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Stunning Places To Visit Near Germany For A Dreamy Europe Vacation In 2024

Germany is one of the most well-connected countries in Europe that shares borders with 9 other countries. Wrapped with the ethereal backdrop of lush green mountains and stunning landforms, all these places are a perfect summer meadow right out of the classic stories and a dreamy wonderland in winter. If you wish to explore the best things the world has to offer, then there is no dearth of places to visit near Germany. We have compiled a list of the best places to visit near Germany that you can explore as a family, a group of friends and even as a solo traveller.

Best Places To Visit Near Germany

Let us find what makes all these sites the best places to visit near Germany and what tourist activities can be explored in all these places.

1. National Park Vadehavet, Denmark

One of the best places near Germany for experiencing the nature

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Also called the Wadden Sea National Park, the National Park Vadehavet is a world of wonders that is home to millions of birds and is a paradise for nature lovers. The environment is wet, moist and windy. So, make sure you wear waterproof boots and coats that can protect you against the moist winds. The entire national park is flat and has an eerie beauty all around. Fall and spring are the times when most of the migratory bird species arrive and make the national park lively. The National Park has a unique nature and many holiday homes, youth hostels and camping sites. The dunes, forests and heaths of Denmark offer splendid and intriguing elements to all the visitors.

Best time to visit: Spring and fall Must-visit places: Men at Sea, Mando, Ribe Cathedral, Ribe Viking Centre

Must Read: Europe In March

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2. Island Of Fyn, Denmark

The incredible beauty and cultural heritage make this one of the stunning places to visit near Germany

The Island of Fyn or Funen is one of the best-kept secrets of Denmark and is a place blessed with incredible beauty and cultural heritage. It is the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen who wrote many fairy tales and stories for kids which are still popular across the world. You can still visit his childhood home and check out his belongings. Odense is a picturesque little town that is located here. Funen is rightly called the Garden Island of Denmark as it has hoards of greenery in the form of mountains and gardens with lots of castles and manors; precisely there are 123 castles and manors here. So, it is undoubtedly one of the must-visit tourist places to visit near Germany.

Best time to visit: May to June Must-visit places: Funen Village, Egeskov Castle, HC Andersen’ home, Odense, Broholm Park, Harridslev Guard Castle, Hindsgavl Castle

3. Słowiński Park Narodowy, Poland

Słowiński Park or Słowiński National Park is one of the most famous places to visit near Germany It is loaded with scenic beauty and is a paradise for adventurous souls. The park has a sandy landscape with dunes that are formed owing to the Baltic Sea activities and have gradually separated from it over time. Some dunes are as high as 30 meters and offer exciting adventurous activities such as dune climbing and camping. The national park is also popular as a place to visit near Germany for couples that love adventure and nature. Beach activities such as sunbathing and fighting with the cold waves are also popular among young tourists. Bird Watching, hiking, relaxing long walks on the beach, photography and stunning sunsets and sunrises are some of the best things to do here.

Best time to visit: Summer and late spring Must-visit places: Lake Gardno, Lebsko Lake, Czolpino Lighthouse, Eurovilo 10

Suggested Read: Places To Spend Christmas In Europe

4. Krakow, Poland

Old Town is the first ever urban listing under UNESCO

If you have had enough of nature and sights, then let us suggest a destination that is famous as the party capital of Poland. Krakow is a place where you will certainly enjoy the nightlife and clubbing. Apart from offering lots of blessings of modern times, Krakow has an ample number of impressive tourist attractions to explore. Old Town is the first ever urban listing under UNESCO and is certainly one of the must-visit places to visit near Germany. Other places include Kazimierz, Auschwitz, Wieliczka Salt Mines, Lesser Poland, and Schindler’s Factory. Krakow has an excellent cafe culture and a lip-smacking food scene. So, roam around and enjoy delicious foods with hot cuppas.

Best time to visit: July to August and May to June Must-visit places: The Cloth Hall, Salt Mines, Old Town, pubs and nightclubs, Wawel Royal Castle, Rynek Glowny

5. Prague, Czech Republic

If there is one of the must-visit places to visit near Frankfurt Germany that you must explore in this lifetime, then it is Prague. Drenched with Gothic elements; fragrant with freshly brewed beers; teeming with tourist attractions; loaded with stunning vistas and offering a bouquet of activities to do – Prague is rightfully the capital of the Czech Republic. The city is home to lots of towers, Charles’ Bridge, the National Theatre, Prague Castle, ornate churches, beautiful squares and a dancing tower. From food to culture and parties to heritage – you can enjoy; indulge; witness and experience a lot of things here.

Best time to visit: May and September Must-visit places: Naplavka, Kampa Island, churches, castles, Letna Park

6. Zurich, Switzerland

Yes! It is a good thing that Germany shares its borders with 9 countries. Its location makes it possible to enjoy awesome trips to different countries with affordable investments. The most recommended tourist attraction in the world and the heaven of couples on honeymoon Switzerland is also located near Germany. It is one of the best places to visit near Germany for couples. There is no dearth of things to do and explore if you are on a budget as well. You can enjoy cruises, gastronomic tours, romantic waterfront dinners, local events and festivals, fresh farm produce, decadent chocolates, shopping, bicycle tours and lots of other activities here. The city is extravagant in everything and is also one of the most expensive places to visit near Frankfurt, Germany.

Best time to visit: June to August Must-visit places: Grossmunster, Bahnhofstrasse, Uetliberg, Fraumunster Church

7. Strasbourg, France

One of the best places visit near Germany

Image Source: Shutterstock

Now that you have enjoyed a scenic world tour to Switzerland, let us arrive in Strasbourg which is an amazing place to visit in France. Strasbourg is also one of the most notable places to visit near Frankfurt Germany. It is the seat of the European Parliament and offers a blended culture with German and French elements. From stunning Rhine River vistas and cruises to daily shows at Notre Dame – Strasbourg offers a lot of things to do! Petite-France, heritage tours; historical places; gastronomic tours; wine tasting; Boat Tours at Batorama and exploring the museums – the list of experiences is quite long here.

Best time to visit: Mid May to late September Must-visit places: Grande Ile Strasbourg, Palais Rohan, Petite-France, Cathedrale Notre Dame

8. Brussels, Belgium

One of the best places to visit near Germany during Christmas time

Brussels is yet another one of the most impressive places to visit near Germany that offers lots of things to do and places to explore. The city is teeming with exciting elements that will be loved by people with all kinds of travel interests. Brussels is famous for its cuisine and gastronomic tours; art and architecture; and its exciting attractions some of which are also registered under the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Grand Palace Tours, Atomium Tours, Art Nouveau Tour, shopping and Manneken Pis are some of the best things to do here.

Best time to visit: March to May and September to October Must-visit places: Manneken Pis, Grand Palace, Mini-Europe, Antwerp, Bruges

9. Rotterdam, The Netherlands

Rotterdam is a major port city and is famous for its riverside attractions, boat tours and amazing cultural life. The city has an ample amount of modern architecture and maritime heritage as well. No other city can beat Rotterdam when it comes to clubs, cuisine and art! The network of 18 gigantic windmills near Kinderdijk is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bike tours of the city, Delfshaven with its historic neighbourhood, Markthal, mesmerising skyline, and enthralling nightlife are some of the best things offered by Rotterdam.

Best time to visit: April to October Must-visit places: Cube Houses, Erasmusbrug, Rotterdam Zoo, Euromast, Marine Museums, Old Harbor, Grote of Sint Laurenskerk, Kinderdijk

10. Copenhagen, Denmark

The bustling colourful Nyhavn harbour of Copenhagen offers a picturesque setting for strolls and al fresco dining. The city embraces sustainability, green living and bicycle-friendly culture, allowing visitors to explore its cobblestone streets and discover hidden gems effortlessly. The beautiful parks and the cutting-edge architecture of the CopenHill waste-to-energy plant make it one of the ideal places to see near Germany. Moreover, the Danish capital boasts world-class museums, like the National Museum and the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, showcasing art and history. With its warm and welcoming atmosphere, Copenhagen is like a living storybook that captivates visitors with its timeless allure and contemporary charisma.

Best time to visit: April to May and June to August Must-visit places: Tivoli Gardens, Rosenborg Castle, National Museum of Denmark, Rundetarn

11. Geneva, Switzerland

Switzerland’s most cosmopolitan city Geneva is located on the southwestern bank of Lake Geneva. In this place, the United Nations European headquarters and the Red Cross are based. The city’s surroundings and the iconic Jet d’Eau fountain cradle of watchmaking. Geneva is home to many chocolatiers. Stroll along the cobblestoned streets in Geneva’s Old Town until you reach the 12th-century St. Pierre Cathedral, where Protestant Reformation leader John Calvin’s wooden chair is on display. Geneva has many sights, including the flower clock L’horloge fleurie, the old town with the St. Pierre Cathedral and the Place du Bourg-de-Four.

Best time to visit: June to August Must-visit places: Lake Geneva, Jet D’wau Fountain, St. Pierre Cathedral, Palais Des Nations, Reformation wall

Suggested Read: Must-Attend Spanish Festivals

12. Alsace, French

One of the most picturesque regions near Germany

One of the most picturesque regions of France, and also one of the country’s top culinary regions, is Alsace. It perfectly blends German and French cultures while showcasing medieval castles, vineyards, and traditional villages, all at the foot of the Vosges mountains. The region boasts the Route du Vin (Wine Road) which runs 102 miles through the foothills of the Vosges from Thann to Marlenheim. It meanders past vineyards and castle ruins and through beautiful medieval villages. Hiking paths through the vineyards lead up to the forested slopes and provide a stunning view.

Best time to visit: March to May Must-visit places: Strasbourg, Rique, colmar, Wihr, Village of Hunspach, Ribeauville, Eguisheim

Further Read: European Villages

This completes our list of places to visit near Germany which includes destinations for friends, families, and honeymooners. All these destinations are oozing beauty, charm, and scenic sights which make them perfect for a happening vacation in Germany and beyond. So, what are you waiting for? Book your next trip to Germany with Travel Triangle and get set to go!

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Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit Near Germany

What are some of the places to visit near Germany?

Some of the must-visit places near Germany are: 1. National Park Vadehavet 2. Island of Fyn 3. Słowiński Park Narodowy 4. Krakow 5. Prague 6. Zurich 7. Strasbourg 8. Brussels 9. Rotterdam

What are the places to visit near Frankfurt, Germany?

Some of the most notable places to visit near Frankfurt, Germany are Prague, Zurich, and Strasbourg.

Is Krakow better than Warsaw?

Both are equally charming and visit-worthy. However, in terms of culture, location, activities, and attractions, Krakow is richer and more diverse than Warsaw.

Are there any beaches in Poland?

Slowinski National Park in Poland has beaches and sandy landscapes to let you enjoy a beach vacation here.

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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 determine the best places to visit in Germany. Vote for the destinations you love below to help shape next year's ranking.

Black Forest

Berchtesgaden, saxon switzerland national park, neuschwanstein, rüdesheim am rhein.

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.

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.

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.

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 lakes and river that make up Berchtesgaden National Park. Start your journey driving the scenic Rossfeld Panoramastrasse road before traveling south to awe-inspiring Lake Königssee and the Eagle's Nest, a mountaintop chalet and beer garden with a dark history. If you enjoy skiing, arrive in winter when Jenner Mountain is blanketed with snow.

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 Old Stone Bridge. Other sights worth visiting include St. Emmeram's Palace and Walhalla, a hall of fame honoring exemplary German-speaking figures throughout history.

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 picture, 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, one of Germany's oldest and largest Christmas markets.

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 Würzburg Residence to the Romanesque Würzburg Cathedral, there are countless buildings worth exploring. Not only can travelers enjoy beautiful architecture, they can expect manicured gardens and parks, such as Ringpark 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 snapping a photo of Würzburg's iconic Old Main Bridge.

Home to Germany's largest cruise port, the Elbe river and numerous 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.

Saxon Switzerland National Park stands out for its collection of unique rock formations. You'll find sandstone structures, which come in various shapes and sizes, scattered throughout the park, along with scenic gorges and the winding Elbe river. Saxon Switzerland's most popular attraction is undoubtedly the Bastei Bridge, which is surrounded by stately formations and provides incredible views of the area. Other fascinating spots worth visiting include Painters' Way (the Malerweg trail), the Elbe Cycle Route and Felsenbühne Rathen, an open-air theater built into the park's rocks.

Leipzig offers an array of attractions and activities (think: various museums, an impressive zoo and top-notch nightlife venues) to satisfy both residents and visitors. Prioritize visits to the Monument to the Battle of the Nations, which celebrates Napoleon Bonaparte's defeat and retreat from the city, and the unique Panometer, a converted gasometer-turned-gallery that features 360-degree art installations. If you're a music lover, also save time for exploring the Leipzig Music Trail and seeing St. Thomas Church, which houses Johann Sebastian Bach's remains.

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).

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 dozens of 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.

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 and Gothic Bamberg Cathedral and the Old Town Hall. But no visit would be complete without seeing the dreamy rose garden at the New Residence palace.

Primarily known for its winemaking capabilities, Rüdesheim am Rhein is a small village located at the base of the Taunus Mountains in Germany's Upper Middle 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.

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 Rally 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 14th-century fountain and the imposing Imperial Castle, which dates back to the days of the Roman Empire.

Located roughly 20 miles southwest of bustling Berlin, Potsdam makes for a perfect day trip. 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 the Museum Barberini and strolling through the charming Dutch Quarter.

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 Koblenz to sights 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).

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.

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Who else is guilty of making the same New Years Resolutions every year? My resolutions come down to just a few things in essence: try to like running, consume less cheese, and finally become a grown-up. The fact that none of these things seem to ever happen is somehow reassuring (#foreveryoung).

This year I did try another resolution though: travel more within Germany .

For the past three years I’ve been feasting on this European buffet of fantastic countries, going to every place I had ever imagined. I’ve hit the big ones: France, Spain, Italy, England. I’ve hit some smaller ones too: Croatia, Denmark, Czech Republic. But the number of cities I’ve been to in Germany? I could count those on one lonely hand.

Luckily for anyone coming to Berlin and perusing this list, I didn’t get too ambitious with my Germany travel and instead have a bunch of amazing day trips from Berlin – most of which are within 2-3 hours of the city where you can go to unwind and take a break from the pervasive smell of Döner kebap.

You’ll find both Berlin excursions that get you into nature, as well as cities close to Berlin you can just enjoy for a different pace. I absolutely recommend adding a few day trips to your Berlin itinerary .

Are you sold? Let’s get started.

Best Berlin day trips

The easiest way to reach all of these places is by renting a car. Driving in Germany is much more straightforward than a lot of other European countries.

If you’re able to drive in Germany, I highly recommend DiscoverCars as someone who takes a lot of road trips in Europe.

Without further ado, here are the absolute best Berlin day trips I personally recommend, based on my experience living in the city for nearly 7 years.

1. Potsdam and Sanssouci Palace (The Versailles of Germany)

Distance: 36 kilometers (22 miles)
Travel time: 1 hour each way
Reach by: Tour or public transit

Potsdam is a posh town right outside of Berlin, charming and worth strolling through, however the main draw is undoubtedly the Schloss Sanssouci (Sanssouci Palace).

If you’ve been to Versailles during a trip to Paris, you might notice some similarities right away. Sanssouci has large, dedicated gardens, as well as smaller buildings along the grounds that you can go up into. The interior isn’t as vast, but the design of the palace rooms is just as elaborate and showy.

A stop in Potsdam and Sanssouci is easily the most popular Berlin day trip for first-time visitors to the city, and for a good reason. It’s beautiful, affordable, and easy to reach.

Especially if you’ve been to Versailles you’ll appreciate when I say this: comparatively few tourists visit Sanssouci. You don’t have to push your way through to see everything or fight people for a photo. Instead, it’s possible to just walk through, do some reading, and learn some history!

That said, buying tickets in advance is highly recommend during the high Summer tourism season to avoid waiting in a long line. Tips on that below.

How to reach Potsdam from Berlin

To reach Potsdam, take the S-Bahn (S7) to the Potsdam Hauptbahnhof (Postdam Main Station). Directly in front of the stations are busses that will connect you to the palace.

