best sites to visit in germany

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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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Home » Travel Guides » Germany » 25 Best Things to Do in Germany

25 Best Things to Do in Germany

Forested and hilly, the country of Germany , or Deutschland if you prefer, brings back memories of long walks in beautiful forests and visiting castles. In my younger days I’ve spent a lot of time in the country and really enjoyed all of it. Although when my parents made us do long walks on rainy days I remember being rather cranky.

Germany has a long and rich history and I’m sure you have heard of names like Albert Einstein, Ludwig van Beethoven and Karl Marx… but besides the cultural aspect of the country I’m sure many will also be envisioning a beautiful busty blond girl in traditional clothing that serves you half a liter of beer and a plate of bradwurst mit sauerkraut:P

But let’s get on with the top 25 things to do in Germany !

1. Hohenschwangau, southwest Bavaria: Neuschwanstein Castle (Schloss Neuschwanstein)

Like a fairytale castle, the Schloss Neuschwanstein rises up above the Bavarian woods. In fact, the Bavarian ‘schloss’ served as a blueprint for the castle in Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty, and you will understand exactly why, given that its Germany’s most photographed building.

The castle is exquisitely designed, both in terms of architecture, and with respect to the regale adornment both on the exterior and within the interior. Ludwig II of Bavaria is responsible for commissioning the castle in the mid-nineteenth century to serve as a retreat, and due to his love for classical music conceived by Richard Wagner, he dedicated the castle to the composer.

Book a day trip from Munich: Neuschwanstein & Linderhof Castle Full-Day

2. Berlin: Berlin Wall

On August 13, 1961, a dramatic turn of events shaped the cityscape of Berlin for many years to come. The Berlin wall, which was erected to impede the escape of East Berliners from the Soviet-regulated East German state, from that day forward served as a mainstay of disunity, fear, and of universal oppression.

Today, the remaining fragments of the Berliner Mauer are nothing more than graffiti-covered lengths of concrete and dilapidation, but still, the sight is enough to attract visitors by the thousands, irrespective there’s nothing attractive about it.

Recommended tour : Guided Bike Tour of the Berlin Wall and Third Reic

3. Berlin: Erholungspark Marzahn

The German authorities ambitiously undertook the creation of Erholungspark Marzahn, a public park in Marzahn, and it was completed in 1987. The result being a rather unique combination of an oasis of tranquility combined with cosmopolitan beauty, and all within a bustling urban reality.

The Chinese garden, which was completed exclusively by local landscape architects and artisans, represents the largest garden of its kind outside China. A visit to the gardens will allow you to witness ponds, pavilions, watercourses, traditional architecture, as well as ceremonies which are symbolic of countries such as Italy and Korea. Certainly a marvelous work of art that ought to be experienced by every visitor to Berlin.

4. Berchtesgaden : Berchtesgaden National Park

The Berchtesgaden National Park is representative of nature devoid of much disturbance by the human hand. In essence, the national park is a haven of lush forests, crystal clear lakes, steep rock faces, rolling meadows, and sleepy little villages.

Trails that are clearly indicated wind through the gorgeous scenery while they brim with opportunities for cycling, hiking, and Nordic walking. And do be sure to see lake Königssee, which rivals most Norwegian fjords for sheer beauty, the only difference being that the lake is far cleaner.

Book online : From Salzburg: Berchtesgaden and Königssee

5. Aachen: Aachen Cathedral

Finalized in 935, Aachen Cathedral, also referred to as the “Imperial Cathedral”, is the oldest cathedral in all of northern Europe. Between 936 and 1531, the establishment served as the church for the coronation of 30 German kings in addition to 12 German queens.

It was originally inspired by churches which were found in the Eastern Holy Roman Empire, and was developed throughout the Middle Ages while being further adorned by subsequent authorities thereby making it a complex and sophisticated masterpiece of architecture. It has inspired many other German constructions and is perhaps even more impressive in that it was chosen to be the final resting place for the eminent medieval ruler, Charlemagne.

6. Schleswig-Holstein: Sylt

The unusually named Sylt tends to epitomize much about Germany that people frequently feel is lacking – serenity, shifting sand dunes, nail-biting surf, a laid-back atmosphere, picturesque lighthouses, and plenty of sunshine.

Frequently referred to as the “St. Tropez of the North”, Sylt, which lies on an elongated piece of land on Germany’s northern coast overlooking the North Sea, is seen to be a fine combination of exuberant nature and world-class glamor, where high-class boutiques together with bustling restaurants and tranquil coves witness wave upon wave of tourists throughout the summer months. If nothing else, the vistas are enthralling.

7. Rhineland-Palantinate: Burg Eltz

Many who have visited Burg Eltz in Rhineland-Palantinate say that it’s Germany’s most beautiful castle and it typifies what historical courtyard romanticism should be about. It’s certainly true to say that the castle makes for a dazzling impression, and it is among the very few medieval fortresses in Europe to have remained completely intact.

The conical towers rise up gratifyingly from the lushness of the Elzbach valley, and the elaborate Gothic ornamentation is more than worthy of an arduous walk up the hill. Interestingly enough, the castle comes with a good number of 15th century lavatories that are fully flushable, which is in stark contrast to the sophisticated and enchanting Versailles which has none.

8. Herreninsel: Schloss Herrenchiemsee

King Ludwig II of Bavaria had the intention of creating a Royal Palace in the midst of Bavaria’s largest lake when he acquired Schloss Herrenchiemsee in 1873. It’s not a surprising choice either, given that the venue is most thoroughly breath-taking.

Schloss Herrenchiemsee, which translates to “New Palace”, was the king’s final and most grandiose project, draining more effort and money than either of his other two castles. Representing the epitome of overabundance, luxury, splendor, and vanity, and whilst being modeled on Versailles, the castle overflows with gold and really should not be missed, even for the wonderful setting for the palace alone.

Suggested tour : Herrenchiemsee Palace and Boat Trip Day-Tour

9. Würzburg: Würzburg Residence

Because of the Archbishop Johan von Schonborn’s insatiable and deeply curious requirements for a splendid construction, based on his obstinacy alone, the marvelous Würzburg Residence, which is in the Baroque architectural style, was completed.

Among those involved in its planning were the most distinguished architects from Germany, France, and Austria, and finally an imposing U-shaped palace was conceived, together with its 300 rooms. The luxurious innards are to be witnessed to be believed and the well-groomed gardens stretch around the palace in an all-encompassing fashion. The residence is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Related tour : Würzburg: Sightseeing Train Tour

10. Upper Middle Rhine Valley

The Middle Rhine Valley has for centuries facilitated cultural transitions between the north and the Mediterranean, acting as one of the most significant routes for transport in Europe. Yet it’s the upper 40 mile (65 km) stretch that has provided a limitless source of stimulus for artists.

Abundant in sun-drenched vineyards, historic towns, and idyllic castles, the area very aptly reflects the harmonious relationship that people can have with their surroundings. To experience and witness the area from the finest vantage point, it’s prudent to discover it by boat, and ideally aboard the last of the Rhine’s remaining paddle steamers – Goethe.

11. Saxony: Dresden Elbe Valley

Towering castles, bucolic villages, historic centers, magnificent churches, and colossal bridges all dot a small 12.5 mile (20 km) stretch of the Dresden Elbe Valley, where the natural and cultural values combine together, making it the ideal weekend getaway.

The valley is filled with unpretentious beauty while simultaneously being a throng of dramatic events, which work together to make it a stimulating and yet soothing landscape that offers plenty of interest to all its visitors. In spite of the tragic 1945 allied bombings, Dresden still represents a wonderful blend of culture, politics, education, and economics, thereby making a terrific base for traveling throughout the Elbe Valley.

Recommended tour : Dresden: Segway Tour Along the Elbe and Old Town

12. Köln (Cologne): Köln Dom (Cologne Cathedral)

Though Cologne Cathedral was under construction for around 600 years, the curious thing about it is that every added detail emulates the original design. In 1996, UNESCO added the cathedral to the World Heritage List, and for good reason as the construction is something of a masterpiece of engineering.

The cathedral sits on the site of a Roman temple from the 4th century, and houses three golden-crowned skulls which are thought to be from the Three Magi. The elaborate decoration of the cathedral and imposing façade invariably strike the unsuspecting visitor with awe.

Take a tour : City Highlights with Local Guide

13. Bavaria: Wies Church

Wies Church, which stands humbly in the midst of nowhere in particular, tends to pose questions among its visitors as to why it should have been erected in such a solitary place. Nevertheless, driven forth from the initial curiosity, upon entering the whitewashed building, they are often left speechless.

Where once a dilapidated wooden figurine stood – a crying portrait of the Scourged Saviour – now rises in its place a divine palace in all its fervent glory. And needless to say, fully deserved of its UNESCO status. The acute clash between the raw outer surroundings and the amazingly ornate interior serves to ignite the spiritual and uniquely aesthetical experience.

14. Berlin: Museumsinsel (Museum Island)

This cluster of 19th century buildings in the neoclassical style, which is regarded as among the world’s momentous museum complexes, is settled on the tip of an island in the Spree River. The museums, of which there are five, host splendid collections of ethnological and historical wares as well as a congregation of art pieces, including Byzantine and Late Antique works in addition to a variety of sculptures. The sheer vastness of the assemblage ensures that there is something for everyone.

15. Regensburg: Old Town of Regensburg

Regensburg was founded by the Romans in 179 A.D. and is now a thriving cultural and trading center. The old town bears witness to a plethora of exquisite marks of a wonderfully prosperous history, and as such, it has been bestowed with UNESCO World Heritage honors.

A stroll through the town provides for a sensory experience of German artistry and romanticism. Brilliantly preserved and entirely unscathed by countless wars, it’s not so much an urban hub as it is an outdoor museum. Countless monastic ensembles and churches make up a large part of the area, together with patrician houses and towers. Once there, it’s easy to imagine that you’ve embarked on a journey throughout the Middle Ages.

Useful tour : Regensburg: Sightseeing Train Tour

16. Potsdam: Sanssouci Park

Sanssouci (sans souci – without worries) Park in Potsdam was originally a simple terraced garden utilized by Frederick the Great as a way for him to relax from his royal burdens. However, the King realized that the location offered a magical ambience, after which, he arranged a sizable residence to be established, which more latterly was followed by one venue after another.

Thus, the original orchard was transformed into an extensive park, together with luxuriant palaces and lavishly landscaped gardens. Today, Sanssouci Park represents a sophisticated place which is fit for a taste of relaxation in a particularly royal style.

17. Quedlinburg: Old Town of Quedlinburg

Quedlinburg’s roots date back to the 9th century to the time of the Carolingian Dynasty. The town originally consisted of nothing more than a number of tiny villages, but today, these tiny villages make up a maze of cobblestoned streets that lead visitors past decorative exteriors of old-day tenements, multi-colored houses with small flower-laden gardens, and magnificently picturesque temples. There’s plenty of historical value and romanticism to be found in the Old Town of Quedlinburg.

18. Weimar: Weimar Museums

Once the stomping ground for the likes of Nietzsche, Liszt, Bach, Goethe, Schiller, and more, these days, Weimar is a hotbed for a tourist swarm with an intellectual orientation. The number of exquisite museums in Weimar reflects an atmosphere of real anticipation.

The 1,000-year-old town might not have you in raptures on account of its stunning architecture, but as the center for German Enlightenment, it will more than likely stimulate your mind and is certainly worthy of an extended visit.

19. Bamberg: Schlenkerla Brewery and Tavern

If you’re arriving in Germany for the beer and you’re not arriving in time for the Oktoberfest, then Bamberg’ Schlenkerla Brewery will definitely compensate you in every which way. You may think that going all the way to Franconia in order to get a few glasses of good barley beer is rather ill-advised, but if you’re keen on the concept of enjoying a smoke beer that’s been tapped directly from the barrel, a wooden barrel that is, then Bamberg, and in particular Schlenkerla, is the ideal choice.

Otherwise, however, the town itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in that it has exerted a major architectural influence upon the country as a whole, and it’s also southern Germany’s Center of Enlightenment. Plenty enough reason to make the journey now?

Highlighted tour : Bamberg: 1.5-Hour Guided Beer Tour

20. Maulbronn: Maulbronn Abbey (Kloster Maulbronn)

Founded in 1137 by Cistercian monks, Maulbronn Abbey is among the best maintained medieval monastic complexes to be seen north of the Alps. Legend has it that during a lengthy journey from Alsace, the monks stopped to water their mules. Whilst there, they became enchanted with the place and opted to establish a settlement (in English, Maulbronn means “mule-well”).

The diligence of the monks brought the awareness of Emperor Frederick Barbarossa, who then welcomed the monastery under his auspices, which in turn led to a wealth of funding. Although development thrived, the Reformation halted the proceedings and the Maulbronn residents were rejected from the monastery.

Trier has a 2,000-year history which makes it the oldest town in the country. Nevertheless, it’s not merely worthy of exploration given its age. The town was home to no less than six different Roman emperors and has thus inherited an impressive array of ancient remnants, many of which are perfectly preserved.

The most impressive example is the Porta Nigra (Black Gate), which was once an important element within the city walls. The picturesque town of Trier is nestled into the Moselle river valley, and is crowned with a myriad of pastoral villages and vineyards. The hospitality and cuisine to be enjoyed is something never to be forgotten.

22. Rust: Europa-Park

As you’d likely expect, Europa-Park offers terrific fun while simultaneously providing an unobstructed and pleasurable learning experience. Located within the heart of a top-notch resort, the theme park resembles a pocket-sized version of the European continent.

Take a ride at the Silverstone Race Track in a Formula 1 racing car, visit the Russian MIR space station, enjoy freshly baked bread from the “Quartier Francais”, or pleasure from the charms of some of Italy’s hot spots. There’s truly something for everyone here, irrespective of age or gender.

Book online : Rust: Europa-Park Entrance Ticket

23. Berlin: Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburger Tor)

It could be argued that the Brandenburg Gate is simply a gate like any other large gate in the world, and that’s true in terms of the superficial aspect. Nevertheless, there is a story behind this particular gate.

At one time, when the infamous Berlin Wall still stood in all its concrete glory, the 197 ft. (60 m) tall Brandenburg Gate, which was located towards the end of Unter den Linden, represented a part of the physical division and mental obstruction between the east and west sides of the city. Quite on the contrary, these days, the Gate is much more a towering symbol of unity and peace, not only for the German peoples but the world over.

24. Munich: BMW Museum

The structure of the BMW Museum in Munich is representative of cutting-edge architectural work, together with its distinctive configuration as a futuristic silver bowl. Once you enter into the dynamic interior, you’ll rapidly begin to realize that there’s a lot more to BMW automobile manufacturing than simply prestige.

It’s an artistic creation, a means of expression, and ultimately the product of a world where inspiration meets reality. Though you may not yet have much idea about the world of the motor car, upon leaving the BMW Museum in Munich, you’ll have a far deeper appreciation for the trade.

25. Hamburg: Modelleisenbahn Miniatur Wunderland

Upon making a visit to the Modelleisenbahn Miniatur Wunderland in Hamburg, you’ll be treated to 6.84 miles (11 km) of train track which winds around the huge floor space and travels through Scandinavia, the Swiss Alps, the U.S. and a variety of German destinations.

Everything is in great detail, from the trains themselves to the stations that the trains visit, to the trees that line the tracks. The $12.5 million enterprise is the largest in the world and without doubt deserves plenty of tourist attention.

Skip-the-line : Priority Entrance: Miniatur Wunderland

25 Best Things to Do in Germany:

• Hohenschwangau, southwest Bavaria: Neuschwanstein Castle (Schloss Neuschwanstein)
• Berlin: Berlin Wall
• Berlin: Erholungspark Marzahn
• Berchtesgaden: Berchtesgaden National Park
• Aachen: Aachen Cathedral
• Schleswig-Holstein: Sylt
• Rhineland-Palantinate: Burg Eltz
• Herreninsel: Schloss Herrenchiemsee
• Würzburg: Würzburg Residence
• Upper Middle Rhine Valley
• Saxony: Dresden Elbe Valley
• Köln (Cologne): Köln Dom (Cologne Cathedral)
• Bavaria: Wies Church
• Berlin: Museumsinsel (Museum Island)
• Regensburg: Old Town of Regensburg
• Potsdam: Sanssouci Park
• Quedlinburg: Old Town of Quedlinburg
• Weimar: Weimar Museums
• Bamberg: Schlenkerla Brewery and Tavern
• Maulbronn: Maulbronn Abbey (Kloster Maulbronn)
• Rust: Europa-Park
• Berlin: Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburger Tor)
• Munich: BMW Museum
• Hamburg: Modelleisenbahn Miniatur Wunderland

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The TOP 100 sights and attractions in Germany

Germany has a wealth of fantastic tourist sights and attractions, which people travel from all over the world to see. But which architectural treasures and places of natural beauty are the most popular? The German National Tourist Board (GNTB) put this question to its international visitors, and more than 25,000 people from around the world chose their personal favourites for 2024.

Find inspiration from the favorites of international users!

1 Miniatur Wunderland Hamburg

2 Europa-Park, Rust

3 Phantasialand, Brühl

4 Nürburgring

5 Rothenburg ob der Tauber

7 Deutschlandmuseum, Berlin

8 UNESCO World Heritage Margravial Opera House, Bayreuth

9 Therme Erding

10 Eltz Castle, Wierschem

11 Neuschwanstein Castle, Hohenschwangau

12 Lake Constance with Mainau Island and UNESCO World Heritage Site Reichenau Monastery Island

13 Europa-Rosarium, Sangerhausen

16 Theme park Ravensburger Spieleland

18 Black Forest

19 Erlebnispark Tripsdrill mit Wildparadies, Cleebronn

20 UNESCO World Heritage Cologne Cathedral

21 Elbphilharmonie, Hamburg

22 Heidelberg

23 Saxon Switzerland National Park

24 Legoland Germany Resort, Günzburg

25 Berchtesgaden

26 Romantic Road

27 Ulmer Münster

28 Freiburg

30 Charming Tauber valley

31 Würzburg

35 Zugspitze

36 Rügen Island

37 Oktoberfest, Munich

38 Bayern-Park Freizeitparadies, Reisbach

39 UNESCO World Heritage Baden-Baden

40 Nuremberg

41 Frankfurt

43 Garmisch-Partenkirchen

44 Quedlinburg

45 UNESCO World Heritage Berlin Museum Island

46 Lake Königssee, Bavaria

48 Dinkelsbühl

51 Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt

52 UNESCO World Heritage Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe

53 Regensburg

54 UNESCO World Heritage Speicherstadt, Hamburg

56 Beilstein

57 Wildpark Bad Mergentheim

58 Stuttgart

59 Eifel National Park

62 Bernkastel-Kues

63 Altmühltal Nature Park

64 UNESCO World Heritage Porta Nigra, Trier

65 Wernigerode

67 Bayreuth

69 Düsseldorf

70 UNESCO World Heritage - Schwerin Residence Ensemble

72 Helgoland Island

74 Wadden Sea National Park

75 Rüdesheim am Rhein

78 UNESCO World Heritage Wartburg Castle, Eisenach

79 Monschau

80 UNESCO Spreewald Biosphere Reserve

81 Usedom Island

82 Hohenzollern Castle, Bisingen

83 Bavarian Forest National Park

84 Linderhof Castle, Ettal

85 UNESCO World Heritage Sanssouci Palace, Potsdam

86 Chiemsee

87 German Alpine Road

88 UNESCO World Heritage Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex in Essen

90 Schwebebahn Wuppertal

91 Lake Tegernsee

92 Roevershagen - Karls adventure village

93 Saarschleife

94 UNESCO World Heritage Pilgrimage Church of Wies, Steingaden

95 Sylt Island

96 Heide Park Resort, Soltau

97 Sinsheim Technology Museum

98 German Fairy Tale Route

99 Autostadt in Wolfsburg

20 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Germany

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated May 26, 2022

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

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

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

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

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

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 hamburg, the rhine valley, berlin's museum island, munich's marienplatz, bamberg and the bürgerstadt, bavaria, zugspitze massif, bavaria, the island of rügen, mecklenburg—western pomerania, königssee (king's lake), bavaria, rothenburg ob der tauber, bavaria, sanssouci park and palace, potsdam, insel mainau: the flower island of lake constance, the berlin wall, reichstag building, berlin, the old town (altstadt) in nuremberg, dresden frauenkirche, frankfurt's main tower.

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

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

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

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Berlin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Official site: www.neuschwanstein.de/englisch/tourist/index.htm

In the heart of the historic Port of Hamburg, the magnificent Miniatur Wunderland , the world's largest model railway, is an attraction that appeals equally to young and old alike. Boasting more than 9.5 miles of model railway track, this massive scale model includes sections dedicated to the USA, England, Scandinavia, as well as Hamburg. It also incorporates around 1,300 trains, more than 50,000 microscopic lights, and in excess of 400,000 human figures.

It's not unheard of for guests to spend many hours exploring this fascinating world, with its remarkably detailed miniature airports, complete with planes that actually take off, as well as crowded cities, quaint rural scenes, and bustling harbors. For a memorable experience, book one of the behind-the-scenes tours, an especially fun thing to do at night.

Speaking of harbors, be sure to explore the vast Port of Hamburg while you're here. Covering 100 square kilometers, this huge tidal harbor is home to one of the world's largest cruise ship terminals, and is known as the Gateway to Germany. To make the most of your visit, note that the harbor is best explored by tour boat.

Afterwards, visit the harborside promenade , a lovely pedestrian route, and the Warehouse District . This historic district is famous for its continuous lines of tall brick-built warehouses.

• Read More: Top Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Hamburg & Easy Day Trips

The Rhine is not only Europe's most important waterway, it's also the most beautiful. With a total length of 1,320 kilometers, this magnificent river stretches from Switzerland through Germany all the way to The Netherlands.

While there are many places in Germany to enjoy this majestic river, the lovely Upper Middle Rhine Valley section, designated a UNESCO World heritage Site, is probably the most popular spot for tourists to visit. Here, this often dramatic 65-kilometer stretch of river boasts more than 40 castles and some 60 picturesque medieval towns all just waiting to be explored either by river cruise or by car.

Looking for a great place to begin your Rhine Valley adventure? The historic town of Bingen , where the river cuts through a deep gorge before entering the Bacharach valley, is a good place to start.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in the Rhine Valley

Berlin's world-famous Museumsinsel, or Museum Island, lies between the River Spree and the Kupfergraben, a 400-meter-long canal off the river. This excellent attraction includes many of the city's oldest and most important museums.

The heart of this pedestrian-friendly district is the Old Museum . Constructed in 1830, it was designed specifically to exhibit the royal treasures. Soon after, the land behind the museum was set aside for art and the "knowledge of antiquity."

Between 1843-55 the New Museum took shape, and the National Gallery was added in 1876, along with the Bode Museum , built in 1904 and home to collections of antiquities. Another highlight of a walking tour of these spectacular points of interest is the Pergamon with its recreated historic buildings from the Middle East.

But be warned: there's so much to see among these amazing museums that you can't possibly cram it all into a single day.

Germany's third biggest city, Munich (or München in German) has plenty to offer the adventurous traveller. The capital city of the state of Bavaria can trace its roots all the way back to the 12th century when a monastery was established here, and quickly grew into the region's most important place of trade and commerce.

Central to this rise was Marienplatz , the large square where traders from across Bavaria would meet to conduct business, and where locals would congregate to shop and watch medieval jousting tournaments. These days, this vast square still draws crowds of people, but for different reasons: they're here for sightseeing or possibly to enjoy a visit to one of square's trendy cafés and restaurants, or to shop in its unique boutique stores.

The points of interest for tourists are plentiful. Here, you'll find both the "new" and "old" town halls, the Neues Rathaus and Altes Rathaus, where much of the city's history was written. Both are attractive and worth a visit. Other landmarks include the tall monument to the Virgin Mary, the Mariensäule built in 1638, as well as the elegant Fischbrunnen , a 19th-century fountain with its bronze figures.

