Thinking of traveling to a country? Go to the land of poets and thinkers that is Germany. Germany is a western European country and it is the 7th largest country in the EU. Even though one third of the country is still covered in forests and woodlands, Germany is still one of the most densely populated countries in the world. After the reunification, Germany has gained a higher profile as a travel destination. There are many places to go in Germany.
The most popular destination is Berlin, one of the most fascinating capitals in Europe. Germany is a country of millennia of history. So there are many exciting places to see in Germany. Many of Germany’s major cities have proud histories as independent city states or as capitals of kingdoms in their own right. But the tourist attractions in Germany are by no means limited to the cities.
10 Best Places to Visit in Germany:
There are many other great attractions and things to do in Germany. Here is a list of the best places to visit in Germany.
10. Rügen Cliffs
One of the best places to visit in Germany is the Rügen Island. The Rügen Island is located in the Baltic Sea and is the largest island in Germany. This island features one of the most popular tourist attractions in Germany; The Rügen Cliffs are located in the Jasmund National Park in the northeast of the island. The cliff is so popular that even Albert Einstein traveled there. The 118 meter (387 feet) high Königsstuhl (king’s chair) is the most majestic part of the cliffs. Of course, the undisturbed forests behind the cliffs are also part of the national park.
Among the things to do in Germany, you can visit the Rügen Island. Apart from the chalk white cliffs, the island is famous for its spectacular views, quiet fishing villages, romantic spas and resorts. You can go hiking, cruising, cycling and horse riding in the Jasmund National Park. It is one of the best places to visit in Germany to relax.
9. Romantic Rhine
If you are looking for romance, then one of the best places to visit in Germany will be the Romantic Rhine. Running between from Koblenz to Bingen, the Romantic Rhine is the most famous section of the Rhine. Basically it is a 65 km long gorge which features a series of quaint towns and a bewildering number of castles. This river valley is like straight out of a picture book, with vertical cliffs, steep vineyards; a castle perched on virtually every hilltop and pretty villages lining the river banks on either side.
There are no shortage of myths and legends here. A river boat cruise in the Romantic Rhine should be placed in every travelers list of things to do in Germany. As one of the best places to visit in Germany, the Romantic Rhine features the landscape of Germany in it most dramatic.
8. Frauenkirche
The Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady) is one of the most famous church and best places to visit in Germany. Located in Dresden, the Frauenkirche is a symbol of the suffering of German civilians after its destruction in World War II bombing and now of reconciliation. This Lutheran church has been reconstructed using original plans from the 1720s and reopened in 2005. Now the church is among the most popular tourist attractions in Germany.
The exterior of the rebuilt Frauenkirche is strikingly simple, yet dignified. Inside, the church at first seems to have no windows— except for the tall chancel window. Tall enormous pillars hide the windows from viewers. Look for the strange foot like mark called “the devil’s step” in the entrance hall. It is one of the most fascinating places to see in Germany. Legend says that the devil was so delighted at the notion of hidden windows and stamped in glee at the stupidity of the architect and thus leaving the foot mark.
In the chapel directly behind the high altar is the cathedral’s most interesting painting: The Protecting Cloak. It is a 1510 work by Jan Polack, depicting the Virgin holding out her majestic robes to shelter all humankind. Everyone from the pope to peasants is included in the collection of tiny figures beneath the cloak. Many other historic artifacts that survived the World War II bombing can be seen in the Church, which makes it one of the best places to visit in Germany.
7. Lindau
The historic city Lindau is another one of the best places to visit in Germany. It is a major Bavarian town and an island located near the meeting point of the Austrian, German and Swiss borders in the eastern part of Lake Constance (Bodensee). A road traffic bridge and a railway dam leading to Lindau station connect the island with the mainland. There are about 3,000 inhabitants in the city.
Lindau is one of the popular tourist attractions in Germany. By far the best way to get to know this charming old island town, which is one of the best places to visit in Germany, is on foot. Centuries-old houses flank the maze of small streets and passageways. Wander down to the harbor and enjoy the magnificent views complete with the Austrian shoreline and mountains close by to the east. They are nearer than the Swiss mountains visible to the southwest.
6. Oktoberfest
Thinking about things to do in Germany, visit The Oktoberfest in Munich. It is a 16 day folk festival held annually in Munich, Bavaria, and it is one of the best places to visit in Germany. The Oktoberfest is the largest Volksfest in the world with over 6 million visitors annually. Judging from the amount of visitors you can understand that this festival is one of the top tourist attractions in Germany. Despite the name, the Oktoberfest starts at the end of September until the first weekend in October.
