Best Places to Visit in Germany

With diverse natural landscapes, a storied past spanning from the Roman Empire and Holy Roman Empire to the World Wars, and vibrant modern culture, Germany packs incredible variety into a relatively small country in Central Europe. Cosmopolitan cities like Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg seamlessly fuse historical sites alongside cutting-edge architecture, arts scenes, and nightlife. Charming smaller towns like Rothenburg ob der Tauber and Bamberg transport visitors back centuries to medieval Germany with their cobblestone alleys, gabled houses, Gothic churches, and towering defensive walls amidst picturesque rural settings. And pastoral countryside from the soaring peaks of the Alps to the moody woodlands of the Black Forest to the vine-laced valleys of the Rhine provide captivating natural beauty and outdoor escapes.

From sampling Weissbier in Bavarian beer halls to exploring fairytale castles and majestic cathedrals to strolling through cutting-edge contemporary art installations, Germany offers diverse experiences to delight travelers of all interests. This article covers some of the top destinations spanning natural landscapes, major metropolitan hubs, and small historical towns that should be on any Germany travel itinerary.

Major Cities

As leading centers of both historical and contemporary culture, Germany’s cities proffer an intoxicating blend of landscapes and architecture both cutting-edge and ancient. World-class museums housed in stunning landmarks display artistic masterworks alongside poignant historical artifacts. Lively restaurant scenes tempt visitors to indulge in hearty German specialties like sausages, spätzle, rouladen beef rolls, and of course icy mugs of locally-brewed beer. And abundant green spaces scatter carefully manicured gardens as well as untouched woodlands throughout the urban fabric for serene escapes. From rocketing up sleek skyscrapers and weaving between international boutiques to wandering medieval alleyways and relaxing riverside cafés in view of soaring cathedrals, Germany’s cosmopolitan cities reward visitors with diversity around every corner.

Berlin.

As Germany’s largest city and capital, Berlin delivers an eclectic fusion of history and modern vibrancy. Iconic landmark sites immerse visitors in pivotal moments from the 20th century including the Brandenburg Gate and remnants of the Berlin Wall while contemporary architectural marvels like the glass-domed Reichstag Building and pastel-hued hipster cafés point towards Germany’s future. Over 175 museums and galleries cement Berlin’s reputation as an arts epicenter while spots like the graffiti-lined East Side Gallery and ultra-cool nightclubs reflect its gritty underground scene. And massive parks like Tiergarten and the Englischer Garten provide places to picnic amidst the city bustle.

Top sites and activities in Berlin include:

• Historical Locations
  • Brandenburg Gate - Neoclassical triumphal arch
  • Berlin Wall Memorial - Preserved portion of city-dividing barrier
  • Holocaust Memorial - Monument of 2,711 concrete slabs
  • Checkpoint Charlie - Infamous Cold War border crossing
• Arts & Culture
  • Museum Island - Ensemble of 5 world-class museums
  • Philharmonic Concert Halls - Home orchestras ranked among world’s best
  • East Side Gallery - 1.3km remaining stretch of Berlin Wall covered in murals
  • Underground techno clubs housed in massive repurposed venues
• Architecture
  • Reichstag Building with Norman Foster glass dome addition
  • Fernsehturm (TV Tower) - 368m tall structure with observation deck
  • Sony Center - Striking steel and glass commercial complex
• Food & Music
  • Currywurst - Iconic Berlin fast food dish
  • Döner kebabs - Turkish-German sandwich found on numerous street corners
  • Craft beer bars, cocktail lounges, dance clubs aplenty

Munich.

Best known for its annual Oktoberfest celebration of Bavarian culture, Munich masterfully interweaves German traditions with high-tech innovations and proximity to Alpine splendor. At one moment, visitors can be raising steins amidst lederhosen-clad Bavarians in 300-year-old beer halls with oompah bands. The next, they can be marveling at futuristic architecture housing global headquarters of industrial giants like BMW and Siemens. And an easy day trip transports city explorers to the soaring peaks, crystalline lakes, and frescoed castles of the nearby Alps. Munich’s historic core invites wandering among baroque palaces, royal avenues lined with streetside cafés, and gothic churches watching over lively plazas. The city’s world-class art collections span Old Masters to cutting-edge conceptual works while an emerging gallery district reclaims industrial spaces. And massive green parks offer perfect spots to people-watch with a picnic spread or even surf an artificial rapid.