For a truly memorable experience, why not consider a visit in winter? If so, you'll be rewarded with the chance see the Marienplatz come alive with a spectacular display of lights and ornaments during the annual Christmas Market . Other winter festivals are held here, too, including the ancient, month-long Fasching carnival. Held each January to February locals and visitors alike partake in fun dances and events that have been held here for centuries.

Visit Marienplatz at any time of year and you'll still have fun. From March through to October you can witness the Neues Rathaus' famous glockenspiel perform its merry dance, its mechanical figures thrilling viewers thrice daily in a performance that has been enjoyed since 1908.

Location: Marienplatz, 80331 München, Germany

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Munich

Located in the valley of the Regnitz, where the river divides into two arms, sits Bamberg. This old imperial city is the most important town in Upper Franconia, and is one of the best preserved of Germany's many charming old towns. It's also one of the best to explore on foot.

Your walking tour should begin in its old episcopal quarter, home to the 13th-century cathedral and the old Benedictine abbey of Michaelsberg . It's between the two river branches that you'll find spectacular Bürgerstadt , a small borough of Bamberg that contains the Grüner Markt , an excellent pedestrian zone which is home to the 17th-century Baroque church of St. Martin .

To the north is the New Town Hall , or Neues Rathaus, built in 1736. But perhaps the town's most important structure is the Old Town Hall , built on top of the Obere Brücke (Upper Bridge).

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Bamberg

Part of the Wetterstein mountain range, the Zugspitze massif straddles the frontier between Germany and Austria and is surrounded by steep valleys. The eastern summit, at 2,962 meters, is crowned by a gilded cross and can be reached by the Bayerische Zugspitzbahn , a cog railway, or by cable car.

Another great way to enjoy this area of outstanding natural beauty is aboard the Tiroler Zugspitzbahn , a railway that runs to the Zugspitzkamm station at 2,805 meters. From here, the journey can be continued via a cable car to Zugspitz-Westgipfel Station at 2,950 meters. Be sure to sample a meal at the excellent panoramic restaurant located here.

A highlight of the journey is the chance to walk through an 800-meter-long tunnel, complete with viewing windows, to the Schneefernerhaus station at the top of the Bavarian cog railroad. From here, you can ascend the eastern summit with its viewing platforms. And thanks to the many ski resorts located nearby, Zugspitze is a wonderful German destination to visit in winter.

Rügen is the largest and most beautiful of the German Baltic islands. Separated from the rest of Germany by the Strelasund, it's linked to the mainland town of Stralsund by a causeway. The island's beauty stems from its diversity of landscape, including everything from flat farmland and forest-covered hills to expansive sandy beaches, lagoons, and lovely peninsulas.

A fun thing to do here, especially for outdoor enthusiasts, is to pay a visit to the Jasmund Peninsula , which in places reaches heights of 161 meters. Here, you'll find Jasmund National Park, popular among nature lovers for its abundance of wildlife, with notable species found here, including rare white-tailed eagles.

Another draw are the island's beautiful Stubnitz beech forests, part of Königsstuhl National Park. One of the most dramatic parts of the island's scenery can be enjoyed where these dense old forests come to a dramatic end on the Königsstuhl (King's Chair), a sheer chalk cliff plunges down to the sea from a height of 117 meters.

There's also a great visitor center here, which offers plenty of valuable information regarding all aspects of the island. Another must see is the little old resort town of Putbus , seat of the Princes of Putbus and with numerous Neoclassical buildings and parks.

The lovely Bavarian lake of Königssee is one of the great beauty spots of the region of Germany referred to as Berchtesgadener Land. Also known as the King's Lake, this area near Salzburg is a hiking and biking paradise thanks to its vast network of trails.

One of the most popular things to do is follow the attractive footpath located along the east side of the Königssee to the Malerwinkel. Also known as Painters' Corner, it's notable for its superb views over the lake and the surrounding mountains.

Another equally attractive sightseeing option is taking a boat trip to the 17th-century Pilgrimage Chapel of St. Bartholomew , at the south end of the lake, and to walk from here to the Obersee. Berchtesgaden , at the end of the Deutsche Alpenstrasse, is perhaps the best-known tourist town and one of the most popular mountain resorts in the Bavarian Alps.

Also of note here is Berchtesgaden National Park. This place of outstanding natural beauty has, since 1990, been designated a UNESCO Word Heritage Site.

The old Franconian imperial city of Rothenburg is one of the most attractive places to visit on Germany's famous Romantic Road tourist route. Located on the steep banks of the picturesque River Tauber, it's notable for its walls and towers, untouched since the Thirty Years War of 1618.

This completely preserved, picture-perfect medieval town offers endless charm. One of the most popular things to do in Rothenburg ob der Tauber is to join a walking tour. For those who prefer to be their own guide, get started by picking up a map from one of the tourism offices located in the town.

There are no end of opportunities to explore, with individual buildings of note including the imposing 13th-century Town Hall (Rathaus) and the wonderful Ratstrinkstube , or Council Tavern, built in 1466 with its interesting clock. Also worth seeing is St.-Georgs-Brunnen fountain , built in 1608 near the end of Herrngasse; St. James's Church , with its fine high altar dating from 1466; and the Imperial City Museum .

Simply walking the old streets past these beautiful buildings is a timeless experience, especially if it involves the Plönlein , one of the town's most picturesque spots. And after all that adventure, end your visit at one of the many fine restaurants dotted around the town.

If traveling in winter, be sure to include a stop here for the traditional Christmas Market, which draws crowds from across the country and even further afield.

Spectacular Sanssouci Park, laid out between 1744 and 1756, is considered the most celebrated example of Potsdam Rococo. Reflecting the personal influence of Frederick the Great, the park includes a lovely Baroque flower garden, more than 3,000 fruit trees, and numerous greenhouses. It's a pleasure strolling around this huge park, especially the straight-as-an-arrow, two-and-a-half-kilometer-long avenue, shielded on each side by trimmed hedges, perfect lawns, and gorgeous gardens.

A number of park buildings are worth exploring, too, in particular the Picture Gallery with its many works of art. Other must-sees here include the exquisite Chinese House , an extremely elaborate garden pavilion, and the wonderful Roman Baths complex.

Sanssouci Palace itself, a single-story Rococo building with an elliptical dome in the center and a circular room at each end, is notable for its spectacular interior decor. This is especially evident in its large oval Marble Hall and sumptuous apartments.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Potsdam

Insel Mainau, the spectacular Flower Island on beautiful Lake Constance, covers an area of 110 acres and attracts many visitors to its beautiful parks and gardens, luxuriant with semitropical and tropical vegetation.

Access to the island is by boat, or via a pedestrian bridge connecting it to the mainland, so be sure to allow a little extra travel time in addition to the two or more hours needed to properly explore this stunning property. Ample public parking is available on the mainland, some with electric vehicle charging stations.

Another highlight is the 18th-century Schloss, notable for its lovely White Hall, the old defensive tower, and the gatehouse.

Official site: www.mainau.de/en/welcome.html

While not exactly the most picturesque of places, what's left of the Berlin Wall is one of those attractions that any visitor to Berlin simply must see. Built in 1961, the wall was the most visible manifestation of the Cold War mentality that existed after WWII, and by the time it was torn down in 1990, it extended some 155 kilometers.

Thankfully, all that remains of the wall today are small graffiti-covered sections, stark reminders of the more than 70 people who died trying to escape from the East. Sections of preserved wall include a short stretch at infamous Checkpoint Charlie , as well as a section at Humboldthafen opposite the Reichstag Building on which the victims of the wall are listed.

Also of note is the excellent Berlin Wall Exhibition , with its permanent exhibits relating to the Berlin Wall, and the Berlin Wall Memorial .

The seat of Germany's government, the Reichstag (Reichstagsgebäude) is once again one of Berlin's most-visited attractions. Constructed in 1894 in Neo-Renaissance style, it infamously burned down in 1933 and remained in ruins until after German reunification, when it was rebuilt in its former glory.

One change that was made was to the building's massive Kuppel, its central dome. Instead of a traditional wood or metal dome, a decision was made to use glass, transforming the space into a major tourist attraction in the process.

From here, visitors can enjoy great city views, which are even more dramatic at night. If planning to enjoy the view in the evening, try to catch a spectacular sunset from the on-site Rooftop Restaurant. The Reichstag also makes for a stunning backdrop for summer concerts and light shows. English language guided tours are also available.

Address: Platz der Republik 1, 11011, Berlin, Germany

Official site: www.bundestag.de/en/visittheBundestag

The historic city of Nuremberg (Nürnberg) has long held a reputation as one of Germany's most important, and oldest, cultural, spiritual, and commercial centers. If visiting, you'll want to spend the bulk of your time exploring the city's "Altstadt," or Old Town area.

Although largely destroyed during WWII, the medieval structures were painstakingly rebuilt and look today much as they would when originally constructed. Ringed by five kilometers of city walls, the Altstadt is wonderful to explore on foot, especially if you're able to take the time and let your curiosity lead you.

Highlights include Nuremberg Castle, an imposing medieval stronghold built in the 11th century, which dominates the Old Town. Most impressive are its old towers, the oldest of which, the Pentagonal Tower, was constructed in 1040, and the 13th-century royal quarters.

Other notable features of the Old Town you'll come across include the Hauptmarkt, a centuries-old market square popular for its exquisite old fountain. Also located here are the original town hall, built in the early 1600s, and numerous old merchants' homes.

The city of Dresden is home to another remarkable story of reconstruction after the destruction of WWII. Here, in the old city center, you'll find the elegant Frauenkirche, a magnificent church that was, when built in 1743, considered one of the best examples of Baroque architecture in all of Europe.

Looking at it today, it's hard to believe that the church was completely destroyed during the war. But thanks to the hard work and diligence of local city folk, what remained was carefully catalogued and stored until reconstruction began after German reunification.

The fully restored interior is equally impressive, with a particular highlight being the rebuilt high alter, which looks today exactly as it did when the church was originally built. Be sure to also take the opportunity to visit the church dome for its superb city views. Check the attraction's website for details of upcoming concerts and events, as well as for its regular service schedule (visitors are always welcome).

Address: Georg-Treu-Platz 3, 01067 Dresden, Germany

Official site: www.frauenkirche-dresden.de/home

While Germany is especially well-known for its many magnificent historic structures, the country is also making a name for itself in the world of modern-day architecture. One of the best examples can be found in Frankfurt, a former Imperial City that's fast becoming one of the most important financial centers in Europe.

Now known as "Mainhatten," a nod to both its river setting and the many skyscrapers that now grace its skyline, the city's business district feels distinctly North American. By far the most impressive structure, though, is the architecturally pleasing Main Tower. Standing 240 meters tall and with no less than 56 stories, the tower's observation platforms offer unparalleled views over the city and the Main River.

And if a fear of heights isn't a problem, book a table for an evening meal at the Main Tower Restaurant and Lounge for a spectacular sunset view (reservations recommended). Be sure to check out the boutique shops and artworks on the ground level floors of the tower, too.

Address: Neue Mainzer Str. 52-58, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Official site: www.maintower.de/en/

More on Germany

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.

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).

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.  

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

Eibsee, Bavaria

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

Görlitz, Saxony

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

Sylt, Schleswig-Holstein

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

Rakotzbrücke (Rakotz Bridge), Saxony

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

Zwinger, Dresden

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

Saxon Switzerland, Saxony

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

Pilgrimage Church of Wies, Bavaria

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

Berchtesgaden National Park, Bavaria

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

Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Bavaria

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

Zugspitze, Bavaria

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

Geierlay Suspension Bridge, Rhineland-Palatinate

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

Cologne Cathedral, North Rhine-Westphalia

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

Hohenzollern Castle, Baden-Württemberg

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

Rügen, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

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

Harz National Park, Lower Saxony

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

Museum Island, Berlin

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

Mosel, Rhineland-Palatinate

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

Tüchersfeld, Bavaria

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

Stuttgart City Library, Baden-Württemberg

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

Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria

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

Black Forest, Baden-Württemberg

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

Lübeck, Schleswig-Holstein

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

Marburg, Hesse

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

Schwerin Castle, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

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

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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.

Best Places To Visit In Germany: Our Top 25 Picks

1. berlin   .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How many days – 3-4 days minimum 

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

See also : Berlin Landmarks and Photographing Berlin

2. Neuschwanstein Castle and Füssen  

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

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

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

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

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

How Many Days : One 

Day trips: Oberammergau village 

3. Potsdam  

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

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

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

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

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

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

4. Munich   

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5. Rothenburg ob Der Tauber and the Romantic Road   

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

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

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

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

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

How many days – Two 

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

6. Dresden  

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

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

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

Don’t Miss – 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)  

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

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

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

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

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

How Many Days – two to three days ideally 

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

8. Rhine Valley   

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best day trips – Cologne, Limburg an der Lahn 

9. Mosel Valley   

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

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

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

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

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

How many days – 3 days  

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

10. Hamburg  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

See also: One Day in Hamburg

11. Leipzig   

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

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

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

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

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

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

Don’t Miss – The Old Guildhall of Leipzig and Leipzig Museum of Local History; St Thomas Church (Thomaskirche); St Nicholas Church (Nikolaikirche); 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  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best day trips – Bautzen, Zittau, Bad Muskau   

13. Lübeck  

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

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

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

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

Nice to see – Buddenbrookhaus, Günter Grass Haus 

How many days – two or three 

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

14. Wismar, Stralsund and the Baltic Coast  

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

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

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

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

Nice to see – Rostock and Warnemünde beach 

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

Best day trips – Schwerin Castle 

15. Trier  

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

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

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

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

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

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

How many days – 2 

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

Top Tip – Trier has a wonderful Christmas market. 

See also: 26 Best Things to do in Trier

16. Bavarian Alps: Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Zugspitze  

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

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

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

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

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

Nice to see – Walchensee lake, Kirchdorf Wamberg 

How many days – three or four 

Best day trips – Neuschwanstein Castle, Hohenschwangau Castle, Innsbruck  

17. Berchtesgaden and Lake Königssee

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

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

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

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

Nice to see – Hintersee lake 

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

Best day trips – Salzburg is a quick bus trip 

18. Bremen  

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

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

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

Nice to see – Roselius-Haus Museum, Botanika 

How many days – one or two 

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

19. Regensburg  

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

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

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

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

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

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

20. Bamberg  

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best day trips – Nuremberg, Bayreuth, Coburg, Pottenstein 

21. Nuremberg  

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

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

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

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

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

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

How many days – 2 or 3 

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

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

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

22. Black Forest   

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

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

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

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

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

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

23. Quedlinburg  

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

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

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

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

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

How many days – two minimum 

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

See Also: The 13 Most Beautiful Streets In Quedlinburg

24. Naumburg Cathedral   

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

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

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

See Also: Visiting Naumburg Cathedral – One Of The Great German Cathedrals

How many days – one 

Best day trips – Leipzig, Halle an der Saale 

25. Saxon Switzerland  

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

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

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

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

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

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

26. Aachen & Aachen Cathedral 

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

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

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

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

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

How many days – One day 

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

Top tip – Aachen Christmas market is wonderful 

27. Passau 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Places To Visit In Germany – Final Words

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The 7 best places to visit in Germany

From Berlin to the Black Forest, these are Germany’s most unmissable destinations

How do you sum up somewhere like Germany ? You can’t – not really. Once an empire made up of dozens of kingdoms, duchies and principalities, and later divided into two during the Cold War, Germany as we know it today has only really existed for around a few decades. It remains a complicated, culturally diverse place, packed with an inordinate number of the most fascinating places in both Europe and the world.

This is a nation with bucketloads of history, tonnes of great food, a legendary beer heritage and some of Europe’s wildest natural landscapes. So if you’re looking to visit, where do you start? Here’s where to go if you want to begin getting to grips with this magnificent country.

Discover Germany:

🇩🇪  The best things to do in Germany 🌭 The best restaurants in Germany ❄️ The best Christmas markets in Germany

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Best places to visit in Germany

There’s pretty much nothing Berlin can’t do. The German capital has diversity at its heart: it’s a ‘something for everyone’ sort of place that boasts some of the world’s finest museums and galleries right next to legendary party hubs. Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll likely find it here.

Discover Berlin:

📍 The best things to do in Berlin 🏛  The best museums in Berlin 🍝 The best restaurants in Berlin 🍻 The best bars in Berlin 🪩 The best clubs in Berlin

Such is the overwhelming amount of stuff to see and do in Munich that it can all feel a bit dizzying – that and the city’s unholily bountiful supply of beer. Elite museums, hearty food, complex, multifaceted history and – yes – bucketloads of booze make this an essential destination.

Discover Munich:

🍻 The best things to do in Munich 🏢 The best hotels in Munich 🥧 The best restaurants in Munich 🏛 The best museums in Munich 🍺 The best places to drink beer in Munich

Germany’s second city and ‘gateway to the world’ is a force to be reckoned with. Hamburg bursts with more than 50 museums and 40 theatres, alongside a fabulous foodie reputation and a nightlife scene centred on the legendary Reeperbahn. On top of that it’s also innovative, friendly and unafraid of tradition – whether it’s diving deep into it or blowing it out of the water.

Discover Hamburg:

⚓️ The best things to do in Hamburg 🎣 The best restaurants in Hamburg 🏢 The best hotels in Hamburg 🏛 The most beautiful buildings in Hamburg

Home to the country’s biggest autobahn interchange, busiest train station and biggest airport, in Germany literally all roads lead to Frankfurt. More than just an economic powerhouse, this is a city packed full of local spirit – thanks, in part, to its vast international community – as well as plenty of museums, natural spaces and historic sites.

Discover Frankfurt:

📍 The best things to do in Frankfurt 🏡 Where to stay in Frankfurt 🍝 The best restaurants in Frankfurt 🍻 The best bars in Frankfurt 🚃 How to get around by  public transport in Frankfurt

At seven centuries old, history lurks around Düsseldorf’s every corner – but there’s also much more to this west German city than its characterful old town. The city skyline dazzles with flashy contemporary architecture, beneath the towers of which lie innovative restaurants and scintillating clubs. Düsseldorf has all the benefits of a modern metropolis while doffing the proverbial cap in the direction of a long, winding history.

Discover Düsseldorf:

📍 The best things to do in Düsseldorf 🌭 The best restaurants in Düsseldorf 🏡 The best hotels in Düsseldorf 🚃 How to get around by public transport in Düsseldorf

Centred around its iconic (and really, really massive) gothic cathedral, Cologne sees old Germany and new Germany collide in a mish-mash of colour and culture. The city’s at its best during its world-famous Carnival festivities or its annual Christmas markets, but – from Kölsch brews and chocolate museums to techno nights – there’s something to do here all year round.

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📍 The best things to do in Cologne

Black Forest

More than just a seemingly endless landscape of trees and hills, the Black Forest is an integral part of the German psyche. In this spectacular natural wonder, you’ll find an abundance of local cultures, stunning lakes like Titisee and Schluchsee and some of Germany’s most characterful towns and cities – from free-thinking university city Freiburg to old-world spa destination Baden-Baden. It’s enchanting, and then some.

Discover more of Europe

The 10 best places to visit in italy.

This famous country is packed with iconic cities, gorgeous towns and villages, incredible beaches and all the rest.

The 11 best places to visit in Greece

Even looking beyond that whole ‘origin of Western culture’ thing, Greece is a wonder of iconic cities, stunning architecture, incredible food and more islands than you can count.

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You have a taste for history, cities, and the great outdoors, so you’ve made the wise decision to visit Germany. There are plenty of resources out there to help you plan for your trip to Germany, but all the focus seems to be on the big cities of Berl in , Munich , Hamburg , and Frankfurt. To be fair, they are all fantastic cities and you should visit them.

That said, there’s more to this country than these cities. Luckily, this is a big chunk of land, so there is no shortage of things to do in Germany, and although the country in and of itself is not necessarily off the beaten path , getting away from the cacophony of clicking cameras can still be done. So, when compiling this off-the-beaten-path travel guide for Germany, I used a few self-imposed barometers.

• Do Germans instantly speak English even when I speak German?
• Is there evidence that Germans themselves like these destinations?
• Would the average North American not know of this place?

Obviously, everything here is relatively known, but on the whole, I think you’ll find that these recommendations will yield more unique experiences than, say, shuffling through Checkpoint Charlie in Berlin or the beer gardens in Munich. Even better, I still have plenty of traveling to do within Germany and will update this guide accordingly.

Now let’s get to it. These are the 24 places to visit in Germany off the beaten path.

Tip: Looking for more Germany? Check out my top things to do in Germany ,  German language tips , and  how to ride the German train system . Want something more literary? Read chapters from my upcoming memoir on moving to and living in Germany and finding my roots–– There Must Be Order .

Last but not least… If you’re interested in planning a trip to Germany, schedule a consultation call with me !

24 Places to Visit in Germany Off the Beaten Path

Transportation In Germany

Before You Go To Germany

Few places have impressed me in Germany quite like the Ahrtal (Ahr River Valley). Here you get the scenery and wine culture of both the Rhineland and Mosel River (both covered below) without any of the over tourism. (At least, that was my experience over a couple of summer visits.)

On my first visit, I ended up in tiny Walporzheim right off the connecting train from Bonn. My wife and I stayed in a rented apartment right off the Ahrsteig hiking trail and enjoyed impressive, scenic hikes to nearby Kreuzberg and Ahrweiler Markt with vineyards and castles along the way.

Timing was on our side with a wine festival taking place in Ahrweiler Markt, one of the more impeccably maintained old towns I’ve seen in Germany. We kept asking ourselves how we haven’t heard about this town or region before. Of course, there were German travelers, but we didn’t hear a drop of English almost the entire trip. Even when hiking up to Kloster Marienthal, a former convent converted into a winery, drinkers and revelers seemed to stick to a local crowd. I can’t help but wonder how long that will remain the case. It felt like we were drinking wine in Provence without the crowds or blown-up expectations that come with travel almost anywhere in France.

A second visit a few months later confirmed our love for the Ahrtal. This time we ended up in Altenahr for a trail race that climbed familiar hills along the Ahrsteig with views of the Mayschoß Castle we’d visited on our first trip. Although this list is organized alphabetically, the Ahrtal certainly ranks at or near the top of my favorite off the beaten path destinations in Germany.

Baden-Baden

The Black Forest is certainly not off the beaten path, but it’s some of the best hiking in Germany and in one of the sunniest corners of a country that has an otherwise gray reputation. The heart of this region is Freiburg. In Baden-Baden, on the other hand, you can still get a sense of what it’s like to be a local there. I spent mornings heading to the bakery, speaking German, and hearing exclusively German. There is a good chance that most Germans I saw walking around the pedestrian plazas were themselves tourists. After all, “baden” is the verb “to bathe,” so Baden-Baden is incredibly popular for the thermal baths.

You’ll eat well in Baden-Baden, too, and there’s actually a bit of culinary diversity for such a small town. I grabbed a drink at Badener Weinkeller at the edge of the town center while waiting for the AirBnB host. Badener Weinkeller had a great, welcoming atmosphere and a charming patio to enjoy with your beverage.

Weinstube im Baldreit feels hidden off a couple of cobbled side streets with little fuss trying to get your attention. It’s also one of the highest user-reviewed restaurants in town — for good reason. But be sure to make a reservation .

Cafe Beek is a great spot for grabbing an afternoon jolt of caffeine. And though I didn’t have a chance to experience it myself, sources tell me it has the best Kuchen in Germany. When you’re really looking to relax, Caracalla Therme is right around the corner with very clear barriers for those of us looking to go au natural and the rest who prefer to leave a little to the imagination.

Now about the hiking. It’s everywhere around the Black Forest. I did a couple of treks heading south and north of the city to the old castle. You can consult the tourist bureau for more specific instructions, but you can see what I did by clicking here and here .

Whatever you do, plan substantial time to get into that forest. You’ll regret it if you don’t.

See more photos of Baden-Baden and the Black Forest

What can I say? It’s Berlin! You either love it or you hate it. I’ve found there’s very little in between.