But as with most historical areas, it can be 10x more interesting when you have someone to explain the history to you. Personally, I’m so much more likely to actually remember things from a tour as opposed to passively reading signs inside the palace. This particular Potsdam + Sanssouci tour includes an English-speaking guide, tickets to the palace, and 1,000+ positive reviews.

2. Harz Mountains

Distance: 239 kilometers to Wernigerode (142 miles)
Travel time: 2.5 hours each way
Reach by: Car

Germany’s Harz Mountains is a stunning forest region located 2.5-3 hours west of Berlin. Here you’ll find some of the best-preserved medieval towns in the entire country. But if you love nature, then waterfalls, forest hikes, traditional German food, and blissfully poor cell phone reception all await you in Harz .

But there’s something even more incredible about Harz you might not expect…

The absolute lack of foreign tourists. German travelers flock to Harz to get a taste of traditional Germany, see famous locations from Goethe’s Faust , and to fulfill the stereotype of being obsessed with hiking.

But apart from a healthy dose of Danes, Harz has completely flown under the international tourism radar. Which is a little surprising given how Instagram-worthy its towns full of Fachwerkhäuser (half-timbered houses) are.

Take, for example, a look at this sinister-looking Rathaus (town hall) in Wernigerode .

We spent an entire week in Harz and still ran out of time to do everything. In a leisurely day trip, you could definitely make it to Wernigerode to see the town hall (above), hike to the castle (first photo), and visit a traditional brewery. If you wake up early with a car, you could probably also add Goslar and Quedlinburg to your trip and visit all three major in a super packed day.

Read my dedicated Harz Mountains guide for details on the Harz National Park, the best towns to visit, where to stay in Harz, and how to extend your trip for a week or weekend.

The Harz Mountains in Germany are a gorgeous highland area famous for forests, medieval towns, and witches of yore. Find out the best things to in Harz in this detailed travel guide.

How to get to Harz from Berlin

It’s best and fastest to get to Harz by car, which will shave 45 minutes off your arrival and departure trips. Plus, trains and busses in this region leave infrequently so this gives you much more flexibility.

It is possible to reach some of the main towns in Harz like Wernigerode , Goslar , and Quedlinburg by train in roughly 3 hours.

3. Saxon Switzerland

Distance: 230 kilometers (142 miles)
Travel time: 3 hours each way

Saxon Switzerland is a stunning national park and hilly region near the Elbe Valley, located about 230 kilometers southeast of Berlin. It’s one of the most beautiful places in East Germany, especially overlooking the Bastion Bridge ( Basteibrücke , shown above).

From Saxon Switzerland, you can also get sweeping views of the River Elbe . The most popular things to do in Saxon Switzerland include hiking, climbing, cycling, and visiting rock formations and vantage points beloved by landscape photographers. Perfect for either a single day or a weekend escape.

If you want to experience nature in Germany and take a break from the city, this is the best day trip from Berlin I can recommend to you. Here’s how to get there from Berlin.

How to reach Saxon Switzerland from Berlin

Reaching Saxon Switzerland from Berlin takes about 3 hours of travel each way, and is best done by car. Again, my recommended car rental company for Europe roadtrips is DiscoverCars .

Since Saxon Switzerland is a popular day trip for Berlin locals (especially during school holidays and weekends) visit during the week when possible.

4. Spreewald

Distance: 100 kilometers (62 miles)
Travel time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Reach by: Car or train

Spreewald is a UNESCO-designated biosphere reserve located just 100 kilometers outside of Berlin in the state of Brandenburg. It features over 200 canals you can navigate by kayak, canoe, or a traditional punting boat (called Spreewaldkahn ) for a total of 276 kilometers.

Besides being able to paddle around, you’ll also get a glimpse into the traditional Sorbian village of Lehde . This region was originally settled by the Sorbs and Wends, who came here over 1,400 years ago from the Carpathian mountains. In fact, the word “Berlin” originally comes from the Slavic word for “swamp”!

Spreewald is a gorgeous day trip from Berlin in any season, but Summer and Autumn are especially beautiful. It’s also a great example of local tourism, as you’ll find very few other foreigners here.

How to reach Spreewald from Berlin

The most efficient way to reach Spreewald from Berlin is by renting a car. Again, DiscoverCars is my go-to. Otherwise, it is possible to reach Spreewald by train from Berlin by disembarking at the Lübbenau/Spreewald stop.

Read my dedicated guide to Spreewald, Germany for more details on visiting this gorgeous forest in Brandenburg, and things to do in the area.

Distance: 55 kilometers (34 miles)
Travel time: 1 hour by car or train

Are you into so-called “Dark Tourism”? Beelitz is a former Sanatorium, now completely dilapidated and overgrown with trees. Today, you can walk through the canopy on a treetop walk, called the Beelitz Baumkronenpfad (“Beelitz Canopy Path”).

Some say the hospital ruins are haunted, and when you take a tour through the parts of it that are still accessible, you might get an idea why. It was originally built to treat tuberculosis patients en mass , before being repurposed as a military hospital to treat Nazis during World War II and Soviet soldiers until the 1990s. You can go inside some parts of the former hospital today on a guided tour:

Most famously, some World War II-era scenes from The Pianist were shot at Beelitz. It was also featured in a Rammstein music video. If you like visiting abandoned places and learning about their history — or just think the treetop walk looks awesome — make your way to Beelitz.

How to reach Beelitz Sanatorium

The easiest way to reach Beelitz is by car, and takes just one hour of driving. There’s a lot of parking at Beelitz, as the Sanatorium and Treetop Walk has been converted into a proper attraction with tours (including in English) and food stalls. Car is how we reached Beelitz ourselves.

It’s also possible to reach Beelitz by train, as there is a train station right at Beelitz-Heilstätten . From Alexanderplatz, it takes about 1 hour to get there.

Distance: 190 kilometers (118 miles)
Travel time: 90 minutes by express train, 2.5 hours by car
Best reached by: Car or train, but bus is also possible

Looking for an off-beat city trip? Leipzig is your answer. Just a 90-minute train ride from Berlin, and you’re in a place that the New York Times won’t stop calling “The New Berlin”.

As someone who used to live in Leipzig, I disagree. But that doesn’t mean it’s not a great city.

Leipzig is hip, it’s cheap, and it’s a little bit like what Berlin must’ve been like 15-20 years ago. Leipzig used to be one of the biggest cities in East Germany before the wall came down, but saw a mass exodus of people when the country was reunited. That’s why real estate prices are low, there are a lot of abandoned buildings, and the city has struggled to recover to its former glory.

That said, Leipzig has a lot to offer in a small, concentrated package, so it makes for a wonderful Berlin day trip.

What makes Leipzig unique? Leipzig, in some ways, is like a time capsule. Although the city is modernizing, demolishing, and rebuilding, the city’s architecture is distinctly East German. Combine that with the youth and university culture, Leipzig is a place where you can have a good time on little money without having to go far.

Best things to do in Leipzig

Of course I have to turn this into a blog post at some point, but here’s a quick rundown of the things I would say are essential for having a city trip in Leipzig.

Visit the Christmas market – Leipzig has one of the most charming Christmas markets I’ve ever visited, and it happens right in the middle of the car-free city center.
Go for a walk through Clara-Zetkin Park – If you look on a map, you might be shocked to see exactly what the relative size of this park is to the rest of the city. In the summer, people gather on the Sachsenbrücke to drink beer al fresco and create live music.
Check if you’re in town for the Bier Börse , an annual beer festival. You’ll get to try a variety of German beers (and beers from the Czech Republic, Belgium, pretty much anywhere in Europe that’s known for beer).
Take a walk through the city center and absorb the main sights : Augustusplatz, Leipzig Opera, Thomaskirche (where Bach is NOT buried, but they say he is). There’s a local brewery near the Thomaskirche which always has a different seasonal beer on tap.
Spend an afternoon in trendy Plagwitz, a neighborhood west of the center. Here you’ll find the Baumwollespinnerei , a former textile factory turned into art exhibits. There’s a lovely beer garden, as well as an fabulous art store (where only university students and “unknowing tourists” can shop), great for gifts.
Visit the Völkerschlachtdenkmal (Monument to the Battle of Nations), which is pictured above. It celebrates the fact that Napoleon was defeated at Leipzig in a big way. Fun fact: This is where the Backstreet Boys performed when they visited Leipzig.
Go for a beer my favorite beer garden in all of Germany : Substanz in Reudnitz, the district best known for student life. The best time to go is when the beer garden is open from late Spring through early Autumn. If you can’t make it, there’s still the piano bar. The burgers are divine.

Restaurant recommendation in the city center: Imperii

How to reach Leipzig from Berlin

There’s a train between the two cities that runs every hour between main stations – you can decide between a fast train and a slow train. 1 hour 45 minutes). These trains are possible to book directly in the station, although you will save some money by booking in advance. Booking the same day means the trip costs about 50 EUR, and in advance can bring it down to half that.

Besides trains, you can take a bus between Berlin and Leipzig , which will run you between 10-20 EUR. The most comfortable option of all would be booking the express train (ICE) far enough in advance.

7. Bad Muskau

Distance: 163 kilometers (101 miles)
Travel time: 2 hours by car

Bad Muskau is home to the Muskau Park, officially called the Fürst-Pückler-Park Bad Muskau . It’s one Central Europe’s largest and most famous gardens. This town is right on the border to Poland if you want to easily add another country to your own personal count. The Muskau Park was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2004.

Today you can go to the Museum, walk around the gardens, go to the cafe, and have a picnic. Bad Muskau is just down the street from Kromlau Park (listed below) so if you’re going to one, it makes sense to combine them for a day trip.

How to reach Bad Muskau

Drive southeast from Berlin for about 2 hours along the A13 and then the A15. You’ll basically follow the signs to Cottbus for most of the way, and will drive right through Spreewald as you do. Trying to do this trip by train would take 12+ hours, so if you want to see this area, coming by car is virtually your only option.

8. Germany’s Devil’s Bridge in Kromlau

Kromlau is a small town on the border between Germany and Poland, and Kromlauer Park is a hidden gem, visited by a very small number of foreign tourists.

This 200-acre park is home to the Rakotzbrücke, also called Germany’s Devil’s Bridge for the legend behind it that the devil helped build it in exchange for the first living soul to cross it once completed. In Autumn, this park is absolutely breathtaking, although lacking a lot of the flowers and ponds that would otherwise be there in Spring.

What makes Kromlau unique? It’s not a city, it’s not on any major tourism website – it’s a local sanctuary that few find out about. If you want to see something in Germany that few others have, Kromlau is waiting for you!

How to reach Germany’s Devil’s Bridge from Berlin

The trip can be a half-day trip if you’re going by car, but will most likely require a full day if you’re going to take public transit. By car, you’ll start driving towards Dresden, and then towards Cottbus as soon as you see signs for it. By public transit, you’ll take the train to Cottbus and then transfer to an old steam train to make it into Kromlau.

This legendary bridge in Saxony, Germany will make you feel like you've fallen into a fairytale. It's one of those places where it's just as magical in photos as it is in real life.

Distance: 26 kilometers (16 miles)
Travel time: 50 minutes
Reach by: Car or S-Bahn

Wannsee has a dark history behind it, but nonetheless is a beautiful area to visit from Berlin. Nowadays, people mostly come to Wannsee to visit the lake, which is one of the most popular sandy beaches surrounding the city. On a hot day it can get crowded, but there’s plenty of beer and beach food to keep you comfortable.

Wannsee is most famous for being the site of the Wannsee Conference, where senior Nazi officials met to plan the Final Solution to the “Jewish Question”. The location of this meeting, the Wannsee Villa, has been converted into a free exhibition where you can read real clipping from the newspapers and internal documents alike, demonstrating how the Jews were targeted and blamed for Germany’s problems. Honestly it’s unsettling to be in the same building where this happened, but seeing the original words of the people involved is eye-opening nonetheless.

What makes Wannsee unique? I’d say the fact that you can have a really balance day of learning about history, and then relaxing on the lake. Neither has to be a full-day activity, so there’s some real variety to this day trip.

Quick tips for visiting Wannsee:

The Haus der Wannsee-Konferenz (House of the Wannsee Conference) is a free exhibit, where you’ll pass through several rooms, all overlooking the beautiful Wannsee .
Another villa, the Liebermann Villa , hosts artist Max Libermann’s paintings of his home and garden. Unlike the Wannsee villa, it is not free to enter.
Pfaueninsel is a nearby nature reserve, which tops numerous other lists of best day trips from Berlin. I went last Summer and it was a really nice trip to enjoy some of the nature around Berlin.

Pfaueninsel, as it's called in German, is home to a charming Prussian castle and only a short S-bahn ride outside of Berlin. Here are things to do on Pfaueninsel and how to get here!

How to reach Wannsee

You’ll take the S-Bahn S1 line, which passes through major stations throughout Berlin such as Potsdamer Platz, Brandenburger Tor, and Friedrichstraße. The S7 line is also an option, which passes through Alexanderplatz, Hackescher Markt, and Hauptbahnhof (Berlin main station).

10. Britzer Garten (in Spring)

Distance: 12 kilometers (7.4 miles)
Travel time: 45-60 minutes

Germans love nature, and nature loves the Germans – nowhere is it clearer than Britzer Garten, a large park featuring a lake, rose, tulip, and dahlia gardens, a functioning windmill, and a Liebesinsel (Love Island). Both dogs and bicycles are banned in this park, so it’s guaranteed to be peaceful. There’s a cafe overlooking the lake, as well as convenient spot for ice cream.

Come here if you’re looking for an early taste of Spring – when everything else is still waking up from their winter’s sleep, the cherry blossoms at Britzer Garten are already showing off how pretty they are.

You don't have to go to Japan to experience cherry blossom season. Berlin has over two kilometers of cherry blossoms waiting to be wandered through, admired, and photographed! Here are the best places in Berlin to enjoy cherry blossoms.

When we came to Britzer Garten, we packed for a picnic and ate right across from the Love Island. Everything was fine and dandy until a swan decided he wanted to share our meal! I pretty much thought he was going to fight us, but somehow we managed to defend our food.

What makes Britzer Garten unique? Like Kromlauer Park, Britzer Garten is a place enjoyed mostly by locals who are looking for some time out of the city. You’re unlikely to get stuck behind hoards of tourists trying to snap an identical photo – you can just come here to wind down in the middle of a busy tour through Germany.

How to get to Britzer Garten. You can take the U6 U-Bahn south in the direction of Alt-Mariendorf. From there, transfer to the 179 Bus towards Gerlinger Str. and disembark at Sangerhauser Weg. A short walk (6 min, 550 meter) down the same road and you’re there!

11. Müggelsee

Distance: 21 kilometers (13 miles)
Travel time: 50 minutes by S-bahn from Alexanderplatz
Reach by: S-bahn

Berlin is surrounded by countless lakes, and if you come in Summer on a weekend, you’ll see the public transit full of people who are clearly heading for a day at the beach. Müggelsee is one of the most popular lakes in Berlin, given its shallow waters make it one of the warmer options. You can bring your family or set up solo. There are some snacks available at the lake (for a premium) or bring your own food and drinks.

How to get to Müggelsee. The easiest way to get to Müggelsee is to take the S-bahn (S3) to Köpenick and then ride your bicycle around the lake. Otherwise at Köpenick you can connect to a bus that will take you closer to the lake. All in all the trip takes between 50-80 minutes depending on where you’re starting in the city.

12. Wittenberg

Distance: 112 kilometers (69 miles)
Travel time: 90 minutes by car, 1 hour 40 minutes by train

If you learned about the Protestant Reformation in school, there’s a good chance you’re familiar with Wittenberg’s most famous resident: Martin Luther. It was in Wittenberg that he nailed the 95 theses to the door of the church, and if you come here you can see the exact door that he nailed it on.

The city isn’t huge but you can come by and explore some small shops, get an ice cream, and give yourself a small historical tour. Near the church there is also a museum about Martin Luther and the protestant reformation.

How to get to Wittenberg

You can simply book a train directly from Berlin to Wittenberg, or opt for renting a car if you prefer. You can book a train on the Deutsche Bahn English website .