Top sites and activities in Munich include:

• Oktoberfest - World’s largest beer festival oozing with merriment
• Marienplatz - Iconic central square with glockenspiel astronomical clock
• Englischer Garten - Sprawling urban park for strolling & outdoor activities
• BMW Museum & Factory - Installations highlighting brand history & innovations
• Alte Pinakothek - One of the oldest galleries in the world
• Day trips to Fairytale Castles or the majestic Bavarian Alps
• Theatine Church - Baroque Catholic church housing royalty tombs
• Riversurfing - Riding an artificial rapid through city center

Smaller Towns & Villages.

Beyond Germany’s vibrant urban centers exist enchanting smaller towns where visitors can plunge into a historical world of soaring spires, cobblestone alleys, and gingerbread houses. Peaceful canals slice through medieval town centers still encircled by fortified stone walls and watchtowers today. Market squares bustle at their heart just as they have for centuries as vendors hawk local handicrafts and seasonal delicacies below glowing holiday lights or chestnut trees with folk bands oompahing in the background.

Half-timbered houses tilt charmingly towards riverbanks lined with tiny wine taverns and flower-boxed cafés. Locals and visitors alike on foot, bikes, and canal boats populate age-old bridges stretching over glassy waterways. The sloping roofs of petite fishermen’s cottages bedecked with flowering vines reflect in lazy streamsCX beside grand hilltop castles and abbeys commanding the countryside. Fairy tale forests tumble down mountainsides towards valleys checkered with patchwork farms and fields dotted with plump cows. From its cuisine to its customs to its very landscape, medieval Germany springs to life within these rural refuges that inspired Grimm’s folk tales and Wagnerian epics, inviting modern travelers to slow down and bask in centuries past.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber.

This exquisitely preserved medieval walled town in Bavaria transports visitors to the 14th century as they walk beneath iconic towering gates through nearly intact fortifications. Beyond the stone curtain walls that defended it from sieges across wars and outbreaks, a labyrinth of narrow cobblestone lanes wends between centuries-old colorful half-timbered houses. Intricately carved medieval portals grace gabled burgher houses and soaring spires punctuate the skyline. Historic sites like the gothic Town Hall on Market Square (Marktplatz) centered around the symbolic Roland Fountain contrast with quirky museums like the Medieval Criminal Museum recreating implements of torture. Local history comes alive through daily re-enactments with traditionally garbed townsfolk. And the magical ambience intensifies during Rothenburg’s annual Christmas markets illuminating Market Square beneath flickering lamplights as glasses clink and carols echo.

Top Rothenburg sights and experiences include:

• Medieval town wall with preserved towers & gates
• Market Square (Marktplatz) flanked by historic City Hall and half-timbered buildings
• St. Jakob’s Church - 14th century parish church
• Medieval Criminal Museum housing torture devices & punishment artifacts
• Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas shop filled with handmade German Yuletide decorations & goods
• Franconian cuisine like Schneeball pastries or local wines

Bamberg.

Set amidst seven lush hills and bisected by rivers and canals, the historic town of Bamberg provides a fairy tale-like cityscape dotted with tiny fishermen’s houses perched directly over waterways. As in Venice, locals’ former homes almost seem to float above the many mellow streams weaving through town. But in contrast to Venice’s grandeur Bamberg feels intimate and approachable.

Wandering snug Old Town lanes reveals charming hidden corners like Little Venice (Klein Venedig) where tiny rose-bedecked cottages and winding bridges tuck into unexpected verdant hollows. Conical towers crown Bamberg’s Romanesque cathedral whose celebrated equestrian statue hints at the town’s prince-bishop history. Students keeping ancient traditions alive flock to Walhalla, an imposing neoclassical white marble hall patterned after the Parthenon, or tiny basement taverns pouring the town’s signature smoke-flavored beer from darkened wood casks.

Frescoed Baroque palaces neighbor half-timbered medieval structures along bustling Aurach River quays or peaceful canalways draped in weeping willows. Locals gathering to chat or musicians fiddling merry tunes enhance Bamberg’s festive atmosphere. The destination easily rewards leisurely wandering without an agenda past candy-colored houses reflected in glassy waters. But dedicated history buffs will also appreciate its UNESCO recognition for uniquely preserving its historic integrity.

