the world’s biggest pumpkin festival in Ludwigsburg, the Wurstmarkt (world’s largest wine festival)

My Favourite Places in Germany

Let’s get my mega-biased opinion out of the way first – Munich is the city I now call home, and I couldn’t recommend it more… especially if you’re obsessed with beer like I am. This is the birthplace of Oktoberfest after all!

There are lots of fun things to do in Munich , like hopping around the city’s sprawling museum district (many only cost 1 euro on Sundays!), eating up the best Bavarian food that Munich has to offer or soaking in the wealth of historical sites scatered around the city.

It’s also an ideal base for many epic day trips. Going from Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle (AKA the real life Sleeping Beauty castle) takes only 2.5 hours. Or, if you want to visit glorious Salzburg from Munich (AKA the birthplace of Mozart and setting of Sound of Music), that’s only 1 hour by train.

Why visit Munich when you travel Germany:

• Amazing beer & beer festivals
• The English Garden – one of the largest city parks in the world
• Beautiful palaces and museums
• Easy base for amazing day trips to the Alps

Berchtesgaden National Park

If it’s natural beauty you’re after, Germany’s Berchtesgaden National Park (near the border to Austria) is a must-visit.

Everything here is breathtaking – from the shimmering turquoise lakes and snow-flecked mountains to the adorable Berchtesgaden town center.

And, if you’re up for it, this is the ideal place to enjoy a typically Bavarian wellness weekend.

Why visit Berchtesgaden National Park when you travel Germany:

• Stunning hikes and scenery
• The glorious boat ride on Königssee to see the equally stunning Obersee
• Historic sights like Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest

Hands down one of my favourite places to visit time and time again is Berlin.

This endlessly fascinating city is home to incredible museums, delicious food, and a unique culture that makes it distinct from the rest of the country, despite its status as capital!

Whether you’re a history nerd, an avid partyer, or a famished foodie, Berlin has plenty to offer.

Why visit Berlin when you travel Germany:

• Fascinating history
• World-class museums and attractions
• A thriving nightlife and food scene

Franconia is a glorious region in northern Bavaria that is divided into Lower, Middle, and Upper Franconia.

To me, it’s one of the most underrated regions in Germany for international visitors, with an abundance of fairytale half-timbered houses, amazing beer, and unique natural landscapes.

Here are some places in Franconia that are absolutely worth visiting:

• Franconian Switzerland
• Würzburg (still haven’t been yet!)

Perhaps the most idyllic entry of this list is Monschau, a sleepy but gorgeous village found near the border to Belgium.

I was lucky enough to come here for Christmas markets a few years ago, and I loved it so much, I skipped the train I’d pre-booked just so I could spend a few more hours there. 

Picturesque half-timbered houses clustered around a roaring central river… oh, and a castle on a hill. Because of course they have one.

Why visit Monschau when you travel Germany:

• Super friendly locals
• Picture-perfect scenes at every turn
• Christina might cry if you don’t

Hamburg is an amazing city I’ve had the chance to visit a few times now. It’s a lifestyle city that reminds me a lot of my hometown, Vancouver.

Home to a mix of classic and modern architecture (including the coolest opera house in the world!), as well as Germany’s #1 attraction – the adorable Miniatur Wonderland, Hamburg has a lot to offer tourists, but perhaps the best way to enjoy it is with a nice beer and sunset along the Elbe.

Why visit Hamburg when you travel Germany :

• Amazing architecture like the Elbphilharmonie
• Fresh and tasty seafood (and a booming foodie scene!)
• A fun, vibrant vibe

Dresden is one of the most beautiful cities in Germany, and its beauty is all the more astounding when we consider that much of the city was destroyed completely in WWII.

After decades of reconstruction however, Dresden once again shines with its former glory, establishing itself as one of the most important cultural hotspots in Germany.

… and all only a stone’s throw from Saxon Switzerland, one of the most beautiful natural wonders in the country!

Why visit Dresden when you travel Germany :

• Stunning architecture and sights
• World-class museums and culture scene
• Its jawdropping Christmas market (the oldest one in the country!)

Stuttgart (and its Surrounding Area)

Stuttgart is the biggest city (and capital) of the German state Baden-Württemburg. 

It’s perhaps best known as the ‘cradle of the automobile industry’, which explains why it’s home to not just one, but two car-centric museums: one belonging to Mercedes-Benz, and one to Porsche.

Besides cars though, the area around Stuttgart offers up some of the cutest small towns you can find in Germany, all easily reachable by public transport, meaning you get the best of all worlds during a visit here.

Why visit Stuttgart and the surrounding area when you travel Germany:

• Fairytale towns like Esslingen, Ludwigsburg, and Tübingen
• Stuttgart’s Stadtbibliothek, one of the most unique and beautiful libraries in the world
• Lots of fun events like Stuttgart’s Christmas Market and the Cannstatter Volksfest 

Thuringia is a state often overlooked by international tourists, but if you’re looking for a truly charming German escape, its capital Erfurt makes an excellent choice.

This beautiful city is famed for its unique Krämerbrücke, which is a gorgeous medieval bridge lined with residential buildings.

But that’s not all – there’s also an impressive cathedral, an imposing fortress, and surprises waiting on every corner… quite literally, because Erfurt is the HQ of the German children’s channel KiKA, and there’s plenty of fun statues of famous characters scattered around town.

Why visit Erfurt when you travel Germany:

• Krämerbrücke, the longest inhabited bridge in Europe
• Quirky and fun children’s channel sculptures all over the city

Cologne, to me, is a city synonymous with fun and celebration. While at first glance, it might not rank among the “prettiest” places to visit in Germany (much of it was destroyed in the war), it still boasts several impressive landmarks and sights, like the epic Cologne Cathedral.

Where Cologne really shines though is during special events – the Christmas markets here are some of the best I’ve been to in my entire life, and the Karneval celebrations… well, those are truly epic!

Why visit Cologne when you travel Germany:

• Bucket list events like the Cologne Christmas Market and Kölner Karneval
• The iconic Kölner Dom (Cologne Cathedral), one of the most famous churches in the world 
• Fun-loving locals who are among the friendliest I’ve ever encountered in Germany

Last but not least, we have Hannover, a city which (in my opinion) is one of the most underrated cities in Germany where tourism is concerned.

Locally, people often joke that Hannover is one of the most boring cities in Germany, but I don’t think that’s true at all. One quick look and you’ll find a stunning palace within the city, an architecturally impressive Town Hall (with a unique elevator offering epic views), and a cool laidback vibe that many compare to what Berlin was like decades ago.

Here are some awesome things to do in Hannover.

Why visit Hannover when you travel Germany:

• Its gorgeous New Town Hall
• The stunning Herrenhausen Palace and its gardens
• A fun, laidback city vibe

Bucket List Experiences in Germany

Germany is full of incredible bucket list experiences. Here are a few of my favourites:

Christmas Markets

German Christmas markets are the stuff of bucket list dreams.

If you adore Christmas, a German Xmas market trip needs to make it on your bucket list, because nobody captures Christmas coziness and joy quite like the Germans do.

The best part (besides the droolworthy assortment of German Christmas Market foods ) is that you’ll find Christmas markets in just about every city, town, and even the smallest of villages, each with their own unique take on traditions.

Trust me, you could never get bored of visiting these.

Here are some full guides to the Christmas markets I’ve visited in Germany:

• Munich’s Christmas Markets
• Berlin’s Christmas Markets
• Cologne’s Christmas Markets
• Esslingen Christmas Market
• Ludwigsburg Christmas Market
• Karlsruhe Christmas Market
• Düsseldorf Christmas Market
• Nuremberg Christmas Market
• Essen Christmas Market

Oktoberfest

Trust me – Oktoberfest , AKA the world’s largest beer festival, is reason enough to make a trip to Germany.

Typically celebrated annually in Munich, this is one of the most incredible events in the world, with millions of people attending, millions of beer served, and a guaranteed recipe for making memories to last a lifetime.

… If you can remember anything after 5L of beer that is.

Read my full Oktoberfest guide for more details.

Visiting Fairytale Castles

If you love castles, I recommend avoiding Germany……. because you might just combust from sheer fangirl joy.

Seriously, Germany is every castle lover’s kryptonite, with elegant palaces and fairytale castles in the thousands. If you’re a Disney gal like me who grew up dreaming of happily ever afters, pack a ballgown and head to Germany ASAP.

I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Here are some castles that you must visit in Germany:

• Neuschwanstein Castle
• Nuremberg Castle

The Cherry Blossoms in Bonn

The cherry blossoms in Bonn (also the birthplace of Beethoven and gummy bear legend, Haribo) are absolutely spectacular, and 100% worth visiting in Spring time. In fact, I’d even say they’re one of the best things to see in Europe at Spring time.

Yes, you, too, can come frolic in these tunnels of pink! Here is my guide on where to find cherry blossoms in Bonn.

Karneval, Fasching, Etc.

Carnival Season is one of the best times to visit Germany if you’re looking for a party.

The grandest celebrations take place just before Lent, and are celebrated throughout the country, although the festivites in North-Rhine Westphalia are probably the best known.

My top recommendation? Go celebrate in Cologne, where the Kölner Karneval draws millions of visitors every year.

My Recommended Germany Itineraries

Germany is a huge country with a massive diversity in sights… so how can you organize your time efficiently and make the most of your trip? Here are some German trip itinerary ideas…

Germany itinerary ideas for a taste of everything:

• Southern Germany Classic: Munich, the Allgäu (for Castles!), Garmisch Partenkirchen, Berchtesgaden National Park, Stuttgart & Area, Black Forest
• Eastern Germany Classic: Berlin, Dresden, Saxon Switzerland
• Western Germany Classic: Aachen, Monschau, Eifel National Park
• Northern Germany Classic: Hamburg, Bremen , Lübeck, Kiel, Sylt
• The Rhine River Classic: Mainz, Koblenz, Burg Eltz, Cochem, Bonn, Cologne, Düsseldorf
• The Harz Mountains Experience: Harz Mountains, Goslar, Wernigerode, Quedlinburg

Germany itinerary ideas for city breakers and culture hunters:

• The Big City Tour: Berlin and Munich (a 4 hour express train connects them)
• The BaWu Special: Stuttgart, Ludwigsburg, Tübingen, Esslingen, Heidelberg
• The Bavaria Special: Munich, Nuremberg, Bamberg, Würzburg, Bayreuth
• The Saxony Special: Leipzig, Görlitz, Dresden
• The Rhine City Hop: Bonn, Cologne, Düsseldorf
• The Romantic Villages Hop: Würzburg, Dinkelsbühl, Nördlingen, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Füssen

Germany itinerary ideas for nature lovers:

• Southern Germany Nature Itinerary: Berchtesgaden National Park, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, the Black Forest and Lake Constance (Bodensee)
• Bavaria’s Best Nature Itinerary: Berchtesgaden National Park, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Munich’s Lake Region, Franconian Switzerland, Danube Gorge
• Eastern Germany Nature Itinerary: Dresden and Saxon Switzerland National Park

My Top Germany Travel Tips

• If you’re overwhelmed by transport options, Omio is a great resource for comparing trains, buses and flights in Germany at the same time.
• If travelling by train, look into group discount tickets like the Bayern Ticket which give you unlimited train travel for one day on regional trains. It can save you a TON of money.
• If you are traveling to multiple countries nearby (i.e. Switzerland), a Eurail pass might save you money.

Accommodation:

• Booking.com is a great place to search up hotels, and filtering by Free Cancellation allows you to book without paying upfront
• Airbnb can be a very affordable alternative for longer stays/bigger groups

Attractions and Tickets:

• GetYourGuide is a great site for finding tours and attraction tickets
• City passes like the Munich City Pass , Berlin Pass , and the Cologne Card can save you a LOT of money if you plan to visit many tourist attractions in a short time
• If you’re trying to find specific info about a place, try using Google Translate to search in German because German versions of sites always have more info

If you’re past the planning stage and heading to Germany soon, make sure you read this before you go:

• Hilarious must-knows before you visit Germany

More Germany Travel Reads

Feeling inspired to visit Germany after reading all that?

As you can (probably) tell, I’ve written extensively about Germany.

So, here are some more articles that might pique your interest:

• Unique Things to do in Germany (That You Can’t Do Anywhere Else)
• The Best Christmas Markets in Germany
• Hilarious Must-Knows Before You Visit Germany

My Go-To Travel Favourites:

🧳 Eagle Creek: My favourite packing cubes

💳 Wise: For FREE travel friendly credit cards

🍯 Airalo: My go-to eSIM

🏨 Booking.com: For searching hotels

📷 Sony A7IV: My (amazing) camera

✈️ Google Flights : For finding flight deals

🌎 WorldNomads: For travel insurance

🎉 GetYourGuide: For booking activities

4 thoughts on “The Only Germany Travel Guide You’ll Ever Need”

i found myself reading almost every post in your website for days and days and i ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT and adore and thank you for spending so much time and effort to make it so helpful, informative and fun to read. you have helped me plan my trip to munich in december and i cant wait to visit just because of your enthusiasm 🙂

We would like to Thank you for sharing such a beautiful blog! Very informative.

This Germany Travel Guide truly captures the multifaceted beauty of Deutschland, a country that has something to offer to everyone, from culture enthusiasts to nature lovers. Your personal anecdotes from living in Munich make it come alive, making me yearn for a taste of that amazing beer you’ve mentioned, and a wander around the English Garden! The varied seasonal highlights emphasize how Germany is a year-round destination, offering uniquely charming experiences, from the festive winter Christmas markets to the lively summer festivals. It’s heartening to know that navigating around the country is convenient, making it possible to explore its picturesque small towns and vibrant cities. This guide is a treasure trove for anyone planning to travel to Germany – it gives a well-rounded view of the country, infused with personal insights, which makes it even more valuable. I’m particularly intrigued to visit Munich, the city you so passionately call home.

As a Berliner, I can’t agree more with this guide. Germany truly is a delightful mix of tradition and innovation, natural beauty and urban charm, hearty cuisine and diverse cultures. Moving around in Germany is indeed quite convenient thanks to the well-organized public transportation system, including trains, buses, and trams. And yes, English is widely spoken in major cities, so communication shouldn’t be a problem for travelers. As for the varied dialects across regions, it just adds to the unique charm of exploring this beautiful country. Safe travels, fellow adventurers!

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10 Best Cities to Visit in Germany

What Cities Should You Visit in Germany?

Heading to Germany? Your trip is sure to take you to at least one of Germany's top 10 cities whether you are flying into Frankfurt's Airport, breathing in the sea air in Hamburg, or enjoying typical Bavarian gemütlichkeit in Munich . With a history spanning from tribal villages to Roman times to the disastrous events of World War II, Germany has emerged as a world power with much to see.

The country is easy to traverse by train, autobahn, or plane. Germany encompasses both the low-brow of beer and sausage to the high-brow of the finest minds like composers Bach and Beethoven to writers Goethe, Schiller, and brothers Grimm. That's not even mentioning its world-famous Oktoberfest or magical Christmas markets .

Our list of the best cities in Germany showcases the diversity of this eclectic country. Discover the best of German cities from the most charming altstadts (old towns) to progressive city centers.

 Taylor McIntyre / TripSavvy

Berlin is the capital and the biggest city in Germany. After being separated into East and West Germany during the Cold War, Berlin was reunited in 1990. It quickly emerged as a cosmopolitan, international city beloved for its avante-garde art, museums, architecture, history, and nightlife .

Iconic structures like the Fernsehturm (TV Tower), Reichstag (government building), and G edächtniskirche (Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church ) have become symbols for the country, not just Berlin.

But despite its many attractions, it can be difficult to navigate Berlin. But if you keep an open mind and travel outside of the central neighborhood of Mitte , this is one of the coolest places in the world. From its multicultural street food to one-of-a-kind accommodations, Berlin will expand your definition of what a trip to Germany can be.