Distance: 349 kilometers (216 miles)
Travel time: 4 hours by car, 4.5 hours by train

It’s arguably a stretch to call Prague a day trip, but if you really want to see Prague from Berlin it’s doable. You need to get up early, and you need to come back late, but it can be done! I’ve done it as a day trip from Leipzig before.

Plus, the Czech Republic is probably the easiest of all the countries near Berlin, Germany to visit.

Prague may be one of the most popular cities with tourists coming to Europe and it’s no surprise why – the architecture is beautiful, the prices are still rather low, and there is a ton of things to do in this historic city.

How to reach Prague from Berlin

In the interest of time, the best way to get here is by car. It’s also possible to take a train which will add an hour on to your travel time, or even to take a six hour bus. At six hours I would argue it’s easier (and probably costs just as much) to take a plane!

14. Hamburg

Distance: 289 kilometers (179 miles)
Travel time: 2 hours by express train, 4 hours by car

I’ve only been to Hamburg once in the dead of Winter and it was cold and dreadful. But in the Summer, Hamburg is known to be one of the prettiest cities to visit in Germany. It’s a port town, with nautical vibes up and down. You can take a walk along the sea, participate in its famous nightclub scene, or infamous Reeperbahn.

How to get to Hamburg. Trains run regularly from Berlin to Hamburg, so you’ll have no issue booking one with Deutsche Bahn. If you prefer you can also go by bus via Flixbus, but it will take much longer.

15. Dresden

Distance: 193 kilometers (119 miles)
Travel time: 2 hours 25 minutes by car or train

I have to admit – I’ve never been to Dresden! I’ve always wanted to go but never quite made the time. Which is a shame because it’s so close to Berlin and is meant to be very beautiful. You can spend a weekend here and enjoy the history of the city, which came under heavy fire during the second world war. Today you can visit the reconstructed version of Dresden’s most famous sight, the Frauenkirche (Church of our Dear Lady).

How to get to Dresden. Similarly to Hamburg, there are plenty of regular trains at your disposal as well as bus service. Dresden is close to Saxon Switzerland so if you’d like, you can combine these trips into one.

Have you ever been to these cities and towns outside of Berlin?

What’s your favorite daytrip you’ve even taken outside of a major city? For me, Kromlau is my absolute favorite out of Berlin (although Leipzig might contend if I were truly a first-time visitor). Versailles was also cool, but way too crowded! Let me know what your favorites are in the comments!

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About the author

Hi there! I'm Monica, an American expat living in Germany for over six years and using every opportunity to explore the world from my homebase in Berlin. My goal is to capture my memories in photos and posts that show how easy it is to start from scratch and travel the world by working abroad.

Follow along on Instagram , Twitter , Bloglovin , & Facebook .

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

Go underground in Berlin or take a seat at a traditional beer garden for the ultimate German itinerary.

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. To compile this list of the best places to visit in Germany, we asked Liam S. Dunch, the Product Manager, Europe at Abercrombie & Kent , and Caroline Quinn, a travel expert at Black Tomato , to share their top picks.

Best tourist destination: Neuschwanstein Castle
Underrated hidden gem: Cologne
Best for families: Europa-Park
Best for couples: Baden-Baden
Best for solo travelers: Heidelberg

Keep reading for even more destination ideas for your Germany trip.

Neuschwanstein Castle

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.

With a striking Gothic cathedral at its center, Cologne is filled with historic attractions and unique museums. The Farina Fragrance Museum delves into the history of eau de cologne in the perfumery where it was first created. You can also find a vast collection of art at the Museum Ludwig , which is home to works by Picasso, Warhol, and Lichtenstein. For something sweeter, the Chocolate Museum is a thorough exploration of the history of cocoa production with tasting sessions and guided tours available.

Europa-Park

Europa-Park GmbH & Co Mack KG

Travelers of all ages will have a blast at Europa-Park , a theme park in Rust, Germany with more than 100 attractions including 14 thrilling roller coasters, a water park, and live shows. There are also over 50 themed restaurants and bars, plus 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.

Baden-Baden

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Since the 19th century, European aristocracy (including Napoleon III and Queen Victoria) have decamped to Baden-Baden, on the edge of southwestern Germany's Black Forest. The Belle Époque spa 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 .

Historic Heidelberg always feels fresh, even with a centuries-old castle watching over it. City life centers on the university, which is the oldest in Germany and was founded in the 14th century, and the large student population keeps the nightlife vibrant. Just one hour away from Frankfurt, this city's baroque charms are well-preserved in the Old Town and along the Old Bridge. Still, Heidelberg Castle is the biggest attraction, housing multiple museums and gardens. In December, the city hosts one of Germany's best Christmas markets , filling up five city squares with festive stalls.

When it comes to fashion, art, and notoriously hard-to-get-into nightclubs, no city does it like Berlin . Beyond the historic attractions and museums, get a taste of life in the German capital by exploring boho-chic neighborhoods like Neukölln, where you can spend your days perusing the vintage shops and art galleries. Get some rest before heading for a night out in Kreuzberg or give it your best shot to win the bouncer's approval at the legendary megaclub Berghain .

East Side Gallery in Berlin

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Once a symbol of oppression — and an enduring reminder of Germany’s turbulent past — the concrete barrier that used to divide the city 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.

Museum Island in Berlin

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“I always tell first-time visitors to Berlin to check out Museum Island,” says Quinn. 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.

CHRISTOF STACHE/AFP via Getty Images

If there's a winner for the best place and time to be in Germany, it's Munich during Oktoberfest . Each year, the city pulls off the beer extravaganza in the Theresienwiese, a giant beer hall with tons of tables and just one of the venues keeping the pints flowing for the millions of attendees. Even when it's not Oktoberfest, Munich delights travelers with an array of attractions like the sprawling gardens of Nymphenburg Palace and medieval architecture radiating out from the historic square of Marienplatz. For something more modern, check out the Deutsches Museum , one of the world's largest science and technology museums.

Hofbräuhaus in Munich

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.

Black Forest

Named for the dark shade beneath its dense canopy, the Black Forest in southwest Germany is one of the most beautiful and romanticized forests in the world , conjuring the image of an enchanted place straight out of a Brothers Grimm fairy tale. There are adventures aplenty in this storied forest, where you can hike the schnapps trail , visit the splendid Triberger Waterfall, or enjoy a scenic funicular ride above Baden-Baden with the MerkurBergbahn .

Baiersbronn

Baiersbronn, a quaint village between Stuttgart and Strasbourg, France, 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.

Titisee-Neustadt

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Nestled within the Black Forest, Titisee-Neustadt is a 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.

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.

Courtroom 600 in Nuremberg

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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 mean 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.

Bach Museum, Leipzig

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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 houses a collection of instruments, original manuscripts, and other memorabilia related to the German composer.

Schloss Proschwitz in Meissen

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Schloss Proschwitz is a beautiful early-18th-century castle in the district of Meissen — between Leipzig and Dresden — with elegant interiors and gardens. The estate is home to Saxony's oldest private winery, which invites visitors for cellar tours and tastings.

Meissen 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 the region's renowned decorative art 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.

Linderhof Palace

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Germany has dozens of fairy-tale castles and palaces, so 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 King Ludwig II’s favorite getaway.”

The grounds are lovely, but the extravagance of the interior is what makes it worth the trip. The most impressive room is the king's enormous bedroom (relative to the size of the rest of the building) in which the bed stands almost on a stage surrounded by fine embroidery, golden ornaments, and giant candelabras.

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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.

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.

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 at full throttle? After the tour and a brief history lesson, accelerate, brake, and drift on an adrenaline-pumping drive on the circular track.

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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 late spring to late autumn, bringing visitors to Mount Wank — opposite the Zugspitze — for a Bavarian-style breakfast at Sonnenalm restaurant and far-reaching panoramas of the famous peak. Hiking is also popular during the warmer months, while winter brings opportunities for skiing, tobogganing, and glacier tours.

Germany doesn't usually conjure up images of turquoise waters, but the beautiful Eibsee promises just that. Sitting at the base of the Zugspitze, this pristine lake is surrounded by alpine peaks that make it a favorite for boating and hiking. You can take a traditional cruise or rent a rowboat to explore its eight small islands. In the summer, the lake may even be warm enough to swim in, reaching highs of 68 degrees Fahrenheit.

Therme Erding

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Visiting Therme Erding , located less than 25 miles northeast of Munich, feels like walking into a rain forest inside a greenhouse. With a glass ceiling to keep the cold out and let the light in, the largest thermal bath complex in Europe promises summer temperatures all year long. The giant water slides, wave pool, and lazy river are a hit with kids, but if you prefer relaxation, there's a classic spa and sauna area just for adults. You can also partake in a daily program of activities from exercise classes to guided meditation.

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 blessed with miles of countryside dotted with chocolate-box-pretty villages, dark moody forests, romantic river valleys, huge expanses of vineyards, perfectly preserved half-timbered towns, and the majestic Alps. From my many trips and Berlin aside, here are my all time favourite places I’d loved 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 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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Location: northern Bavaria
Location Map
Best time to visit: summer but Christmas especially magical

2. The Black Forest

Black Forest - most beautiful places to visit in Germany

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.

Location: southwest
Best time to visit: summer

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.

Location: Bavaria, near the Austrian border
Best time to visit: spring and summer

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!

Location: eastern Bavaria, southeast Germany
Best time to visit: summer but the Christmas period is especially magical

Check out our video highlights of our trip to Regensburg…

6. Sanssouci Castle

Places to visit in Germany - Sanssouci on GlobalGrasshopper.com

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.

Location: Potsdam, near Berlin
Best time to visit: May to September

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!

Location: northern Bavaria

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.

Best time to visit: summer or autumn

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 bnthe 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.

Location: northwest
Best time to visit: summer or Christmas for the markets

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.

Location: Frisian Islands, Northern part of the country
Best time to visit: late spring to early autumn

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.

I love this park for its 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 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.

Location: central part of the country
Address: Lindenallee 35, 38875 Wernigerode
Best time to visit: spring to autumn but the winter time is also magical

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 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!

Location: Bavaria, southern part of the country

13. Hohenschwangau Castle

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!

Best time to visit: all year round

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!

Location: Würzburg, Bavaria, southern part of the country
Address: Residenzplatz 2, 97070 Würzburg, Bavaria

15. Bavarian Forest National Park

I love this Instagram-worthy gem especially during the winter! 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.

The scenery here is seriously stunning and in the winter the thick forest is adorned with heavy snow!

Location: Bavaria, southeast
Visitor centre address: Hans-Eisenmann-Haus 1, 94556 Neuschönau, Bavaria
Best time to visit: all year round (the winter is particulary magical)

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!

Location: Saxony, Eastern part of the country
Best time to visit: late spring to early winter

17. The Moselle Valley

I loved the Moselle Valley! I thought it was a charming and picturesque place which even matches the elegance and romance of 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, which adds to the wonderful scenery! The Rieslings made here are known to be among the best in the world!

I also highly recommend exploring the picturesque castles and quaint villages located here!

Location: western Germany
Best time to visit: summer and early fall

18. Lichtenstein Castle

I love this gorgeous, fairytale like castle located in the Swabian Alps!

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.

Location: Baden-Württemberg, southwest

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.

Location: Bavaria, south
Best time to visit: summer to winter

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.

Location: Saxony-Anhalt, central part of the country
Best time to visit: late spring to early fall

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.

25 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!!!!!!!!

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

Visiting Hermannsdenkmal and Brauerei Strate in Detmold

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.

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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.

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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.

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Neckarsteig and the Castle Road

Neckarsteig and Castle Road, Hirschhorn Castle

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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Home » Travel Guides » Germany » 15 Best Things to Do in Nuremberg (Germany)

15 Best Things to Do in Nuremberg (Germany)

The capital of Franconia is a city that has lived through momentous world events, from the time of the Holy Roman Empire to the 20th century. The Altstadt (Old Town) is still encircled by walls, and is watched by the Kasierburg castle from a promontory on the north side.

Nuremberg was an unofficial capital of the Holy Roman Empire, and the castle was paid host to official ceremonies for hundreds of years. Nuremberg is also a name associated with the Nazis, for the Nuremberg Rallies, racist Laws and Trials after the war. At the Nazi congress hall on the rally grounds is a powerful museum about Nazi regime, and Courtroom 600 at the Palace of Justice is where figures like Hermann Göring were tried.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Nuremberg :

1. Kaiserburg

On the steep sandstone cliffs over the north side of Nuremberg’s Altstadt is a castle that carried real power in the times of the Holy Roman Empire.

The imperial courts met here, and every newly elected emperor was obligated by decree to hold his first Imperial Diet at Kaiserburg.

The castle keep at the circular Sinwell Tower dates to the 14th century and is always a highlight.

There’s an observation platform at the top floor where you can marvel at the best panorama of the city.

Sheltered in half-timbered houses in the courtyard below is the Tiefer Brunnen (Deep Well), which bores 50 metres into the sandstone.

The Palas, which was used for the castle’s official functions, has been reworked several times since the Middle Ages and has a museum filling you in on Kaiserburg’s elevated position in the Holy Roman Empire.

2. Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds

Nuremburg was important to the National Socialist regime because of its status in the Holy Roman Empire, and its central location in the German-speaking world.

Even before they rose to power in 1933 they had chosen Nuremberg for their annual mass propaganda rallies.

During the 30s they went about building a congress hall, one element of an unrealised master plan for the city.

That hall, which is pierced on the north side by a modern metal-framed glass stake, contains the exhibition, “Fascination and Terror”. You’ll be walked through the causes, reality and aftermath of the Nazi regime.

There’s extra depth on the Nuremberg Rallies, and the architectural plans for the city.

Context is provided by eyewitness interviews, photographs, official documents and computer graphics.

3. Nuremberg Trials Memorial

Courtroom 600 at the Justizpalast, where high-ranking Nazis were brought to justice between 1945 and 1949, is a still a working courtroom.

It can be tricky to visit during the week unless you come between sessions.

The best time of all is Saturdays, out of session, when English speakers can take a sobering audio tour of a room that resonates with history.

The top floor of the courthouse has been turned into a museum about the Nuremberg Trials, explaining the defendants and their crimes, and recording the lasting impact that the process had on international criminal law.

4. Germanisches Nationalmuseum

The Germanic National Museum is a sort of treasury for the German speaking world, mapping its cultural past with over 25,000 exhibits.

The galleries are in a complex partly made up of the Nuremberg Charterhouse, and are endowed with art going back to the medieval period, as well as decorative items, toys, armour, books, scientific instruments, clothing, musical instruments, liturgical treasures, prehistoric and ancient archaeology, toys, and that’s only a brief summary.

Fair to say that you’re going to need to plan ahead if you want to do this museum in a few hours or even a day.

Some art exhibits you can’t leave without seeing are Albrecht Dürer’s portrait of his mother, Dürer’s rhinoceros, Lucas Cranach the Elder’s portrait of Martin Luther and Rembrandt’s famed Wide-Eyed Self-Portrait.

5. St. Sebaldus Church

Looking at it from the north side you can tell how St. Sebaldus Church is in two halves.

The west side, including the naves and towers is Romanesque and early Gothic, from the 13th century.

The east side made up of the hall chancel is Late Gothic and was built around 100 years later.

The 8th-century Saint Sebald is Nuremburg’s patron saint, and in the chancel you can view his tomb, designed in the 1510s by Peter Vischer the Elder, with Early-Renaissance bronze figurines depicting scenes from his life.

That is one of many works of art in the church, like the Tucher family epitaph, stained glass windows and wood sculpture by the Renaissance virtuoso Veit Stoss.

6. St. Lorenz Church

Like St. Sebaldus, this church, which was started in the 13th century was later given a hall chancel.

That eastern section went up during the 15th century and is in the German Late Gothic style known as “Sondergotik”. St Lorenz Church was one of the first to become Lutheran, converting in 1525. But fortunately for us, it escaped the iconoclasm of the time, most likely because its wealthy patrons helped look after that art as it had been funded by their ancestors.

The most valuable piece is Veit Stoss’ Renaissance carving of the Angelic Salutation and a beautiful tabernacle crafted by another eminent sculptor of the time, Adam Kraft.

