Germany, situated at the heart of Central Europe, is packed with fairytale castles, historic cities, captivating hills and valleys, exotic forests, and culture-rich metropolitan cities. Welcome to Endless Tourist.
#15: Rothenburg
Rothenburg is situated right in the center of Bavaria and features lots of special attractions. This photogenic travel destination has kept plenty of medieval and historic structures alive. The 13th century Town Hall is a must-visit here. The sprawling Castle Gardens open up an impressive view that equates to the setting of a fairy tale. Learn more about the rich medieval history by visiting the famous Imperial City Museum. This place stays somewhat crowded during the daytime. If you plan to stay a night in Rothenburg, you can embrace the beauty of the Old Town Halls and explore every nook and cranny of this medieval place. Travel to Plonlein, a special attraction in Rothenburg, to lay your eyes on a series of skinny, timber-framed houses and enchanting streets.Â
#14: Aachen Cathedral
The grand Aachen Cathedral is the oldest cathedral in the entire region of Northern Europe. It is the holy seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Aachen. Here, you can observe the architectural styles of Carolingian and Gothic depicted clearly in the structure of the cathedral. This cathedral was built by King Charlemagne, and his remains are now stored in the Karlsschrein, or Shrine of Charlemagne. Further, the glimmering golden mosaics in the Palatine Chapel, along with the remarkable bronze Wolf doors, which have their origins in the ninth century, add to the beauty of the cathedral. It is now considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
#13: Dresden
Harboured by the aesthetic Elbe River, Dresden is a scenic city offering a lovely, flowing view of the coast during the winters when pure white snowflakes cover the region. Explore the rich past of the city by visiting The Zwinger, which is notable for its majestic Baroque style of architecture. Let the rich history come alive as you go exploring the Dresden Royal Palace and the captivating ancient museum that it boasts. Dresden Frauenkirche, situated in the heart of the city, is the epitome of architectural beauty. The vibrant mosaic windows of this structure make it look even lovelier. Stroll around the public square of Theaterplatz, and enjoy experiencing the rich German culture at the Semper Opera House by attending the rocking performances conducted here. Come across diverse artworks at the Three Gifts for Cinderella exhibition.
#12: The Museum Island
The Museum Island, or Museumsinsel of Berlin, is situated at a middle spot between the River Spree and the Kupfergraben. Located at the heart of this fairy-tale-like island is the Old Museum. It was built in 1830 to serve the purpose of storing royal treasures and wealth. Later, the New Museum came into being in the period between 1843 and 1855. The National Gallery and the Bode Museum came into being in 1876 and 1904, respectively. Here, you can come across the royal collection of antiquities dating back to the medieval era. Take a calming stroll around Pergamon to witness the beauty of the historic buildings. There are so many museums stuffed into one place that we fear you may not be able to cover all of them in a single day.
#11: Zugspitze Massif
The Zugspitze is not only the highest peak of the Wetterstein Mountains, but also the super-highest mountain in Germany. Since it is located at a height of 9700 feet above sea level, it offers breathtaking, picturesque views of the towering Bavarian Alps and the rich, green valleys scattered below. You can also book fun-filled cable car rides here, and with that, you get the incredible chance to watch the panoramic views of this heaven-like place on Earth.
#10: Hohenzollern Castle
Situated atop a cliff, Hohenzollern Castle traces its origins back to the 19th century. From the top, you get a mind-blowing view of the surrounding two towns, located at the foothills of the dreamy Swabian Alps. The panoramic view of the surrounding landscape obtained from the castle is simply elegant. The lavish, beautiful, and spacious rooms of the castle, along with the stained-glass windows, excellent frescoes, and architectural designs, are major attractions of this place. You can also witness some really expensive royal artifacts, treasures, and precious jewels that are kept here on display. Relive the past by visiting this castle in the present.
#9: Rhine Valley
The Rhine Valley is a nature lover’s paradise. The beautiful Rhine river, flowing from Switzerland to reach the Netherlands and the North Sea, offers exceptional river cruising opportunities to travelers. Visit the Rhine Gorge, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and get amazed by its rich vegetation, rugged cliffs, and its notable attraction, Loreley Rock. Relax on the cruise as you sail through the Rhine waters. The Speyer, Mainz, and Worms Cathedrals, located near the Rhine Valley, are a must-visit as you get to witness the High Romanesque architectural style.