Berlin is also the host to some of the best festivals in Germany every year. Experience an array of cultures during Karneval der Kulturen , or the somewhat-tamed rebellion of Labor Day. At Christmas time, the city is at its most traditional with some of the best Christmas Markets in the country.

Munich is known in Germany as  München . It is the capital of Bavaria and gateway to the Alps. This quintessential German city is the land of lederhosen, giant schweinshaxe (ham hocks), and Oktoberfest. The people have their own proud accent, history, and traditions. Many Müncheners count themselves as Bavarian first, and German second. This is what most people think of when they think of Germany.

The city offers first-class museums and regal German architecture like Marienplatz and its famed glockenspiel, as well as the Nymphenburg Palace . Munich is fancy, but that doesn't mean the people don't know how to have fun. This is also the home of favorite locations like the English Garden .

Not to be missed is the city's world-famous beer. A beloved export, it is best enjoyed in the city; in its traditional beer halls , biergartens , or within the glorious beer tents of Oktoberfest. With more than six million visitors every year, it is just one of the beer festivals held here each year.

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson

Thanks to its International Airport , Frankfurt is the major travel hub for Germany and much of Europe. Many travelers arrive in this modern city and pass right through, but Frankfurt is worth stopping for.

Largely destroyed in WWII, Frankfurt was the rare German city that decided not to recreate the past but emerge anew. It is the financial center of the country with its own stock market ( Deutsche Börse ) and gleaming skyscrapers. Its Main Tower is the only high-rise open to the public and offers unbeatable views of the city skyline as well as its namesake, the Main River.

If you hanker for something traditional in this modern forest, explore the recreated city center of the Römerberg . Home to the City Hall (the Römer ) which dates back to 1405, it is bordered with quaint half-timbered houses. For the best of Frankfurt's traditional drink, apfelwein (or ebbelwoi ), cross the river into the Sachsenhausen neighborhood

Frankfurt is host to many important events and conventions, such as the ​ International Book Fair in October. Started in 1949, it is the biggest book fair in the world.

Hamburg is the country's second-largest city located in the North of Germany. Several waterways run through its center and Hamburg has more bridges than Amsterdam and Venice combined. It boasts one of the biggest harbors in the world and still embraces its gritty, sailor past.

This is most apparent in its red-light district of the Reeperbahn . Complete with seedy bars and shops selling stripper boots, this is also a hot spot for clubs and music and the place the Beatles got their start.

The surrounding area of St. Pauli is also worth a visit. Spend time on the harbor with an early morning visit to the Fischmarkt (fish market). This meeting place for locals and tourists alike was started in 1703 and sells the freshest fish, flowers, and spices with a side of live entertainment. Nearby HafenCity has been newly built up and offers the latest in shopping and dining.

If you hanker for the classic, stick to the city center with its elegant neoclassical rathaus (city hall) and its fine shopping street of Mönckebergstraße , affectionately known as Mö .

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson

Cologne (or Köln), founded by the Romans, is one of Germany's oldest cities. The soaring Cathedral of Cologne is the centerpiece with dual towers reaching 157-meters into the sky and can be seen from all over the city. Located right next to the train station, it is the first things visitors see and they never take their eyes off it.

From here, walk through the old town and on the western shore of the Rhine River. Colorful 19th century houses and ice cream cafes are the background for an idyllic stroll. Cologne's art galleries and excellent museums mark every corner.

After all that walking, Cologne provides the perfect refreshment. Kölsch is the beer of Cologne. Served in endless rotation in small glasses, the people of Cologne rarely drink any other beer.

If your preferred vice is chocolate, Cologne has the museum for you. The Chocolate Museum covers the long history of turning cocoa beans into chocolate and finishes with the most delicious of fountains.

Clearly, there are plenty of places to have a good time in Cologne but there is no reason to limit yourself. If you visit Cologne for Carnival , the party overtakes the entire city. Cologne is the undisputed Carnival king in Germany. Coming right before Lent, the whole city goes a little nuts with city-wide parades, balls, and public spectacles.

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson 

Just a short distance from Berlin , Dresden is called the "Florence of the Elbe". Known for its baroque architecture and world-renowned art treasures, it is so picturesque you might not realize about 80% of Dresden’s historic center was destroyed in World War II. Landmarks have been rebuilt to their former splendor like the exemplary Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady in Dresden), royal Zwinger Palace, and Fürstenzug (Procession of Princes, the largest porcelain mural in the world). Walk along the Brühlsche Terrasse and admire the restored grandeur.

That said, the newer sections of Dresden are enjoying a renaissance. Dresden off the beaten path reveals the younger, more alternative side of the city from a series of art-filled courtyards to the inspiration for Kurt Vonnegut’s "Slaughterhouse-Five" to the most exotic cigarette factory.

No matter if your interest is in the old or new, everyone can agree that a good time can be had at Dresden's many biergartens .

Leipzig is another popular day trip from Berlin , but there are enough attractions to make it a top stop.

Located at the meeting point of three rivers, this has been the meeting point for great minds. Goethe was a student in Leipzig, Bach worked here as a cantor, and Martin Luther debated here.

Today, the New Leipzig school brings a fresh perspective into the art world. And a visit to Leipzig's 1743 Gewandhaus Orchestra proves art is alive in this great German city. If you prefer the culinary arts, Auerbachs Keller is one of the oldest restaurants in the country and was a favorite of Goethe as well as locals today.

Besides being a center for German art and culture, the city also became famous in Germany’s recent history. Leipzig demonstrators initiated the peaceful revolution, which led to the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. Like Dresden, low rents and a rebellious spirit continue to draw a youthful counterculture. This subversive streak can be observed in its avante-garde kabarett that pokes at standard political structures.

Heidelberg is one of the few German cities that wasn't destroyed in World War II. This means that plenty of old-world charm fills the narrow cobblestone streets and baroque city center, epitomizing Germany's romantic period of the 18th century.

It is one of the most picturesque destinations in Germany. Visitors enjoy stunning views from the Alte Brücke (Old Bridge) that crosses the Neckar River, back at the city from the Philosophenweg (Philosopher's Way), and above it all from the ruins of the once-grand Heidelberg castle . This inspiring environment allowed Mark Twain to finish his novel, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn , here.

Heidelberg has inspired many other great minds that have taken residence at Heidelberg University, the oldest university in the country. It is one of the most renowned universities in the world, but that doesn't mean the students don't know how to party. Heidelberg maintains a youthful atmosphere among the academic environment with great bars and restaurants and even a former student prison.

Düsseldorf is a cosmopolitan city with a playful vibe. A symbol for the city is the Düsseldorfer Radschläger (the boy who does cartwheels) and his image can be seen throughout the city on souvenirs and statues. The works of architect greats like Gehry and Chipperfield also mark the cityscape.

Düsseldorf is known for its rich art scene which has produced many greats. It is home to composer Robert Schumann as well as the Düsseldorf Art Academy, responsible for well-known graduates like Joseph Beuys, Jörg Immendorff, and Gerhard Richter.

A center for trade, Düsseldorf hosts shows throughout the year. Gallery Düsseldorf is one of the world’s biggest fashion trade fairs that takes place every January . But buyers can shop year-round on Königsallee (King’s Avenue), known as Kö by locals.

After some serious shopping, settle down with an Altbier , a German-style brown ale. It is top-fermenting like British pale ales and can be enjoyed in classic pubs like Fuechschen, Schumacher, Schluessel, or Uerige. The altstadt (old town) has been referred to as the "longest bar in the world" with the party truly never stopping during Carnival.

Stuttgart in southwest Germany is undeservedly underrated. It is a car lovers' dream , features modern architecture, and has some of the biggest beer festivals in Germany (outside of Oktoberfest).

Stuttgart is home to two of the greatest car brands in the world, Mercedes and Porsche. Production takes place nearby and there are world-class car museums for both companies. 

The city itself has a great blend of architecture with a baroque center in Schlossplatz with the Neues Schloss (New Palace) from the early 1800s. Against the classic landscape, there are contemporary elements like staircases of metal and glass. This city had the world's first telecommunications tower, Fernsehturm Stuttgart (TV Tower) and that still dominates the skyline. Stuttgart even has a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the buildings of famed architect Le Corbusier .

One of its most exciting structures is open to the public. Stuttgart's public library is a haven for readers and architect fans alike. Its luminescent, state-of-the-art design is Instagram ready and it is a great service for its citizens with over 500,000 media units.

Twice a year, Stuttgart puts on the party with an epic beer fest. Cannstatter Volksfest (Stuttgart Beer Festival) and Stuttgarter Frühlingsfest.

Germany Guide: Planning Your Trip

Spring in Germany: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

Guide to Hamburg

15 Fun Things to Do in Dusseldorf, Germany

The Best Festivals in Germany

Your Trip to Frankfurt: The Complete Guide

The Top 11 Things to Do in Stuttgart, Germany

Events in Germany in February

The Best UNESCO Sites in Germany

How to Visit Munich on a Budget

The Best Time to Visit Cologne

New Year's Celebrations in Germany: The Complete Guide

Lübeck: Planning Your Trip

Traveling by Train in Europe: Where, Why, and How

The Top 23 Things to Do in Munich

Your Trip to Munich: The Complete Guide

21 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Germany

I love that Germany is a mix of age-old traditions and forward-thinking ideals. It’s also a land blessed with acres of impossibly beautiful countryside dotted with chocolate-box-pretty villages, moody forests, romantic river valleys, vast expanses of vineyards, perfectly preserved half-timbered towns, and the majestic Alps.

From my many trips and Berlin aside, here are my favourite places I want to share with you…

1. Rothenburg ob der Tauber and the Romantic Road

Follow the cobbled streets through the fairytale-esque gate embedded within the city walls and return to medieval Europe.

I honestly think this is one of the prettiest towns located along the famous ‘Romantic Road’ in Bavaria, an attraction that also deserves a place on this list. The road is a picturesque 350km route through the forests and mountains of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg.

Rothenburg, although small, is packed with exciting sites I would highly recommend visiting the Market Square, flanked by 14th-century buildings; the tall Town Hall Tower, which has 241 steps leading to one of the most stunning views over the city; and the interesting Medieval Crime and Punishment Museum .

When night falls, I would suggest going on the amusing Night Watchman’s Tour!

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2. The Black Forest

A land of cuckoo clocks and cherry gâteaux, this place is so magical it even inspired some of the Brothers Grimm fairy tales.

It covers a large area within which you’ll find the spa town of Baden-Baden (otherwise known as the “Jewel of the Black Forest”), Freiburg (a vibrant university city), and Offenburg (the capital of the wine region) as well as many other pretty quaint German villages.

However, I personally think the most attractive part of this area can be seen by driving or hiking along the Schwarzwaldhochstraße —a fantastic high road through rolling hills and valleys, thick forests of black fir trees, and mist-covered lakes.

One of the most picturesque lakes in the area is Titisee; I recommend trying to catch the Zapfle-Bahnle train alone on the scenic route around the lake or follow the lake road, where you can take in the beauty of the tranquil water.

3. Neuschwanstein Castle

This stunning iconic image of Germany is, in fact, the former 19th-century home of the late Ludwig II of Bavaria (otherwise known as the Mad King),

The gorgeous Romanesque building is so fairytale that it inspired the famous Disney castle. Although it’s often overrun with tourists, this doesn’t detract from the awe-inspiring beauty of this castle both inside. I would suggest not missing this place, it’s popular for a reason! 

The most picturesque view of the magnificent structure is from Mary’s Bridge, a stop halfway up the hill towards the castle. Make sure you also visit the lovely Hohenschwangau Castle, located nearby.

4. Lake Königssee

Located in the southeastern portion of Germany and on the border of Austria is the stunning Lake Königssee —Germany’s most profound and cleanest lake and one of my personal favourites.

It’s also often hailed as Germany’s most beautiful Alpine Lake, which, given the competition, is quite an accolade!

Bavaria is a particularly scenic area. This corner of the region has been used for outdoor recreation for centuries – both Bavarian royalty and the local rulers of Berchtesgaden and Salzburg once hunted here.

Since 1909, only electric-powered passenger ships, rowing, and pedal boats have been permitted on the lake, keeping with its pure and natural surroundings.

5. Regensburg

UNESCO World Heritage sites are scarce, yet Regensburg, Germany, has gained the organization’s attention! In 2006, Regensburg became a UNESCO World Heritage site, to the delight of its 150,000 residents.

Strolling through the streets of this beautiful city will bring you face-to-face with some of the most spectacular architecture in the world! 

If you love water, then Regensburg will be the city for you as the city is perched along the Danube, Regen, and Naab rivers. My favourite city highlights include the beautiful architecture, the many excellent resturants, bars and hotels, the fabulous traditional markets and the beer gardens!

Check out our video on our trip to beautiful Regensburg… 

6. Sanssouci Castle

This grand summer palace sits on a large hill near Potsdam in East Germany.

Created for Fredrick the Great of Prussia, it resembles the Palace of Versailles primarily because of the exquisite terraced gardens planted and honestly, I think it’s an extraordinary place which is worth exploring especially if you’re a history fan.

Secluded temples and pavilions are within the gardens, and the palace itself is embellished with golden Rococo detail and 18th-century furnishings.

The fine historic city of Bamberg is located in Bavaria, close to the River Main. Its historic city center is so overflowing with important architecture that it has earned itself UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

On a bridge over the Regnitz, explore the narrow cobbled lanes of the Old Town, the elegant 13th-century cathedral, and the town hall.

Wander alongside the meandering streams and then stop for a glass of the local beer in one of the many outdoor beer gardens. In my opinion, this city is seriously chocolate-box pretty and is well worth exploring! 

8. The Rhine Valley

The stunning River Rhine cuts through the Rhenish slate mountains, meandering between hillside castles, sloping fields of wine-producing grapes, Gothic churches, forested hillsides, craggy cliffs, and idyllic villages filled with half-timber towns.

I recommend hiking through the valley trail for spectacular views of mountains, castles, mineral springs, and small country inns.

The area from Bingen to Koblenz is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to forty castles and stately homes.

Bremen is a Hanseatic city in northwestern Germany. It sits nestled along the River Weser, and the small compact city is one of the oldest in Germany, dating back 1200 years.

As well as the stunning historic architecture, it’s famous for inspiring the Grimms’ folklore story of the Musicians of Bremen.

In the older part of the city (the Schnoor-Viertel area), I would suggest exploring the delightful winding cobbled alleyways flanked by a series of charming medieval houses with wooden beamed facades.

I personally think the surrounding countryside and farmland are also worth exploring, especially along the edge of the river Wümme.

Often forgotten by foreign travelers, the Island of Sylt (part of the German Frisian Islands) is connected to the mainland by the Hindenburgdamm causeway and I love this underrated gem!

With several lovely resorts, 40km of sandy beaches, an unusual shoreline, and plenty of breathtaking nature, in my opinion, Sylt is well worth a visit; because it’s separated from the mainland, it has remained relatively untouched.

The houses on the island are built in the delightful Fristian style, and the cliffs lining the coast are slowly eroding, creating an unusual and unique pattern.

Fields of flowers, colorful lighthouses, and sparsely populated villages have made this an exclusive hidden gem and playground for the rich and famous.

11. The Harz National Park

The Harz National Park is a lovely nature reserve located in the German federal states of Lower Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt. It’s a mountainous region shrouded in mist (or brightly lit by the sun) and filled with lakes, woodland, tales of folklore, and plenty of opportunities to be one with nature.

The park is famous for walking and skiing and offers botanical gardens, hiking trails, and rare flora and fauna. It is also blessed with many species of butterflies and small creatures unique to this area.

I would highly recommend visiting Brocken, the highest mountain in northern Germany, which is located in the park and taking a gauge train to the summit to get the most stunning view of the park below.

Eibsee is a world away from the hustle and bustle of city life, and it’s a tranquil and highly photogenic beauty spot.

Summers here allow visitors to enjoy kayaking or swimming in the crystal clear waters of Eibsee Lake, and the quaint town located at the eastern shores of the lake draws in visitors year after year.

