best places to visit in germany nature

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A nature lover’s guide to Germany

Germany is on the green list in more ways than one: from Baltic coastline to the Alps, it has plenty to offer those who like to spend their holidays outdoors

Black Forest, Baden-Württemberg

Baden-Württemberg is a popular destination thanks to its university towns (Tübingen, Freiburg, Heidelberg), impressive spread of historic castles and palaces, luxurious spas and cultural scene. Its major natural draw is the sprawling Schwarzwald (Black Forest), which spans about 6,0000 sq km (2,000 sq miles) from the refined spa town of Baden-Baden in the north right down to the border with Switzerland. Dotted with lakes, waterfalls, ravines and moorlands, and threaded with rivers and 18,000 miles of trails, it’s a great place to get lost in, and a paradise for hikers, cyclists, cross-country skiers, kayakers and climbers. There are lots of wonderful towns and villages with cultural offerings throughout the region too, plus wine festivals in autumn and Christmas markets in winter.

What to do The forest is too vast to cover in one visit; it’s much better to select a smaller area for exploration. For a taste of the traditional, head to the Southern Black Forest natural park , a conservation area within the main forest and Germany’s largest natural park, covering 394,000 hectares, full of traditional houses, farms and villages as well as gorges, ravines and moorlands.

Climb the Feldberg, the area’s highest peak at almost 1,500 metres, for soaring views; hike or bike the dramatic 18-mile Wutach Gorge; or admire the Triberg and Todtnau waterfalls. The Titisee is an especially scenic lake, surrounded by mountains and woods, and has options for lunch, ice-cream and boat rentals (the larger Schluchsee is quieter and less developed). Children will enjoy the ziplines and climbing activities at the Action Forest Kletterwald near Titisee, or a visit to the German Clock Museum , which has more than 8,000 exhibits spanning 160 years.

Where to stay The major bases for the Black Forest are Baden-Baden – former playground for European aristocracy, recent ascendant to Unesco world heritage status, and a hotspot for luxury spas – and the charming university town of Freiburg, which is more convenient for exploring the south. In Baden-Baden, the historic Brenners Park Spa Hotel has one of the most advanced spas in Europe, several restaurants and an emphasis on being expensively pampered (doubles from €455). The Colombi in Freiburg has elegant doubles and smart boutique apartments from €250, as well as a pleasantly rustic restaurant ( colombi.de ). There are numerous cheaper hotels and bed and breakfasts in smaller towns such as Triberg, Bernau im Schwarzwald, and Sankt Blasien.

Where to eat The region has its own culinary heritage that includes Kässpätzle, a tasty cheese-covered pasta, Black Forest ham (cured and cold-smoked), white asparagus served with Kratzete (torn pancakes), trout and, of course, Black Forest gateau. In Freiburg, head to Gasthaus zum Kranz for local specialities, or Lichtblick Freiburg for more seasonal, contemporary fare. Breisach, 20 miles west of Freiburg, has several good restaurants, including Cafe Galerie Etoile , set romantically below a Romanesque-Gothic church with panoramic views, and Kaiserstühler Hof , an ivy-clad spot with regionally inspired dishes. Foodies can make the slightly longer trip to Baiersbronn, which is the area with the highest concentration of Michelin stars in the world (eight): Schwarzwaldstube (in the Hotel Tonbach) and Bareiss both have three.

Mittenwald and the Karwendel Alps, Bavaria

The Bavarian Alps are as well known as the Black Forest, which means world-famous hotspots like Garmisch-Partenkirchen and the Zugspitze can get busy. Much quieter is the small town of Mittenwald, just a few kilometres from the Austrian border and – in the words of Goethe – resembling “a picture book come alive”.

Next to the Karwendel Alpine park, one of the largest nature reserves in the Alps, the town is in an attractive valley and offers plenty of recreational opportunities (including many lakes) and traditional sights such as the Buckelwiesen – rippling meadows known for their biodiversity – and Stadeln, wooden huts used to store hay. In autumn, there’s the Almabtrieb, when goats, sheep, cattle and horses are brought down from the mountains, which culminates in a big party. The town is also famous for music: Matthias Klotz brought the art of violin making to the region in 1685 and helped establish it as the “Village of a Thousand Violins”, and it still has many music-related events throughout the year. Arrive by train if you can – the route from Munich is quite spectacular, taking in the Zugspitze before climbing to the edge of the Karwendel Alps.

What to do Mittenwald itself has a charming Altstadt (old town) with intricately painted house facades called Lüftlmalerei that relate the town’s history (and the profession of the house owner), the 14th-century church of St Peter and St Paul with a painted tower and baroque interior, and a violin museum. Outside the town, it’s all about biking, hiking and swimming. Mountains are the big draw of course – not just the Karwendel Alps but the Wetterstein range on the other side of the valley, which contains the Zugspitze, the Soiern to the north-east and the Estergebirge to the north-west.

Head up to Bergwelt Karwendel , Germany’s highest nature information centre (there’s a cable car if you don’t fancy the hike), to get an overview and a preview of the local area through telescopes, then choose from over 750km of trails – 85 options in total – spanning everything from leisurely strolls to multi-day hikes. One popular hike is alongside the rock cliff at the Geisterklamm, where a path crosses to the Leutascher valley in Austria. In winter, the trails become cross-country ski routes, and you can also ski (or snowboard) into Austria. Alternatively, take a bike ride along the Isar river to explore villages like Krün and Wallgau. Day trips from Mittenwald include the Schloss Linderhof near Ettal and the Königshaus am Schachen , a surreal chalet with Turkish and Asian-themed rooms built by Ludwig II.

Where to stay The luxury superstar of the region is spa retreat Schloss Elmau , host to the G7 summit in 2015 and also a cultural centre with regular literary and music events; at €700 a night, though, it’s not cheap. More humble yet still lovely is the Gröbl Alm guesthouse, which has rustic doubles from €170 and a restaurant with home cooking. Das Kranzbach , with its English-style mansion designed by violinist Mary Portman just before the first world war, is a peaceful and tasteful four-star spa with doubles for €250. In Krün, Hotel Alpenglühen , near the Isar, is an easygoing and comfortable spot: simple rooms with balconies cost from just €45 a night.

Where to eat There are several traditional restaurants in Mittenwald, including the fresco-filled Alpenrose , which is run by a horse lover and also has rooms, and Gasthof Stern , with its classic Bavarian beer garden. More modern is the Michelin-starred Marktrestaurant (which also supplies Mittenwald’s schoolchildren), and Platzfisch , a funky fish-themed spot with sushi and tapas as well as German fish dishes. You can also try the 10 beers at Mittenwalder Brewery , Germany’s highest private brewery , which has been run by the same family since 1860.

Rügen, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

Although generally off the radar of non-German travellers, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is well known to Germans as a summer hotspot. As well as some wonderful medieval towns – Schwerin, Wismar, Rostock, Stralsund – it offers a largely untouched landscape of forests, lakes and nature areas, including the Western Pomerania Lagoon national park (Vorpommersche Boddenlandschaft) in the north, and the Mecklenburg lake district (Mecklenburgische Seenplatte) and Müritz national park in the south. But it’s the coast of the Baltic (known to Germans as the Ostsee) that draws visitors in summer, with its historic ports, seaside spas and white sand beaches. Rügen is Germany’s largest island and its most diverse, with steep cliffs, sandy beaches and forest-covered hinterland. Parts of Rügen can get busy, but it’s large enough to escape the crowds; the northern and western sections tend to be a little quieter.

What to do One of the biggest resorts on Rügen is Binz , on the eastern side, which has a beautiful white beach, some lovely villas, a history museum and a pier and promenade to stroll along; head for the hilltop Jagdschloss Granitz , a 19th-century hunting lodge, for superb vistas over to the white cliffs of the Jasmund national park and peninsula – depicted by Romantic painter Caspar David Friedrich. It’s a Unesco biosphere reserve and Germany’s smallest national park at just 31 sq km. It’s threaded with cycling and hiking trails, such as the scenic walk from the Königsstuhl (King’s Chair) plateau to Sassnitz.

North of the national park lie the soaring, rugged cliffs of Kap Arkona ; one of its two lighthouses is now a museum and there are also military bunkers, a temple fortress and some restaurants. On the western islet of Ummanz, Waase has fishing village charm, options for pedal boating and some great seafood restaurants, with a lovely beach to the south. Across the island in the residential town of Putbus, the Rasender Roland (Rushing Roland), a narrow-gauge steam train, chugs through southeastern towns like Sellin and Göhren. A couple of hours’ drive to the south is the island of Usedom, part of which is in Poland: head to Ahlbeck, Heringsdorf and Bansin for more beaches, promenades and piers.

Where to stay The Vju Hotel in Göhren is a classic resort hotel that includes a decent-sized pool and sauna area, as well as an appealing restaurant, where a double costs from €239. Aedenlife Hotel in Vaschvitz has comfortable rooms as well as apartments from €229 a night. Badehaus Goor in Lauterbach, close to Putbus, has smart rooms and a good restaurant; a double with balcony costs from €168.

Where to eat In Ummanz you can grab a casual pizza and local fish dishes at the fun Ummaii Tiki Bar , which also runs surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing courses. Weltenbummler in Binz has surf-and-turf plates and rice bowls, as well as a pleasant sea-facing terrace – or head to Fischräucherei Kuse , which has been running since 1900, for some of the best (and cheapest) fish sandwiches on the island. For a splurge, Freustil in Binz is one of the region’s top restaurants, with contemporary seasonal dishes served as multi-course menus.

Spreewald and the lakes, Brandenburg

Brandenburg is often overshadowed by the city it surrounds, Berlin. But as residents of the capital know, the region offers plenty of respite when urban life gets exhausting. Most associate Brandenburg with its thousands of lakes, which make for superb day trips, but there’s plenty more, including 19,000 miles of rivers and waterways, 4,500 miles of cycle paths (many of them new or recently built) and 1,250 miles of signposted walking trails. Plus there’s the laid-back Spreewald region, state capital Potsdam with its Unesco-listed palaces and gardens, and the densely forested Schorfheide nature reserve (see below) plus many more castles, manor houses and parks.

What to do Brandenburg is mostly flat and fairly forested, but its watery charms are its greatest strength, with many of the 3,000 or so lakes offering all kinds of water sports and leisure boat rentals. The Ruppiner Seenland in the north-west has charming towns like Rheinsberg, with its stately, art-filled palace on the banks of the Grienericksee; Kremmen, with its picturesque half-timbered houses; and Oranienburg, a former royal town on the banks of the Havel (and home to Brandenburg’s oldest baroque palace). To the north-east is the Schorfheide reserve, one of the largest closed forest areas in Germany, with plenty of hiking and cycling opportunities, the striking Chorin monastery and sparkling Werbellin lake. South of Berlin, the photogenic wetlands, forests and canals of the Spreewald are a paradise for canoe and kayak fans, who can explore from charming bases like Lübben and Lübbenau, and hiking and cycling routes such as the Pickles Trail ( Gurkenradweg – the region is famous for its gherkins).

What to eat There’s plenty of good food in Brandenburg, which is increasingly placing an emphasis on local products sourced from the region’s farms. Seehof Rheinsberg serves delicious, high-quality regional foods (baked goat’s cheese with honey and pumpkin seeds, fried catfish fillet with curry) while around the corner Ratskeller has local specialities like Old Brandenburg pot roast with ginger sauce and red cabbage in a classic setting. For a taste of Bavaria in Brandenburg, Freilich am See in Bad Saarow has white sausage and bread dumplings as well as wild boar and views over the lovely Scharmützelsee. Potsdam has the biggest variety, including Michelin-starred “new Prussian cuisine” at kochZIMMER – try to bag a seat in the gorgeous rear courtyard – and the cosy Landleben , overlooking Lake Sacrow.

Where to stay Potsdam’s charming accommodation options include the stately Hotel Bayrisches Haus, in a country residence built in 1847 by King Frederic-William IV. It has a Michelin-starred restaurant, Kabinett FW, and a daytime spa, all set in a wildlife park (doubles from €145). In Lübbenau the four-star Hotel Ebusch has smart, comfortable rooms from €149, while up on the Ruppiner See, Theodors Boutique Hotel is a Mediterranean-style villa with lakeview rooms from €109.

Harz mountains

The Harz mountains straddle three regions – Saxony-Anhalt, Thuringia and Lower Saxony – and in the middle lies the Harz national park , 250 sq km of mostly spruce and beech forest. Historically connected with poets Heinrich Heine and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, who both hiked here (the latter also drew on the region’s occult mythology for his Faust tragedy ), it’s a peaceful area with rolling hills, lush meadows and valleys, and attractive towns in the foothills such as Quedlinburg, Goslar and the ski resort of Braunlage. It’s home to peregrine falcons, deer, wild boar and even lynx, although they’re hard to spot; the visitor centre can arrange tours with the park rangers.

What to do Bring your own car if you can because public transport can be patchy, though it’s not impossible to explore via bus and train. The area’s main destination is the Brocken, the Harz’s highest peak, which is covered in mist for most of the year. Many trails, such as the Harzer-Hexen-Stieg, a 58-mile trail from Osterode to Thale, and the Teufelsstieg (Devil’s Path) from Bad Harzburg to Elend, go via the Brocken.

Mountain bike fans have more than 1,370 miles of trails, forest tracks and rocky passages to explore, as well as five bike parks, and there’s the MegaZipline – which reaches speeds of 55mph over the Rappbode Dam – for additional thrills. If you’re not a hiker or biker, a train circles the mountain regularly, and there are mellower activities: an open-air museum dedicated to the years Germany spent divided in the former border village of Sorge, Halberstadt cathedral , monasteries at Drubeck and Walkenried , and the Rammelsberg Mine , Germany’s first Unesco technology centre. In winter, the region offers dog sled tours, snowboarding, cross-country skiing and skating.

Where to stay The Liono boutique hotel, on Steinberg hill in Goslar, has views of the mountains and is close to the main sights in town (doubles from €114). In Quedlinburg, Hotel Garni Tilia is a convenient base and also has comfortable doubles for €114. In Braunlage, try the stylish Designhotel Viktoria , a 10-minute walk from the ski slopes, with doubles from €129.

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The eight most beautiful natural wonders

Naturally enchanting: we present eight natural wonders in Germany that are so breathtakingly beautiful you will immediately want to visit them.

Urach Waterfall in the Swabian Alb

No, you are not with Frodo in the Shire. But Urach Waterfall in Baden-Württemberg is just as picturesque as the landscape in Tolkien’s fantasy epic. The water flows over a whinstone cliff and falls 37 metres into the valley below.

Chalk cliffs on the island of Rügen

This wonder of nature inspired the artist Caspar David Friedrich to create his famous painting Chalk Cliffs on Rügen, one of the major works of German Romanticism. One highlight of the rugged coastline is the Königsstuhl, an imposing 118-metre-high chalk cliff.

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Elbe Sandstone Mountains in Saxony

The highlands on the upper reaches of the Elbe impress visitors with their enormous rock formations. This landscape invites you to undertake hiking tours with breathtaking views.

Lange Anna on Heligoland

Lange Anna on the North Sea island of Heligoland is 47 metres tall and weighs roughly 25,000 tonnes. This magnificent free-standing column of red sandstone can be seen from afar rising out of the breakers.

Teufelsmauer in the Harz Mountains

This rock formation is steeped in legend and stretches roughly 20 kilometres through the northern part of the Harz Foreland. According to the collection of fairy tales by the Brothers Grimm , it was built by the devil to divide the world with God – hence the German name, which means Devil’s Wall.

Saalfeld Fairy Grottoes in Thuringia

Today the Fairy Grottoes in the former mine in Saalfeld lure hordes of tourists underground. If you’ve been there, you know why: since 1993 the Guinness Book of Records has listed the caverns as the “most colourful cave grottoes in the world”.

Externsteine in Teutoburg Forest

Externsteine, a striking rock formation near Horn-Bad Meinberg in North Rhine-Westphalia, is both a natural and cultural monument. Stone masons carved a unique relief of Christ into one of the rocks during the Middle Ages. Researchers believe that much earlier this fascinating rock formation served as an astronomical observatory or place of worship.

Königssee in Bavaria

Nestled between the steep mountain slopes of the Berchtesgaden Alps, the Königssee (King’s Lake) is reminiscent of a Nordic fjord. The water sparkles emerald green in the sun. What the photograph cannot show is the magnificent echo that the cliffs reflect across the lake.

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Related content

18 Stunning Natural Wonders in Germany to Inspire Your Next Trip

Germany is a beautiful country, rich in stunning scenery and breathtaking natural sights. To prove that, I’ve assembled this exciting list of some of the most amazing natural wonders in Germany !

Table of Contents

1. Rügen Chalk Cliffs

The largest island within German territory, Rügen (also called Rugia in English) is often overlooked in itineraries in favor of the mainland.

That’s a real shame, as the beauty of Rügen island shows! Its awe-inspiring chalk cliffs served as the muse to Romantic painter Caspar David Friedrich, who commemorated them in one of his most famous works.

2. Königssee

With a name like Königssee, which literally translates to “King’s Lake”, you know you’re in for something grand and stunning.

That’s precisely the kind of sight you’ll get when you venture out to the Bavarian Alps near Berchtesgaden. Amazingly clear waters shimmering in gemstone-like greens, plus an Alpine mountainscape literally by your doorstep — what more could you want?

3. Elbe Sandstone Mountains

A short drive from Dresden, close to the Polish border, the Elbe Sandstone Mountains are among the most beautiful places in Germany.

A favorite among hikers, there is a lifetime’s worth of cliffs, mountain chains, caves, valleys, and ravines to explore and tackle here.

4. The Saar Loop

Hopping on over to the other edge of the country, the Saarland’s pride and joy is its famous loop. Here, close to Mettlach and surrounded by thick forest and rolling hills, the Saar river makes the most dramatic of u-turns just before continuing into France .

The spot has been photographed probably more times than any other location in the Saarland and is often cited as the geographic icon of the region. As one of the most beautiful landscapes in Germany, that’s no big wonder!

One of Germany’s best-kept secrets, Eibsee is a crystal-clear lake right at the foot of the Zugspitze, a 3,000-meter tall mountain and one of the German Alps’ finest. Eight islands spring from the surface, further enhancing the unbelievable views.

The lake is not just one of the most pristinely preserved examples of Germany’s natural beauty, but it’s also close enough to major skiing and hiking destinations to make for a perfect weekend destination!

6. Externsteine

Located in Westphalia, the Externsteine is an incredible rock formation rumored to be one of Germany’s most ancient pagan holy sites.

You can definitely tell how Germanic tribes might have considered this beauty of German geology sacred or otherworldy: the rocks seem to spring up from the ground in a nearly straight line, almost as if a giant hand had molded and stacked them there.

7. Saalfeld Fairy Grottoes

Hidden beneath the Earth close to the unassuming traditional village of Saalfeld lie the fascinating fairy grottoes, one of the greatest natural wonders in Germany.

Most of the cave network here was created artificially for mining purposes. Over the course of centuries of abandonment, grottoes and surreal mineral groups formed.

What remains now is an underground network of crystal-clear, unbelievably still lakes and towering stalagmites, stone columns, and surprisingly colorful speleothems.

Their stunning appearance led to the grotto being named the “fairy kingdom” when it was rediscovered during the last century.

8. Wadden Sea

A UNESCO World Heritage Site , the sea at Wadden is considered a national treasure. Stretching across the coast of the North Sea, Wadden Sea is most famous for its large mud flat deposits.

The mud here is supposed to be incredibly healthy for your skin — traditional folklore treats it almost as a panacea.

Because of that and equally because of the stunning seaside views, hiking through the mud flats of Wadden has become a national pastime that even European visitors from other countries are known to enjoy regularly during the warmer months.

9. Lüneburg Heath

Lüneburg is a quiet town in the North of Germany known chiefly for its traditional medieval architecture. Few know that it is also a stone’s throw away from one of the most beautiful places in Germany.

Lüneburg Heath is a huge swathe of protected woodland that is one of Europe’s most therapeutically serene and quiet hiking destinations. Nothing but untouched nature exists here, except for the odd manmade path here or there.

In spring, you can watch literal millions of flowers bloom, while birdwatchers will also be delighted with the excellent photo ops that the Lüneburg Heath provides.

In other words, nature lovers of any kind should make sure to note this one down in their bucket lists!

10. Bavarian Forest National Park

If you can afford the time to really take in its scale and variety, a visit to Bavarian Forest National Park is a no-brainer. It’s Germany’s oldest and largest protected area of its kind, and it’s home to dozens of natural wonders.

Famously clear, perfectly still lakes, hundreds of hiking paths and cycling routes, and, of course, unique and precious wildlife are only some of the things you should expect.

11. Spreewald

If you’ve ever wondered how far from Germany’s capital you need to travel before stumbling on one of the country’s most stunning natural wonders, the answer is that it takes you only a few minutes till you reach Spreewald.

Nowadays a protected reserve, Spreewald is teeming with creeks and marshes, stretches of forest interrupted by swamps and meadows, and even the odd village in between.

Most of it, though, remains wild and entirely untouched.

12. Urach Waterfall

The State of Baden-Württemberg is known, among other things, for its unique geography – especially the many waterfalls and thermal springs that exist here.

Of these, the Urach waterfall is arguably the most dramatic to behold in person. With a height of over 40 meters and nestled within the Maisen valley popular with hikers, it’s a terrific example of the beauty of German natural landscapes.

Rügen might be Germany’s largest island, but that’s no reason to neglect any of the other beauties off the coast! Sylt is a perfect example, with its famous sand dunes and extremely clean beaches.

Visitors will not only get to delight in the natural wonders of the island, which include stunning seasonal wildlife in its marshes, but also Sylt’s unique culture as part of the region known as Frisia.

Natives here speak their own Germanic language, Frisian, and identify as distinct from both German and nearby Dutch and Danish demographics.

14. Blautopf

Northern Germany is known for the tourist magnet that is its large North Sea coast, but many aren’t aware that the beauty of German maritime scenery doesn’t stop there.

In Blaubeuren, a quaint little town in the countryside, visitors can get to experience the Blautopf, one of the most unique natural wonders in Germany.

Surrounded by hot springs and underground cave networks, the Blautopf is a curious, almost magical-looking lake that appears to shine in an otherworldy shade of blue-green depending on the time of day.

15. The Black Forest

Germany’s largest preserved natural landscape, the Black Forest feels like a journey to a time before human civilization.

Here and there, remnants of old mining villages can still be seen (the forest is rich in important minerals), but by and large, the 600,000 hectares of Black Forest belong to the lynxes, bears, wolves, owls, and other examples of the kinds of beautiful wildlife you can spot in the area.

This makes it not only a stunning natural wonder but also one of the most important collections of natural resources in Germany.

Expect incredibly varied terrain with lots of hills, ancient glaciers, deep valleys, and thick marshes – not the easiest to tackle, but well worth it!

16. Lake Constance

If you’ve felt a pattern emerging over the course of this list, you’re not alone – Germany really is quite something when it comes to its lakes.

Of these, Lake Constance, known in German as the Bodensee , is one of the largest and arguably the most famous. The beauty and relative seclusion of the area made it a favorite among Bavarian royalty, who constructed many castles here.

Since then, tourism has long made the area around Lake Constance, which borders Switzerland , one of the wealthiest in Germany.

Outdoor activities include a laundry list of official hiking paths, along with several cycling routes leading to nearby mountains and the Rhine river. You can even make a tour all around the lake in one big circle!

Come wintertime, the shimmering waters are made even more romantic to behold by the Christmas Market on the Lake, one of Bavaria’s oldest traditions that puts Oktoberfest to shame!

17. The Harz Mountains

Located in Westphalia, the Harz Mountains are as fascinating for their views and challenging trails as they are for their history.

If you’ve ever heard of Walpurgisnacht, the occult festival where witches and would-bes gather around campfires and chant spells – well, the Brocken , the highest peak of the Harz, is where the tradition supposedly began.

Goethe himself took this as an inspiration for the satanic themes in Faust , and many other superstitious legends concerning ghosts, spirits, and other supernatural apparitions exist surrounding the Harz mountains.

If that kind of talk doesn’t scare you, then I suggest you give the mountain range a try. Nothing beats the view of those forested hills from above!

18. The Rhine

Granted, this one is a bit trickier than other entries on this list. That’s why I saved it for last!

At 1,200 kilometers in length, the Rhine might be massive, and as such, it is impossible to see it from all angles in one day. But that’s precisely why it defines Germany’s landscape more than any other natural wonder.

I mean that literally, too!

Apart from the microstate of Luxembourg , all of Germany’s land borders on its western side are at least partly defined by the flow of the Rhine.

But no matter where you go, the Rhine is majestic in its presence and beauty. From Cologne to Ludwigshafen to Bonn and everywhere in between, the Rhine is one of the landscapes of Germany you just can’t miss.

Have you had the chance to see any of these natural wonders in Germany yourself? How about others not mentioned in this list that you’d like to recommend? Feel free to share in the comments below!

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Discover the best natural wonders in Germany

Best Natural Wonders in Germany

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Are you ready to discover a captivating blue aquatic abyss? Do you marvel at incredible rock formations that seem to rise out of the ground like the crest of a Stegosaurus? Will you have the courage to walk on the Devil's Bridge?

Book your flights and accommodation at the best price as well as your tours and activities , to discover the best natural wonders in Germany .

Lake Hintersee

Ramsau bei Berchtesgaden

Just a few kilometres from the Austrian border, the Hintersee Lake is one of Germany's most beautiful  natural wonders . During your stay in Bavaria be sure to visit the Hintersee and Königssee lakes. These lakes, nearly 200 m deep, are captivating blue. If you come there in summer or in autumn do not miss the sight of cows crossing by boat. They are transported from one end of the lake to the other to graze on the finest and tastiest grass in Germany.

  How to get there:  Book your  flights  to Salzburg Airport in Austria (50 min by car) or to Munich (2h).

  Where to stay:  “ Gasthaus-Pension Seeklause ” located on Lake Hintersee.

Devil's Bridge

Kromlau - Saxony

This incredible stone bridge is nicknamed "Devil’s Bridge". Satanists or simply those who want to scare themselves will sometimes travel thousands of kilometres to come and see this bridge. Is it located in the middle of an evil forest , a demilitarized zone, a radioactive zone or an old witch cemetery ? Not really, this bridge is located in the middle of "Azaleen - und Rhododendronpark Kromlau", the Azalea and Rhododendron park of Kromlau, a charming little town near the Polish border.

