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Germany is a land of great culture and history, and there’s no shortage of things to see and do here. From the vibrant cities to the serene countryside, there’s something for everyone in this fascinating country. Whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, or just looking for a relaxing vacation, Germany has it all.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the top 10 places to visit in Germany. These destinations are sure to give you a taste of what this wonderful country has to offer. So grab your bags and get ready for an adventure in one of the most exciting and diverse countries in Europe!
Table of Contents
Neuschwanstein
The charming ancient town of Füssen, nestled between the Ammergau and Allgäu Alps, is a fantastic starting point to visit the neighborhood’s famous Neuschwanstein Castle, the ultimate fairytale castle. Neuschwanstein, the most famous and iconic German palace, also inspired the beautiful Sleeping Beauty castle in Disneyland parks. King Ludwig II of Bavaria is credited for commissioning the castle, but he was found dead just a few days after being pronounced crazy in 1886 when the castle was almost finished. Neuschwanstein is the most visited destination in Germany and the most photographed structure in the region. There are numerous tour options, including guided tours of the sumptuous interior, which include the Throne Room, Singers’ Hall, and some of the castle’s other breathtaking views.
The Cologne Cathedral
Undoubtedly, Cologne’s most stunning attraction is the massive Kölner Dom, also recognized as the Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Mary, situated on the banks of the River Rhine. This cathedral is a marvel of High Gothic design. The construction of this masterpiece began in 1248 and reportedly took 600 years to finish. The cathedral’s fascinating interior, which measures 6,166 square meters and has fifty-six enormous pillars, is as imposing as its exterior. The Three Kings Chapel’s stained glass from the 12th and 13th centuries and the Treasury’s collection of priceless items, which survived World War II almost undamaged, are further highlights of the cathedral. You will need to climb up the 533 stairs to the viewing platform in the South Tower for some of the city’s best views and rivers. Fortunately, the entry ticket is not very expensive.
The Holstentor
The Holstentor in Lübeck, Germany, is one of the two city gates preserved to this day. It was constructed between 1464 and 1478, and today it is considered a symbol of Lübeck due to the allure of its two round towers and its arched entryway. Surprisingly, in 1863, the decision to not demolish the gate but instead fully renovate it was made with a majority of just one vote. Since the gate had fallen several centimeters deeper into the ground with each passing year, it was in deplorable shape. The Holsten Gate underwent extensive repairs, after which the movement was put on hold. Today, the building’s interior houses a museum that depicts Lübeck’s medieval mercantile golden days as well as the history of the gate itself.
The Black Forest
One of Europe’s most popular highland areas is the stunning Black Forest, known for its dark, heavily forested hills. It is a hiker’s paradise, stretching 160 kilometers from Pforzheim to Waldshut on the High Rhine. The Black Forest falls more gently to the Neckar and Danube valleys on the eastern side while descending to the Rhine on the western end. Famous tourist attractions within the region include the Bad Liebenzell resort and the oldest ski area in Germany, Todtnau. Among other sights are the magnificent Black Forest Railway and The Black Forest Museum in Triberg, the location of the famed falls. The Black Forest Panoramic Route is a 70-kilometer driving trip featuring some of the area’s best views as well as its most famous historic sites, such as magnificent castles and a variety of medieval towns and villages.
Heidelberg Altstadt
The Heidelberg Altstadt, the city’s oldest section, is located just beneath a castle. It stretches over a mile along the river, with Bismarckplatz on one side and Karlstor on the other. The most well-known Heidelberg attractions are between Altstadt’s baroque structures, winding streets, market squares, shops, restaurants, and bars. The Old Town was rebuilt during the 1700s after being nearly destroyed by French forces in the 1690s. In contrast to most German cities, it almost survived World War II almost intact. The Hauptstrasse, which runs through the heart of the Old Town, is where most shopping places are located.
Brandenburg Gate
The enormous sandstone Brandenburg Gate in Berlin‘s Mitte area was among the earliest Neoclassical buildings in the city and was constructed on the orders of King Frederick William II in 1791. The Quadriga, the magnificent four-horse chariot bearing the goddess of victory, is situated atop this superb structure and stands at an astonishing height of 26 meters. The six gigantic columns that make up the structure form five majestic routes; four of which were used by regular traffic, and the center one was reserved for royal vehicles. Massive Doric columns are also employed to embellish the two structures used to accommodate guards and toll collectors on each side of the gate. It’s hard to imagine that the gorgeous building you see today, which is unquestionably Berlin’s most recognizable structure, was severely damaged during WWII. It was also formerly a portion of the famed Berlin Wall, representing the partition of Berlin into East and West for several decades.
Frauenkirche, Dresden
The Frauenkirche, also called the Church of Our Lady, a Lutheran cathedral initially constructed in the 18th century, is one of Dresden’s most well-known tourist destinations. The magnificent dome, which has two casings that make up the internal and external domes, was completed in 1738. Before its collapse following the bombing in February 1945, the church brightened Dresden’s skyline for two centuries. A grassroots campaign after Germany’s union assisted in raising money for the famed landmark’s reconstruction. Using the original 1720s blueprints as a guide, the church was rebuilt and opened to the public in 2005. The city of Coventry presented the golden cross for the church’s dome. It is also possible to climb the dome and visitors can take in stunning views of Dresden and the Elbe river from the summit.
Museum Island
A trip to Museum Island should definitely be included in your to-do list if you enjoy art and history. Five of Berlin‘s most significant museums are located within this UNESCO World Heritage Site, situated in the center of the River Spree. The Alte Nationalgalerie, which holds approximately 1,800 paintings and 1,500 sculptures from the Romantic and Impressionist periods, is arguably the most remarkable. The Altes Museum, meanwhile, features more than 350 years’ worth of stone jewelry, vases, sculptures, and craft items on display. A collection of statues, Byzantine artwork, coins, and medals may be found at the Bode-Museum. The breathtakingly exquisite figure of Egyptian Queen Nefertiti’s head is displayed at Neues Museum. The Pergamonmuseum’s archaeological marvels should also not be missed. You can examine exact replicas of ancient Greek and Roman architectural structures here.
Rhine Valley
The Upper Rhine Valley, which spans France, Germany, and Switzerland, exhibits the best that each of these three nations has to offer. It is no surprise that a portion of the area was given UNESCO World Heritage status in 2002, given the abundance of spectacular hilltop castles, charming old towns, and picturesque vineyards. Over the past two centuries, several poets, artists, and composers have drawn inspiration from the natural sceneries along the Rhine, and it is easy to understand why. You pass the lovely towns of Bingen and Rudesheim as you travel down the river. The Upper Middle Rhine Valley also hosts 500 hectares of terraced vineyard slopes that produce some of Germany’s best Rieslings in addition to inspiring folktales. When soaking in the stunning vistas and holding a glass of Weisswein, wine enthusiasts will undoubtedly feel like they’re in heaven. The region offers a wide range of winery tours, tasting opportunities, and accommodations in every price range.
Miniatur Wunderland
The world’s most extensive model railroad system, Miniatur Wunderland, has been named among Germany’s top tourist destinations. Visitors can gaze at many regions and even a small airport within the area. In addition to the large-scale replicas of Hamburg, various construction projects are open to intrigued visitors, along with the Austrian Alps, France, North America, Venice, and Scandinavia. Miniatur Wunderland appears to have been painted using a one-hair brush on every square inch. The buildings show exquisite details, the automobiles have tiny text inscribed on them, and the grass blades are sketched perfectly. The way Miniatur Wunderland transforms during the day and night phases is arguably its most stunning feature. The 389,000 LED lights drastically alter the scenes; which are unquestionably improved at night.