The lake is located in Bavaria, Germany, and boasts 177.4 hectares of pristine waters. I highly recommend bringing your camera along, although sadly, the pictures will not do justice to the bright blues depicted in real life! 

13. Hohenschwangau

History buffs will love Hohenschwangau Castle , Germany, the childhood home of King Ludwig II in Bavaria, built by Kink Maximilian, Ludwig’s father. Even though the court may draw visitors in, the town of Hohenschwangau makes the most impact.

This town features worlds of natural beauty with parks such as Poellatschlucht. Strolling through this Bavarian town brings visitors back to a simpler time before technology.

If you want to get away from it all and enjoy the natural beauty and classic architecture, in my opinion Hohenschwangau is the place! 

14. Wurzburg Residence

Palaces worldwide have drawn visitors for a glimpse into how the highest of society have lived for centuries and I’m a huge fan, it’s a spectacular place!

The final construction of the palace was completed in 1744, but construction had been going on since 1720.

Prince Bishof of Wurzburg, Johann Phillip Franz Von Schonborn, and Friedrich Carl Von Schonbron, his brother, commissioned the work. I love that the architecture depicts the classic French style with over-the-top grandeur at every turn! 

15. Bavarian Forest National Park

The Bavarian Forest National Park is truly one of a kind. This park maintains its natural beauty as park officials refused to repair the damage from a severe 1983 storm.

Even though it might seem odd today for officials to make such a decision, it paid off for the park, making it among the more rugged and naturally wild parks on Earth.

Apart from being a wild dream, Bavarian Forest National Park also features some uncommon animals, including the pygmy owl and three-toed woodpecker so I would suggest trying to spot them! 

Wildlife enclosures are found throughout the park to give the animals a sense of safety while providing humans with an up-close view of the animals in their natural habitat.

16. Gorlitz

Gorlitz has provided an excellent backdrop for several films, including The Grand Budapest Hotel, The Reader, The Last Command, and The Inglorious Bastards.

It is also a stunning location for many movies, but few places, even in such a historic country as Germany, hold as much history as Gorlitz.

Although modernized, the town’s roots go back to 1071, when it was initially a slave settlement. Today’s Gorlitz still maintains the markings of the past in rich historic buildings and architecture, but most visitors visit the Neisse River.

The river flows through the city, providing a means of transportation, a fishing avenue, and a tourist attraction. Gorlitz is a hidden gem, not near most of the country’s major attractions.

Still, people flock to this part of the country for its serene setting and calm atmosphere. If you want to get away from it all and see a few familiar buildings, I personally think Gorlitz is the place to do it! 

17. The Moselle Valley

Germany is not always known as a country of romance. Still, the Moselle Valley is undoubtedly an exception to that notion, and its intimate, idyllic nature compares favorably to famous tourist destinations such as Prague and Rome .

This area has been home to various cultures for over 2000 years and has multiple cultural influences. The Moselle Valley houses many vineyards, adding to its romantic atmosphere.

Rieslings made here are known to be among the best in the world, The Moselle Valley’s picturesque castles and quaint villages keep visitors returning to this breathtaking area! 

18. Lichtenstein Castle

Fairytales may be merely a fantasy, but when visiting Lichtenstein Castle in southern Germany, if you are like me you will begin to believe you are in one!

This castle is open to the public, but remember it is a privately owned structure. The court, built in the Gothic Revival style, was crafted between 1840 and 1842.

Restoration of the historic castle was completed in 2002 through non-profit organization support. If you want to live out your fairytale fantasies, Lichtenstein Castle is the place to do it.

Ramsau is certainly not the largest town in Germany, with a population of around 1,800, but it is known to be among the most beautiful for its quaint, picturesque setting.

Those venturing to Ramsau are not heading to the area for various attractions but rather for a chance to enjoy the great outdoors. Apart from being completely breathtaking, the area boasts the third-highest mountain in Germany, Waltzmann.

Lake Hintersee and the village’s local church are also famous attractions.

20. Quedlinburg

It is a charming town where you can appreciate German landscapes. Sites and attractions throughout Quedlinburg are along the Romanesque Road, and this area is another place known for being a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

With a population of just 24,000, I love that the town maintains much of its small-town feel without being an overwhelming metropolis. Visitors enjoy strolling through Quedlinburg and taking in the rich history.

The city was named the first capital of Germany in 919 AD and has an illustrious history to boast about.

21. Mittenwald

Mittenwald is in the middle of the Bavarian alpine peaks, located in the district of Garmisch-Partenkirchen along the Austrian border.

This attractive town has enchanting houses with mural art ( Lüftlmalerei) and exquisite cobbled stone lanes. I know you won’t be disappointed with the views that blend picturesque mountains and a serene vista, it’s seriously stunning!

This is the perfect place to visit in Germany if you are an art and violin fan, as it’s known for manufacturing violins and cellos. Mittenwald Violin Crafting Museum is one of the most famous attractions founded in 1930.

If you prefer to see the mural arts, a place that is a must is the old town, where you can appreciate painted buildings, lovely churches, and a pleasant atmosphere.

Still want more? Then I would suggest heading for the elegant city of Munich, which is home to the famous annual Oktoberfest, the striking resort town of Monschau, the fine baroque university city of Heidelberg, Lübeck the city renowned for its Brick Gothic architecture, and the spectacular scenery of the Rems Valley.

Becky Moore - Owner, writer and photographer My first true adventure began as a six-month voyage around South East Asia as a fresh-faced backpacker and ever since I’ve lived a semi-nomadic existence, clocking up visits to over 40 countries. I’m a lover of US Road Trips, deserted beaches bathed in the warm glow of a sunset, Cuban mojitos, travel destinations far away from the tourist crowds, and all things Scandinavian – from cloudberry liquors to Nordic noirs. When not wandering the world and running Global Grasshopper, you’ll find me walking my ex-Athens street dog in leafy South West London, strolling around the Brighton Lanes on random day trips, hunting for photogenic landscapes or daydreaming about my favourite places; Havana, Copenhagen, Italy, Borneo, Finland, Greece, Berlin, Laos, California and the surreal and beautiful landscapes of a wintry Iceland. Hotel Reviewing Experience - published hotel review in the 52 Sleeps Book organised by Laterooms.com and Lonely Planet. Asked by over 12 tourist boards and many high-profile travel brands to formally review hotels including Germany Tourist Board , Canada Tourist Board , Eviivo , France.fr , Visitoostende.be , Live Riga and Queensland Tourist Board . Also travelled around the world scouting out and reviewing all the most unique hotels in the world, check out our Instagram page for photos . I’ve also been quoted in Forbes, National Geographic , The Times , LA Weekly , Yahoo Travel , Huffington Post , Business Insider , Thrillist , British Airways Magazine, Entrepreneur , Daily Express , Wanderlust , Telegraph Travel, Daily Mail and Metro . Winner of Travel Blog of the Year . Find me on Linkedin or Facebook .

19 thoughts on “21 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Germany”

My favourite place is Neuschwanstein Castle, maybe because I lived nearby for a while and visited the location so often. Rothenburg ob der Tauber, I visited the Christmas market last December, it was great too, but I missed a bit of the atmosphere, maybe it was too crowded.

Hey, I also recommend a trip to Schloss Neuschwanstein. I go there every year and it never gets boring. This may have to do with the hotel that I chose every time, because it has a view of the mountains and the castle Neuschschwanstein, and it is located on the lake Hapfensee. Very nice.

It´s grazy how many of them are located near to Füssen. A beautiful region!

I will be visiting Germany to celebrate our 1st wedding anniversary am planning to Apply for Germany Visa soon. I was looking for some good places to visit in Germany when I came across your blog that gave me around 20 of the most beautiful places to visit in Germany. I would love to plan a visit to at least 4-5 places that you shared in the blog!

There are many more beautiful regions and towns which unfortunately now lie outside Germany’s historic borders. Areas like Silesia and the masurian lakes in East Prussia with the beautiful Teutonic Castle of Marienburg. Still very German in feel in spite of the Polish population that was moved in after 1945.

Really thanks for sharing this useful post !! Germany is a nice place to visit for holidays and I will definitely visit these places with my friends.

Really Thanks a lot for this informative Post with images. Germany is a beautiful place and I have no any idea about these places but after reading this post and see images I feel wow its amazing place. The Rhine Valley is so beautiful place and really I will go there in these places.

Castles in Germany are the most beautiful destinations and none can match with them. Other places are also must visit in Germany

We just visited half of the places on the list and look forward to return visits. Germany is a very beautiful country.

It is indeed Jessica! We love Germany! 🙂

my father was born and lived in East Germany till WW2 when he was captured and brought to Scotland as a p.o.w. it is really nice to see pictures of his homeland and some of the places I have been to on holiday I really like this site.

Same thing happened to my Grandad! I’m proud to have Bavarian heritage 🙂

How I love Bamberg! Great inclusion. Breweries, college town, rosegarten overlooking the river, palace….easily one of my favorite towns in Germany.

Who said that it’s expensive to have a trip abroad? Germany was the first country I visited because I was lucky that my aunt married a German. The people were so nice and friendly as well as the place. Very clean city.

I really like your selection of pictures form Germany, just beautiful.

I spent 6 years in Germany and one word describes it to me “Christmas” which in your photos you can see why.. Its a beautiful country and somewhere I can’t wait to take my wife to visit.

We have been to a few of the places on your list and they are all very interesting and beautiful. The best one we did was a wonderful cruise down the Rhine ,will never forget that one.

Neuschwanstein Castle is beautiful!!!!!!!!

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You have a taste for history, cities, and the great outdoors, so you’ve made the wise decision to visit Germany. There are plenty of resources out there to help you plan for your trip to Germany, but all the focus seems to be on the big cities of Berl in , Munich , Hamburg , and Frankfurt. To be fair, they are all fantastic cities and you should visit them.

That said, there’s more to this country than these cities. Luckily, this is a big chunk of land, so there is no shortage of things to do in Germany, and although the country in and of itself is not necessarily off the beaten path , getting away from the cacophony of clicking cameras can still be done. So, when compiling this off-the-beaten-path travel guide for Germany, I used a few self-imposed barometers.

• Do Germans instantly speak English even when I speak German?
• Is there evidence that Germans themselves like these destinations?
• Would the average North American not know of this place?

Obviously, everything here is relatively known, but on the whole, I think you’ll find that these recommendations will yield more unique experiences than, say, shuffling through Checkpoint Charlie in Berlin or the beer gardens in Munich. Even better, I still have plenty of traveling to do within Germany and will update this guide accordingly.

Now let’s get to it. These are the 24 places to visit in Germany off the beaten path.

Tip: Looking for more Germany? Check out my top things to do in Germany ,  German language tips , and  how to ride the German train system . Want something more literary? Read chapters from my upcoming memoir on moving to and living in Germany and finding my roots–– There Must Be Order .

Last but not least… If you’re interested in planning a trip to Germany, schedule a consultation call with me !

24 Places to Visit in Germany Off the Beaten Path

Transportation In Germany

Before You Go To Germany

Few places have impressed me in Germany quite like the Ahrtal (Ahr River Valley). Here you get the scenery and wine culture of both the Rhineland and Mosel River (both covered below) without any of the over tourism. (At least, that was my experience over a couple of summer visits.)

On my first visit, I ended up in tiny Walporzheim right off the connecting train from Bonn. My wife and I stayed in a rented apartment right off the Ahrsteig hiking trail and enjoyed impressive, scenic hikes to nearby Kreuzberg and Ahrweiler Markt with vineyards and castles along the way.

Timing was on our side with a wine festival taking place in Ahrweiler Markt, one of the more impeccably maintained old towns I’ve seen in Germany. We kept asking ourselves how we haven’t heard about this town or region before. Of course, there were German travelers, but we didn’t hear a drop of English almost the entire trip. Even when hiking up to Kloster Marienthal, a former convent converted into a winery, drinkers and revelers seemed to stick to a local crowd. I can’t help but wonder how long that will remain the case. It felt like we were drinking wine in Provence without the crowds or blown-up expectations that come with travel almost anywhere in France.

A second visit a few months later confirmed our love for the Ahrtal. This time we ended up in Altenahr for a trail race that climbed familiar hills along the Ahrsteig with views of the Mayschoß Castle we’d visited on our first trip. Although this list is organized alphabetically, the Ahrtal certainly ranks at or near the top of my favorite off the beaten path destinations in Germany.

Baden-Baden

The Black Forest is certainly not off the beaten path, but it’s some of the best hiking in Germany and in one of the sunniest corners of a country that has an otherwise gray reputation. The heart of this region is Freiburg. In Baden-Baden, on the other hand, you can still get a sense of what it’s like to be a local there. I spent mornings heading to the bakery, speaking German, and hearing exclusively German. There is a good chance that most Germans I saw walking around the pedestrian plazas were themselves tourists. After all, “baden” is the verb “to bathe,” so Baden-Baden is incredibly popular for the thermal baths.

You’ll eat well in Baden-Baden, too, and there’s actually a bit of culinary diversity for such a small town. I grabbed a drink at Badener Weinkeller at the edge of the town center while waiting for the AirBnB host. Badener Weinkeller had a great, welcoming atmosphere and a charming patio to enjoy with your beverage.

Weinstube im Baldreit feels hidden off a couple of cobbled side streets with little fuss trying to get your attention. It’s also one of the highest user-reviewed restaurants in town — for good reason. But be sure to make a reservation .

Cafe Beek is a great spot for grabbing an afternoon jolt of caffeine. And though I didn’t have a chance to experience it myself, sources tell me it has the best Kuchen in Germany. When you’re really looking to relax, Caracalla Therme is right around the corner with very clear barriers for those of us looking to go au natural and the rest who prefer to leave a little to the imagination.

Now about the hiking. It’s everywhere around the Black Forest. I did a couple of treks heading south and north of the city to the old castle. You can consult the tourist bureau for more specific instructions, but you can see what I did by clicking here and here .

Whatever you do, plan substantial time to get into that forest. You’ll regret it if you don’t.

See more photos of Baden-Baden and the Black Forest

What can I say? It’s Berlin! You either love it or you hate it. I’ve found there’s very little in between.

Having lived here for nearly the better part of a decade, I’ll do the opposite of what you might expect and keep it brief. Because you’re probably coming to Berlin with some plans in mind already. You probably want to see the Berlin Wall, maybe some World War II history, or maybe you’re a youngin’ and want to go clubbing. (Not my scene anyway, so I couldn’t help you.)

Instead, I’ll give you the spiel I give most people when they ask me what to do in Berlin and why I love this city. First of all, you gotta eat in Berlin. The world is in Berlin. You can find just about every cuisine here alongside regional German eats. So eat up! I’ve written before for other outlets with some suggestions, so check those out. The only other thing I’ll note about food is that it’s a mecca for vegans and vegetarians. If that’s your jam, you’ll eat quite well.

Now besides eating, museums, and all that stuff… Check out the parks. I never get sick of going for a run under Brandenburg Gate, through to the other side (as you do in the legendary Berlin Marathon ), and into Tiergarten. But if you want a proper hike, you can take the S-Bahn out to Grunewald. One of my favorite things to do is run or hike around the forest in the summer and jump into one of the lakes, like Schlachtensee, to cool off and have a beer . It’s quite literally the best.

Few cities in Germany have surprised me quite like Bonn. Even amongst Germans, people aren’t really talking about Bonn — but they should. The Rhineland city was the capital of post-war West Germany until reunification saw the capital move back to Berlin. But during its time as the  Hauptstadt of Germany, Bonn made a name for itself as the UN City with dignitaries from all over the world spending time in the strategic city. All of this is covered at the Haus Der Geschichte museum on Bonn’s UN Campus, an easy tram ride south of the city center.