Entrance to the park is free, with beautiful plants and flowers growing at any time of the year. Rather more prosaically, the Germans call it "The Shower Head Bridge" because its rounded shape resembles a shower head.

Book your flights to Dresden as well as your cheapest accommodation and tours and activities as a terrifying tour of Dresden.

  How to get there:  Book your  flights  to Dresden. Kromlau is located 1.5 hours by car.

  Where to stay:  “ Ferienwohnung Schloss Kromlau ” located near the Devil's Bridge.

Bastei Bridge

Saxon Switzerland National Park - Lohmen

Located to the east of the very pretty city of  Dresden , Saxon Switzerland National Park is one of the  hidden gems of Germany . These incredible rock formations, called “Bastei”, attract travellers each year who follow unique destinations. This landscape is the natural result of water erosion over millennia.

Sensing the tourist interest of this site, already coveted by painters in the 19th century, the authorities have built a stone bridge that crosses the rock formations.

Book your  flights  and  accommodation  at the best price as well as your best tours and activities in Dresden, such as a "hike through the national park in Saxon Switzerland from Dresden".

  How to get there:  Book your  flights  to Dresden and drive 2 hours to Lohmen. You can also book your tour online from Dresden.

  Where to stay:  " Hotel & Ferienwohnungen Ettrich " offers a wonderful view of the Elbe and the Bastei rock formation.

Schrecksee 

On the border with Austria, the Schrecksee is a magnificent lake located at an altitude of almost 2000 meters in the sublime region of Bavaria. The Schrecksee is certainly one of the most beautiful lakes in Bavaria, a place still little known to the general public but popular with hike enthusiasts.

Allow 7 hours for this trail which will take you through Austria and allow you to enjoy one of the most beautiful lakes in Germany. Do you want nature and wide-open spaces? This is the place for you.

  How to get there:  Book your  flights  to Munich in Germany or Innsbruck in Austria and explore Lake Schrecksee (2.5 hours by car).

  Where to stay:  If you want to stay close to the lake, book your room at the best price at the “ Biohotel Mattlihüs ” with superb views on the Bavarian Alps.

Lake Eibsee

Garmisch Partenkirchen - Bavaria

This incredible lake, which is often misty in the morning, is located a short drive from Garmisch Partenkirchen, one of Germany's best ski resorts . Want another great reason to visit this little corner of paradise? Lake Eibsee sits at the foot of one of the highest mountains in Germany, the Zugspitze (almost 3000m!).

8 very small islands emerge from this beautiful lake and, as amazing as it may seem, they are private just like the lake. In any case, you can visit it and get there by car or public transport. Daily buses leave Garmisch-Partenkirchen station to go to the lakeside in Eibsee.

  How to get there:  Book your  flights  to Munich and drive to Garmisch-Partenkirchen (1h30 by car)

  Where to stay:   “ Eibsee Hotel ”, a 4-star hotel located on the Eibsee lake.

Rügen Island

Mecklenburg - Western Pomerania

You long for a return to wild nature to recharge your batteries? Rügen Island is what you need. The largest of the German islands is fairly easy to access as it is connected to the rest of the country by the Stralsund Bridge. Rügen Island is a popular destination for travellers looking for endless beaches , nature, calm, and also architecture.

The houses in the cities of Bergen, Sasnitz, Garz and Sellin, are truly unique. Be sure to visit Sellin and take a stroll on the beach, which has been awarded one of the best beaches in Germany .

Its wooden pier is also recognized as one of the most beautiful in Europe . There are only good reasons to spend your vacation on Rügen Island.

Book your flights and accommodation at the best price and discover one of the most beautiful places in Germany.

  How to get there:  Book your  flights  to Rostock (1.5 hours by car) or Hamburg (2.5 hours) and drive to Stralsund.

  Where to stay:  " Hotel Bernstein " offers a large spa and a gourmet restaurant. 

Externsteine

Horn-Bad Meinberg - Westphalia-Lippe

Historians reckon that this site made up of incredible rock formations, may have been a pagan place of worship. It is easy to see why they were in awe of this fascinating miracle of nature. The place was occupied by Christians who set up a chapel there more than a millennium ago. A few centuries later, the Nazis took a special interest in the site because, Himmler for example, wanted to return to pre-Christian Germanic traditions and make Externsteine a symbolic place of Germanic identity.

During your visit to the park, however, you are more likely to come across squirrels and owls rather than Nazis and pagans. Book your flights to Bielefeld and your accommodation at the best price and discover one of the best natural wonders in Germany.

Opening hours: The park is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (closes at 4 p.m. on weekends).

  How to get there:  Book your  flights  to Bielefeld Airport (40 min by car) or Hannover (1h30).

  Where to stay:  “ Vital Hotel ” a 4-star hotel located 10 km from Externsteine.

Königssee Lake

Schönau am Königssee - Bavaria

Located just 30 minutes by car, 3 hours on foot, from Hintersee Lake, Konigssee Lake is also one of the best natural wonders in Germany. In the south-east of Bavaria, near the Austrian border, come and bathe in a lake of abysmal depth and incredible purity.

There is nothing royal about its name "Konig" which means King in German, its name actually originates from the Basilica of Saint Bartholomew built on the shore of the lake. You can reach this basilica by taking a boat trip. Grazing cows make the same journey at the start and end of the year to graze the prettiest and greenest grass in Bavaria.

  Where to stay:  “ Explorer Hotel Berchtesgaden ” located in Schönau am Königssee.

If you have been to Croatia, you may have seen the Glavas’ Spring, one of Croatia's best nature wonders with the same intense blue. The Blautopf, although shallower (21 m versus 130 m for the Glavas spring in Croatia), is just as impressive and just as intriguingly beautiful. Located north of the small town of Blauberen, near the "Klauster Blauberen" school, this captivating deep blue spring can be observed at any time of the year. We advise you to go there in spring or summer.

Book your flights to Stuttgart and your cheapest accommodation in Stuttgart or Blaubeuren and discover one of the most amazing places in Germany.

How to get there: Book your flights to Stuttgart, Blaubeuren is only 1 hour by car or train.

Where to stay: The "Hotel-Restaurant Ochsen" is located in the historic centre of Blauberen.

  How to get there:  Book your  flights  to Stuttgart, Blaubeuren is only 1 hour by car or train.

  Where to stay:  The " Hotel-Restaurant Ochsen " is located in the historic centre of Blauberen.

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The Most Beautiful Places in Germany, From Fairytale Castles to Alpine Lakes

By Caitlin Morton

The most beautiful places in Germany are at once charming, bewitching, and staggeringly pretty. Not only does the country contain alpine peaks and mysterious forests, but its major cities and charming small towns are testaments to man-made beauty: think white Rococo churches, streets lined with timbered houses, and castles that seem almost too majestic to be real.

From the fairytale castles along the Romantic Road to vineyard-covered hills along the Rhine River—and everywhere in between—here are 24 impossibly lovely places to visit on your next trip to Germany.

This article was originally published in 2017. It has been updated with new information.

Eibsee, Bavaria

Germany has no shortage of beautiful alpine lakes, but few are quite as stunning as Eibsee, located at the base of Germany’s highest mountain (Zugspitze). The glistening lake features crystal-clear water, a scattering of islands, and a hiking trail with plenty of overlooks to capture the perfect photo.

Görlitz, Saxony

Back in 2017 , this small city won the “European Location Award”—an annual prize given by the European Film Commission Network to recognize outstanding TV and movie filming locations. Görlitz is perhaps most famous for appearing in The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014), but film buffs will recognize parts of town that appeared in The Reader (2008) and Inglourious Basterds (2009), as well.

Sylt, Schleswig-Holstein

This skinny island seven miles out into the North Sea is like nowhere else in the country, with rolling heathered dunes, thatched roof cottages, beach saunas, and the surrounding Wadden Sea. In other words, it’s like Germany’s version of the Hamptons .

Rakotzbrücke (Rakotz Bridge), Saxony

Hidden in Kromlau’s Rhododendron Park, Rakotzbrücke is a 19th-century bridge that creates a perfect stone circle when reflected in the waters below it. Rakotzbrücke is often referred to as “Devil's Bridge,” since the structure seems so impossible that it must have been built by, well, the devil.

Jessica Puckett

Cassie Shortsleeve

Arati Menon

Zwinger, Dresden

Once the festival arena of the Dresden Court, the Zwinger palace complex is a stunning example of Baroque architecture . Today, the palace serves as a museum and houses an Old Masters gallery, the Dresden porcelain collection, and the Royal Cabinet of Mathematical and Physical Instruments.

Saxon Switzerland, Saxony

If you think you’ve seen all of the most beautiful places in Germany, rest assured that there are plenty of off-the-beaten-path sites left to explore. Case in point: Sächsische Schweiz (Saxon Switzerland), a slice of rugged and rocky countryside just south of Dresden. Roughly one-third of Saxon Switzerland was designated a national park in 1990, and the area contains surprising attractions like the Bastei Bridge—an arched structure sitting more than 600 feet above the Elbe River.

Pilgrimage Church of Wies, Bavaria

With its bright colors and exuberant frescoes, the UNESCO-listed Church of Wies is a masterpiece of Rococo architecture—with the added bonus of a scenic Alpine setting.

Berchtesgaden National Park, Bavaria

Located near the Austrian border, the only national park in the German Alps is equal parts picturesque and biodiverse. The site is a UNESCO-designated biosphere reserve, which means you won’t find any developed towns or settlements here. Instead, you’ll find untouched natural wonders like Königssee, an alpine lake with crystal-clear water and fjord-like surroundings.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Bavaria

Rothenburg ob der Tauber, well-known for its preserved medieval old town, draws millions of tourists each year with its made-for-Instagram multicolored facades. Try to visit in December to experience the Reiterlesmarkt, one of the best Christmas markets in the entire country.

Zugspitze, Bavaria

Sitting at an altitude of over 9,700 feet, Zugspitze (part of the Wetterstein Mountains) is the highest peak in Germany. Cable cars will take you to the summit, where you can enjoy restaurants, a beer garden, and some of the best views of the Alps.

Geierlay Suspension Bridge, Rhineland-Palatinate

With a length of 1,180 feet and height of 330 feet, the Geierlay Suspension Bridge (Hängeseilbrücke Geierlay) is not exactly for the faint of heart. But its stunning setting in the Hunsrück Mountains might just inspire you to face your fears.

Cologne Cathedral, North Rhine-Westphalia

Germany’s largest Gothic church took more than seven centuries to construct, and it’s hard to argue the remarkable behemoth wasn’t worth the time and effort. The cathedral’s major attractions are its dual spires, stained glass murals, and Shrine of the Three Kings, which is said to hold the remains of the Three Wise Men.

Hohenzollern Castle, Baden-Württemberg

Set atop a 768-foot bluff in the foothills of the Swabian Alps, this picturesque castle is more than just nice to look at: With its many towers and fortifications, it's considered a relic of 19th-century military architecture. It's perhaps most impressive on overcast days when it peeks out above the fog—a literal castle on a cloud.

Rügen, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

Germany’s largest island has Baltic beaches, chalk-white cliffs, and a number of luxurious seaside resorts. Rügen is actually accessible by train, meaning you can leave Berlin in the morning and arrive at the island by lunchtime.

Harz National Park, Lower Saxony

Harz National Park is located within Germany’s most northern mountain range, and it’s one of the country’s most popular areas for outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, and skiing.

Museum Island, Berlin

An ensemble of five museums, Museum Island is actually on another island (Spree) in the Mitte district. Built between 1824 and 1930, it became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999.

Mosel, Rhineland-Palatinate

Mosel is one of Germany’s most prestigious wine regions , with terraced vineyards covering the valleys of several rivers (Mosel, Saar, etc.) near the Luxembourg border. Aside from its famous Riesling grapes, Mosel’s attractions include medieval villages, traditional German taverns, and plenty of riverside views.

Tüchersfeld, Bavaria

This Bavarian village in the Püttlach Valley is postcard-perfect—so much so that it has been featured on German postage stamps. But no matter how many photos you’ve seen of the town, you really must see the timber-framed houses and sky-high rock formations in person.

Stuttgart City Library, Baden-Württemberg

Situated in a concrete cube in the heart of southern Germany, this isn't your average library. The main attraction (a five-story reading room shaped like an upside-down pyramid) looks more like an M.C. Escher drawing than a typical library—until you notice the hundreds of thousands of neatly stacked books, that is. Cozy? Not really. Beautiful? You bet.

Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria

Built in 1886, Neuschwanstein is one of the most popular castles in all of Europe—and not just because it served as inspiration for Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland. The majestic structure has a clifftop location and ornate rooms that attract 1.4 million visitors every year.

Black Forest, Baden-Württemberg

Stretching across southwest Germany is the Black Forest , a wooded mountain range known for its dense 100-mile stretch of pine trees, picturesque villages, natural thermal spas, and, believe it or not, the invention of the cuckoo clock. The area doesn’t just look like a scene out of a storybook, though—legend says the Brothers Grimm drew inspiration from the forested area in their native country for fairy tales like Hansel and Gretel and Rapunzel .

Lübeck, Schleswig-Holstein

Located on the Baltic coast, Lübeck is a striking, colorful town that dates back to the 12th century. The UNESCO-protected city was one of northern Europe’s major trading hubs through the centuries; as such, it transformed into today’s multicultural port defined by its red-brick city gates and gothic churches.

Marburg, Hesse

If you want to get the full German fairytale experience , you can’t do much better than the Hessian town of Marburg—also known as the university town where the Brothers Grimm studied and gathered inspiration for some of their stories. Renowned for its cascading cobblestone streets and medieval churches, the town also features playful sculptures of the Grimms’ most famous characters, from the Frog King reading a book on the side of a building to Cinderella’s slipper sitting beneath the towering Marburger Schloss castle.

Schwerin Castle, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

Modeled off the chateaux of France’s Loire Valley, Schwerin Castle offers a delicious taste of French Renaissance architecture in northeast Germany. The residential palace is surrounded by water (who doesn’t love a castle on a lake?) and boasts a 60-acre garden, statues of Greek and Roman gods and goddesses, and a whopping 653 rooms adorned in lush fabrics and oil paintings.

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Rhodri Andrews | 26 November 2020

Best for nature: 12 of germany’s top natural experiences.

Get ready to hop in a kayak for a quiet canal paddle or wander where witches roam – these are 12 of Germany’s top natural wonders…

From vast tidal mudflats to pristine alpine forests and everything in between, Germany has extraordinary natural diversity to be found in every corner of the country. Get ready to hop in a kayak for a quiet canal paddle or wander where witches roam – these are 12 of Germany’s top natural wonders…

1. Berchtesgaden National Park

Lake Konigssee in Berchtesgaden National Park (Shutterstock)

The only national park in the German Alps, legend has it that when God hurried the angels responsible for spreading the world’s wonders, they accidentally dropped them all here instead. That’s exactly how Berchtesgaden National Park feels: its cloud-shrouded mountains, thick alpine forests and crystalline lakes seem so perfect they could only be fashioned by a higher divinity. A plethora of hiking trails make it easy to wander to your heart’s content, but make sure you pick one that takes in Lake Königssee, whose emerald-green waters appear drinkably pure. Not bad for somewhere that was, for all intents and purposes, a mistake.

2. Rügen Island

The chalk cliffs at Rügen Island (Shutterstock)

Germany may not be the first place you think of for a beach break but let Rügen Island convince you otherwise. Bobbing off the northern coast, locals have long had a soft spot for Rügen as a prime destination for a domestic getaway. The 56km of flour-white sands are the biggest lure; on a sunny summer’s day it feels far more Caribbean here than Baltic. But its status as Germany’s largest island means there are plenty of places to escape the crowds. Its own national park, Jasmund, is one of Rügen’s quieter corners and its ancient beech woodland and orchid-speckled meadows are a delight to stroll. Reach the island’s fringes and you’ll spy chalk cliffs so white they’d make Dover envious. 

3. Black Forest National Park

Hiking in the Black Forest (Shutterstock)

The Black Forest conjures up images of cuckoo clocks, cherry gateaux and folk tales woven by the imaginations of the Grimm brothers. And the teal-hued valleys, heather-flecked moors, dark forests and multi-stepped cascades of Black Forest National Park really do look like they’ve been ripped straight from a child’s bedtime story. Slow travel is the best way to experience this wild tapestry and a hike or cycle along its trails will take you to some of its top-ticket sights, including Allerheiligen Waterfalls and the ink-black lake Wildsee. Just don’t be surprised if you see Little Red Riding Hood or Hansel and Gretel peeking out from behind a tree along the way…

4. Saxon Switzerland National Park

Saxon Switzerland National Park (©GNTB/Francesco Carovillano)

A rugged landscape of unique rock formations, Saxon Switzerland National Park has been 100 million years in the making. Battered by wind and weathered by the waters of the Elbe River, Saxon Switzerland’s vistas have morphed into a rocky fantasia of bruised cliffs, tabletop peaks and finger-like columns. The park’s poster child is the otherworldly Bastei Bridge, a 19 th -century sandstone bridge that weaves in-between a row of jagged pinnacles. The 700-plus summits make it a haven for climbers but the 400 sq km of paths make it very friendly for walkers, too.

5.  Harz National Park

Historic narrow-gauge train with steam engine in the Harz National Park (©GNTB/Francesco Carovillano)

Tell any German you’re off to explore Harz National Park and a cold chill might run down their spine, such is the folklore that lingers over it. Barren moorland, moss-covered forest and trickling streams certainly create a mysterious landscape, but the legendary myths which enshroud Harz are as thick as the mist which wraps around its mountains. Everything from goblins to emperors and devils are said to have patrolled this land at one time or another and on April 30 each year, warlocks and witches riding broomsticks and goats are said to descend on the park’s highest peak, the Brocken. Go today and you’ll more likely spot lynxes, peregrine falcons and red deer. Oh, and maybe the odd broomstick.

6.  Bavarian Forest National Park

Bavarian Forest National Park (©GNTB/ Dietmar Scherf)

Established as Germany’s first and largest national park, Bavarian Forest is a huge wild swathe in southern Germany. This is German wilderness at its classic best: pristine woodland, granite peaks carpeted in trees and mirror lakes serving up perfect reflections. Though its vistas have often been splashed across glossy brochures, Bavarian Forest National Park remains remarkably seldom visited by visitors, with many preferring to head to the Black Forest. Their loss is your gain and the park’s unspoiled nature means there is an abundance of wildlife to spot, including brown bears, European bison and wolves via plenty of hiking and cycling trails and even a treetop walkway.

7.  Müritz National Park

Müritz National Park (Shutterstock)

A watery wonderland just a three-hour drive from Berlin, Müritz National Park is affectionately known as the land of a thousand lakes. Though the figure is closer to 100, this web of streams, bogs, wetlands, rivers and pools make it seem very much like the former. Within the gaps are ancient beech forests and sprawling moors; mix the two together and you get a brilliant patchwork of blue and green. While there’s no shortage of walking trails, Müritz really ought to be explored on water, whether that’s paddling in a kayak in on an old-fashioned steamboat cruise.

8. Eifel National Park

Eifel National Park (Shutterstock)

Shaped by volcanic activity across millennia, Eifel National Park is a destination of astonishing diversity. Hire a car and drive along the 280km-long Volcano Route to stumble across crater lakes, extinct volcanoes and geysers, pit-stopping along the way to lace up your boots and wander untamed gorges, valleys and meadows. Eifel also boasts an unusually high number of endangered plants and animals – 2,170 – so keep your eyes peeled for wildcats, black storks and Eurasian eagle owls as you roam. Eifel even throws up surprises after dark: its certification as an International Dark Sky Park promises jet-black skies bulging with stars.

9.  Wadden Sea

Spot seals along the Wadden Sea (Shutterstock)

Stretching for over 500km from Denmark round the north-western coast of Germany to the Netherlands, the UNESCO-protected Wadden Sea is the planet’s largest unbroken system of intertidal sands and mudflats. Its very nature means this is a dynamic, ever-changing environment of sea-grass meadows, dunes and salt marshes home to a rich assortment of wildlife. A guided barefoot walk along the mudflats will introduce you to the intricacies of this unique habitat, including the some 10,000 plant and animal species that live here, from lugworms to oystercatchers. Larger residents lie on the sandbanks beyond and boat trips mean you can glimpse porpoises and grey and harbour seals; visit in June and July and you’ll witness seal pups being born.

10. Spreewald Biosphere Reserve

Spreewald Biosphere Reserve (Shutterstock)

Being the capital, Berlin is Germany’s biggest draw. But should the hectic city life get too much, your slow-paced answer is just 100km south. It lies in the shape of Spreewald Biosphere Reserve, a watery 1,500km web of canals flanked by emerald woodland and gentle countryside alive with fire-bellied toads, otters, green hawker dragonflies and sea eagles. A ride on a kahn (shallow punt boat) – once the only way to get around – is the traditional way to experience Spreewald but if you want ultimate flexibility, hire your own kayak or canoe to paddle away from the crowds.

11.  Hainich National Park

Hainich National Park (©GNTB/Thomas Stephan)

Thanks to its previous life as a restricted military zone, Hainich National Park has blissfully been left to grow old gracefully. The end result is one of Central Europe’s few remaining beech forests and the continent’s largest swathe of unbroken mixed deciduous woodland, a wild expanse soundtracked by the machine-gun peck of woodpeckers or crunch of a wildcat paw on fallen autumn leaves. Now, it’s protected by UNESCO and there a multitude of ways in which you can explore this primeval land: on foot, two wheels, via a treetop walkway or even on horseback.

12. Saar Bow

Saar Bow (©GNTB/Eike Dubois)

The country’s answer to Horseshoe Bend in the USA, the Saar Bow is a majestic hairpin river bend lying in the Saar-Hunsrück Nature Park in southwestern Germany. An epic sight from whichever way you spy it from, but a clamber up to the Cloef viewpoint will reward you with the finest angle. Make an early beeline there and you’ll witness the early morning mist hanging over the river before rolling up the forested slopes on either side, a spectacle that will make even the most hardened of travellers misty eyed.

Feeling inspired? 

Everything featured in this article is on the ultimate list of the top 100 sights and attractions in germany. see the full list  here.  .

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• Nature Travel

Germany Has Some of the Most Beautiful Forests in the World — How to Plan a Road Trip to Visit Them All

German's legendary forests have been written about in fairy tales and operas. Experience them for yourself on a wandering road trip through the country's national parks.

In the winter of 1777, the writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe set off on horseback from his home in the central German city of Weimar and traveled a hundred miles north to the forests of the Harz region. The 28-year-old Goethe, who had been struggling since the death of his sister the previous summer, hoped to encounter a sign. On December 10, accompanied by a forester, he climbed the Brocken, a mountain in the Harz that is, at almost 4,000 feet, the highest in northern Germany. Visiting this snowy, densely wooded landscape left him exhilarated and renewed; the experience later inspired the poem "Harzreise im Winter."

An altar of grateful delight

He finds in the much-dreaded mountain's

Snow-begirded summit,

Which foreboding nations

Crown'd with spirit-dances.

The story of Goethe's bracing journey would become a cultural touchstone, epitomizing Germany's fascination with its wilds and woodlands. Unlike in Japan, where the tradition of forest-bathing involves the quiet contemplation of light and shadow, the Germans wrestle with the forest as if it were their own spirit. From Germania, Tacitus's first-century description of the Germans, to Grimm's Fairy Tales, the forest has long been integral to the national identity.

This connection between nature and culture has galvanized the country to position itself at the forefront of the environmental movement. One-third of Germany is woodland, and while most of that area is planted with trees that are harvested for timber, more trees are planted than are felled.

I've lived in Germany for almost two decades and have taken hundreds of walks through its parks and forests. Last summer, to better comprehend my adopted country, I set out on a road trip to several wilderness areas. I wanted to better understand what the rest of the world can learn from the country's relationship with nature.

I had been told that the Black Forest was the birthplace of many fairy tales, but when I read about Goethe's adventures, among other things, I soon learned that the Harz region is also rich with history and myth. So my husband, our three children, and our dog, Kiko, drove about 2 ½ hours from our home in Berlin to the mountains, where we visited a friend who rents a charming brick house, part of a fortified castle , in the town of Hornburg.

At the home of my friend's neighbor, an 18th-century map of the Harz hung on the wall. It showed a dozen witches flying over the Brocken; legends of witches and devils have swirled around the mountain for centuries. "Now to the Brocken the witches ride," Goethe wrote in his play Faust . Some like to believe Rapunzel's tower — where the witch Gothel hid her away — is located in the Brocken town of Wernigerode.

Related : 12 Beautiful Forests Around the World

Dieter Runge, an expert in local lore, led us partway along the 93-mile trail known as the Hexen-Steig — or "witch climb." We started our hike in the city of Thale and passed through tourist attractions, including a small adventure park, but soon enough were following a dirt path alongside a river in the narrow Bode Valley. Through gaps in the trees, we spotted two angular peaks, the Hexentanzplatz and the Rosstrappe.

Runge explained that it was on these mountains that the most dramatic moment of the folktale about a princess, Brunhilde, and a giant, Bodo, took place. Brunhilde spurred her horse to leap from one peak to the other to escape Bodo, whom her parents had arranged for her to marry. She made it — and her horse left a hoofprint on the Rosstrappe, which can still be seen today — but Bodo tumbled into the valley, which still bears his name.

In pre-Christian times, Runge said, the Hexentanzplatz was an important site for pagan ceremonies. Legend has it that witches gathered there on Walpurgisnacht, the last night of April, when Christians lit bonfires to ward off evil spirits. Today the Harz witches live on in the form of a kitschy folk festival that takes place every spring.

From Germania, Tacitus's first-century description of the Germans, to Grimm's Fairy Tales, the forest has long been integral to the national identity.

We spent a night at the Torfhaus Harzresort , an upscale retreat made up mostly of cozy cabins with wood-burning stoves on the edge of Harz National Park. On the drive from Thale we passed vast open spaces punctuated by tree stumps. In some areas outside the park, workers were loading trees onto trucks. Later I was told that the Harz's forests, about half of which consist of non-native conifers, were being devastated by a combination of climate change and bark beetles, which finish off the weak trees by cutting off all nutrition to their roots.