#8: Cologne
Renowned for its 12 Romanesque churches, this lovely Cathedral City is packed with Baroque palaces and medieval churches. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Cologne Cathedral offers impressive panoramic views from the top of its southern tower. If you are an art buff, explore the rich art collection at Wallraf-Richartz Museum and Ludwig Museum. Book a cable car ride to Cologne to get a bird’s-eye view of the beautiful landscape lying below. Lastly, satiate your sweet tooth by visiting the famous Cologne Chocolate Museum and treating yourself with customized chocolate bars.Â
#7: Schloss Neuschwanstein
Witness the castle of Schloss Neuschwanstein for real! Surrounded by the lovely Bavarian Alps, this castle seems to be straight out of a fairy tale. It was built by Ludwig II of Bavaria in 1869 to satisfy his desire for fancy castles. Walt Disney visited this castle and used it as inspiration for The Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland. Now, isn’t that interesting? You can even make your experience better by taking a horse-drawn carriage and winding up to the top of the castle.
#6: Lake Constance
Indulge in a plethora of water sports as you go canoeing, sailing, and surfing with the captivating Alps in the background. The sand and pebble beaches and picturesque islands add to the beauty of Lake Constance. Baroque-style churches, monasteries, and castles present here add to the awesomeness of the place. Pay a visit to Pfahlbauten and explore the numerous dwellings belonging to the age-old Stone and Bronze Ages.
#5: Heidelberg
No other German city is as romantic as Heidelberg. Its historic cities, bridges, castles, and rich flora make it a wonderful place that tourists can’t miss out on. Visit the famous Heidelberg Castle, which is carved out of red Neckar sandstone. Come here during the period of June-August to be a part of the lively, rocking performances of jazz, theater, opera, folk and much more. Take a stroll near Karl Theodor Bridge, which is beautified with impressive sculptures and sandstone arches. Embark on a one-hour drive from Heidelberg to reach the ancient spa town of Bad Wimp fen that shelters the Staufen Imperial Palace rich with intricate details, and beautiful arches, and stands as an example of German Romanesque architectural style.
#4: Munich
Munich, the capital of Bavaria, is a vibrant city where Oktoberfest, the biggest beer festival in the world, is held. More than 6 million people from around the world come here to attend the festival and indulge in partying, dancing, swaying to the music, playing games, and taking exotic rides. Go walking to the public square of Munich, Marienplatz and explore the various stores and boutiques located here. Travel to Englischer Garten which is replete with diverse flora and marked by the presence of pretty winding streams. Have a relaxing time biking here! Pay a visit to the oldest parish church in Munich, St. Peter’s Church, and explore the exquisite panel paintings on the choir walls.
#3: Leipzig
Leipzig is a bustling hub of markets, art and culture, fairs, and festivals. The Old Town Hall here is a must-visit. This historical building is a true testimony to Renaissance structure. The market square, located opposite the Old Town Hall, is a beautiful place where you can simply stop and chit-chat with your travel partners. The Museum of City History, located here, features an all-year-round exhibition that brings to life the ravishing history of Leipzig. Soothe your soul by exploring the Leipzig Music Trail and letting your love for music surface.
#2: The Harz Mountains
The Harz Range, adorned with snow-capped mountain peaks, tranquil rivers, and pretty homes, offers a dreamy landscape that you really can’t afford not to visit. Bond with nature as you visit Harz National Park and explore the beautiful spruce and beech forests. Travel to Mount Brocken and enjoy the thrill of touring around a spooky place such as this. The Harz Narrow Gauge Railways offer an awesome chance for tourists to embark on a lovely train journey, as you get to treat your eyes to the mountain while the train circles it. Enjoy ice skating and snowboarding in this winter wonderland, and have fun!
#1: The Black Forest
Hiking in the Black Forest is a dream come true for a lot of adventurers. Situated in the southwestern corner of Germany, this picturesque mountainous area is marked by the presence of thick, dense evergreen forests and spectacular villages. You can have a calm, relaxing experience at the renowned spa in Baden-Baden. The Black Forest Railway is also a notable spot here, more so because of its location at Triberg, which shelters the highest waterfall in Germany. If you want to go into the Black Forest, the city of Freiburg is a perfect starting point. The beautiful city is located close to the border with Swiss. Enjoy!Â
Our Top 15 Places in Germany on a Map
Germany offers a wealth of captivating destinations that showcase its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. From the bustling cityscapes of Berlin and Munich to the enchanting fairy tale castles of Bavaria and the scenic beauty of the Black Forest, there is something to enthrall every traveler.
Whether you are exploring the iconic landmarks, indulging in delicious cuisine, immersing yourself in art and music, or simply enjoying the warmth of German hospitality, the 15 best places to visit in Germany are bound to leave you with unforgettable memories and a deep appreciation for this remarkable country.
Which of these places appealed to you the most? Let us know in the COMMENTS section below.