These days Bonn is better known as the birthplace of Beethoven (the composer, not the enormous dog of cinematic fame), the Rheinsteig hiking trail , and the annual cherry blossom in the spring adding a fresh coat of pink to the Altstadt. Beethoven fans will be pleased to know they can even step into his home (where he lived for the first four years of his life) and take a tour . Even better, you can drink like Beethoven by heading down the street to Marktplatz where  Em Höttche sits next to the Rathaus (City Hall). Legend has it that Beethoven imbibed (and danced) here in the late 18th Century, and indeed, his statue and mug are staples of the bar. Enjoy a beer or hearty German fare on the patio or step inside for a bit of a time trek into the 14th and 15th centuries (the building is said to date back to 1389).

Bonn is not a large city, making it easy to cover a majority of the sights in a day. You can grab a quick coffee at Galestro just around the corner from Münster Platz before heading south down green Poppelsdorfer Alle. The road ends at the Poppelsdorfer Schloss , surrounded by the University of Bonn’s botanical garden . (Bonn is obviously a university town with its historic buildings and visibly younger residents.) If you head east around the garden and back towards the river, you can see some of the most beautiful, intact homes in urban Germany. Then at the Rhine, walk along the promenade to the Alter Zoll with a vibrant beer garden to cement the perfectly German vibe.

Brandenburg

Brandenburg is one of Germany’s 16 states, so I’m cheating a little bit here. But it’s a lesser-traveled state in Germany, though popular with Berliners looking for a quick city escape alongside a lake. I’ll be the first to admit that I had other destinations in mind when I first moved to Berlin. However, the restrictions of the pandemic forced me to look more closely at what’s in my own backyard––and it was truly a blessing in disguise.

First I visited Fürstenberg an der Havel to run a bit of the Märkischer Landweg––a 217-kilometer trail that stretches across Brandenburg all the way to the Polish border. I was impressed by the look of Fürstenberg with its stocky, old homes and cobblestone streets. You can read more about my visit there here . In short, it left me excited to return to Brandenburg as soon as possible, which I did two more times–– Bückow and most recently for a three-day running trip from Templin to Angermünde before finishing in Warnitz . (Video above).

Now I’m singing Brandenburg’s praises. And the thing is, I haven’t even visited the Spreewald yet––arguably the most popular destination in Brandenburg (outside of the capital Potsdam) with its canals cutting through the forest. Trust that I’ll be heading there sooner rather than later.

Detmold and the Teutoburg Wald

Teutoburger Wald, a stretch of forest running through Germany’s Lippe district, had been on my list for a while when I finally made it over to Bielefeld and Detmold (separate trips) for some hiking. Detmold is especially known in tourist circles for its statue, Hermannsdenkmal, celebrating the ancient Germanic victory over invading Roman forces. But there’s more to Detmold than just visiting the statue and hiking Hermannahoehen. It’s also home to Brauerei Strate, a traditional German brewery that expertly brews classic recipes, like Pilsner and Bock, while experimenting to keep up with the craft beer boom.

Read more about Detmold here  and Bielefeld here .

Dresden is a popular destination for World War II history, the Christmas markets (the longest-running in Europe, they say), and to see the reconstructed old town. That said, it’s generally not at the top of any North America’s list for a trip to Germany — though it should be. If you travel during the holiday season, you should, indeed, check out the Christmas markets. The Dresdner Striezelmarkt is the main one you’ll find in the Old Town area, though there are several throughout the city. None of this feels particularly off the beaten path, but this is a firmly German thing to do. I don’t think I heard a lick of English during my time in Dresden and walking around the Christmas markets.

If you want to do something especially unique to Dresden, hook up with Danilo for his Kurt Vonnegut and Neustadt art tours. Literary types might already know that Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse Five was greatly inspired by the author surviving the infamous firebombing of Dresden. Although the book isn’t known by German audiences (why would it be?), Danilo has latched onto it and his tour makes for something unique to anything else in Germany. He also runs an art and neighborhood tour of Neustadt, the hipster slice of town just north of the Alt Stadt (Old Town).

See more photos of Dresden

I couldn’t get through this off the beaten path Germany travel guide and  not talk about my new home — Düsseldorf. Personal bias aside, it really does feel off the beaten path, save German tourists in the summer strolling around the city’s Altstadt. There’s a good amount of spoken English here, too, but some German language skills will still go a long way here, whereas you don’t need to speak a lick of the language traveling in nearby Cologne or Berlin.

Düsseldorf gets its international fame for its fashion industry and its consistent ranking as one of the most liveable cities in the world . Even if you’re like me and look at such rankings with suspicion, I can at least anecdotally offer that Düsseldorf, indeed, is a great place to live. I could go on and on with suggestions on what to do, but I’ll leave you with a handful of my favorite recommendations.

Walk south through the Rheinpark toward Altstadt in the morning. You’ll know you’re there once the footpaths turn to cobbles and things look a bit older as most everything else in Düsseldorf has that rather generic, modern look. The Altstadt isn’t huge, so don’t worry about getting lost or turning down any street that speaks to you. But do make a point to eventually end up on Carlsplatz where on Saturday mornings you’ll find people in market-mode. Grab a coffee at Kaffe Reich and continue wandering around to your heart’s content. You’ve got Bob & Mary (burgers!) and Hausmann’s just around the corner if you start to get hungry.

Come back to the Altstadt at night to try out some of the historic breweries. (This is, after all, with the “längste Theke der Welt” — longest bar in the world.) My favorite is Füchsen on Rattingerstraße. This is essentially the exterior of Altstadt where a local once told me that it’s where the “real Düsseldorfers” hang out. Nowadays you’ve also got a craft beer bar nearby in Holy Craft , which itself is right next to Vente where you can get German cuisine with a modern touch, blended with the city’s primary immigrant cultures — Japanese, Italian and Arabic. (Speaking of Japanese, Düsseldorf has the largest Japanese immigrant population in the world. That means good Japanese eats, like at Na Ni Wa .)

Looking around the city, I have a sentimental place in my heart for Schwan. This place feels like a cozy local restaurant back in the States, but it’s also where I spent many days during my first weeks in Düsseldorf ordering currywurst and Kaffee und Kuchen while using their Internet. The Schwan on Frankenplatz is my spot and you’ve also got VIVU for some modern Asian fusion just down the square. Oh, since we’re here, I have to mention Bellisima for a down-to-Earth, charming Italian family experience.

I better end it there for now — wait! 485Grad has some of the best pizza that has ever touched my lips and burnt the roof of my mouth. Get “El Diablo” for chorizo pizza that will set your heart back, but shoot your level of happiness through the roof.

We’re staying in Thuringia with a look at Erfurt, the state capital. Erfurt makes for an idyllic urban base to explore this often overlooked German state. In Erfurt, you get all the comforts you’d want in traveling to a German city — namely excellent train services to some of the nearby areas that you might want to dive deeper into, especially if you’re a history nerd and want to retrace Martin Luther’s steps from Eisenach to Wittenberg.

The Krämerbrücke (Merchant’s Bridge) is the most popular sight in town — and rightfully so. The medieval bridge (yes, it survived WWII) dates back to the 15th Century and remains a treat to walk around or view from the north. I lucked out by staying at a hotel just steps away from the bridge, so it was easy to get there early in the morning and see it while it was empty save the occasional local passerby.

Another personal favorite was walking by the Domplatz, past the towering Catholic church and up to Glashütte Petersberg for some original Thüringen Bratwurst (the stuff we generally call bratwurst in the States) and evening views overlooking the city. I felt as if I blended right in the locals with everyone from cyclists to canoodling couples enjoying themselves (but not too much) on the edge of the overlook.

See more photos of Thuringia

Hainich National Park

Hainich National Park is right smack dab in the middle of Germany in the state of Thuringia (Thüringen auf Deutsch). What used to be a military training ground for the old German Democratic Republic (GDR) is now 29 square miles of pristine green space, harboring a primeval beech forest. If you’re not a tree-nerd, there’s still plenty of good times to be had in Hainich National Park. I for one opted for a bike ride after getting a unique view of the area via the park’s canopy walk . The walkway itself was built around the natural growth of the beech forest, so your environmentalist heart can rest easy knowing you’re truly there just to admire. (Interestingly, the canopy serves scientific purposes, too, as it allows scientists and researchers access to the treetops and the animals that naturally live there.)

Harz Mountains

The Black Forest and the Bavarian Alps get most of the love when it comes to admiring Germany’s natural surroundings. There’s good reason for that, but the Harz Mountains and Harz National Park deserve just as much celebration. It’s long been a favorite of literary wanderers looking for both inspiration and a pleasant, sometimes challenging jaunt in the refreshing isolation of a thick forest.

Heinrich Heine and Goethe are among Harz’s most famous hikers with the latter drawing on the region’s witch mythology for his classic work,  Faust . It’s a connection the region has embraced, celebrating Walpurgisnacht (the eve of May 1st) on the Brocken mountain where legend says witches celebrate the coming of spring. You can envelop yourself in the history and legends by hiking the Harzer-Hexen-Stieg––a 94-kilometer (58-mile) trail stretching from Osterode to Thale, reaching the top of the Brocken in the middle of the hike. You can read all about the five-day hike in my feature with DW Travel .

Landschaftspark | Duisburg

A number of cities along the German Rhine are closely associated with the country’s industrial past. Germany was not immune to the technological revolution of the late 20th Century that’s still going on to this day and a number of old plants shuttered their doors. Rather than let the old coal and steel production site rot over time, a man by the name of Peter Latz came up with a design that would turn the property into a public park unlike anything the area had seen before. Indeed, it’s unlike anything I had ever seen before. I couldn’t help but imagine what if other cities around the world took on a similar effort because Landschaftspark had clearly become a draw for Germans near and far. On a clear weekend afternoon, you’ll find hikers, cyclists, and even beer drinkers relaxing at one of the restaurants on the outskirts of the industrial site.

See more photos of Landschaftspark

Mittenwald | Bavaria

When people talk about traveling to the Bavarian mountains, they’re generally looking at Garmisch-Partenkirchen and working their way up the Zugspitze. That’s all well and good, but Garmisch-Partenkirchen has, over the years, become an exceptionally popular tourist destination, especially with Americans. When you travel to a foreign country, isn’t part of the point to be surrounded by people who actually live there? For that, you want to head to Mittenwald — just 100 minutes south on the train from Munich . (You even go through Garmisch-Partenkirchen if you feel so inclined to make a stop.)

In Mittenwald you’re enveloped in Bavarian culture — the homes painted with biblical figures, Weißwurst, and perhaps most importantly, the mountains with an absurd array of hiking trails at your disposal. You can take the Karwendelbahn (gondola) up to the Austrian border to hike around, wander around the Kranzberg ski area and work your way down to the neighboring Ferchen and Lauter lakes (lunch lakeside at Gasthaus Ferchensee), and take a jaunt alongside the rock cliff at the Geisterklamm where a hanging, man-made path escorts you over the Leutscher Valley in Austria. (Mittenwald is just a few kilometers from the Austrian border and you can easily hike across, so do take a moment to appreciate the border-free Europe of the 21st Century.)

Mittenwald’s true claim to fame, though, is its violins. Matthias Klotz brought the art to the region in 1685 and the practice has since flourished to the present. (You’ll notice signs throughout town to the workshops of various violin builders who’ve achieved “Geigenbaumeister” status.) The story most locals like to share is that Mozart played a violin with “Made in Mittenwald” etched into the body. Even today a Mittenwalder violin remains a prized possession, like the Gucci of musical instruments. If history is your thing, you can get more of it (in English) at the Geigenbaumuseum.

Schnitzel isn’t a Bavarian invention, but the best damn take on it I’ve had is at Mittenwald’s Gasthaus Römerschanz. Their Blaumantel Lieblingsschnitzel comes baked in a thick layer of cheese with blueberries on top. You might not think it a natural combination, but holy hell, it sure works. Keep it all local by washing down the meal with a Mittenwald beer either at Römerschanz or by heading across the street over to the brewery (I recommend the Jager Dunkel).

Mosel River | Burg Eltz, Beilstein, Ediger-Eller

The Mosel River itself isn’t off the beaten path. That’s made abundantly clear when you reach Cochem and see throngs of tourists––German and international alike––fighting their way through the crowds to take pictures of the storybook old town and walk up to the castle hovering above town. The region’s wine culture has also long been a draw for travelers.

That said, it’s easy to escape the crowds and find off the beaten path destinations along the river. After all, the Mosel River stretches over 100 kilometers (60 miles) from Koblenz to Trier within Germany. Overtourism is certainly a problem, but they’re not crowding up the entire length of the river.

The best time to travel to avoid crowds is late fall just as tourist season is coming to an end. (Note that bus schedules generally change with the start of November.). Moselkern, for example, was pleasantly quiet despite being a healthy hike away from the Instagram-favorite, Burg Eltz. Travel during the late fall and arrive early in the morning for some tourists-free shots of the fairytale castle.

From there, check out tiny Beilstein. I took the train from Moselkern to Cochem where I then boarded a ship for Beilstein. (You could also take a bus.) Beilstein is tiny. You can basically see it all within 30 minutes of walking, but damn if it isn’t an adorable little town. Here you can drink Mosel wine, enjoy the views from lesser-traveled Metternich Castle, and get your Kaffee und Kuchen (coffee and cake) fix at Klosterrestaurant & Cafe, a former cathedral converted into a cafe.

After Beilstein, I took the bus a short journey over to Ediger-Eller––a town recommended to me for its wine shops and taverns. And in that regard, it did not disappoint. Check out Weinprobierstube E. Andre and Gutshof Zenz if you want a couple of recommendations so you don’t have to research or think. But there’s plenty more in town and the surrounding area you can easily reach by foot.

Speaking of reaching things by foot, this entire area is connected by the Moselsteig. Twenty-four stages cover the region from Koblenz right to the German border with Luxembourg and France . In fact, hiking from Beilstein to Cochem (and taking the bus back) remains one of my favorite hikes in Germany––wandering through vineyards and forests with elevated views of the surrounding, gorgeous Mosel valley. You also hop on the Moselsteig when hiking from Moselkern to Burg Eltz.

Between the towns mentioned above and hopping on the Moselsteig, you’re bound to find plenty of off-the-beaten-path fun along the Mosel River.

Read more about traveling along the Mosel River .

Monschau — Eifel National Park

Germany has what’s referred to as “premium hiking trails.” These trails are all over the country and are multi-day hikes with plenty of holiday apartments and towns along the way to catch some Zs. The Eifelsteig is one such example with a stop at Stage 3 in Monschau near the Belgian border. I arrived into Monschau by way of the second stage of the Eifelsteig, starting in even smaller Roetgen and hiking the Eifelsteig in and out of Belgium some 17 kilometers to arrive in Monschau.

Trotting over the cobbled streets in between those colorful timber houses, my first thought was that I had never seen a city like this in Germany. Monschau quickly became my favorite small town escape in Europe. It has everything I look for. It’s walkable as a city and has fantastic access to hiking trails. You can hike the next stage of the Eifelsteig over to Einruhr, but if like me you find you’d rather spend more time in Monschau, there are a number of loops that take you from Monschau and into Eifel National Park and back into town. You can find all the hikes you’d possibly need at the city’s tourism website . I for one look forward to returning for the city’s classical music festival, Christmas market, and cycling in addition to more hiking.

Some other recommendations I can put out there include staying at Villadelux where you’re just outside of the town’s central plaza. Villadelux includes a number of apartment buildings, so if you’re lucky, you’ll get one across the street from the main building where you climb a few flights of stairs to get a nice view of the town right outside of your window. The owner also takes the reverse (yet still appreciated) approach to eating recommendations by telling you where not to go. There are a couple of places to avoid on the main square, but “everything else is good.” Indeed, I enjoyed everywhere I ate, including Alter Markt and Mon-Bistro. Get the Reibekuchen (potato pancakes) with smoked salmon at the latter.

See more photos of Monschau and Eifel National Park

Neanderthal Valley

Cycling fans might recognize this small valley outside of Düsseldorf from the 2017 Tour de France. Stage 2 took cyclists around the rolling valley and past the Neanderthal Museum before turning back toward Düsseldorf and out of the country. As the name of the region hints at, our Neanderthal ancestors used to roam around this region. While most scientists believe that our first ancestors came from Africa, it was near the site of the museum (some 160 years ago) that the first Neanderthal remains were found.