Having lived here for nearly the better part of a decade, I’ll do the opposite of what you might expect and keep it brief. Because you’re probably coming to Berlin with some plans in mind already. You probably want to see the Berlin Wall, maybe some World War II history, or maybe you’re a youngin’ and want to go clubbing. (Not my scene anyway, so I couldn’t help you.)

Instead, I’ll give you the spiel I give most people when they ask me what to do in Berlin and why I love this city. First of all, you gotta eat in Berlin. The world is in Berlin. You can find just about every cuisine here alongside regional German eats. So eat up! I’ve written before for other outlets with some suggestions, so check those out. The only other thing I’ll note about food is that it’s a mecca for vegans and vegetarians. If that’s your jam, you’ll eat quite well.

Now besides eating, museums, and all that stuff… Check out the parks. I never get sick of going for a run under Brandenburg Gate, through to the other side (as you do in the legendary Berlin Marathon ), and into Tiergarten. But if you want a proper hike, you can take the S-Bahn out to Grunewald. One of my favorite things to do is run or hike around the forest in the summer and jump into one of the lakes, like Schlachtensee, to cool off and have a beer . It’s quite literally the best.

Few cities in Germany have surprised me quite like Bonn. Even amongst Germans, people aren’t really talking about Bonn — but they should. The Rhineland city was the capital of post-war West Germany until reunification saw the capital move back to Berlin. But during its time as the  Hauptstadt of Germany, Bonn made a name for itself as the UN City with dignitaries from all over the world spending time in the strategic city. All of this is covered at the Haus Der Geschichte museum on Bonn’s UN Campus, an easy tram ride south of the city center.

These days Bonn is better known as the birthplace of Beethoven (the composer, not the enormous dog of cinematic fame), the Rheinsteig hiking trail , and the annual cherry blossom in the spring adding a fresh coat of pink to the Altstadt. Beethoven fans will be pleased to know they can even step into his home (where he lived for the first four years of his life) and take a tour . Even better, you can drink like Beethoven by heading down the street to Marktplatz where  Em Höttche sits next to the Rathaus (City Hall). Legend has it that Beethoven imbibed (and danced) here in the late 18th Century, and indeed, his statue and mug are staples of the bar. Enjoy a beer or hearty German fare on the patio or step inside for a bit of a time trek into the 14th and 15th centuries (the building is said to date back to 1389).

Bonn is not a large city, making it easy to cover a majority of the sights in a day. You can grab a quick coffee at Galestro just around the corner from Münster Platz before heading south down green Poppelsdorfer Alle. The road ends at the Poppelsdorfer Schloss , surrounded by the University of Bonn’s botanical garden . (Bonn is obviously a university town with its historic buildings and visibly younger residents.) If you head east around the garden and back towards the river, you can see some of the most beautiful, intact homes in urban Germany. Then at the Rhine, walk along the promenade to the Alter Zoll with a vibrant beer garden to cement the perfectly German vibe.

Brandenburg

Brandenburg is one of Germany’s 16 states, so I’m cheating a little bit here. But it’s a lesser-traveled state in Germany, though popular with Berliners looking for a quick city escape alongside a lake. I’ll be the first to admit that I had other destinations in mind when I first moved to Berlin. However, the restrictions of the pandemic forced me to look more closely at what’s in my own backyard––and it was truly a blessing in disguise.

First I visited Fürstenberg an der Havel to run a bit of the Märkischer Landweg––a 217-kilometer trail that stretches across Brandenburg all the way to the Polish border. I was impressed by the look of Fürstenberg with its stocky, old homes and cobblestone streets. You can read more about my visit there here . In short, it left me excited to return to Brandenburg as soon as possible, which I did two more times–– Bückow and most recently for a three-day running trip from Templin to Angermünde before finishing in Warnitz . (Video above).

Now I’m singing Brandenburg’s praises. And the thing is, I haven’t even visited the Spreewald yet––arguably the most popular destination in Brandenburg (outside of the capital Potsdam) with its canals cutting through the forest. Trust that I’ll be heading there sooner rather than later.

Detmold and the Teutoburg Wald

Teutoburger Wald, a stretch of forest running through Germany’s Lippe district, had been on my list for a while when I finally made it over to Bielefeld and Detmold (separate trips) for some hiking. Detmold is especially known in tourist circles for its statue, Hermannsdenkmal, celebrating the ancient Germanic victory over invading Roman forces. But there’s more to Detmold than just visiting the statue and hiking Hermannahoehen. It’s also home to Brauerei Strate, a traditional German brewery that expertly brews classic recipes, like Pilsner and Bock, while experimenting to keep up with the craft beer boom.

Read more about Detmold here  and Bielefeld here .

Dresden is a popular destination for World War II history, the Christmas markets (the longest-running in Europe, they say), and to see the reconstructed old town. That said, it’s generally not at the top of any North America’s list for a trip to Germany — though it should be. If you travel during the holiday season, you should, indeed, check out the Christmas markets. The Dresdner Striezelmarkt is the main one you’ll find in the Old Town area, though there are several throughout the city. None of this feels particularly off the beaten path, but this is a firmly German thing to do. I don’t think I heard a lick of English during my time in Dresden and walking around the Christmas markets.

If you want to do something especially unique to Dresden, hook up with Danilo for his Kurt Vonnegut and Neustadt art tours. Literary types might already know that Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse Five was greatly inspired by the author surviving the infamous firebombing of Dresden. Although the book isn’t known by German audiences (why would it be?), Danilo has latched onto it and his tour makes for something unique to anything else in Germany. He also runs an art and neighborhood tour of Neustadt, the hipster slice of town just north of the Alt Stadt (Old Town).

See more photos of Dresden

I couldn’t get through this off the beaten path Germany travel guide and  not talk about my new home — Düsseldorf. Personal bias aside, it really does feel off the beaten path, save German tourists in the summer strolling around the city’s Altstadt. There’s a good amount of spoken English here, too, but some German language skills will still go a long way here, whereas you don’t need to speak a lick of the language traveling in nearby Cologne or Berlin.

Düsseldorf gets its international fame for its fashion industry and its consistent ranking as one of the most liveable cities in the world . Even if you’re like me and look at such rankings with suspicion, I can at least anecdotally offer that Düsseldorf, indeed, is a great place to live. I could go on and on with suggestions on what to do, but I’ll leave you with a handful of my favorite recommendations.

Walk south through the Rheinpark toward Altstadt in the morning. You’ll know you’re there once the footpaths turn to cobbles and things look a bit older as most everything else in Düsseldorf has that rather generic, modern look. The Altstadt isn’t huge, so don’t worry about getting lost or turning down any street that speaks to you. But do make a point to eventually end up on Carlsplatz where on Saturday mornings you’ll find people in market-mode. Grab a coffee at Kaffe Reich and continue wandering around to your heart’s content. You’ve got Bob & Mary (burgers!) and Hausmann’s just around the corner if you start to get hungry.

Come back to the Altstadt at night to try out some of the historic breweries. (This is, after all, with the “längste Theke der Welt” — longest bar in the world.) My favorite is Füchsen on Rattingerstraße. This is essentially the exterior of Altstadt where a local once told me that it’s where the “real Düsseldorfers” hang out. Nowadays you’ve also got a craft beer bar nearby in Holy Craft , which itself is right next to Vente where you can get German cuisine with a modern touch, blended with the city’s primary immigrant cultures — Japanese, Italian and Arabic. (Speaking of Japanese, Düsseldorf has the largest Japanese immigrant population in the world. That means good Japanese eats, like at Na Ni Wa .)

Looking around the city, I have a sentimental place in my heart for Schwan. This place feels like a cozy local restaurant back in the States, but it’s also where I spent many days during my first weeks in Düsseldorf ordering currywurst and Kaffee und Kuchen while using their Internet. The Schwan on Frankenplatz is my spot and you’ve also got VIVU for some modern Asian fusion just down the square. Oh, since we’re here, I have to mention Bellisima for a down-to-Earth, charming Italian family experience.

I better end it there for now — wait! 485Grad has some of the best pizza that has ever touched my lips and burnt the roof of my mouth. Get “El Diablo” for chorizo pizza that will set your heart back, but shoot your level of happiness through the roof.

We’re staying in Thuringia with a look at Erfurt, the state capital. Erfurt makes for an idyllic urban base to explore this often overlooked German state. In Erfurt, you get all the comforts you’d want in traveling to a German city — namely excellent train services to some of the nearby areas that you might want to dive deeper into, especially if you’re a history nerd and want to retrace Martin Luther’s steps from Eisenach to Wittenberg.

The Krämerbrücke (Merchant’s Bridge) is the most popular sight in town — and rightfully so. The medieval bridge (yes, it survived WWII) dates back to the 15th Century and remains a treat to walk around or view from the north. I lucked out by staying at a hotel just steps away from the bridge, so it was easy to get there early in the morning and see it while it was empty save the occasional local passerby.

Another personal favorite was walking by the Domplatz, past the towering Catholic church and up to Glashütte Petersberg for some original Thüringen Bratwurst (the stuff we generally call bratwurst in the States) and evening views overlooking the city. I felt as if I blended right in the locals with everyone from cyclists to canoodling couples enjoying themselves (but not too much) on the edge of the overlook.

See more photos of Thuringia

Hainich National Park

Hainich National Park is right smack dab in the middle of Germany in the state of Thuringia (Thüringen auf Deutsch). What used to be a military training ground for the old German Democratic Republic (GDR) is now 29 square miles of pristine green space, harboring a primeval beech forest. If you’re not a tree-nerd, there’s still plenty of good times to be had in Hainich National Park. I for one opted for a bike ride after getting a unique view of the area via the park’s canopy walk . The walkway itself was built around the natural growth of the beech forest, so your environmentalist heart can rest easy knowing you’re truly there just to admire. (Interestingly, the canopy serves scientific purposes, too, as it allows scientists and researchers access to the treetops and the animals that naturally live there.)

Harz Mountains

The Black Forest and the Bavarian Alps get most of the love when it comes to admiring Germany’s natural surroundings. There’s good reason for that, but the Harz Mountains and Harz National Park deserve just as much celebration. It’s long been a favorite of literary wanderers looking for both inspiration and a pleasant, sometimes challenging jaunt in the refreshing isolation of a thick forest.

Heinrich Heine and Goethe are among Harz’s most famous hikers with the latter drawing on the region’s witch mythology for his classic work,  Faust . It’s a connection the region has embraced, celebrating Walpurgisnacht (the eve of May 1st) on the Brocken mountain where legend says witches celebrate the coming of spring. You can envelop yourself in the history and legends by hiking the Harzer-Hexen-Stieg––a 94-kilometer (58-mile) trail stretching from Osterode to Thale, reaching the top of the Brocken in the middle of the hike. You can read all about the five-day hike in my feature with DW Travel .

Landschaftspark | Duisburg

A number of cities along the German Rhine are closely associated with the country’s industrial past. Germany was not immune to the technological revolution of the late 20th Century that’s still going on to this day and a number of old plants shuttered their doors. Rather than let the old coal and steel production site rot over time, a man by the name of Peter Latz came up with a design that would turn the property into a public park unlike anything the area had seen before. Indeed, it’s unlike anything I had ever seen before. I couldn’t help but imagine what if other cities around the world took on a similar effort because Landschaftspark had clearly become a draw for Germans near and far. On a clear weekend afternoon, you’ll find hikers, cyclists, and even beer drinkers relaxing at one of the restaurants on the outskirts of the industrial site.

See more photos of Landschaftspark

Mittenwald | Bavaria

When people talk about traveling to the Bavarian mountains, they’re generally looking at Garmisch-Partenkirchen and working their way up the Zugspitze. That’s all well and good, but Garmisch-Partenkirchen has, over the years, become an exceptionally popular tourist destination, especially with Americans. When you travel to a foreign country, isn’t part of the point to be surrounded by people who actually live there? For that, you want to head to Mittenwald — just 100 minutes south on the train from Munich . (You even go through Garmisch-Partenkirchen if you feel so inclined to make a stop.)

In Mittenwald you’re enveloped in Bavarian culture — the homes painted with biblical figures, Weißwurst, and perhaps most importantly, the mountains with an absurd array of hiking trails at your disposal. You can take the Karwendelbahn (gondola) up to the Austrian border to hike around, wander around the Kranzberg ski area and work your way down to the neighboring Ferchen and Lauter lakes (lunch lakeside at Gasthaus Ferchensee), and take a jaunt alongside the rock cliff at the Geisterklamm where a hanging, man-made path escorts you over the Leutscher Valley in Austria. (Mittenwald is just a few kilometers from the Austrian border and you can easily hike across, so do take a moment to appreciate the border-free Europe of the 21st Century.)

Mittenwald’s true claim to fame, though, is its violins. Matthias Klotz brought the art to the region in 1685 and the practice has since flourished to the present. (You’ll notice signs throughout town to the workshops of various violin builders who’ve achieved “Geigenbaumeister” status.) The story most locals like to share is that Mozart played a violin with “Made in Mittenwald” etched into the body. Even today a Mittenwalder violin remains a prized possession, like the Gucci of musical instruments. If history is your thing, you can get more of it (in English) at the Geigenbaumuseum.

Schnitzel isn’t a Bavarian invention, but the best damn take on it I’ve had is at Mittenwald’s Gasthaus Römerschanz. Their Blaumantel Lieblingsschnitzel comes baked in a thick layer of cheese with blueberries on top. You might not think it a natural combination, but holy hell, it sure works. Keep it all local by washing down the meal with a Mittenwald beer either at Römerschanz or by heading across the street over to the brewery (I recommend the Jager Dunkel).

Mosel River | Burg Eltz, Beilstein, Ediger-Eller

The Mosel River itself isn’t off the beaten path. That’s made abundantly clear when you reach Cochem and see throngs of tourists––German and international alike––fighting their way through the crowds to take pictures of the storybook old town and walk up to the castle hovering above town. The region’s wine culture has also long been a draw for travelers.

That said, it’s easy to escape the crowds and find off the beaten path destinations along the river. After all, the Mosel River stretches over 100 kilometers (60 miles) from Koblenz to Trier within Germany. Overtourism is certainly a problem, but they’re not crowding up the entire length of the river.

The best time to travel to avoid crowds is late fall just as tourist season is coming to an end. (Note that bus schedules generally change with the start of November.). Moselkern, for example, was pleasantly quiet despite being a healthy hike away from the Instagram-favorite, Burg Eltz. Travel during the late fall and arrive early in the morning for some tourists-free shots of the fairytale castle.

From there, check out tiny Beilstein. I took the train from Moselkern to Cochem where I then boarded a ship for Beilstein. (You could also take a bus.) Beilstein is tiny. You can basically see it all within 30 minutes of walking, but damn if it isn’t an adorable little town. Here you can drink Mosel wine, enjoy the views from lesser-traveled Metternich Castle, and get your Kaffee und Kuchen (coffee and cake) fix at Klosterrestaurant & Cafe, a former cathedral converted into a cafe.

After Beilstein, I took the bus a short journey over to Ediger-Eller––a town recommended to me for its wine shops and taverns. And in that regard, it did not disappoint. Check out Weinprobierstube E. Andre and Gutshof Zenz if you want a couple of recommendations so you don’t have to research or think. But there’s plenty more in town and the surrounding area you can easily reach by foot.

Speaking of reaching things by foot, this entire area is connected by the Moselsteig. Twenty-four stages cover the region from Koblenz right to the German border with Luxembourg and France . In fact, hiking from Beilstein to Cochem (and taking the bus back) remains one of my favorite hikes in Germany––wandering through vineyards and forests with elevated views of the surrounding, gorgeous Mosel valley. You also hop on the Moselsteig when hiking from Moselkern to Burg Eltz.

Between the towns mentioned above and hopping on the Moselsteig, you’re bound to find plenty of off-the-beaten-path fun along the Mosel River.

Read more about traveling along the Mosel River .

Monschau — Eifel National Park

Germany has what’s referred to as “premium hiking trails.” These trails are all over the country and are multi-day hikes with plenty of holiday apartments and towns along the way to catch some Zs. The Eifelsteig is one such example with a stop at Stage 3 in Monschau near the Belgian border. I arrived into Monschau by way of the second stage of the Eifelsteig, starting in even smaller Roetgen and hiking the Eifelsteig in and out of Belgium some 17 kilometers to arrive in Monschau.

Trotting over the cobbled streets in between those colorful timber houses, my first thought was that I had never seen a city like this in Germany. Monschau quickly became my favorite small town escape in Europe. It has everything I look for. It’s walkable as a city and has fantastic access to hiking trails. You can hike the next stage of the Eifelsteig over to Einruhr, but if like me you find you’d rather spend more time in Monschau, there are a number of loops that take you from Monschau and into Eifel National Park and back into town. You can find all the hikes you’d possibly need at the city’s tourism website . I for one look forward to returning for the city’s classical music festival, Christmas market, and cycling in addition to more hiking.

Some other recommendations I can put out there include staying at Villadelux where you’re just outside of the town’s central plaza. Villadelux includes a number of apartment buildings, so if you’re lucky, you’ll get one across the street from the main building where you climb a few flights of stairs to get a nice view of the town right outside of your window. The owner also takes the reverse (yet still appreciated) approach to eating recommendations by telling you where not to go. There are a couple of places to avoid on the main square, but “everything else is good.” Indeed, I enjoyed everywhere I ate, including Alter Markt and Mon-Bistro. Get the Reibekuchen (potato pancakes) with smoked salmon at the latter.

See more photos of Monschau and Eifel National Park

Neanderthal Valley

Cycling fans might recognize this small valley outside of Düsseldorf from the 2017 Tour de France. Stage 2 took cyclists around the rolling valley and past the Neanderthal Museum before turning back toward Düsseldorf and out of the country. As the name of the region hints at, our Neanderthal ancestors used to roam around this region. While most scientists believe that our first ancestors came from Africa, it was near the site of the museum (some 160 years ago) that the first Neanderthal remains were found.

Now I’m not typically a museum guy (I feel like I’m exhausted as soon as I walk in), but the museum is worth a visit while you’re out there. Then you have a number of hiking trail options right across the street from the museum to take you around the region. Bring a map and you can easily connect these trails with nearby towns and hop on the train to head back wherever you started. Better yet, make like a cyclist in the Tour de France and do a loop around the region.

See more photos of the Neanderthal Valley

Neckarsteig and the Castle Road

Two things Germany does better than most any other country are castles, and hiking. Why not combine the two with a hike along the Neckarsteig and the Castle Road? The two are technically separate but they complement one another beautifully. You can give yourself a physical challenge and hike the Neckarsteig from castle-to-castle or roll from town-to-town by bike. You’ve also got trains running alongside the Neckar River, connecting the various towns of the region in just a few minutes between stops.

The Castle Road starts off in Mannheim and runs all the way out to Bayreuth in eastern Germany. I started off in Heidelberg because it’s also the first stage of the Neckarsteig and it’s where Mark Twain stays for a few months in  A Tramp Abroad . Now, Heidelberg itself is not off the beaten path with its university roots. You’ll hear plenty of English — American English, even — on the streets as well as Spanish and a dash of French. Still, it serves as an ideal gateway into the Neckarsteig and the Castle Road in the German state of Baden-Württemberg.

After starting off with a detour along the Philosophensweg, I picked up the Neckarsteig trailhead alongside the gardens of Heidelberg Castle. If you’re traveling for castles, you won’t want to miss this mix of ruins and refurbished grandeur. But again, you’re going to be surrounded by tourists from all over the world. They open up at 8 a.m. most days, so go early before the crowds come in. Then, you can start hiking toward Neckargemünd, which itself starts off with a challenging, steep hike straight up a kilometer-long set of stone steps that cut through the forest up to the Königstuhl viewpoint.

Like the Rheinsteig , each stage begins in a town on the river and starts with a fairly significant incline into the woods. This was the case in the following stages from Neckargemäund to Neckarsteinach and Neckarsteinach to Hirschhorn. The first two proved ultimately shorted and more challenging than the longer, easier third stage. You can read more about the stages at the trail’s official site (in German) and the corresponding castles at the Burgenstrasse website (in English) . Ultimately I found that the Rheinsteig has more tourism infrastructure, namely cafes and restaurants along the trail, whereas the Neckarsteig is lesser-traveled and offers a bit more solitude.

Oberstdorf (Allgäu)

Oberstdorf is about as far south in Germany as you can get without it being Austria. This means you get the benefit of looking up at (and hiking among) the German Alps.

I first came here one summer after running a trail race in Sonthofen , a couple of train stops north of Oberstdorf. The scenery is fantastic. That means you’ll have to book early if you want to come here. Hotels fill up and there’s a reason it’s got the nickname “Teuersdorf” or “Expensive village.” You might think about finding someplace just outside of town, like I did, a short bus ride away.

Quedlinburg

Almost any American’s favorite thing about Europe is the opportunity to find villages older than the country they came from. Quedlinburg is one of those villages and quite possibly the most beautiful one I’ve seen in Germany.

I’m lucky enough to have visited twice; once after finishing my hike across the Harz Mountains and a second time one spring for some trail running. Suffice it to say, Quedlinburg does not disappoint if you’re looking for a mix of Medieval village vibes with access to nature.

Read more about things to do in Quedlinburg .

Since we started on the premium trails, we’ll keep going with a shout out for the Rheinsteig. I still have plenty of premium trail hiking to do in the Deutschland, but few multi-day hikes hold a candle to the Rheinsteig. The Rheinsteig stretches over 300 kilometers between Wiesbaden and Bonn, and as of this writing, I’ve done just 5 of the 21 stages. Whereas the Eifelsteig goes through a national park, the Rheinsteig trail goes up and down from town to town along the Rhine river. Almost every stage starts with a steep incline out of town and ends with a decline into your next overnight stop. This means plenty of great, elevated views of the towns along the river as you hike the trail.

In my admittedly limited experience, I can recommend staying in Königswinter where you have the Drachenburg ( Dragon Castle !) hovering over you in the hills of Siebengebirge. Kaub with a hotel stay at Hotel Zum Turm before heading to the twin towns of St. Goarhausen and St. Goar also worked out quite nicely.

There are some towns along the trail that have a bit less going on, but you can get a sense of that during your hotel search and/or by consulting with the Rheinsteig tourist board . Fancying something a bit, well, fancier? There’s a Steigenberger property (a renowned German hotel chain) on Petersberg along the trail. If you’re coming from the south, as I did, there are local trails that allow you to skip the descent into Königswinter and continue onward to Petersberg.

Note that both the Rheinsteig and Eifelsteig are in the German state of Nordrhein-Westfalen, so it’s possible to fit either one into a trip through Western Germany that might have you flying in and out of Frankfurt.

See more photos of the Rheinsteig

Saxon Switzerland National Park

Saxon Switzerland National Park is hardly off the beaten path for German travelers but it’s always something of a surprise for overseas travelers and other non-Germans living in the country. From Berlin, you can get a direct connection to Bad Schandau right on the Elbe River and be in between the ever-popular Bastei Bridge (pictured above) and the thick of Saxony Switzerland National Park.

What’s most surprising is the dramatic landscape. I always describe it as something of a mix of Utah’s Martian landscape and the greenery of the Pacific Northwest. It’s incredible to me just how close this is to pancake-flat Berlin.

I’ve visited the region on three separate occasions, twice staying in Bad Schandau and most recently in Stadt Wehlen. The first time I did some trail running and hiking around the park, including a long run that ended in Schmilka right on the Czech border. If you like beer, do check out Bio-Braumanufaktur. They also have a vegetarian lasagne that just nails the spot after a long day in the forest.

It’s a cliché expression, but there really is no shortage of trails in Saxony Switzerland National Park. If you’re looking to follow something well-marked, then check out the Malerweg (Painter’s Trail). When I did my long run through the park to Schmilka, I was following two stages of the Malerweg.

Schmalkalden

Schmalkalden is half-timbered town wedged into central Germany. They call it the Fachwerkhäuserstadt (half-timbered town) for good reason. I mean, look at it. This is what you expect to see when you visit a medieval German city. The view from Wilhelmsburg Castle says it all.

