Germany is a country rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, representing destinations that will leave a traveler spoiled for choice. Ranging from vibrant cities to idyllic villages, magnificent castles, and pure scenery, the places to visit in Germany seem limitless. The current travel guide is intended to take a historian, nature enthusiast, or any other type of tourist through the best places to visit in Germany.
best places to visit in Germany
Ultimate South Africa Itinerary: 14 Days of Adventure and Discovery
1. Berlin – The Heart of Germany
The capital city is a must when visiting Germany. Berlin is full of art, modern architecture, and a historical feel that will fit any type of tourist. You can start your ways at Brandenburg Gate, a true symbol of reunification. From there, it is the Berlin Wall Memorial, a stretch of the wall dedicated to the many that died crossing it, and which accompanies the East Side Gallery. Though part of the wall, it was used for some really powerful murals.
Don’t miss Museum Island, a UNESCO-listed site home to five world-famous museums, all housed under one roof—the Pergamon Museum and the Altes Museum are just two examples of these. For panoramic views of the city, be sure to visit the Berlin TV Tower. Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain are part of the best areas for getting something eclectic and unique to do a great bar and café crawl through the city’s cool locales.
2. Munich—Bavarian Beauty and Tradition
Munich is the capital of Bavaria and shines with its conservative traditions and a cosmopolitan way of life. There are places in Munich that attract any tourist: the old center of Marienplatz, with the New Town Hall and Glockenspiel; the place that should be visited by everybody keen on history, including Nymphenburg Palace and Munich Residenz—through which one will be served a look at the opulent past of the Bavarian monarchy.
Lovers of beer should not fail to visit the oldest beer hall in the world—the Hofbräuhaus—and the legendary Oktoberfest, which is visited by millions of people every year. Lovers of cars, on their part, should not fail to pay a visit to the BMW Museum as well as the BMW Welt. Interested tourists can travel from Munich to explore the beauties of the Bavarian Alps and also to visit the fairytale castle Neuschwanstein.
3. Heidelberg – the Riverside City of Romances
Heidelberg is one of the most delightful towns of Germany, situated beautifully at the confluence of the Neckar River. Heidelberg Castle, on top of the hill overlooking the city, forms a highlight, with its great views over the old town and the river. Landscapes from the Alte Brücke and the Philosophers’ Way are so beautiful that, probably, they would make a walk perfect for any unhurried person.
And it is the seat of the oldest university of Germany, the University of Heidelberg, founded in 1386. Structures of this university and Student Jail are historic as well. Narrow cobblestones, baroque structures, and an active cultural scene are all other attractions of this city.
4. The Black Forest — A Nature Lover’s Paradise
The Black Forest is the Schwarzwald, a region by itself of great natural beauty with its dense forests, gently undulating hills, and picturesque villages. It provides a perfect environment for outdoor recreation such as walking routes or cycling paths. Another example of panoramic roads with clear views across the countryside is the Schwarzwaldhochstraße.
Enjoy the thermal baths in Baden-Baden, a spa town. The Triberg Waterfalls are among the largest in all of Germany and many people come to visit them. If you want to get a taste of the local tradition then you will find that right here as well in villages like Gengenbach and Freiburg of the Black Forest. Here, you not only get to taste the original Black Forest cake but also get to see one of the world-famous cuckoo clocks.
5. Hamburg – The Gateway to the World
Hamburg is the second-largest city in Germany and one of the main ports, commercial centers, and the traditional living quarters of the country. You can see this in its maritime history, still very much alive in the historic Speicherstadt. Today, it’s the world’s largest warehouse district and a UNESCO World Heritage site. And then there is the Elbphilharmonie—with its concert hall, so audaciously modern in design, it looms iconically over Hamburg’s contemporary spirit.
Next, you must visit St. Michael’s Church to have an overview of the whole city from top. and after this, you should hit off a cruise over the Port of Hamburg to experience in person the liveliness of the busy harbor. Another major highlight in the turf of nightlife in Hamburg is the district of St. Pauli’s Reeperbahn, which features countless music clubs, theaters, and bars that are all mixed into a single unit. You will not want to miss the opportunity to check out Miniatur Wunderland—it is the largest model railway exhibition in the world.
6. Romantic Road – A Drive Through Time
The so-called German Romantic Road, or Romantische Straße in German, stretches out from Würzburg to Füssen—one of the most spectacular routes across Germany, with beautiful medieval towns, vineyards, and castles, so its landscape really resembles a fairy tale. On the drive, one can note the Residence of Würzburg, a baroque-style palace surrounded by splendid gardens, and the town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, famous for its excellently constructed preservation of architecture—so characteristic of its medieval origin.
It ends at Neuschwanstein Castle, probably one of the world’s most famous castles and often claimed as the inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. Here you’ll also find Hohenschwangau Castle, again a few minutes away. A voyage along the Romantic Road is a jump back in time to the historical depth and enthralling landscapes of Germany.
7. Dresden – The Jewel of the Elbe
Dresden is referred to as the “Florence on the Elbe,” and in all frankness, it numbers among its architectural treasures and cultural legacies. The Zwinger Palace and the Semper Opera House are baroque architectural works of matchless features. Topping out the skyline of the city is the beautiful church, rebuilt since the war, Frauenkirche.
The Royal Palace of Dresden hosts several museums, one of the most famous being the Green Vault, where one of the most important collections of treasures in all of Europe is displayed. Moreover, Dresden is situated along the Elbe River and includes beautiful views. The part of the city known as Brühl’s Terrace has been referred to as the “Balcony of Europe.” One hour’s drive from Dresden lies the site of the Saxon Switzerland National Park, known for its bizarre rock formations and hiking paths.
8. Moselle Valley – Vineyards and Castles
An undulating Moselle River, steep vineyards, and medieval castles crown this to be one of the prettiest wine areas of Germany. The town of Cochem graced with the historic Old Town and mighty Reichsburg castle lies invitingly austerely to afford panoramic views over the valley valley.
Experience the beauty of the countryside and take a river cruise, stopping at Bernkastel-Kues and Traben-Trarbach, both boasting charming half-timbered houses and, of course, very good wines. Possibly one of the most perfectly preserved castles that Germany retains in a valley is Eltz Castle and a must-see in the region.
9. Cologne – A Mix of Old and New
Cologne is over 2000 years old and is one of the oldest cities in Germany. The most famous, purely iconic landmark of Cologne is the Cologne Cathedral, the largest cathedral in Europe. Climb the tower for the best views over the city and the Rhine River.
There are so many small colour-painted houses, cafes, and shops that poured into Altstadt. You can come to the Roman- Germanic Museum and flower from the pages of the past in which the Romans lived in Cologne or take a gander at the modern Museum Ludwig. Cologne is proud of its exuberant carnival-one of the biggest and most famous in Europe-lavish nightlife in the city the Rhine River.
10. The Bavarian Alps: Nature and Adventure
The state of Bavaria is located in southern Germany, with the Bavarian Alps. The Bavarian Alps present one of the best hiking, skiing, and mountaineering opportunities in the whole of Europe. The highest point in Germany is the towering Zugspitze at a height of 2,962 meters, from where one can gain tremendous views across and about the Alps—all easily close at hand by a cable car.
Go and visit the Eagle’s Nest near Berchtesgaden in the Bavarian Alps; it offers you panoramic view and history all in one shot. The Partnach Gorge and Königssee are two points that are to be experienced mainly for their natural beauty. This whole area turns into a winter sports paradise for the whole season of winter. Some of these resorts even host international skiing events, as in the case with Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