While humans were suffering an epidemic, so were the German forests; more trees died in 2020 than in any other year since surveys were begun in 1984. At the Torfhaus, however, very few trees were damaged, so the property seemed very green (and was almost completely booked). Kiko and the children happily explored the surrounding paths while my husband and I tried out the resort's sauna.

From the Harz we drove nearly two hours to Kassel. When we turned off the autobahn onto more scenic roads, passing towns with fairy-tale half-timbered houses , I realized my mistake of writing off central Germany for so long. Thanks to the mining industry of the Harz, the area was a center of wealth in the Middle Ages, while abbeys and libraries made it a capital of knowledge.

As we approached Robins Nest Baumhaus Hotel , which occupies a series of tree houses, we saw a dramatic stone-and-timber castle in the distance. This was the 14th-century Schloss Berlepsch, which has been lived in by the same family for 20 generations and upon whose land Robins Nest is located.

Peter Becker, the founder of the property, is a hip-looking thirtysomething with a small hoop in one ear. He grew up in the nearby town of Gertenbach and was a friend of the sons of Count Hans-Sittich of Berlepsch, the current owner of the castle. "I know every tree in this forest," Becker told us.

When he was in his early 20s he lived the Berlin clubbing life, ran a gallery and bar with friends, and traveled the world. On a journey to Nepal in 2009, he began to think about returning to Gertenbach. "After being away I saw my roots from a different perspective," he said. "Ironically, it was in the Himalayas that I started to understand how much I loved my home. "

When we turned off the autobahn onto more scenic roads, passing towns with fairy-tale half-timbered houses, I realized my mistake of writing off central Germany for so long.

Becker came back a year later. After a long amble in the forest, where he lay on the ground staring into ancient beech trees, he had an epiphany. "I thought how cool it would be to build a village of tree houses," he recalled. Two days later he asked permission of one of the count's sons, who leased him a little more than an acre of the castle grounds for 15 years. Becker opened Robins Nest in 2014 with three suites built around the trunks of trees more than 20 feet off the ground, accessible by stairs and suspension bridges. He also built a house for eight guests on stilts, as well as "tree tents" — cocoon-like hammocks — and a suspended geodesic sphere.

My family successfully — if timidly — crossed the bridge to our cozy home in the canopy. The 80-square-foot room was outfitted with a double bed, a bunk bed, a seating area, and a bathroom. With no Wi-Fi or TVs to distract them, our children ran in the woods and jumped on the trampoline while my husband and I took short hikes. I noticed patches of dying pines, but this forest seemed noticeably healthier, thanks to a mixture that included beeches and oaks, some hundreds of years old.

Becker explained that the project was both entrepreneurial and spiritual; he wanted to show how small businesses in protected forests could support the habitat while drawing young people to experience this landscape. This summer, for example, Robins Nest is hosting art and music happenings connected to Documenta, the contemporary art event that takes place every five years in Kassel.

In his best-selling "The Hidden Life of Trees," Peter Wohlleben writes about how he grew to understand that Germany's practice of forestry, long considered sustainable, was in fact driven by the business of planting and harvesting conifers, indigenous to the Arctic, northern Europe, and high mountains, but not most of Germany. When he became a forester, he imagined he would be a keeper of trees. Instead, he became an industrial farmer of them.

I had thought that forests of pine trees had been part of the country's landscape for millennia. Reading Wohlleben's book, I learned that many of these forests were, in fact, artificial plantations. The pines had replaced trees, primarily beech and oak, that had covered the hills since ancient times. In an engraving of the Brocken made at the time of Goethe's visit, the land is ravaged: massive swaths have been deforested, with large wounds dug into the mountain for mining. And that was a few decades after the mining official Hans Carl von Carlowitz proposed that wood harvests should be limited to what the land could produce and that trees should be replanted, after which Germany began to manage its forests.

More Trip Ideas : 25 Under-the-radar European Villages

Now it seems the country is once again rethinking its forest management. We drove toward the Eifel National Park, not far from the Belgian border, to visit Wohlleben at his Waldakademie — literally, "forest academy." I had imagined a log cabin; instead, we arrived at two modern buildings on a residential street in the village of Wershofen. "This building is completely energy-self-sufficient," Wohlleben said as we sat together at a table in the yard. The programs include lectures, school visits, and camping expeditions.

Wohlleben, not one to sit for long, directed us to follow him out of the village toward wide meadows. (Depending on his schedule, he is available to give lectures and lead group hikes.) We continued on a dirt path that led to a forest while he explained that the monoculture industry of harvesting nonindigenous conifers for timber is not sustainable and that humans can no longer afford to use so many forests for commercial purposes.

A few minutes later he stopped us. "Look here," he said to my children, all three of them mesmerized by this giant of a man, a suburban Gandalf. He pointed to the straight lines of spruce and Douglas fir to our right. "This is a conventional plantation. And on the other side of the path is a deciduous forest of beeches." This was a wilder mix of trees, young and old, and of various heights. Wohlleben told us to step into both, noting that when we entered the deciduous forest, it would feel several degrees chillier.

"A mixed indigenous forest is cooler, contains more moisture, and doesn't support the amount of undergrowth that a plantation forest does," he explained. "That means fewer forest fires, fewer deer, and less ticks and disease." I thought back to our time in the Harz, where the ailing conifers are particularly vulnerable to pests. If he had the instruments to measure the ultrasonic vibration of the trees' vascular system, which transports water up to the leaves, "you would hear the trees on the right screaming," he said.

I had a flashback to so many different hikes in pine forests, walks during which I felt immensely peaceful and grateful to be in the company of such towering trees. Now I realized I had been naïve. Had they been screaming, too? How many other landscapes had I traveled through, imposing false perceptions and histories on my surroundings?

I asked Wohlleben what could be done to save the forests. As golden light filtered through the green canopy, he said, "Every time humans try to correct something we tend to create another problem. We just need to let nature lead us, rather than interfering."

As we headed home to Berlin, I thought about how, like Goethe's journey to the Harz, this road trip had been more than just a vacation. It had, in fact, been a kind of quest — one that left us wiser and more inspired than when we set out.

How to Visit Germany's Forests

Where to stay.

Robins NestBaumhaus Hotel : A collection of rustic but comfortable tree houses — including a geodesic sphere, a house on stilts, and a covered wagon — outside the town of Gertenbach. Doubles from $105.

Torfhaus Harzresort : This handsomely appointed hotel on the edge of Harz National Park has individual cabins outfitted with fireplaces and saunas. Doubles from $108.

Wohllebens Waldakademie : Conservationist Peter Wohlleben's "forest academy," in the town of Wershofen, offers a range of experiences that bring visitors closer to the German woodlands, from nature walks to camping trips.

A version of this story first appeared in the July 2022 issue of Travel + Leisure under the headline Deep Roots.

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The 10 most beautiful nature destinations in Germany

• by Christoph Schulz
• Blog , Travel
• July 21, 2018 January 23, 2024

Nature trips in Germany are the Germans' favorite. The diverse nature travel destinations show that you don't have to travel far to experience breathtaking moments. In this article, I have compiled the ten most beautiful Nature travel destinations in Germany compiled. From north to south - you can discover beautiful nature in all directions in Germany.

The North - Nature travel destinations in Germany

The North Sea and Baltic Sea are particularly popular nature travel destinations in Germany. Here are my tips for your sustainable journey to the north of Germany.

Germany's largest national park is located in the north of the country: the Wadden Sea. The unique, species-rich wetland with its flat, wide sandy beaches stretches over 450 km. The rough, stormy sea, which is shaped by the tides, dominates nature. Only a few highly adapted animal species can survive here. Birdwatchers in particular get their money's worth here. You can observe the animals in the bird sanctuaries from numerous viewing platforms.

The difference between high and low tide can be up to seven meters, so you can have a great swim at high tide and walk through the mudflats for hours at low tide.

Here you will find the best and most sustainable accommodation on the Wadden Sea

TIP: Receive a €20 discount on your first booking with the voucher code "CAREBIG".

Neuwerk island

When the water recedes, a path leads from the North Sea town of Cuxhaven through the Wadden Sea to the small island of Neuwerk, which is around ten kilometers from the mainland. During the hike, you can get to know the Wadden Sea from its most beautiful side: observe animals, sink into the mudflats or slide in the silt. Pure nature!

You can walk around the island in half an hour. If you want to follow the trail of nature further, you can hike from Neuwerk to the island of Scharhörn. The island is inhabited all year round by a bird warden and can only be entered with prior registration.

An overnight stay in a hay hotel rounds off your nature adventure perfectly. If you don't want to walk back, you can take the boat or the wagon. The sustainable Osteblick vacation apartment is definitely something for you

DISCOUNT: Receive a €20 discount on your first booking with the voucher code "CAREBIG".

The East Frisian island of Borkum is located on the border with Holland. With a few exceptions, cars are banned on the island. Free from exhaust fumes and smog, you can enjoy the salty and iodine-rich air, which has a positive effect on your health. It's not for nothing that Borkum is a North Sea spa.

In the eastern part of the island is a bird sanctuary, which may not be entered. There is also the Tüskendörsee lake, which is a nature reserve.

The dyke, which protects the island from storm surges, is a great place to walk and enjoy the peace and quiet. The island is quite crowded in the summer months, so it is better to visit in the low season. In addition to a seawater wave pool, there are numerous sports and entertainment options. These are the best and most sustainable accommodations on Borkum

The East - Nature travel destinations in Germany

Eastern Germany has a lot to offer! Especially in the mountains, you can enjoy nature that you might not have expected in Germany. These are my tips for your nature trip to the east of Germany.

Fischland Darß

Over the course of time, this 50 km long peninsula chain "Fischland Darß", which is connected by dykes, has grown together. It is part of the "Vorpommersche Boddenlandschaft National Park". In addition to the typical dunes and beaches, you can hike or cycle along the imposing cliffs and enjoy the view. The island is a bird paradise. In spring and fall, huge flocks of cranes make a stopover here.

The climate on the Baltic Sea is less harsh than on the North Sea and the difference between the tides is smaller, so you can really swim here. If you enjoy water sports, Fischland Darß is the perfect nature destination.

The small vacation resorts of Ahrenshoop, Prerow and Zingst, where there is a pier where you can virtually walk into the sea, are definitely worth a visit. Here you will find the best, most sustainable accommodation in Fischland Darß

Saxon Switzerland - Elbe Sandstone Mountains

Saxon Switzerland is the name given to the German part of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains, which is home to a variety of bizarrely shaped sandstone cliffs. In addition to hikes and bike tours, there are also climbs such as the Rübezahlstiege or the Rotkehlchenstiege, where you can overcome large differences in altitude in a short space of time. If you are particularly brave, you can try your hand at rock climbing. The absolute highlight is an overnight stay on a rocky outcrop.

The Bastei rock formation is a tourist attraction. From a viewing platform, you can look 200 meters down to the Elbe and marvel at the gorge system. In the village of Rathen, there is an open-air stage carved out of stone where plays are performed in summer. The open-air museum in Königstein Fortress is also culturally interesting. These are the best, most sustainable accommodations in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains

Mecklenburg Lake District - Fleesensee

The Mecklenburg Lake District is located in the middle of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. The landscape is hilly and dotted with numerous lakes, such as the Kölpinsee, the Plauer See and the Krakower See. Lake Müritzsee is the second largest lake in Germany, although it is very shallow at 30 meters. You can familiarize yourself with the surrounding nature on a boat tour.

If you like it a little more chic, then a stay in one of the hotels in the Fleesensee vacation resort on the lake of the same name is recommended. The hotels were only built a few years ago and offer a wide range of leisure and entertainment facilities.

If you want to take a break from the stresses of everyday life, enjoy the seclusion and not miss out on a little luxury, then this place is perfect for you. These are the best accommodations in the Mecklenburg Lake District

The south - nature travel destinations in Germany

The nature in the south of Germany is unique and should of course not be missing from the list of nature travel destinations in Germany.

Berchtesgadener Land

In the south-eastern corner of Germany lies the Berchtesgadener Land, one of Germany's most breathtaking nature destinations. Lush greenery, pristine landscapes and imposing mountains, such as the Watzmann, the second highest peak in Germany, await you here.

The Berchtesgadener Land is home to the Berchtesgaden National Park, which is characterized by many gorges and valleys as well as rare flora and fauna. In the middle of the national park lies the Königssee. With its picturesque backdrop and super clean water, it is an absolute highlight.

You can take the cable car up to the 1613 m high Predigtstuhl and enjoy the fantastic panorama from here. These are the best, most sustainable accommodations in Berchtesgadener Land

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Best places to visit in germany.

Full of culture, lively locals and great beer, Germany is home to many captivating travel destinations. Whether you're looking to soak up art, architecture and history or imbibe at Oktoberfest, this country appeals to a variety of tourists. U.S. News weighed factors like sights, food, culture, accessibility and value, in addition to expert and traveler opinions, to create the best places to visit in Germany. Vote for the destinations you love below to help shape next year's ranking.

Neuschwanstein

Garmisch-partenkirchen, black forest, berchtesgaden, rüdesheim am rhein.

Germany's capital city is akin to Paris and London in that you just can't visit the country without going. Like many large cities, Berlin offers something for everyone, from a lively nightlife scene to restorative green spaces. Those looking take in the arts can explore the impactful East Side Gallery (on the Berlin Wall) or visit the more traditional art galleries at Museum Island. Berlin also pays homage to its ominous past with powerful and humbling attractions. Must-visit historical sites include the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, the Berlin Wall Memorial, the Brandenburg Gate and Checkpoint Charlie.

Visitors flock to Munich every fall to take part in Oktoberfest, a two-week-long ode to Bavarian traditions featuring Germany's best beers and bratwurst. But Munich, one of the largest German cities, offers so much more than just this festival. The city is home to beautiful gardens, exquisite churches and engaging museums worth exploring. Wander around Munich's charming neighborhoods and spend some time in Marienplatz, a central square that's home to the world-famous Rathaus-Glockenspiel and hosts a popular Christmas market.

Though Neuschwanstein Castle was never meant for visitors, it has become one of Germany's most popular tourist attractions. King Ludwig II commissioned the castle as a place of refuge from public life. Today, more than 1 million people stroll through the property every year. The castle's Romanesque Revival-style is certainly romantic; in fact, it inspired Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland. But what elevates this castle to bucket list status is its unbelievable setting, perched in the Bavarian Alps. From the castle, travelers can get an eyeful of the surrounding mountains, Alpine lakes and striking foliage (especially during fall).

This scenic mountain town in the Bavarian Alps calls to adventure-hungry travelers. In winter, Garmisch-Partenkirchen draws skiers looking to hit the slopes and learn about the Winter Olympics that were held here in 1936. In summer, hikers descend upon the town hoping to climb Zugspitze, Germany's highest peak (the summit is also reachable via cable car). Other can't-miss attractions include Lake Eibsee and Partnachklamm, a narrow gorge characterized by steep rock walls and roaring rapids. Meanwhile, if you're looking to unwind, take a stroll through Historic Ludwigstrasse or explore the grounds of Linderhof Palace and Park.

One of the best places to see Germany's natural splendor is the fairy-tale-inspiring Black Forest. This section of Baden-Württemberg encompasses more than 2,000 square miles of enchanting waterfall-filled forests, rolling hills and lengthy valleys dotted with half-timbered villages. A great introduction to the Black Forest is driving along its scenic namesake highway (Schwarzwaldhochstrasse); be sure to start or end your journey in the spa town of Baden-Baden to benefit from its thermal springs. You'll also want to save time for visiting gorgeous natural wonders like the picture-perfect Triberg Waterfalls, Lake Titisee and the Feldberg, the Black Forest's highest peak.

Dresden is made for architecture enthusiasts. The city, which is located in eastern Germany near the Czech border, features remarkable facades and edifices adorned with ornate architectural details. Though you'll have your pick of stunning structures, make sure you visit the Dresden Zwinger (a Baroque-style palace) and Dresden Royal Palace (a Renaissance landmark where the Fürstenzug, the world's largest porcelain mural, resides). If you prefer modern architecture, head to Kunsthofpassage to gaze at its quirky buildings, one of which has singing drainpipes. And those visiting during festive season can't miss Striezelmarkt, Germany's oldest and largest Christmas market.

For a memorable vacation in the Bavarian Alps, visit Berchtesgaden. This destination, which sits on the Austrian border, captivates visitors with its massive peaks, cascading forests, deep valleys and Alpine lake and river that make up Berchtesgaden National Park. Start your journey driving the scenic Rossfeld Panoramastrasse before traveling south to awe-inspiring Lake Königssee and the Eagle's Nest, a mountaintop beer garden. If you enjoy skiing, arrive in winter when Jenner Mountain is blanketed with snow.

First-time visitors to this historic German city should make a beeline for Cologne Cathedral – this breathtaking example of Gothic architecture is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the city's most popular landmark. Meanwhile, travelers with a sweet tooth should make time in their schedule for a tour of Cologne's Chocolate Museum. Other activities include relaxing on the lawn at Rheinpark, exploring Cologne's Old Town, cruising the Rhine River and taking in spectacular city views from a cable car. Visit in February or March when Cologne's annual Carnival celebration takes place, an event featuring festivities like masked balls, parades and parties.

Go off the beaten track on your next getaway by heading to this Bavarian city in southeast Germany. Boasting centuries-old architecture and a prime location along the Danube River, Regensburg is known as one of Germany's oldest and best-preserved medieval cities. Most of Regensburg's top attractions can be found in the city's UNESCO-listed Old Town, including landmarks like St. Peter's Cathedral, Haidplatz Square and the Stone Bridge. Other sights worth visiting include the Thurn und Taxis Palace and Walhalla, a hall of fame honoring exemplary German-speaking figures throughout history.

This city in southwestern Germany is well known for housing the country's oldest university. However, its good looks and superb location along the Neckar River also make it a great destination to enjoy old-world character and a small-town ambiance. To see as much of this beautiful city as possible, take a long stroll through Heidelberg's old town and across its picturesque Old Bridge. Then, ride the funicular railway to Heidelberg Castle, and continue on to Königstuhl for impressive views. Additional must-see sights to add to your vacation itinerary include the Philosopher's Walk, Heidelberg Zoo and the Student Prison at Heidelberg University.

Boasting elaborate churches and palaces around every corner, Würzburg is a photographer's paradise. From the Baroque-style Residence Palace to the Romanesque St. Kilian Cathedral, there are countless buildings worth exploring. Not only can travelers enjoy beautiful architecture, they can expect manicured gardens and parks, such as Ring Park and the University of Würzburg's Botanical Garden, along with numerous vineyards and estates offering wine tastings (Würzburg is located in Germany's Franken wine region). When you're not sipping on delicious vino, consider visiting the grand Marienberg Fortress or snapping a photo of Würzburg's iconic Old Main Bridge.

Primarily known for its winemaking capabilities, Rüdesheim am Rhein is a small village located at the base of Germany's Rhine Valley. While you'll surely want to spend the majority of your time here sampling Rüdesheim am Rhein's famous riesling, you should save time for other activities as well. The restaurant- and market-lined Drosselgasse alley is a perfect place to hear live music, and you'd be remiss to skip the one-of-a-kind Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet during your trip. Another worthwhile activity is a castle cruise along the Rhine River.

Frankfurt is best known as the financial capital of the eurozone thanks to it housing the European Central Bank, but don't assume the city is nothing more than a concrete jungle. Frankfurt doubles as a tourist-friendly destination with all kinds of attractions. Here, you'll find the Frankfurt Museum Embankment, a riverside perimeter that comprises more than a dozen museums, including the popular Städel Museum. Other noteworthy sights include the city's colorful old town, the Main Tower observation deck and the Palmengarten, a beautiful botanical garden.

Located less than 22 miles southwest of bustling Berlin, Potsdam makes for a perfect daytrip. The city offers a quieter, more serene atmosphere complete with parks and eye-catching historical landmarks. The city's most popular attraction, Sanssouci Palace, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site so breathtaking that it is often compared to Versailles. The palace's name means "without a care," so plan on spending unhurried hours there taking in its splendor and the surrounding grounds. You'll also want to save time for visiting Cecilienhof Country House – where the historic Potsdam Conference took place – and strolling through the charming Dutch Quarter.

Home to Germany's largest cruise port, the Elbe river and hundreds of canals flowing through the city center, Hamburg is a great place to explore by boat. But for those on foot, many top attractions are clustered in the heart of the city, including the Alter Elbtunnel and Planten un Blomen park. Speicherstadt, a UNESCO World Heritage Site worth visiting, offers Miniatur Wunderland, the world's largest model railway system that enraptures visitors of all ages. Plus, Hamburg is a haven for music lovers with its impressive Elbphilharmonie complex, which features two concert halls and a plaza with sweeping city views.

The second-largest city in Bavaria, Nuremberg is a must-visit destination due to its well-preserved history (both medieval and more recent). The city's darker World War II connections are on display at the Documentation Center Nazi Party Rallying Grounds and the Memorium Nuremberg Trials museum. Go further back in time with a visit to the vast, all-encompassing Germanisches Nationalmuseum, which includes artwork from prehistoric times to today. Then, wind your way through old town's endearing streets, where you'll find half-timbered houses, a four-story fountain and the imposing Imperial Castle, which dates back to the days of the Roman Empire.

Head to this small medieval city in northern Bavaria to feel as if you've stepped back in time. Bamberg is famous for housing notable Enlightenment-era writers and philosophers like E.T.A. Hoffmann and Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel. Plus, Bamberg boasts a gorgeous location along the Regnitz river and a collection of exquisite architectural beauties, including the Romanesque Bamberg Cathedral and the Old Town Hall. But no visit would be complete without seeing the dreamy rose garden at the New Residence palace.

Upon first glance, Lübeck might look like any other mid-size German city. However, this northern destination with Nordic beauty holds plenty of historical significance, so much so that UNESCO designated it a World Heritage Site. Between the 12th and 16th centuries, Lübeck was considered one of Europe's most important trading ports. The city still remains a hub for maritime commerce with its location on the Baltic Sea. After learning more about Lübeck's maritime roots at the European Hansemuseum, travelers can check out the stately Holsten Gate in the city's charming old town or explore its many waterways during a boat tour.

Sitting on the banks of the Rhine River about 80 miles northwest of Frankfurt, Koblenz is overlooked by the hilltop Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. This idyllic setting is an added bonus to the city's strong cultural offerings, which range from institutions like the DB Museum Koblenz and the Ludwig Museum to monuments like the German Corner. You should also make time for a ride on the Koblenz Cable Car, which offers panoramic views of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. Plus, with access to both the Rhine and Moselle rivers, Koblenz is an excellent destination for a river cruise (many routes take travelers past vineyards, castles and more).

Situated about 10 miles east of Germany's border with Luxembourg, the country's oldest city draws history buffs in droves. Trier was founded by Romans in 16 B.C. and is filled with some of the best-preserved ruins from that era. Must-see Roman relics include St. Peter's Cathedral, Porta Nigra, the Basilica of Constantine and the Imperial Baths. When you need a break from learning about Trier's ties to the Roman Empire, explore old town's colorful Hauptmarkt square, visit Karl Marx's birthplace or take a scenic boat tour along the Moselle river.

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Saxon Switzerland National Park

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THE 10 BEST Germany Nature & Wildlife Areas

Nature & wildlife areas in germany.

• Hiking Trails
• Bodies of Water
• Nature & Wildlife Areas
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Waidmannslust
• Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg (Borough)
• Treptow-Köpenick (Borough)
• Marzahn-Hellersdorf (Borough)
• Reinickendorf (Borough)
• Good for Kids
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Couples
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Hidden Gems
• Adventurous
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Partnachklamm

2. Ellenbogen

3. Baumwipfelpfad Schwarzwald

4. Rentieralm

5. Neroberg

6. Affenberg Salem - Monkey Hill

7. Biosphere Potsdam

8. Alternativer Wolf- Und Barenpark Schwarzwald

9. Wild- & Erlebnispark Daun

10. Donaudurchbruch

11. Wildpark Lüneburger Heide

12. Wasserfallsteig

13. Liebesbank Trail

14. Strandpromenade Norderney

15. Wutachschlucht

16. Adlerwarte Berlebeck

17. Baumwipfelpfad Bad Harzburg

18. Vogelpark Marlow

19. Helgolander Kegelrobben

20. Nationalpark Eifel

21. Lindenthaler Tierpark

22. Kampenwand

23. Baumkronenweg Ziegelwies

24. Botanika

25. Egapark

26. Zauberwald am Hintersee

27. Adler und Wolfspark

28. Nationalpark Bayerischer Wald

29. Arboretum Ellerhoop

30. Alpseebad

What travelers are saying

6 best spots in Germany for exploring the great outdoors

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written by Jeroen van Marle

updated 14.07.2021

The open landscapes along the North Sea coast and the deep green beech forests inland are just two of the best nature areas in Germany. Several other World Heritage sites in spectacular natural settings allow you to combine culture with a taste of the great outdoors.

1. Upper Middle Rhine Valley

2. the wadden sea, 3. kassel’s wilhelmshöhe park, 4. monastic island of reichenau, 5. caves and ice age art in the swabian jura, 6. germany’s ancient beech forests, tailor-made travel itineraries for germany, created by local experts.

9 days  / from 2221 USD

A self drive exploration of UNESCO Sites in Southern Germany

Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites across different German states. This self drive trip allows you to design your own days with recommendations stated for each day.

7 days  / from 2851 USD

Explore Berlin and Potsdam in depth

The German capital Berlin has plenty to offer: from historical sites to world-class museums and a vibrant nightlife. Enjoy this private tour to explore a wide range of activities in Berlin and Potsdam, including several UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

8 days  / from 1473 USD

Explore Northern Germany on Your Own

From Bremen to Stralsund - Northern Germany offers plenty of gems to explore. With well-developed public transportation links, this itinerary is suited for everyone wanting to explore on their own - getting lost on the cobble-stoned streets of many UNESCO World Heritage Highlights.

Tailor-made trips for   Germany

For centuries, the spectacular 65-km long Rhine Gorge between Bingen and Koblenz has inspired writers, composers and artists with its dramatic landscapes, forty hilltop castles and dozens of historic towns. The area heralds some of the best-known scenery in Germany.

Despite being a major European transport artery for both shipping and rail, it's easy to slow down, learn about the traditional way of life and get lost in the legends that surround the valley and in the forests and thousand-year-old Riesling vineyards overlooking the river. Especially the Loreley , where the mighty Rhine narrows to just 130 metres, has inspired romantic myths that in turn influenced the rebuilding of ruined castles.