But there’s more to Schmalkalden than just a pretty postcard view. You can eat well at Restaurant Grünes Tor Zum Hopfengarten (which doubles as a hotel) and get a tasty Kaffee und Kuchen (coffee and cake) at Cafe Liebaug next door after spending a day in the woods. Speaking of the woods, Schmalkalden is also enveloped by the Thüringer Wald (forest) with plenty of hiking trails to meander around on. In the video above, you can see some of the trails I hiked and ran north of Schmalkalden and along the fourth stage of the Lutherweg.

Triberg | Eastern Black Forest

Triberg is a Black Forest village wedged firmly into the eastern edge of the region. The Triberg Waterfalls are the main attraction here with paved trails connecting walkers to Germany’s highest waterfalls right from the town center, but it’s also a connecting point for hiking trails, like the long-distance Wasserweltensteig. (That’s “Water World Trail.”)

On my visit, I used it as a base for running up to Mount Kandel ––the second largest in the region. But the town itself served as a relaxing, quiet getaway. Though you best like German food if you’re heading to Triberg. There’s not a ton of options in town beyond traditional German eats, which are good (like at Landgasthof Zur Lilie) but heavy at the same time. It seems Triberg may have seen better times when you walk north back toward the train station with storefronts sitting empty. But there is a large grocery store in town, so if you’re staying at an apartment with a kitchen and you’re looking for some fresh air, Triberg is a great place to kick back for a few days and hit the trails.

I won’t pretend that I knew what or where Usedom was when my friend and food writer, Christie Dietz at A Sausage Has Two , first told me about it, but this island in the Baltic Sea shared with Poland is as popular of a beach travel spot for Germans in the summer as any. But my having been or your lack of knowledge about Usedom isn’t reason enough to go. You go for the Strandkorbs (distinctly German beach seating), seafood, and coastal hiking.

Standing over the Ahlbeck coastline, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’re looking out onto an ocean’s horizon with the soft, white sand dusted immaculately as far as you can see. You can hike, paddle in the water, but most importantly, you can eat some of the best fresh fish in Europe. Make a special point to stop by Uwe’s Fischerhütte whose crew was kind enough to let us tag along with their 4 a.m. haul. (Uwe is one of the last of the Strandfischerei (beach fishery) tradition. Stay tuned for a short video featuring Uwe’s story and watch as fish turns to food.)

For more on where to eat in Usedom, check out Christie’s story here , and read more about one of the last beach fishermen in Usedom (video above) here .

My visit was provided by Usedom.de . As always, all opinions are my own.

Transportation in Germany

Germans like to complain about public transportation and that time the Deutsche Bahn (the primary national train service) was late, but the fact of the matter is that Germany has some of the best public transportation in the world. A British expatriate told me in Eisenach that it’s in the German constitution that everyone has access to public transportation. After traveling extensively around the country, I believe it. On the whole, trains are fast and punctual. The long-distance, high-speed ICE trains can be pricey if you wait until the last minute. If you know your plans well in advance, search the “ Sparpreis ” options at Deutsche Bahn’s website. I bought a ticket for as low as €20 from Düsseldorf to Munich planning several months in advance. There are also a number of passes you can sign up for to cover group and tourist travel.

My other suggestion? Go cycling. Eurovelo routes spread across Germany, most cities have some form of bike share, and it’s quite simply one of the safest countries to cycle in. It’s far from perfect — any place in the world with cars is — but drivers on average are much more accustomed to cyclists on the road and are more respectful of their presence. Given the time, you’d be smart to plan a multi-day bike trip across a section of the country.

Do brush up (or start working on) your German language skills if you plan on going outside of the major cities. Germans are just as complicit as North Americans in perpetrating this myth that you don’t need to speak German when you travel in Germany. You don’t need to be able to speak German in the sense that you don’t necessarily need to speak Arabic to get around in Jordan , but it will both enhance your trip and make it more enjoyable.

English will be easy in the likes of Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg, but if you decide to go on a long multi-day hike along something like the Rheinsteig — which you absolutely should — you might come across a hotel that doesn’t speak English. You’ll almost certainly find menus without an English translation, so even being able to recognize some foods will be helpful and make the language barrier less frustrating to deal with. Obviously, you’re not going to gain fluency before heading over to Germany, so I do recommend downloading the Dictionary app , which has just about every German phrase I’ve ever had to look up.

Language aside, I do have a few reading recommendations. Beer fans will enjoy Horst Dornbusch’s Prost! The Story of German Beer  and history buffs can take on the massive, but incredibly interesting,  Germany: Memories of a Nation by Neil MacGregor. For a more travelogue-esque take on the country, I’m currently working my way through Simon Winder’s  Germania: In Wayward Pursuit of the Germans and Their History , which still operates as a historic and cultural look on Germany as well.

When it comes to cinema, I can’t recommend enough  Er Ist Wieder Da or  He’s Back! This film is based on a satirical novel of the same time and imagines what if Hitler reappeared in modern European society. It’s a mixture of scripted satire and documentary as Hitler interacts with real Germans. The film very much walks the line of “this is okay” and “this is definitely not okay,” quite possibly crossing it for many viewers.

Tschick is another film I’d recommend that has absolutely nothing to do with World War II and the Nazis. It’s essentially a German take on the “often told coming-of-age story,” but it’s done quite well.

Last but not least, music. Truthfully, I need to dive deeper into this myself, but I’m thinking of two bands/artists off the top of my head — Silbermond and Anna Depenbusch . Silbermond will delight any lover of 90s rock whereas Anna Depenbusch has this charming, occasionally jazzy vibe that I just can’t get enough of. Listen to “Kopf Frei” off her latest album, “Das Alphabet der Anna Depenbusch” and get ready to feel the compulsive urge to whimsically spring about whatever room you’re in.

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Best Things To Do In Germany

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Are you looking for inspiration for your travel to Germany ? Germany has a lot to offer to visitors. History buffs will enjoy guided tours in Berlin and Dresden. Children (and those at heart) will marvel at Schloss Neuschwanstein. Scenery lovers will appreciate Rothenburg and the Black Forest. Here is our list of the best things to do in Germany.

1. Take a tour to Schloss Neuschwanstein

2. visit pinakothek der moderne, munich, 3. visiting a spa - one of the things to do in germany for total relaxation, 4. go long-distance cycling, 5. go kitschy on christmas markets, 6. travel along the romantic rhine valley, 7. lift a maß at the octoberfest, munich, 8. explore ostalgie, 9. explore the zwinger, dresden, 10. take a road trip to fairytale villages and medieval towns, 11. visit one of the many unesco world heritage sites, 12. visit cologne, 13. have a wurst or two, 14. go clubbing in a variety of german clubs, 15. take a tour of ruhr’s industrial heritage trail, 16. explore bavarian baroque, 17. marvel at the chalk view of rügen’s cliffs, 18. taste german wine, 19. go skiing in garmisch-partenkirchen.

• 20. Visit Aachen's cathedral

21. Celebrate Christopher Street Day

22. take a trip to the north sea islands, 23. hike in the allgäu, bavaria, 24. head to the flower island of lake constance, 25. immerse yourself in history at the berlin wall, 26. visit rothenburg ob der tauber, 27. take a tour to the black forest, 28. visit berchtesgaden national park, 29. marvel at the brandenburg gate, 30. take a walk through sanssouci park, 31. stay in the old town of nuremberg, 32. visit heidelberg castle.

The information in this article is inspired by The Rough Guide to Germany , your essential guide for visiting Germany .

Travel ideas for Germany, created by local experts

A self drive exploration of UNESCO Sites in Southern Germany

Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites across different German states. This self drive trip allows you to design your own days with recommendations stated for each day.

Explore Berlin and Potsdam in depth

The German capital Berlin has plenty to offer: from historical sites to world-class museums and a vibrant nightlife. Enjoy this private tour to explore a wide range of activities in Berlin and Potsdam, including several UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Explore Northern Germany on Your Own

From Bremen to Stralsund - Northern Germany offers plenty of gems to explore. With well-developed public transportation links, this itinerary is suited for everyone wanting to explore on their own - getting lost on the cobble-stoned streets of many UNESCO World Heritage Highlights.

Capitals of Europe - Berlin, Prague, Vienna and more

This trip is ideal for all city & culture lovers: the Reichstag in Berlin, the castle in Prague, historical Cesky Krumlov, St Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna, the fortress above Salzburg and Schloss Neuschwanstein near Munich - these are just some of the highlights of this incredible roundup trip.

Castles across Austria and Czechia

Austria and Czechia are home to some of the world's most beautiful architecture and culture gems, such as Schloss Schönbrunn in Vienna, Prague castle, the fortress above Salzburg and many more. Finish your tour with a visit to Schloss Neuschwanstein before flying out of Munich.

Best of Germany

Germany has a lot to offer to visitors: history buffs will enjoy guided tours in Berlin and Dresden, children (and those at heart) will marvel at Schloss Neuschwanstein, scenery lovers will appreciate Rothenburg and the Black Forest. This trip truly has something for everybody!

Mad King Ludwig’s maddest creation combines Wagnerian inspiration with a superbly dramatic alpine site to create a romantic fantasy from the age of chivalry. This makes Schloss Neuschwanstein is the ultimate fairy-tale castle. In general, there is no shortage of castles and palaces in Germany - each with its own style, so you can be sure to find one that will amaze you.

Set deep among the Ammergebirge Alps to the east of Neuschwanstein, Schloss Linderhof is perhaps the most appealing of Ludwig’s creations, an elegant white villa standing on the mountainside among lovely terraced gardens.

Discover the splendid castles of Ludwig II, King of Bavaria. Visit fairytale Neuschwanstein, intimate Linderhof and scenic Hohenschwangau, before travelling through the little town of Oberammergau on the Neuschwanstein & Linderhof Castle Full-Day Trip .

Neuschwanstein against the backdrop of the alps - a must see place in Germany © Samet Guler/Shutterstock

This iconic white building of this museum in Munich is a temple to modernism, from the classics of modern art to masterpieces of furniture and automotive design. Visiting this place is sure among the things to do in Germany if you are interested in modern art.

The Pinakothek der Moderne contains four galleries. The Bavarian State Gallery of Modern Art has a superb collection of 20th- and 21st-century work, ranging from German Expressionism and European Surrealism to American Abstract Expressionism and Pop Art. A whole room is devoted to Picasso.

The Neue Sammlung presents what is claimed to be one of the most comprehensive collections of design objects anywhere, ranging from car design to computers. The Graphische Sammlung has more than 400,000 drawings and prints.

• Best for boutique stays: Boutique Hotel Germania . Located in Munich and with Karlsplatz (Stachus) reachable within 800 metres, Boutique Hotel Germania provides a bar, allergy-free rooms, free WiFi throughout the property and a casino. The property is close to several well-known attractions, less than 1 km from Asamkirche, a 16-minute walk from Marienplatz and 1.1 km from Lenbachhaus.
• Best for the central location: Eden Hotel Wolff . Directly beside Munich Central Station, this stylish hotel offers a traditional Bavarian restaurant and a fitness area with a rooftop terrace. The Marienplatz Square is 3 minutes away by S-Bahn train.

Going to Munich? Don't miss the chance to choose the best places to stay in the city .

Art installation in Pinakothek der Moderne © Gudjon E. Olafsson/Shutterstock

Spa culture has a long standing history in Germany (as well as FKK (Freie Körper Kultur, aka skinny-dipping). Soak, sweat and rejuvenate in one of the many saunas and spas in Germany. You will find one in every city, some of them with amazing design.

Baden-Baden is the queen of all spa towns. Set in a lovely wooded valley, the town’s springs were discovered by the Romans, and one of the spas – with state-of-the-art buildings and facilities – is named after the Emperor Caracalla who spent time here.

Where to stay in Baden-Baden:

• Best for spa: Leonardo Royal Hotel . Offering a spacious spa with indoor pool, a restaurant, a bar and a garden with terrace, this non-smoking, the hotel in Baden is just 200 m from the famous Lichtentaler Allee avenue. WiFi is provided free of charge in all areas.
• Best for luxury: Maison Messmer . Located directly beside the Kurpark Baden-Baden, this 5-star non-smoking hotel offers exclusive spa facilities, 2 restaurants, and elegant rooms with balcony or terrace.

Find more accommodation options to stay in Baden-Baden

German spa facility © lanaid12/Shutterstock

Germany has a large and well-signposted network of footpaths, particularly well developed in the mountains and nature parks. Cyclists are also well catered for, both in towns and in rural areas, and it is easy to find bikes for hire.

Long-distance routes for walkers and cyclists criss-cross the country; among the most popular cycling routes are those along the Rhine, Mosel and Altmühl, while the Rennsteig ridgeline path in the Thuringian Forest is justly famous. In-line skating has risen dramatically in popularity and provision is steadily increasing; for instance, a 100km (60-mile) route crosses the Fläming area south of Berlin.

This tailor-made trip to the Best of Germany truly has something for everybody!

Cycling through the picturesque German nature parks is one of the best things to do in Germany © nnattalli/Shutterstock

Related articles from the blog

Christmas cheer the way it’s been for centuries - gingerbread, mulled spicy wine, hearty food and locally crafted Christmas presents and decorations. Most German cities have a Christmas market starting in December. Among the most famous ones is the Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg . Or is Saxony home to the best German Christmas markets?

Christmas markets, such as the ones in Nuremberg and Dresden, are full of atmosphere as well as good places for presents. Museum shops are well-stocked, often with original items unobtainable elsewhere. Consider adding visiting Christmas markets to your list of things to do in Germany if you are planning your winter holidays here.

Get into the spirit of the season with this app-based walking adventure in Dresden . Explore the Christmas markets and the city centre as you solve challenges, puzzles, and Christmas-themed tasks.

Visiting one of the many Christmas markets in December is high on the list of things to do in Germany © S.Borisov / Shutterstock

Rhine-side castles and vineyards along the romantic Rhine passage show a picture-postcard side of Germany.

Rhine has synonymous with the smart white pleasure steamer, the robber baron’s crag-top castle, and the vineyard clinging to a precipitous slope. The general revelry filling the cobbled streets and wine taverns of one pretty wine village after the other makes its contribution too.

The most glamorous stretch of the Rhine begins just upstream from Bonn, where the rounded hills of the Siebengebirge (Seven Mountains) include the Drachenfels (Dragon Rock) where heroic Siegfried is said to have slain his fire-breathing adversary.

Visit the UNESCO world heritage site of the Rhine Valley, its vineyards, and picturesque little towns and villages. You'll taste the local wines on site, see the mighty mediaeval castles – and maybe even the "Lorelei", the legendary maiden of the Rhine with this Rhine Valley Day Trip .

The stunning view of the Rhine Valley © Kanuman/Shutterstock

The world’s biggest excuse for a beer – and it comes in big measures, too. Bring your lederhosen and Dirndl to drink a "Maß" or two at the Octoberfest. Oktoberfest is a 2-week festival held in Munich/Germany. The first weekend of October is traditionally the last weekend of the festival, so plan accordingly.

In general, German beer comes in a great variety - if you are not sure which one might fit your taste check out this overview of German beer . But what is certain is that tasting German beer is one of the best things to do in Germany.

Our tailor-made trip to Octoberfest in Germany and beer culture in Austria & Czechia will give you some more insights into European beer culture.

The Rough Guides to Germany and related travel guides

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

Having a beer is of the best things to do in Germany © Shutterstock

Explore the variety and flavours of original Düsseldorf Altbier and become an expert. Visit all 5 microbreweries in this historical city and taste the beers on offer on this exciting walking tour .

In the years following the fall of the Wall, a sense of Ostalgie – nostalgia for the East (or rather Nostalgie for the Osten) – began to emerge in certain quarters of the old East Germany.

The sentiment originated with those for whom memories of the collapsed country remained vivid, though this nostalgia for the iconography of communist East Germany also proved immensely popular with visitors, spawning a mini-industry in Berlin which still shows no sign of abating.

In Berlin , you can take a city tour by Trabbi car, or visit the GDR museum to get a taste of live in separate Germany, behind the iron curtain. You can also dine on East German fare like Eisbein (pickled ham hock) and schnitzel in this GDRthemed restaurant.

Explore Ostalgie © Shutterstock

The most extravagant alfresco ballroom Germany ever built is found at the Zwinger in Dresden .

The Zwinger, perhaps the most stunning group of baroque buildings in Germany. Arranged around a spacious courtyard with lawns, pools and fountains, the Zwinger was built from 1709 onwards by Augustus’s architect Pöppelmann to house the spendthrift monarch’s collections and to be an appropriate setting for ostentatious pageants and festivities.

The collections include the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister (Old Masters’ Gallery), which houses some of the world’s finest paintings including Raphael’s emblematic Sistine Madonna; the fabulous Porzellansammlung (Porcelain Collection) and the rüstkammer (Armoury).

Where to stay in Dresden:

• Best for location: INNSiDE by Meliá . Centrally located in Dresden’s historic Old Town, this design hotel offers the 6th-floor Sky-Bar with views of the Frauenkirche Church. The Innside by Meliá Dresden offers a free spa and stylish, contemporary-style rooms.
• Best for comfort: Bilderberg Bellevue Hotel . The Bilderberg Bellevue Hotel Dresden amid beautiful gardens on the banks of the River Elbe, directly across the beautiful Augustus Bridge from Dresden's Baroque district. It has a 120 m² pool and a fitness room.

Find more accommodation options to stay in Dresden

Explore the historic city of Dresden and enjoy a guided tour of the Semperoper . Visit Frauenkirche, the Procession of Princes, Dresden Castle, and the Zwinger. Learn more about the city's history. Or embark on an exploration tailor-made tour through Saxony starting in ­Dresden . A 5-day “taster journey” combines cultural highlights and romantic spots in and around the state capital and make your way to Leipzig. The ideal tour for a perfect "first impression".

The Zwinger Palace in Dresden is one of the top places to visit in Germany © Georgios Tsichlis/Shutterstock

Take a Disney-like Bavarian road-trip on the romantic road, where the steep roofs and ancient towers are real. There is an abundance of historic town centres , like these pretty romantic German towns . So even if you are not in the south of Germany you are likely to find one close by.

Beautiful Bamberg – located in northern Bavaria – is one of the largest and best-preserved medieval towns in Germany. It is an incredibly scenic place, from its original layout complete with city walls to its individual religious and civic buildings. In its heyday, from the 12th century onwards, it served as an example for towns across northern Germany and Hungary.

Immerse yourself in the exciting history of beer and discover the art of brewing in Bamberg on a guided tour . Learn more about the importance of beer over the centuries, explore the interesting sights in the town, and sample beer in the Ambräusianum.

Timber-framed houses in Quedlinburg old town - one of the many historic towns to visit in Germany - istock

Currently listed are a whopping 46 UNESCO world heritage sites in Germany - covering a diverse range from architecture , intellectual achievements or significant history , nature , landscape and parks to some highly original and unusual places.

While you are travelling in Germany, exploring the culture and history of the country is among the best things to do in Germany so be sure to visit some of the local heritage sites. To make it easier for you to fit them into your Germany trip, we have compiled a Rough Guide to World Heritage Germany with background information and practical tips. You can download it here for free .

Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites across different German states. This self drive tailor-made trip allows you to design your own days with recommendations stated for each day.

Bumberg, Germany © Shutterstock

Cologne is an easy-going, liberal, cosmopolitan metropolis with two thousand years of art and history, a world-famous cathedral and a cozy beerhall culture - plus the famous Cologne Carnival festivities. It is also one of the most beloved tourist destinations of Germans within Germany - and by some deemed as the coolest city in Germany .

A great city in Roman times, and, in the Middle Ages, Germany’s largest, Köln (Cologne) is dominated by its glorious twin-towered cathedral, one of the supreme achievements of Gothic architecture. It’s a lively, humorous, rather disrespectful place, best experienced – for those with stamina – during the merrymaking of Karneval time.

The historic core of Cologne is large, bounded by the semicircular boulevard of the Ring running along the line of the old city walls, but the epicentre of city life is in the busy squares around the cathedral and the main railway station.

Where to stay in Cologne:

• Best for budget: Hotel Uhu Garni . This 3-star Superior hotel lies directly opposite Cologne Dellbrück Train Station, a 15-minute journey from central Cologne and Cologne Exhibition Centre. It offers modern rooms, a 24-hour reception, and on-site parking.
• Best for quirky boutique stay: Ruby Ella Hotel . Set in Cologne and within less than 1 km of National Socialism Documentation Centre, Ruby Ella Hotel Cologne has a bar, allergy-free rooms, and free WiFi throughout the property. The property is close to several well-known attractions, 1.2 km from Theater am Dom, 1.6 km from Cologne Central Station and 1.7 km from Museum Ludwig.

Find more accommodation options to stay in Cologne

Glide down the Rhine River and see Cologne’s most spectacular landmarks on a winter boat cruise with live music and your choice of mulled wine, coffee, or hot chocolate.

Cologne panoramic view © yotily/Shutterstock

Germany is famous for its sausages, and they come in over 1.500 varieties - from pale, lemony Weisswurst to Currywurst with ketchup and curry powder.

The German term Imbiss was originally coined for little food stalls at medieval markets, and Berliners are certainly past masters in serving inexpensive food for eating on the hoof. The city’s immigrant population has built on the tradition, adapting recipes to produce quick portable meals.

The simple sausage has traditionally been the most popular Imbiss item and in Berlin it’s been transformed into the local speciality Currywurst – a chubby smoked pork sausage smothered in curried ketchup – often served with French fries (pommes frites).

Add tasting currywurst to your list of things to do in Germany © KarepaStock/Shutterstock

Electronic dance music rules in Germany, but there’s plenty of room for quirkier sounds too.

High culture prospers in Germany, not least because of generous subsidies; cities compete with one another in terms of cultural offerings, a situation which has resulted in the country having well over 100 opera houses.

But popular culture and entertainment is vibrant as well; committed ravers will find their needs satisfied, particularly in the big cities and above all in Berlin, where clubs and other venues cater for every taste.

Clubs and discos abound, some of the best in university cities, where there may be a popular student gathering place like the Moritzbastei in Leipzig. Sharp and witty cabaret is a German speciality.

Clubbing is among the essential things to do in Germany, especially in Berlin © Shutterstock

The Ruhr’s reinvented industrial heritage offers some of Europe’s most original travel experiences. If you are a fan of industrial heritage , you. will find many great places in Germany to visit.

Covering some 5,000 sq km (1,800 sq miles), the vast conurbation of the Ruhrgebiet (Ruhr Area) has lost most of the coal mines and steelworks which made it the industrial powerhouse of Germany, but has valiantly attempted to turn its industrial heritage into visitor attractions.

But the Ruhr offers much more. Far from being just a sprawling collection of industrial suburbs, it’s a constellation of real cities and lesser towns, all proud of their identity and many with cultural institutions – theatres, opera houses, galleries – of the first order. Essen is a cathedral city, and the Schatzkammer is full of fabulous treasures.

The industrial Ruhr © Shutterstock

Bavaria’s heavenly church interiors pair élan with excess. One famous example is the Wieskirche - one of the many spiritual UNESCO world heritage sites in Germany .

All the images that foreigners think most typically Bavarian accumulate in profusion in the region south of Munich, where “Mad” King Ludwig’s palaces preside over dramatically scenic alpine settings. Here, onion-domed church towers rise above brilliant green meadows, impossibly blue lakes fringe dark forests and the sparkling snow-capped peaks of the Bavarian Alps define the southern horizon.

Benedictine-Abbey-Ottobeuren-Germany © footageclips/Shutterstock

Edged by white cliffs, Germany’s largest island remains a gentle, pastoral place where it’s easy to escape the crowds.

Rügen, which is reached from Stralsund, is Germany’s largest island, with a wealth of things to visit, among them the Nationalpark Jasmund, with its gorgeous forests of beech and the sparkling white chalk cliffs immortalised in a painting by the early 19th-century artist Caspar David Friedrich.