The festival has been held since 1810. It is a very important part of Bavarian culture. It is one of the best places to visit in Germany to enjoy with hundreds of other people singing, dancing and having fun on one of the greatest festival on earth. Visitors enjoy a wide variety of traditional fare such as Würstl, Schweinebraten, Knödel, Hendl and large quantities of German beer.
5. Cologne Cathedral
You have to keep the Cologne Cathedral as one of the best places to visit in Germany. Cologne Cathedral is a building of superlatives that is the centre and hallmark of this city on the Rhine. The Gothic cathedral dominates the skyline of Cologne and one of the most beautiful examples of Gothic and Neo-Gothic architecture in the world. After the construction of the Cologne Cathedral began in 1248, it took more than 600 years to complete.
Currently the cathedral is the seat of the Archbishop of Cologne and it is a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1996. It is dedicated to the saints Peter and Mary. On the outside the cathedral is dark and rather menacing; inside it is just awe-inspiring. It became one of the best places to visit in Germany because the cathedral houses the remains of the Three Wise Men along with many other important works of art.
4. Holstentor
If you are looking for places to visit in Germany, visit the most famous German Building in the world. Yes we are talking about The Holstentor, one of the best places to visit in Germany. It is one of the two remaining city gates of the city of Lübeck. Built in 1464 along the lines of Dutch models, the gate served both as a form of defense and as a form of prestige. Because of its two captivating round towers and arched entrance it is regarded as a symbol of Lübeck. Nearly every visitor is astonished by its odd leaning angle and its sunken south tower.
The gate now serves as a museum. Be sure to take a look inside. There are many interesting facts to learn in there. Two majestic lions stand guarding the city in front of the Holsten Gate. It truly is one of the best places to visit in Germany. Together with the old city center (Altstadt) of Lübeck it is one of the top tourist attractions in Germany.
3. Heidelberg Old City
Located in the Neckar river valley, Heidelberg is one of the best places to visit in Germany. A romantic atmosphere persists in the city on the Neckar River that has been adored by many poets and painters. Over the last centuries, the Old Town was well preserved. You can enjoy the picturesque settings of the old city simply by walking through one of Germany’s longest pedestrian areas. The city has so much to offer. The Old Bridge, the ruins of the Heidelberger Schloss (Heidelberg Castle), the beautiful monument and churches, the Königstuhl, all of these things have made Heidelberg one of the best places to visit in Germany.
The charm and character and an unparalleled choice of culture and entertainment makes it one of the top tourist attractions in Germany. And if you are thinking about things to do in Germany, than Heidelberg has a lot to offer. The offer on cultural activities in Heidelberg is more diverse than in any other city of comparable size, starting from the music event Heildelberger Frühling (Heidelberg Spring Festival) to the Heidelberger Schlossfestspiele (Heidelberg Castle Festival) in summer, to the festival “Enjoy Jazz”. It really is one of the best places to travel in Germany.
2. Brandenburg Gate
Brandenburg Gate was topped off with a statue known as the “Quadriga” which depicted a statue of the goddess of victory driving a chariot pulled by four horses. The statue was taken by Napoleon to Paris after his victory in 1806. The Quadriga was triumphantly taken back to Berlin after Napoleon’s defeat at the Battle of Waterloo. It was then turned into a symbol of victory by adding an iron cross and eagle to the laurel wreath. It is now one of the top tourist attractions in Germany.
1. Neuschwanstein
One of the best places to visit in Germany is the ultimate fairytale castle named Neuschwanstein. It is situated on a rugged hill near Füssen in southwest Bavaria. The castle is known all over the world as a symbol of idealized romantic architecture and for the tragic story of its owner. Ludwig II withdrew into his own world of myths, legend and fairytales after losing sovereignty in his own kingdom. Neuschwanstein was designed to be a hideaway for this reclusive king, as well as a palace evoking medieval myth and fantasy. It was the inspiration for the Sleeping Beauty castles in the Disneyland parks.
The castle has many fine rooms. There is a Singer’s Hall, which incorporates elements from the medieval castle’s banqueting hall. Decorated with gold, the double-storey throne room reaches fifteen meters in height and is encircled by galleries on both floors. However, the Hall of the Holy Grail was Ludwig’s great passion, in which he united his nostalgia for the Middle Ages with the latest technology of the time. Ludwig’s sleeping quarters show a clear Gothic influence. The dressing table has a swan-shaped tap inspired by ‘Lohengrin’.
The grotto is another well known feature of Neuschwanstein. The little waterfalls of grotto and colored lighting create the impression of a mysterious cave. So visiting Neuschwanstein is like visiting a fairy tale. No wonder it is one of the best places to travel in Germany. Neuschwanstein is the most photographed building in the country and also one of the most popular tourist attractions in Germany.
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