Beside the Loreley viewpoint, highlights of the Rhine valley include the half-timbered towns of Bacharach , the castles at Burg Katz, Stolzenfels and Marksburg and Pfalzgrafenstein Castle, in the middle of the river at Kaub. The valley is easily explored by bicycle or on one of the many boats plying the river. Local and IC trains run along the valley with great views of the castles.

Oberwesel: Stadt im Oberen Mittelrheintal © Lookphotos/Guenther Bayerl

The shallow sea between the German coast and its charming necklace of islands is the largest system of intertidal sand and mud flats in the world, and the best place for observing coastal nature in Germany. Stretching from the Netherlands to Denmark , this million-hectare area partially falls dry every low tide, with the Watt , exposed sandbanks, providing ideal conditions for wildlife to flourish.

Deep channels and fast rising tides make venturing out alone very dangerous, but guided Wattlaufen trips are possible in many places along the coast, taking you out across the dunes and salt marshes onto the seabed, possibly to one of the islands. In season, you can observe some of the twelve million birds that pass along the Wadden Sea each year, and if you're lucky you'll spot seals or even porpoise . Come dressed for windy weather, and wear high-top sneakers to prevent losing your shoes in the mud.

Island Neuwerk, the Wadden Sea © Lookphotos/Guenther Bayerl

Man's mastery over nature is clearly the theme at the fascinating Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe , where beautiful 18th-century landscaping and clever hydrotechnology are combined to impress visitors with a dramatic show. The towering three hundred-year-old Hercules monument at the top of the park is where the "water games" kick off.

Twice a week, 750,000 litres of water is released and allowed to flow downhill, activating the acoustic fountains of the Octagon before running down a grand Baroque cascade, across the romantic Steinhöfer waterfalls and gushing below the Teufelsbrücke "devil's bridge". It thunders off a ruined aqueduct before powering the 50-metre-high Great Fountain – the tallest in the world when it was built in 1767 – in front of the Neoclassical Wilhelmshöhe Palace.

The best way to visit the Bergpark is to take a bus up to the visitor centre behind the Hercules statue at the top of the hill, timing your arrival for the scheduled water displays if possible, so you can take in the sights as you amble down.

How to get there

Kassel Wilhelmshöhe station is on the ICE rail line between Hanover (1 hour) and Frankfurt (1.5 hours).

Palace Wilhelmshöhe, palace garden © GNTB/Florian Trykowski

The low-lying island of Reichenau on Lake Constance , 5 kilometres long and connected to mainland by a dam, has three churches that are outstanding examples of early medieval monastic architecture . The 1200-year-old St Mary and Marcus basilica was part of a large monastery which wielded great influence in Europe and had a Roman-style heating system.

The St Peter and St Paul church has incredible wall paintings dating from 1105, while the scenic late-10th-century paintings in St George's church are the largest and oldest north of the Alps. The island is also a natural paradise – you can walk along a lovely path following the north shore of the island, or look for birdlife among the reeds in the nature reserve to the east .

Reichenau Island is 10 kilometres west of Konstanz, and easily reached by boat, or by bus from Reichenau station on the mainland.

Island of Reichenau's herb garden with poppies © Helmut Scham/Tourist Office Reichenau

Related articles from the blog

Around 40,000 years ago humans arrived in what is now the Swabian Jura area of Baden-Württemberg . Excavations in a series of caves in the forested valleys of the Ach and Lone rivers have uncovered some of the oldest figurative art in the world . The mammoth ivory Venus is the oldest female figurine ever found, while the Lion-man is a figure linked to mythical beliefs.

Other finds include carved mammoths, horses, cows, fish and several bird-bone flutes – the first-known musical instruments . These caves, the finds and their natural surroundings are World Heritage sites, illuminating the origins of human artistic development. The 50-metre long Vogelherd Cave can be accessed from the Archäopark Vogelherd visitor centre, which also has an original mammoth figurine on display.

The Lonetal valley with the sites of two other caves makes for a lovely 2-3-hour hike. Three further caves are partially accessible to hikers just south of Blaubeuren, where a museum displays the Venus figurine and some bone flutes. The Lion-man can be viewed at the Museum Ulm.

The Vogelherd cave and visitor centre are 30km north of Ulm; Blaubeuren is 20km to the west.

World Heritage Ice Age caves: Vogelherd Cave © H. Schlaif

Germany's lowland beech forests are unique in the world, and have inspired generations of romantic painters and nature enthusiasts. Beech has successfully spread all over northern Europe ever since the ice age, yet most forests have been decimated by logging.

The survival of five beautiful beech forests in Germany has led to these being added to the World Heritage List along with forests in eleven other countries. Spread over several German national parks, these forests can be found along the seaside cliffs and inland lakes of the Jasmund and Müritz national parks in the north, in the Grumsiner Forest north of Berlin, along the former GDR border zone in Hainich National Park and on the steep slopes of the Kellerwald-Edersee National Park .

In all cases, difficult access, hunting requirements or military restrictions prevented their destruction by Big Wood. Now protected, they offer fantastic hiking along well-maintained trails, and support some of the best nature in Germany.

Ancient beech forests in Jasmund National Park © Lookphotos/Guenther Bayerl

Beautiful nature in Germany is never far away, whether you visit one of the German national parks, wander through a cultural landscape or explore the caves that reveal clues about humankind's earliest artworks. For more outdoor inspiration see 10 reasons why Saxony in Germany should be on your travel list .

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Top 21 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Germany

I love that Germany is a mix of age-old traditions and forward-thinking ideals. It’s also a land blessed with acres of impossibly beautiful countryside dotted with chocolate-box-pretty villages, moody forests, romantic river valleys, vast expanses of vineyards, perfectly preserved half-timbered towns, and the majestic Alps.

From my many trips, here are my favourite places I want to share with you…

1. Rothenburg ob der Tauber and the Romantic Road

Follow the cobbled streets through the fairytale-esque gate embedded within the city walls and return to medieval Europe.

I honestly think this is one of the prettiest towns located along the famous ‘Romantic Road’ in Bavaria, an attraction that also deserves a place on this list. The road is a picturesque 350km route through the forests and mountains of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg.

Rothenburg, although small, is packed with exciting sites I would highly recommend visiting the Market Square, flanked by 14th-century buildings; the tall Town Hall Tower, which has 241 steps leading to one of the most stunning views over the city; and the interesting Medieval Crime and Punishment Museum .

When night falls, I would suggest going on the amusing Night Watchman’s Tour!

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2. The Black Forest

A land of cuckoo clocks and cherry gâteaux, this place is so magical it even inspired some of the Brothers Grimm fairy tales.

It covers a large area within which you’ll find the spa town of Baden-Baden (otherwise known as the “Jewel of the Black Forest”), Freiburg (a vibrant university city), and Offenburg (the capital of the wine region) as well as many other pretty quaint German villages.

However, I personally think the most attractive part of this area can be seen by driving or hiking along the Schwarzwaldhochstraße —a fantastic high road through rolling hills and valleys, thick forests of black fir trees, and mist-covered lakes.

One of the most picturesque lakes in the area is Titisee; I recommend trying to catch the Zapfle-Bahnle train alone on the scenic route around the lake or follow the lake road, where you can take in the beauty of the tranquil water.

3. Neuschwanstein Castle

This stunning iconic image of Germany is, in fact, the former 19th-century home of the late Ludwig II of Bavaria (otherwise known as the Mad King),

The gorgeous Romanesque building is so fairytale that it inspired the famous Disney castle. Although it’s often overrun with tourists, this doesn’t detract from the awe-inspiring beauty of this castle both inside. I would suggest not missing this place, it’s popular for a reason! 

The most picturesque view of the magnificent structure is from Mary’s Bridge, a stop halfway up the hill towards the castle. Make sure you also visit the lovely Hohenschwangau Castle, located nearby.

4. Lake Königssee

Located in the southeastern portion of Germany and on the border of Austria is the stunning Lake Königssee —Germany’s most profound and cleanest lake and one of my personal favourites.

It’s also often hailed as Germany’s most beautiful Alpine Lake, which, given the competition, is quite an accolade!

Bavaria is a particularly scenic area. This corner of the region has been used for outdoor recreation for centuries – both Bavarian royalty and the local rulers of Berchtesgaden and Salzburg once hunted here.

Since 1909, only electric-powered passenger ships, rowing, and pedal boats have been permitted on the lake, keeping with its pure and natural surroundings.

5. Regensburg

UNESCO World Heritage sites are scarce, yet Regensburg, Germany, has gained the organization’s attention! In 2006, Regensburg became a UNESCO World Heritage site, to the delight of its 150,000 residents.

Strolling through the streets of this beautiful city will bring you face-to-face with some of the most spectacular architecture in the world! 

If you love water, then Regensburg will be the city for you as the city is perched along the Danube, Regen, and Naab rivers. My favourite city highlights include the beautiful architecture, the many excellent resturants, bars and hotels, the fabulous traditional markets and the beer gardens!

Check out our video on our trip to beautiful Regensburg… 

6. Sanssouci Castle

This grand summer palace sits on a large hill near Potsdam in East Germany.

Created for Fredrick the Great of Prussia, it resembles the Palace of Versailles primarily because of the exquisite terraced gardens planted and honestly, I think it’s an extraordinary place which is worth exploring especially if you’re a history fan.

Secluded temples and pavilions are within the gardens, and the palace itself is embellished with golden Rococo detail and 18th-century furnishings.

The fine historic city of Bamberg is located in Bavaria, close to the River Main. Its historic city center is so overflowing with important architecture that it has earned itself UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

On a bridge over the Regnitz, explore the narrow cobbled lanes of the Old Town, the elegant 13th-century cathedral, and the town hall.

Wander alongside the meandering streams and then stop for a glass of the local beer in one of the many outdoor beer gardens. In my opinion, this city is seriously chocolate-box pretty and is well worth exploring! 

8. The Rhine Valley

The stunning River Rhine cuts through the Rhenish slate mountains, meandering between hillside castles, sloping fields of wine-producing grapes, Gothic churches, forested hillsides, craggy cliffs, and idyllic villages filled with half-timber towns.

I recommend hiking through the valley trail for spectacular views of mountains, castles, mineral springs, and small country inns.

The area from Bingen to Koblenz is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to forty castles and stately homes.

Bremen is a Hanseatic city in northwestern Germany. It sits nestled along the River Weser, and the small compact city is one of the oldest in Germany, dating back 1200 years.

As well as the stunning historic architecture, it’s famous for inspiring the Grimms’ folklore story of the Musicians of Bremen.

In the older part of the city (the Schnoor-Viertel area), I would suggest exploring the delightful winding cobbled alleyways flanked by a series of charming medieval houses with wooden beamed facades.

I personally think the surrounding countryside and farmland are also worth exploring, especially along the edge of the river Wümme.

Often forgotten by foreign travelers, the Island of Sylt (part of the German Frisian Islands) is connected to the mainland by the Hindenburgdamm causeway and I love this underrated gem!

With several lovely resorts, 40km of sandy beaches, an unusual shoreline, and plenty of breathtaking nature, in my opinion, Sylt is well worth a visit; because it’s separated from the mainland, it has remained relatively untouched.

The houses on the island are built in the delightful Fristian style, and the cliffs lining the coast are slowly eroding, creating an unusual and unique pattern.

Fields of flowers, colorful lighthouses, and sparsely populated villages have made this an exclusive hidden gem and playground for the rich and famous.

11. The Harz National Park

The Harz National Park is a lovely nature reserve located in the German federal states of Lower Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt. It’s a mountainous region shrouded in mist (or brightly lit by the sun) and filled with lakes, woodland, tales of folklore, and plenty of opportunities to be one with nature.

The park is famous for walking and skiing and offers botanical gardens, hiking trails, and rare flora and fauna. It is also blessed with many species of butterflies and small creatures unique to this area.

I would highly recommend visiting Brocken, the highest mountain in northern Germany, which is located in the park and taking a gauge train to the summit to get the most stunning view of the park below.

Eibsee is a world away from the hustle and bustle of city life, and it’s a tranquil and highly photogenic beauty spot.

Summers here allow visitors to enjoy kayaking or swimming in the crystal clear waters of Eibsee Lake, and the quaint town located at the eastern shores of the lake draws in visitors year after year.

The lake is located in Bavaria, Germany, and boasts 177.4 hectares of pristine waters. I highly recommend bringing your camera along, although sadly, the pictures will not do justice to the bright blues depicted in real life! 

13. Hohenschwangau

History buffs will love Hohenschwangau Castle , Germany, the childhood home of King Ludwig II in Bavaria, built by Kink Maximilian, Ludwig’s father. Even though the court may draw visitors in, the town of Hohenschwangau makes the most impact.

This town features worlds of natural beauty with parks such as Poellatschlucht. Strolling through this Bavarian town brings visitors back to a simpler time before technology.

If you want to get away from it all and enjoy the natural beauty and classic architecture, in my opinion Hohenschwangau is the place! 

14. Wurzburg Residence

Palaces worldwide have drawn visitors for a glimpse into how the highest of society have lived for centuries and I’m a huge fan, it’s a spectacular place!

The final construction of the palace was completed in 1744, but construction had been going on since 1720.

Prince Bishof of Wurzburg, Johann Phillip Franz Von Schonborn, and Friedrich Carl Von Schonbron, his brother, commissioned the work. I love that the architecture depicts the classic French style with over-the-top grandeur at every turn! 

15. Bavarian Forest National Park

The Bavarian Forest National Park is truly one of a kind. This park maintains its natural beauty as park officials refused to repair the damage from a severe 1983 storm.

Even though it might seem odd today for officials to make such a decision, it paid off for the park, making it among the more rugged and naturally wild parks on Earth.

Apart from being a wild dream, Bavarian Forest National Park also features some uncommon animals, including the pygmy owl and three-toed woodpecker so I would suggest trying to spot them! 

Wildlife enclosures are found throughout the park to give the animals a sense of safety while providing humans with an up-close view of the animals in their natural habitat.

16. Gorlitz

Gorlitz has provided an excellent backdrop for several films, including The Grand Budapest Hotel, The Reader, The Last Command, and The Inglorious Bastards.

It is also a stunning location for many movies, but few places, even in such a historic country as Germany, hold as much history as Gorlitz.

Although modernized, the town’s roots go back to 1071, when it was initially a slave settlement. Today’s Gorlitz still maintains the markings of the past in rich historic buildings and architecture, but most visitors visit the Neisse River.

The river flows through the city, providing a means of transportation, a fishing avenue, and a tourist attraction. Gorlitz is a hidden gem, not near most of the country’s major attractions.

Still, people flock to this part of the country for its serene setting and calm atmosphere. If you want to get away from it all and see a few familiar buildings, I personally think Gorlitz is the place to do it! 

17. The Moselle Valley

Germany is not always known as a country of romance. Still, the Moselle Valley is undoubtedly an exception to that notion, and its intimate, idyllic nature compares favorably to famous tourist destinations such as Prague and Rome .

This area has been home to various cultures for over 2000 years and has multiple cultural influences. The Moselle Valley houses many vineyards, adding to its romantic atmosphere.

Rieslings made here are known to be among the best in the world, The Moselle Valley’s picturesque castles and quaint villages keep visitors returning to this breathtaking area! 

18. Lichtenstein Castle

Fairytales may be merely a fantasy, but when visiting Lichtenstein Castle in southern Germany, if you are like me you will begin to believe you are in one!

This castle is open to the public, but remember it is a privately owned structure. The court, built in the Gothic Revival style, was crafted between 1840 and 1842.

Restoration of the historic castle was completed in 2002 through non-profit organization support. If you want to live out your fairytale fantasies, Lichtenstein Castle is the place to do it.

Ramsau is certainly not the largest town in Germany, with a population of around 1,800, but it is known to be among the most beautiful for its quaint, picturesque setting.

Those venturing to Ramsau are not heading to the area for various attractions but rather for a chance to enjoy the great outdoors. Apart from being completely breathtaking, the area boasts the third-highest mountain in Germany, Waltzmann.

Lake Hintersee and the village’s local church are also famous attractions.

20. Quedlinburg

It is a charming town where you can appreciate German landscapes. Sites and attractions throughout Quedlinburg are along the Romanesque Road, and this area is another place known for being a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

With a population of just 24,000, I love that the town maintains much of its small-town feel without being an overwhelming metropolis. Visitors enjoy strolling through Quedlinburg and taking in the rich history.

The city was named the first capital of Germany in 919 AD and has an illustrious history to boast about.

21. Mittenwald

Mittenwald is in the middle of the Bavarian alpine peaks, located in the district of Garmisch-Partenkirchen along the Austrian border.

This attractive town has enchanting houses with mural art ( Lüftlmalerei) and exquisite cobbled stone lanes. I know you won’t be disappointed with the views that blend picturesque mountains and a serene vista, it’s seriously stunning!

This is the perfect place to visit in Germany if you are an art and violin fan, as it’s known for manufacturing violins and cellos. Mittenwald Violin Crafting Museum is one of the most famous attractions founded in 1930.

If you prefer to see the mural arts, a place that is a must is the old town, where you can appreciate painted buildings, lovely churches, and a pleasant atmosphere.

Still want more? Then I would suggest heading for the elegant city of Munich, which is home to the famous annual Oktoberfest, the striking resort town of Monschau, the fine baroque university city of Heidelberg, Lübeck the city renowned for its Brick Gothic architecture, and the spectacular scenery of the Rems Valley.

19 thoughts on “Top 21 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Germany”

My favourite place is Neuschwanstein Castle, maybe because I lived nearby for a while and visited the location so often. Rothenburg ob der Tauber, I visited the Christmas market last December, it was great too, but I missed a bit of the atmosphere, maybe it was too crowded.

Hey, I also recommend a trip to Schloss Neuschwanstein. I go there every year and it never gets boring. This may have to do with the hotel that I chose every time, because it has a view of the mountains and the castle Neuschschwanstein, and it is located on the lake Hapfensee. Very nice.

It´s grazy how many of them are located near to Füssen. A beautiful region!

I will be visiting Germany to celebrate our 1st wedding anniversary am planning to Apply for Germany Visa soon. I was looking for some good places to visit in Germany when I came across your blog that gave me around 20 of the most beautiful places to visit in Germany. I would love to plan a visit to at least 4-5 places that you shared in the blog!

There are many more beautiful regions and towns which unfortunately now lie outside Germany’s historic borders. Areas like Silesia and the masurian lakes in East Prussia with the beautiful Teutonic Castle of Marienburg. Still very German in feel in spite of the Polish population that was moved in after 1945.

Really thanks for sharing this useful post !! Germany is a nice place to visit for holidays and I will definitely visit these places with my friends.

Really Thanks a lot for this informative Post with images. Germany is a beautiful place and I have no any idea about these places but after reading this post and see images I feel wow its amazing place. The Rhine Valley is so beautiful place and really I will go there in these places.

Castles in Germany are the most beautiful destinations and none can match with them. Other places are also must visit in Germany

We just visited half of the places on the list and look forward to return visits. Germany is a very beautiful country.

It is indeed Jessica! We love Germany! 🙂

my father was born and lived in East Germany till WW2 when he was captured and brought to Scotland as a p.o.w. it is really nice to see pictures of his homeland and some of the places I have been to on holiday I really like this site.

Same thing happened to my Grandad! I’m proud to have Bavarian heritage 🙂

How I love Bamberg! Great inclusion. Breweries, college town, rosegarten overlooking the river, palace….easily one of my favorite towns in Germany.

Who said that it’s expensive to have a trip abroad? Germany was the first country I visited because I was lucky that my aunt married a German. The people were so nice and friendly as well as the place. Very clean city.

I really like your selection of pictures form Germany, just beautiful.

I spent 6 years in Germany and one word describes it to me “Christmas” which in your photos you can see why.. Its a beautiful country and somewhere I can’t wait to take my wife to visit.

We have been to a few of the places on your list and they are all very interesting and beautiful. The best one we did was a wonderful cruise down the Rhine ,will never forget that one.

Neuschwanstein Castle is beautiful!!!!!!!!

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17 most beautiful places in germany.

Germany is home to some of the most stunning natural landscapes and landmarks you’ve ever seen, from the majestic Black Forest to the fairytale castle of Neuschwanstein. You might not know as much about these places as other destinations you’re considering, but in our opinion, it’s well worth a visit to Germany to see some of these incredible sights. 

In today’s guide, we’re going to be introducing you to 17 of the most beautiful places in Germany , so come along for the ride and discover some of Germany’s loveliest locations! If you are planning on spending some time in Germany then you will want to read through this 7-day Germany itinerary.

Visiting other destinations in Germany? Check out our guide to traveling in Germany that includes information on many popular destinations like Berlin and Munich , plus Oktoberfest in Munich . Going outside of Germany? Here’s our Europe travel guide .

Table of Contents

Discover These Beautiful Places In Germany

1. the black forest.

The Black Forest, located in southwestern Germany, is a picturesque region that beckons with its deep, dense woods, traditional half-timbered houses, and serene lakes. It’s a haven for those of you who love the outdoors, offering a plethora of hiking trails, ski slopes, and scenic routes for both cycling and driving.

You’ll find charming villages along the way, where time seems to move at a leisurely pace, and the air is filled with the scent of traditional Black Forest cake—a delightful concoction of chocolate, cherries, and whipped cream.

The region is steeped in folklore and tradition, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness that makes it a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the heart of Germany.

2. Lake Königssee

Nestled in the German Alps, Lake Königssee is a gem that captures the essence of natural beauty with its emerald-green waters and surrounding dramatic mountain peaks. This lake, located in Berchtesgaden National Park, Bavaria, is renowned for its serene atmosphere and crystal-clear water, making it one of the cleanest lakes in Germany.

As you glide across the lake on one of the electric boats, you’ll be mesmerized by the echoing sound of a trumpet or flugelhorn played by the boatmen, demonstrating the lake’s remarkable acoustics against the steep rock walls. The journey takes you past the iconic St. Bartholomä, a pilgrimage church with red onion domes that sits picturesquely on the lake’s edge against the backdrop of the Watzmann mountain.

For the adventurous souls, hiking trails abound, offering breathtaking views and a chance to explore the area’s lush flora and fauna. Lake Königssee is not just a destination; it’s an experience that connects you with the tranquility and majestic beauty of nature.

3. Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a fairy-tale town that seems to have sprung straight from the pages of a storybook, with its well-preserved medieval architecture, cobblestone streets, and vibrant history. Situated in Bavaria, Germany, this town is a standout on the Romantic Road, captivating visitors with its picturesque beauty and timeless charm.

As you walk through the Plönlein, the town’s most photographed spot, you’re greeted by half-timbered houses and the iconic forked road, a scene that looks like it hasn’t changed in centuries. The town wall encircles Rothenburg, offering a unique vantage point for stunning views over the rooftops and the surrounding countryside.

Make sure to explore the Christmas Market if you’re there during the holiday season; it’s like stepping into a real-life winter wonderland. Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a testament to the enduring allure of historical preservation, inviting you to wander, discover, and be enchanted by its old-world beauty.

4. Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein Castle, perched atop rugged cliffs in the Bavarian Alps, is a vision of fairy-tale splendor that has inspired awe and wonder in the hearts of visitors from around the globe. Commissioned by Ludwig II of Bavaria in the 19th century, this castle was intended as a personal refuge for the reclusive king but has since become a symbol of romantic architecture and the inspiration behind Disney’s iconic Cinderella Castle.

As you approach Neuschwanstein, the first glimpse of its soaring turrets and intricate facades against the backdrop of the lush, green mountains is truly breathtaking. Inside, the castle is just as impressive, with lavish rooms that reflect Ludwig’s fascination with medieval legends and his penchant for opulence.

The throne room, adorned with gilded details and majestic murals, and the Singers’ Hall, inspired by the legends of Richard Wagner’s operas, are standout features. Exploring Neuschwanstein Castle is like stepping into a different era, where the line between history and fantasy blurs, offering a glimpse into the dreams of a king who sought to escape the confines of reality.

You can get to the castle in just a short journey from Munich by train.

» Take a tour : Neuschwanstein and Linderhof Castle Day Trip from Munich .

5. The Rhine Valley

The Rhine Valley in Germany is a captivating blend of natural splendor and rich cultural heritage. This picturesque region stretches along the Rhine River, offering views that seem to have leapt out of a landscape painting, with steep vineyards, quaint medieval towns, and numerous castles dotting the hillsides.

One of the highlights of the Rhine Valley is the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its approximately 40 castles and fortresses that have inspired countless artists, poets, and composers over the centuries.

A cruise along this part of the river offers a serene way to take in the sights, with the Lorelei Rock standing as a sentinel, echoing the myth of a siren who lured sailors to their doom with her enchanting song.

The Rhine Valley is not just a feast for the eyes; it’s also a delight for the palate. The region is famous for its Riesling wine, produced from grapes that thrive in the unique microclimate and terroir of the valley’s slopes. Visiting the charming wine villages and partaking in a wine tasting.

6. Eibsee 

You might not have heard of Eibsee before, but once you’ve seen photographs of this peaceful Bavarian lake, we think it will be high on your list of places to see in Germany. 

Part of the appeal of Eibsee as a lake is how clear the waters are. The lake itself reflects the Alpine scenery and makes for absolutely stunning photographs. 

However, visiting Eibsee lake . isn’t just about taking in the view. You can also go fishing or kayaking, or even swim in the calm, clean waters.

Alternatively, once you’ve seen the lake, you can go and explore the tranquil town of Eibsee, which is an excellent retreat from the busy city.

7. Bamberg 

You might hear Bamberg referred to as ‘the Rome of Germany’, and that’s because of the city’s historic architecture. 

If you want to see why Bamberg has been named a UNESCO world heritage site, you should head to the Old Town, where you can see buildings (including the cathedral) dating all the way back to the 13th century! 

The River Regnitz passes through Bamberg, as do many streams, making Bamberg the ideal city to spend a day simply observing the surroundings from the comfort of one of the city’s plentiful beer gardens (the perfect opportunity to try some authentic German beer)!

8. Quedlinburg 

Quedlinburg may not be as well-known as some other towns in Germany such as Heidelberg or Rothenburg ob der Tauber, but it’s definitely the place to go for vibrant colors, historical buildings and amazing scenery. 

Quedlinburg is yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site, and unlike some of the other UNESCO sites on this list, it has a relatively small population of 24,000.