7. German National Railways Museum

Nuremberg was the scene of the first German railway, the Bavarian Ludwigsbahn which ran from here to Fürth close by.

So it makes sense that the city should have the national museum on this topic.

The attraction is also the oldest in the country and opened as the Bavarian Railway Museum in 1899. Some of the many captivating exhibits are sections from King Ludwig II’s royal train, the Nordgau locomotive from 1853 and a 1930s DRG Class SVT 877 from the Hamburg-Berlin line, the fastest rail connection in the world at the time.

The first and second floors are for exhibits detailing bridge and tunnel construction, as well as 160 models dating back to 1882. On the stroke of the half hour you can watch a ten-minute demonstration of the 80-square-metre model railway.

8. Albrecht Dürer’s House

Arguably Germany’s greatest painter lived and worked at this timber framed townhouse in Nuremberg from 1509 to his death in 1528. As a historical document Albrecht Dürer’s House is unrivalled, as there are no other examples of a 15th-century artist’s house in Europe.

The building suffered some damage in the war but was soon restored and the reopening was delayed until 1971, Dürer’s 500th birthday.

Five storeys high, the house is one of the few burgher houses left from Nuremberg’s 15th-century golden age.

The rooms are decorated with period furniture and a rotating exhibition of drawings by Dürer.

A reconstruction of Dürer studio also demonstrates the printmaking techniques of the time.

9. Schöner Brunnen

One of the wonders of medieval Nuremberg is a 19-metre Gothic fountain on the edge of the main market square.

The fountain was crafted in 1385-1396 and was the work of architect and stonemason Heinrich Beheim.

It was designed like a Gothic church spire and has forty polychrome figures on four levels, all evoking the “worldview” of the Holy Roman Empire.

The statues at the bottom represent philosophy and the seven liberal arts, below the four evangelists and the four church fathers.

Above these are the seven Holy Roman electors, and the Nine Worthies, who were idealised historical and legendary personages.

And finally, at the top sits Moses and the seven prophets.

In the Second World War the monument was wrapped in a concrete shell and came through unscathed.

10. City Walls

In the long history of Nuremberg’s fortifications, the city was only ever captured once: In 1945 by the Americans.

These walls were first put up in the 1000s and got their current, streamlined appearance when they were modified for canons in the 1500s.

Some four kilometres of the Medieval walls are still standing, and they incorporate the castle to the north and 67 defensive towers.

The parapet is mostly open to visitors, looks out on the Altstadt and is covered by a timber-framed roof.

That wall is also traced by a wide ditch, the Stadtgraben, one of the longest surviving in Europe and kept as gardens that you can also walk through.

11. Nuremberg Toy Museum

One of the finest houses in the Altstadt, and another stop in the Historical Mile is the Renaissance Hallersches Haus.

The Burgher House is named for the family that established it in 1517, and has a gabled facade and timber-framed gallery around a courtyard.

The museum inside celebrates Nuremberg’s status as a traditional toy-making capital in Germany and also opened on Dürer’s 500th anniversary in 1971. On the first three floors are pre-War games and toys like dolls, dollhouses, magic lanterns, wind-up figures and another model railway of impressive proportions.

The top floor is all about toys since 1945 like Lego, Playmobil and Barbie, and has an interactive’ “Kids on Top” zone with building sets, table football and all kinds of other toys and games.

12. Nuremberg Zoo

At 70 hectares, Nuremberg Zoo is one of the largest in Europe, and like the best zoos is always introducing new enclosures.

The setting is a former sandstone quarry a few kilometres east of the Altstadt.

Many of the old stone pits have been left as they are, as they serve as natural enclosures for species like Siberian and Bengal tigers.

There are also large, landscaped environments where bison, giraffes, deer and zebras live in semi-freedom, and generous outdoor areas for snow leopards and maned wolves.

One of the newer attractions is a bearded vulture enclosure with a 17-metre-high walkway, and the various indoor exhibits have poison dart frogs, caimans and a green tree python.

13. Stadtmuseum Fembohaus

On Burgstraße, Fembohaus is a city museum in beautiful five-storey edifice going back to the end of the 16th century.

The Fembohaus was a family home and map-printing workshop, and is now a shortcut to the culture, customs and trades that flourished in Nuremberg over 950 years.

There’s a listening station where you can hear three centuries of music composed in the city, a gallery of eminent artists and intellectuals, maps printed in the Fembohaus in the 17th century, while the entire second floor has rooms furnished in the period style of the 1600s.

On the fourth floor is maybe the best piece of all, a hand-carved scale model of Nuremberg’s Altstadt as it would have looked when this house was built.

14. Nürnberger Felsengänge

Over the course of centuries Nurembergers tunnelled into the sandstone bedrock in the north of the Altstadt to create a warren of passageways, cellars and water conduits.

These add up to 20,000 square metres, and are mostly anchored in the city’s beer brewing industry.

There were over 40 breweries in the city in the Middle Ages, and each one had its own cellar cut from the sandstone.

As production increased the cellars grew and were joined up, and even today the Hausbrauerei Altstadthof still stores barrels of its Rotbier down here . Tours are available throughout the day in German, and once a week on Sundays in English, and finish with a Rotbier tasting session.

15. Nürnberger Bratwurst

The local sausage is protected under EU law, so can only be produced in Nuremberg.

Nürnberger Bratwurst has been produced in the city since 1567 and if you’re used to chunky German sausage, you may be surprised by how small they are.

They’re usually about eight centimetres long and so you may get as many as six in a serving.

The flavour is also like no other German sausage as they’re seasoned with fresh marjoram.

Nürnberger Rostbratwurst is grilled over a beech-wood fire and then comes with sauerkraut, potato salad, horseradish, and don’t forget a generous pouring of Rotbier, or one of the hundreds of other Franconian beers.

15 Best Things to Do in Nuremberg (Germany):

Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds
Nuremberg Trials Memorial
Germanisches Nationalmuseum
St. Sebaldus Church
St. Lorenz Church
German National Railways Museum
Albrecht Dürer's House
Schöner Brunnen
Nuremberg Toy Museum
Nuremberg Zoo
Stadtmuseum Fembohaus
Nürnberger Felsengänge
Nürnberger Bratwurst

17 of the best things to do in Germany

May 10, 2024 • 9 min read

Experience the best of Germany with these top things to do © Wirestock / Getty Images

For grand castles and gritty industrial architecture, half-timbered taverns and edgy techno nightclubs, head to Germany .

Explore culture-rich cities like Berlin or Hamburg ; dive into the great outdoors by visiting epic mountains and national parks ; or examine to modern history and reminders of a divided past. Here are some of the top things to do across the country.

Pedestrians and cyclists walk on the runway of the abandoned Tempelhofer Feld airport in Berlin, Germany

1. Skate down the runway at Berlin’s abandoned airport

Complete with runway markings, grounded planes and old hangars, Tempelhofer Feld in the south of Berlin is a much-loved spot in the city. The airport stopped operating in 2008 and opened as a park two years later.

Today, it is roller skaters and cyclists who accelerate down the tarmac, while the greenery is used for picnics, community gardens or just to hang out. Look out for the information boards telling the story of the site, including its vital role during the Berlin Airlift from 1948 to 1949.

Local tip: In summer, the airport is a good spot for a barbeque – just make sure you stick to the designated areas.

2. Tap into Germany’s industrial side

The Ruhrgebiet in western Germany was once a global hub for coal mining and metal production. Since its decline, the area has undergone a major makeover – with repurposed industrial infrastructure at the forefront.

Highlights include the Zeche Zollverein , a former coal-mining complex now home to museums, cultural spaces and an outdoor swimming pool; and Landschaftspark Duisburg-North , a decommissioned ironworks with a diving center in the gasometer and climbing walls in the old ore storage bunkers.

Planning tip: For a full list of locations to visit, check out the Industrial Heritage Trail (Route der Industriekultur).

A cable car station with viewpoint pearched at the top of a mountain with snowy peaks stretching into the distance

3. Scale Germany’s highest mountain

The Bavarian Alps have fantastic hiking and climbing routes, as well as cable cars that help you gain height a bit faster. The most awe-inspiring of these is the modern Zugspitze cable car on Germany’s highest mountain.

In operation since 2017, this state-of-the-art construction has the world’s longest unsupported rope span and an epic top station perched on the rocky summit. While the journey doesn’t come cheap, the views are spectacular.

Planning tip: If possible, leave time to walk around the Eibsee lake at the base of the mountain. In warmer weather you can also go for a dip in the strikingly blue water.

4. Drive the German Wine Route

The Deutsche Weinstrasse connects vineyards, villages and a number of Michelin-starred restaurants in the attractive Palatinate (Pfalz) region. The 53-mile (85km) route can be done as a road trip and provides a great introduction to the country’s vino.

Renowned for rieslings, this area also produces several other whites as well as an increasing volume of reds. Thanks to a moderate climate, you’ll even spy figs, kiwis and lemons growing here.

Detour: For a lesser-known wine region, head up to Rheinhessen. Here, locally-based company BottleStops offers excellent tours in English.

People walk past a series of padlocks attached to railings on a bridge

5. Cross the mighty Rhine in Cologne

One of the best ways to approach Cologne Cathedral is to walk across Hohenzollern Bridge. Take in the city skyline and watch large barges glide along the Rhine below as the famous gothic towers loom ever closer.

In 2008, people started attaching “love locks” to the bridge’s railings. Most are engraved with couples’ names or initials, with the key thrown into the water as a sign of eternal love.

6. Reflect on Nazi history in Nuremberg

The former Nazi Party Rally Grounds are located on the edge of Nuremberg . With many of the imposing structures still standing, such as the Zeppelinfeld Grandstand and the unfinished Congress Hall, the large site is an eerie place to walk around.

Elsewhere, the Memorium Nuremberg Trials examines the process that saw leading Nazi figures answer for their crimes and shaped the future of international criminal law. If not in use, you can visit the courtroom where the trials were held.

A clifftop castle surrounded by mountains and woodland

7. Gaze at the castle that inspired Walt Disney

Set against a beautiful mountain backdrop, this fairy-tale castle has to be seen to be believed. Said to have inspired Disney, Schloss Neuschwanstein was built as a retreat for “mad” King Ludwig II.

Opened to the public just a few weeks after the king’s mysterious death in 1886, it is now one of Germany’s top tourist attractions and one of Europe’s most visited castles – a far cry from its intended purpose as a private refuge.

Planning tip: As with any major tourist attraction, avoid the crowds by arriving early or visiting outside of peak season.

8. Hit the spa in Baden-Baden

The mineral waters in the Black Forest have long attracted wellness fans to this region, in particular to Baden-Baden . Home to 12 thermal springs, the well-known spa town is perfect for a bit of pampering and luxury. Even celebs love it.

Get started at Friedrichsbad, a grand Renaissance-style building with domed ceilings, elaborate frescoes and a multi-station bathing circuit. Submerge yourself in thermal whirlpools, hot-air baths and cold water before heading to a relaxation room with a handy wake-up service.

A man stands on a sandy dune and stares out over the beach towards the sea on a sunny day

9. Try water sports on Sylt, Germany’s glitziest island

Sylt is the biggest of Germany’s North Frisian Islands and a top staycation destination. Sometimes referred to as the "Saint-Tropez of the north" or the "Hamptons of Germany," it has grassy dunes and sandy beaches, as well as upmarket restaurants and hotels that cater to a wealthier crowd.

It is also a water sports hot spot. Thanks to choppy surf off the western coast and calmer waters in the Wadden Sea, the island accommodates both beginners and those with more experience.

Planning tip: Sylt is no secret and can be very busy during the summer months. Book ahead if you plan to visit then.

10. Cycle for cheese in the Allgäu region

Known for its cheese, the Allgäu region is home to alpine dairies, cow-filled meadows and wooden farmhouses. Best explored by bike, you’ll find several routes that pass different producers.

Staples include Bergkäse (mountain cheese) and Allgäuer Emmentaler . Don’t worry if the shops are closed; it won’t be long before you stumble upon a cheese-filled vending machine.

Local tip: Be sure to visit the soft cheese experts at Hoimat in Eschach. The young team behind this small business have created a stylish shop and cafe in a gorgeously restored barn. Embrace your inner culinarian with the best things to eat and drink in Germany .

11. Sip smoked beer in Bamberg

It’s not hard to find beer in Germany, but for something a little different, visit the beautiful Franconian town of Bamberg . Here you’ll discover the local tipple Rauchbier (smoked beer), best enjoyed in a cozy, half-timbered tavern.

According to legend, Rauchbier was invented by accident following a fire in a brewery. Today, the beer is served in many places, but only two breweries still stick to tradition and kiln malt over an open wood fire: Schlenkerla and Brauerei Spezial .

Local tip: Keep an eye out for the beer in dishes such as pork-filled roasted onion served with mashed potato and Rauchbier sauce.

Detail from Berlin's East Side Gallery featuring Leonid Brezhnev and Erich Honecker kissing

12. Stroll along the murals on the Berlin Wall

There are several locations in the German capital where you can see remaining parts of the Berlin Wall, but the East Side Gallery stands out. The 0.8-mile (1.3km) stretch running parallel to the river Spree is covered in murals created by international artists following the fall of the wall, including Birgit Kind's iconic image of a Trabant (Trabi) car.

Surrounded by many new apartment blocks and office complexes – some complete, some still under construction – this part of town demonstrates the vast scale of redevelopment that has shaped the city since reunification.

Local tip: For a more sober look at the impact of the divide, head to Gedenkstätte Berliner Mauer at Bernauer Straße. This outdoor memorial includes another original piece of wall.

Berlin-based writer Barbara Woolsey gives us the intel on the city's famous club scene with How Berlin is ushering in a new era of club culture .

13. Catch a concert at Hamburg’s impressive venue

Standing proudly on a peninsula in Hamburg, the Elbphilharmonie or “Elphi” is an architectural masterpiece. Opened in 2017, the concert hall consists of a new shimmering glass structure sitting atop an old red-brick warehouse.

Check out the program of events or simply head up to the Elbphilharmonie Plaza for panoramic views across the city and along the river. The open-air platform is free of charge and wraps around the entire building.

Local tip: Some harbor boat tours go past the outside of the building, allowing you to see it from a different angle.

14. Visit the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site

Located on the outskirts of Munich , Dachau was one of the first concentration camps to be built and later became the first memorial of its kind in Germany. Known as KZ-Gedenkstätte Dachau , you can wander around the site, including the tree-lined camp road and the roll call area – all overlooked by watchtowers.

Permanent exhibitions provide extensive information about the camp and the prisoners, as well as what happened after liberation. Entrance is free and all texts are provided in English and German.

Planning tip: The memorial is easy to reach using public transport from Munich. Take the S-Bahn (S2) to Dachau station and pick up the 726 bus from there. It drops you right outside the entrance.

A brick factory building with an exterior spiral staircase

15. Feel Leipzig’s creative buzz

Fans of Berlin’s edge should also visit Leipzig . The former East German city is constantly evolving and appeals to artists and designers, many making use of empty industrial spaces.

Discover alternative neighborhoods, cool projects and edgy installations, before exploring connections to creative masterminds of the past. Leipzig is where Richard Wagner was born, as well as where Mendelssohn and Bach lived for many years.

16. Go hiking in Saxon Switzerland National Park

Sandstone pinnacles and tabletop mountains create this unusual landscape in the east of the country. Germany’s only non-alpine rock national park, Saxon Switzerland (Sächsische Schweiz) is a haven for sporty types. The best-known spot is the Basteibrücke, a magnificent stone bridge between two towers of rock.

Detour: Easy to reach by car or public transport, the nearby city of Dresden is where you’ll find landmarks such as the Zwinger Palace and the reconstructed Frauenkirche .

Hit the trails with these 6 incredible hikes in Germany .

17. Spend an afternoon in a Munich beer garden

Beer gardens are central to Munich life. As soon as the good weather hits, locals head to their favorite one for a cold beer and a chinwag with friends. You’ll also often see groups celebrating birthdays and other events at the long tables.

While all serve lager by the liter, each garden has a USP. Go to Seehaus in Englischer Garten for drinks by a lake, Paulaner am Nockherberg for a modern in-house brewery or laid-back Biergarten Muffatwerk for some organic grub.

