Germany, in the heart of Western Europe, offers endless entertainment for travelers.
With countless historic yet cutting-edge cities, romantic forests, and rich culture, planning your visit can be overwhelming. It would take a lifetime to see all the highlights of this fascinating country. Take your time and start with our guide to the best places to visit in Germany.
1. Middle Rhine Valley (Rhine Valley)
Germany’s second-longest river, the Rhine, flows south from Koblenz and weaves through the valley through a breathtaking landscape of vineyards and castles. The section between Koblenz and Rüdesheim, known as the Oberes-His Mittelrheintal (upper Rhine Valley), is a very special place and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002.
A hotly contested land for centuries, Oberes-Mitterrheinthal is home to impressive castles, including Palatinate Grafstein, Burg Rheinstein, Burg Reichenstein, and the mighty Festung Ehrenbreitstein in Koblenz.
Planning tip: Make time to visit some of the many wineries and wine bars here. We recommend Weingut Georg Breuer in Bingen, Alte Weinstube zum Hubertus in Koblenz, and Zum Grünen Baum in Bacharach.
Visit Cologne and Germany’s largest church, the 13th-century Cologne Cathedral © Michael Abid / 500px
2. Cologne
Cologne (Cologne) is known for its mild climate and rich historical attractions. Its name comes from the Romans (who founded it as Colonia Claudia alla Agripinensium in the 1st century AD) and has remained a major center of German history for centuries.
The most tangible symbol of Cologne’s importance and essential attraction is its magnificent Gothic cathedral, built in the 13th century. Koerner Cathedral is the largest church in Germany and was also the tallest building in Europe until it was overshadowed by the Eiffel Tower. Other must-see historical and cultural spots include the Romano-Germanic Museum and Wallraf’s Richards Museum & Corbu Foundation’s sublime collection of European art from the 13th century to his 19th century.
Planning Tip: Pick up your Cologne Card at the Cologne Tourist Board office (next to the cathedral) or at a KVB or DB ticket machine. Buy a 24-hour individual ticket (9 euros) and enjoy unlimited use of public transport, as well as discounts of up to 50% on many cultural attractions, restaurants and shops.
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View of the dramatic cliffs of Jasmund National Park on the Baltic coast of northern Germany © RicoK69 / Getty Images
3. Baltic coast
Germany’s northern Baltic coast represents a side of the country that many travelers don’t expect. The Baltic Sea’s rugged southern coast hides vast pristine beaches, lush pines and unspoilt nature reserves. Highlights include the Stralsund, a former Hanseatic powerhouse, a classic Gothic gabled building of red brick. Sheer cliffs of Jasmund National Park on the island of Rügen. and the birds and beauty of the Dals-Zingst peninsula.
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Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a wonderfully preserved medieval village © Michael Abid / Alamy Stock Photo
4. Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Perhaps the most charming village on the entire 400 km (250 miles) of the Romantic Road, Rothenburg ob der Tauber (meaning “Above the Tauber River”) is a wonderfully preserved medieval German village. Strict heritage protection offers glimpses of winding cobbled lanes, intact castle walls and historic churches. It is collected in the Imperial Stadt Museum, housed in a former Dominican monastery, and in the Altohis Rothenburgerhaus, where weavers, potters and other artisans have continued their work for more than seven centuries. Check out local treasures.
Marvel at the luxury of Munich’s Residenz Museum © Pigprox / Shutterstock
5. Munich and the Bavarian Alps
Munich (Munich), the capital of the Free State of Bavaria (Freistad Bavaria), is a city that most visitors associate with “classical” German culture. In fact, Germany is a patchwork of cultures and dialects, often Bierkeller’s Bavarian model. , outsiders think of bratwurst and lederhosen. But Munich is no cliché. Germany’s third largest city is a center of high-tech manufacturing and cutting-edge culture, as well as the gateway to the majestic Bavarian Alps.
Must-see sights and experiences include the Residenz Museum, the former palace of the Wittelsbach dynasty that ruled Bavaria. The Kunsthalial district is full of museums. and the elegant 17th-century Nymphenburg Castle. Forested mountains, photogenic villages, and the ski slopes and spa resorts of the beautiful Bavarian Alps are within an easy drive south of Munich.
Planning tip: Oktoberfest, the beer festival that begins each September, is synonymous with Munich and is the busiest and most expensive time of the year. Accommodations are booked well in advance, so plan ahead.
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High-design objects shine at the Bauhaus Museum, a highlight of Weimar’s extraordinary cultural richness © RudiErnst / Shutterstock
6. Erfurt and Weimar
The cities of Erfurt and Weimar, near central Germany, represent a remarkable concentration of cultural achievements and historical significance. Erfurt, the capital of Thuringia, is home to one of Germany’s most beautiful medieval centres, while Weimar towered as the capital of its eponymous 20th century republic, and before that it was home to cultural centers such as Bach, Goethe, Schiller and Nietzsche. It was the home of famous people.
Important sights in Erfurt include the cathedral where Martin Luther was ordained and the vast Baroque Zitadelle Petersberg. In Weimar, make time to visit the Goethe National Museum. This is the building where the author lived for his 50 years. Herzogin Anna Amalia Library is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And the modernist treasures of the Bauhaus Museum, which was also born here.
The Black Forest is a rural playground dotted with traditional villages © Milamai / Getty Images
7. Black Forest
The Black Forest (Black Forest) on the border between France and Switzerland is a vast forest area spanning more than 6,000 square kilometers (2,316 square miles). From spruce-covered slopes to deep valleys punctuated by silvery lakes, to traditional villages and farms, this diverse rural playground invites you to explore by car, bike or foot.
If you’re short on time, the drive along the Schwarzwaldhochstrasse (Black Forest Road) from Baden-Baden to Freudenstadt offers a series of stunning views. If you have more time, consider hiking the 40km (25 miles) Panoramaweg or the 12km (7.5 miles) Feldberg Steig to the forest’s highest peaks. Be sure to include populated areas such as Triberg, with its waterfalls and cuckoo clock, in your visit. Freiburg is a laid-back university town. and Alpilsbach, home to an 11th-century Benedictine abbey.
Planning Tip: Travelers are drawn to nature and the Black Forest’s natural splendor, but it would be a mistake to ignore the region’s amazing cuisine. Of course, there’s Schwarzwalder Kirsttorte (Black Forest Gateau), but lesser-known specialties include venison Baden-Baden, smoked Schwarzwalder Schinken (ham), and Freiburg’s skinless Lange Rote (black forest gateau). They have red sausages.
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For many travelers, Berlin is synonymous with nightlife © Hinterhaus Productions / Getty Images
8. Berlin
No list of Germany’s highlights would be complete without the country’s capital and dynamic cultural institutions. Berlin, Germany’s most populous city, is a rich place with some of the country’s best museums, food, art, and perhaps most of all, nightlife.
Noisy Berlin has long had a bohemian vibe. Be sure to leave time to visit cultural highlights such as the Mies van der Rohe-designed Neue Rijksmuseum and the treasure trove of Museumsinsel (Museum Island), but those looking to party can enjoy beer at Berghain or Prater. You’re sure to find a party at iconic venues like the Garten. Berlin’s party people continue to innovate as ever.
Planning tip: Get your Berlin Welcome Card online before heading into town. Available for varying lengths of time from 48 hours to 6 days, benefits include unlimited public transportation, free admission to over 30 top attractions, and up to 50% off admission to over 150 attractions. is provided. .
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This article was first published on June 3, 2021 and updated on May 9, 2024.