This means that it’s an ideal place to stop and catch your breath if you’ll be visiting several major cities during your time in Germany. 

Speaking of major cities, Quedlinburg is not far from Munich, so if you’re heading to Munich for Oktoberfest, Quedlinburg should definitely be on your itinerary.

9. The Moselle Valley

If you planned a trip to Germany with the intention of sampling some German beer and wine , the Moselle Valley is another place to add to your list of destinations. 

Not only is the Moselle Valley home to some romantic vineyards and equally romantic traditional taverns, but you can also see some beautiful castles and picturesque villages in this area of south-western Germany. 

The Moselle Valley has also been an integral part of German history for over 2000 years due to its diverse influences when it comes to culture, so you can learn a lot from a day in this area of Germany, too.

10. Bavarian Forest National Park

We’ve mentioned Bavaria a couple of times already throughout this guide, and that’s because so many of Germany’s most beautiful places are within the Bavarian region.

This includes the famous Bavarian Forest National Park , which is well worth a visit if you enjoy spending time in nature. 

The Bavarian Forest National Park is Germany’s oldest national park, which makes it interesting from the outset.

It’s a wild and rugged forest, made even more so by a storm in 1983 which caused significant damage which officials declined to have repaired to maintain the natural environment. 

Not only does the Bavarian Forest National Park provide some enchanting views, but it’s also a great place to spot some unusual wildlife, from the three-toed woodpecker to the pygmy owl!

11. Sylt 

Sylt doesn’t get as much attention as some of the other beautiful places in Germany because it’s not directly on the mainland, although the island is connected by a causeway to the rest of the country.

This island is one of the Frisian Islands , and its natural beauty has been maintained by its relatively solitary location. 

From Frisian-style houses to beaches that look like they should be on postcards, Sylt is the perfect destination for a peaceful day trip and one of Germany’s best-kept and most beautiful secrets.

12. Mittenwald 

If you’re going to be passing through Garmisch-Partenkirchen during your stay in Germany, you should make a point to visit Mittenwald. 

Mittenwald is nestled between the Bavarian alpine peaks, but the mountainous scenery isn’t the only reason Mittenwald is considered one of the most beautiful places in the country. 

The architecture of this picturesque town includes cobbled stone streets, old churches, and buildings painted in a rainbow of colors. 

Additionally, Mittenwald is the perfect destination for music lovers because one of the town’s claims to fame is its manufacture of stringed instruments, mainly cellos and violins.

If you want to learn more about Mittenwald’s connection to the music scene, the Mittenwald Violin Crafting Museum should be at the top of your itinerary. 

13. Wurzburg Residence 

Wurzburg Residence is a Baroque palace that was built starting in 1720, although the building task was so immense that construction was not completed until 1744.

Those twenty-four years of building were definitely worth it, though, because the French-style architecture and stunning gardens have marked this palace as one of Germany’s most beautiful places. 

Not only that, but Wurxburg Residence carries huge historical significance since its construction was ordered by Prince Bishof of Wurzburg Johann Phillip Franz Von Schonborn. 

14. Ramsau 

Yet another beautiful Bavarian location, Ramsau is a quaint, picturesque village located in the Bavarian alps. With a population of just 1,800, this is a peaceful, hidden gem of a town. 

There might not be as much to do in Ramsau compared to some of the larger towns and cities on this list, but you won’t get bored of exploring this village.

Not only is it the home of Watzmann mountain (the third tallest mountain in the country), but you can spend hours just strolling through the streets and taking in the gorgeous alpine setting, stopping at some of the town’s cozy taverns and restaurants on your way.

15. Lichtenstein Castle 

Lichtenstein castle, located in the Swabian Jura of southern Germany, is one of the most famous castles in the whole of Germany, and you only have to look at it to see why it’s earned this reputation. 

Not only does the Gothic Revival architecture look like an image from a fairytale, but this fairytale is one you can experience first-hand because the castle is open for public visits despite being privately owned. 

The castle was built in the 1840s, but it was recently restored in 2002 so it looks as good as it did when the bricks were first laid in the 19th century. 

16. The Harz National Park

In addition to the Bavarian Forest National Park, we think that everyone who visits Germany should consider going to the Harz National Park. 

This forest looks genuinely enchanted, and the folklore surrounding this part of Saxony-Anhalt and Lower Saxony helps to maintain its mysterious and magical ambiance. 

Whether you choose to take a stroll through the forest or ski down the mountains (Harz National Park is home to Brocken , which is the tallest mountain in the north of Germany) you’ll have plenty of opportunity to see the local fauna and flora, especially the numerous butterfly species. 

17. Hohenschwangau 

Another stunning castle, Hohenschwangau is indisputably one of the most beautiful buildings in the whole of Germany, so it takes the final spot on our list. 

Like Neuschwanstein Castle, Hohenshwangau dates back to the 19th century, and it’s considered one of the most visually appealing castles in the country not just because of its architectural features but because of the surrounding area, in which you can see forests, lakes and mountains all within the same view. 

This is by no means an exhaustive list of all the beautiful places in Germany.

If we could, we would have added dozens more because there’s seemingly no end to both the natural and architectural beauty that Germany has to offer. 

With that being said, we hope that you’ve managed to take some travel inspiration from our top 17 beautiful places in Germany and that you’ll be able to see at least a few of them when you next visit the country!

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Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.

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17 Best Places to Visit in Germany

Located in the heart of Europe, Germany today maintains the continent’s most powerful economy. However it is probably best known for its World War II history and the country’s even more recent times when it was split into East and West; everybody knows about the Berlin Wall, which came down less than 30 years ago. There’s a load of culture, natural beauty, and much older history to discover in this large European nation.

You’ll find much of this in Bavaria, southern Germany , where you can soak up the Bavarian Alps, explore some truly charming medieval towns, and get involved in the infamous Oktoberfest. In the north, you can explore beaches and old port towns from the Hanseatic period .

Map of Germany

Berlin wows with its famous clubs and huge museums, as does Frankfurt with its skyscraper-laden cityscape. Plan your trip to this fantastic European travel destination with our list of the best places to visit in Germany.

17. Regensburg

Lying at the spot where the Danube, Naab and Regen rivers meet, Regensburg in Bavaria is one of the oldest towns in the whole of Germany and a very popular tourist destination. Founded by the Romans in 179 AD, it boasts almost two thousand years of history, with its remarkably well-preserved medieval old town the star of the show.

Here you’ll find loads of fine architecture and important historical landmarks, with countless churches, chapels and monasteries dotted about its ancient streets. Of its many tourist attractions, the gorgeous Gothic cathedral and impressive 12th century Stone Bridge should not be missed out on; they represent the best of the area’s art, architecture and engineering.

Renowned for its historical and architectural treasures, Regensburg also has a laidback, youthful feel, as well as a lively cafe and bar culture. It is this easy-going atmosphere that has regularly seen it referred to as the ‘northernmost city of Italy.’

16. Hamburg

Located on the banks of the Elbe River , just a hundred kilometers from the North Sea, Hamburg has long been one of Europe’s busiest and most important ports. Once part of the Hanseatic League , it is now Germany’s second-largest city and is noted for its maritime identity and pulsating nightlife.

Much of life in the city and its history, culture, and heritage is linked to the canals and waterways that weave through town. Next to the harbor, for instance, you can find the strikingly modern Elbphilarmonie concert hall and old brick warehouses . One of the city’s main landmarks is its beautiful Neo-Renaissance Rathaus.

Hamburg is also famed for its seedy red-light district, where you can find live music venues, cool cocktail bars, and trendy clubs. It is actually here on the Reeperbahn that The Beatles got their big break and forever changed the world of music.

15. Rugen Island

Favored for its remarkable landscapes and romantic seaside resorts, Rugen Island has flourished as a popular tourist destination since the 18th century. Located in the Baltic Sea as part of the state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Rugen Island is the largest island in Germany, connected to the mainland by the Rugen Bridge and Rugen Causeway.

Charming villas, historic old towns and beautiful beaches all draw tourists to Rugen Island, but the star attraction is the Jasmund National Park , famous for its unique chalk cliffs rising 161 meters over the sea. Of these majestic cliffs, the largest is known as Konigsstuhl, or King’s Chair. Legend has it that in ancient times, a newly crowned king would climb to the top of this cliff and sit in a chair to demonstrate his power.

Another notable feature of Rugen Island is Cape Arkona , East Germany’s northernmost tip, where tourists can visit an old lighthouse, remnants of a Slavic castle and a picturesque fishing village.

Among the island’s many seaside resorts, a few most popular include Binz, Sellin, Gohren and Sassnitz. Tourists will find a wide variety of recreation here ranging from golf to horse riding, cycling, windsurfing and hot air balloon trips.

Rugen Island can be reached by car across Germany’s longest bridge, by train and ferry service. Within the island, buses run between all major towns. Many of the main attractions are car-free, so walking and cycling are good alternatives. A great way to explore Rugen Island is by its steam-powered train, called Racing Roland.

14. Lake Constance

The third-largest lake in Central Europe, Lake Constance is nestled in the foothills of the Alps straddling the German, Austrian and Swiss borders. It is made up of three main parts, with the Obersee – or ‘Upper Lake’ – connected to the Untersee (Lower Lake) by Seerhein – a small section of the Rhine River.

Long a popular place to go, Lake Constance is blessed with crystal clear waters and a mild and sunny climate, as well as lots of gorgeous scenery. This makes it ideal for swimming, sunbathing and sailing. Cycling along its serene shores and hiking in the surrounding vineyards and orchards are popular pastimes.

Besides the ample recreational activities, the lake is also noted for the picturesque towns and villages hugging its shores. On the German side, visitors can delight in exploring the lively and historic university city of Konstanz and the idyllic island town of Lindau .

On the Swiss side, phenomenal views of the lake can be enjoyed from atop the 2,500 meter high Santis Mountain. Bregenz, in Austria , is famed for its floating stage that hosts concerts and operas in the summer.

13. Bamberg

Widely considered one of Bavaria and Germany’s most attractive towns , Bamberg is built over seven hills, with various canals and the Regnitz river running through it. It was once the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Bamberg, and, for a brief period, the center of the Holy Roman Empire , so wealth poured into its streets, with architectural marvels erected around town.

As such, history and heritage can be found wherever you go. The narrow medieval streets of Altstadt are particularly enthralling to explore. Here you’ll find an impressive Romanesque cathedral and centuries-old Rathaus. The twin spires of Michaelsberg Abbey and the turrets of Altenburg Castle can be spied nearby.

Nowadays, Bamberg is a very pretty and pleasant place to visit and is home to an abundance of pavement cafes, bars and restaurants. Many of these serve its famous smoked beer, which can also be sampled in the numerous breweries scattered around town.

12. Cologne

It may have been nearly destroyed from heavy bombing during World War II, but Cologne today is one of the largest cities in Germany and a major European metropolis. Situated on the Rhine River in the German federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia, Cologne offers several interesting tourist attractions , a buzzing nightlife, stylish hotels , and a stellar arts and culture scene.

The city’s informal symbol, the Cologne Cathedral , a stunning Gothic church that claims to contain the gifts of the Magi mentioned in the Bible is must visit. Moreover, the Twelve Romanesque Churches are magnificent examples of medieval architecture.

As a leading culture center in the Rhineland area, Cologne boasts an outstanding collection museums. Two of the most important include the Wallraf-Richartz Musem for its fine medieval art, and the Farina Fragrance Museum, which details the history and production of the city’s famous perfume, Eau de Cologne.

Every year, Cologne hosts one of Europe’s largest Carnival festivals, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors, and filling the streets and pubs with costumed people, music and dancing. However, even outside of festivals, tourists will find no shortage of nightlife choices in this city of many pubs, bars and clubs. Cologne is known for its unique beer, called Kolsch, which is served cold and fresh in every bar in town.

11. Leipzig

The largest city in Germany’s federal state of Saxony, Leipzig is often called the City of Heroes for its leading role in the 1989 democratic revolution and the fall of the Berlin Wall. Leipzig is also known for its vibrant arts and culture scene shaped by famous music composers like Bach, Richard Wagner and Felix Mendelssohn. Tourists today can enjoy performances of Bach’s music at the St. Thomas Church where Bach once served as choir leader and is now buried.

In addition to numerous museums and historic sites like the Old Town Hall, the city boasts several of Germany’s oldest and most impressive structures such as the Napoleonic Monument to the Battle of the Nations and Reichsgericht, the former high court of the Reich.

One of Europe’s largest town squares, the Augustusplatz, is situated at the central campus of the city’s university, which is the second-oldest university in Germany. What’s more, Leipzig is home to Germany’s oldest botanical garden and one of the country’s largest zoos.

Leipzig is host to a number of annual festivals such as the Bach Festival , the world’s largest Goth festival and an international balloon festival. For nightlife, tourists will find a variety of pubs, bars and dance clubs within the city, especially along the street of Karl-Leibknecht-Strasse, nicknamed “Karli.”

10. Nuremberg

Once the unofficial capital of the Holy Roman Empire and home of several German kings, Nuremberg is now the second-largest city in Bavaria and acts as an important economic, cultural and social center.

Due to its wealth and prestige, arts, architecture and culture have long flourished in the city. Marvelous museums, gorgeous Gothic churches, and an impressive imperial castle can be found dotted about its medieval old town. Much of its historic center was rebuilt and restored following the heavy bombing campaigns that destroyed most of Nuremberg in WWII.

Many people now associate the city with the infamous Nuremberg Trials ; however, its rich art and cultural scene, interesting historical sights, and fantastic cuisine and nightlife make it a popular place to visit. It also hosts the largest Christmas Market in Germany, where visitors can buy gingerbread and local handicrafts and sample traditional sweets and gluhwein.

9. Black Forest

Named after the dark, dense woods that cover its valleys, hills, and mountains, the Black Forest is nestled in the southwest corner of Germany. One of the most picturesque and popular places to visit in Germany, it is home to lots of natural sights and charming towns and villages.

Tucked away amidst its confines are gushing rivers, sparkling lakes, and flower-filled meadows, as well as a myriad of lovely hiking trails and cycling paths that take you past stunning scenery. The sunniest and warmest part of the country lends itself perfectly to outdoor activities, with skiing and snowboarding available in the winter months.

The forested mountain range also has its fair share of historic towns. Freiburg – the ‘Jewel of the Black Forest’ – and the spa town of Baden-Baden attract the lion’s share of visitors. In addition, centuries-old abbeys and monasteries can be found here and there, as well as scenic vineyards, fairytale castles , and modern ski resorts.

As one of the largest Baltic seaports in Germany, Lubeck is located in the country’s northern-most state, Schleswig-Holstein. Founded in 1143, Lubeck served for several centuries as the capital seat of the Hanseatic League . Although it was the first German city to be bombed and damaged during World War II, Lubeck still retains much of its medieval architecture, making it a popular tourist destination.

Dominated by seven Gothic churches, the city’s Old Town presents an attractive setting of romantic medieval architecture intertwined with modern day infrastructure. A walk through the old, narrow streets offers views of historic sites like the stunning cathedral, the 12th century Town Hall, the famous Holstentor (the old city gate) and the house of Thomas Mann, the 1929 winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature.

The bustling streets of Huxstrasse and Fleischhauerstrasse are lined with restaurants, art galleries, book stores and souvenir shops. A stroll along the city’s harbor allows tours of old Hanseatic warehouses and old shipping vessels now fashioned into museums.

Lubeck is well known for its production of the confection, marzipan . Local legend says that marzipan originated in Lubeck during a time of famine when almonds and sugar were the only available staples. The city also boasts its own wine specialty called Rotspon, which can be found in every shop of Lubeck.

7. Romantic Rhine

Stretching between the cities of Bingen and Bonn, Germany, the Middle Rhine flows through a dramatic geological formation called the Rhine Gorge. This region features a spectacular landscape dotted with medieval castles , picturesque villages and terraced vineyards.

Tourism flourished here after aristocrat travelers brought much attention to the area during the Romanticism period of the 19th century and the area became known as the Romantic Rhine. The inspiration behind poems, painting, operas and legends, the Romantic Rhine today is a major tourist destination in Germany.

A journey through the Romantic Rhine presents splendid views of medieval castles perched on nearly every hillside. Built between the 12th and 14th centuries, these castles range from ruins to fortresses and majestic palaces. One of the most well-preserved is the Marksburg Castle while other significant ones include Stolzenfels, Pfalzgrafenstein, the Electoral Palace and the Stahleck Castle, which offers overnight accommodation.

Bathed in color and history, the charming villages along the Rhine Gorge provide excellent sightseeing opportunities as well as cafes, shops and hotels. The town of Bacharach is particularly beautiful in its setting of half-timbered buildings, cobblestone streets and terraced vineyards.

The region’s most famous natural attraction is the Lorelei, the deepest and most narrow section of the Rhine Gorge, which features a large, treacherous rock that caused several boating accidents prior to the 19th century. Because of its unique echo, the rock inspired a legend that claims a beautiful siren sat upon the summit, luring sailors to their deaths.

The best way to experience the Romantic Rhine is by a riverboat cruise . However, there are also highways and trains that run along both sides of the river. Additionally, tourists can explore the beautiful region by scenic walking trails and cycling routes .

Before it was severely damaged from World War II bombings, Dresden was known as the Jewel Box because of its lavish collection of stunning art and architecture. After many years, the city has restored much of its former glory. The capital of the federal state of Saxony, Dresden is one of the largest urban districts in Germany, serving as an important center of government and culture.

Dresden offers several interesting landmarks such as the beautiful plaza of Bruehl’s Terrace and the magnificent palace complex known as the Zwinger . The Old Town also contains a number of historic sites like the stunning Frauenkirche cathedral . Impressive art galleries and museums abound in the city, particularly the Green Vault, which houses thousands of exquisite precious gems, jewelry pieces and fine art works.

An important culture center, Dresden boasts many cultural institutions of which the Semper Opera is most widely esteemed. The city plays host to several annual events that include Europe’s largest Jazz festival, the Dixieland Festival.

Amid the bustling city, open green spaces like the Big Garden offer outdoor leisure activities and relaxation while the River Banks presents summer sports, barbecues, concerts and outdoor cinema. Getting around the city center is easy by walking, cycling and bike taxis.

5. Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Renowned for its magnificent medieval old town, its well-preserved architecture, and charming cobbled streets, Rothenburg ob der Tauber is one of the most popular stops along Germany’s Romantic Road. Rothenburg is also famous for the stores that carry Christmas items all year round and for having an outstanding Christmas market each December.

Overlooking the banks of the Tauber River, the Franconian town looks very much as if it has just emerged out of a fairytale. Beautiful old buildings can be found within its ancient walls. Be sure to visit the Town Hall , the seat of city government since medieval times. Climb the steps of the 13th-century hall’s tower for stunning views of the city.

Remarkably, it was actually Rothenburg ob der Tauber’s outstanding beauty that spared much of the town from being destroyed in WWII. The US Secretary of War called off bombing raids to protect and preserve its history and heritage.

Nowadays, however, its picture-perfect nature means that Rothenburg ob der Tauber can get quite crowded. It is well worth staying the night, as when evening falls, most tourists depart, and peace and romance returns to its lovely lamplit streets.

4. Heidelberg

With historic treasures like the medieval Old Bridge, the Heidelberg Castle , the Church of the Holy Spirit and the Knight St. George House, it is no wonder that Heidelberg is a popular tourist attraction . The city center’s main street, Haupstrasse, is packed with pubs, restaurants, open-air cafes, hotels and shops selling the likes of beer steins, cuckoo clocks and German sausages.

Not far from the Old Town is Thingstatte, an outdoor amphitheater, originally constructed by the Nazi regime to promote propaganda events. Today, this intriguing site is the scene of concerts, celebrations and other special events.

Home to Germany’s oldest university, Heidelberg’s long academic history can be retraced along the Philosopher’s Walk , a scenic footpath often walked by many earlier philosophers and professors. Likewise, the city’s arts and history can be experienced in its many theaters, galleries and museums that include the Carl Bosch Museum, Palatinate Museum and Bonsai Museum.

The city hosts several lively annual festivals and cultural events such as the Ball of the Vampires, Carnival, Classic Music Festival, International Easter Egg Market and Christmas Market.

Set in a scenic spot at the foot of the Alps, Fussen is the last stop on the Romantic Road and can be found right in the south of Bavaria, just a kilometer from the Austrian border. While the enchanting town is well worth exploring in itself, most people visit for the three fairytale castles that lie nearby.

Although Hohenschwangau and Hohes Schloss look impressive with their prominent hilltop positions, arresting architecture, and imposing turrets and towers, the real showstopper is Neuschwanstein Castle . Commissioned by King Ludwig II, the one-time royal retreat looks so magical that Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle was modelled on it.

Fussen has a quaint, well-preserved old town that is home to pretty, pastel-colored buildings and the 9th century St. Mang’s Abbey. The nearby hills and mountains also have countless nature trails for visitors to explore, which boast breathtaking views.

Best known as the origin of the world famous Oktoberfest , Munich is a major international hub for research and technology. The capital of the state of Bavaria, Munich is Germany’s most prosperous city, boasting research universities, global companies like BMW and state-of-the-art science museums such as the Deutsches Museum.

However, Munich is not all business. This vibrant city offers one of Germany’s best culture scenes, presenting several sophisticated opera houses and theaters like the National Theater. The city center is an attractive blend of classic and modern architecture, teeming in historic churches, medieval walls and royal palaces as well as bustling shopping centers and art galleries.

Munich’s neighborhoods also offer their share of lush green spaces, which include the English Garden , one of the world’s largest public parks. Munich is home to sports teams consisting of basketball, ice hockey and a championship football club.

Munich’s Oktoberfest began in 1810 with a royal wedding celebration. Today, this famous beer festival draws millions of visitors every year to take part in the revelry that involves several gigantic beer tents, delicious Bavarian food, fun competitions and millions of liters of beer. No matter what time of year tourists visit, they can experience Munich’s beer gardens and beautiful beer halls.

A federal state and the capital city of Germany, Berlin is widely associated with its World War II history and former division of East and West Germany by the Berlin Wall during the Cold War. Since the fall of the historic wall in 1989, Berlin today is now a vast, unified city diverse in ethnic groups and abundant in sightseeing attractions , culture and nightlife.

Many tourists are drawn to Berlin’s famous historic structures, which include the Brandenburg Gate , Reichstag and the Holocaust Memorial . Although most of the Berlin Wall was demolished, there are some portions still standing near Checkpoint Charlie and the Reichstag .

Berlin is respected for its high concentration of museums , namely Museum Island , which comprises a collection of museums that house impressive relics, temples and even reconstructed villages from many of the world’s ancient civilizations.

See also: Where to Stay in Berlin

However, a visit to Berlin is not all about history. With two zoos, swimming lakes, public parks and dozens of nightlife venues, Berlin offers plenty for everyone in the family. The city also hosts annual festivals such as the Long Night of the Museums, Carnival of Cultures and the glamorous Berlin Film Festival.

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Reader interactions.

October 29, 2019 at 7:20 pm

I just spent two weeks in Germany and can’t wait to return. Travelled by train, so many beautiful sights to see. Rothenburg was a favourite. Oktoberfest was so much fun! I now have a new list of cities to visit.

January 28, 2019 at 9:17 am

I love Dresden and went to Koblenz, Cologne and Aachen last year. I love travelling with Deutsche Bahn too but it’s just so expensive – even compared to back home in the UK. Still, train travel is definitely my favourite mode of transport.

November 4, 2018 at 7:19 am

Neuschwanstein for sure! Though, all of these places look like beautiful places to visit. I’d like to travel the world someday and overcome my anxiety that has held me back all my life. My wonderlust is still very strong and prominent! Germany is a beautiful country and I would like to visit as many cities, towns and villages there as possible!

December 19, 2017 at 7:47 am

Nuremberg should have been included in the list.. A very nice place. I think most of the places in Germany are really worth seeing.

May 16, 2017 at 5:42 am

February 18, 2017 at 2:42 pm

It will be my first time in Germany this April and will be in Munich. I’m planning day trips and therefore would realy considering comments about places to visit. But would definitely go to Baltic sea.

December 14, 2016 at 2:32 am

Berlin is one of the best cities I have visited so much to see

November 16, 2016 at 7:18 am

I can not believe Nuremberg is not on this list. Great history, architecture, museums and the best bratwurst on the planet,

September 18, 2016 at 9:45 am

I definitely like the northern parts. Last week I came back from vacation in Darss and I have to say it was really amazing.

March 17, 2016 at 1:15 pm

One of the fastest growing pilgrimage sites does not make this list, but Augsburg is quickly becoming a major pilgrimage site in Eastern Bavaria. The church on the main square, St. Peter am Perlach holds the image of Our Lady Untier of Knots whom the world would not know too much about unless it were for Pope Francis. Having visited the shrine a few times, I can tell you she is beautiful and a very powerful intercessor!

December 7, 2015 at 3:48 am

You definitely forgot Hamburg. It is one of the most beautiful cities in germany. At least at the top 3 in germany. My list is, okay i live in hamburg, its my number one but for tourists i think you must see the capital.

1. Berlin 2. Hamburg 3. München 4. Köln

November 21, 2015 at 2:40 am

I believe that Regensburg should also be on this list – right on the Rhine and beautiful…

July 20, 2015 at 6:08 pm

I visited Munich, beautiful city, the Marienplatz is amazing.

June 15, 2015 at 2:22 pm

Heidelberg is the best in my opinion…I lived there for 6 and a half year’s.

March 24, 2015 at 1:22 pm

I believe that Nuremberg should be sitting right in the middle of this list. Certainly a more beautiful city than Berlin.

October 18, 2014 at 8:11 pm

Good list, it will help during my visit to Germany. I like Germans & Germany.

September 23, 2014 at 2:40 pm

August 24, 2014 at 12:07 pm

Good list, HOWEVER, I would consider Hamburg a much nicer overall city than Cologne or Leipzig. Cologne is basically famous for its dome and Leipzig has some nice architecture, but in Hamburg almost every part of town is worth seeing and is a great shopping destination.

In general, all the typical old university towns are worth a visit: Freiburg, Heidelberg, Bonn, Tuebingen, Marburg and Konstanz come to mind.

July 1, 2014 at 10:39 am

Germany is my dream country. Its my prayers to visit Germany.

May 19, 2013 at 10:09 pm

Great list!