This article was first published Sep 26, 2021 and updated May 10, 2024.

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Young lady tourist walking in a yard among old building (Zwinger) in Dresden; Shutterstock ID 150448028; your: Sloane Tucker; gl: 65050; netsuite: Online Editorial; full: Dresden Things to Do Article

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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.

image of a pinterest pin with the words best places to visit in Germany on a backdrop of a picture of a Bavarian Alps town and a lady walking past graffiti on a wall in Berlin

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

image of the bundestag, formerly known as the reichstag in berlin germany

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

image of rothenburg ob der tauber germany

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

Image of the Frauenkirche Dresden at sunset

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 – all the main Dresden landmarks , including the Frauenkirche, Zwinger Palace and Old Masters Gallery , 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. And if you have time, take an hour or three to explore the suburb of Loschwitz , once the most expensive in Europe.

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.

See Also : One Day In Dresden – the Ultimate Itinerary

7. Cologne (Köln)

image of gross st martin church cologne germany

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

image of people enjoying a drink at gunderodehaus oberwesel germany

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

image of altes haus winery bacharach rhineland germany

9. Mosel Valley

image of reichsburg castle cochem germany

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

image of half-timbered buildings in beilstein mosel valley germany

10. Hamburg

image of rathaus or town hall hamburg germany

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.

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); Leipzig Stasi Museum (Museum in der Runden Ecke, which 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

image of old town hall tower gorlitz germany

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

image of medieval bridge in wismar germany

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.

16. Bavarian Alps: Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Zugspitze

image of mittenwald in the bavarian alps germany

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

Image of a church in snow in Ramsau in the Bavarian Alps Germany. One of the most beautiful landscapes in Europe

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

image of statue of roland in bremen germany

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

image of regensburg cathedral and old town bavaria germany

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

image of altes rathaus old town hall bamberg germany

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

image of nuremberg old town and castle germany

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

image of frauenkirche church nuremberg germany

22. Black Forest

image of freudenberg black forest germany

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

image of the east towers of naumburg cathedral germany

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.

image of statue of uta von ballenstedt in naumburg cathedral germany

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

Image of the Bastei Bridge in Rathen Saxon Switzerland Germany

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

best places to visit in eastern germany image of dresden at duisk from across the river elbe

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.

Image of David Angel found of Delve into Europe Travel Blog / Website

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.

16 Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in the Black Forest

Written by Barbara Radcliffe Rogers Updated Mar 30, 2022

The very name Black Forest conjures up images of deep woodlands, traditional deep-roofed farmhouses, cuckoo clocks, and half-timbered villages that look as though they'd stepped out of a book of fairy tales. And, of course the famous Black Forest cherry cake. And you'll find all of these in the rolling landscapes of Baden-Württemberg in Germany's southwestern corner.

The heart of the Black Forest extends southward from Pfortzheim and Baden-Baden, roughly paralleling the Rhine Valley to the lakes near the Swiss border, and its rural farmland, forests, and picturesque villages are connected by roads that climb and curve through a never-ending series of photo-worthy views. Amid these appealing landscapes, you'll find lots to see and do in the Black Forest.

The region itself, with its traditions and unique way of life, is a major tourist attraction. The area most popular with tourists, and where you'll find some of the most beautiful places to visit in the Black Forest, is the stretch along the 150-kilometer-long Black Forest Railway (Schwarzwaldbahn), and Triberg with its famous waterfalls. The southern Black Forest is dominated by the 1,493-meter-high Feldberg, and to the south are the lakes of Titisee and Schulsee, popular family holiday areas with swimming and water sports.

Plan your trip to this beautiful region with our list of the top attractions and places to visit in the Black Forest.

Exploring the Black Forest by Car

Freiburg im breisgau münster and old town, baden-baden spas and gardens, triberg waterfalls, black forest open air museum, kloster maulbronn, lake titisee, the augustinermuseum, freiburg, fine dining in baiersbronn, ravenna gorge, black forest christmas markets, black forest cuckoo clocks, donaueschingen and the source of the danube, map of attractions & places to visit in the black forest.

To find some of the best places to visit in the Black Forest, you should explore its countryside by car, following one of the several designated tourism routes. The most popular of these is the Black Forest Ridgeway (Schwarzwald-Hochstrasse), a spectacular route following hill crests through magnificent coniferous forests from Baden-Baden along the Hornisgrinde to the Kniebis plateau at Freudenstadt. The route continues southward from Triberg to Waldshut .

The Black Forest Valley Road (Schwarzwald-Tälerstrasse) begins farther north at Rastatt, home to the sumptuous Schloss Favorite, a former summer residence and pleasure palace for Margravine Sibylla Augusta of Baden-Baden, with the largest collection of early Meissen porcelain in the world. The road follows the Murg valley, past the imposing Schwarzenbach Dam and continuing to Freudenstadt, where it meets the Black Forest Ridgeway. Spa-goers should follow the Black Forest Spa Route (Schwarzwald-Bäderstrasse), a 270-kilometer-long loop of spas, including Baden-Baden, between Pforzheim and Freudenstadt.

One of the great masterpieces of Gothic architecture in Germany, Freiburg im Breisgau Münster was built between the 13th and 16th centuries and is known for its beautiful interior and artworks. Highlights are the 14th-century stained glass in the aisles and the early 16 th -century altarpieces, the one in the University Chapel by Hans Holbein the Younger. The stiff climb up the 116-meter-high tower, built in 1330, is rewarded with sweeping views across the rooftops of the old town center.

Surrounding Münsterplatz , well-preserved old buildings include the arcaded red Merchants' Hall (Kaufhaus) dating from 1532, with stepped gables and oriel windows. Other highlights of the old town include the old Martinstor (St. Martin's Gate); the 13th-century Schwabentor , with its wall paintings and dioramas; the Late Gothic House of the Whale (Haus zum Walfisch); and the Gothic St. Martin's Church , with a beautifully restored interior and cloister. For a bird's-eye view of the Munster and old town, ride the Schlossbergbahn funicular railway to the 456-meter Schlossberg to look down from the Kanonenplatz.

Address: Münsterplatz, 79098 Freiburg im Breisgau

The Josephine Fountain in the Rose Garden, Baden-Baden

The mineral spas that have made Baden-Baden a popular place to visit since Roman times are the focal point of this beautiful old city at the edge of the Rhine Valley. The elegant 19th-century Friedrichsbad and the modern Caracalla Baths sit side by side, and from the beautifully groomed Kurpark (Spa Gardens) the lovely Lichtentaler Allee follows the Oos river for more than two kilometers of arboretum and gardens. The highlight is a rose garden with 400 different varieties, along with pools, fountains, and an Art Nouveau pavilion. Baden-Baden is at the start of the Schwarzwald-Hochstrasse tourist route.

Badenweiler , another spa town farther south in the Black Forest, is not as well known, but is also very beautiful, sitting on a terrace more than 200 meters above the Rhine. Its Kurpark is filled with subtropical plants, and the 11 th -century Schlossberg castle ruins command views across the Rhine valley.

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Baden-Baden

A walking path climbs through the steep Triberg forest, stopping at seven different viewpoints overlooking the river as it plunges down 163 meters from pool to pool in a constant white froth. The succession of cascades and waterfalls creates an ever-changing set of views as you climb, and it's worth going all the way to the wooden bridge at the top for the views down into the rocky ravine. The falls are lighted at night, accessible all year, and are a spectacular cascade of ice in the depth of winter.

Another of the interesting places to visit in Triberg is the Black Forest Museum (Schwarzwaldmuseum), with displays focusing on the region's unique traditions and handcrafts.

Picturesque houses and flowers in Schiltach

Without doubt one of the prettiest towns in the Black Forest, Schiltach has been the home of craftsmen and tanners since at least the 13 th century. Surrounded by woodlands and located at the junction of three rivers, it was a natural to become the Black Forest's center for timber rafting. The riverside location was well-suited to tanning hides, and the oldest part of Schiltach, outside the town walls, is made up of closely set timber-framed houses of tanners.

The sloping triangular Marktplatz is surrounded by more half-timbered houses, and it's here that you'll find two of the town's free museums, Museum am Markt and the Apothecary Museum. The Schüttesäge Museum centers on the work at the former sawmill, in operation from 1491 until 1931, with an undershot water wheel more than seven meters in diameter. But the biggest attraction for tourists is the town itself, so be sure to spend some time here on a walking tour.

As you travel through the region, you are sure to see a number of the typical multi-storied farmhouses, with their giant sloping roofs and overhanging eves. To learn more about these, as well as to tour one from its ground-floor barn to its rows of food drying under the attic rafters, stop at the Black Forest Open Air Museum. The focal point of the Schwarzwälder Freilichtmuseum is the Vogtsbauernhof , a traditional self-contained farmstead dating from the 1600s.

The farmhouse and its cottages and outbuildings were brought here from their original sites, and together form a typical Black Forest farming hamlet. Here, you can get a close-up view of farming and building techniques, such as thatching a roof and making cheese, as well as home skills such as weaving and wood-fire cooking. Many of the hands-on programs are suitable for children, and free guided tours in the summer are in English. The on-site café serves traditional Black Forest specialties.

Address: Wählerbrücke 1, Gutach

At the northern edge of the Black Forest in the little town of Maulbronn, stands the Cistercian abbey of Kloster Maulbronn, which was founded in 1147. Its stone and half-timbered buildings comprise one of the most beautiful and best preserved of the surviving German monasteries, and Kloster Maulbronn has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The most outstanding of its many highlights is the porch of the church, known as the Paradise, a masterpiece of the early Gothic style, with cross-ribbed vaults; the beautiful pine and wrought-iron doors are the oldest known in Germany. Be sure to also see the delicate fountain house, with its three-tiered fountain, and the richly carved stalls in the monks' choir.

Address: Klosterhof 5, Maulbronn

Official site: https://www.kloster-maulbronn.de/en/home

The town of Gengenbach sits at the western edge of the Black Forest, its charming Altstadt of stone towers and half-timbered houses gathered around a market square. Forming one side of the square is the 200-year-old façade of the town hall, which is best known for it important role in Gengenbach's Christmas Market .

For 24 days in December, the town hall becomes a giant Advent calendar, with each of its 24 large windows opening in turn to reveal an elaborate scene. Beyond the usual Christmas motifs, these are based on annual themes often suggested by works of great artists or by literature. At 6pm each afternoon, it seems as though the entire town population is in the square to see the window revealed.

You may notice whimsical statues throughout the town, portraying jesters and fanciful figures; you can learn more about these at the Fools Museum Niggelturm , located in a historic tower. Here, you'll see Fasnacht figures, masks, and costumes used during the pre-Lenten carnival celebrations. These Fasnacht hijinks are traditional in other parts of Germany as well but are particularly strong in this region and reach their highlight here. Climb to the top floor of the 136-meter tower for views of the town and surrounding fruit orchards.

The highest lake in the Black Forest, Titisee is one of the most popular places for families, with a wide range of entertainment possibilities. Its shores are a pleasant mix of forests and lodgings, so while there are plenty of places to stay, the lake retains its natural landscape. The Seestraße in Titisee-Neustadt is a promenade, where you can stroll between the shore and a selection of shops and cafes (a good place to stop and sample Black Forest cherry cake). Or take a 90-minute hike on the trail around the lake.

You can bike along the Bähnle-Radweg path or rent nearly any kind of small boat from motorboats to kayaks, stand up paddleboards, and pedal boats. The lake is a bit chilly for most swimmers, but the Badeparadies Schwarzwald is a water park with themed saunas, a spa, waterslides, and 18 pools surrounded by live palm trees.

Housed in the former monastery of Augustinian Hermits, the Augustinermuseum is a bright and lively place filled with artistic and historical treasures of the Black Forest and Upper Rhine regions. No dim showcases here; the building was brilliantly adapted by architect Christoph Mäckler, so the collections are displayed in well-lighted galleries that encourage viewing from different angles.

Specialties are works from the Middle Ages through the Baroque period, along with 19 th -century paintings. Medieval wood sculptures, panel paintings, and original stone figures and stained glass windows from the Munster are highlights.

Address: Augustinerplatz, 79098 Freiburg im Breisgau

Official site: www.freiburg.de/pb/,Len/237748.html

View of Baiersbronn with the Hotel Traube Tonbach in the distance

The nine scenic hamlets that make up the little town of Baiersbronn have gained fame in culinary circles for the remarkable number of Michelin stars awarded to three local restaurants. These three restaurants account for a total of eight stars: three to the Schwarzwaldstube in Hotel Traube Tonbach , three to the Restaurant Bareiss , and two to the Restaurant Schlossberg .

Between meals in these bastions of fine dining, tourists will find other attractions and things to do. The atmospheric ruins of the Kloster Allerheiligen , the Monastery of All Saints, are made even more haunting by their secluded setting and unfortunate history. Since its founding in 1192, the monastery has been destroyed repeatedly by fires — in 1470, in 1555, and finally by lightning in 1804. Southwest of Baiersbronn a wooded path leads to the 60-meter Sankenbach Waterfalls .

Also known as Devil's Valley, the nine-kilometer stretch of road between Freiburg and Hinterzarten descends precipitously into a narrow gorge surrounded by thickly forested and very steep hillsides. The scene is rendered all the more foreboding by the soaring stone arches of a viaduct that hovers 190 feet overhead, carrying the Devil's Valley Railway .

At the bottom of the winding road is the welcoming sight of the Hofgut Sternen , a historic hotel whose former guests included Marie Antoinette as she traveled through here on her way to become Queen of France. In the complex of traditional Black Forest buildings surrounding the inn are a glassblowing studio and a cuckoo clock shop ; you can watch craftsmen working in both of these.

A path leads farther down the valley to the historic St. Oswald's Chapel , the area's first church, built in 1148. For four weekends in December, the steep hillside beneath the stone arches of the viaduct is the site of the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market , one of the hidden gems of the Black Forest.

Christmas decorations in Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany

December is magical in the Black Forest, when most larger towns have a Christmas market aglow with twinkling lights, and filled with booths selling gifts, holiday decorations, and an array of tempting foods. Some have carousels or other rides for children, and some have kiosks where they can make candles or cookies for gifts.

In Gengenbach , already a fairy-tale village of half-timbered houses, the town hall becomes a giant Advent calendar, a new window opening each evening at 6 to reveal a magical scene. The streets of Freiburg's old center are festooned with tiny twinkling lights, under which cabins sell spicy gingerbread, loaves of fruit-filled stollen, candied fruits, and jelly-filled doughnuts.

Esslingen's medieval center of tall half-timbered houses are the setting for an authentic medieval market, the Mittelaltermarkt . Torches and lanterns light the tents, bread and other foods are cooked over wood fires, jugglers and flame-walkers perform, and craftspeople work with hand tools. Everyone is in period costume, and only crafts and foods authentic to the Middle Ages are sold. It's like stepping back seven centuries.

Read More: Top-Rated Christmas Markets in Germany

Cuckoo Clock at Hofgut Sternen in the Ravenna Gorge

The most enduring — and endearing — example of Black Forest folk art carries a long tradition of fine craftsmanship as well. Their story begins in the 1600s, when poor farmers made additional income by creating woodcarvings from the readily abundant local trees. They carved elaborate clocks with moving figures, and as metal clockworks were expensive, they made these from wood, too. The region soon became known for its meticulously crafted and beautifully carved clocks, and their signature feature, whatever their size or complexity, was the little bird that popped out and said "cuckoo" on the hour.

Among the most popular things to do in the Black Forest is visit a shop where they make the famous cuckoo clocks . Even if you don't plan to bring one home as a souvenir, it is fascinating to see the variety and complexity of these animated clocks, and watch as skilled craftsmen create them. You can see them being made in workshops at Hofgut Sternen in the Ravenna Gorge, in the village of Triberg, and at several other shops.

Not far from Triberg, in Schonach, clockmaker Josef Dold created the World's Largest Cuckoo Clock , which was listed in the Guinness Book of World Records . Its face covers the front of a typical Black Forest house, and inside you can watch the operation of the giant works, which are all carved from wood. A shop in Triberg has since created an even larger one, but you shouldn't miss the opportunity to step inside a house that's a real cuckoo clock!