Top Bamberg sights and experiences include:

• Bamberg Cathedral with imperial tombs & famous equestrian statue
• Old Town Hall (1386) on an island in Regnitz River
• Little Venice (Klein Venedig) neighborhood with pastel fishermen’s houses overhanging tiny canals
• Bamberg Beer (founded on 1516 Beer Purity Law) - Smoked Rauchbiers & other specialties
• Walhalla neoclassical hall for glorifying German cultural history & folklore heroes

Natural Landscapes

Beyond its fairy tale towns and dynamic cities, Germany lays claim to awe-inspiring natural landscapes from the soaring Alps to the moody Black Forest to the romantic Rhine Valley. Mayer peaks grant panoramic views over storybook villages seemingly frozen in centuries past with onion-domed churches and timbered houses huddled around crystalline lakes. Dense ancient forests shrouded valley hideaways rich with lore of witches or sleeping warriors awoken only by courageous maidens. Hillsides blanketed in vineyards or patched with patchwork farms roll gently towards rivers carving dramatic gorges or idyllic valleys under the watch of crumbling medieval castles. myths.

Visitors flock not only to soak up beautiful vistas but also to partake in the outdoors lifestyle through regional cuisine, rejuvenating spas, and adventurous activities. Hearty dishes from fondue to bratwurst restore hikers and skiers amidst alpine views. Grapes ripen into wines to savor by a roaring fire within the crenelated and turreted walls of a Renaissance castle turned country inn. The pure mineral waters burbling up into elegant bathhouses promise restoration in scenic spa towns dotted across river valleys and forest enclaves. From ziplining over the Black Forest to biking along the Danube to river rafting through the Rhine Gorge, the natural splendor tempts outdoorsmen of all stripes.

The Alps.

Rising dramatically along Germany’s southern border, the German Alps proffer all the textbook Alpine scenery. Jagged snow-draped peaks scrape skies interspersed by lush meadows popping with wildflowers in spring and summer. Isolated farmsteads that seem out of another century populate tranquil valleys dotted with villages centered around onion-domed churches. Colourful houses with flowerboxes line placid lakes reflecting the rugged grandeur all around. Higher elevations giving way to glaciers and ski runs also contain quaint resort towns like Berchtesgaden and Garmisch-Partenkirchen with chalet hotels and shops.

This spur provides diverse landscapes allowing visitors to soak in vistas on relaxing gondola rides up Zugspitze, Germany’s tallest peak at 9,721 ft (2,962m). Or travelers can get the blood pumping by hiking, rock climbing, or mountain biking across miles of trails showcasing waterfalls like Lechfall, Germany’s highest free-falling waterfall. Crystal clear lakes like Konigssee lure visitors to walk, boat, or swim through pure nature seemingly undisturbed for hundreds of years while the elabourate Linderhof Palace on an island reminds that Victorian royals also adored the region. From scenic drives and boat rides revealing breathtaking panoramas to traditional alpine villages brimming in cultural traditions to heartracing outdoor adventures, the German Alps deliver quintessential Alpine beauty.

Top German Alp sights and experiences include:

• Zugspitze – Germany’s tallest peak at 9,721 ft with gondola rides to the summit
• Konigssee – Pristine Alpine lake allowing visitors to boat or swim in stunning natural setting
• Berchtesgaden – Charming Alpine village and lake also home to Hitler’s mountaintop Nazi retreat the “Eagle’s Nest”
• Garmisch-Partenkirchen – Famous ski resort town renowned for winter sports since hosting 1936 Olympics
• Bavarian culture – Hearty cuisine, oompah bands in beer halls & gardens, folk festivals
• Hiking, rock climbing, skiing, and other mountain sports

The Rhine Gorge.

Slicing through Germany’s western reaches, the Rhine River has carved out the stunning Rhine Gorge, a 65 km stretch of steep, vine-terraced slopes crowned by medieval castles towering high above placid waters. This romantic landscape attracts millions to cruise along the mighty riverabsorbing jaw-dropping panoramas punctuated by spires of clifftop cathedrals and crumbling yet still majestic fortified castles facing off as if frozen in medieval power struggles.

Storybook medieval towns like postcard-perfect Bacharach and winemaking center Rüdesheim provide additional allure, tempting passengers to stop and explore cobblestone lanes lined with winstubes, breweries, and gingerbread-trimmed shops. But the highlight remains gliding peacefully by tiny islets hosting lonely chapels, craggy cliffs, and imposing stone fortresses loaded with legends from the Loreley nymph luring sailors to watery graves with her sweet songs to the Mouse Tower where Hatto the cruel archbishop met a grisly end. Over 40 castles in varying condition utilize the tactical military positioning where the Rhine exits the Rhenish Massif between the towns of Bingen and Koblenz, presenting an enchanting vision into Germany’s feudal past.