Now I’m not typically a museum guy (I feel like I’m exhausted as soon as I walk in), but the museum is worth a visit while you’re out there. Then you have a number of hiking trail options right across the street from the museum to take you around the region. Bring a map and you can easily connect these trails with nearby towns and hop on the train to head back wherever you started. Better yet, make like a cyclist in the Tour de France and do a loop around the region.

See more photos of the Neanderthal Valley

Neckarsteig and the Castle Road

Two things Germany does better than most any other country are castles, and hiking. Why not combine the two with a hike along the Neckarsteig and the Castle Road? The two are technically separate but they complement one another beautifully. You can give yourself a physical challenge and hike the Neckarsteig from castle-to-castle or roll from town-to-town by bike. You’ve also got trains running alongside the Neckar River, connecting the various towns of the region in just a few minutes between stops.

The Castle Road starts off in Mannheim and runs all the way out to Bayreuth in eastern Germany. I started off in Heidelberg because it’s also the first stage of the Neckarsteig and it’s where Mark Twain stays for a few months in  A Tramp Abroad . Now, Heidelberg itself is not off the beaten path with its university roots. You’ll hear plenty of English — American English, even — on the streets as well as Spanish and a dash of French. Still, it serves as an ideal gateway into the Neckarsteig and the Castle Road in the German state of Baden-Württemberg.

After starting off with a detour along the Philosophensweg, I picked up the Neckarsteig trailhead alongside the gardens of Heidelberg Castle. If you’re traveling for castles, you won’t want to miss this mix of ruins and refurbished grandeur. But again, you’re going to be surrounded by tourists from all over the world. They open up at 8 a.m. most days, so go early before the crowds come in. Then, you can start hiking toward Neckargemünd, which itself starts off with a challenging, steep hike straight up a kilometer-long set of stone steps that cut through the forest up to the Königstuhl viewpoint.

Like the Rheinsteig , each stage begins in a town on the river and starts with a fairly significant incline into the woods. This was the case in the following stages from Neckargemäund to Neckarsteinach and Neckarsteinach to Hirschhorn. The first two proved ultimately shorted and more challenging than the longer, easier third stage. You can read more about the stages at the trail’s official site (in German) and the corresponding castles at the Burgenstrasse website (in English) . Ultimately I found that the Rheinsteig has more tourism infrastructure, namely cafes and restaurants along the trail, whereas the Neckarsteig is lesser-traveled and offers a bit more solitude.

Oberstdorf (Allgäu)

Oberstdorf is about as far south in Germany as you can get without it being Austria. This means you get the benefit of looking up at (and hiking among) the German Alps.

I first came here one summer after running a trail race in Sonthofen , a couple of train stops north of Oberstdorf. The scenery is fantastic. That means you’ll have to book early if you want to come here. Hotels fill up and there’s a reason it’s got the nickname “Teuersdorf” or “Expensive village.” You might think about finding someplace just outside of town, like I did, a short bus ride away.

Quedlinburg

Almost any American’s favorite thing about Europe is the opportunity to find villages older than the country they came from. Quedlinburg is one of those villages and quite possibly the most beautiful one I’ve seen in Germany.

I’m lucky enough to have visited twice; once after finishing my hike across the Harz Mountains and a second time one spring for some trail running. Suffice it to say, Quedlinburg does not disappoint if you’re looking for a mix of Medieval village vibes with access to nature.

Read more about things to do in Quedlinburg .

Since we started on the premium trails, we’ll keep going with a shout out for the Rheinsteig. I still have plenty of premium trail hiking to do in the Deutschland, but few multi-day hikes hold a candle to the Rheinsteig. The Rheinsteig stretches over 300 kilometers between Wiesbaden and Bonn, and as of this writing, I’ve done just 5 of the 21 stages. Whereas the Eifelsteig goes through a national park, the Rheinsteig trail goes up and down from town to town along the Rhine river. Almost every stage starts with a steep incline out of town and ends with a decline into your next overnight stop. This means plenty of great, elevated views of the towns along the river as you hike the trail.

In my admittedly limited experience, I can recommend staying in Königswinter where you have the Drachenburg ( Dragon Castle !) hovering over you in the hills of Siebengebirge. Kaub with a hotel stay at Hotel Zum Turm before heading to the twin towns of St. Goarhausen and St. Goar also worked out quite nicely.

There are some towns along the trail that have a bit less going on, but you can get a sense of that during your hotel search and/or by consulting with the Rheinsteig tourist board . Fancying something a bit, well, fancier? There’s a Steigenberger property (a renowned German hotel chain) on Petersberg along the trail. If you’re coming from the south, as I did, there are local trails that allow you to skip the descent into Königswinter and continue onward to Petersberg.

Note that both the Rheinsteig and Eifelsteig are in the German state of Nordrhein-Westfalen, so it’s possible to fit either one into a trip through Western Germany that might have you flying in and out of Frankfurt.

See more photos of the Rheinsteig

Saxon Switzerland National Park

Saxon Switzerland National Park is hardly off the beaten path for German travelers but it’s always something of a surprise for overseas travelers and other non-Germans living in the country. From Berlin, you can get a direct connection to Bad Schandau right on the Elbe River and be in between the ever-popular Bastei Bridge (pictured above) and the thick of Saxony Switzerland National Park.

What’s most surprising is the dramatic landscape. I always describe it as something of a mix of Utah’s Martian landscape and the greenery of the Pacific Northwest. It’s incredible to me just how close this is to pancake-flat Berlin.

I’ve visited the region on three separate occasions, twice staying in Bad Schandau and most recently in Stadt Wehlen. The first time I did some trail running and hiking around the park, including a long run that ended in Schmilka right on the Czech border. If you like beer, do check out Bio-Braumanufaktur. They also have a vegetarian lasagne that just nails the spot after a long day in the forest.

It’s a cliché expression, but there really is no shortage of trails in Saxony Switzerland National Park. If you’re looking to follow something well-marked, then check out the Malerweg (Painter’s Trail). When I did my long run through the park to Schmilka, I was following two stages of the Malerweg.

Schmalkalden

Schmalkalden is half-timbered town wedged into central Germany. They call it the Fachwerkhäuserstadt (half-timbered town) for good reason. I mean, look at it. This is what you expect to see when you visit a medieval German city. The view from Wilhelmsburg Castle says it all.

But there’s more to Schmalkalden than just a pretty postcard view. You can eat well at Restaurant Grünes Tor Zum Hopfengarten (which doubles as a hotel) and get a tasty Kaffee und Kuchen (coffee and cake) at Cafe Liebaug next door after spending a day in the woods. Speaking of the woods, Schmalkalden is also enveloped by the Thüringer Wald (forest) with plenty of hiking trails to meander around on. In the video above, you can see some of the trails I hiked and ran north of Schmalkalden and along the fourth stage of the Lutherweg.

Triberg | Eastern Black Forest

Triberg is a Black Forest village wedged firmly into the eastern edge of the region. The Triberg Waterfalls are the main attraction here with paved trails connecting walkers to Germany’s highest waterfalls right from the town center, but it’s also a connecting point for hiking trails, like the long-distance Wasserweltensteig. (That’s “Water World Trail.”)

On my visit, I used it as a base for running up to Mount Kandel ––the second largest in the region. But the town itself served as a relaxing, quiet getaway. Though you best like German food if you’re heading to Triberg. There’s not a ton of options in town beyond traditional German eats, which are good (like at Landgasthof Zur Lilie) but heavy at the same time. It seems Triberg may have seen better times when you walk north back toward the train station with storefronts sitting empty. But there is a large grocery store in town, so if you’re staying at an apartment with a kitchen and you’re looking for some fresh air, Triberg is a great place to kick back for a few days and hit the trails.

I won’t pretend that I knew what or where Usedom was when my friend and food writer, Christie Dietz at A Sausage Has Two , first told me about it, but this island in the Baltic Sea shared with Poland is as popular of a beach travel spot for Germans in the summer as any. But my having been or your lack of knowledge about Usedom isn’t reason enough to go. You go for the Strandkorbs (distinctly German beach seating), seafood, and coastal hiking.

Standing over the Ahlbeck coastline, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’re looking out onto an ocean’s horizon with the soft, white sand dusted immaculately as far as you can see. You can hike, paddle in the water, but most importantly, you can eat some of the best fresh fish in Europe. Make a special point to stop by Uwe’s Fischerhütte whose crew was kind enough to let us tag along with their 4 a.m. haul. (Uwe is one of the last of the Strandfischerei (beach fishery) tradition. Stay tuned for a short video featuring Uwe’s story and watch as fish turns to food.)

For more on where to eat in Usedom, check out Christie’s story here , and read more about one of the last beach fishermen in Usedom (video above) here .

My visit was provided by Usedom.de . As always, all opinions are my own.

Transportation in Germany

Germans like to complain about public transportation and that time the Deutsche Bahn (the primary national train service) was late, but the fact of the matter is that Germany has some of the best public transportation in the world. A British expatriate told me in Eisenach that it’s in the German constitution that everyone has access to public transportation. After traveling extensively around the country, I believe it. On the whole, trains are fast and punctual. The long-distance, high-speed ICE trains can be pricey if you wait until the last minute. If you know your plans well in advance, search the “ Sparpreis ” options at Deutsche Bahn’s website. I bought a ticket for as low as €20 from Düsseldorf to Munich planning several months in advance. There are also a number of passes you can sign up for to cover group and tourist travel.

My other suggestion? Go cycling. Eurovelo routes spread across Germany, most cities have some form of bike share, and it’s quite simply one of the safest countries to cycle in. It’s far from perfect — any place in the world with cars is — but drivers on average are much more accustomed to cyclists on the road and are more respectful of their presence. Given the time, you’d be smart to plan a multi-day bike trip across a section of the country.

Do brush up (or start working on) your German language skills if you plan on going outside of the major cities. Germans are just as complicit as North Americans in perpetrating this myth that you don’t need to speak German when you travel in Germany. You don’t need to be able to speak German in the sense that you don’t necessarily need to speak Arabic to get around in Jordan , but it will both enhance your trip and make it more enjoyable.

English will be easy in the likes of Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg, but if you decide to go on a long multi-day hike along something like the Rheinsteig — which you absolutely should — you might come across a hotel that doesn’t speak English. You’ll almost certainly find menus without an English translation, so even being able to recognize some foods will be helpful and make the language barrier less frustrating to deal with. Obviously, you’re not going to gain fluency before heading over to Germany, so I do recommend downloading the Dictionary app , which has just about every German phrase I’ve ever had to look up.

Language aside, I do have a few reading recommendations. Beer fans will enjoy Horst Dornbusch’s Prost! The Story of German Beer  and history buffs can take on the massive, but incredibly interesting,  Germany: Memories of a Nation by Neil MacGregor. For a more travelogue-esque take on the country, I’m currently working my way through Simon Winder’s  Germania: In Wayward Pursuit of the Germans and Their History , which still operates as a historic and cultural look on Germany as well.

When it comes to cinema, I can’t recommend enough  Er Ist Wieder Da or  He’s Back! This film is based on a satirical novel of the same time and imagines what if Hitler reappeared in modern European society. It’s a mixture of scripted satire and documentary as Hitler interacts with real Germans. The film very much walks the line of “this is okay” and “this is definitely not okay,” quite possibly crossing it for many viewers.

Tschick is another film I’d recommend that has absolutely nothing to do with World War II and the Nazis. It’s essentially a German take on the “often told coming-of-age story,” but it’s done quite well.

Last but not least, music. Truthfully, I need to dive deeper into this myself, but I’m thinking of two bands/artists off the top of my head — Silbermond and Anna Depenbusch . Silbermond will delight any lover of 90s rock whereas Anna Depenbusch has this charming, occasionally jazzy vibe that I just can’t get enough of. Listen to “Kopf Frei” off her latest album, “Das Alphabet der Anna Depenbusch” and get ready to feel the compulsive urge to whimsically spring about whatever room you’re in.

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Summer in Germany: 19 Beautiful Places to Visit & Things to Do

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my  disclaimer policy.

Planning a summer vacation to Germany? Here are the best summer destinations around Germany, along with some helpful travel tips!

• 1 Is Summer a Good Time to Visit Germany?
• 2 What is Germany Like in the Summer?
• 3 What to Pack for Summer in Germany
• 4 Where to Go in Germany in Summer?

Is Summer a Good Time to Visit Germany?

Summer is many traveler’s favorite time to visit Germany.

If you’re a big fan of festivals or concerts, one of the biggest draws are all the cultural events that take place during these months. From lively wine and beer festivals to open-air concerts and street celebrations, there’s always something exciting happening all around the country. 

It’s also a great time for outdoor activities, whether it’s hiking in the Alps, swimming in lakes, visiting the beaches of northern Germany, exploring national parks or cycling through picturesque countryside.

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Lastly, the warm and generally pleasant weather creates the perfect backdrop for sightseeing and taking pictures!

What is Germany Like in the Summer?

The summer months are typically considered to run from June through August, though warm summery weather can being in May and continue into September. I’ve been in Germany for more than one May or September heat wave!

During the summer you can expect anything from mild to warm temperatures to long, hot, sunny days. Hotter summers have become more frequent with global warming so heat waves are to be expected at some point during a typical summer.

But you also need to be prepared for rainy days, since these months actually have the highest average precipitation. I’ve also experienced days or even a couple weeks of cloudy, rainy weather.

In terms of travel, summer has always been the peak tourist season. We recommend booking everything from airfare, hotels , tours, and entrance tickets for popular sights like Neuschwanstein castle or the Reichstag dome in Berlin as early as possible to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.

What to Pack for Summer in Germany

• Lightweight clothing: Pack breathable and versatile clothing like shorts, t-shirts, dresses, skirts, and lightweight pants
• Sun protection: Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to shield yourself from the sun
• Comfortable walking shoes: Bring sturdy, comfortable shoes for sightseeing! Hiking shoes are also a  good idea if you plan to hike or do outdoor activities. I like to bring a pair of comfortable sandals to wear, as well.
• Swimsuit:  Essential if you plan to visit lakes or coastal areas. Watershoes are also a good idea.

These are just a few essentials to get you started. For more tips, read our ultimate Germany packing list and the 15 things we always take with us to Germany (and beyond).

Where to Go in Germany in Summer?

Rhine Valley & Moselle Valley

With their rolling vineyards, rivers glistening under the sun, surrounding beautiful towns and villages exuding a relaxed vibe, and the many castles, the Rhine Valley and Moselle Valley are popular travel destinations for the summer holidays.

Castle Eltz (Burg Eltz) is one of the main attractions in this area for many travelers and a must-see. Another attraction are the vineyards. Although harvest time is typically in the fall, it’s nice to visit during this time to see them in full bloom.

For all wine lovers, a fun activity would be to do a vineyard tour like this one in the Moselle Valley where you can spend soaking up the beautiful  scenery, taste premium wines, and learn about the wine-making process of different vineyards.

The Moselle Valley region is also home to charming medieval villages like Cochem , Beilstein, and Bernkastel-Kues – all worth visiting for their fairy tale atmosphere and historic buildings.

Summer is also a great time to visit the area because the boat cruises along the rivers are running on a regular basis (provided the water level is high enough). The Rhine river especially is the perfect place to explore by boat tour. There are lots of different options to choose from depending on the route you prefer.

We recommend doing the Castles Tour river cruise operated by the Köln-Düsseldorfer cruise line. This boat ride from Bingen to Koblenz takes you to many of the castles in the Middle Rhine. You can also do a shorter portion if you prefer. We’ve done the Bingen to St. Goar portion and enjoyed it.

Along the way, you can explore any of the quaint medieval towns by the river like Bacharach, Rüdesheim, Boppard, or St. Goar. It’s also a good idea to visit these small towns during summer because the majority of shops and restaurants are open full hours!