Uncover a true gem of North Germany and explore Hiddensee island. Travel by ferry from Schaprode and be amazed by the island's natural beauty and Viking heritage on the Rügen: Daytrip to Hiddensee Island and Cruise .

Rügen’s Cliffs © dugdax/Shutterstock

High local demand means that many German tipples barely leave the valleys where they are grown. Go for a wine-tasting and a walk through the wine yards at the Deutsche Weinstraße and you'll see why it's considered one of the things to do in Germany.

Established in 1935 as a way to boost local wine sales, the 85km-long Deutsche Weinstrasse meanders almost due north from the French border at Schweigen-Rechtenbach, connecting picturesque wine-growing villages that dot wooded hills of the Pfälzer Wald and the broad, flat Rhine valley.

Not surprisingly, wine is the main attraction; much of it dry, white and made with Riesling grapes, though reds made with Pinot Noir are increasingly attracting praise.

Alongside the lively and attractive “capital”, Neustadt an der Weinstrasse, the neat spa town of Bad Dürkheim is the main urban focus, though the region’s real charm is in its villages: alongside viticulture, a refined culinary scene has emerged in places like Deidesheim and the little walled town of Freinsheim.

Wineyard in Germany © trabantos/Shutterstock

Find out how Germans like their wine on an exclusive tasting with a Local Wine Expert . Visit 2 cozy wine bars in Frankfurt and taste 4-5 German wines. Extended option: try traditional wine appetizers.

Soak up the views from high-altitude pistes, or brave the fearsome Kandahar World Cup Run in Garmisch-Partenkirchen .

Germany’s glamorous winter sports centre at the foot of the country’s highest peak, the Zugspitze (2,962m/9,718ft), is also much in vogue for summer holidays, with endless opportunities for walkers and climbers in the glorious country all around.

Partenkirchen is the older of the two merged towns, its main street lined with colourfully painted houses. Garmisch has a picturesque old quarter too, but its centre is more characterised by sophisticated shops and boutiques.

It’s also easy to ascend the Zugspitze, by cable car or rack railway. A clear day attracts a capacity crowd to gaze in awe at the amazing views over much of the Alps as far as 200km (125 miles) away.

Where to stay in Garmisch-Partenkirchen:

• Best for winter-sports: Hotel Rheinischer Hof : This family-run hotel lies in the world-famous winter sports resort of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Hotel Rheinischer Hof offers free Wi-Fi, Alpine views and a spa.
• Best for views: Riessersee Hotel . Offering a scenic location beside Lake Riessersee, a spa area, and elegant rooms with balcony or terrace, this hotel in Garmisch-Partenkirchen enjoys great views of the Alpspitze and Waxensteine. Free WiFi is provided throughout the property.

Find more accommodation options to stay in Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Ski slope in Garmisch-Partenkirchen © Shutterstock

20. Visit Aachen's cathedral

Aachen’s ancient cathedral is a taste of Byzantium in the heart of the city.

The Aachener dom incorporates one of the great monuments of early medieval Europe, the wondrous octagonal chapel built by the emperor and consecrated in 805. Using bronze, stone and marble taken from Roman remains, and graced with a superb 12thcentury chandelier, it is still a breathtaking space.

The Gothic chancel added later contains Charlemagne’s gilded shrine, and also on view is the simple marble-and-wood throne used by emperors during their coronation ceremony. The cathedral treasury is one of the most richly endowed in Europe.

Where to stay in Aachen:

• Best for families: Art Hotel Superior . This 4-star Superior hotel is set near a forest in the Burtscheid district of Aachen. It offers quiet and elegant rooms, a spa, and a restaurant serving Mediterranean and regional specialities.
• Best for B&B: B&B Hotel Aachen-City . Set within 700 m of Eurogress Aachen and 350 m of Historical Town Hall Aachen, B&B Hotel Aachen-City offers rooms with air conditioning and a private bathroom in Aachen. The property is around 1 km from Theatre Aachen, 450 m from Aachen Cathedral and 2.5 km from Aachener Soers Equitation Stadium.

Find more accommodation options to stay in Aachen

Aachen's cathedral © skyfish/Shutterstock

Berlin ’s and Cologne ’s massive lesbian and gay communities know how to throw a party. Check the dates in June to join them for their celebration of life. Berlin’s Christopher Street Day – otherwise known as Berlin Pride – is a gay pride parade and festival, usually in June, that was originally held as a tribute to the 1969 Stonewall Riots in New York.

An annual fixture since 1979 – and with a different LGBT theme each year – the march traditionally draws around 700,000 people for the main parade. Known as the CSD Demo, the parade starts on Ku’damm and winds its way to the Brandenburger Tor for the final rally (CSD Finale).

The parade usually anchors a series of events and parties around it (some on the same evening).

While in Berln consider staying in the Propeller Island City Lodge which is truly one of the weirdest hotels in the world . Or find your best accommodation option in Berlin with our guide to the best places to stay in Berlin .

Christopher Street Day in Berlin © tzuky333/Shutterstock

Idle in escapist Strandkörbe seats or skim across the sea on a kite-surf in one of the many small sea resorts on the North Sea . Particularly in the North Frisian islands.

For centuries these storm-battered, separate worlds eked out a living from farming and fishing, their thatched villages hunkered down behind sand dunes in defence against waves that occasionally washed away whole communities.

Tourism replaced agriculture as the premier source of income decades ago, yet even on Sylt the scenery is overwhelmingly bucolic-seaside. There are the same dune seas of marrum grass and vast skies that captivated artists in the early 1900s; the same thatched villages, even if many house boutiques and restaurants rather than fisherfolk.

This may be Germany’s coastal playground, but it is more Martha’s Vineyard than St Tropez. Sylt is the most popular and developed of the islands, centred on thr main town Westerland. Föhr and especially Amrum are peaceful rural islands of homespun charm.

Northern islands shore © Thorsten Schier/Shutterstock

Enjoy the alpine scenery, clean air and moderate to challenging hikes in Bavaria’s beautiful south .

Füssen os in a beautiful setting on the River Lech. The town is dominated by its Late-Gothic Schloss Neuschwanstein and by the impressive buildings of the former Benedictine abbey of St Mang.

No mere tourist spot, Füssen is also a garrison town, home to a couple of battalions of the German army’s mountain troops. With a direct rail connection from Munich, moreover, it’s the most practical base from which to explore the sights of the eastern Allgäu.

It likewise makes an ideal base for hikers and cyclists, with an extensive network of walking and bike trails fanning out into the surrounding district, including some that cross the border into Austria.

If you are travelling in the south, put hiking on your list of things to do in Germany

The most spectacular peaks are those of the Bavarian Alps, but mountains and upland massifs cover much of the country, where there are endless opportunities for hiking. Lakes abound, the largest, Lake Constance, is a veritable inland sea shared with Austria and Switzerland.

Attractive small towns abound, too, none prettier than the medieval university city of Tübingen, where students punt along the river. With its medieval walls and towers intact, rottweil is also worth a detour.

But most visitors passing this way are heading south to the Bodensee (Lake Constance), the great body of water shared with Austria and Switzerland and bounded to the south by the Alps. Fed by the Rhine, the lake enjoys a balmy climate and, lined with orchards and vineyards as well as fascinating towns and villages, is an ideal holiday destination.

Insel Mainau Bodensee, Germany © AdobeStock

Visiting the only remaining completely preserved section of the Wall forms part of a memorial to all the suffering caused by Berlin’s division is one of the things to do in Germany.

A short walk north of S-Bahn Nordhof is the first of several buildings dedicated to the Gedenkstätte Berliner Mauer (Berlin Wall Memorial), the most moving of the city’s Wall memorials and the only one where it’s still possible to gain a true sense of how it divided the city.

Over the years, the facades of these buildings were cemented up and incorporated into the partition itself, until they were knocked down and replaced by the Wall proper in 1979.

A visit to the Berlin Wall is one of the free activities in German capital. Find even more free things to do in Berlin on our list.

Where to stay in Berlin:

• Best for budget: Schulz Hotel . This hotel is located directly next the East Side Gallery in the cool Friedrichshain district of Berlin. Newly opened in August 2018, the hotel features free WiFi and a beer garden directly at the Berlin Wall.
• Best for stylish stays: Meliá Berlin . Offering an exclusive Executive club and spacious rooms, this stylish hotel stands beside the River Spree on Berlin’s Friedrichstraße shopping street. Free and unlimited high-speed WiFi is featured throughout the property.

Find more accommodation options to stay in Berlin

Berlin Wall East Side Gallery Berlin Germany © TK Kurikawa/Shutterstock

Würzburg is the starting point of the Romantic Road (Romantische Strasse). This path is a signposted holiday route which leads southwards through tranquil countryside and a succession of historic towns to the foot of the Alps. The one essential stop along the way is Rothenburg ob der Tauber, its quaint name matching the little medieval city’s perfect state of preservation.

By blanking out the crowds of visitors wandering the streets, relaxing in the main square, or filing along the sentry walk running the whole length of the 2.5km (1.5- mile) fortifications, it’s easy to imagine oneself transported magically back into an idealised Germany of the Middle Ages.

There’s a wonderful overall view from the tall tower of the Renaissance Rathaus over Rothenburg’s red-tiled rooftops to the lovely Franconian countryside.

Visit the delighted city of Heidelberg, known as one of the most beautiful cities in Germany. Then explore the best-preserved medieval town in Germany, Rothenburg ob der Tauber on the Heidelberg & Rothenburg Full-Day Tour .

Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany © canadastock/Shutterstock

The best-known of all Germany’s upland massifs, the Black Forest or schwarzwald extends for about 160km (100 miles) southwards from Karlsruhe to the Swiss border. Its blackness is attributed to its dark forests of spruce and fir, but as well as woodland there are mountain pastures, rushing streams and crashing waterfalls, magnificent timber farmhouses and living folkways.

The highest point of the Black Forest is the Feldberg at 1,493m (4,898ft), a flattened mountain whose summit can be easily reached from the car park. On clear days the view extends to the far-away Bernese Alps.

Wander around the Black Forest in the wintertime, guided through some of the most magical parts in one of Germany's most recognized national parks on the Guided Snowshoeing Tour in the Black Forest .

The Black Forest, Schwarzwald, Germany © Funny Solution Studio/Shutterstock

Once a favourite summer retreat of the Bavarian royal family, the delightful small town of Berchtesgaden and its surroundings encapsulate all the attractions of the Bavarian Alps. Painted houses, a little royal palace and wonderful views contribute to the allure of the town, which is also the home of the national park-Haus, the interpretive centre for the national park which protects the area’s sublime but vulnerable landscape.

The town’s ancient prosperity depended on salt, and visitors can enjoy a thrilling trip into the depths of the old salt mines, the salzbergwerk. Another trip is up the mountain road to the Kehlsteinhaus, also known as the ‘Eagle’s Nest’, Hitler’s perch atop the 1,834m (6,017ft) Kehlstein, and now a panoramic restaurant.

Berchtesgaden, Germany © Shutterstock

Marking the western boundary of the city when it was built in 1791, the Brandenburger tor A is Berlin’s last remaining gateway. The scene of many a military parade in past times, the gate is now best remembered as the backdrop to the ecstatic scenes which took place following the fall of the Berlin Wall.

The famous Quadriga, a statue of Victory driving her four-horse chariot, is a replica, the original having been destroyed in World War II. The design of the Brandenburg Gate was inspired by the Propylea, the grand entrance to the Acropolis in Athens, and was originally called the Friedenstor (Gate of Peace).

Brandenberg Gate Berlin, Germany © Shutterstock

The prettiest of a series of fine Potsdam palaces that lie an easy day-trip from Berlin.

Stretching west out of Potsdam’s town centre, Park Sanssouci was built for Frederick the Great as a retreat after he decided in 1744 that he needed a residence where he could live “without cares” – sans souci in the French spoken at court.

The task was entrusted to architect Georg von Knobelsdorff, who had already proved himself on other projects in Potsdam and Berlin. Schloss Sanssouci, on a hill overlooking the town, took three years to complete, while the extensive parklands were laid out over the following five years.

Sanssouci Palace Potsdam, Germany © Shutterstock

Lovingly rebuilt after wartime devastation, the Altstadt in Nürnberg (Nuremberg) conveys the atmosphere of the archetypal German medieval city, with formidable defensive walls, streets lined with red-roofed old buildings, squares presided over by great Gothic churches and fabulous fountains.

Overlooking it all from rocky height is an Imperial castle. The unchallenged capital of northern Bavaria, Nuremberg is associated not just with emperors and Wagner’s Mastersingers, but also with some of the grimmer aspects of Nazism, in particular the ostentatious pageantry of party rallies and the post-war trials of the leaders of the Third Reich.

Where to stay in Nuremberg:

• Best for location: Astoria Apartments . Situated in Nürnberg, near Main Station Nuremberg, Verkehrsmuseum Nuremberg and Staatstheater Nuremberg, Astoria Apartments features free WiFi.
• Best for historical style: Bio Hotel Kunstquartier . Set in a charming 19th-century building, this hotel is centrally located in Nürnberg’s Stein district. This eco-friendly hotel offers spacious rooms with free WiFi, and a garden terrace.

Find more accommodation options to stay in Nuremberg

Nuremberg in Christmas time © Shutterstock

Few sights in Germany are quite as romantic as Heidelberg and its castle, especially when the rambling red sandstone ruin high above the town and the River Neckar is seen bathed in late afternoon light against a background of glorious wooded hills.

This image, together with Student Prince memories of roistering, duelling students in fraternity uniforms, brings millions of visitors every year to the undeniably picturesque university town.

Heidelberg’s Schloss can be reached by steps or funicular. A wonderful conglomeration of building styles from the 13th to the 17th centuries, it houses a fascinating pharmaceutical museum as well as the truly gigantic Grosses Fass, a monster barrel filled annually with that portion of the wine harvest compulsorily delivered to the castle.

Where to stay in Heidelberg:

• Best for quiet stays: Hotel Zur Alten Brücke . This hotel offers accommodation right in the heart of the Old Town of Heidelberg, directly at the Alte Brücke (old bridge), 500 m from the castle. Free WiFi is available in public areas.
• Best for location: City Partner Hotel Holländer Hof . Located directly beside the Alte Brücke bridge, this historic, 3-star-superior hotel in the Old Town district of Heidelberg offers classical-style rooms and views of the scenic Philosophers’ Way.

Find more accommodation options to stay in Heidelberg

Heidelberg, Germany © leoks/Shutterstock

Discover the picturesque old town of Heidelberg and its castle ruins on this private 3-hour historical walking tour . Stroll along one of the longest pedestrian zones in Germany, admire the beautiful Old Bridge, and see the Church of the Spirit.

If you prefer to plan and book your trip to the Germany without any effort and hassle, use the expertise of our local travel experts to make sure your trip will be just like you dream it to be.

Ready for a trip to Germany ? Check out the snapshot The Rough Guide to Germany . If you travel further in Germany , read more about the best time to go and the best places to visit in Germany. For inspiration use the itineraries from The Rough Guide to Germany and our local travel experts . A bit more hands on, learn about getting there , getting around the country and where to stay once you are there.

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Top 10 Attractions in Germany

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Planning a trip to Germany and want some advice on what to see and do first? Here is a list of the top ten attractions and sights in Germany that no traveler should miss.

Neuschwanstein Castle

 Christopher Larson / TripSavvy

The world's most famous castle, Neuschwanstein , is nestled in the Alps in  Bavaria . It seems to come straight out of a fairytale; in fact, Walt Disney drew inspiration from it for "Sleeping Beauty." Neuschwanstein (which translates to new-swan-stone) is the most photographed building in all of Germany.

King Ludwig II designed his dream castle in 1869 and instead of an architect, he hired a theatrical set designer to realize his vision. Take a tour through the flamboyant castle's interior. Highlights include a gaudy artificial grotto, the Throne Room with its giant crown-shaped chandelier, and the lavish Minstrels' Hall.

Europa-Park

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Europa-Park , Germany's largest amusement park, recently unseated Neuschwanstein as the most visited site in Germany. It may not have the romance of the castle, but it does have mind-blowing rides, lands modeled on the different countries of Europe , and a mouse mascot that may remind you of someone else.

Brandenburg Gate

 Taylor McIntyre / TripSavvy

More than any other landmark, the Brandenburg Gate ( Brandenburger Tor ) is the national symbol for Germany. Built in 1791, it was simply meant to mark the end of the boulevard, Unter den Linden. But the gate has had an eventful history.

The gate is crowned with the winged goddess of victory riding a four-horsed chariot — which was stolen by Napoleon’s soldiers and taken back to France as a trophy in 1806. After Napoleon was defeated, Victory was returned to her throne in Berlin.

Brandenburg Gate has also had more controversial toppers like the Nazi and Soviet flag. During the cold war, when Berlin was divided in two , the Brandenburg Gate stood between East and West Berlin. It was the location of US President Ronald Reagan's 1987 iconic speech, where he demanded, "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!”

After the wall fell in 1989, the Brandenburg Gate became the symbol of Germany's reunification .

Oktoberfest

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It might be a cliché, but it is an essential German experience of eating sausage and sauerkraut and drinking Oktoberfest beer. Oktoberfest , the world's largest fair, has over 6 million visitors annually. Celebrate in 14 different beer tents and enjoy Bavarian “Schuhplattler," alphorn players, and yodelers.

If you aren't in town for the fest (or one of the smaller, more local beer festivals ), visit the Hofbräuhaus in Munich , the most famous beer hall in the world. This Bavarian institution has defined gemütlich (“comfy”) since 1589. Wash down Bavarian specialties and giant pretzels with beer that is only served in a Mass (one-liter glass).

Cologne's Cathedral

Christopher Larson / TripSavvy

Cologne's Cathedral ( Kölner Dom ) is one of Germany's most important architectural monuments and the third tallest cathedral in the world. It took over 600 years to construct this Gothic masterpiece. When it was finally finished in 1880, it was still true to the original plans from 1248.

When Cologne was leveled by bombings in World War II, the Cathedral was the only building that survived. Standing tall in an otherwise flattened city, some said it was divine intervention. A more realistic explanation is that the cathedral was a point of orientation for the pilots.

In any case, the cathedral still stands next to the city's train station and beckons visitors from around the globe.

City of Trier

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On the banks of the Moselle River lies Trier , Germany's oldest city . It was founded as a Roman colony in 16 B.C. and became the favored residence of several Roman emperors.

Nowhere else in Germany is the evidence of Roman times as vivid as it is in Trier. Highlights of the city are the Porta Nigra, the largest Roman city gate north of the Alps, and the Cathedral of Trier, which houses a holy relic that draws many pilgrims: the Holy Robe, the garment said to be worn by Jesus when he was crucified.

Black Forest

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If you imagine Germany with rolling hills, small villages, and lush forests, visit the Schwarzwald (Black Forest), where you can experience it all. The vast expanse of hills, valleys, and forests stretches from the posh spa town Baden-Baden to the Swiss border, covering an area of 4,600 square miles.

Walking, biking, or driving — there are many scenic routes that will lead you to tiny villages, such as Freiburg with its long red sausage, wineries, and old-world monasteries.

Two of the most recommended tours are the Wine Road and the German Clock Road, which traces the history of the cuckoo clock. For Christmas, visit Gengenbach which becomes the world's largest advent calendar house.

But remember: No visit to the Black Forest is complete without a piece of Black Forest Cake, with chocolate, cherries, cream, and a good dash of cherry schnapps.

Dresden Frauenkirche

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson

The Dresden Frauenkirche, the Church of Our Lady, has a moving history: In World War II, when air-raids wiped out the city center of Dresden , the grand Frauenkirche collapsed into a 42 feet high pile of rubble. The ruins were left untouched for over 40 years as a reminder of the destructive powers of war.

In 1994, the painstaking reconstruction of the church began, almost completely financed by private donations. In 2005, the people of Dresden celebrated the resurrection of their Frauenkirche.

The Romantic Road

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The Romantic Road is Germany's best scenic route . It leads you through a region that boasts quintessential German scenery and culture, castles , charming medieval towns surrounded by walls, half-timbered houses, historic hotels, and restaurants that offer hearty German food and great beer.

Highlights along the Romantic Road: the picturesque Rothenburg ob der Tauber , the best-preserved medieval town in Germany, and the end point at castle Neuschwanstein.

German Christmas Markets are the embodiment of the holiday season. Bundled up visitors sip Glühwein beneath strings of lights as they shop amongst the wooden stalls, picking up beautifully handcrafted gifts . There is a Christmas tree and singing and so much wonderful food.

One of the best Christmas markets is in Nuremberg. The market opens in November, turning the city into a magical winter wonderland. Stroll through this open-air market with its 180 wooden huts festooned with red and white cloth, lights, and fresh garlands.

There is also a Christmas market just for kids, featuring a steam train and nostalgic carousels. A magical moment for young and old is the procession, where over 1,500 Nuremberg kids join in a lantern procession parading up to the castle on the hill.

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27 Top Tourist Attractions in Germany

By Spencer Leasca · Last updated on July 5, 2024

Germany is a fascinating place to visit. Cities like Berlin, Cologne, Dresden, and Frankfurt ooze culture and history. While the stunning mountains, lakes, valleys, and forests of Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, and Saxony will take your breath away.

Plenty of small towns and villages boast impressive castles and cathedrals that will seduce you with their charm. While the gastronomy and beer in every region will leave your taste buds dancing with delight.

For the tourist, Deutschland – as the locals call it – spoils you for choice. In fact you could spend an entire month in the country and still barely scratch the surface of all the things to do in Germany.

Clearly, you won’t be able to see everything during your visit. But after reading our top tourist attractions in Germany, you should have a clearer idea of where you might want to go.

27. Quedlinburg

North of the Harz Mountains National Park is the charming, picturesque town of Quedlinburg. As visitors walk along the cobblestone streets, they will have the opportunity to view over 1,000 half-timbered houses.

Since the town suffered minimal damage during the World Wars, it is one of the few destinations in Germany that retain its quaint, historic style.

It also has an impressive castle ruin, while its main landmark is the St. Servatius Church. Dating back to the 11th century, it is one of the oldest churches in Germany. It is notable for possessing several valuable works of art and the tomb of King Henry I – the first German monarch.

Quedlinburg was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. It also boasts a rich cultural heritage that incorporates several traditional festivals and events. These include the Quedlinburg Festival of Music and the Quedlinburg Christmas Market.

Visitors can also check out the Münzenbergmuseum and sample the local cuisine. Traditional dishes such as ‘Harzer Roller’ and ‘Harzer Käse’ are well worth trying.

26. Speicherstadt in Hamburg

Speicherstadt is a historic warehouse district in Hamburg . It possesses one of the largest collections of brick buildings in the world. It is also defined by an intricate network of canals and its distinctive red brick architecture.

Built-in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, these warehouses stored goods such as coffee, spices, and textiles.

In 2015, the Speicherstadt and the nearby Kontorhausviertel became UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This was in recognition of their exceptional representation of early modern architecture and urban planning. It was also a result of their historical significance as a centre of international trade.

Today, Speicherstadt is a vibrant neighbourhood full of museums, restaurants, cafes, and shops. It attracts tourists with its unique architectural style and colourful history. Visitors can take a guided tour of the warehouses and learn about their history and use.

As well as the warehouses, the Miniatur Wunderland resides here. It is the largest model railway in the world and is another popular tourist attraction.

25. Römer in Frankfurt

The Römer is a historic building complex in the city center of Frankfurt. It comprises a row of half-timbered buildings that date back to the 15th and 16th centuries.

One of the most famous landmarks in the city, The Römer was originally built as a town hall. It was also a residence for Frankfurt’s wealthy merchants. Today, the buildings are used for various purposes. These include a venue for city council meetings, offices for the city administration, and a cultural center.

You can admire the beautiful half-timbered architecture and the intricate carvings and sculptures on their facades. The Römerberg – the square in front of the Römer – is a popular gathering place. It is also the site of many cultural events, such as the annual Christmas market.