Top Rhine Gorge sights and experiences include:

• River cruising past the 40+ castles and small riverside villages
• Rüdesheim am Rhein – Picturesque winemaking hub to sample Rieslings
• Marksburg Castle – Dramatic medieval stronghold still fully furnished with Renaissance relics
  Bacharach – Charming village of half-timbered buildings hugging vine-laced hills beside river
• The Loreley Stone – Myth-enshrouded cliff named for siren causing shipwrecks
• River activities – Sailing, kayaking, biking, and hiking along both shores

Tips for Visiting Germany

With its incredible diversity spanning urban culture hubs to quaint medieval hamlets to breathtaking nature, deciding when to visit and planning travel logistics in Germany can seem daunting. These tips aim to help travelers make the most out of their Deutsche destination exploration.

When to Visit

Given its central European location spanning varied landscapes and climates, Germany sees four distinct seasons. Spring and fall offer mild weather ideal for city and country exploring without summer crowds or winter chill. But each season shows different allures.

Spring (March-May): Mild weather with spring blooms, Easter markets & celebrations
Summer (June-August): Warm weather but peak crowds, festivals, outdoor fun
Fall (September-November): Fall foliage in the countryside, fun Oktoberfest season
Winter (December-February): Christmas markets and skiing but cold temps & shorter days

Getting Around

Germany boasts an efficient integrated transportation network making even remote areas quite accessible. Larger cities all have subways, trams, buses, and commuter rail while fast ICE trains whisk travelers between urban hubs in air conditioned comfort. Out in the countryside, meandering rivers often paralleled by bike trails provide appealing routes to slowly soak in gorgeous scenery dotted with riverside towns connected by ferries. But a rental car does allow freedom for spur-of-the-moment detours through darling hamlets.

Useful Resources

• German National Tourist Board: Comprehensive trip planning guides & inspiration
• Rail Europe: Train tickets, passes & online schedules
• DriveEurope.com: Rental cars with better mileage & manual cars more common
• Rick Steves Germany: Expert travel advice for budgets & interests

Itinerary Inspiration

With infinite possibilities across Deutschland, these routes aim to inspire first-timers by efficiently linking iconic destinations and hidden gems that best encapsulate Germany’s diversity in culture, history, and landscape.

One Week Blitz: Berlin & Bavaria

• 2 nights vibrancy & history in Berlin
• Overnight picturesque medieval Bamberg
• 1 night Nuremberg for WWII history & culinary treats
• 2 nights Munich balancing beer halls and BMW history
• Day trip to Neuschwanstein castle & charming Fussen

Two Weeks Grand Tour

• 3 nights Berlin – Germany’s capital and culture capital
• 1 night Hanseatic port – Hamburg, Bremen or Lubeck
• 2 nights 800-year-old university hub Heidelberg
• Overnight castle road & Loreley gorge above Rhine River
• 2 nights Romantic Road through charming Bavarian villages like Rothenburg ob der Tauber & Landsberg am Lech
• 2 nights Munich – Historic and high-tech heart of Bavaria
• Day trip to Neuschweinstein Castle & Wies Kirche Rococo church
• 1night Black Forest region – Cuckoo clocks and cakes

Conclusion

History and innovation. Artistry and engineering. Dirndls and high fashion. Sauerkraut and Michelin Stars. Majestic peaks, moody forests, romantic rivers, and vibrant urban festivals. From spires to spas, ancient alleys to the Autobahn, Germany tempts visitors with diverse experiences for every interest that manage to somehow feel quintessentially German. Beyond obligatory Munich beer halls and Berlin’s Cold War legacy, a rich regional diversity spans Roman ruins, Rococo churches, Hanseatic port towns to Nordic islands. An efficient transportation infrastructure connects it all allowing travelers to delve deeply even into remote country corners after first exploring the dynamic metropolitan mix of new and old. While difficult decisions arise in selecting what sights to see, visitors find themselves amply rewarded whether they spend one week or two immersing in spellbinding history, culture, and landscapes that make Germany an perennial favorite for European explorers.

For more vacation inspiration, check out these blog posts for the Best Places to Visit in Spain , Best Places to Visit in France , Best Places to Travel in 2024 , Best Places to Visit in Africa,  20 Best Places to Visit in December, ,GlobetrotterGO.