Black Forest

Another popular destination during summer is the Black Forest. It’s a beloved region for good reason! It’s associated with a variety of things like the famous Brothers Grimm fairy tales, Black Black Forest cake, breathtaking natural beauty, and charming historic cities like Freiburg , Triberg, and Gengenbach.

The diverse landscape of the Black Forest makes it a great place to do a wide range of outdoor activities – perfect for nature lovers!

There are lots of different hiking and walking trails that go through scenic wonders like the Triberg waterfalls, Ravenna Gorge and the Wutach Gorge, and mountain peaks like Feldberg and Schauinsland. If you’re looking for something more laidback, there’s nothing better than spending a day relaxing or swimming in any of the Black Forest’s pristine, beautiful lakes like Schluchsee (largest lake in the region), ​Titisee, or Mummelsee.

The region is also famous for spa towns like Baden-Baden and Bad Wildbad, where you can relax in thermal baths or hot springs.

If you’re traveling with family, a fun thing to add to your itinerary is the Europa-Park in Rust. It’s the largest theme park in Germany with over 18 different themed areas and 13 roller coasters.

Another one of the best things about visiting the Black Forest is its location! If you’re looking to maximize your summer holiday by visiting another European country, you can easily take a day trip to France or Switzerland!

Colmar, a picturesque French city known as Little Venice, is only around an hour away from Freiburg. Larger Strasbourg is another an easy France day trip. Also located an hour away is Basel in Switzerland, known for its historic center and a great starting point for exploring the rest of Switzerland.

These are just some things you can do during your summer stay in the Black Forest , but make sure to read our complete guide of things to do and see year-round!

Lake Constance (Bodensee)

There’s no better time to visit Lake Constance than summer! This crystal-clear lake is a popular tourist destination but it’s also a favorite place for many locals. It’s located near the Swiss and Austrian border at the foot of the Alps in southern Germany and not too far from Lichtenstein.

Konstanz is the largest city on the lake, known for its historic old town and the nearby Mainau Island. There’s also Lindau, situated on an island in the eastern part of the lake, with its charming old town, harbor, and the Lindau Lighthouse. Meersburg, Friedrichshafen, and Überlingen are other beautiful towns on the lake.

For fans of water sports, the lake is ideal for sailing, wakeboarding, windsurfing, and canoeing. You can rent equipment or join local classes to try these activities. The well-maintained cycling path that encircles the lake is perfect for bike enthusiasts, offering picturesque views of villages, vineyards, and the lakeshore.

Summer is also festival season around the lake, with live music, open-air shows, and cultural special events taking place in the various towns and cities.

Harz Mountains

The Harz Mountains region in northern Germany is another haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Summer is an ideal season to visit and make the most out of the vast network of hiking and nature trails for all skill levels.

If you’re a bit more experienced, we recommend hiking the Brocken, which is the highest peak in the Harz. It’s a relatively strenuous and steep hike but you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views.

But if you prefer to skip out on the hike, there are other ways to explore the mountains! The region is known for its historic narrow-gauge railways, like the Harzquerbahn and Brockenbahn, which offer scenic train rides through the mountains. You can also drive to scenic outlooks.

Don’t miss out on charming towns like Wernigerode, Quedlinburg, and Goslar, with their well-preserved medieval architecture. The region has a rich history associated with mining and the vast network of mines in these towns have been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Some other famous landmarks include the and the Quedlinburg Castle-Hill and Wernigerode Castle, which can be reached by the Harzquerbahn or on foot.

Saxon Switzerland

Saxon Switzerland is one of the most unique places in Germany, characterized by its striking sandstone cliffs and dramatic gorges. The summer months are a perfect time to admire the vibrant landscapes and go on outdoor adventures.

We’ve day tripped here a couple times from Dresden but you can also spend a couple days exploring the region.

The Saxon Switzerland National Park is home to hiking trails with varying levels of difficulty. One of the most popular routes is the Malerweg (Painter’s Way) which winds through picturesque valleys and offers views from rocky outcrops.

This route leads you to the famous Bastei Bridge , stunning, bizarre rock formations that stand over 600 feet over the river Elbe. Rock climbing is also a very popular activity here because of the rich variety of sandstone formations, but climbers must be trained and follow certain rules to protect the cliffs. 

For a more leisurely experience, you can take a scenic steamboat cruise along the Elbe River, passing by the sandstone formations and charming villages, like Bad Schandau and Kurort Rathen. Here you’ll find the Rathen Open Air Stage, a natural stage in a deep valley that’s used as an open-air theater. During summer weekends, you can watch shows varying from traditional performances, musicals, and plays.

Füssen Area (Neuschwanstein Castle and More)

Fussen serves as a gateway to one of Germany’s most popular tourist attractions, Neuschwanstein Castle . This fairytale castle receives tons of visitors year-round, but summer is especially busy. With its iconic turrets and picturesque backdrop of the Bavarian Alps, it’s easy to see why it’s so popular.

If you’re looking for something less touristy, we recommend going to the Tegelberg! The Tegelberg mountain rises steeply from the foothills of the Alps near Schwangau and offers different outdoor activities. You can hike along scenic trails or take the Tegelbergbahn cable car to the summit.

If you’re feeling adventurous, experience the thrill of paragliding and view the landscape of the castle and lakes like Alpsee and Forggensee from above. In the summer, the Sommerrodelbahn or summer luge ride is finally open! It’s located directly at the foot of the mountain and is a fun activity for kids and adults alike.

Zugspitze & Eibsee

Eibsee is a lake at the base of the Zugspitze mountain. In the summer, the crystal-clear waters are great for renting boats and cooling off from the heat by swimming in the cold water. You can also hike around the lake (takes approximately 2 hours – I recommend going in the morning when it’s cooler) as an enjoyable way to take in stunning mountain views. After a long day of summer activities, you can grab a drink and relax at the lakeside beer garden. 

Zugspitze, the highest peak in Germany, is situated south of the town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen in Bavaria. While it may be more known as a ski resort, summer is a good time to visit this area, too. There may even still be enough snow on the glacier for sledding. But summer also provides the opportunity to hike to the very top of Zugspitze to get panoramic views, especially during clear, sunny days. However, do keep in mind that it can get quite crowded in the summer months.

Rügen Island

Summer on Rügen Island, which is tucked away on the Baltic Sea in northeastern Germany, is a coastal paradise that remains somewhat off the beaten path for many non-German travelers – perfect for avoiding the crowds of tourists during the summer peak season.

The island is known for its sprawling coastline and beautiful beaches. Rügen is a place of relaxation. You can stroll through charming seaside towns like Binz and Göhren, where you can enjoy ice cream on the promenade or enjoy seafood at waterfront restaurants in the fresh sea air.

For more active things to do, there are plenty of hiking trails in the chalk cliffs of Jasmund National Park, offering panoramic views of the coastline.For a unique experience, hop on a ferry to Hiddensee, Rügen’s carless neighbor. Here, you’ll find unspoiled beach landscapes and a tranquil atmosphere. It’s the best way to truly unwind and disconnect!

Across from Rügen Island you’ll find Stralsund, a German city that combines the laid back atmosphere of the coast with history and culture. The Old Town of Stralsund is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s home to important buildings like the Gothic Old Town Hall and historic churches like St. Mary’s Church.

The town’s location on the coast offers fantastic opportunities for relaxed days by the waterfront, taking in the sea breeze. Stralsund’s waterfront promenades with their outdoor cafes and restaurants are a great spot to sip on local beers while enjoying summer sunsets over the Baltic sea. You can also easily take a ferry to the nearby islands of Rügen and Hiddensee for more summer beachfront adventures. We really enjoyed exploring Stralsund when we spent a week on Rügen.

Rostock, a vibrant coastal city in northern Germany, is a fantastic destination to explore during the summer season. Its sandy beaches along the Baltic Sea coast, especially Warnemünde Beach, invite sunbathing, swimming, and leisurely strolls along the promenade. The nearby seaside district of Warnemünde makes for a great day trip for an even more relaxing atmosphere by the beachfront and marina.

If you plan your visit in August, don’t miss the Hanse Sail, one of the largest maritime festivals in the Baltic region! During this festival, over 250 traditional ships of all types from all over the world visit the coast of the city of Rostock. There’s also another maritime event that takes place later on in September called the Rostock Cruise Festival, where cruise ships are accompanied by fireworks as they sail out onto the Baltic Sea.

Wattenmeer (Wadden Sea)

The Wattenmeer is an intertidal zone made up of mudflats, sandy shoals, dunes, wetlands that stretches along Germany’s northern coastline by the North Sea. This is one of the most beautiful places in Germany because it has remained largely undisturbed. It has also been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its natural beauty and diverse flora and fauna.

Summer is an ideal time to visit and try unique outdoor activities. During low tide, you can join guided mudflat hiking tours to walk across the exposed mudflats while discovering marine life like crabs and shellfish. As an important stopover for migratory birds, summer brings increased bird activity so avid bird watchers will be able to spot a variety of species.

There are also usually seal safari tours operating throughout June to September, allowing you to observe these creatures lounging on sandbanks or swimming gracefully in the water from a safe distance.

The Wadden Sea is also dotted with picturesque islands like Sylt, Föhr and Amrum. In summer, ferries and boats offer regular services, making it convenient to explore these islands’ unique cultures, landscapes, and beaches.

Würzburg

Würzburg, a charming city in the heart of Bavaria, truly shines during the summer months. With its stunning architecture, lush greenery, and vibrant cultural scene, it’s an ideal destination for the warm months.

One of the quintessential summer experiences in Würzburg is savoring the local wine. The city is located in the Franconian wine region, known for its excellent white wines particularly the Silvaner and Müller-Thurgau varieties. 

You’ll find numerous vineyards and wine cellars in and around Würzburg, making it a wine enthusiast’s paradise. The best way to enjoy these wines is at one of the many outdoor restaurants or wine bars or on the Old Main Bridge with picturesque views of the city and the Main River. We not only enjoyed a glass of local wine on the Old Bridge but also picked up a bottle in the farmer’s market in the Marktplatz.

The city’s green spaces, like Hofgarten or the Ringpark along the river, are also great spots for picnics with wine or leisurely strolls.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a town frozen in time with its well-preserved medieval architecture and intact city walls, is especially enchanting in the summer. One of the highlights during this season is the Night Watchman Tour . While this tour is available throughout the year, they offer it more regularly during the summer.

In this walking tour, you’ll be guided by the Night Watchman, in his traditional attire, who takes you on a humorous journey back in time through the cobbled streets of Rothenburg after dark. This tour is offered in English and in German.

Summer also brings a vibrant festival atmosphere to Rothenburg. The town hosts various events like music festivals and outdoor performances in its charming squares. Aside from this, the weather is just great for getting lost in the charming streets of Old Town. But do keep in mind that Rothenburg is quite touristy so it can get very crowded during the day since it’s peak season.

Read our full guide on the best things to do and see in Rothenburg!

Hamburg is one of the best cities to visit during summer! You’ll get to experience the city in full swing with outdoor festivals and events like the Christopher Street Day Parade in early August and Isamarkt – an outdoor market that is nearly 1 km long (fun fact: I used to walk through this market on my way home from school when I lived in Hamburg as a teen).

Because of the warm, pleasant weather, it’s also the best time for going on boat trips along the harbor or exploring the canals by canoe (which is super fun). The Alster Lake is also a popular spot during summer for barbecues, swimming, or simply relaxing by the shore. 

Check out our accommodation guide for the best places  to stay in Hamburg!

For an exciting summer adventure, you can also go on a day trip to Heligoland, a small archipelago in the North Sea that’s easily accessible by ferry. It’s known for its white sand dunes, beautiful red rock cliffs, and diverse bird colonies.

If you want to stay closer to the city, the Elbstrand beaches, such as Övelgönne and Wittenbergen, are a good option. These urban beaches provide a quick escape from the urban hustle and bustle. Read our full guide on the top things to do and see in Hamburg!

As one of the most popular German cities for visitors, Munich is always bustling with life and activity and summer is no exception. One of the city’s most iconic summer traditions is the beer garden experience, which you can find all throughout the city center. A must-visit is the Chinese Tower Beer Garden in the English Garden. It’s one of the biggest ones with over 7,000 seats. It’s also connected to a restaurant where you can enjoy Bavarian cuisine and on certain days, there’s live music performances which adds to the fun and lively summer atmosphere.

Aside from the Chinese Tower, the English Garden is a popular spot for just hanging out, picnicking, or strolling around. One unique feature is the Eisbach, a man-made river that flows through the park. In the summer, you can even float down the river or just watch surfers riding the waves. 

Check out our accommodation guide for the best places to stay in Munich!

Summer also brings a lot of festivals in Munich. One of the highlights is the Tollwood Summer Festival held in the Olympiapark usually from June to September. This multicultural event features live music, art installations, a vibrant market with handcrafts and international gastronomy. Read our full guide on the top things to do and see in Munich!

While you may think of Frankfurt as mainly a city for transiting or layovers , the city is worth exploring for a day, especially during summer! There are several events and outdoor activities taking place like Museumsuferfest, a multi-day cultural festival held along the banks of the River Main during the last weekend of August. It features stage productions, live music performances, art exhibitions, museum presentations, and delicious food stands. If you’re a big fan of classical music, the Palmengarten (Frankfurt’s botanical garden) also hosts open-air concerts during the summer months amidst the blooming greenery. 

Check out our accommodation guide for the best places to stay in Frankfurt!  

Frankfurt is also a great base to do day trips to nearby castles , wine festivals, and scenic landscapes. In the Frankfurt Rhine-Main region you’ll find festivals like the Rheingau Wine Festival in August where you can sample excellent local wines. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Taunus Mountains, located a 40-minute drive from Frankfurt, offer a range of recreational opportunities like hiking and cycling.

Read our full guide on the top things to do and see in Frankfurt!

Nestled in the Neckar River, Heidelberg is a delightful destination to explore in the summer. It’s home to the Heidelberg Castle, fascinating castle ruins that date back to the Middle Ages. During mid-June to the beginning of August, one of the most anticipated events takes place – the Heidelberger Schlossfestspiele (Heidelberg Castle Festival). This festival features a series of open-air theater performances in the courtyard, ranging from plays, operas, and concerts. 

Check out our guide for tips and more information on visiting Heidelberg Castle!

Summer is also the perfect time to enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Philosopher’s Walk (Philosophenweg), a scenic path offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city. We also recommend checking out Königstuhl (King’s Seat), a mountain situated on the edge of Old Town that you can reach by hiking or cable car for views of the city and the Neckar Valley. Summer is also the best time to take the Neckar River Cruise and relax and enjoy the sights from a romantic river boat.

Read our full guide on the top things to do and see in Heidelberg!

Grab our FREE Germany Trip Planning Checklist Now!

Cate has been traveling to Germany for 30+ years. She has lived in Germany, taught college German, and has a PhD in German Applied Linguistics. She loves helping travelers plan their dream trips to Germany!

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GERMANY TRAVEL PLANNER:  Just getting started? Have questions about Germany’s confusing train tickets or how to find the best guided tours? Not sure which parts of Germany should be in your itinerary (and what to leave out)? Our  Germany Travel Planner  answers those questions and more via how-to videos, our interactive Germany Planning Map, City Cheatsheets, and MUCH more. Click here to unlock the best of Germany the easy way!

GERMANY TRAVEL CONSULT:  Feeling overwhelmed? Itinerary just not coming together? Wonder if a few tweaks would take your trip to the next level? Book a Mini or Full consult with Cate! She’ll help you create or tweak your itinerary, recommend train tickets/passes, hotels, things to do, guided tours, show you how to buy train tickets, orient you to specific cities, help you plan out day trips, and answer your Germany travel questions.

ACCOMMODATIONS:  We recommend using  Booking.com  since they have widest range of accommodations available from hostels, boutique hotels, luxury chains, aparthotels, at the best prices. Check out our  accommodation guides  for specific recommended hotels.