More than 100 shows and attractions, including themed areas representing 15 different European countries make up Germany's largest theme park . Costumed characters engage with visitors throughout these and the three fantasy-themed areas.

Kids love the Elf Ride, and in Pirates of Batavia, they can search for the mystical Dagger of Batavia on an underground boat ride through an exotic fantasy city. Thrill-seekers can test their courage on a progression of 13 roller coasters. The most hair-raising is the Blue Fire Megacoaster , accelerating from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in only 2.5 seconds and whirring within inches of cliff edges.

Address: Europa-Park-Straße 2, Rust, Germany

Official site: https://www.europapark.de/en

The source of the Danube River in Donaueschingen

The exact source of the Danube River still gives rise to controversy, although it has been "officially" decided by the government of the state of Baden-Württemberg that only the Donabauch spring in Donaueschingen, where the Brigach River begins, can claim to be the source. Previously, the town of Furtwangen claimed it, based on the fact that the Breg, the larger of the two streams that join to form the Danube, begins there at the Bregtal spring.

You can visit the Donabauch spring, suitably enshrined in elaborate iron grill and stonework in the Schlosspark in Donaueschingen, on the eastern fringe of the Black Forest. Schloss Donaueschingen features sumptuous state apartments full of tapestries and period furniture, a Court Library of medieval manuscripts, and a collection of works by 15 th- and 16 th -century Swabian painters.

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17 Best Places to Visit in Germany

By Becky Griswold · Last updated on July 5, 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 .

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.

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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!

The 9 Most Beautiful Towns to Visit Near Dusseldorf

While Dusseldorf itself is a very popular destination for holidaymakers, it is also a great base for exploring a number of amazing German towns. Historic sites from thousands of years ago, scintillating architecture, amazing museums, dollops of culture and art, and exuberant nature – everything that a tourist’s heart might desire is a short distance away from Dusseldorf.

Cologne, germany.

Architectural Landmark

2000-year old history thriving side by side with contemporary architecture, amazing landscape, exciting shopping, and delicious food makes Cologne a traveller’s dream come true. The skyscape of Cologne is dominated by the breathtaking Cologne Cathedral, a proud and unwavering witness of centuries of wars, destruction, and celebration. Visitors in Cologne love cruising down the River Rhine, visiting some of the most famous museums in the country, and one of the oldest zoos in Germany. Cologne has a palpable zest for life that vibrates through the merry Old Town, the nightclubs, and its packed restaurants and shopping streets.

Bonn, Germany

Historical Landmark, Architectural Landmark

This town nestled in the picturesque Middle Rhine Valley is small, but steeped in history. Around since the 1st century BC, it is one of the oldest cities in the country, and today, an important hub of politics, commerce, and tourism. Visiting Bonn is a trip back in time, with the 1000-year old Bonn Minster , the beautiful baroque-style Poppelsdorf Palace and gardens, Beethoven-haus, and museums with enviable collections sharing the skyline with modern architecture.

The ancient city of Koblenz is perched on both banks of the Rhine, at the enviable location of the confluence of the Rhine and the Moselle . The meeting point of these two important rivers is marked by the Deutsches Eck, a peninsula of land graced by the monument of Emperor Wilhelm I. An incredible thing to do while in Koblenz is taking a cable car ride over the river to the Fortress of Ehrenbreitstein, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fortified town is also known for its beautiful cathedrals, Rhine promenade, grand Electoral Palace, lush gardens, and, a little outside of town, the fairytale Stolzenfels Castle.

Cochem Castle

Another gem of the Moselle valley, this little town is straight out of picture books. Cochem is ringed by lush vineyards and wears the gorgeous imperial Reichsburg Castle as its crown. With its buzzing market square, peaceful riverside walkway, adorable half-timbered houses, historic castle ruins, and breathtaking fall colours, it is impossible to not fall in love with this quaint little town.

Trier, founded in the 4th century BC, is any history enthusiast’s dream destination. An area settled as far back as 16,000 years ago, quietly perched in the Moselle valley, it has breathtaking historical sites lurking around every corner. From fortified gates to Roman bath ruins, from churches dating back thousands of years to astounding architecture, Trier has enough offerings to fill up several days of vacation.

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Rüdesheim am Rhein

Architectural Landmark, Historical Landmark

Another historic town, Xanten has a lot to offer, though it is often overlooked by tourists. It is incredible how diligently Xanten has retained its original charm. Each of its landmarks – the medieval town square, the gorgeous cathedral, beautiful lakes, and museums – is an enriching history lesson.

Bad Munstereifel

Bad Munstereifel, a spa town has everything that a traveler needs for a quiet, relaxing vacation. This picture-postcard town, with its adorable bridges and gurgling streams, has an abundance of greenery and bursts into colourful flowers in spring. However, what attracts visitors most to this region are its rejuvenating spas and wellness centres.

One of the most charming towns in Germany, Monschau has been a favourite destination for Germans as well as tourists from all over the world looking for a restful vacation in beautiful surroundings. Monschau wins hearts easily with its lush greenery and blooms, historic castle ruins, half-timbered houses, and old churches. Monschau is also a great starting point to explore the sprawling miles of natural splendour known as the Eifel National Park.

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15 best places to visit in germany for first-time visitors.

Post author: Oleksandra Mamchii
Post published: September 19, 2024
Post category: Blog / Travel
Post comments: 0 Comments

Germany is a top European destination that welcomes over 40 million international tourists each year. From the iconic Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, which attracts more than 3 million visitors annually, to the fairy-tale Neuschwanstein Castle, with over 1.4 million tourists each year, Germany offers diverse attractions for every traveler. The country’s combination of historical landmarks, vibrant cities, and picturesque landscapes make it a unique and engaging destination. Whether exploring medieval castles or experiencing world-renowned festivals like Oktoberfest, the best places to visit in Germany promise unforgettable experiences for millions of annual visitors.

List of 15 Best Places to Visit in Germany

Brandenburg Gate
Neuschwanstein Castle
Cologne Cathedral
The Black Forest
Berlin Wall Memorial
Heidelberg Castle
Sanssouci Palace
Oktoberfest
Miniatur Wunderland
Marienplatz
Reichstag Building

1. Brandenburg Gate

Any traveler to Germany for the first time must see the Brandenburg Gate. Completed in 1791, this famous building represents not only Berlin but also the reunification of the nation following the collapse of the Berlin Wall in 1989. The 26-meter-tall gate is a magnificent example of Neoclassicism, modeled after the Athens Acropolis. Millions of tourists visit it every year in Pariser Platz in the center of Berlin.

Constructed initially as a symbol of harmony, the gate has witnessed significant events in German history, such as Napoleon’s conquest and the divide of the Cold War. Reminiscent of its illustrious past is the iconic Quadriga, a statue depicting a chariot pulled by four horses, which stands atop the gate. Walking through the gate’s six grand columns, you’re stepping into history. Be sure to visit at night when it’s beautifully illuminated, making it an even more magical experience.

2. Neuschwanstein Castle

When traveling to Germany, you definitely must see the fairytale site known as Neuschwanstein Castle. King Ludwig II had the castle, which is perched majestically atop the Bavarian Alps and provides stunning views of the surrounding area, built in 1869. Neuschwanstein, also referred to as the “castle of the fairy-tale king,” is one of Germany’s most popular tourist destinations, drawing in over 1.4 million visitors each year.

Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle was inspired by the magnificent castle’s architecture, which features turrets and tall towers. Inside are lavishly furnished chambers, such as the opulent Throne Hall, which captures Ludwig’s passion for mythology and medieval legends. The castle was ahead of its time, having modern features like running water and central heating despite its medieval appearance.

3. Cologne Cathedral

One of Germany’s most stunning sights and a must-see for visitors is the Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Although work on the famous Gothic cathedral started in 1248, it took more than 600 years to finish, with completion occurring in 1880. At 157 meters, it is the world’s highest twin-spired church and welcomes almost 6 million tourists annually.

The exquisite sculptures, stained-glass windows, and the Shrine of the Three Kings will astound you within. Don’t pass up the opportunity to ascend the South Tower’s 533 steps, which will reward you with an amazing perspective of the city and the Rhine River.

Cologne Cathedral has stood resilient through history, surviving World War II bombings with minimal damage. Its grandeur and spiritual significance make it one of the most awe-inspiring places in Germany for any traveler.

4. The Black Forest

A must-see for first-time visitors to Germany is the natural wonder of Black Forest. Spanning over 6,000 square kilometers, this deep forest in southwestern Germany is recognized for its stunning views, small villages, and rich cultural past. Renowned for being the cradle of the cuckoo clock, the area welcomes around two million visitors each year, making it one of the most popular travel destinations in the nation.

With more than 23,000 kilometers of paths that wind through picturesque forests, meadows, and rolling hills, hiking and cycling are popular sports here. Triberg Falls, Germany’s tallest waterfall, which plunges 163 meters into a lovely valley, is also located in the Black Forest.

5. Berlin Wall Memorial

Any first-time visitor to Berlin should not miss seeing the Berlin Wall Memorial, which serves as a potent reminder of the divided history of Germany. This historical location honors the Berlin Wall, which divided East and West Berlin during the Cold War and stood from 1961 to 1989. The memorial, which traces 1.4 kilometers of the original wall and welcomes more than a million people annually, provides a comprehensive look into the effects of this famous wall.

Discover surviving wall parts, a rebuilt watchtower, and the “Death Strip,” the site of catastrophic escape attempts, all at the memorial. The Documentation Center offers engaging displays, including pictures and firsthand accounts from those impacted by the wall.

A key highlight is the Window of Remembrance, which honors the 140 individuals who lost their lives trying to cross into West Berlin. Visiting the Berlin Wall Memorial is a deeply moving experience that offers valuable insight into the history of Germany’s reunification.

6. Heidelberg Castle

First-time visitors should not miss Heidelberg Castle, one of Germany’s most charming and historic sites. Situated on a hill with a picturesque view of the Neckar River, the 13th-century castle welcomes more than a million tourists every year. Its blend of Renaissance and Gothic styles, along with its allure as a ruin, create a magical ambiance.

Notable features of the castle include the gigantic Heidelberg Tun, a wine barrel with an incredible capacity of 219,000 gallons, and the gorgeous courtyard that displays the elaborate façades of the castle’s former magnificent structures. Explore the German Pharmacy Museum within the castle’s walls and its sumptuous chambers with a guided tour.

Don’t miss the panoramic views from the castle terrace, where you can admire the red-roofed town of Heidelberg and the lush river valley below. Heidelberg Castle’s timeless beauty and rich history make it a highlight of any German adventure.

7. Sanssouci Palace

Known as the “Versailles of Germany,” Sanssouci Palace is a magnificent royal retreat that all first-time visitors should see. Frederick the Great, King of Prussia, lived in this magnificent Rococo mansion during the summer months between 1745 and 1747. Situated amidst an expansive park, Sanssouci welcomes more than two million tourists every year, drawn by its magnificence and exquisitely designed gardens.

The name of the palace, Sanssouci, means “without a care,” which symbolizes Frederick’s wish for a peaceful sanctuary apart from the demands of life at court. Magnificent chambers, such as the stately Marble Hall and Frederick’s library, can be found within. The king’s passion for philosophy and culture is evident in the many artworks housed at the palace.

8. Oktoberfest

For first-time visitors, Germany’s famous beer festival, Oktoberfest, is a must-attend event. This famous festival, which takes place in Munich every year from late September to the first weekend in October, draws almost 6 million tourists from all over the world. Oktoberfest, which began as a royal wedding celebration in 1810, has grown to become the world’s biggest beer festival and an opportunity to experience authentic Bavarian culture.

There are 14 spacious beer tents at the festival, all serving different regional brews from Munich’s six main breweries. You can savor a variety of authentic Bavarian dishes, such as pretzels, sausages, and roast chicken, besides beer. The celebration is renowned for its vibrant parades, upbeat music, and traditional folk dancing.

Visitors can immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere by donning traditional lederhosen or dirndl outfits and participating in various activities, from carnival rides to live performances. Oktoberfest’s blend of culture, cuisine, and camaraderie makes it an unforgettable German experience.

9. Miniatur Wunderland

A fascinating site that’s ideal for travelers to Germany for the first time is Hamburg’s Miniatur Wunderland. Featuring complex miniature landscapes across 1,500 square meters, Miniatur Wunderland is the largest model railway display in the world, drawing in over a million people each year.

The display, which debuted in 2001, showcases detailed model representations of several locations, such as the United States, Scandinavia, and the Alps. Thousands of cars, trains, and aircraft are on display in these displays; each one has been painstakingly built to bring these tiny worlds to life. Interactive features in the show include moving cars and scenery with lights that vary according to the time of day.

One of the highlights is the night-time simulation, where the entire exhibit transforms with a stunning array of lights. Miniatur Wunderland’s attention to detail and creativity make it a delightful and immersive experience for visitors of all ages, offering a unique perspective on both model-making and global landscapes.

Also Read: Best Places to Visit in Switzerland

10. Marienplatz

Marienplatz, located in the heart of Munich, is an obligatory stop for any first-time tourist to Germany. Dating back to the 12th century, this busy central square is well-known for both its historical significance and lively atmosphere. Millions of visitors visit Marienplatz every year because of its famous landmarks, exciting events, and quaint stores.

Completed in 1909, the New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus) is a striking example of Gothic Revival architecture that dominates the square. The Glockenspiel is a fascinating mechanical clock that draws large crowds every day at 11 a.m. and noon when its moving figures act out historical events.

Adjacent to the New Town Hall stands the historic Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus), with its picturesque front and medieval tower. Marienplatz is also a gateway to Munich’s shopping streets and seasonal markets, including the famous Christmas market, making it a vibrant and cultural focal point of the city.

11. Reichstag Building

For travelers to Germany for the first time, a must-see is the Berlin-based Reichstag Building. Though its history goes back to 1894 when it was first built, this historic site has served as the German parliament’s seat since 1999. The structure is well-known for its eye-catching glass dome, which provides expansive views of Berlin’s skyline and was created by architect Norman Foster.

Over three million people visit the Reichstag annually to take in its stunning architecture and discover more about Germany’s political past. The dome, which lets people see the legislative discussions below, is not just a marvel of contemporary architecture but also a representation of openness in politics.

The Reichstag has witnessed significant events, including the fire of 1933, which played a crucial role in the rise of the Nazi regime. Today, it stands as a powerful symbol of Germany’s democratic rebirth and offers guided tours that provide insights into its rich history and political significance.

12. Erfurt

For first-time tourists, the charming city of Erfurt in central Germany is a wonderful vacation. Erfurt, which has a history spanning more than 1,200 years, offers a charming combination of cultural experiences and medieval buildings. Every year, millions of tourists flock to the city to see its vibrant town center and well-preserved historical attractions.

Erfurt’s magnificent old town, where you can walk along cobblestone alleyways and take in medieval architecture, especially the striking Erfurt Cathedral and the Church of St. Severus, is its main attraction. One of the city’s most recognizable sights, the Krämerbrücke is a distinctive bridge surrounded by half-timbered homes that provides insight into Erfurt’s former glory as a major commerce town.

First-time travelers should not miss Weimar, a fascinating city in central Germany that is rich in cultural and historical value. Weimar, which is well-known for its contribution to the German Enlightenment and its connections to prominent people like Friedrich Schiller and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, draws tourists with its extensive literary legacy and immaculate historical sites.

Explore exhibitions about the life and works of this literary genius at the Goethe National Museum, located in the city of Goethe’s former home. The Schiller Museum, which is close by, provides information on the life of Friedrich Schiller, a close friend and collaborator of Goethe.

Weimar also boasts the Bauhaus Museum, celebrating the influential Bauhaus movement that began in the city in 1919, reshaping modern architecture and design. The city’s beautiful parks, including the Eichenbaum and the Park an der Ilm, provide a serene backdrop for strolls. With its blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, Weimar offers a uniquely enriching experience for visitors.

Also Read: Most Visited Countries in the World

Berlin is a beautiful, diverse city that ought to be on the agenda of any first-time traveler. The capital of Germany is well known for its dynamic culture, lengthy history, and inventive spirit. Berlin is a popular tourist destination in Europe , with over 11 million visitors a year because of its varied offerings.