As a symbol of Frankfurt’s rich history, The Römer offers a unique and fascinating glimpse into the city’s past. Providing a stunning contrast to the modern skyscrapers and financial institutions for which Frankfurt is also famous.

24. Volkerschlachtdenkmal in Leipzig

Leipzig is a major city in Saxony, and it is also home to one of the largest monument in Europe. The Volkerschlachtdenkmal, or Monument of the Battle of the Nations, was built to remember the Battle of Leipzig in the Napoleonic Wars.

During the battle, more than 100,000 soldiers perished. Although the battle took place in 1813, the monument wasn’t unveiled until 1913. Today, the monument is accompanied by a museum exhibit explaining more about the battle and the Napoleonic wars of the 19th century.

23. Old Town Hall in Bamberg

Bamberg is a historic city in Bavaria , and it is home to a number of fascinating architectural landmarks. None is so interesting or important as the Old Town Hall, or the Altes Rathaus.

Legend says that the city’s bishop wouldn’t allow the residents to build a town hall on existing land, so they decide to construct the building in an unexpected spot. The Altes Rathaus is perched on the middle of a bridge spanning the Regnitz River, and the interior is decorated with remarkable frescoes.

The building was constructed in the late 13th and early 14th centuries with a Gothic façade. It also has a large hall and a striking tower.

Considered to be one of the most beautiful town halls in Germany, tourists can go on a guided tour of the building. During this, you will learn about its architectural and historical significance.

You will also be told some incredible tales, legends, and stories about it. One of which relates to the Bamberg Rider. This is the ghost of a knight who died in a duel and who allegedly still haunts the building.

22. Harz Mountains

One of the highest mountain ranges in Germany is the Harz Range, a region populated by picturesque, traditional homes, snow-covered peaks and peaceful rivers.

The Grimm Brothers, who famously wrote many of the world’s most popular fairy tales, based some of their stories in the Harz Mountains.

With a limited number of tourists, the Harz Mountains are slightly off the beaten track, offering activities like hiking to the summit of Brocken, the tallest peak, or riding an authentic steam train through the mountains and valleys.

21. Aachen Cathedral

Located near the border with Belgium and the Netherlands , the Aachen Cathedral is the oldest cathedral in northern Europe.

Construction on the cathedral began in the eighth century, and the design is a combination of Carolingian and Gothic styles. The cathedral was built by the king Charlemagne, and countless coronations were held there in centuries past.

Visiting today, some of the most fascinating things to see are the incredible bronze Wolf Doors from the ninth century and the golden mosaics in the Palatine Chapel.

Sylt is a stunning North Frisian island located in the North Sea. The largest of the North Frisian Islands, it’s known for its beautiful sandy beaches and wild dunes. However, its main attraction is the Wadden Sea National Park. Sylt is one of the most popular islands, although its northern location means it is not as accessible for travelers as other German tourist attractions.

Sylt boasts endless beaches, not to mention gorgeous sand dunes and traditional lighthouses. A short walk from thatched roof cottages and open fields, you can make a splash at the beach and stay in a contemporary hotel suite. Renting bicycles and tour the island that way is also a popular thing to do in SyIt.

In addition to its natural attractions, Sylt is also known for its traditional architecture. This includes its characteristic red-roofed houses. It also incorporates the ‘Kampen House’ style, found in the village of Kampen.

19. Saxon Switzerland National Park

Not far from the city of Dresden is the Saxon Switzerland National Park, a sprawling park near the scenic Elbe Sandstone Mountains. The park crosses over into the Czech Republic, but the Czech side is known as the Bohemian Switzerland National Park.

The national park is known for its unique sandstone formations, rock towers, and deep valleys. It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, offering opportunities for hiking, climbing, and sightseeing.

The park is named after the country of Switzerland because of its similarities to the Swiss Alps. The sandstone formations in the park developed over millions of years through erosion and weathering. They are now a source of inspiration for artists and photographers.

One of the most popular sights in the park is the Bastei Bridge, a sandstone bridge that offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can also explore the park’s many trails, including the Malerweg. This scenic course leads through the park and is named after the painters who were inspired by the area’s beauty.

18. Schwerin Castle

Schwerin Castle is a historic palace located in the city of Schwerin. It is one of the most important examples of 19th-century Romantic architecture remaining in Germany.

Located on an island in the city’s lake and surrounded by a beautiful park, it has a rich history that dates back to the 9th century. Over the years, it served as a residence for several dukes and grand dukes of Mecklenburg-Schwerin for many generations.

The present building was constructed in the 19th century and showcases a mix of Gothic and Renaissance styles. Its design incorporates towers, turrets, and decorative elements that give the castle its distinctive character.

Schwerin Castle is a symbol of the city’s rich cultural heritage. Visitors to the castle can admire its beautiful architecture. They can also explore its interior and learn about its rich history through exhibits and displays. The castle’s beautiful gardens and parks also provide a tranquil space for visitors to relax.

17. Rugen Cliffs

Located on the Pomeranian coast, within the Baltic Sea, the Rügen Cliffs are a feature of Germany’s largest island.

To get to them, you will have to head to Rügen island in northeast Germany. But once you are there, you should be wowed by its stunning coastal scenery.

It includes high chalk cliffs like The King’s Chair, which has a viewing platform and visitors center that showcases exhibits on Rügen nature.

The cliffs are a popular tourist destination which offers access to pristine sandy beaches, hiking trails, and birdwatching opportunities. It is a part of Jasmund National Park, which is renowned for its primeval beech forests and white-tailed eagles.

The nearby seaside resort Sassnitz features a fascinating museum within the former submarine HMS Otus.

16. Berchtesgaden

Nestled in the southeast part of the country, near the Austrian border, lies Berchtesgaden. Known as one of Bavaria’s most beautiful regions, it features stunning alpine scenery. It is also a haven for those who enjoy winter recreational activities like hiking, skiing, and snowboarding.

In addition to these activities, Berchtesgaden is also home to several historic sites. These include Konigsee lake and the Kehlsteinhaus on top of Berchtesgaden. Also known as the ‘Eagle’s Nest’, it was a former mountain the retreat of Hitler. Even after the end of World War II, the structure was saved and now operates as a museum.

Berchtesgaden is also famous for its salt mines. Should you book a tour of them, you will be able to view an operation that has been going on for thousands of years.

15. Reichstag in Berlin

The capital city of Berlin is filled with historic buildings, but one of the most important is the Reichstag.

Although originally dating back to the 19th century, the Reichstag got a major renovation in the 1990s after being severely damaged in WW2. Following the end of the Cold War, Berlin was chosen as the overall capital, and the Reichstag became the official seat of government in Germany.

It now boasts an incredible glass dome that offers views over the city and looks stunning when illuminated at night.

14. Hohenzollern Castle

The neo-Gothic Hohenzollern Castle is perched on a bluff overlooking two small towns at the foothills of the Swabian Alps.

Not far from the town of Hechingen in central Germany, this popular tourist destination is known for its stunning architecture and historical significance. It also offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.

The castle has a rich history. For many years it served as the ancestral seat of the Hohenzollern family, who played a significant role in German history.

It has undergone several renovations and reconstructions over the centuries, and today, visitors can explore its well-preserved interiors. This includes grand halls, bedrooms, and chapels – which will blow you away with their lavish decor and ornate detail.

13. Zugspitze

Zugspitze is the highest mountain in Germany. Located in the Bavarian Alps near the border with Austria, it soars to a height of 2,962 meters (9,718 feet). Its summit offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Although the peak is a world-renowned spot for serious skiers, a trip to the top is worthwhile whatever the season. From a lake at the base of the mountain, hop aboard the Zahnradbahn, a cogwheel train that heads partway up the mountain. Then, it’s onward on the cable car called the Eibsee-Seilbahn. At the summit, it is possible to view the landscape of four countries at once.

In addition to its scenic beauty, Zugspitze is also home to a research station and several hotels and restaurants. They make it a convenient base to explore the surrounding mountain range.

12. Nuremberg Christmas Market

German Christmas markets are known the world over, and arguably the best of all is found in the Bavarian city of Nuremberg .

The Christkindlesmarkt is held annually in Nuremberg’s old town, and it has been in place since the 17th century.

The market is famous for its traditional atmosphere and festive decorations. It comprises elaborate wooden stalls, lights, and festive music.

Visitors can browse and purchase a wide range of seasonal holiday gifts, including handmade crafts, toys, and seasonal treats. Additionally, the market offers a range of food and drinks, including mulled wine and gingerbread.

The Nuremberg Christmas Market takes place in the weeks leading up to Christmas. It is one of the most popular things to do in Germany and a highlight of the city’s holiday festivities.

11. Rothenburg ob der Tauber

A true storybook village brought to life is Rothenburg ob der Tauber . Straight from the pages of a fairy tale, this Franconian town has a remarkably well preserved medieval center.

Overlooking the Tauber River, many of the churches and residences date back to the 15th and 16th centuries. A highlight of the town is the Market Square, which is flanked on one side by the 13th century Town Hall Tower.

It is also famous for its Christmas market, which is held annually and features traditional stalls selling gifts, food, and drinks.

Visitors can also take guided tours of the town’s impressive fortifications and ramparts. From them, you will also observe stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

10. Black Forest

The Schwarzwald, or Black Forest, can be found in the southwestern corner of the country. The name comes from the thick tree canopy, and the forest is a mecca for those who love beautiful scenery and outdoor recreation.

Hiking, swimming in chilly Alpine lakes and mountain biking are popular things to do, but the Black Forest also has some urban alternatives. Within the forest are several towns and cities. Baden-Baden is a world-famous spa retreat perfect for relaxation, and Freiburg is a bustling university town with amazing cuisine and nightlife.

9. Romantic Rhine

The Romantic Rhine is a picturesque stretch of the river Rhine in western Germany known for its incredible scenery and charming villages.

This section of the river extends from Bingen to Koblenz. It carves its way here through steep vineyard-covered hills topped with countless castles and ruins.

The river has been an important trade route into central Europe since ancient times and a string of small towns has grown up along the banks. Constrained in size, many of these old towns retain a historic feel today.

Additionally, the Romantic Rhine is famous for its scenic boat rides. These offer a fabulous way to immerse yourself in the region’s natural beauty.

8. Frauenkirche in Dresden

The Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady) is a Lutheran church in Dresden. It is one of the city’s most famous landmarks and is known for its stunning baroque architecture. Notable features of it include its distinctive dome and towers.

The original church was constructed in the 18th century. On completion, it was heralded as one of Europe’s most impressive religious buildings. However, the church was destroyed during World War II and lay in ruins for decades.

In the 1990s, a major effort was launched to restore the church to its former glory. It was finally re-opened in 2005 after a meticulous rebuilding process.

Today, the Frauenkirche is a symbol of Dresden’s resilience. It is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions , attracting visitors from all over the world.

Lindau is a pretty town in southern Germany. It is situated on an island, on Lake Constance (Bodensee), near the Austrian border.

The city is connected with the mainland by bridge and railway and has about 3,000 inhabitants. Full of medieval and half-timbered buildings, Lindau is quite a popular tourist attraction.

One of its main focal points, its twee harbor features a Bavarian Lion statue, while its stone lighthouse showcases lake and mountain views.

The town is also noted for its Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings. An annual event that brings Nobel Prize winners and young scientists together.

6. Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest is an iconic 16-day festival held annually in Munich from late September to the first weekend in October. It is the world’s largest beer festival and attracts millions of visitors from every continent.

The festival features beer tents, traditional German food, music, and rides. It also features other activities like parades and competitions.

Oktoberfest has its roots in the celebration of the marriage of King Ludwig I of Bavaria to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen in 1810. It has since evolved into a world-class international event.

Many visitors wear traditional German attire to enter into the spirit of things. For men, this involves dressing in lederhosen. For women, it requires putting on dirndls. All of which add to the festive atmosphere.

See also: Where to Stay in Munich

5. Cologne Cathedral

Easily the greatest Gothic cathedral in Germany, Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) has been Cologne’s most famous landmark for centuries. It is one of the largest and most famous structures of its kind in Europe. The cathedral was built over the 12th and 13th centuries. But its construction was interrupted and not completed until the late 19th century.

It is known for its twin spires, visible from much of the city. It is also noted for its elaborate stained glass windows, which date from the 14th to the 20th century.

The cathedral houses many important works of art. One of which is the Shrine of the Three Kings. This is said to contain the bones of the Three Wise Men, which goes a long way to explaining why it is such a popular attraction.

4. Holstentor in Lübeck

Holstentor is a historic city gate in Lübeck. It was built in the late 15th century and is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks.

The gate is considered a masterpiece of brick Gothic architecture. It is now a museum showcasing the history of Lübeck and the Hanseatic League.

Completed in 1464, this stunning Gothic building is part of Lübeck’s medieval city fortifications. It is one of a couple of city gates you can visit – the other being the Citadel Gate.

Because of its two captivating round towers and arched entrance it is regarded as a symbol of Lübeck . Together with the old city center (Altstadt) of Lübeck it is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Germany.

3. Heidelberg Old City

Located in the Neckar river valley, Heidelberg is one Germany’s most popular tourist destinations. During WWII, the city was almost completely spared by allied bombings which destroyed most of Germany’s larger inner cities. As a result, Heidelberg has retained its baroque charm of narrow streets, picturesque houses and picturesque bridges.

The city’s most iconic landmark is the Heidelberg Castle, a Renaissance-style fortress perched atop a hill that overlooks it.

Other prominent attractions include the Philosophers’ Walk, a scenic path along the river, and the Church of the Holy Spirit. The latter is a Gothic-style church with a unique tower. You will want to take plenty of photos of it.

The old city is a beautiful area to walk around and offers a glimpse into Heidelberg’s rich and colorful history.

2. Brandenburg Gate in Berlin

The Brandenburg Gate is a famous monument in Berlin.

It was built in the late 18th century and was originally intended as a symbol of peace. The gate is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Germany and represents the country’s reunification.

It stands 26 meters tall and is adorned with classical Greek-style sculptures. Over the years the Brandenburg Gate has been the site of many historic events. These include the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989.

See also: Where to Stay in Berlin

Today, many people come here to see it , have their photograph taken by it, and recall where they were when that consequential moment in time happened.

1. Neuschwanstein

The ultimate fairytale castle, Neuschwanstein Castle is a 19th-century palace located on a craggy hill that overlooks the village of Hohenschwangau in Bavaria.

Built by the command of King Ludwig II to be a retreat, it was intended to evoke the romance of the Middle Ages. The king was declared insane when the castle was almost completed in 1886 and found dead a few days later.

Today, the castle is one of Europe’s most beautiful examples of Gothic Revival architecture. Its stunning design and scenic location in the Bavarian Alps have inspired countless works of fiction. Most notably, it is featured as the castle in Disney’s Sleeping Beauty.

Visitors to Neuschwanstein can only enter its interior by partaking in a guided tour of it. If you choose to do so, you will get to see its ornate decor, furnishings, and murals.

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Reader interactions.

October 28, 2019 at 4:46 am

My hometown Wuerzburg is lovely too

May 2, 2017 at 4:45 pm

I live in Germany, Dortmund and I love visiting the city and others around, each time I visit a new city I learn something new. God bless Germany and it’s people

April 28, 2017 at 2:38 pm

germany is amazing

March 15, 2017 at 11:27 pm

Last year I have visited Finsterwalde and I was so amazed. It’s also called Die Sängerstadt.

February 23, 2017 at 2:38 pm

15) It was called the Reichstag but after WW2 it was renamed to the Bundestag.

November 19, 2016 at 6:24 pm

I just visited Germany. Munich is an impressive city. But what I liked the most was visiting the Alps. Going up 10,000 feet in a cable car was awesome. The small towns are as amazing as the big cities. Everything is beautiful.

November 15, 2016 at 10:39 am

I obtained my PhD degree from Germany, and I visited many German cities when I was a student there. To my mind, Heidelberg is the most beautiful one, it is totally different from others.

March 23, 2015 at 3:20 pm

I would love to go to Germany one day

July 27, 2014 at 12:59 pm

Another highlight in Germany is the river the Mosel, beautiful villages and a wine growing area. Also the insane King Ludwig had more castles built in the south of Germany that are very much worth a visit.

July 18, 2014 at 1:42 am

I love Germany and hope to travel to there.thanks alot!

June 2, 2014 at 2:21 am

Visited five times now and always end up going back to cologne…beautiful city

March 12, 2014 at 9:48 am

one of the most enjoyable countries in the worl. love the food and the beer,my wife loves the wine. going back for my third time,speak English only but no problem getting around.i use the bahn to travel,rented an apt. in dusseldorf,hotels in Frankfurt berlin,so many places I have to see of my homeland.my grandparents came from Germany,near mainz and vienna

October 1, 2013 at 2:42 am

I have two year training in Footwears technology at permasan GERMANY.I found GERMANY a most beautifull country.German are very friendly and beautyfull by heart and soul,they are unforgetable for me.

August 6, 2013 at 4:52 am

I am really lucky to visit this beautiful country in 2012 September. The people, its places all are amazing and accommodative !!!!! I just cannot forget all about it.

June 25, 2013 at 9:46 am

Germany is a beautiful country,I would like to visit.

May 31, 2013 at 6:00 am

my fav. were the rugen hills they are beautiful. I want to visit germany

March 27, 2013 at 4:16 am

Another highlight in Germany is the river the Mosel, beautiful villages and a wine growing area.

Also the insane King Ludwig had more castles built in the south of Germany that are very much worth a visit.

November 1, 2012 at 9:00 pm

love germany i went there and it is awesome i just love it <3

October 16, 2012 at 8:09 pm

Woah! I like Rugen Cliffs!

October 5, 2012 at 1:58 am

German is a very interesting country.. so just want to visit it 0nce!!!

October 4, 2012 at 9:46 am

I LOVE LOVE LOVE the pics of germany…..i will hopefully visit Germany one day! 🙂

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Germany Footsteps

The Absolute Best Places To Visit In Germany In Summer That You’ll Love ☀️

The summer months in Germany reveal a treasure trove of captivating destinations just waiting to be explored. With sun-soaked days and bustling events, this is the perfect time to immerse yourself in vibrant cities, quaint towns, and breathtaking landscapes. Each location brims with unique experiences, inviting you to discover the heart and soul of German culture.

As the sun rises earlier and sets later, you’ll find that Germany comes alive with energy and excitement. Picture yourself wandering through lively street fairs, savoring delicious local cuisine, or enjoying leisurely strolls along picturesque rivers.

Whether you’re hiking in the lush Black Forest, indulging in a refreshing beer garden, or admiring stunning medieval architecture, summer offers endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation.

This journey will guide you through some of the best places to visit in Germany during the summer. So, get ready to pack your bags, embrace the warm weather, and discover the enchanting beauty and rich heritage that make Germany a must-visit destination this season!

Love Germany?  Click here to download your free guide to 25 Incredible Things You Must Do In Germany In Your Lifetime . You won’t want to miss them!

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Table of Contents

Why Visit Germany In Summer

Visiting Germany in summer offers an incredible experience filled with vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and a plethora of activities.

One of the most compelling reasons to travel during this season is the long daylight hours. With the sun shining well into the evening, you’ll have extra time to explore historic sites, savor delicious meals outdoors, and enjoy the lively atmosphere that only summer can bring.

The weather during summer is generally warm and pleasant, making it perfect for outdoor adventures like hiking in the Black Forest or lounging by the lakes in Bavaria. However, it’s essential to remember that rain can surprise you at any moment, so packing a light rain jacket or travel umbrella is a wise choice to ensure you’re always prepared for unexpected showers.

Summer also marks a time of celebration throughout Germany. Numerous festivals, outdoor concerts, and cultural events fill the calendar, allowing you to immerse yourself in local traditions and festivities.

However, it’s important to acknowledge that summer is peak tourist season. Popular attractions can become crowded, and accommodation prices often rise in response to the influx of visitors. Despite this, escaping the tourist hordes is easy if you venture into smaller towns or off-the-beaten-path destinations – some great choices are below. For example, we visited the Harz Mountains in August and felt like we had it to ourselves!

Exploring less-traveled areas can provide a more authentic experience while still allowing you to enjoy Germany’s rich history and stunning landscapes.

In summary, summer in Germany is an exhilarating time full of adventure and local charm. With proper planning and an adventurous spirit, you can take full advantage of everything this beautiful country has to offer while creating unforgettable memories.

13 Best Places To Visit In Germany In Summer That You’ll Love ☀️

Hamburg shines brightly in the summer, becoming a hub of activity and vibrancy. Picture yourself strolling along the bustling harbor, where you can watch ships sail in and out while enjoying the fresh breeze from the Elbe River. The waterfront is dotted with charming cafes and restaurants, inviting you to savor a meal al fresco while soaking in the lively atmosphere.

In addition to exploring the famous Speicherstadt, the world’s largest warehouse district, you can unwind in the beautiful parks scattered throughout the city.

Spend lazy afternoons in Planten un Blomen, where you can find stunning botanical gardens and unique water light shows during the evenings. With various festivals and events taking place, including the iconic Hamburg Port Anniversary, summer is the perfect time to experience this dynamic coastal city.

Click here for our guide to visiting Hamburg.

Sylt is a gem of an island in the North Sea, known for its stunning beaches, charming villages, and unique landscapes that make it a summer paradise. As you step onto the island, you’ll be greeted by miles of beautiful sandy shores complemented by lush dunes and scenic beach chairs.

Relaxing by the water, you can enjoy various activities like sunbathing, swimming, or trying your hand at windsurfing.

The island’s vibrant towns, such as Westerland and Kampen, offer a delightful blend of shopping, dining, and nightlife.

Stop by seafood restaurants to taste fresh catches from the North Sea, or indulge in local specialties at beachside bistros. With stunning sunsets and the soft sound of waves, Sylt provides a perfect getaway for those seeking both relaxation and adventure during the summer months.

Bremen is a charming city that truly comes alive during the summer, with its historical architecture and vibrant cultural scene. You’ll love wandering around the UNESCO-listed Market Square, where the stunning Town Hall and Roland Statue stand tall, symbolizing the city’s independence and rich history.

Here, you can relax at outdoor cafes, taste local delicacies, and soak up the lively atmosphere around you.

As summer arrives, Bremen hosts a plethora of events and festivals that showcase its rich cultural heritage. Experience music concerts, outdoor markets, and artistic performances that add to the city’s festive spirit.

Don’t forget to explore the enchanting Schnoor quarter, with its narrow streets lined with half-timbered houses, art galleries, and boutiques, making it a perfect spot for leisurely strolls and memorable photo opportunities.

Click here for our guide to visiting Bremen.

Rostock is a vibrant maritime city nestled along the Baltic Sea, where summer transforms the atmosphere into a lively playground for tourists and locals alike. You’ll find yourself enchanted by the beautiful beaches, like Warnemünde, where soft sand and clear waters create a perfect spot for sunbathing and swimming.

With opportunities for sailing and windsurfing, this coastal city promises an action-packed summer experience.

Rostock’s historic charm adds to its appeal, with rich Gothic architecture and charming streets waiting to be explored. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit during the famous Warnemünde Week, a thrilling maritime festival filled with boat races, cultural events, and delicious local cuisine.

The combination of sun, sea, and culture makes Rostock an unforgettable summer destination.

5. Harz Mountains

The Harz Mountains are a summer hiker’s paradise, offering breathtaking landscapes and a wealth of outdoor activities. As you explore this picturesque region, you’ll encounter dense forests, serene lakes, and charming towns full of character.

The well-marked trails cater to all fitness levels, allowing you to experience the natural beauty at your own pace.

One of the must-see highlights is the historic Brocken, the highest peak in northern Germany, which provides expansive views and a sense of accomplishment after the hike. The area is also rich in folklore, making it both an adventurous and culturally enriching experience.

Visit the towns of Wernigerode and Goslar with their half-timbered houses, and savor the region’s hearty local cuisine after an exhilarating day of exploration.

Click here for our guide to visiting Quedlinburg in the Harz Mountains.