WHAT TO PACK: If you’re bringing your phone, be sure to bring this plug adapter , this power bank , and this wrist strap . They’ve been lifesavers for us! You can see our other packing essentials here and here .

TICKETS & TOURS:  For guided tours, day trips, private tours, and skip-the-line tickets,  Get Your Guide  is our go-to!

TRAINS & BUSES:  To research train schedules and buy tickets or a Germany Rail Pass, we recommend the official  Deutsche Bahn (German Rail System)  website (and download their DB Navigator app). For buses, look at  FlixBus  , which offers tickets for routes within Germany and to other European countries. FlixBus is often cheaper than trains but can take longer.

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Germany's best beaches

Apr 7, 2021 • 5 min read

A lighthouse on the sand dunes of Sylt, North Frisian Islands © Jenny Sturm / Shutterstock

Germany may not be one of the first destinations you think of when considering a beach holiday, but it has over 1400 miles (2250km) of coastline on both the Baltic and North Seas, wonderful lakes with sandy coves, and artificial city beaches. 

From the seaside resorts with hot saunas to warm you up before a naked dash into the cold sea, to the secluded lakeside sandy spots, perfect for kayaking and SUP, here are Germany's best beaches.

Editor's note: during  COVID-19  there may be additional travel restrictions. Check the latest guidance in Germany before planning a trip, and always follow local government health advice. Some attractions may be closed.

Strandbad Wannsee 

This lakeside public beach in Wannsee has delighted aquaphiles for more than a century. Although 1km long, the broad sandy strip can get very busy on hot days, especially on weekends. Besides swimming, you can rent boats, play volleyball, basketball or table tennis or grab a snack or drink. Note that the northern end of the beach is reserved for nude bathing.

Kühlungsborn

Kühlungsborn, the biggest Baltic Sea resort, with some 7500 inhabitants, has some lovely art deco buildings backing the long beach and adjoining a dense 130-hectare forest. The east and west ends of the sand are linked by the Ostseeallee promenade, lined with hotels and restaurants.

Heiligendamm 

The "white town on the sea", also on the Baltic Coast, is Germany’s oldest seaside resort, founded in 1793. It was fashionable throughout the 19th century as a playground of the nobility. You can’t miss the five gleaming white, heritage-listed buildings of the Grand Hotel Heiligendamm perched nearly on the beach. Sunshine is possible; warm weather is rare.  

Titisee-Neustadt

Titisee, in southwest Germany, is a cheerful summertime playground with a name that makes English-speaking travelers giggle. The iridescent blue-green glacial lake, rimmed by forest, has everyone diving for their cameras or into the ice-cool water. Though a tad on the touristy side in the peak months, a quick stroll along these shores brings you to quiet bays and woodland trails that are blissfully crowd-free.

The Strandbad Titisee (Strandbadstrasse 1; Jun-Sep) lake-front lido has a pool and children’s pool, a slide, floating raft and a volleyball area, as well as lawns for sunbathing.

The Chiemsee is Bavaria ’s biggest lake (if you don’t count Bodensee, which is only partially in the state) and its natural beauty and water sports make the area popular with de-stressing city dwellers – many affluent Munich residents own weekend retreats by its shimmering waters. However, the vast majority of foreign visitors arrive at the shores of the Bavarian Sea – as Chiemsee is often called – in search of King Ludwig II’s Schloss Herrenchiemsee.

The towns of Prien am Chiemsee and, about 5km south, Bernau am Chiemsee (both on the Munich–Salzburg rail line) are good bases for exploring the lake. Of the two towns, Prien is by far the larger and livelier. The swimming beaches at Chieming and Gstadt (both free) are the easiest to reach, on the lake’s eastern and northern shores respectively. A variety of boats are available for hire at many beaches. 

Maschsee, Hanover

This artificial lake, built by the unemployed in one of the earliest Nazi-led public-works projects, is now a favorite spot for boating and swimming. It’s certainly the most central, at just 30 minutes’ walk from the Hauptbahnhof and directly alongside the HDI Arena , Hanover ’s football stadium. Ferries – some solar-powered – ply the lake from Easter to October in good weather, and there are sailing, pedal and rowing boats for hire.

Photogenically poised above its namesake lake – the Black Forest’s largest – and rimmed by forest, Schluchsee tempts you outdoors with pursuits such as swimming, windsurfing, hiking, cycling and, ahem, skinny-dipping from the secluded bays on the western shore. The otherwise sleepy resort jolts to life with sunseekers in summer and cross-country skiers in winter.

Aqua Fun Strandbad is popular with families, this lake-front lido has a heated pool, water slide and rapid river, a sandy beach and a volleyball court. 

Warnemünde, near the port city of Rostock , is all about promenading, eating fish, sipping cocktails, and lazing in a Strandkorb (sheltered straw "beach basket" seat) on its long, wide and startlingly white beach. For a fabulous view from above, climb the spiralling 135-step wrought-iron and granite staircase of the 1898-built lighthouse.

East Frisian Islands

Lined up in an archipelago off the northern coast of Lower Saxony like diamonds in a tiara, the seven East Frisian Islands, with their long sandy beaches, open spaces and sea air, are both a nature-lovers’ paradise and a perfect retreat for those escaping the stresses of the world.

Trying to remember the islands' sequence, Germans – with a wink of the eye – recite the following mnemonic device: "Welcher Seemann liegt bei Nanni im Bett?" (which translates rather saucily as "Which seaman is lying in bed with Nanni?"). The islands are (from east to west): Wangerooge, Spiekeroog, Langeoog, Baltrum, Norderney, Juist and Borkum.

Langeoog is your best bet if you're looking for a quiet, day-return beach trip. On a sunny day, the most popular thing to do there is to stroll along the 14km-long beach. The main tourist season here runs from mid-May to September.

Sylt, North Frisian Islands

Glamorous Sylt (38.5km long and only 700m wide at its narrowest point) is the star of Germany's North Frisian Islands. This anchor-shaped island is attached to the mainland by a narrow causeway. On its west coast, the North Sea’s fierce surf and strong winds gnaw at Sylt's shoreline, even as the eastern Wadden Sea shore is tranquil.

Elsewhere, Sylt’s candy-striped lighthouses rise above wide expanses of shifting dunes, fields of gleaming yellow-gold rape flower and tracts of heath. Along the beaches are saunas, where the idea is to heat up and then run naked into the North Sea.

Sylt's windsurfing is known as the most radical on the World Cup windsurfing tour, which finishes here each September when winds and waves are wild. Beginners shouldn’t be deterred. There are water sports schools in every town where you can learn to master kitesurfing, regular surfing, catamaran sailing and much more, as well as rent gear.

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Germany's best cycling routes    Germany's most delicious dishes    Germany's 10 most spectacular road trips   

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12 Best Places To Visit In Germany With Family In 2024!

T hinking about visiting Germany with your kids? Looking for the best places to visit in Germany with family in 2024? You’re in the right place!

Germany is a fabulous destination for families. It’s renowned for its rich history, gorgeous landscapes and interesting culture. Its fairy-tale old towns and castles add some magic and its big cities add some vibrancy. All up, Germany is a captivating blend of historical charm and modern appeal.

From landmarks such as the Berlin Wall and Neuschwanstein Castle to the beautiful landscapes of the Rhine Valley and the Black Forest to the great food and ease of getting around, there’s so much to love about traveling in Germany.

Germany isn’t just for adults though. There are many fantastic places to visit in Germany with kids. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best choices to add to your itinerary.

Why Is A Family Vacation In Germany A Great Idea?

Where to stay in berlin for families, where to stay in nuremberg for families, where to stay in rothenburg for families, where to stay in the rhine valley for families, where to stay in trier for families, where to stay in heidelberg for families, where to stay in europa park for families, where to stay in the black forest for families, where to stay near autostadt for families, where to stay in bremen for families, where to stay in lübeck for families, christmas markets.

Germany is an incredible destination for families for the reasons I mentioned above as well as many others. The fairy-tale castles are sure to capture your kids’ imagination.

A trip to the Berlin Wall can be a great accessible educational opportunity. A walk on cobblestoned streets through a colorful old town will take your kids right back to fairy-tale classics. Families are welcome almost everywhere.

There are, of course, many attractions in Germany for kids. From huge theme parks to children’s museums and fun markets, trains and more, there is a lot to love about traveling to Germany with kids.

The efficient train system and great road network also make it easy to get around and to explore as much of Germany as you like. There’s a great range of accommodation, including many hotels that specifically created for families.

The food can also be quite kid-friendly. It’s easy to enjoy a pretzel or a bratwurst (sausage) almost anywhere which is likely to appeal to even fussy eaters.

All up, it’s a very easy place for a family vacation that your kids won’t forget.

Best Places To Visit In Germany With Family

Here are my top 12 picks of the best places to visit in Germany with kids…

The capital of Germany, Berlin offers a fantastic blend of historical and family-friendly attractions. The Brandenburg Gate and the Berlin Wall are must visits for all and a great learning opportunity for kids.

The DDR Museum is a hands-on way for your family to learn about life in the German Democratic Republic (East Germany). Berlin is a city with a super interesting past, and there’s no better way for your kids to learn and understand it than in the city itself.

For more family focused attractions in Berlin , the Berlin Zoo is a great place to head with a wide variety of animals. The interactive Legoland Discovery Center is also a favorite among children. Head to the German Spy Museum for lots of fun spy activities, like dressing up and debugging a room.

To let off some steam, make sure you head to Tiergarten. This huge park has plenty of space to roam with historical monuments, six playgrounds and row boats. It’s also home to the zoo. 

I recommend The Circus Apartments in a handy spot in Berlin. They have a variety of apartment options including two and three bedroom, fully self-contained apartments for up to six people.

Click here for more details and the latest prices.

Nuremberg is our pick of the best city to visit in Germany with family. It’s an easy city to explore with a great range of attractions that are easily accessible for families.

The Old Town is the natural place to start with super colorful houses and the Kaiserburg (Imperial Castle) keeping watch from above. You can also explore the city from underground and see how Nuremberg’s art collections were kept safe during World War II. You can find the Spielzeugmuseum (Toy Museum) in the Old Town with toys from various time periods.

Just outside the Old Town, the Deutsche Bahn Museum is a must visit. It centers on the history of the German Railways with old carriages, videos and more. What kids will really love is the model railway, the chance to take a light railway ride and the interactive play area specifically for kids.

If you have younger kids (10 and under), don’t miss a day out at the Playmobil FunPark. This amusement park with Playmobil theming was one of my 6 and 10 year olds’ favorite places in Germany. There are great playgrounds, pedal boats, water play area, castle area, go karts and more. It’s located just outside of Nuremberg.

You can read more about things to do in Nuremberg here.

We stayed at the Novotel Nuernberg Centre Ville which was perfect for our family. It’s on the edge of the Old Town by the main station and has family rooms. There’s also a great indoor pool, children’s playroom, restaurants and more.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Home to maybe the most photographed old town in Germany, Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber (or just Rothenburg) is a picturesque medieval gem, perfect for exploring with kids.

It’s only a small town, but this is part of its charm. Its colorful buildings, cobblestoned streets and well-preserved town walls will help you feel like you’ve gone back in time. 

The town walls are the perfect place to start exploring. They offer many pretty views, and there are information boards along the way to learn more. It’s a great way for kids to let off some steam while discovering Rothenburg. There are also some playgrounds around the walls.

Another place families will enjoy is the Christmas Museum. It’s located in the Käthe Wohlfahrt Weihnachtsdorf which is a popular chain of Christmas stores that open year round. It’s about the history of Christmas customs with many decorations on display.

A popular place to visit in Rothenburg is the Mittelalterliches Kriminalmuseum (Medieval Crime Museum). It’s located in a building which is 600 years old and covers over 1,000 years of the legal history of Germany and Europe. It focuses on interrogation (torture), crime and punishment.

This museum is for families with teenagers who have an interest – and it is a fascinating museum. I visited without my 6 year old, which was the right choice.

We stayed at the Pension das Lädle which is in the heart of Rothenburg’s Old Town. It has three and four person rooms with separate sleeping areas for kids.

Rhine Valley

The Rhine Valley may be best known for its wines but it’s also a fabulous place to travel to Germany with children. With gorgeous towns, stunning wineries and fairy-tale castles, the whole family will love a trip here.

Start your adventure with a relaxing cruise down the Rhine trying to spot the castles that dot it before driving around and visiting your favorites. Rheinstein Castle is a picturesque place to start or visit Schönburg Castle with its amazing views and slingshot simulator your kids will enjoy.

Of course, you can’t miss out on stopping in the beautiful towns. Bacharach may be the cutest with a town wall to explore, a pretty Old Town and wines to taste. Boppard is another town worth heading to with half-timbered houses, old wine taverns and a Roman fort.

There’s also a fun chairlift in Boppard with great views and nice walks at the top. You can take an easy stroll to Vierseenblick (Four Lakes View). This cool viewpoint is at a horseshoe bend in the Rhine River and gives the illusion that there are four lakes instead of one river.

We stayed at the Rhine Pearl Hideaways which is a building of apartments in the middle of Oberwesel, a picturesque town in the middle of the Rhine Valley. The apartments are modern and perfect for families.

Trier is not just the oldest city in Germany and home to nine UNESCO World Heritage sites but is also a great destination in Germany for children.

Located near the border of Luxembourg and not far from the Rhine Valley, Trier has had human settlement for over 6,000 years. It was an important place in Roman times and you can still see ruins from this time today. These ruins are fun to explore with kids and are great for capturing the imagination.

Start your adventure at Porta Nigra, a second century Roman city gate. It’s the best way to enter the Old Town and is massive. In the Old Town there are pretty streets, Hauptmarkt (the main square), many churches, an antique toy museum and more. Trier Cathedral still has parts from Roman times.

As you head further south, there are more Roman ruins from thermal baths to an amphitheatre. It is worth checking them all out.

For a more hands-on experience, you can also visit Freilichtmuseum Roscheiderhof, an open air museum, about eight kilometers from Trier.

We stayed at Ibis Styles Trier which is right in the center of everything. There are family room options.

Beautiful Heidelberg is definitely one of the places to visit in Germany with children. With its great setting by the Neckar River and surrounded by hills, there are plenty of places for kids to explore and roam.

Heidelberg’s famous ruined castle is a great place to start. You can either walk up here or get a fun cogwheel train up. In addition to exploring the castle area, you can visit the Deutsches Apotheken-Museum (German Pharmacy Museum) inside the castle which covers the history of medical science and pharmacies in Germany. It’s interesting even for young kids with old reconstructed pharmacies, labs and interactive games.

After the castle, consider taking the cogwheel train further up the hill to visit the Walderlebnispfad (Forest Adventure Trail). This is an easy 2 kilometer trail with many activities to do along the way aimed at children. There is also a small, older-style amusement park up there.

Our favorite thing to do in Heidelberg was to head up the opposite hill to explore Heiligenberg, where settlement first started in this area. There are great paths through the forest where you can feel like you are discovering Celtic and Roman ruins, old monasteries and Thingstätte, an amphitheater completed in 1935 by the Nazis to spread propaganda.

We stayed at the Heidelberg Apheartments in the heart of Heidelberg. They offer fully self-contained apartments for up to eight people.

Find more great hotels in Heidelberg here.

Europa-Park – Rust

When you travel to Germany with kids, this theme park is likely to be their favorite place in the country.

Considered one of the best in Europe, Europa Park is massive with 18 themed areas, over 100 attractions, 13 roller coasters, many live shows and so much more. Think Disneyland but with European theming. Most of the themed areas are based on different countries in Europe. There is also a separate water park here called Rulantica.

Even visiting in peak August, we had so much fun here. The kids absolutely loved the more family-friendly roller coasters, getting wet on the splash rides and watching horse shows. The  park’s VirtualLine feature in the app helped to ensure we never lined up for too long and had a great time.

There are many places to eat, stay and more and this is a great way to end a family vacation in Germany. It’s located near the French border between Heidelberg and the Black Forest.