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• Germany Bucket List: 28 Best Places to Visit in Germany

Situated in the heart of Europe, Germany is mostly known for its World War II history and although history and culture are definitely one of the highlights of the country, Germany actually has many more things to offer.

You can visit stunning cities like Berlin, Munich, or Cologne, explore natural wonders like the Black Forest, Rhine Valley, or the Bavarian Alps, attend the famous Oktoberfest or wander around the magical Christmas markets.

There are just so many amazing places to add to your Germany bucket list! From beautiful small towns and peaceful countrysides to fairytale castles and lively cities, here are the absolute best places to visit in Germany.

* Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link. *

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Table of Contents

Best Places to Add to Your Germany Bucket List

Are you looking for the most beautiful places in Germany? Don’t worry, I got you covered! In this article, you will find the best places to visit in Germany together with a bunch of useful recommendations about the best things to do in each location, how much time to spend there and lots of other insider tips. Let’s get into it!

Recommended by Kriszti from She Wanders Abroad

No Germany bucket list is ever complete without visiting the German capital city, Berlin. Spending a weekend in Berlin is a good start but if you have more time, you can easily spend a week in the city without getting bored.

Summer is definitely the best time to visit Berlin when the temperature is ideal for strolling around the city. If you don’t mind the freezing temperatures, winter is another great time for visiting as you can find some of the best Christmas markets in Europe in Berlin.

Visiting the most famous landmark in the city, the Brandenburg Gate, is a real must on every Berlin itinerary. This impressive 26 meters (85 ft) high Neoclassical structure that was once part of the Berlin Wall got severely damaged during WW II. After the wall was demolished in 1989, Brandenburg Gate became the symbol of freedom, and later on, it was completely restored in 2000.

Although the Berlin Wall (a concrete barrier that physically divided the city into East and West Berlin) was demolished, you can still find a few sections scattered around Berlin.

The longest surviving section is called East Side Gallery which boasts stunning artworks from more than 100 different artists. With its 1.3 km (0.8 miles) length, East Side Gallery is now the longest open-air gallery in the world.

Other great things to do in Berlin include visiting the Reichstag (Parliament) building, admiring the Berliner Dom (Berlin Cathedral), paying your respect at the Holocaust Memorial, and seeing the sunset from the top of the TV Tower Berlin.

If you want to escape the bustling city life, you can relax at one of the many beautiful parks in the city or visit the Botanical Garden or the Berlin Zoo.

Recommended by Soumya from Stories by Soumya  

One of the prettiest places to visit in Germany is the historical town of Potsdam. Filled with beautiful palaces and gardens, Potsdam makes an amazing day trip from Berlin.

The palaces and parks of Potsdam include an elaborate complex of more than 150 historic buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries and several sumptuously-landscaped parks.

The most iconic of these monuments is the Sanssouci Palace which is often referred to as the Versailles of Prussia. It’s a sprawling royal mansion in the middle of an expansive terraced garden so the nickname sounds quite right. Additionally, Sanssouci is also the birthplace of the magnificent European art form, Friedrichian Rococo. This makes Potsdam a fascinating stop for every art and culture lover.

Apart from visiting Sanssouci Palace, there are many other interesting  things to do in Potsdam . Exploring Potsdam’s New Palace, taking a stroll through the historic center that includes the Old Market Square, and marveling at the red brick houses of the Dutch Quarter are some of them.

The best time to visit Potsdam is between April and October when the temperatures are pleasant and the parks are green and verdant. It is easy to get there by either bus or car from Berlin. The journey takes less than an hour.

3. Marienburg Castle, Hannover

Recommended by Fiona from Travelling Thirties

There are many well-known castles around Germany such as Neuschwanstein Castle and Eltz Castle. However, Marienburg Castle is just as beautiful and looks like it is straight out of a fairytale but it doesn’t have the same crowds of tourists. Adding this beautiful castle to your Germany bucket list is definitely a great idea!

Marienburg Castle is located 30 km (18 miles) from Hannover in a small city called Hildesheim. If you are using Hannover as a base, you can take the train or the bus to Nordstemmen train station. From here the castle is 2.7 km (1.6 miles) and while it is possible to walk, it is easier to take a taxi.

Built between 1858 and 1867 by King George V as a gift to his wife, Queen Marie, the castle was intended as a romantic summer residence. However, King George V and Queen Marie were only able to live in the castle for a year as King George V was exiled to Austria.

No one lived in the castle again until 1945 and because of this, it is one of the most well-preserved castles in Europe.

During your stay, you can visit the staterooms, the private rooms of the Royal family, and the kitchen. The most beautiful room in the castle is the Queen’s library, however, unfortunately, you cannot take photos there.

When planning your visit, allow 3-4 hours. Your visit inside the castle (and up the tower if visiting in the summer) will take you a few hours but you will want to allow some time to sit in the old horse stable which has been converted to a restaurant and to explore the forest that surrounds the castle.

Marienburg Castle is one of the best places to visit in Germany, especially during the autumn when the leaves are in bright colors.

Recommended by Maria from EuropeUpClose

Hamburg is a must-see place in Germany and such a fun city to visit. It’s a favorite destination among German tourists which is not yet discovered by many international tourists. It’s just a matter of time though, so it’s recommended to get there while it is still a hidden gem.

Hamburg is Germany’s second-largest city after Berlin but before Munich. And here are some more fun facts about the city: Do you like the Beatles? Hamburg is the place where they performed for the very first time on stage and had more hours on stage than in any other city.

Another interesting one: Hamburg is the capital of coffee in the world. It is one of the largest port cities in Europe, so Hamburg has always been a city with flourishing trade, but coffee is one of its main markets. Every 7th cup of coffee consumed has been through the port of Hamburg.

Although Hamburg is a port city, it is not located on the ocean. The city still has a very maritime feel, as it is surrounded by water – the stunning Elb river and the smaller Alster. If you like water sports, you definitely need to add Hamburg to your Germany bucket list! Another must is a boat tour around the Hamburg harbor, which is an incredible feat of engineering, timing, and organization.

Recommended by Katja from Places and Notes

Sylt , the northernmost German island with a very distinctive shape is also the largest and most popular island of the North Frisian islands group in the Wadden sea, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It has a reputation of being the place for the rich and famous, but even if you do not fall into this category there are plenty of reasons why you should visit this island.

Due to its proximity to Denmark, it offers a unique mix of German traditions and Nordic landscapes. One can get to Sylt either with a ferry from the mainland or from Danish Rømø island, but you can also arrive with a regional train or a car train via Hindenburgdamm causeway. There is a smaller airport on the island as well.

Sylt is definitely one of the most unique places to visit in Germany and although it’s only 38 km (24 miles) long and 13 km (8 miles) wide, it has an incredible network of cycling and walking paths. Bringing or renting a bicycle is one of the best ways to get around the island!

As for accommodation, there are a lot of expensive hotels but also lots of affordable apartments and campsites. You can see most of the island during a weekend visit, but for a better experience, five days are recommended.

Depending on the season, the best things to do include swimming and water sports such as surfing and kite surfing, cycling and long walks, soaking up the sun while lounging in one of the traditional beach furniture called “Strandkorb”, indulging in one of the beach spas, eating out in fancy restaurants and more.

The best place for cycling is the remote and mostly uninhabited Ellenbogen in the north. You should not miss the cliffs in Morsum and Kampen, climbing up the highest dune Uwe Dune, relaxing on the beaches in Rantum, Hörnum, and Kampen, and strolling around the island’s largest town, Westerland.

6. Düsseldorf

Recommended by Dymphe from Dymabroad

One of the best places to visit in Germany is the city of Düsseldorf. This lovely city is really worth visiting if you like art, history and German culture. The city is also amazing to visit because there is a lot to do and see and there are many events happening throughout the year.

Düsseldorf is located in the western part of Germany close to the border with the Netherlands and Luxembourg in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. In fact, it is the capital and second-most populous city of that state.

One of the best things to do in Düsseldorf is go to the old town. This is a small part of the city that has amazing architecture which is lovely to see. Furthermore, there are plenty of bars and nightclubs here.

Another great thing to do while you are in Düsseldorf is climbing the tallest structure of the city. The Rhine Tower is 240 m (787 ft) high and has an observation deck from where you can see the city of Düsseldorf. Also, there is a restaurant with spectacular views.

When you are in Düsseldorf you should also check out one of the museums in the city. There are so many to choose from! A great one is Museum Kunstpalast, which has a very diverse collection.

Even though there are a lot of things to do and see in the city, you can visit most of them in one day. However, if you want to explore the many museums in more detail, then a bit more time is recommended.

Recommended by Nichola from Family Hotel Expert

Cologne is a fantastic city for a break because it is packed full of culture, history, and wonderful places to eat and drink so you should definitely put it on your Germany bucket list. There is so much to do in Cologne you will want to stay as long as possible in this welcoming city.

Start at the Farina Museum, the world’s oldest fragrance house. Here you can find out about the history of perfume and try some out for yourself, including the original cologne recipe from the 18th century.

If you’re here on your family holidays to Germany (or even if you’re not visiting with kids), head out to the fantastic Cologne Zoo which is so well looked after and filled with interesting and lovely animals.

There’s also the NS-Documentation center for a darker side of Cologne’s history, but nonetheless, one that we shouldn’t forget. Visit this former Gestapo prison for a disturbing glimpse into the past and some of Germany’s darkest days.

Mix the history with a trip to the Lindt chocolate factory here in the city where you can learn about the story of this sweet stuff and also get to sample some for yourself. There’s a great cafe here to stop and have some more treats.

The modern art gallery of Museum Ludwig is also a wonderful place to lose yourself for an hour or two. Stay in one of the great family hotels in Cologne – there’s so much to do here, come for a weekend but you’ll without a doubt wish you had a longer stay.

8. Eltz Castle

Recommended by Maartje from The Orange Backpack

As one of the  most beautiful castles in Europe , Burg Eltz is a place not to miss when visiting Germany. The medieval castle is located on a beautiful spot in the forest and a picture-perfect gem to see, both from a distance and up close.

The castle’s origins date back to the 13th century when it was constructed for the Eltz noble family. It is one of the few castles in the world still owned by its original family.

The castle is divided through three branches of the Eltz family: the Kempenich, Rodendorf, and Rubenich branches. The parts of the Rubenach and Rodendorf families are open for visitors.

The location of Burg Eltz is what makes it such a fairytale picture. It’s built on a rock in a valley, surrounded by the Eltz forest. The best way to arrive at the castle is by leaving your car in the parking area and walking through the forest to the castle. The first view of the fairytale castle after the winding walking trail is the most stunning picture of Eltz.

The courtyard can be visited without a ticket but you’ll need to buy one for the guided tour to visit the castle. You can’t walk around at your own pace but need to join one of the tours. Your guide will tell you more about the castle, its owners and history.

9. Bacharach

Recommended by Paulina from Paulina on the Road

Bacharach is one of the cutest small towns in the Rhine River Valley that offers the most scenic views in the area. The village is about one and a half hours from Frankfurt and 15 minutes away from Bingen.

This beautiful stretch of Rhine is surrounded by castles and small towns. These towns made their money historically by collecting the tolls extracted from vessels passing by.

It’s one of the best places to visit in Germany because of the scenic views, the popular white wines harvested from the vineyards, friendly locals, historic buildings, big old castles, cobblestone streets, and more.

Bacharach offers fantastic eating and drinking experience and it is also a great place to enjoy a cruise down the Rhine river and take in the castles situated along its banks. If you want to appreciate each of its beauty spots, you must take out more than two days for the trip.

You can experience architecture dating back to historical eras and you can enjoy so much in this village including visiting the Burg Stahleck, a 12th-century castle which is a picturesque location. You can also see the Lorelei Valley and the quaint town of Bacharach down the castle.

Other exciting things to do include visiting the Saint Peter’s Church, witnessing Vineyards and wineries. You must also check out the view from Loreley Plateau by going straight through the end of it from where you can see all the valley below.

Recommended by Summer from Standby for Summer

Mainz is a Medieval town located 22 km (14 miles) from the Frankfurt airport. Frankfurt is a modern city known for banking and finance, while Mainz is laid-back and situated in the heart of the German wine country.

This town is worth exploring because of its rich history, wine production, and colorful architecture. It has a population of over 200,000 people and the Old Town resembles a fairytale village. Pastel colors and half-timbered buildings are prevalent throughout the Marktplatz and cobblestone streets pave a path to the Rhine river.

The Romans founded Mainz in the 1st century BC, and it was under their control for several hundred years. They built a six-towered Catholic Cathedral of St. Martin and St. Stephen, and it was renamed the Mainz Cathedral. Construction began in AD 975, but it mostly dates to the 11th-13th centuries. It is located in the Marktplatz and is close to the Gutenberg Museum.

Johannes Gutenberg, the inventor of the printing press, was from Mainz, so a museum was built in his name. Visitors love learning about the history of the printing press and comparing the different printing techniques used throughout Europe.

While there is a lot of history in Mainz, it is also the capital of the biggest wine region in Germany. The Rheinhessen valley is made of soft rolling hills and produces excellent Riesling. Other popular wines from this region include Liebfraumilch, Pinot Noir, and Dornfelder.

There are several wine taverns in town, and locals are excited to host wine tastings for visitors. Mainz is not the most well-known city in Germany but it should definitely be added to every wine enthusiast and history lover’s Germany bucket list.

11. Frankfurt

Recommended by Paul from KarsTravels

Over 700.000 inhabitants make  Frankfurt am Main  the fifth-biggest Großstadt (metropolis) of Germany. Its famous skyline, dominated by skyscrapers explains the city’s nickname Mainhattan .

Frankfurt am Main, or Frankfurt for short is the main financial center of Germany and is known for the yearly book fair, the Frankfurter Buchmesse. Easy to reach by plane, high-speed train (ICE), or car, Frankfurt has a lot to offer for city explorers.

Most of the (architectural) highlights can be discovered during a 90 minutes sightseeing cruise along the river Main. The downstream cruise offers the most complete overview of the city. If you have more than a day to spend in Frankfurt, a day-long cruise is warmly recommended.

Not all travelers are fond of German cuisine, since most dishes are high in calories and quite heavy on the stomach. Do try Frankfurt’s famous drink though: apple cider. The most famous water landmark of Frankfurt, the skyscraper Westhafen Tower, resembles an apple cider glass. Its façade contains 3500 glass triangles.

A good dish to go along with apple cider is pumpkin soup ( Kürbissuppe ). Apfelweingaststätte Atschel is one of the oldest and most beloved cider restaurants in Frankfurt, a bright star in the apple cider sky of Frankfurt.

12. Baden-Baden

Recommended by Amber from Thessaloniki Local

If you’re looking for a restorative, relaxing holiday, Baden Baden is an ideal destination and one of the top places to visit in Germany for this purpose. This gorgeous spa town – whose name means “bath bath” – has been specializing in leisure for centuries.

Particularly aristocratic leisure – this is also the place for high culture, like Opera, and more idle indulgences, like baccarat. Spending a weekend in Baden Baden in winter is a perfect combination of spa time and culture.

Of course, the highlight of a stay in Baden Baden is the famous baths. There are two choices: the historic Friedrichsbad, where one will have a 17 – step experience including a thorough brushing down with soap and soaks in many pools, culminating in a round pool under a high coffered dome. The Friedichsbad is strictly textile-free.

The Caracalla baths, on the other hand, are a contemporary facility you can enjoy in a bathing suit. There are also fantastic outdoor pools to have a great time year-round.

By night, the opulent Kurhaus is the place to be. There are cultural events throughout the year, but the main attraction is the casino. Even those who don’t gamble will enjoy the singularly luxurious ambiance of this classic casino, where high-stakes games unfold in silence under gilded ceilings.

By day, one can stroll along the banks of the river Oos, or hike in the Black Forest. The Altes Schloss Baden Baden is a fine destination, with splendid views. In town, the Trinkhalle is the chic promenade of choice, followed by the Lichtentaler allee. One can enjoy Kaffee und Kuchen – the German ritual of afternoon coffee and cake – at the same cafe where Franz Liszt and Leo Tolstoy once enjoyed theirs.

13. Black Forest

Recommended by Anuradha from Country Hopping Couple

The Black Forest, also known as Schwarzwald in German, is located in the region of Baden-Württemberg, in the southwest of Germany. Not only associated with cuckoo clocks, black forest cakes, and the Grimm’s fairy tales, it is also known for the dense pine forests, punctuated with thermal spa towns and glacier lakes.

It is often said that the forests are dark and so dense that it is difficult for the sun to seep through the woods. Naturally, for this reason, the region got its name, Black Forest. It is one of the most breathtaking landscapes in the country and a must on every nature lover’s Germany bucket list.

The Black Forest is truly a year-round destination as it offers excellent hiking trails, cross country skiing, and biking adventures. Spring is still cold in the Black Forest, so if you are looking for warm or comfortable weather conditions, it is recommended to visit the Black Forest during summer or autumn.

Allow 3 to 4 days to explore the forest and start your adventure from Freiburg through Baden Baden. There are plenty of things to keep one occupied for weeks in the Black Forest.

While there are many interesting tourist routes for driving, make sure to drive Hochstrasse, one of the most popular routes in the Black Forest. Be sure to explore Triberg town and Triberg waterfalls, one of the highest waterfalls in Europe.

14. Freiburg im Breisgau

Recommended by Mark from Wyld Family Travel

Freiburg im Breisgau is located in an enviable location close to the French Alsace Region and Swiss borders and on the edge of the Black Forest. Freiburg receives some of the best weather in Germany making it a city to get out and explore. There are many  things to do in Freiburg  for the whole family.

The Bachle is unique to Freiburg. It is a series of small open waterways that flow through the city. The Freiburg Minster has been standing since the 12th century, not even the war could destroy it. If you’re lucky, one of the weekly markets will be taking place around the walls of the cathedral.

You can take a cable car from the city center to Schlossberg hill. From the top of the hill, you will get some fantastic views of the city stretching into the surrounding mountains.

The Mundlehof is an open-air zoo and green zone where people can go for a walk and eat. If you are a football fan, Freiburg S.C plays in the Bundesliga and has a stadium near the city center

Food in Freiburg has a German and French feel. One should always try the Flamkussen , which is a regional specialty. Freiburg is a lively city when it comes to eating out with many cafes, bars, and restaurants. The Martins Brau Brewery in the city center brews its own beer and serves freshly cooked meals.

You can take a day trip to Titisee or Basel and you can easily reach some of the most beautiful cities in France like Colmar or Strasbourg in under an hour from Freiburg im Breisgau. Freiburg is a university town which gives a young feel because something is always happening.

15. Tübingen

Recommended by Emma from Travel On A Time Budget

If you’re looking to visit an architectural gem and a place that’s home to one of Germany’s oldest universities, then head for Tübingen . It’s an ideal day trip from Stuttgart because it takes only an hour by train but it’s also perfect for an overnight stay.

Tübingen is a lovely town to potter around and soaks in the main sights. Most of these are centered on its historic old town which is littered with old timbered buildings with colored façades and pretty cobbled streets.

The 15th century St. George’s Collegiate Church, with its impressive stained-glass windows, can be found here. It was apparently one of the first churches to convert to the Protestant movement. The main square also features a 15th-century old town hall (Rathaus) with its astronomical clock, on the opposite is the Neptune Fountain.

Off of the main square, there are some quaint and utterly enchanting small streets with tiny little streams flowing down the sides. There are also some restaurants alongside the water where you can stop for a bite to eat.

Overlooking all this is Schloss Hohentübingen, the town’s castle. Built on high ground, the castle walls afford sweeping views over the surrounding countryside.  There’s also an archaeological museum on the grounds.

Finally, a trip to Tübingen would not be complete without a short stroll along the Neckar river. There are picturesque postcard views of colorful half-timbered houses that form a row along the banks of the river.

If you would like to see them you should head to the Eberhart Bridge. At this beautiful spot, you’ll also find the Plantanelle, a wide sycamore framed promenade, which is perfect for an afternoon stroll.

16. Hohenzollern Castle

Recommended by Steve from Austria Direct

Hohenzollern Castle is set in a spectacular position at the edge of the Swabian Alb mountains in the southern Germany state of Baden-Württemberg. The fortification is built on a limestone outcrop in the farmland to the south of Stuttgart and is named after and still owned by the descendants of the former German imperial family.

The castle is about an hour’s drive from the city of Stuttgart and is just off the main road which leads south to the town of Singen and the Swiss border. There are several large car parks to help deal with the estimated 350,000 visitors annually. Visitors can walk up to the castle or take a regular shuttle bus service.

Views from the castle gardens and battlements take in the entire panorama of the surrounding countryside and visitors can purchase an entrance ticket to explore some of the ornate rooms in the castle interior. A visit to the castle rooms and exterior during a day trip from Stuttgart would also leave time to explore one of the attractive towns, like Tübingen, in the area south of the city.

Although the Hohenzollerns were once Emperors of Germany and the family is one of the most famous historic dynasties in Europe, the current castle was only built in the 19th century. In much the same way as Neuschwanstein Castle in neighboring Bavaria, the remodeling of the family ruins was part of a romantic concept that harked back to an idealized time of knights and ladies as they were portrayed in Germanic legends.

17. Neuschwanstein Castle

Visiting Neuschwanstein Castle is a true bucket list experience and it has to feature on the top of your Germany bucket list. The castle is located in a small town called Hohenschwangau in Bavaria, close to the German-Austrian border.

You can easily visit Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich or Innsbruck as a day trip but if you want to properly explore the area, it’s best to stay for a few days in one of the nearby towns.

The construction of the castle began in 1868 at the request of King Ludwig II but unfortunately, it has never been fully finished as the funds of the project were cut after the king’s death.

Two months later the castle was opened up to the public and it quickly became the most visited landmark in the whole country. Legend has it that the castle even served as an inspiration for Walt Disney when creating the famous Disney castle!

Neuschwanstein Castle sits atop a hill at the foot of the Bavarian Alps and it takes around 30-40 minutes to reach the castle by foot from the center of Hohenschwangau.

Cars and bicycles are not allowed on the road but if you’re not keen on walking that much (especially uphill), you can choose to take a shuttle bus instead. The bus will drop you off at Marienbrücke which is one of the best viewpoints at Neuschwanstein Castle and from there you can reach the castle within 10-15 minutes.

It’s important to know that it’s not possible to buy an entrance ticket directly at the castle so if you want to go inside, you need to purchase a ticket from the ticket office in Hohenschwangau in advance. The castle can only be visited with a guided tour and an adult ticket costs €15.

18. Zugspitze

Recommended by Izzy from The Gap Decaders

The mighty Zugspitze stands at 2,962 meters (9,718 ft) above sea level and is Germany’s highest mountain. Fondly known as ’the top of Germany’, the Zugspitze lies to the south of Germany’s famous mountain town, Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

You don’t need to be a hardy hiker or expert skier to  visit the Zugspitze which is certainly one of the most beautiful places in Germany. Just hop on the quaint but magnificently engineered cog-wheel train or take a ride on the uber-cool cable car, all the way to the summit.

If you want to do both – and why not – take a slow ride up on the train from Eibsee station to the Zugspitzplatt at 2,600 meters (8,530 ft). Not quite at the top, but this not-to-be-missed stop gives you the chance to stand on an actual glacier!

The glacier can be seen below the snow, glistening blue-green in the crisp sunlight and cooling the mountain air. You can also enjoy sledding here, as well as a hot chocolate from the bar, whilst wrapped in a rug.

From here, there is a small cable car to the summit, where the views across the Alps are absolutely incredible. The panoramic viewing platform gives you the opportunity to see the entire mountain range, spreading across 207,000 square km (80,000 square miles) – the views are breathtaking. It will be cold and windy at the top all year round, so wrap up warm.

The main cable car from the summit will take you all the way down to the Eibsee, revealing the gorgeous blues and greens of this beautiful lake. Once you reach solid ground again, look back and be in awe of Mother Nature and her creation.

19. Lake Eibsee

Recommended by Hailey from Diary of a Wanna Be World Traveler

Lake Eibsee is a gorgeous lake located in Bavaria, Germany. Since the lake is located at the base of the Zugspitze, Germany’s tallest mountain, you get amazing views while visiting.

You want to arrive at the lake fairly early, not only because it gets busy, but because the water is the calmest in the morning revealing beautiful reflections of the Zugspitze Mountains.

The Hotel Eibsee has a parking lot available between 5 am and 10 pm for you to park for a small fee. If there is no room here then right across the street is the Zugspitze which has a ton of paid parking. If you don’t have a car there are public transportation options as well.

In the early morning, you may experience some fog, which usually clears up by 9 am. Hiking all the way around the lake, about 8 km (5 miles), will take about 2 hours. There are a few hills that you will have to walk up but nothing crazy. Hiking boots are always recommended though, especially if you decide to climb some of the rocks.

Swimming is allowed year-round at the lake, but of course, gets very cold in the winter. Paddleboats, motorized boats, paddleboards, kayaks, and canoes are available to rent from Hotel Eibsee.

If you are a guest at the hotel some of these items can be rented free of charge. Keep in mind the shoreline is very rocky, bring water shoes if you can as some of the rocks can be sharp.

Capture the gorgeous views or spend the day on the water, there is so much to do at Lake Eibsee. No matter when you visit, it will definitely be a great addition to your Germany bucket list!

20. Linderhof Castle

Recommended by Diana from The Globetrotting Detective

Linderhof Castle situated in the German state of Bavaria is the most charming small-sized castle in Germany. It’s an easy day trip from Munich, the capital of Bavaria, as it’s only 95 km (59 miles) from Munich. You can easily get to Linderhof Castle  either by car or public transport.

Linderhof Castle is one of the grandiose and majestic royal palaces of Ludwig II, the ‘Mad King’ of Bavaria, which was built in the 19th century. The ‘Mad King’ of Bavaria is the same king who also dreamed and got the Neuschwanstein Castle built. The king’s desire was to create places that reflect his own fantasy world where he could escape from reality.

As for the Linderhof Palace, King Ludwig II’s dream was to realize a palace in Linderhof similar to his favorite palace, the Palace of Versailles in France. His dream could not be fulfilled due to financial restrictions.

Nevertheless, the palace coming to life is still one of the dreamiest castles on earth. Both the exteriors and interiors of his fairytale palace are opulent and splendid. The ostentatiously costly and luxurious interiors are indeed breathtaking.