One must-see site is the famous Brandenburg Gate, which represents Germany’s reunification. The Berlin Wall Memorial, which is close by, provides a moving look into the split history of the city. World-class museums like the Neues Museum and the Pergamon Museum can be found on Museum Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site, for art and history lovers.

Berlin’s lively cultural scene extends to areas like Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain, known for their eclectic mix of bars, restaurants, and street art. The city also boasts expansive green spaces, such as the Tiergarten and Tempelhofer Feld, perfect for relaxation and recreation.

The capital of Bavaria, Munich, is a must-see destination for visitors to Germany. Munich is a popular travel destination , drawing millions of tourists each year with its breathtaking architecture, rich cultural history, and energetic environment. The city is famed for its iconic landmarks and exciting events, with Oktoberfest being the most famous, drawing over 6 million visitors annually.

Marienplatz, a lively square encircled by old buildings, is in the center of Munich. Notable among these buildings is the magnificent New Town Hall, which is home to the well-known Glockenspiel. Explore the stunning Frauenkirche and the sumptuous Nymphenburg Palace nearby.

Munich is also a cultural hub, with world-class museums such as the Deutsches Museum, the largest museum of science and technology, and the Alte Pinakothek, home to an extensive collection of Old Master paintings. The city’s numerous parks, including the expansive English Garden, provide perfect spots for relaxation and outdoor activities.

Conclusion:

Germany’s diverse attractions ensure a memorable visit for every traveler. With iconic sites like the Berlin Wall Memorial, drawing over 1 million visitors annually, and the scenic Black Forest, welcoming nearly 2 million tourists each year, the country offers unforgettable experiences. The cultural vibrancy of Munich’s Oktoberfest, which attracts around 6 million attendees, and the historical allure of Heidelberg Castle, with its 1 million yearly visitors, highlight Germany’s broad appeal. As you explore its historic landmarks, stunning landscapes, and lively festivals, you’ll discover why Germany continues to be one of the most visited countries in Europe .

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

What is the most beautiful part of germany.

The most beautiful part of Germany is often considered to be the Bavarian Alps, featuring stunning landscapes like the picturesque Neuschwanstein Castle and the serene Lake Königssee. The region offers breathtaking mountain views and charming villages.

What Is the No 1 Tourist Attraction in Germany?

The number one tourist attraction in Germany is the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin. This iconic landmark draws millions of visitors annually, symbolizing the reunification of East and West Berlin and offering a historical glimpse into Germany’s past.

Which Part of Germany Should I Go To?

For a diverse experience, visit Berlin for its rich history and vibrant culture, Bavaria for its scenic beauty and charming towns, or the Rhine Valley for picturesque castles and vineyards. Each region offers unique attractions catering to different interests.

Is Germany Expensive to Visit?

Germany can be moderately expensive to visit, with costs varying by city and region. Major cities like Berlin and Munich tend to be pricier, but there are affordable options for accommodation, dining, and attractions, especially if you plan.

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20 Best Places to Visit in Germany: Must-See Destinations for Your Next Trip

Germany is a treasure trove of rich history , stunning landscapes, and vibrant cultures. As you explore the vast and diverse regions, you’ll find each city and town offers a unique charm and story. Whether you’re fascinated by medieval architecture, enchanted by fairy-tale castles , or just in need of a sip of world-class beer, Germany has something for every kind of traveler .

Picture yourself walking down cobblestone streets surrounded by centuries-old buildings. Or imagine the thrill of hiking in the breathtaking Bavarian Alps. There’s no shortage of experiences waiting for you. Ready to plan an unforgettable trip? The following list highlights must-see destinations showing you the best Germany offers.

1) Neuschwanstein Castle

2) old main bridge, 3) saxon switzerland national park, 4) cologne cathedral, 5) harz national park, 6) hainich national park, 7) phantasialand, 8) eltz castle, 9) buchenwald memorial, 10) sanssouci palace, 11) goethe-schiller-denkmal, 12) wartburg, 13) bergpark wilhelmshöhe, 14) karl friedrich, 15) goethe’s house, travel tips for exploring germany, best time to visit, cultural etiquette, navigating public transport, cuisine and dining experience, traditional german dishes, restaurant etiquette, best places for local brews, cultural and historical insights, german history highlights, architectural wonders, art and literature contributions, more travel guides.

Neuschwanstein Castle is like stepping into a fairy tale. Built for King Ludwig II in the 19th century, it’s perched on a hilltop, giving you some amazing views of the German countryside. The castle itself is breathtaking, with its white towers and picturesque setting.

Inside, you’ll find rooms that are just as grand as the outside. The Throne Room and Singers’ Hall are especially impressive, and they’ve recently been restored to their former glory. As you walk through, you can almost picture the king himself hosting grand events here.

Right now, the castle is undergoing some restoration work. They started in 2017 and plan to finish by fall 2024. So, keep that in mind if you’re planning a visit soon. Even with the ongoing work, there’s still plenty to see and experience.

You might also find it interesting that Neuschwanstein Castle is in the running to become a UNESCO World Heritage site. They submitted the nomination earlier this year and should hear back by summer 2025. That would be quite the honor for this already iconic landmark!

Rating : 4.6 (89684 reviews) Location : Neuschwansteinstraße 20, 87645 Schwangau, Germany Contact : +49 8362 9398877 Website : Visit Website

When you walk onto Old Main Bridge in Würzburg, you’re stepping into a piece of history. This bridge is the city’s oldest stone bridge, dating back to the early 12th century. As you stroll across, you’ll see statues of saints and other figures, which give the place an almost magical feel.

The bridge provides a stunning view of the Marienberg Fortress perched above the town. It’s surrounded by vineyards, adding to its picturesque scenery. If you happen to look around, you’ll notice the beautiful domes and towers of the old university city.

Due to damage in the 15th century, the bridge underwent significant changes. The piers were built, and eventually, the wooden parts were replaced with stone. By the 18th century, it had the charming 4.5-meter-tall baroque saint figures that you see today.

One of the highlights is the Würzburger Brückenschoppen. Imagine sipping a glass of local Franconian wine while taking in the views and mingling with locals. It’s one of the city’s most social spots, ideal for tourists and residents looking to unwind.

Rating : 4.7 (16503 reviews) Location : Alte Mainbrücke, Würzburg Contact : +49 931 370 Website : Visit Website

Colorful foliages in autumn at Saxon Switzerland National Park

If you are a fan of nature, you have to visit Saxon Switzerland National Park . This place offers stunning sandstone pinnacles and rock gorges. Everywhere you look, there are beautiful beech forests and wild streams. The landscape has been protected since 1990. It’s a treasure trove of natural beauty.

You can hike or bike through the sprawling reserve. There are plenty of trails and paths to explore. The park also has climbing areas for those who are a bit more adventurous. And you can find pretty waterfalls along the way. Some areas are not accessible because of fallen trees, so check their way service before you go.

I have been there once, and it feels like stepping into a fairy tale. The majestic mesas and the Elbe river create a harmonious blend of rugged and soft landscapes. It’s no wonder people talk about it using words like whimsical and bizarre. There’s magic in how the land shapes itself.

Rating : 4.9 (9,271 reviews) Location : Saxon Switzerland National Park Contact : +49 35022 900600 Website : Visit Website

Exterior view of the antique Cologne Cathedral

When you first lay eyes on the Cologne Cathedral , it’s hard not to be amazed. This Gothic masterpiece looms over the city with its intricate facade and towering spires. It’s not only an architectural wonder but also a significant cultural symbol of Germany.

Walking inside, you’re greeted with magnificent stained glass windows and soaring ceilings. The cathedral’s grandeur is almost overwhelming. Don’t miss the guided tours, which offer deep insights into its history and construction. The Rhine views from the south tower are simply spectacular, especially at sunset.

If you’re a fan of history and culture, the Cologne Cathedral certainly won’t disappoint. It’s also connected to a more modern digital phenomenon—a special crypto stamp issued by Deutsche Post features an AI interpretation of the cathedral, blending old and new uniquely.

Rating : 4.8 (69,858 reviews) Location : Domkloster 4, 50667 Köln, Germany Contact : +49 221 17940555 Website : Visit Website

Amazing view at the Harz National Park in Germany

Harz National Park is a true gem in Germany, offering a perfect spot for nature lovers. It has vast forests, spooky rocks, and ancient moors. The famous Brocken Mountain stands tall here. You can see lynxes and wildcats roaming free in this wilderness.

The park lets nature take its course, so you’ll see dead trees that turn into new life. Hiking here is fantastic, with 600 kilometers of trails. They range from easy walks to tough climbs. In winter, you can enjoy skiing and winter hiking.

Check out the visitor centers for tips on routes and activities. They also have cool exhibits and fun stations for you to explore. If you want to help out, there are volunteer and internship opportunities too.

Rating : 4.7 (7879 reviews) Location : Germany Contact : +49 3943 26280 Website : Visit Website

Drone shot of the Hainich National Park in Germany

Imagine walking through a dense forest where wildcats roam freely, and the songs of over 186 different bird species fill the air. That’s Hainich National Park for you. This World Heritage site in Germany is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

One of the coolest things you can do here is the bird hike. If you’re up early, join a tour at 6 a.m. to listen to the morning calls of seven different woodpecker species. You’ll also spot birds like the Common Chiffchaff and the elusive Eurasian Golden Oriole. You’ll feel like a true ornithologist.

Or maybe biking is more your speed? There’s an easygoing bike tour with a ranger where you’ll ride around 18 miles. The ranger will share fun facts about the history and special plants and creatures of the park. Just be sure your bike’s in tip-top shape before you start pedaling.

For families, the park hosts a magical Midsummer Night event. Picture fairies and the enchantment of the summer solstice brought to life by guides. Kids and adults alike will be enchanted by the wilderness and stories of the forest . And don’t miss the wildcat tour—kids from 6 to 12 will absolutely love it.

Rating : 4.7 (2676 reviews) Location : Nationalpark-Verwaltung, b. d. Marktkirche 9, 99947 Bad Langensalza, Germany Contact : +49 361 573914000 Website : Visit Website

Thrilling ride at the Phantasialand theme park in Germany

If you’re looking for a place that promises fun and excitement, Phantasialand should be on your list. Located in Brühl, this theme park offers more than just roller coasters. You’ll find thrilling rides, spectacular stage shows, and even unique dining experiences. Imagine spending a day full of adrenaline and entertainment—it’s perfect for families and thrill-seekers alike.

Speaking of dining, Phantasialand isn’t just about fast food. You might enjoy a leisurely brunch or a fancy dinner at one of their restaurants. And here’s a fun fact: you don’t need a hotel booking to dine at their hotels. So you can explore their diverse culinary options easily.

If you’re planning to stay overnight, the park has some great options. You can book a room at one of their themed hotels. For instance, the Hotel Charles Lindbergh offers a special Explorer package that includes meals and park tickets. This way, you get to extend your adventure and make the most out of your visit.

Phantasialand isn’t just about rides and food. They also host a variety of events throughout the year. Whether it’s a special stage show like Fantissima or a festive winter celebration, there’s always something exciting going on. It’s these experiences that make Phantasialand a memorable destination.

Rating : 4.5 (90437 reviews) Location : Berggeiststraße 31-41, 50321 Brühl, Germany Contact : +49 2232 36600 Website : Visit Website

Exterior facade of the great Eltz Castle

Discover Eltz Castle, a stunning medieval fortress hidden in the lush forests near the Mosel River. This 12th-century castle stands out with its fairy-tale towers and turrets, offering a glimpse into 900 years of history. You can explore its beautifully preserved rooms filled with medieval artifacts.

Visitors of all ages will enjoy the breathtaking scenery and tranquil surroundings. Walk along picturesque trails or take a short shuttle from the nearby parking area. The castle offers a variety of activities, including tours of the Knights’ Hall and the impressive treasury.

Food lovers can find hearty snacks, drinks, and delicious pastries in the castle’s charming self-service café. For those looking to take a piece of history home, the Burg Shop sells swords, armors, and other unique souvenirs.

Rating : 4.6 (25,035 reviews) Location : 56294 Wierschem, Germany Contact : +49 2672 950500 Website : Visit Website

Memorial monument at the Buchenwald Memorial

When you walk through the gates of Buchenwald Memorial , you feel the weight of history pressing down. This place stands as a solemn reminder of the atrocities committed during the Nazi era. It’s more than just a tourist spot; it’s a place for reflection and remembrance. You might be moved by the stories of those who suffered and survived here.

The memorial includes an information center and offers guided tours. These help provide context and deeper insight into what happened. Walking through the grounds, you’ll see remnants of the camp and various memorials dedicated to the victims.

They also have events throughout the year. If you time your visit right, you might witness a moving ceremony or an educational event that adds even more depth to your experience.

Rating : 4.6 (8987 reviews) Location : 99427 Weimar, Germany Contact : +49 3643 430200 Website : Visit Website

Sanssouci Palace, located in Potsdam, Germany, is a must-see for anyone who loves history and elegant architecture. This palace was the summer residence of King Frederick the Great . He designed it as a place to relax, away from the stresses of royal life. You’ll feel like you’re stepping back in time with its 18th-century furnishings and beautiful vineyards.

The name “Sanssouci” means “without worry,” which gives you a glimpse into the king’s mindset when he stayed there. The palace sits on terraced vineyards, offering a picturesque view that’s breathtaking. Wandering through the rooms, you’ll notice a mix of luxury and simplicity. The king loved the surrounding beauty, often referring to it as the “Prussian Arcadia.”

Besides its stunning rooms, the palace also boasts a magnificent art gallery and the Neue Kammern (New Chambers), perfect for those wanting to see more. And here’s a fun fact: King Frederick wanted to be buried here, and in 1991, his wish was granted. You can visit his tomb on the terrace.

Planning your visit is simple. The palace is closed on Mondays but open from Tuesday to Sunday. Be sure to book your tickets online to secure your spot and avoid long lines! And if you’re tired, there’s a free shuttle service in the park from April to October.

Rating : 4.6 (24,918 reviews) Location : Maulbeerallee, 14469 Potsdam, Germany Contact : +49 331 9694200 Website : Visit Website

Statue of poets Goethe and Schiller in Denkmal

In the heart of Weimar, the Goethe-Schiller-Denkmal stands proudly in front of the Deutsches Nationaltheater. This stunning bronze statue immortalizes the great German poets Goethe and Schiller, who were not only literary giants but also close friends.

Did you know the statue was cast from melted-down Turkish cannons provided by King Maximilian II of Bavaria? It’s a fascinating piece of history, unveiled in 1857 to celebrate the 100th birthday of Grand Duke Carl-August of Weimar.

The monument itself was designed by the Dresden sculptor Ernst Rietschel . His initial designs caused quite a stir and had to be revised many times before Ferdinand von Miller cast the final bronze statues in Munich.

It’s interesting to note that in real life, there was quite a height difference between Goethe and Schiller. Goethe was 1.69 meters tall, while Schiller stood at 1.90 meters. Yet, Rietschel depicted them as equals, standing side by side on a granite pedestal, which speaks volumes about their enduring friendship and collaboration.

Rating : 4.5 (2051 reviews) Location : Theaterpl., 99423 Weimar, Germany Contact : +49 3643 7450 Website : Visit Website

Wartburg is nestled on a high rock overlooking lush, green parkland. This medieval castle feels like stepping back into the past. The castle holds a rich history and houses a museum brimming with art from the Middle Ages.

You’ll be amazed by the fortress’s grand architecture. It’s more than just a pretty building, though. Wartburg has played a crucial role in history, from being a home for nobility to offering refuge to reformer Martin Luther.

Inside Wartburg, the museum boasts a diverse collection of artifacts. These pieces offer a glimpse into the lives of those who lived within its stone walls. Exploring the castle, you can almost imagine life in those ancient times.

The setting itself is picture-perfect, surrounded by nature. Whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, or simply looking for a beautiful place to explore, Wartburg has something for everyone.

Rating : 4.7 (17795 reviews) Location : Auf d. Wartburg 1, 99817 Eisenach, Germany Contact : +49 3691 2500 Website : Visit Website

Exterior view of hillside park Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe

Nestled in Kassel, Germany, Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe is a gem you shouldn’t miss. This stunning park is not just any ordinary park—it’s on the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites. Stroll through its lush grounds, and you’ll find a blend of natural beauty and historical landmarks.