One of the many great things about Europa Park is that there are six hotels adjacent to the park and in the immediate area each with their own theming. If you stay at any of the hotels, you can access the many facilities at all of them and you also get early access to the park.

We stayed at Hotel Castillo Alcazar which was a lot of fun. It has its own entrance directly into the theme park and is themed as a Medieval knight’s castle. There are many family room options, even for larger families.

Black Forest

The Black Forest is definitely a fantastic region to head to when visiting Germany with kids. It’s incredibly scenic with beautiful villages and plenty of opportunities to explore the great outdoors.

We loved hiking round lakes, swimming outdoors, exploring the towns and visiting picturesque castles like Hohenzollern Castle. You can visit the home of cuckoo clocks in Triberg or peddle your way around Titisee lake on a boat. You can bathe in the thermal pools at Baden-Baden or explore the picturesque Old Town in Freiburg .

Kids will love Badeparadies Schwarzwald Titisee, a big indoor waterpark with an amazing sauna complex for adults. And, of course, no visit is complete without a slice of the famous black forest cake (although technically it doesn’t come from here).

There are so many awesome experiences in the Black Forest for families that you could spend your whole trip in this region alone.

We stayed at the Feldberger Hof Family Hotel in the Black Forest. It’s an all inclusive resort specifically for families and it’s amazing. There are so many family friendly facilities (including an outdoor ropes course, horse riding and indoor pool area with water slides), activities, rooms and great food.

The hotel also includes an attractions pass for the region which gives free or discounted entry to 60 attractions plus public transport.

Autostadt Wolfsburg

Autostadt Wolfsburg is an automobile museum and theme park located in Wolfsburg, Germany. It tells the story of the history and development of automobiles, but also has attractions and activities related to automotive culture. This isn’t a big, dry museum.

Spread over 28 hectares, there are multiple museums, massive car towers, playgrounds, giant slides and various car pavilions. One of the coolest parts is definitely the round, glass, 60 meter towers that store Volkswagen cars ready to be delivered to new homes. It’s fully automated with cars being placed and removed from the tower with ease. You can take a ride up the towers yourself for an up close look.

This place is a whole world with plenty of cars and history to explore. Adults can test drive real vehicles while kids can learn to drive in some very cool miniature ones. There are many interactive exhibits. It’s easy to enjoy a half day here. 

For families, there are also some playgrounds including some huge slides up to 18.5 meters high. There’s a cool shop and plenty of eating options too.

For the full Autostadt experience, it is possible to stay on-site. The Ritz-Carlton Wolfsburg Autostadt hotel is located here.

There’s a pool, sauna, two restaurants (Including a three Michelin star option) and a lounge. Rooms cater for up to four people.

If you’re heading to northern Germany, Bremen is a great place to stop for families. At the end of the Fairy Tale Route, Bremen celebrates the Brothers Grimm’s fairy tale, the Bremen Town Musicians with a statue of the donkey, dog, cat and rooster from the tale in the main square.

There are also images and statues around town of these creatures and it’s fun to have the kids look out for them. If you aren’t familiar with this story, I recommend that you watch it on YouTube before you go.

The Old Town is fun to explore for all ages with a great main square, the stunning Bremen Cathedral and the laneways of Schnoor and Böttcherstraße. It’s easy to explore by foot. 

The Universum Science Centre is a standout attraction if you visit Germany with kids. It has interactive and educational exhibits which kids will enjoy. 

For a thought-provoking historical site, visit the Bunker Valentin. It’s an absolutely massive World War II submarine factory that has been left standing to illustrate the futility of war.

We stayed at the Best Western Bremen City . It has some great apartment style rooms for families within walking distance of the main attractions.

Also in northern Germany, Lübeck is a charming city home to a picturesque, UNESCO World Heritage listed Old Town. It is a good mix of historical and kid-friendly attractions. 

The best place to start is with a wander through the well-restored Old Town. Encircled by the Trave River, there are many great views, churches, museums and more. A feature of this Old Town are the hidden courtyards. These are courtyards from the Middle Ages accessed via small walkways from the street. We made it a family game to try to spot as many as possible.

The world-class European Hansemuseum is worth visiting and an easy way to learn more about the Hanseatic League which played a big part in Lübeck’s past.

Lübeck is famous for its marzipan so a sugary treat at Cafe Niederegger is the perfect way to end a day of sightseeing. When you have finished exploring Lübeck, consider a trip to Travemünde on the Baltic Sea. Just 20 minutes from Lübeck, it’s the perfect place to have some beach time. It also has a pretty Old Town.

We stayed at Hotel Die Reederin . It’s a gorgeous boutique hotel in Lübeck’s Old Town. It offers a spacious family room option.

My final place to visit in Germany with kids is a special one if you are visiting in late November or December. I recommend you visit as many Christmas markets as you can if you visit at this time of year.

German Christmas Markets are incredibly magical and special. From the traditional food and drinks to the Christmas music and lights, they set the scene for a perfect Christmas.

Many Christmas markets and destinations in Germany have special events perfect for families at this time of year. For example, Quedlinburg has the “largest Advent calendar in Germany”. At 4:30pm every day in the lead up to Christmas, families meet up and search together for one of 24 houses with special Christmas decorations that are open to the public. Inside, there are surprises.

Nuremberg Christmas Market has a special section for kids with old-fashioned rides, crafts and activities. For novelty, head to Cologne for a floating Christmas market on a ship. Munich has a Kinderland section at one of its Christmas markets with special activities and a Christmas Post Office. In Hamburg, you can watch Santa fly overhead in his sleigh!

Christmas is a truly special time in Germany for the whole family so make sure you include plenty of Christmas markets in your itinerary at this time.

Final Thoughts

Germany is a fantastic place to visit for families. There is so much to enjoy here from the great outdoors to the interesting history that surrounds you.

There are plenty of kid-focused attractions, but it’s also easy to visit interesting historical and cultural attractions in a way that is interesting for kids too.

I hope this list helps you have one of your best family vacations in Germany.

Bio: Sharon Gourlay is a full-time blogger and mum of three who loves sharing her love of travel with kids with others, especially when it comes to sharing one of her favorite destinations, Germany! You can find more information to plan your ultimate adventure in Germany at Germany Footsteps .

Ukraine war latest: Ukraine sacks commander amid fierce battles with Russian forces; Putin reshuffle 'may hint he is preparing for future confrontation with NATO'

Fierce fighting is taking place in Ukraine's Kharkiv region, with Moscow claiming to have seized nine border villages in the area. And in Moscow, Vladimir Putin has replaced a long-time ally. Submit your question on the war for our experts below.

Monday 13 May 2024 16:03, UK

• Big picture: Everything you need to know as war enters a new week
• Russia claims control of nine villages after shock advance
• Threat of fighting spreading, says Kharkiv governor | Commander sacked
• Moscow forces walked 'freely' across border, Ukrainian soldier claims
• Putin reshuffle indicates he may be preparing for future confrontation with NATO - analysts
• Eyewitness: Deborah Haynes reports from town 'flattened' in offensive
• Analysis:  Putin's 'baffling' reshuffle explained
• Who is Andrei Belousov, Putin's new pick for defence minister?

Ask a question or make a comment

That's all our coverage for what has been an important day on the battlefield and beyond.

If you're just checking in, here is a recap of the key developments that took place since this morning.

You can scan the key points above or scroll back through our posts to find out more details.

We'll be back tomorrow with more updates and analysis on the war in Ukraine.

• Russian forces claimed to have captured nine villages northeastern Ukraine, having opened a second front in the Kharkiv region on Friday;
• The governor of Kharkiv said there was a threat of fighting spreading to other settlements;
• The military commander for the Kharkiv region was sacked;
• Hundreds of people were evacuated from towns near the border;
• Ukraine said it thwarted Russian agents plotting to set off a series of bomb attacks in Kyiv and the Western city of Lviv;
• Russia's acting foreign minister said the country was prepared if the West wanted to fight for Ukraine on the battlefield;
• Analysts said Vladimir Putin's choice of defence minister indicated he was preparing Russia for a protracted war.

As fighting continues in northeastern Kharkiv, its governor has issued some updates.

Russian forces struck a farm in the town of Korotychy, killing a civilian and wounding three others, said Oleh Syniehubov.

Another attack on Liptsiy injured a 71-year-old woman, who was rushed to hospital, he said.

The regional defence council has ordered the mandatory evacuation of 113 orphans from three settlements, said Oleh Syniehubov.

Plans have been laid out to evacuate a total of 1,600 residents today.

Just 200 to 300 people remain in the embattled town of Vovchansk, he said, which had a population of 2,500 before the assault and 17,000 before the war.

Russian agents plotted to set off a series of bomb attacks in Kyiv and the Western city of Lviv, Ukraine says.

The prosecutor general's office said authorities arrested two military agents over plans to blow up markets and a site near a cafe in the capital, as well as a defence enterprise in Lviv, seizing 19 explosive devices.

Four of the bombs were intended for Kyiv on Thursday, the day when Russia celebrates the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in 1945, according to the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU).

"According to the plan of the Russian special service, the explosives were supposed to detonate during the supermarkets' peak hours to cause maximum damage to the civilian population," the agency said.

'Disguised as tea boxes'

The explosives intended for the Kyiv builders' markets were disguised as packages of tea, while a bomb was placed in a car for the cafe, according to the SBU.

The Lviv attack was meant to happen last February, the SBU said.

An unidentified defence enterprise was the target, according to prosecutors.

There was no immediate comment from Russia.

Last week, the SBU said it had caught two agents within the state protection department plotting the assassination of Volodymyr Zelenskiy and the head of military intelligence, Kyrylo Budanov.

The Ukrainian military says Russia has had a "partial success" near a village in northern Kharkiv.

But Ukrainian soldiers stopped Russian forces from moving further near Lukyantsi, the general staff said.

It said Russian troops have continued offensive actions, and Ukraine will build up its forces in the area depending on the situation.

Russia launched an incursion from the Belgorod region in Russia across the border into northern Kharkiv on Friday.

Analysts have warned it could stretch Ukrainian forces between two fronts, creating opportunities on the main frontline that Russia may exploit.

Echoing the analysis we featured earlier from the Insitute for the Study of War (see our 11.18am post), a senior Ukrainian official has said Vladimir Putin's reshuffle shows he wants to scale up the war effort.

Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak said: "Russia is finally isolating itself and will try to scale up the war, expand its formats while reconfiguring the economy."

In a surprise move, Vladimir Putin sacked his defence minister of 12 years Sergei Shoigu and named economist Adrei Belousov as Mr Shoigu's successor.

The Institute for the Study of War said Mr Belousov, who has no military experience, will be charged with integrating the defence industrial base into wider domestic policy, further placing Russia on a war footing.

It suggests the Kremlin is preparing for a protracted conflict with Ukraine - or even possibly a future confrontation with NATO, the ISW said.

Approximately 40 miles from the fighting in northeastern Kharkiv, children in the region's namesake city are undertaking their first lessons at an underground school.

The classrooms - the first of their kind - are heavily fortified in an effort to allow some pupils to return to in-person teaching out of reach of Russia's bombs.

Kharkiv's schools have been forced to teach online throughout the war as some Russian missiles can reach the city in under a minute.

Metro stations are playing host to dozens of classrooms, while others have been welded together from layers of steel reinforcing wire and poured cement.

Russia has been increasingly carrying out off-road motorbike attacks under the cover of darkness, according to British intelligence.

Lighter, faster, all-terrain vehicles have highly likely been used since the start of this year to hit Ukrainian positions, transport personnel to the frontlines and conduct reconnaissance, the UK defence ministry has said.

It said Russia reportedly purchased 2,100 Chinese off-road vehicles named Desertcross 1000-3, some of which were personally inspected by Vladimir Putin in November.

"Since the start of 2024, Russia has highly likely increased its use of light vehicles, such as all-terrain vehicles and off-road motorbikes, to transport personnel to the frontlines and conduct attacks on Ukrainian positions, particularly at night."

But the army has sacrificed armour and firepower for mobility, with light vehicles "far more vulnerable than their armoured counterparts", the UK MoD said.

Ukrainian drones have "already demonstrated their ability to effectively target" the vehicles, it added.

As we covered in some detail here earlier this year, Sweden dropped more than two centuries of historic neutrality by joining NATO.

The Baltic Sea, which includes maritime access to the Russian city of St Petersburg and the Kaliningrad enclave, is now almost surrounded by members of the alliance.

Today, Swedish prime minister Ulf Kristersson said Nordic and Baltic cooperation was "deeper than at any time in modern times", underpinned by increasing security threats from Russia.

He is hosting German chancellor Olaf Scholtz and the prime ministers of Denmark, Norway, Finland and Iceland in Stockholm, with security policy and NATO's July summit in Washington topping the agenda.

"We have long appreciated our neighbours, but at the same time underestimated the importance of concrete, operational cooperation," Mr Kristersson wrote in an op-ed in Swedish business paper Dagens Industri.

Meanwhile, the three Baltic prime ministers have been meeting in Lithuania to reaffirm that Moscow's intimidation is not going to dissuade them from supporting Ukraine.

Estonia's prime minister Kaja Kallas said that "Russia has also intensified the shadow war against all of European countries. It wants to really scare and intimidate the free world to scare us away from helping Ukraine".

"We shouldn't be scared," she added.

With a second front opening in the war and a surprise reshuffle in Vladimir Putin's cabinet, it's been an important week for the war in Ukraine.

Readers have been sending in their questions to our senior correspondents and military experts for their take on the changing battlefield environment.

Today, Jeanie asked:

Is Russia taking advantage and conducting an offensive in the border region due to the fact that several Western countries don't allow their weapons to be used on Russian soil?

Military analyst Sean Bell had this to say...

Thanks, Jeanie, for this very topical question.

Russia claims to have seized nine border settlements as part of a major offensive in the Kharkiv region. Although Ukraine has known for months that Russia was amassing military forces in the region - between 30,000 to 50 000 troops - the scale and ferocity of the attack appears to have caught Ukraine by surprise.

Although only Vladimir Putin and his senior military leadership will know the details of Russia's military strategy, most military analysts believe that Russia does not have the military resources to mount a significant and enduring second front without compromising the offensive in the Donbas - widely believed to be Russia's main effort.

However, Putin is well aware that Russia has a window of opportunity to capitalise on Ukraine's shortage of weapons, and by opening a second front, it forces Ukraine to spread its resources even more thinly, leaving Ukraine more vulnerable on the frontline in the Donbas.

Russia's military objectives for this new offensive appear to be to create a "buffer zone" to protect the Russian border town of Belgorod. This logistics hub for the Russian military effort is just within artillery range of Ukraine, and Putin has long promised to push the Ukrainian forces outside artillery range - around 30km. 

In addition, Russia wants to threaten Kharkiv, so it's pushing forward to enable its own artillery to be within range of this major Ukrainian city.

Moving large quantities of military personnel and equipment from the frontline cannot easily be done discreetly - which under normal circumstances would leave Russian forces vulnerable to Ukrainian attack. 

However, in an effort to limit the potential for escalation, the West has precluded the use of Western-provided weapons to target Russian forces on Russian territory. This significantly limits Ukraine's ability to target Russia's forces as they prepare for a fresh offensive.

However, although we can speculate on Putin's objectives, a battlefield is a dynamic environment, and Russia has considerable forces in reserve to capitalise on any momentum achieved during its current offensive.

Vladimir Putin's surprise choice of new defence minister Andrei Belousov has been speaking to a parliamentary committee as part of his confirmation process.

In his first public comments since being appointed to the post, he called for greater care for soldiers, including better access to housing, hospitals and welfare benefits. 

State media quoted him as saying there was too much bureaucracy surrounding the payment of benefits to military personnel. 

"I think it's a mess when participants in the special military operation who come back on holiday are driven from civilian medical institutions to hospitals which are often simply overcrowded. This issue needs to be resolved," Mr Belousov said.

The comments appeared to be aimed at demonstrating to members of the armed forces that he understands their concerns and will work to improve their conditions. 

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