When walking around the glamorous and glitzy halls of the Linderhof Palace, you will feel like a princess, as if you were under some kind of magic spell. Especially, when you are in the dazzling and shining Hall of Mirrors. The mirror effect of this room is exceptional, as you can witness an endless reflection of mirrors. It’s pure magic!

But the magic is not over. The prime attraction inside the castle is the Venus Grotto. Here, you can find the Mad King’s shell-shaped gilt boat with Amor, the god of love, on the top of it. The boat is resting now in a small lake surrounded by a waterfall and a dreamlike fresco in an artificial dripstone cave inside the castle.

Not only is this postcard-perfect castle awe-inspiring but everything around it. The palace is surrounded by meticulously maintained parks, tranquil little lakes, green forests, and dramatic mountains. Linderhof Palace is surely a place that needs to feature on everyone’s Germany bucket list!

Last but not least, the key highlight outside is the spectacular waterworks just in front of Linderhof Palace, which perfectly complements the beauty of the castle. The ‘Mad King’ of Bavaria was definitely was top-notch in bringing magical and dreamlike places to life that visitors from all around the world cherish today.

Recommended by Steph from A Nomads Passport

Munich is located in Southern Germany and it’s the Bavarian capital. Thanks to the city’s rich history and location, it is one of the best places to visit in Germany. There is a seemingly endless amount of things to do in and around the city regardless of the time of the year.

In spring or summer, you can visit festivals and in fall all October festivals including the Octoberfest on the Theresienwiese take place. Moreover, as winter takes hold of the city, more and more Christmas markets pop up around the city and ring in the holiday season.

Some of the best things to do in Munich are exploring the vast English Garden in the city center and taking the elevator up the tower of the New City Hall from where you will have an incredible view over the city and the Alps in the distance.

Stroll over the Viktualien market with its permanent food booths and enjoy a Bavarian wheat beer in one of the famous beer halls.

If it rains, you are bound to find a museum to explore. Some of the best ones are the toy museum in the Old City Hall building, the German Museum, and the BMW World.

Some of the best events in Munich have no set yearly schedule, so always check out the small advertisements when you are in subway stations. If you keep your eyes open, you are bound to find out about great local events and festivals that are happening while you are in the city.

Due to the vast array of things to do in and around Munich, there is no maximum amount of time you can spend in the city without finding new things to do. The bare minimum you should spend in Munich is 3 days. Therefore, it is perfect for an extended weekend.

22. Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Recommended by Sharon from Exploring Our World

Step back into the world of Medieval Germany with a visit to delightful Rothenburg ob der Tauber. If you love visiting fairytale towns, you definitely need to put it on your Germany bucket list!

This small town in Bavaria boasts an old town with half-timbered buildings and a maze of cobblestone lanes. Stone towers decorate the skyline and you can imagine people gathering centuries ago in the market square and conversing with friends over steins of beer.

The stone wall around old Rothenburg miraculously survived the World War II bombing, so it’s the original and authentic wall built-in 1142. Enter and climb up through one of the six gates. You can walk a section of the wall or go all the way around the town, which is about 4 km (2.5 miles).

As you make your way, you look down at the red roofs of the buildings that lie along the Tauber River. You’ll see why the town’s name fits, as it means “Red Castle Above the Tauber.” The jumble of wooden gables and steeples makes for fascinating views anywhere along the wall.

One of the best things to do in Rothenburg ob der Tauber is just wandering around the town and enjoying the colorful stores and restaurants. Take an hour to tour the Medieval Crime Museum, which features means of torture and punishment through the centuries.

Rothenburg is famous for its quaint shops that offer gifts of food and wine and specialty items. Most well-known is the festive Christmas shop open year-round and the teddy bear shop also makes a fun stop.

While German food and beer is easy to find, also be sure to sample Rothenburg’s featured pastry, the Schneeball. This is deep-fried dough shaped like a snowball and covered with powdered sugar or chocolate. Your warm memories of the colorful world of Rothenburg will stay with you for a long time.

23. Schwabach

Recommended by Martina from PlacesofJuma

A real insider tip among the most beautiful places in Germany is the lovely Schwabach in Bavaria. The small town of about 40,000 inhabitants is famous above all for the production of gold leaf, which is sold worldwide and is also omnipresent in many buildings in the old town.

Five companies still master the traditional craft of gold beaters, and even famous landmarks such as Buckingham Palace in London, Orthodox churches in Ukraine, palace domes in the Emirates, the Sultan’s Palace in Brunei, and many other attractions worth seeing around the world have already been decorated with Schwabach gold leaf.

Of course, the historic old town of Schwabach is also decorated with gold: the town hall with its golden roof, for example, is one of the most important sights of this town. But you can also marvel at the famous Schwabach gold leaf in the Golden Hall, which is decorated with 14,000 sheets of Schwabach gold leaf, and on the high altar of the town church.

It is also interesting to visit the city museum, where you can find fascinating exhibitions on various topics. For example, this museum presents Europe’s largest egg exhibition with over 10,000 specimens. Another part of the city museum is dedicated to model trains, another part to the history of the city and the gold-beating trade.

Schwabach’s cozy market square invites visitors to linger, with many stores and good coffee houses in the beautifully restored half-timbered houses. The 300-year-old fountain in the center of the square also contributes to the pretty townscape.

24. Nuremberg

Recommended by Rose from Where Goes Rose

Without a doubt one of the prettiest places in Germany is Nuremberg. Located in Bavaria, a region of Germany known for being historical and traditional, its timber-framed houses, churches, and castle are straight out of a fairytale!

There are many  things to do in Nuremberg including browsing for gifts and deli goods at the Handwerkerhof Market and admiring Weinstadel, a beautiful period building once used as a wine cellar and overlooking the river.

You can also browse Market Square, visit Lorenzkirche (the main church) dating back to 1250 and visit Schöner Brunnen translating as ‘beautiful fountain’. Legend has it that your wishes will come true if you turn the golden ring on the fountain three times.

A somber yet important thing to do in Nuremberg is to visit the Documentation Center, used as the Nazi party rally grounds. This is an important place to learn about the events which shaped the last century.

Nearby, you can take a more enjoyable excursion: hiring a pedal boat and exploring Großer Dutzendteich, a large boating lake surrounded by nature.

An optimum amount of time to spend in Nuremberg is 2-3 days. On summer evenings, sit in Tiergartnertor Platz and enjoy a classic Hugo cocktail made from prosecco and elderflower cordial.

25. Pottenstein

Recommended by Elliot from TheTravelKind

Nestled in the heart of the Fränkische Schweiz in Southern Germany, at the meeting point of three stunning valleys is the charming village of Pottenstein.

It is easily reached by car, and there are bus connections from Pegnitz, Bayreuth, and Forchheim. It is a popular spot for weekends trips, and often longer stays for those who truly want to immerse themselves in the surrounding nature.

The town is engulfed by iconic limestone stacks. The unique geology has attracted sport climbers since the introduction of redpoint climbing by Kurt Albert and Wolfgang Güllich, but also appeals to many hikers.

A multitude of gentle to moderate walking trails starting from Pottenstein meander through the dense forest, including an easy route that follows the Püttlach stream through Bärenschlucht, to Tüchersfeld, and back again.

For those seeking something a little less strenuous, a visit to the Teufelshöhle is another way to access the fascinating geology. The 1,500 m (5,000 ft) long cave is the largest in the Fränkische and can be explored by guided tours.

Lastly, the Fränkische is renowned for its surplus of breweries. Next to the Säger Abenteuer Minigolf is one such local brewery; Sägerbräu (the season starts 1st April). Minigolf is always better with a Seidla after all!

26. Meissen

Recommended by Kami from Kami and the Rest of the World

Meissen , the picturesque town located in the Saxony region, is a perfect day trip from Dresden. To get here you can take the train, bus or go for a boat cruise on the Elbe river.

The town is known for its world-famous porcelain (that’s where the first porcelain manufactory in Europe was) but there are so many more Meissen attractions. Be sure to visit Albrechtsburg – the impressive castle with one of the oldest German cathedrals attached to it.

Meissen castle looks fine from the outside but the interiors are truly jaw-dropping. Visiting Albrechtsburg feels like traveling back in time into the Middle Ages. The lower part of Meissen is where the Old Town can be found. It’s charming with winding lanes, cobbled streets, numerous cafes and small shops, colorful houses, and red rooftops.

Since the town is located on a hill there are plenty of viewpoints – some of the best are from the terraces of the restaurants near the castle. You can try here delicious local food and enjoy lovely views of Meissen.

When discovering Meissen start with the visit to Albrechtsburg and continue to the lower part of the town – this way you will avoid climbing steep stairs and lanes (you can get to the castle level by elevator).

27. Dresden

Recommended by Milos from Happy Frog Travels

Dresden is a paradise for architecture lovers so for them it is definitely one of the top cities to visit in Germany. There is no other place in the whole country with such a rich architectural heritage. Great examples of Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, Neoclassical, Modernist, and Postmodernist styles are all over the place.

Cool, modern and contemporary architecture complete the feast. Dresden was an important city in the past, and all these historical layers are remnants of those times.

Dresden was the capital of the Saxon Kingdom for almost 400 years. Most of the sites from that period are in the city center. The Dresden Castle was the seat of the royal family. The Zwinger Palace, however, was the royal orangery and garden, part of the new castle that was never built.

Two magnificent baroque churches are nearby: the Dresden Cathedral and Frauenkirche. Finally, Dresden hosts one of the world’s most renowned opera houses, the Semperoper.

Dresden is much more than the historical center. Indeed, the unique modern architecture is on both sides of the River Elbe. The best architecture from socialist times is south of the center, with Prager Street as its centerpiece.

Three contemporary buildings stand out. Yenidze is an oriental-inspired former cigarette factory. Kunsthof Arcades, on the other hand, is a group of patios with art installations. The Ufa Cinema Palace is a quirky deconstructivist building. There is no way you’ll get bored in Dresden!

28. Saxon Switzerland National Park

Recommended by Alina from World of Lina

A bit less than an hour from Dresden is the Bastei Bridge – the ultimate highlight of the Saxon Switzerland National Park.

Bastei Bridge is a sandstone bridge spanning over a group of almost 200 meters (650 ft) tall rock needles. It was built in 1851 with the single purpose to let tourists admire the landscape of the National Park from different viewpoints. Who would have known back then that the bridge itself will be the main tourist attraction of the park one day!

Besides this breathtaking bridge, there are even more places in Saxon Switzerland waiting to be explored. Nearby, for example, is the open-air museum Neurathen Castle. Once one of the largest rock castles in the region, only very few parts of the rooms, passages, and cisterns are left nowadays.

Another remarkable attraction near the bridge is an area called Schwedenlöcher (Swedish Holes). This gorge-like valley is the perfect place for everyone who loves to hike in unspoiled, lush nature.

If you want to see even more of the national park, visit the famous rock arch named “Kuhstall”. It’s a 30-minute drive from the Bastei Bridge and is located in another beautiful hiking area.

There you also find a very unusual attraction called “Himmelsleiter” (heaven’s ladder). The name’s not really fitting tho because it’s a very narrow ladder between rocks leading on top of the rock arch. It’s a very scary climb but the view from the top is just stunning.

Planning a trip to Germany?

Then you might want to take a look at all our other travel guides about Germany. I promise, they are just as awesome as this article was!

• 22 Best Things to Do in Berchtesgaden, Germany
• 3 Day Berchtesgaden Itinerary: A Long Weekend in Berchtesgaden, Germany
• Lake Königssee, Germany: Best Things to Do + Tips for Visiting
• The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Neuschwanstein Castle
• How to Find the Best Neuschwanstein Castle Viewpoints

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4 thoughts on “Germany Bucket List: 28 Best Places to Visit in Germany”

What an amazing list. There’s so much I want to see and do in Germany, thank you for the inspiration!

Yes you are so right, there are so many beautiful places in Germany! Can’t wait to go back next year.

Beautiful post! Rothenburg looks like a dream. I can’t wait to travel to Europe again and add some of these spots to my bucket list!

Thank you so much Summer! I totally feel the same way!

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The best places to visit in Germany

My tips for the best places to visit in Germany – including the best cities, towns, castles, palaces, churches, and nature!

Written by Michael Turtle

Michael Turtle is the founder of Time Travel Turtle. A journalist for more than 20 years, he's been travelling the world since 2011.

Michael Turtle is the founder of Time Travel Turtle and has been travelling full time for a decade.

Updated: December 7, 2023

From the castles to the forests, Germany is a land filled with history and decorated by nature, where you're as likely to be swept up in a beer festival as be dazzled by a church.

Across the country, there's a huge range of different cultures and ways to experience them, so here are my top tips for the best places to visit in Germany.

Quedlinburg

Upper middle rhine, black forest, lake tegernsee, wartburg castle, hohenzollern castle, lichtenstein castle.

• Neuschwanstein Castle

Wurzburg Residence

Potsdam palaces, ludwigsburg palace, augustusburg palace, rammelsberg mine, zollverein coal mine, volklingen ironworks, mercedes-benz factory, cologne cathedral, aachen cathedral, dresden frauenkirche, pilgrimage church of wies, the bauhaus building, minitaur wunderland, bergpark wilhelmshohe, rugen island.

I’ve been to Germany a lot of times over the past few years and every trip I discover new things.

Partly it’s because each region has its own identity, with its unique types of historical sites and cultural attractions. And partly because Germany is much more than the stereotypes. When you start to explore properly, you discover the depth of what’s on offer.

Most first time visitors just head to the big cities or the most famous landmarks. But it doesn’t actually take much effort to get off the beaten path and discover incredible nature, history, and local culture.

I think a visit to Germany is much more rewarding when you are able to spend some time exploring the smaller sites and towns – and luckily they are some of the best places to visit in Germany!

To help you with the planning for your next trip, I’ve put together a list of my favourite places in Germany. Have a look on the map below to see where they all are. 

Some are quite famous and I’m sure you’ve heard of them – but hopefully I’ll be able to introduce you to some new special ones too.

Best cities in Germany

Germany is a really decentralised country. This means that, rather than having just one or two large cities, there are actually large cities spread out across the whole country. And each of them has their own identity.

Of course the two best cities in Germany (at least in terms of visitors numbers) are Berlin (by a long way) and Munich , so I’m not going to include them on this list. Just take them as a given! Instead I want to tell you about the best German cities that aren’t the obvious ones.

Hamburg is Germany’s second-largest city but it hasn’t always had the same allure as Berlin. That’s definitely changed in recent years, partly because of the huge waterfront redevelopment that includes the new Elbphilharmonie concert hall.

I love exploring the old warehouse district of the Speicherstadt and the nearby Maritime Museum is excellent. But it’s the cool cultural areas of Sternschanze and Karolinenviertel that are making Hamburg particularly popular amongst young travellers.

I’ve stayed in Stuttgart a few times and each visit I discover more things to do. It’s a really underrated city that has a vibrant cultural scene, including the new Stuttgart Museum of Art .

There’s also the Mercedes-Benz Museum , the Porsche Museum, and Ludwigsburg Palace. Plus it’s an excellent base to explore the beautiful Baden-Wurttemberg region.

I would also recommend visiting for the Cannstatter Volkfest , a beer festival that rivals Munich’s Oktoberfest!

Unfortunately a lot of people associate the name Nuremberg with events around the Second World War but the Old Town is really where the focus should be. The wonderful medieval architecture includes Nuremberg Castle and the Church of Our Lady.

There’s a long history of beer here and I recommend trying some of the breweries. And if you visit Nuremberg during the Altstadtfest, you’ll find an excellent selection of local food stalls !

The thing I love about Bremen is the combination of historical sights and welcoming social scene. In the city centre, you can’t miss the World Heritage-listed town hall , which is one of the best in Germany. The Opera House and the Cathedral of St Peter are also impressive.

But then wander along the river and you’ll find cool pubs for a beer and a meal – or join a group of friendly locals. There’s also great street art in the Das Viertel neighbourhood. For a big city, Bremen has a very relaxed atmosphere.

Best towns in Germany

Firstly, let’s not get too caught up with the definition of the word ‘town’. Most of my recommendations here are probably technically cities, but I wanted to try to differentiate them from the much larger ones I’ve already suggested, which all have more than 500,000 people. Visiting these smaller places allows you to get to know the place a bit better.

Quedlinburg is how I imagine a movie set of a medieval town would look. The town hall was built in 1330 and almost everything inside it has been preserved untouched since then.

As you wander through the winding streets of Quedlinburg , you’ll see rows of timber-framed houses, each beautiful in their own way with exposed beams and painted walls.

The central square with the government buildings has a Middle ages charm about it but the most important building is the impressive Collegiate Church of St Servatius.

You don’t hear a lot about Wismar these days but it was once an extremely rich city. As part of the Hanseatic League , it was an important trading city in the 14 th and 15 th centuries and you can still see the spoils of this wealth today.

The Market Place in Wismar is one of the largest in northern Germany, with 500 years worth of architectural styles. Meanwhile, St Nicholas’s Church has an amazingly-high vaulted ceiling and a great view from the roof.

Wismar is known for its seafood so make sure you try a good fish meal while you’re here.

Bamberg is sometimes called the ‘Rome of Germany’ because in the 11 th century a German king built a series of incredible churches and public buildings to compete with the Italian city. They sit on the top of a hill and are great sights to visit.

But I think the real charm of Bamberg lies at the bottom of the hill, where you’ll find the medieval markets, residences, and businesses along the banks of the river.

Bamberg is also famous for the 400 types of beer it produces, particularly ones with a unique smoky or bacon flavour. Do a tasting at one of the 11 breweries!

The legacy of Weimar is still felt in Germany today. It was here that some of the country’s greatest minds gathered in the 18 th and 19 th centuries to inspire each artistically. People like Goethe would go on to influence the national culture.

These days you can visit the buildings that were important during that time most decorated in the Baroque style. The most interesting of these is the home of Goethe , that has been turned into an excellent museum.

Best nature in Germany

While it makes sense to plan your travels in Germany around the cities and towns you’ll stay in, there are also some fantastic natural sites that are worth the effort to visit (not that any of them are particularly hard to get to!).

The Rhine is one of the longest rivers in Europe, flowing from Switzerland, through Germany and the Netherlands. But the most scenic part of it is known as the Upper Middle Rhine .

This section in western Germany is lined with quaint towns like Bacharach and Boppard. In the hills on either side of the water are wineries and other local producers.

With a path going along the length of the Rhine here, it’s perfect for walking or cycling, while you explore the towns and sample some of the local delicacies.

The Wadden Sea is part of the North Sea that is known for its special biodiversity. Along the coast here in the northwest of Germany, you’ll be able to spot a huge number of birds in the air and seals in the water.

The mud flats that are formed when the tide goes out are also home to interesting animals and you can go on a guided tour to explore them.

It’s best to base yourself in the town of Norden , which is a busy holiday destination full of people here for sailing, kite surfing, kayaking, and swimming.

The Black Forest is one of the most famous natural sights in Germany. Popular for skiing in winter and hiking in summer, it always makes me think of the fairy tales that the Brothers Grimm set here.

There are lots of ways to discover the Black Forest but I think walking or cycling along some of the paths gives you the best experience.

You can stay in some huts along the way or base yourself somewhere like Freiburg and make day trips in.

There are lots of beautiful lakes in Germany that I could have recommend (especially including the wonderful Lake Constance) but there’s something extra special about Lake Tegernsee because it’s not normally on the international tourist’s radar.

This mountain lake south of Munich is in the Bavarian Alps. Its deep blue water touches a wooded shoreline that rises up into mountains on every side. Although it can snow here in the winter, the warmer months are sunny with bright green fields.

Around the shore are lots of wonderful little towns. In December, the Christmas markets are a real delight and a boat can take you between them.

Best castles in Germany

This could probably be a whole article on its own! Germany is famous for its stunning castles so it’s hard to choose just a few. But I think visiting these German castles gives you the best variety.

You’ll find Wartburg Castle at the top of a hill in the town of Eisenach. It was first built in the 11 th century and expanded over the centuries, each owner adding their own touch in their style.

It’s one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Germany and has a drawbridge, a glittering golden chapel, and an enormous wood-panelled hall.

It’s worth taking a tour to see the magnificent interior – and the rather drab room where Martin Luther did his translation of The Bible.

Nobody has officially lived in Hohenzollern Castle for centuries but it used to be home to the Hohenzollern family, whose members once ruled the German Empire. Even though this was a personal, rather than public, residence, it’s still decorated with the grandeur you would expect.

There are 140 rooms, each with its own character. As you wander through them, you’ll find golden chandeliers with candles that need to be replaced every day, high cathedral-like ceilings, plush blue lounges, and stained glass windows.

When it comes to Lichtenstein Castle, it’s all about the exterior, rather than the interior. It’s a remarkable castle, tall and relatively thin, jutting out from the top of a cliff with a deep valley beneath it.

It was built in the 1840s in the Gothic Revival style and was inspired by a famous novel called Lichtenstein. It was built over the site of a former castle that was a setting in the book.

Neuschwanstein Castle 

Probably the most famous castle in Germany, I can’t really neglect to mention Neuschwanstein Castle. Built by the Bavarian King, Ludwig II, it was intended to be his private home but he died a few months before it was opened in 1886.

Neuschwanstein Castle is best known as the inspiration for Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle, although it’s also been used in other movies and TV shows.

The castle gets more than a million visitors each day so be prepared for crowds if you want to go inside.

Best palaces in Germany

For the sake of this guide to the best places to visit in Germany, I’m drawing a distinction between castles and palaces. The places I’ve already mentioned are fortified structures up on hills. Now let’s look at the more royal sprawling palaces.

The Wurzburg Residence is enormous – more than 160 metres wide with about 400 rooms spread over two levels. It’s a masterpiece of Baroque design, particularly the central staircase, the domed Imperial Hall, and the White Hall with its stucco decorations.

Although it was originally opened in 1744, what you see today is an incredible reconstruction after it was virtually destroyed by fire in the Second World War. The 40-year and 20-million-euro project was done out of national pride and the result is amazing.

Potsdam is one of Germany’s absolute treasures and, being just outside Berlin, is very easy to visit. It’s not a single palace – in fact, there are more than a dozen of them. After all, this is where the Prussian kings wanted to build their legacy.

It’s easy to spend days visiting Potsdam and seeing it all. If you’re short of time, the most beautiful (and famous) palace is Sanssouci and the largest is the New Palace. My other suggestions to visit are the Orangery Palace and Charlottenhof Palace.

Just outside of Stuttgart is Ludwigsburg Palace , built in the early 1700s as the residence for the Duke of Wurttemberg. It became one of the largest Baroque palaces in Germany and, combined with its park and location in the centre of town, was designed to feel like Versailles .

The staterooms are magnificent and the chapel is enormous, as is the throne room. But the delicate decorations in the bedrooms are also a highlight.

Although you’ll find lots of examples of Rococo architecture across Germany, it all started here at Augustusburg Palace . With light colours, gold elements, and ornate stucco, it’s a wonderful example of the flowing and graceful style of design.

The palace is in Bruhl, which is easily accessible from Cologne. As well as the palace, there’s a beautiful park around it. You can also visit the estate’s hunting lodge, Falkenlust Castle, which is also in the Rococo style.

Best industrial sites in Germany

Germany isn’t just castles and palaces. It is also an industrial powerhouse in Europe. A lot of this is not particularly appealing to tourists, but there are some really interesting industrial sites in Germany that are open to the public.

You get into Rammelsberg Mine by a small train down a dark tunnel and emerge into a maze of tunnels. Some of them are old because there’s been mining here for more than 1000 years. As you tour around, you can see a mix of equipment used over the centuries.

Rammelsberg Mine is in the town of Goslar and there are a few different tours you can do to go underground. It’s an amazing experience and gives you a real sense of what it would have been like to work down here.

Although Zollverein is also a mine, it’s a very different experience. It’s got the nickname of the ‘most beautiful coal mine in the world’ because the architecture above ground has been influenced by the Bauhaus style.

These days, the buildings have been transformed into cultural spaces with museums, theatres, and other exhibitions. You can still learn about the industrial side of things but it’s the transformation of the site that I think is most interesting.

The Volklingen Ironworks started operation in 1883 and wasn’t closed until 1986. During this time, it produced steel that was used for everything from railway tracks to weapons. Since it fell silent, the structures have barely changed.

That’s what makes it so interesting to walk around this metal jungle, exploring the different parts of the plant and seeing all the different machinery. In total, there are more than six kilometres of paths and there’s no need to stick to a particular route.

Of course, Germany is known for its cars. Some of the biggest motoring brands are based here and there are a few ways to connect with them – most brands have some kind of museum.

But I think the Mercedes-Benz factory on the outskirts of Stuttgart is the most authentic experience. You can organise a tour that will take you along the production lines where you’ll see cars being made and learn all about the development and manufacturing.

Best churches in Germany

I used to feel that Europe’s best churches were in countries like Italy and Spain – until I started spending time in Germany and realised there are some incredible ones here. Many of them are world-class historical sights and, although it’s a long list to choose from, I think these are the best churches in Germany.

I think Cologne Cathedral is the most impressive church in Germany. Its scale is incredible however you look at it, and it’s one of the largest churches in the world. Inside, the interior lives up to expectations.

The highlight is the golden casket behind the altar that apparently holds the relics of the Three Wise Men. But there are also plenty of other treasures to see.

I would also recommend you climb the steps to the top of the spire for an incredible view across Cologne. 

Aachen Cathedral doesn’t seem too imposing from the outside but it’s actually one of the most significant churches in Germany. It was at the core of the German Empire for centuries.

Construction started in 796AD and was inspired by churches in the eastern part of the Holy Roman Empire – you can still see that influence in the design today.

The highlight of Aachen Cathedral is the shrine that holds the remains of the great emperor Charlemagne, who ordered that the church be built here in Aachen, the city he’d chosen as his imperial capital.

This large church in Dresden is significant for two reasons. The first is for its incredible design. The Baroque masterpiece has one of the largest domes in Europe and gives the city a unique skyline.

But perhaps the Dresden Frauenkirche is better known because of the massive effort to reconstruct it after it was destroyed in the Second World War. It was left untouched as a memorial for 50 years but now that it’s been rebuilt, it’s an important symbol of reconciliation.

You might think it’s odd for me to include this on my list. After all, the Pilgrimage Church of Wies is tiny and it sits in a green Bavarian field with not much else around. But that’s why I’m recommending it – because it is so different!