6. Elbe Sandstone Mountains

The Elbe Sandstone Mountains are a spectacular national park in Saxony, where summer unveils the beauty of jagged rock formations and lush green valleys along the Elbe River. As you hike the numerous trails, you’ll encounter breathtaking vistas and unique geological features that feel straight out of a fantasy novel.

Be sure to visit the iconic Bastei Bridge, where panoramic views will leave you in awe.

In addition to hiking, this area offers opportunities for climbing, photography, and exploring quaint villages with rich history. The charming town of Bad Schandau serves as an excellent base for your adventures and provides excellent local dining options.

With its stunning scenery and outdoor activities, the Elbe Sandstone Mountains are a delightful summer escape for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike.

7. Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a fairy tale come to life, particularly enchanting during the summer months. As you stroll through its well-preserved medieval streets, you’ll be captivated by the colorful half-timbered houses and lively atmosphere.

The town feels as if it has been plucked from a storybook, inviting you to explore every charming alley and picturesque square for endless photo opportunities.

During the summer, Rothenburg hosts various festivals and events, including the famous Rothenburg Summer Festival, showcasing local crafts, food, and music. Don’t miss the chance to taste traditional Franconian cuisine in outdoor cafés.

Afterwards, take a walk along the city walls for breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. With its rich history, bustling market square, and friendly locals, Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a must-visit for anyone seeking a magical summer experience in Germany.

Click here for our guide to visiting Rothenburg.

Munich bursts with life and excitement in the summer, making it an ideal destination for travelers of all kinds. The city is famous for its beautiful parks, especially the English Garden, one of the largest urban parks in the world.

Here, you can enjoy picnics, paddle boating, or simply soaking up the sun while watching locals practice tai chi or play frisbee.

Summer is also the perfect time to experience Munich’s vibrant beer garden culture. You can tantalize your taste buds with authentic Bavarian food—think pretzels, sausage, and locally brewed beer—while immersing yourself in the lively atmosphere.

Additionally, numerous festivals, celebrate Bavarian culture with music, food, and dancing, offering a delightful glimpse into the local way of life. With its unique blend of history, culture, and fun, Munich is a summer destination you won’t want to miss.

Click here for our guide to visiting Munich.

9. Zugspitze

The Zugspitze, Germany’s highest peak, is a breathtaking destination during the summer months. As you ascend to the summit, you’re greeted with breathtaking views of the Bavarian Alps that stretch as far as the eye can see.

Whether by hiking or taking the cable car, the journey to the top is an adventure in itself, revealing the stunning beauty of the surrounding mountains.

At the summit, you can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, from hiking trails suitable for all skill levels to mountain biking for the adventurous spirit. The area also offers cozy mountain lodges where you can savor traditional Bavarian dishes while taking in the spectacular alpine scenery.

With its blend of thrilling activities and awe-inspiring vistas, Zugspitze is a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers looking for an unforgettable summer escapade.

10. Lake Constance

Lake Constance is a beautiful destination where Germany, Austria, and Switzerland converge, offering a stunning setting during the summer. The region is perfect for a variety of water sports, including sailing, swimming, and paddleboarding. You can also enjoy leisurely boat trips across the lake, taking in picturesque views of the Alps in the background.

The charming towns surrounding the lake, like Lindau and Meersburg, invite you to explore their historic streets filled with shops, cafés, and stunning gardens.

Summer is also prime time for local festivals and events, such as the colorful flower shows and wine tastings that showcase the region’s rich agricultural heritage.

Whether you’re relaxing by the water or hiking along the scenic trails, Lake Constance promises a delightful mix of relaxation and adventure, making it an ideal summer getaway.

11. Black Forest

The Black Forest is a spectacular natural paradise that thrives in the summer. This enchanting region is renowned for its dense forests, scenic hiking trails, and charming villages. You’ll find yourself immersed in lush greenery, with countless opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and even swimming in the cool, clear lakes.

As you explore the area, be sure to visit quaint villages like Freiburg and Triberg, where you can sample local specialties, including the famous Black Forest cake.

Summer also brings lively festivals celebrating traditional crafts and local cuisine, offering an authentic taste of the region’s rich culture.

The combination of stunning landscapes and rich traditions makes the Black Forest an ideal destination for nature lovers and those seeking adventure during the summer months.

Click here for our guide to visiting the Black Forest.

12. Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a romantic city that captivates visitors with its charm and beauty, especially in the summer. The historic old town is a delight to explore, with narrow streets lined with boutique shops, cafes, and stunning baroque architecture.

The iconic Heidelberg Castle, perched above the city, provides a picturesque backdrop and offers guided tours that delve into its rich history.

Summer brings vibrant outdoor events, including concerts and festivals that fill the streets with music and laughter. You can also enjoy a leisurely walk along the Neckar River or take a boat cruise to relish the scenic beauty surrounding this picturesque city.

With its blend of history, culture, and breathtaking views, Heidelberg is a must-visit destination that promises a memorable summer experience.

Click here for our guide to visiting Heidelberg.

13. Monschau

Monschau is a charming town nestled in the Eifel region, and it’s particularly delightful in the summer. Its cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses create a fairy-tale atmosphere that beckons you to explore. You’ll love wandering through this quaint town, discovering local shops, art galleries, and cozy cafés that offer a taste of the region’s culinary delights.

Summer is ideal for taking advantage of the stunning surrounding landscapes, with numerous hiking and biking trails that offer breathtaking views and the opportunity to explore nature.

Be sure to sample Monschau’s famous mustard, which is produced here, and soak in the tranquillity of the surrounding countryside. With its picturesque beauty and rich local culture, Monschau is a hidden gem that promises a charming and relaxing summer getaway.

Click here for our guide to visiting Monschau.

As summer approaches, Germany becomes a canvas of vibrant experiences waiting to be explored. From the charming streets of Rothenburg ob der Tauber to the breathtaking views atop Zugspitze, each destination offers a unique glimpse into the diverse beauty and rich culture of the country.

Whether you’re seeking adventure in nature, indulging in local cuisine, or soaking up the lively atmosphere of festivals, Germany has something for everyone.

No matter which places you choose to visit, you’re sure to create lasting memories while enjoying all that summer in Germany has to offer. So, embrace the warmth, pack your bags, and get ready for an unforgettable journey through this enchanting country that you’ll surely fall in love with!

Considering winter? Here’s our guide to summer vs winter in Germany here . Also check out our guide to the best seasonal festivals in Germany here and top travel tips here . You can also find all our guides to planning a trip to Germany here .

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By Sharon Gourlay

Sharon first fell in love with Germany back in 2000 on her first visit. She loves the long history, the picturesque Old Towns, the castles, the food, everything really! Since then, she has visited many times and loves writing about Germany here so you can enjoy it too. In fact, Sharon loves German culture so much that she sent her kids to a German primary school in Australia. She especially loves Berlin and towns with charming Old Towns like Celle and Quedlinburg. Sharon also has a Certificate III in International Travel Sales and understands the nitty gritty of travel planning. Through this site, she'll help you have the perfect trip to Germany whether it's your first or tenth time!

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Discovering Deutschland: The Best Places to Visit in Germany

I f you've ever dreamed of exploring grand castles, basking in rich culture and history, or indulging in some of the world's best beer, Germany is the place to be . With a myriad of breathtaking landscapes, bustling cities, and quaint towns, it's a place where old-world charm meets modern elegance.

• Germany, Europe's second most visited country, has a unique blend of historical wonders and modern innovation.
• The country is renowned for iconic sites such as Neuschwanstein Castle, which inspired Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle.
• From the lively atmosphere of Berlin to the romantic landscapes of the Rhine Valley, Germany offers a varied travel experience.

Beholding the Magnificence of Berlin

Berlin, the country's capital, is a city of rich history and vibrant life. Don't miss the iconic Brandenburg Gate and the Berlin Wall's remnants, a stark reminder of the city's turbulent past. Meanwhile, the Museum Island is a UNESCO World Heritage site housing five world-renowned museums. It's truly a treasure trove for art and history enthusiasts.

Bavaria: Castles, Beer, and Beautiful Landscapes

Bavaria is Germany's picture-perfect region. Here, you'll find the fairy-tale Neuschwanstein Castle, perched atop a rugged hill, overlooking the serene Hohenschwangau valley. Bavaria is also home to Oktoberfest, the world's largest beer festival. A journey along the Romantic Road is a must-do, showcasing medieval towns and pristine countryside.

The Romantic Rhine Valley

The Rhine Valley, with its steep vineyards, ancient castles, and charming towns, is postcard-perfect. A river cruise on the Rhine is the best way to soak in the beauty of this region. Don't forget to sample the local Riesling wine!

Heidelberg: A Blend of Romance and Academia

Heidelberg is a quintessential university town, renowned for its baroque architecture and romantic setting. The Heidelberg Castle, overlooking the Old Town and the Neckar River, is a sight to behold. Wander around the Old Town, with its narrow lanes and historic buildings, for a leisurely day.

Maritime Charm of Hamburg

Hamburg, Germany's gateway to the world, is a city of canals, bridges, and elaborate buildings. The Elbphilharmonie, a stunning concert hall, and the historic Speicherstadt warehouse district are among the must-see sites in the city.

Germany, with its mesmerizing blend of old and new, is sure to leave you enchanted. As American travel writer Rick Steves says, ""Germany is a beautiful combination of deep history and modern innovation, offering visitors a chance to explore ancient castles, picturesque villages , and bustling cities."" Pack your bags, and let Germany weave its magic on you!

Black Forest: Germany's Enchanted Woodland

For nature enthusiasts, the Black Forest is a paradise. The region offers some of the best hiking trails in Germany, winding through dark fir forests, serene lakes, and charming villages. Don't miss the chance to visit the Triberg Waterfalls, one of the highest waterfalls in Germany, or the quaint town of Baden-Baden, famous for its thermal spas.

Leipzig: City of Music and Art

Leipzig, often known as 'the new Berlin', is a buzzing city with a thriving arts scene. It's famed for its musical heritage - as the city where Johann Sebastian Bach spent a large part of his life and where Felix Mendelssohn established Germany's first musical conservatoire. The city is also home to Spinnerei, a former cotton mill turned art hub, where artists create, exhibit, and sell their works.

Nuremberg: Stepping Back in Time

Nuremberg, a city steeped in history, offers a fascinating glimpse into Germany's past. Visit the Nuremberg Castle, a symbol of the city, and explore the Old Town with its half-timbered houses and gothic churches. The Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds, a museum on the site of former Nazi party rallies, provides insight into one of the darkest times in human history.

Frankfurt: The Manhattan of Germany

Frankfurt, known for its impressive skyline, is a bustling metropolis with a lot to offer. The city is the financial heart of Germany, hosting the European Central Bank. Don't miss the Palmengarten, a beautiful botanical garden, or the Städel Museum, one of Germany's preeminent art institutions. And for a taste of traditional Frankfurt, visit the cider taverns in the Sachsenhausen district.

German Cuisine: Beyond Bratwurst and Beer

German cuisine is hearty and diverse, with each region having its specialties. Try bratwurst, a type of German sausage, or pretzels in Bavaria, Sauerbraten (pot roast) in Rhineland, and fresh seafood dishes in the northern regions. Don't forget to taste German beer and wine - with over 1,300 breweries and vineyards along the Mosel and Rhine river, there's plenty to sample!

Kevin Erickson, your experienced travel guide, hopes that this journey through the captivating landscapes, historic landmarks, and unique culture of Germany inspires you to pack your bags and explore the country yourself. Remember, the best travel experiences often come from veering off the beaten path and making your unique journey.

What is the best time to visit Germany?

Germany can be visited year-round, but the best time depends on your activities. For sightseeing and city tours, spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are ideal, while winter is perfect for Christmas markets and skiing.

What are some must-try foods in Germany?

Bratwurst, pretzels, Sauerbraten, and currywurst are must-try dishes. Don't miss the local beers and wines, and try a piece of Black Forest Gateau in its place of origin!

Is Germany expensive to visit?

Germany is relatively affordable compared to other Western European countries. Costs can vary depending on the region and the type of travel experience you prefer.

Do I need to know German to travel in Germany?

While it's always helpful to know a few phrases in the local language, English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants, and tourist areas in Germany.

What are some local customs I should be aware of?

Germans value punctuality, so be on time for any appointments. When eating, it's polite to say 'Guten Appetit' before starting. Always use formal addresses ('Sie' in German) unless invited to use the informal 'du'.

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• Official Website of Neuschwanstein Castle

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25 Best Things to Do in Berlin, According to Locals

Here's how to fill your days (and nights) in Germany’s capital, from visiting museums to dancing the night away at legendary clubs.

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.

Stephanie Pollak/Travel + Leisure

Berlin is a city of contradictions. Edgy and derelict in some ways but with a cosmopolitan flair, its juxtaposition of past and present stands for all to see. You’ll find reminders of Berlin’s painful Holocaust and Cold War history everywhere in the form of landmarks and memorials. Colorful murals now decorate the last remaining sections of the wall that once divided the East and West, while elsewhere, old Soviet Bloc architecture looms over thriving community gardens. Germany’s capital also has incredible art and culture scenes, with world-class museums, contemporary galleries, and exhibition spaces galore. Shopping runs the gamut from vintage stores to luxury designer boutiques. The hard-partying metropolis is famous for nightlife, from high-octane mega clubs that don’t let out until daylight to speakeasy-style cocktail bars and chill biergartens. And it’s far from a sausage-and-pretzels food destination, thanks to a wave of international restaurants and spots that elevate German cuisine to new heights.

Needless to say, there’s more than enough happening to warrant a lengthy trip. But if you only have a few days, that’s when the challenge of narrowing down the long list of activities and attractions comes into play. To help you craft the ultimate itinerary and pack in as much as possible, we tapped local concierges to break down the best things to do in Berlin.

Museum Island

Stephanie Pollak/Travel + Leisure

Museum Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a stunning complex that’s home to five major museums. Julien Gentle, head concierge at Hotel de Rome, a Rocco Forte Hotel , suggests prioritizing the Neues Museum, where you can admire Egyptian art like the famous bust of Nefertiti, and the Alte Nationalgalerie, which has an outstanding collection of 19th-century paintings and sculptures by German artists.

Berlin Wall Memorial

“The Berlin Wall Memorial on Bernauer Strasse is a moving tribute to the division of Berlin and the victims of the German Democratic Republic (GDR) regime,” explains Gentle. “The open-air exhibition and documentation center share profound and tangible insights into the layout and construction of the Berlin Wall, most notably the former Death Strip.”

Brandenburg Gate

Brandenburg Gate is one of the most famous landmarks in Germany. “Once a symbol of division between East and West, since 1989 it's come to symbolize reunification and freedom,” explains Martin Werner, concierge at Hotel Adlon Kempinski .

Krisztian Bocsi/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Kaufhaus des Westens, or KaDeWe, is one of the largest and most famous department stores in Europe — it’s up there with Harrods in London. The Berlin institution spans six stories and sells an impressive selection of luxury goods, from designer clothing and cosmetics to bedding and kitchen wares. Don’t forget to visit the gourmet section on the 6th floor.

Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, designed by New York architect Peter Eisenman, honors the millions of lives lost in the Holocaust. It’s without question one of the most significant — and devastating — sights in Berlin. Werner encourages visitors to pay 3 euros for the audio guide, which includes emotional and informative audio commentaries.

Berliner Unterwelten

Steffi Loos/Getty Images

Berliner Unterwelten is a private collective that operates a variety of fascinating tours through the city's secret bunkers, tunnels, and Flak Towers built by the Nazis. It’s a fascinating way to gain unique insights into Berlin's history, particularly during World War II and the Cold War.

Schloss Charlottenburg

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Built by Frederick I, the largest palace in Berlin is a splendid example of Baroque architecture. Schloss Charlottenburg’s extensive palace gardens and Orangerie invite visitors to take long walks, while the interior boasts magnificent rooms and an impressive art collection. Pro tip: If you’re visiting over the holidays, be sure to check out the Christmas market.

East Side Gallery

In 1990, artists from around the world transformed the longest intact section of the Berlin Wall — between the Berlin Ostbahnhof and the Oberbaumbrücke, along the Spree River — into a permanent open-air exhibition that symbolizes peace and freedom over oppression.

Reichstag Building

With its spectacular glass dome, riverside location, and political importance, it's no wonder the Reichstag Building is one of the most visited sights in the city. In the summer months, Werner says, Berliners and tourists alike flock to the large lawn in front of this governmental meeting place.

Tempelhofer Feld

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Originally a parade ground and later an airport, Tempelhofer Feld now acts as a vast open space for recreation and leisure activities. Visitors can bike, skate, barbecue, marvel at the urban gardening section, or simply enjoy the freedom and expansiveness of this uniquely Berliner location. Gentle recommends “a tour of the old Nazi terminal building that’s shrouded in mystery and conspiracy.”

Berlin Philharmonic

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Music lovers shouldn't miss a chance to see a concert at the iconic Berlin Philharmonic, an architectural and acoustic marvel that plays host to one of the world's leading orchestras.

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Berlin's largest inner-city park and a green oasis in the heart of the urban sprawl, Tiergarten sits on the former hunting grounds of the royal family and comprises sprawling lawns, ponds, and monuments — notably the Victory Column, a commemoration of the wars of German unification leading up to 1871. According to Gentle, it’s one of the city’s most popular spots for walks, jogging, and picnics.

Viktoriapark

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Located in Kreuzberg, Viktoriapark attracts locals and visitors with its picturesque landscapes (including an artificial waterfall) and stunning views of the city from the top of the hill.

Mauerpark Flea Market

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At Mauerpark Flea Market, a lively and colorful marketplace held every Sunday, visitors can find everything from vintage clothing and antiques to handmade crafts from local makers. The adjacent park is famous for its street musicians, open mic karaoke, and exuberant atmosphere.

House of the Wannsee Conference

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In 1942, the Nazis planned their “Final Solution” — the systematic extermination of European Jews — at the House of the Wannsee Conference. Today, the site serves as a memorial and a chilling educational center, providing insight on the logistics of one of the greatest tragedies in human history. It’s both painful and incredibly important.

Teufelsberg

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Teufelsberg is a man-made hill in western Berlin, topped by the ruins of a former U.S. listening station used during the height of the Cold War. The site offers not only historical tours but also spectacular views over the city. It’s also a popular spot for street art and murals and is one of the places Berliners go to cool off in the hot, humid summers.

Nikolaiviertel Boat Tour

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A historic boat tour through the Nikolaiviertel, one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, takes visitors along the Spree River for a fascinating perspective on its medieval and baroque history. “Because most of Berlin’s historic center was destroyed during WWII, this district is really the closest thing to an Old Town,” notes Gentle.

Klunkerkranich

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Starting in March and through the summer months, hipsters gather on the roof terrace of Klunkerkranich, a cultural center in the district of Berlin-Neukölln, to sip drinks and soak in the vibrant atmosphere. In addition to cocktails, visitors can enjoy casual vegan food and live music.

Kreuzberg Food Tour

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“A food tour through Kreuzberg gives visitors the chance to discover the culinary diversity of this multicultural district, from Turkish specialties to innovative fusion cuisine,” says Gentle. On Tuesdays and Fridays a sprawling market lines the banks of the Maybachufer. It’s a great place to stock up on Turkish snacks and all sorts of other tasty treats.

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Holzmarkt is a creative and cultural center on the banks of the Spree River in the New East that’s awash with edgy bars, art installations, and indie shops. “It’s become a popular meeting place for locals and tourists looking to experience Berlin's more alternative scene,” adds Gentle.

Natural History Museum Berlin

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The Natural History Museum Berlin is famous for its impressive dinosaur skeletons, including a well-preserved Tyrannosaurus Rex named Tristan Otto as well as the earliest known bird.

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Germany's oldest zoo is home to a diversity of different species. With its historic aquarium and expansive habitats, it’s one of the most popular attractions for families, children, and animal lovers of all ages. Insider tip from Gentle: You can enjoy a coffee and look directly into the monkey cages from the nearby Bikini concept mall.

Gendarmenmarkt

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Arguably Berlin’s most beautiful square, Gendarmenmarkt houses the monumental Neue Kirche, Duomo dei Francesi (the French Cathedral), and the Konzerthaus Berlin. Planning a trip in the winter? Don’t miss the Christmas market.

Gardens of the World

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A little further afield in Marzahn, the Gardens of the World (Gärten der Welt) fuels a sense of wanderlust for travelers and locals alike. The public park, which opened in May 1987, comprises 250 acres of ornamental gardens, ranging from a peaceful Japanese garden to a riad-style Islamic garden. There’s also a cable car that floats above and supplies panoramic views.

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“The legendary techno clubs — most notably Berghain — are known for strict door policies. While people have been scratching their heads for years trying to figure out a way to trick the system, getting rejected from one of the city's hottest nightlife venues has become almost a rite of passage — so much so that it’s considered an essential part of the true Berlin experience for many visitors,” says Gentle. Of course, there’s always a chance you might gain access. In that case, debauchery and dancing well past dawn await.

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A Luxury Travel Guide to Hamburg, Germany

Whether you’re interested in the city’s culinary scene, its outdoor offerings or its cultural attractions, there’s plenty to see and do in Hamburg.

Many travelers tend to overlook Hamburg, a vibrant German port city located on the Elbe River, in favor of other, more popular locales in the country, like Munich or Berlin. It’s recently been touted as an Amsterdam dupe because of its red-light district (the Reeperbahn) and many historic canals, but Hamburg has more in common with Zurich than the Dutch city, thanks to its picturesque Alster Lake and upscale vibe. There are numerous Michelin-starred restaurants, top-end shopping and art museums that rival any larger European city, making Hamburg perfect for a long weekend or a few days of exploring. 

Because Hamburg doesn’t yet attract many American tourists, there are very few direct flights to the city from the U.S. Instead, Hamburg is a great addition to a longer European itinerary, whether you pair it with Berlin, which is just a short train ride away if you want to plan a day trip, or Copenhagen , which is also accessible by train. Most U.S. travelers fly to Germany through Berlin, Munich or Frankfurt, although Hamburg is a very accessible city from anywhere in the U.K. or Europe. Hamburg Central Station has trains to many cities, and Hamburg Airport is modern and easy to navigate. Your chosen route depends on your interests. For example, Hamburg (officially the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg) is well-matched with Berlin for art lovers and Copenhagen for foodies. 

Whether you’re interested in the city’s culinary scene, its outdoor offerings or its cultural attractions, there’s plenty to see and do in Hamburg. Here’s everything you need to know when planning a trip to discover the best of the city. 

Discover the Best of Hamburg, Germany

The fontenay, fairmont hotel vier jahreszeiten, hotel atlantic hamburg, autograph collection, the table kevin fehling, petit amour, gröninger privatbrauerei, hamburger kunsthalle, speicherstadt, elbphilharmonie hamburg, deichtorhallen, bunker st. pauli, alster lake cruise, where to stay.

• Fontenay 10, 20354 Hamburg, Germany

The Fontenay is a contemporary property with a modular-style facade that opened in 2018. It’s located slightly out of the town center, but the lake views from both the rooms and the restaurants are worth the walk. The 130 guest rooms and suites are modern and well-appointed, with high-end flourishes, while the spa, which has its own set of impressive views, is a serene place to unwind. The hotel is home to the two Michelin-starred restaurant, Lakeside , as well as a rooftop bar and the more traditional Parkview restaurant. Unlike many other five-star properties around town, The Fontenay is dog-friendly and welcomes furry friends with as much enthusiasm as humans. 

• Neuer Jungfernstieg 9 14, 20354 Hamburg, Germany

The elegant Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten, located directly on the Alster in the city center, is where Taylor Swift stayed in Hamburg during her Eras Tour. And if it’s good enough for Swift, then it’s definitely good enough for the rest of us. Situated near sites like the neo-Renaissance-style Town Hall (Hamburg Rathaus), Rathausmarkt and Planten un Blomen , the hotel boasts 156 spacious, ornate rooms and suites outfitted with classic décor and nice views, in addition to an expansive spa with lots of treatment and fitness options. There are several dining choices, from the outdoor lakeside terrace to the two Michelin-starred Restaurant Haerlin to the sleek, modern Grill. Situated about a 10-minute car ride from St. Pauli Piers (Landungsbrücken) and the Sunday morning fish market (fischmarkt), it’s a top choice for location and service.