One highlight is the grand art museum that showcases Flemish and German Old Masters. The museum also features ancient ceramics and antique weapons. It’s the kind of place where every corner holds a piece of history.

As you explore, you’ll notice the intricate fountains and cascades. They create a serene atmosphere, making it a perfect spot to relax. And, if you love hiking, the park’s paths offer spectacular views and plenty of photo opportunities.

Rating : 4.7 (19735 reviews) Location : 34131 Kassel, Germany Contact : +49 561 31680123 Website : Visit Website

Tucked away in Mannheim, Karl Friedrich is a delightful spot to visit. This location has a unique charm that sets it apart. It’s known for its inviting atmosphere and intriguing features.

You’ll find that Karl Friedrich offers a glimpse into the cultural heritage of the area. It’s not just a tourist attraction, it’s a spot where you can immerse yourself in the local vibe. The architecture and surroundings are something to marvel at.

If you enjoy places that are off the beaten path yet full of character, Karl Friedrich is worth a visit. Its manageable size and pleasant environment make it enjoyable without being overwhelming. A visit here can truly add a special touch to your travel itinerary.

Rating : 4.5 (6 reviews) Location : 68159 Mannheim, Germany

Outside view of Goethe's House in Germany

Goethe’s House in Weimar is a must-visit for anyone interested in history, literature, or art. This place was the home of the famed German writer Goethe for almost 50 years. It’s not just a house; it’s a glimpse into his life, filled with original furniture, art, and personal items.

What makes this place special is the attention to detail in preserving Goethe’s world. His workspace, complete with his private library, feels like stepping back in time. Each room tells its own story of Goethe’s interests and passions in art and science.

The garden is another highlight. It was designed to supply the household with fresh fruits and vegetables. Apples, apricots, and even artichokes were grown here. Goethe himself performed botanical experiments in this garden, making it a living testament to his curiosity.

You can explore 18 rooms filled with unique pieces from Goethe’s life. Whether you are a fan of his writing or just enjoy historical homes, Goethe’s House offers a rich experience.

Rating : 4.4 (2970 reviews) Location : Frauenplan 1, 99423 Weimar, Germany Contact : +49 3643 545400 Website : Visit Website

Exploring Germany can be a wonderful adventure if you know the best times to visit , understand cultural norms, and familiarize yourself with public transport.

Your experience in Germany can change a lot depending on when you go. Summer (June to August) is peak tourist season with warm weather, outdoor festivals , and crowded attractions.

If you prefer something quieter, visit in spring (April to June) or fall (September to October). The weather is still pleasant, and you can enjoy beautiful seasonal changes. For winter sports enthusiasts, the winter months (December to February) offer amazing opportunities for skiing and Christmas markets .

Each season has its perks, so choose the one that matches your interests.

Germans value punctuality, so always be on time for appointments or meetings. A handshake is the common greeting, and it’s considered polite to address people with their titles and last names unless invited to use first names.

Smoking is generally allowed in some public places, but it’s wise to check local rules. Tipping is appreciated; rounding up or adding about 5-10% to the bill is typical in restaurants.

Understanding these simple customs will make your trip smoother and show respect for the local culture.

Germany has an efficient public transport system. Trains, buses, and trams are frequent and punctual. Deutsche Bahn operates the long-distance trains, and local transport companies manage regional services.

You can buy tickets at stations or online. Validate your ticket if required, especially on local transport like trams or buses. If you’re planning to travel extensively, consider getting a rail pass to save money.

German cities are quite walkable, and many offer bike rentals , which is a fun way to explore urban centers. Familiarize yourself with the basics, and you’ll find getting around to be a breeze.

Oktoberfest beers and sausages in a wooden table

Germany is a country rich in culinary tradition and local flavors. From hearty sausages to delectable pastries, the food scene here is both diverse and deeply rooted in history. Whether you’re savoring traditional dishes or sipping on local brews , there’s something to suit every palate.

German cuisine is known for its hearty and comforting dishes. Bratwurst , a type of German sausage, is savory and flavorful, often served with mustard and sauerkraut. Another favorite is sauerbraten , a pot roast usually made with beef that has been marinated for several days.

For something a bit less heavy, try spätzle – a soft egg noodle often served with cheese to make Käsespätzle . This cheesy delight is somewhat akin to mac and cheese but with a unique twist. Don’t miss out on pretzels , or “Brezeln,” which are a staple in German bakeries, perfect with a bit of butter or mustard.

Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte , also known as Black Forest Cake, is a must-try dessert. It’s a decadent chocolate cake layered with cherries and whipped cream, often spiked with kirsch, a cherry schnapps.

When dining in Germany , it’s good to be aware of local customs. Reservations are often recommended, especially for popular spots. Germans are punctual, so arriving on time is important. Upon entering, wait to be seated as some places might have specific tables or areas for guests with reservations.

Tipping is appreciated but done differently than in some countries. Rounding up to the nearest euro or leaving around 10% is common. For example, if your bill is €18.50, you might give €20. It’s also customary to leave the tip with the server rather than on the table.

When it comes to drinks, be mindful of how you order. Asking for “ein Wasser” will typically get you carbonated water unless you specify “stilles Wasser” for still water. And if you’re a beer fan, a simple “ein Bier, bitte” will often suffice, especially in a local brewpub.

Germany is world-famous for its variety of beers, each region boasting its specialties. In Munich, the Hofbräuhaus is a legendary beer hall that’s been serving up brews since 1589. You can enjoy a cold Hefeweizen or a strong Doppelbock amidst a lively atmosphere here.

In Berlin, the craft beer scene is booming. You can visit BRLO Brwhouse , which offers a modern take on traditional brews with innovative flavors. And if you find yourself in Cologne, you must try Kölsch , a light, refreshing beer served in small glasses called “Stange.” Head to a local bar, a “Brauhaus,” to experience it right from the source.

Each place provides a unique way to enjoy German beer culture, and it’s worth taking the time to savor the local brews.

Germany offers a rich tapestry of culture and history, featuring iconic landmarks, impressive architecture, and contributions to art and literature.

Germany’s history is a journey through time with tales of emperors, wars, and revolutions. You’d be amazed at places like Trier , Germany’s oldest city. Imagine walking where Romans once strolled! In Berlin, the Brandenburg Gate symbolizes both division and unity, a must-see for anyone wanting to grasp modern German history .

The Berlin Wall also stands as a stark reminder of Germany’s divided past. Visiting the Topography of Terror Museum could give you chills as it delves into the darker aspects of WWII and Nazi rule. Plus, don’t miss a trip to Nuremberg where you can explore sites of the famous war trials conducted after WWII.

Germany is a treasure trove of architectural beauty. Think Gothic cathedrals, Rococo palaces, and modern marvels. Cologne Cathedral stands tall as one of the most stunning Gothic structures. You could easily spend hours gawking at its intricate designs. Neuschwanstein Castle looks like something out of a fairy tale. You might recognize it because Disney used it as inspiration for Sleeping Beauty’s Castle!

Museum Island in Berlin is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It houses five museums, each a masterpiece of architecture and filled with artifacts that present layers of history and culture. The Rococo style of the Audience Hall in Würzburg Residence will dazzle you with its extravagant decorations.

German contributions to art and literature are legendary. From Dürer to Goethe, Germany has given the world many cultural icons. Walking through Dresden’s art galleries, you’ll see works by masters like Raphael and Rembrandt. You might feel transported back in time exploring these art-rich spaces.

Literature enthusiasts shouldn’t miss Weimar, where Goethe and Schiller lived and wrote their masterpieces. These two giants shaped German literature and their homes, now museums, offer a peek into their creative worlds. And don’t forget Berlin’s arts scene, with countless galleries and street art that could inspire even the least artistic soul.

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Linley September 22, 2024, 4:08 pm Reply

Hey there fellow travelers! I stumbled upon this awesome list of 20 must-see places in Germany and it’s got me itching to plan another trip. I’ve been to Munich and Berlin before, but there’s so much more to explore! Has anyone been to Rothenburg ob der Tauber? I’ve heard it’s like stepping into a fairytale with all the medieval architecture. And don’t even get me started on the castles – Neuschwanstein is at the top of my bucket list. Any tips on the best time of year to visit to avoid crowds but still get good weather? Oh, and for all you beer lovers out there, which city would you say has the best brews? I’m thinking maybe Munich during Oktoberfest, but I’d love to hear some insider recommendations!

10 of the Best Day Trips by Train from Munich

photo of a train crossing a bridge over the Isar River in Bavaria

Munich is the perfect launchpad for exciting day trips to different landscapes and charming towns in the surrounding region. Thanks to Germany’s efficient public transport system, you have plenty of options for day trips by train from Munich.

The railway network provides a fun, relaxing way to discover the best places near Munich. As you chug along to your chosen destination, you’ll have plenty of beautiful scenery to take in along the way. We’ve compiled a list of 10 of the best day trips from Munich by train to help you make the most of your time in the Bavarian capital.

Salzburg Sightseeing Day Trip from Munich by Rail

Dachau concentration camp memorial site tour from munich by train.

The day trip by train from Munich to the Dachau Concentration Camp allows you to learn about the Holocaust of World War II interactively. In addition to the train ride from Munich, the tour includes a short bus ride for the final leg of the journey to the infamous compound.

The professional guide in charge of the tour will share details about Dachau and take you around the exhibitions, memorials, reconstructed barracks, cells, and guard houses. The tour is a poignant way to honour those who lost their lives here during the war.

Neuschwanstein Castle Tour from Munich

photo of Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria which is one of the best day trips by train from Munich

Nuremberg Guided Day Trip from Munich by Train

A day trip to Nuremberg offers a rich blend of history and culture just a short train ride from Munich. Enjoy the scenic journey through Bavaria, arriving in about 90 minutes to explore one of Germany’s most historic cities.

Your knowledgeable guide will lead you through Nuremberg’s charming Old Town, highlighting the majestic Imperial Castle and the vibrant Market Square, with its iconic “Beautiful Fountain.” You’ll also visit the impactful WWII sites, including the Nazi Rally Grounds, for a deeper understanding of the city’s complex past.

After the guided tour, enjoy some free time to explore on your own. Savour Franconian delicacies at a local beer hall, shop for unique souvenirs, or simply wander the mediaeval streets. As you journey back to Munich by train, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation of Nuremberg’s fascinating history and culture.

photo of the town hall and main square in Augsburg Bavaria Germany

Schleissheim Palace

Lake chiemsee.

Lake Chiemsee (aka the Bavarian Sea) is the largest lake in the state with a gorgeous view of the Alps and only about 90 minutes from Munich by train. The serene atmosphere around the lake makes it the perfect escape from the buzz of the city.

While you’re there, you can take a boat tour across the lake and let your worries float away in the huge body of water. The area around the lake also has trails that are great for hiking and cycling.

Andechs Monastery

photo of Ulm in Bavaria Germany viewed from across the Danube River

Day Trips by Train from Munich: Final Word

Munich is a great place to start your exploration of Bavarian treasures. From ancient cities like Augsburg brimming with history to the serene landscapes of Lake Chiemsee, there are so many amazing places to explore just a short rail journey from Munich.

Every destination is unique, offering something special to enrich your experience. Thanks to Germany’s efficient train network, these trips are easy, seamless and fun. With the convenience of a reliable transportation system and exciting things to look forward to in every city, these day trips by train from Munich should be on everyone’s Bavarian holiday checklist!

* Now read: Make Munich Your Base To Explore Bavaria

Discover the best day trips by train from Munich! Explore charming towns, scenic landscapes, historic sites and cultural treasures just a short ride away.

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Dachauer Straße 13, 80335 München, Germany

Free-Call: 0800-54645464 [email protected]

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KING’s is a collection of boutique hotels, apartments, and private homes for those who appreciate the finer things in life.

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16 stunning places to visit in Germany
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16 stunning places to visit in Germany
Best Places to Visit in Germany: 12 Places for Your Ultimate Bucket List!

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Best time to visit: March to May. Must-visit places: Strasbourg, Rique, colmar, Wihr, Village of Hunspach, Ribeauville, Eguisheim. Further Read: European Villages. This completes our list of places to visit near Germany which includes destinations for friends, families, and honeymooners.
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Which country you visit primarily depends on where in Germany you're currently located. For example, those based in southern Germany will be able to reach Italy, Austria, and Switzerland in just a few short hours. On the other hand, visitors staying near Hamburg or Cologne will be close to Denmark, the Netherlands, Brussels, and France.
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#18 in Best Places to Visit in Germany Located roughly 20 miles southwest of bustling Berlin, Potsdam makes for a perfect day trip. The city offers a quieter, more serene atmosphere complete with ...
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Check availability. 2. Spreewald. Stunning forest near Berlin, with canals you can traverse by canoe or kayak! Gorgeous in every season and easily accessible by tour, train, or rental car. Check car rentals. 3. Saxon Switzerland. Best national park near Berlin, perfect for a day or weekend.
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2. Cologne. Cologne (Köln) is known for its liberal climate and its wealth of historic sights. Taking its name from the Romans (who founded it in the first century CE as Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium), it's been a major center of German history for centuries.
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A somber, educational visit. See ways to experience (123) 2024. 6. Cologne Cathedral. 22,339. Points of Interest & Landmarks. Gothic cathedral with a challenging tower climb, intricate stained glass, and twin spires, set against a backdrop of historic grandeur and ongoing restoration.
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Neuschwanstein Castle. 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 ...
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For ideas and recommendations to help plan your travels, be sure to read our list of the top tourist attractions in Germany. On This Page: Berlin's Brandenburg Gate. Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) The Black Forest, Baden-Württemberg. The Ultimate Fairy-Tale Castle: Schloss Neuschwanstein, Bavaria. Miniatur Wunderland and the Historic Port of ...
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But let's get on with the top 25 things to do in Germany! 1. Hohenschwangau, southwest Bavaria: Neuschwanstein Castle (Schloss Neuschwanstein) Source: Yury Dmitrienko / shutterstock. Neuschwanstein Castle. Like a fairytale castle, the Schloss Neuschwanstein rises up above the Bavarian woods.
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7. Regensburg. mitchFOTO/Shutterstock. On the Danube River in Bavaria, the medieval architecture and quaint cafes, shops, and markets of Regensburg make it one of the best places to visit in Germany. It has cobblestone streets, Gothic cathedrals, interesting museums, and a charming downtown district.
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Location Map. Best time to visit: summer. 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.
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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.
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Local tip: In summer, the airport is a good spot for a barbeque - just make sure you stick to the designated areas. 2. Tap into Germany's industrial side. The Ruhrgebiet in western Germany was once a global hub for coal mining and metal production. Since its decline, the area has undergone a major makeover - with repurposed industrial infrastructure at the forefront.
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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.
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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.
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20 Best Places to Visit in Germany: Must-See Destinations for Your Next Trip. Real Journey Travel and Tours June 19, 2024 Destination Ideas 1. ... Rounding up to the nearest euro or leaving around 10% is common. For example, if your bill is €18.50, you might give €20. It's also customary to leave the tip with the server rather than on the ...
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1. National Park Vadehavet, Denmark

2. Island Of Fyn, Denmark

3. Słowiński Park Narodowy, Poland

4. Krakow, Poland

5. Prague, Czech Republic

6. Zurich, Switzerland

7. Strasbourg, France

8. Brussels, Belgium

9. Rotterdam, The Netherlands

10. Copenhagen, Denmark

11. Geneva, Switzerland

12. Alsace, French

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Best Berlin day trips

1. Potsdam and Sanssouci Palace (The Versailles of Germany)

How to reach Potsdam from Berlin

2. Harz Mountains

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3. Saxon Switzerland

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4. Spreewald

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How to reach Beelitz Sanatorium

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7. Bad Muskau

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8. Germany’s Devil’s Bridge in Kromlau

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10. Britzer Garten (in Spring)

11. Müggelsee

12. Wittenberg

How to get to Wittenberg

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14. Hamburg

15. Dresden

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Baiersbronn

Titisee-Neustadt

Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Courtroom 600 in Nuremberg

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