The Wieskirche was built in the mid-1700s after tears were apparently seen coming from a wooden statue of Christ. The result was one of the best examples of Rococo architecture. The interior is filled with amazing painted walls, statues, golden trims, and complex plasterwork.

It’s a little bit out of the way but I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

Bonus sites!

So, before I finish up, I’ve got a few more bonus suggestions. These didn’t really fit into any of the earlier categories but they’re pretty cool so I wanted to be sure I mentioned them. You know, just in case you didn’t already have enough places to see in Germany!!

One of the most famous architectural styles to emerge from Germany was the Bauhaus movement. This modern design has influenced buildings across the world but it started in a small part of the country.

Visiting the Bauhaus Building in the town of Dessau gives you a fascinating insight into the architectural movement. And, as a bonus to the bonus, you can also see the vast romantic Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Worlitz while you are here.

OK, this isn’t going to appeal to everyone but Minitaur Wunderland in Hamburg is one of the coolest museums in Germany and I have to mention it.

It’s basically a collection of toy trains but the museum has large and detailed sets for them to ride through. In total, there are more than 15 kilometres of track with 64 computers controlling the movements of more than a thousand locomotives.

If you want to feel like a kid again, this is the place!

Bergpark Wilhelmshohe is built on the edge of the city of Kassel and rises on the side of a hill. It’s the second-largest hillside park in the world and can take hours to explore.

As well as landscaped gardens, it has water features and forests. There are also majestic buildings that hold galleries and other exhibitions that you can visit.

There’s lots to see with plenty of surprises hidden throughout. As well as a fun experience, you’ll be seeing one of the most magnificent examples of European garden art.

And, finally, I think it’s worth mentioning Rugen Island. Off the northeast coast of the country, it is connected to the mainland by road and rail and is easy to visit. It’s a popular holiday destination because of its long sandy beaches.

But there are lots of other things to see and do here too. I would recommend visiting Jasmund National Park , which is part of a World Heritage Site because of its beech tree and chalk cliffs. And there is the enormous complex built by the Nazis as a holiday resort that was largely abandoned.

If you have any other suggestions for the best places to visit in Germany, feel free to leave a comment below!

4 thoughts on “The best places to visit in Germany”

I would recommend Trier. River, Roman remains, panoramic spots ,beautiful traffic free historical centre with nostalgic Toy Museum (actually cyber youngsters are less impressed than adults who rediscover the treasures from their youth). Another “boutique village” is Monschau.. Pure pittoresque charm. Also to explore is Idar-Oberstein: THE place to be if you like semi precious gemstones (old mines, 2 exquisite museums,shops…)

Oh yes! I’ve been to Trier and completely agree. It’s a wonderful place that is definitely worth visiting! I haven’t been to your other suggestions, though, so will have to look into them a bit more. Thanks!

I live in the northern Münsterland. We have a great countryside with a lot of beautiful castles and small cities. Many well-developed bike paths allow amazing bike rides. With round about 100 castles you have a lot to discover. Many villages invite you to have a cup of tea or coffee, to stroll around or to visit a museums. The most popular city of cause is Münster itself. Other cities that are worth to seeing are for example Bielefeld, which doesn´t exists (little joke btw 😉 ), or my favourite: Tecklenburg. It is a small city in the north with an old castle, that is now the biggest open air theatre in Germany. Every summer three musicals are played by professional and non-professional actors (i.a. children). And there are a lot more places and many hiking trails to discover to see a beatiful nature that I haven´t seen either.

Nice list with some really hidden places, even for a german! You only missed wonderful Heidelberg! 🙂

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The Speicherstadt's enveloping red bricks are a stunning sight ©reach-art/Getty Images

Germany is a combination of cutting-edge cool and timeless tradition, wrapped in a package of spectacular landscapes, vibrant metropolises and idyllic half-timbered villages, architectural masterpieces and fairytale palaces.

Indeed, the toughest thing about your first-time venture into Germany may be deciding your route. Its cities are high-tech hubs with an infectious energy, happening cultural and dining scenes. The great outdoors deliver cinematic changing scenery, from wind-battered coasts to sky-scratching Alpine peaks. You can visit castles and cathedrals built before Columbus set sail or take in the latest trends in street art. Wherever you go, Germany is here to charm, enlighten and surprise you.

Since the fall of the Wall in 1989, Berlin has been on a breathless journey to turn itself into one of the world’s most vibrant capital cities. Go ahead and snap those selfies with the Reichstag , the Brandenburg Gate , Checkpoint Charlie and other famous landmarks. And yes, do stand in awe of the monumental antiquities in the Pergamon Museum or the eternal beauty of Queen Nefertiti at the Neues Museum . But then tap more deeply into this cauldron of cultural experimentation by checking out those ‘only-in-Berlin’ places.

Hit the Tempelhofer Feld , a former airport turned urban frolicking zone for everyone from kite-surfers to community gardeners. Across town, get a bead on the contemporary art scene at the Boros Collection in a WWII-era bunker or treat your ears to a concert at Silent Green , a crematorium reborn as a cultural centre. On a hot summer day, there are few better places for cooling off than the Badeschiff , a cargo barge up-cycled into a beach club. Or scope out Berlin’s vibrant street art scene on a walking tour led by an actual spray-can meister before popping into Urban Nation , the world’s first street art museum. All of Berlin itself is still an unfinished canvas.

Weimar & Dessau

The year was 1919. Germany was in turmoil, struggling deeply with post-WWI trauma and chaos. But order was restored in Weimar , an idyllic town in the Thuringian countryside. Not only did it give birth to the Weimar Republic, Germany’s first experiment with democracy, but also to the Bauhaus , the design school whose ‘less is more’ credo would revolutionise 20 th -century aesthetics. A new museum in Weimar will soon pay tribute to this midwife of modernism that entered its seminal phase after moving to Dessau in 1925. In this city on the Elbe, you can take a spin around the original school building, then pop into the Meisterhäuser , the private homes of some of its famous teachers – Walter Gropius, Paul Klee and Wassily Kandinsky among them. Wrap up a Bauhaus tour in Berlin, where the school was quashed by the Nazis in 1932. Fortunately, plenty of modernist buildings survive, including the horseshoe-shaped Hufeisensiedlung, one of half a dozen 1920s housing estates granted Unesco world heritage status.

Germany’s second-biggest city is poised to blow you away, and not just because of the brisk North Sea winds. A trading powerhouse since the Middle Ages, Hamburg is a captivating mosaic of contemporary culture, architecture, music and wickedly fun nightlife. Start by scanning the city skyline from the outdoor viewing platform of the wave-inspired Elbphilharmonie , the city’s spectacular new concert hall and gateway to the HafenCity, a former docklands area turned futuristic waterfront quarter. Break for coffee in the canal-laced Speicherstadt, a Unesco-recognised warren of red-brick warehouses that also shelters the truly mesmerising Miniatur Wunderland , the world’s largest model railway. Grab a fish sandwich at Brücke 10 in the harbour and chase it down with a beer while counting container vessels from a beach chair in the funky StrandPauli bar.

No visit to Hamburg would be complete without a night on the Reeperbahn , Hamburg’s gloriously tawdry nightlife and red-light district where the Beatles once cut their teeth. Drift away from this neon-lit mecca of mischief to party with the locals, perhaps by catching an up-and-coming band at the Golden Pudel Club  or sipping a smooth martini at Chug Club .

The Bavarian capital is always happy to deliver on the clichés visitors to Germany expect. Yes, Munich is indeed a city of Beemers, dirndls and beer halls with oompah bands. But beneath the cutesy veneer lies a sophisticated, proud and wealthy town.

Gobble up canvas candy from Rembrandt to Richter in the trio of Pinakothek museums or in the exquisite Lenbachhaus with its new Foster-designed wing. Connect with Germany’s soccer obsession by scoring tickets to a home game of the FC Bayern München, Germany’s superstar team that plays in the spectacular Allianz Arena. Gear heads should make a beeline to the BMW museum , plant and showroom while royal groupies can take a spin around the rambling Munich Residenz . Daredevils can surf the Eisbach wave or take a screaming zip line ride over the Olympic Stadium.

Moselle Valley

German wines don’t get nearly enough credit, but if you worship at the altar of Bacchus (the Roman god of wine), a trip down the serpentine Moselle River should quickly turn you into a convert. Incidentally it was the Romans who first fermented grapes here some 2,000 years ago. They also founded the city of Trier (making it Germany’s oldest town) where you can zoom in on their ancient amphitheatres, thermal baths and the famous Porta Nigra town gate. Trier is also perfect for kicking off a driving or cycling tour along the river. En route to Koblenz , you’ll clap eyes on Europe’s steepest vineyard, legend-shrouded medieval castles and historic wine warehouses. Half-timbered Bernkastel-Kues, Belle-Epoque-flavored Traben-Trarbach and romantic Beilstein are all inviting villages to pause in and sip fine Rieslings and other classic German wines.

Bavarian Alps

Like Atlas carrying the world on his shoulders, the Bavarian Alps hoist up the rest of Germany. A lyrical landscape of forests, brooks and meadows smothered in wildflowers unfolds at the foot of these broad-shouldered mountains, making it prime terrain for all sorts of outdoor pursuits.

Topping the sightseeing hit list is Schloss Neuschwanstein , the world’s most famous palace whose turreted magic truly unveils itself at night after the day trippers have left. Bavaria brims with churches and even non-pious types will likely rejoice at the exuberantly rococo Wieskirche that rises serenely from an Alpine meadow. Peak baggers are drawn to Garmisch-Partenkirchen for its famous ski slopes and breathtaking cogwheel-train ride to the top of the Zugspitze, Germany’s highest mountain. If you’re into dark tourism, confront Germany’s sinister past in Berchtesgaden , home to the Eagle’s Nest , Hitler’s mountaintop retreat, and the Dokumentation Obersalzberg , an exhibit about the town’s stint as the Nazi party’s southern headquarters.

Black Forest

Steeped in timeless mystique, the Black Forest is a sylvan slice of Germany where patches of woods are indeed so dark and thick that one might expect to stumble upon the witch’s house in the Hansel and Gretel fairy tale.

Unfolding east of the Rhine between the Swiss border and elegant Baden-Baden with its glorious thermal baths and casino, the region is gourmet central with more than two dozen Michelin-starred restaurants. It’s also the birthplace of the black forest cake, a creamy kirsch-drenched confection; Cafe Schäfer in Triberg has some of the best. Triberg also happens to be Germany’s cuckoo clock capital with two house-sized versions plus Germany’s tallest waterfalls. From here, it’s just a short hop to Freiburg , a charismatic university town with a grand minster and lively, cafe-rimmed squares.

Make it Happen

Frankfurt and Munich are the most popular airports, but there are dozens of others, many of them served by budget airlines like easyJet, Ryanair and Eurowings.

Germany has an excellent train network that links pretty much all towns, large and small. Check schedules and buy tickets at www.bahn.de .

Travelling around by car buys flexibility and makes it easier to get off the beaten track, especially in rural areas. All major international rental agencies have offices in the main cities. Plot routes, toll and fuel costs with www.michelin.com .

The cheapest way to get around is by long-distance bus. Check which operator goes where, when and for how much at www.busradar.com .

It’s perfectly possible to travel in Germany without speaking a word of German, but it helps to master a few simple phrases. People are more likely to speak English in big cities, in the western part of the country and in tourist hotspots.

Peak season is July and August but some holiday weekends in May and June can be busy too. Check www.publicholidays.de for dates, and book ahead during busy times.

Bring an umbrella, a coat and closed shoes – rain is a possibility any time of year.

First published in December 2015 and updated in 2018 and August 2019.

https://shop.lonelyplanet.com/products/lonely-planets-best-in-travel-paperback-2019

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6 Most Beautiful Spring Destinations in Germany (2023)

You will find quite a few spring travel destinations in Germany that are really worthwhile. Spring is my favorite season of the year. Every year in spring, I love traveling through Germany. And so, I have collected a few ideas for your next trip.

• Hiking in Bavaria

The southern federal state is ideal for a demanding or relaxed hiking tour. You are out and about during the day and can relax in your hut in the evening and let the evening fade away.

How about a trip to the Bavarian Allgäu? If you like, you can climb many meters of altitude here, enjoy relaxed bike tours or see the medieval towns and villages, which impress with their picturesque market squares, castles, palaces and churches.

My tip: In Bavaria it gets really warm and sunny even in spring. So be sure to pack sunscreen.

• Cherry blossoms in Bonn

Next on my list of the most beautiful Spring destinations in Germany is Bonn. In spring, the former federal capital blooms in a sea of cherry blossoms. Annually, this attraction attracts thousands of tourists who come to the city.

Bonn’s old town then unfolds its full effect and invites you to linger. If you like, you can combine a visit to Bonn with an extensive tour of the city’s many museums.

A little tip: the museum mile is one of the largest museum groups in Europe. Here you can easily hop from one art exhibition to the next.

RELATED: Best Places to Visit in Bonn Best Places to See Cherry Blossom in Germany  Spring in Germany

• Wellness at the Baltic Sea

If you would like to have it a little more comfortable, you should think about a short break in a wellness hotel on the Baltic Sea.

Not only do you relax with a massage, sauna and thermal baths, but you also have the sea right in front of you. And what’s nicer than a long walk by the water?

By the way, the brave can also go into the floods when the temperatures are colder. In May, the water temperature is already an average of 12 degrees.

• Tours in the Black Forest

Southwest Germany has a lot to offer. How about a trip to the Black Forest? The Kaiserstuhl area already has the first blooming almond trees. Here you can marvel at the inviting wine terraces and go on a hike or bike tour.

My tip: The historic old town of Endingen is definitely worth a visit when you are in the Kaiserstuhl.

• A trip to the Eifel

The German part of the low mountain range stretches across the federal states of Rhineland-Palatinate and North Rhine-Westphalia. The Hohe Acht is the highest mountain in the Eifel and a popular starting point for passionate hikers.

My tip: If you want to enjoy the view over the Eifel, you should also pay a visit to the Kaiser Wilhelm Tower. In good weather conditions, you can even see the Taunus from there.

RELATED Best Water Parks and Adventure Pools in Germany  Most Beautiful Lakes in Germany Romantic Places and Cities in Germany For Couples

• Enjoy the tranquility on Borkum

A detour to the East Frisian islands of the North Sea is also worthwhile in spring.

Borkum offers the most extensive beach, which is 26 kilometers long. Anyone who loves long walks will definitely get their money’s worth here.

My tip: Borkum has a total of 5 lighthouses. One of them is even in the town center. From there you can enjoy the calming view over the island.

6 Most Beautiful Spring Destinations in Germany

About the Author: Elle Johnson, travel writer living in Germany, an avid explorer fueled by wanderlust, uncovers Germany's hidden treasures. From mountains to luxury hotels, spontaneous trips to meticulous planning, she embraces diverse experiences. Join her in unraveling Germany's wonders and creating lifelong memories.

TRAVEL GUIDE: 7 places to visit in Germany if you're a fan of 'Queen of Tears'

By Yoniel Acebuche Published Apr 10, 2024 5:57 pm

While a star-studded cast, witty banter, and fantastical narratives draw us in, Korean dramas also surprise us with stunning backdrops. These locations fuel our wanderlust with dreamy scenes beyond South Korea.

Case in point: tvN's Queen of Tears featuring A-list stars Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Ji Won .

The romance drama, which is now the third highest-rating drama in tvN history, follows the "miraculous, thrilling, and humorous love story" of Baek Hyun-woo and Hong Hae-in, a couple facing marital burnout.

Queen of Tears features Germany prominently—a location that holds special significance for the on-screen couple as it was their honeymoon destination and the place where their love story reignited.

From The Neptune Fountain to the Taoasis Garden, d iscover the places that captured Ji-won's heart and became her " most favorite scenes " in the series. Read with caution though, this article may contain spoilers!

Neptunbrunnen (The Neptune Fountain)

The series kicks off with a scene where the press interviews the two couples about their married lives. While Hyun-woo narrates the "wedding of the century," the show offers a montage of the couple on their German honeymoon. One of which is Berlin's Neptunbrunnen, or the Neptune Fountain.

The Neptunbrunnen, by German artist Reinhold Begas, with its 18-meter-wide swimming pool and a ten-meter-tall statue of the Roman sea deity Neptune, is one of the world's largest fountain sculptures.

Spree River

Another scenic place presented in their honeymoon is their romantic sunset kissing scene on the banks of the Spree River , where the original center of Berlin was built.

Many major monuments are located on its banks, so a boat ride is highly recommended to enjoy your trip and discover the city. If you want more physical adventure, bike rentals are also available in the area.

Sanssouci Palace

In the following episodes, Kim Ji Won's character traveled to Germany to seek approval for a new cancer therapy. Subtly hoping that Baek Hyun Woo would accompany her, she concealed her true sentiments by acting as though she was more at ease traveling alone.

But after she had departed, Hyun Woo couldn't stop thinking about his wife and ended up taking a plane to Germany to find her. This resulted in a beautiful, serendipitous reunion at Sanssouci Palace, a location that carried sentimental memories from the couple's honeymoon.

ICYDK, Sansscouci is a historical building in Potsdam near Berlin. With its name literally translating to "without worries" in French, the historic structure was constructed for Prussian King Frederick the Great as his summer palace between 1745 and 1747.

The complex, which includes the palaces and park, is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its exceptional architectural design and landscaping.

The Rooftop Terrace — Hotel de Rome

With its expansive views of Berlin, the Hotel de Rome's rooftop terrace provides an emotional backdrop for the lovers' attempts to rekindle their romance in episode six. This includes the moment when Hae-in asks Hyun-woo if he would cry during the former's funeral, making the latter want to feel sad.

Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom)

Hyun-woo offers a prayer to Hae-in in the Berlin Cathedral , one of the city's most prominent spots, following the latter's search for cancer therapy.

Though it is not totally seen in the series, Berliner Dom "marks the spot of the impressive basilica housing the city's most important Protestant church."But even though it was called a cathedral, it has the status of a parish church.

Eiserner Steg

Episode six continued with Hae-in beginning to look for the love locks she and her husband had secured on the Eiserner Steg or the Iron Bridge railings three years ago.

Located in Frankfurt, Germany, which is over five hours away from Berlin, Eiserner Steg is one of Frankfurt's iconic landmarks, which was "opened in 1869 to alleviate the heavy traffic on the only bridge between the north and south parts of town."

Using this bridge, you can explore Frankfurt's exquisite old buildings and fascinating museums without having to walk very far.

Taoasis Botanical Scent Garden

This botanical garden, which has over 500,000 plants used to extract aromas and essential oils, provides a tranquil setting for the K-drama's first episode.

Likewise, Taoasis houses the lavender Lavandula angustifolia , "from which the unique harmonizing and calming lavender oil is obtained."

Moreover, the place caters to "almost all the important aromatic medicinal plants and herbs such as rosemary, hyssop, lemon balm, peppermint, oregano, St. John's wort, yarrow, and much more Fascinating Mediterranean plants and fragrant exotic plants," according to its website .

TAGS: Netflix travel K-drama Germany EUROPE Queen of Tears

Yoniel Acebuche

Yoniel Acebuche is a journalist by profession and a beauty queen by passion. She has constantly joined beauty pageants in different cities and fiestas across the Philippines ever since she was 15. Writing and pageantry are her empowering ways to connect to other people as well as to understand herself.

The 5 stages of the 2024 total solar eclipse explained for April 8

On Monday (April 8), a total solar eclipse will sweep across the Americas. Here's how it will play out.

Stage 1: First contact

Stage 2: second contact, stage 3: totality, stage 4: third contact, stage 5: fourth contact.

On Monday, April 8, the 2024 total solar eclipse will sweep through the sky over North America. 

While all of North America and Central America will experience at least a partial  solar eclipse , those within a path with a width of approximately 115 miles (185 kilometers) passing over 15 U.S. States. Mexico, and Canada will also witness a totality as the moon entirely covers the disk of the sun.

You can  watch the total solar eclipse live on Space.com . You can also keep up with all the eclipse-related action with our   total solar eclipse 2024 live updates   blog.

Don't be in the dark about the 2024 total eclipse

There are three major types of solar eclipse. A total solar eclipse like that on April 8 occurs when the moon is relatively close to Earth and blocks the entire disk of the sun. 

Because the moon's orbit around our planet is an ellipse, sometimes it is further away and thus appears smaller. An eclipse at these times sees the moon only an obscure part of the solar disk, with the sun appearing as a glowing ring of fire. These events are called annular solar eclipses , and the last one seen over the U.S. occurred on Oct. 14, 2023.

Finally, a partial solar eclipse is an event that happens when the Earth, moon, and sun are not perfectly aligned, resulting in the lunar disk only covering part of our star, making the sun appear as if a bite has been taken out of it. Partial eclipses also happen at the beginning and ending stages of total and annular eclipses.

On April 8, 2024, the moon will be in its new moon phase , and it will look relatively large, meaning it is capable of covering 100% of the sun's disk as viewed from the narrow path of totality. The fraction of the diameter of the sun covered by the moon is known as the magnitude of a solar eclipse . On April 8, 2024, this value will be 1.0566,  according to EclipseWise.com , slightly more than total coverage. 

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NASA has released an interactive map of the total eclipse, which space enthusiasts can use to track the totality as it drifts across the globe. However, location won't be the only factor affecting the appearance of the total solar eclipse on Monday. The eclipse will pass through 5 distinct stages, with each of these phases occurring at different times across different locations.

What are the stages of the annular solar eclipse? 

In the initial stage of the eclipse, the moon will begin to pass in front of the sun, kick-starting a partial solar eclipse. During this phase, the darkened lunar disk of the moon will make the sun appear as if a bite has been taken out of its illuminated face. This "bite" will get bigger and bigger as the totality approaches.

During the first stage of the total solar eclipse, some onlookers will be able to see rapidly moving, long, dark bands called " shadow bands " on the sides of buildings or the ground. Bailey's beads , caused by light streaming through the valleys on the horizon of the moon, may also be visible at the moon's edges during this initial stage. These phenomena repeat during the second partial eclipse that occurs after totality.

On April 8, this stage of the partial eclipse will first be seen near Pu‘uali‘i, Hawaii, at  6:27 a.m. local time (12:27 p.m. EDT, 1627 GMT).

First contact will last for between 70 and 80 minutes, and its conclusion will be marked by a single bright spot, or " diamond ring ," appearing at the edge of the moon. This marks the second contact stage and heralds the oncoming totality. 

On April 8, the total solar eclipse will make landfall at Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico, at 9:51 a.m. local time (12:51 p.m. EDT, 16:51 GMT).

Stage 3 and the mid-point of the total solar eclipse is the totality.  At this point, the moon completely covers the solar disk. During the totality of the outer atmosphere of the sun, the corona may become visible as white streamers at the edge of the moon. This region is usually washed out by bright light from the solar surface, the photosphere. The inner atmosphere of the sun, the chromosphere , may be visible as a wispy aura around the edge of the moon.

The totality may also make stars and planets visible in the darkened sky that are usually not visible from America during daylight hours. 

On April 8, the first location to experience totality will be Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico at  11:07 a.m. local time  (2:07 p.m. EDT, 1807 GMT). The first location to experience totality in the U.S. will be Near Florentino Ramos Colonia, Texas, at 1:27 p.m. local time (2:27 p.m. EDT, 1827 GMT).

The duration of the totality depends on the path from which the eclipse is viewed. In Mexico, totality will last for 40 minutes and 43 seconds. Skywatchers in the U.S. will collectively experience totality for 67 minutes and 58 seconds. Onlookers in Canada will experience the totality of the solar eclipse for 34 minutes and 4 seconds.

The fourth stage of the total solar eclipse, third contact, will see the moon start to move away from the disk of the sun, thus ending the totality and starting the second partial eclipse period. Brightening appears on the opposite side of the moon as it did during the second contact period. At this time, skywatchers will get another chance to spot Baily's Beads along the edge of the moon and shadow bands on the buildings and ground around them, with this stage mirroring the second contact stage. 

The total solar eclipse ends on the Atlantic coast at 5:16 p.m. local time (3:46 p.m. EDT, 1946 GMT). 

The fifth and final stage of the total solar eclipse. The moon moves away from the disk of the sun, meaning that at fourth contact, the moon is no longer even partially eclipsing the sun. At this point, 2024's total solar eclipse will be over.

On April 8, on the Atlantic coast of  Newfoundland and Labrador, the partial eclipse phase ends at 6:18 p.m. local time (4:48 p.m. EDT, 2048 GMT).

— A 'horned' comet may be visible during the 2024 total solar eclipse

— How photos of the April 8 solar eclipse will help us understand of the sun's atmosphere

— How fast will April's total solar eclipse travel?

If you intend to view any of these stages, the most important thing to consider is how to safely view it. Looking at the sun without adequate protection at any time is harmful to the eyes, so eclipse watchers should take precautions on Monday. 

Sunglasses, regardless of how dark they are, can't protect the eyes from the effect of the sun, so specialized eclipse glasses made from safe solar filter materials will be needed. If skywatchers intend to watch the event with a telescope, special filters will be needed to make this a safe viewing experience.

Our how to observe the sun safely guide tells you everything you need to know about safe solar observations.

Following the 2024 total solar eclipse, skywatchers in the U.S. will next get the opportunity to see a total solar eclipse on March 30, 2033 . The totality of this eclipse, which will last 2 minutes 37 seconds, will be visible in Alaska. Following this, on Aug. 23, 2044 , a total solar eclipse will be visible from the U.S. states of Montana, South Dakota, and North Dakota, as well as from much of Canada.

Under a year later, on Aug.12, 2045 , another total solar eclipse will sweep over the U.S., visible from California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia, and Florida, as well as from the Caribbean, and South America.  

Submit your photos! If you capture a photo of the April 8 total solar eclipse and would like to share it with Space.com's readers, send photos, videos, comments, and your name, location and content usage permission release to [email protected] .

Join our Space Forums to keep talking space on the latest missions, night sky and more! And if you have a news tip, correction or comment, let us know at: [email protected].

Robert Lea is a science journalist in the U.K. whose articles have been published in Physics World, New Scientist, Astronomy Magazine, All About Space, Newsweek and ZME Science. He also writes about science communication for Elsevier and the European Journal of Physics. Rob holds a bachelor of science degree in physics and astronomy from the U.K.’s Open University. Follow him on Twitter @sciencef1rst.

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