• An d. Alster 72-79, 20099 Hamburg, Germany

Now part of the Autograph Collection, Hotel Atlantic first opened its doors in Hamburg in 1909. The grand building, which overlooks the Alster, features 221 rooms and suites with a historic elegance and a timeless blue color palette. There are two restaurants; the French fine dining spot Atlantic Restaurant and Atlantic Grill & Health, which focuses on more casual fare. The hotel has a fitness center, but no spa or pool, so guests will need to head to the lake or a nearby property for a dip. The location is ideal, particularly for those looking to explore Hamburg’s many museums and tourist attractions. 

Where to Eat and Drink

• Shanghaiallee 15, 20457 Hamburg, Germany

Hamburg boasts several Michelin-starred restaurants, but only one has the coveted three stars. Modern, high-end eatery The Table Kevin Fehling, led by chef Kevin Fehling and sommelier David Eitel , is known for its creative dishes and imaginative presentation, which is showcased over a lengthy tasting menu. Located in the Hafencity neighborhood, this restaurant is a splurge, but it’s a worthwhile one, especially if you appreciate plates that are both delicious and beautiful. The menu draws from global cuisine, with modern takes on classic dishes, and it’s all prepared in an open kitchen that invites the guests to witness the creation of their meal.  

• Rathausstraße 4, 20095 Hamburg, Germany

In the center of town, Café Paris is an upscale restaurant that serves French food so good you’ll think you are in Paris. It’s been a staple of the city since 1882, and the Art Nouveau interior is as memorable as the dishes, which include a seafood bouillabaisse and steak tartare that can be customized to your liking. It’s open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, but evenings are the best time to visit, especially if you can score a window-side table. It’s essential to book a table in advance, and you can select which room you prefer to dine in (we’re partial to the historic grand hall).  

• Spritzenpl. 11, 22765 Hamburg, Germany

Petit Amour, opened in 2015 by head chef Boris Kasprik , is a Michelin-starred restaurant in Hamburg’s Altona neighborhood. It serves a discerning and thoughtful six-course tasting menu of dishes that draw inspiration from French and Nordic cuisine. Guests can also opt for a wine or non-alcoholic drinks pairing. The restaurant is notably intimate, with only 11 tables, making it an ideal spot for a special occasion or date night. Reservations are a must, and the restaurant encourages guests with dietary restrictions to contact them in advance with any requests. 

• Rathausstraße 3, 20095 Hamburg, Germany

Across the street from Café Paris, cocktail lovers will find Le Lion, famous as the “cradle of the Gin Basil Smash.” The chic bar, which is best experienced with a reservation (although walk-ins are welcome), has high-end service and even higher-end drinks. It’s known as one of Europe’s top cocktails, making it an essential stop on any Hamburg itinerary. The Gin Basil Smash, invented in 2008, is one of many menu inclusions, which veer between classics and signature drinks. Guests can also partake in champagne, which is served alongside the artful cocktails. 

• Willy-Brandt-Straße 47, 20457 Hamburg, Germany

If beer is your thing, then Gröninger Privatbrauerei is the spot for you. The beer hall, which opened in 1722, serves up its own brews in Hamburg’s old town, including Hamburger Helles and Gröninger Pils, tapped from oak barrels, alongside traditional German cuisine. There are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options on the food menu, and the restaurant has a historic, cozy feel that is both welcoming and lively. Reservations are a good idea, especially on the weekends. 

• Glockengießerwall 5, 20095 Hamburg, Germany

Hamburger Kunsthalle is a vast museum dedicated to eight centuries of art history. It spans three buildings, one of which showcases contemporary works and special exhibitions. The museum is home to both well-known and more obscure paintings, including pieces by German artists Caspar David Friedrich , Philipp Otto Runge , Adolph Menzel and Max Liebermann . It can take hours to see the entire collection, with more than 700 works on permanent display, and the rotating exhibitions are similarly worth exploring. There are also two cafes, one of which has views of the Alster. Tickets can be booked online in advance, but you’ll be fine if you just show up. 

Hamburg’s historic warehouse district, Speicherstadt, was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015, and is worth a sightseeing visit. The area, filled with canals and museums, can be explored on foot or by boat tour (although boats are limited to the hours of high tide). It’s home to Miniatur Wunderland , a vast miniature railroad museum that has to be seen to be believed (it’s the largest model railway system in the world) and is so popular that it stays open until 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. Other attractions include the International Maritime Museum, which looks back on maritime history and showcases model ships, and Kaffeerösterei, a former coffee warehouse that is now a museum and tasting room. Don’t miss Café Fleetschlösschen, a canalside cafe that was once a customs booth. 

• Platz d. Deutschen Einheit 4, 20457 Hamburg, Germany

Since debuting in 2017, the Elbphilharmonie Hamburg has established itself as one of the top concert halls in Europe. The well-designed, contemporary space, which is even more impressive from the outside, attracts musicians and orchestras from around the world. Tickets can be affordable (if you get them before a concert sells out), and the seats are designed to emphasize the room’s acoustic prowess. Even if music is not your thing, travelers can partake in the views from the Elbphilharmonie, which overlooks the port of Hamburg. It also houses the Westin Hamburg, a restaurant and panoramic bar. 

• Deichtorstraße 1-2, 20095 Hamburg, Germany

Contemporary art lovers should head to Deichtorhallen, an edgy museum that hosts rotating exhibitions and photography collections. It tends to showcase present-day works, with a focus on global artists working in a variety of mediums, and the main hall is an impressive space to experience large-scale pieces. Adjacent to the main museum is a photography gallery made of shipping containers, where exhibitions focus on individual photographers or themed works. The museum has its own restaurant, Berliner Bahnhof, which serves drinks, wine and food. 

• Feldstraße 66, 20359 Hamburg, Germany

One of Hamburg’s most noteworthy new attractions is the Bunker St. Pauli, a former Nazi bunker from World War II. Although the interiors remain offices and studios, an upper level has been added with an outdoor public garden (think: the Highline in New York) and a hotel, as well as an art gallery and café. It’s free to visit, although the crowds can be intense, so arrive as early as possible. The views are incredible, and there’s a small display on the building’s history when you enter.  

• Jungfernstieg Anleger 1, 20354 Hamburg, Germany

The most scenic spot in Hamburg is the Alster, a lake that cuts through the center of the city and extends into the surrounding neighborhoods. There are many ways to explore the outer Alster, including on foot or by paddleboard, but if you’re short on time, a guided tour on an Alster lake cruise is the way to go. Several companies offer boat tours, which typically last one hour, but Alster Touristik has some of the nicest boats, with large windows and open-air spaces. The boats leave regularly from the main pier and can be booked in advance. Most of the boat companies in Hamburg, including those that do canal and harbor tours, offer the commentary in German, so be sure to ask in advance how to get it in English. 

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Best Cities in Germany for International Students 2024/2025 [Our Unique Ranking]

Germany’s 380+ recognized universities and 17,000+ study programs showcase its strong commitment to a diverse education. Whether you’re craving the vibrant academic scene in Munich, the innovative spirit of Aachen, or the cultural richness of Berlin, Germany’s top student cities have it all. 

Quick Summary

• Munich takes the lead as the best city in Germany for international students, followed by Aachen, Cologne, Bonn, and Stuttgart in fifth place, according to our score
• Berlin, sixth on our list, is followed by Frankfurt, Dresden, Leipzig, and Hamburg.
• Munich excels in safety with the lowest crime rates.
• Dresden offers the best quality of life, top-notch healthcare, and affordability.
• Leipzig and Stuttgart are also budget-friendly options.
• Berlin boasts the most universities but comes with a higher cost of living.
• Seven of the best cities in Germany for international students also make our list of the top German cities for work .

These are the best cities in Germany for international students in 2024/2025:

Munich claims the top spot for students in Germany in our ranking for the 2024/2025 academic year, offering academic excellence, cultural richness, and an exceptional quality of life all in one. As the capital of Bavaria, it is the central hub hosting a significant portion of the state’s 55,291 international students. Unsurprisingly, this vibrant city known as “the Village of a Million People” also ranks among the world’s best student cities.

Munich boasts 20 universities, including globally respected ones like the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich. It’s the safest student city in Germany and ranks third in quality of life. The city is a bit pricey, ranking second in terms of cost of living, and you should budget at least €1,000 per month to cover your expenses.

Fun fact: Did you know the Technical University of Munich (TUM) has been ranked as the most employable German university by THE in the Global Employability Rank 2023–24? 

Beyond academics, Munich offers a rich cultural scene with world-class attractions such as the Pinakothek Museums, the Bavarian State Opera, and the famous Munich Philharmonic Orchestra. It’s also famous for hosting Oktoberfest, the world’s largest beer festival, drawing millions for traditional Bavarian beer, food, and music each year.

Aachen claims the second spot as Germany’s top student city, offering a rich history, high quality of life, and affordability. Home to RWTH Aachen University and four other institutions offering 78 programs in English combined, it certainly draws international students seeking academic excellence. 

The city ranks second in quality of life among our top 10 cities and is notably affordable compared to larger student cities in Germany. Aachen’s UNESCO-listed Aachen Cathedral stands as a testament to its historical significance, while its strategic location near the borders of Belgium and the Netherlands adds an adventurous edge.

Hosting a substantial portion of North Rhine–Westphalia’s 77,199 international students, it’s an ideal destination if you’re seeking a culturally rich, compact city brimming with value and adventure. The federal state of North Rhine–Westphalia also leads the list as the German state with the most students in higher education , a total of 719,494.

Situated along the picturesque Rhine River and securing the third spot on our list is Cologne (Köln). Hosting a significant number of international students from North Rhine–Westphalia’s total of 77,199, Cologne fosters a truly diverse and welcoming environment. The University of Cologne, one of Germany’s largest and oldest institutions, stands as the city’s academic flagship. 

This dynamic city boasts 12 universities accommodating over 80,000 students. Among Cologne’s many cultural attractions, the real showstopper is its 13th-century Gothic masterpiece, the Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Germany’s most visited attractions. 

Cologne offers a relatively affordable cost of living, ranking in the middle among major cities, with an estimated monthly budget of approximately €960.

Kanika Sharma: I am a University of Cologne student pursuing my PhD at Genetics Institute in Cologne 🙂 so I feel qualified to answer this question. Cologne, it’s beautiful. I want to tell some specific points here

It’s one of the largest cities in Germany, yet it feels calm here. You don’t see tall claustrophobic buildings, uber-fast life, moronic traffic. It’s a balanced and comfy city. It retained Roman touch, so it’s vintage and yet modern. [ Quora ]

Formerly Germany’s capital, Bonn is now a compact hub of student adventures where you can explore museums, hike scenic trails, or relax by the Rhine River in Rheinaue Park. Bonn boasts three universities, led by the top-ranked University of Bonn (Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität), offering diverse programs for international students.

The city also houses the United Nations (UN) Campus, fostering diplomacy and cooperation, with offices for international organizations like the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Don’t miss Beethoven-Haus, a museum dedicated to Ludwig van Beethoven.

While the cost of living leans toward the higher end, with monthly expenses averaging €800-€1,000, it’s a worthwhile investment in a vibrant student experience. 

5. Stuttgart

Stuttgart is another top destination for international students, housing 15 universities, including the renowned University of Stuttgart, celebrated for its technical programs. Affordability is a perk, with an average monthly cost of €861. However, non-EU citizens pursuing specific degree programs face tuition fees of €1,500 per semester starting from 2017/18.

Known as the “cradle of the automobile,” Stuttgart hosts Mercedes-Benz and Porsche headquarters, and its captivating Mercedes-Benz Museum attracts 440,000 annual visitors. Yet, it’s not solely about engines and gears; Stuttgart knows how to have fun, with the Cannstatter Volksfest, Germany’s second-largest beer festival after Munich’s Oktoberfest.

Stuttgart’s lush green landscapes earned it the nickname “The Green U.” Its parks and unique “green roofs” on buildings adorned with plants promote sustainability and combat urban heat.

With a whopping 33 universities, Berlin is an academic powerhouse. It’s home to some of Germany’s finest, like Humboldt University, Technical University, and the Free University of Berlin. As a student, you’ll revel in the city’s perks, including fantastic discounts at galleries, libraries, and stores that’ll make your wallet smile.

Berlin is a cultural melting pot, with 39,595 international students and 22% of its population from 170 nations. Sure, it might have a higher cost of living (expect to spend a minimum of €1,000 per month), but that also means more job opportunities. Many students here juggle part-time gigs to fund their studies and savor the city’s rich offerings.

Berlin’s streets showcase stunning street art, particularly in Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain. Iconic sites like the Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag Building, and Checkpoint Charlie highlight its rich history. Thanks to the city’s bike lanes and sharing program, you can easily explore on a bike. And when the sun sets, Berlin’s legendary nightlife takes over, with numerous clubs, bars, and music venues open until the early hours.

7. Frankfurt

Home to 11 universities, including the renowned Goethe University, Frankfurt is a haven for international students. Drawing from a pool of over 28,000 international students in the broader Hesse region, Frankfurt shines for its vibrant academic community and robust research opportunities.

Ranked second in terms of safety, Frankfurt boasts a high quality of life thanks to excellent healthcare, education, public services, and an overall great standard of living. For bookworms, there’s even more to love—Frankfurt proudly hosts the world’s largest book fair, attracting literary enthusiasts and professionals from across the globe.

Dubbed “Mainhattan” for its impressive skyline, Frankfurt stands as a major global financial center, housing the European Central Bank. Amidst the urban hustle, the city offers serene green spaces like Palmengarten and the Frankfurt City Forest to unwind.

In terms of living costs, Frankfurt falls somewhere in the middle, with an estimated monthly budget of around €970 for students.

Often dubbed the “Florence on the Elbe,” Dresden is the vibrant capital of Saxony and a hotspot of the state’s thriving community of over 16,878 international students. At the heart of Dresden’s appeal is the renowned Dresden University of Technology (TU Dresden), one of Germany’s most prestigious technical universities.

When it comes to affordability, Dresden takes the crown among our featured cities. Students can comfortably manage their budgets, with an estimated monthly expenditure ranging from €700 to €900.

Quality of life in Dresden is also second to none, earning the top spot on our list. It’s a safe haven with low crime rates, nestled amidst natural beauty, including the serene Elbe River, nearby Saxon Switzerland National Park, and numerous lush parks and gardens.

Leipzig is another German city that attracts students from around the world, with prestigious institutions like the Leipzig University and the Leipzig Graduate School of Management (HHL) located here. Notably, it’s also home to big players like Amazon, DHL, BMW, and Porsche, giving the city a cosmopolitan vibe that appeals to ambitious expats.

This city knows how to celebrate its musical heritage with festivals like the Bach Festival and the Leipzig Music Trail. Plus, it won’t break the bank to live here, as Leipzig ranks among the top 3 most affordable cities on our list, with an average monthly living cost of approximately €850.

Leipzig’s creative scene is on the rise, buzzing with artists, designers, and musicians. The Spinnerei complex, once a cotton mill, has transformed into an artistic haven, housing galleries, studios, and creative spaces.

10. Hamburg

With over 12,000 international students, the city-state of Hamburg is a thriving academic center boasting around 19 universities and a diverse array of over 300 degree programs. The University of Hamburg takes the crown as the largest and most popular institution.

Despite its higher cost of living, averaging €800 to €1,000 per month, Hamburg offers a plethora of enriching experiences. The city’s maritime heritage shines at the International Maritime Museum, ideal for aspiring maritime scholars. Additionally, the Port of Hamburg, one of Europe’s largest, provides students with a unique chance to explore logistics and international trade.

Music enthusiasts in Hamburg can groove to the city’s rich Beatles history at iconic spots like Beatles Square and the Indra Club. For a more refined musical experience, the renowned Elbphilharmonie, with its world-class acoustics, hosts a variety of concerts, performances, and cultural events, granting students unparalleled access to the world of arts.

Methodology Behind Our City Ranking Score

In developing our rankings for the best cities in Germany for international students in 2024/2025, we employed a comprehensive and data-driven methodology. This methodology integrates various factors crucial for international students when choosing a city to study and live in. 

Each city is evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Number of International Students (State-Level): Considers the total number of international students in the respective German state , indicating the region’s popularity and the vibrancy of its international student community. [ Wissenschaft Weltoffen ]
• Number of Universities: Reflects the diversity and breadth of higher education options available.
• Number of Top Higher Education Institutions (State-Level): Assesses the presence and ranking of top higher education institutions within the state based on national and global academic rankings.
• Top Public University: Evaluates the leading public university in each city, focusing on its academic reputation, quality of education, and services for international students.
• Safety Score: Incorporates safety ratings of each city, essential for student well-being. [ Numbeo Crime and Safety Index ]
• Quality of Life Score: Assesses various aspects contributing to the overall quality of life, including cultural offerings, public transportation, and recreational facilities. [ Numbeo Quality of Life Index ]
• Cost of Living Score: Analyzes the affordability of each city for students, covering expenses such as housing, food, and transportation. A higher score indicates a higher cost of living.
• Crime Rate Score: Reviews and compares the crime rates in each city, providing an additional dimension of safety. [Numbeo Crime and Safety Index]
• Health Care Score: Evaluates the accessibility and quality of health care services in each city, a critical factor for students living abroad. [ Numbeo Health Care System Index ]
• Studying in Germany City Score: Compiles a unique score for each city, integrating all the above factors to offer a comprehensive overview of its suitability for international students.

Our rankings result from rigorous evaluation, compiled by our team of experienced education analysts, designed to provide a well-rounded perspective on what each German city offers to the international student community.

For further details or inquiries, please reach out to us at [email protected] .

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Must-know changes for students in germany in 2025, german universities receive €220 million to improve international mobility for students & staff, german universities registered 9% increase in guest students in winter semester 2023/24, bachelor students in germany more likely to drop out within first academic year, higher education in germany: key trends & statistics.

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How many neighbouring countries does Germany have - and which are they?

From the length of the borders to important joint projects - learn everything you need to know about good neighbourly relations with nine countries. 

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Germany borders nine countries along a total distance of around 3,750 kilometres. We present the most important facts about the country’s neighbours , all but one of which are in the European Union :  

Denmark  

Length of border: 68 kilometres 

Economic relations: Ranked Germany’s 20th most important trading partner globally and 18th most important in Europe. Good cooperation in the area of renewable energies .  

Cross-border project: From 2029, the roughly 18 kilometre-long Fehmarnbelt Tunnel will connect the German island of Fehmarn with the Danish island of Lolland. A road and rail tunnel, it will link the countries as part of the Scandinavia-Mediterranean corridor.  

Where the border has (all but) ceased to exist: If you cross the street from the “Grenzkrug Rosenkranz” restaurant in the hamlet of Rosenkranz you will already find yourself in Denmark.

Poland  

Length of border: 467 kilometres 

Key economic relations: Germany’s fifth-largest trading partner - and third-largest in Europe. Extensive cooperation in the automotive sector and many other branches of industry, collaboration on major infrastructural projects. 

Cross-border project: As well as developing road and rail connections such as the route between Berlin and Szczecin, which is due to be completed by December 2026, flood protection for the Oder river - which marks the border between the countries - is another large-scale joint project. 

Where the border has (all but) ceased to exist: Frankfurt (Oder) and Słubice are separated by the Oder river but linked by the Europa bridge. 

Czech Republic  

Length of border: 815 kilometres  

Key economic relations: Germany’s eleventh most important trading partner globally and ninth most important in Europe. Close industrial cooperation, particularly in the automotive sector 

Cross-border project: The two countries are planning a high-speed rail link between Dresden and Prague that will include a 30 kilometre-long tunnel. The project is part of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). 

Where the border has (all but) ceased to exist: The German-Czech-Polish border triangle is to be found just a few kilometres from Zittau and Hrádek nad Nisou. The site is marked by three large boundary stones featuring the national emblems and flags of the three countries and of the European Union – there is no border fence. 

Austria  

Length of border: 784 kilometres 

Key economic relations: Fifth most important trading partner in Europe, seventh globally. Extensive economic ties, especially in mechanical engineering and tourism. 

Cross-border project: The Salzburg – Berchtesgadener Land – Traunstein EUREGIO was already established in 1995. A voluntary alliance between the state of Salzburg (Austria) and the districts of Berchtesgadener Land and Traunstein (Germany), this has led to close cross-border cooperation between local towns in the areas of business, tourism, culture and the environment.

Where the border has (all but) ceased to exist: Lindau (Germany) and Bregenz (Austria) at Lake Constance more or less merge into one. The S1 suburban railway line links the two cities and takes hardly ten minutes to travel between their main railway stations. 

Switzerland  

Length of border: 348 kilometres 

Key economic relations: Eighth most important trading partner globally, sixth in Europe. Extensive trade in the pharma and mechanical engineering sectors, as well as in financial services 

Cross-border project: The NRLA project (New Rail Link through the Alps) is being planned as part of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) to improve the Rotterdam - Genoa axis. 

Where the border has (all but) ceased to exist: Germany’s only non-EU neighbour. And that’s why the border, though open, is still a border nonetheless. It passes unseen through the water of Lake Constance, however. 

France  

Length of border: 451 kilometres 

Economic relations: Germany’s second most important trading partner in Europe and fourth worldwide. Close cooperation in the aerospace industry. 

Cross-border project: The Franco-German University (FGU), the Centre Marc Bloch (CMB) and the ProTandem Franco-German agency for exchange in vocational training are outstanding binational educational and research institutions. 

Where the border has (all but) ceased to exist: The “Friendship Bridge” links Kleinblittersdorf and Großblittersdorf. As the name of the bridge suggests, it’s about more than just village rivalries here - it’s about international friendship: The “small” Blittersdorf is in Germany, while the “big” Blittersdorf is in France.  

Luxembourg  

Length of border: 138 kilometres 

Key economic relations: 41st most important trading partner globally, number 25 in Europe. Close ties in the financial sector. 

Cross-border project: mosaHYc (Mosel Saar Hydrogen Conversion) will see Germany, France and Luxembourg build a hydrogen pipeline of around 100 kilometres in length in this border region to advance the energy transition.  

Where the border has (all but) ceased to exist: Schengen – synonymous with a Europe with a common internal market and open borders, the village of this name can also be found on the map: The Luxembourg village of Schengen, where the treaty was signed, is to be found in the region bordering France and Germany - and just a short walk from Apach and Perl. Schengen even shares a school with the German town of Perl.  

Belgium  

Length of border: 167 kilometres 

Key economic relations: Important trading partner: number nine worldwide, number seven in Europe. Close collaboration on energy supply. 

Cross-border project: One example of the close cooperation on energy supply is the “Aachen Liège Electricity Grid Overlay“ (ALEGrO). In 2020, the 90 kilometre-long underground cable connected the German and Belgian electricity grids for the first time. It can transmit 1,000 megawatts of electricity, enough to power a city of a million inhabitants. 

Where the border has (all but) ceased to exist:  If you head west on Alte Vaalser Strasse in Aachen and then keep right under the tree rather than following the bend in the road to the left, you’ll find yourself in Vaals. You can tell that you are in a different country because the street there has red bike paths and is named Akenerstraat.  

Netherlands  

Length of border: 577 kilometres 

Key economic relations: Germany’s third-largest trading partner worldwide, behind only the US and China. The number one trading partner in Europe. 

Cross-border infrastructure project: The process to jointly develop the border region between the Netherlands and the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia was launched in 2017. The wide-ranging cooperative projects focus on issues relating to the employment market, education, transport and security. Each year, the Border Region Prize is awarded to outstanding projects. 

Where the border has (all but) ceased to exist: Kerkrade - an invisible border runs through the town. 

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