Are you looking for the finest tourist attractions for yourvisit in Germany? We have compiled all the best places to travel to and also have a few great insider tips! There are many beautiful spots to visit in Germany - from Rügen over Saxon Switzerland to the Alps. The varied nature in Germany with meter-high rock formations, lush green landscapes, white, seemingly endless cliffs, or incredible, deep blue lakes inspires visitors from all over the world. There are manyhistoric cities as well as historic sites in Germany, such as theCologneCathedral orBambergand its Old Town. In addition, you can find a lot of modern architecture, like the upside-down house inHamburgor the Gehry buildings inDüsseldorf. Among the best places to visit are also St. Thomas Church in Leipzig and Heidelberg Castle. Tip:Especially small towns like Rothenburg or the cities along the Rhine Valley are perfect for an extraordinary trip. If you are interested in outdoor activities: The Black Forest or the Bavarian Alps are definitely also worth a visit! Yes, indeed.The UNESCO World Heritage List in Germany comprises 48 sites(as of 2021). They include churches, castles, palaces and old towns, but also cultural landscapes and even the Swabian caves - because of the remains of an Ice Age culture. Popular tourist destinations on the list are Aachen Cathedral, Würzburg Residence with Court Garden and Residence Square, Augustusburg and Falkenlust Castles in Brühl, and the Hanseatic City of Lübeck. What are the best architectural treasures and places of natural beauty for you personally? Would you rather visit the Romantic Rhine, which is also a World Heritage Cultural Landscape, or a Christmas market in Nuremberg's Old Town? Perhaps, you are interested in the history surrounding World War II and would especially like to see Berlin with the Brandenburg Gate and its Museum Island? Read on to find out the best places to visit in Germany. Take a look at our detailed list and find out about thebest places to visit in Germanyto help you decide where to take your trip: The Brandenburg Gate inBerlinis apopular tourist attractionthat is part of almost every visit in Germany. The gate dates back to a long and symbolic period in history. Between 1788 and 1791, the gate was built at the behest of Prussian King Frederick William II on Pariser Platz in Berlin and was intended as a symbol of peace. Its original name was therefore also “Peace Gate.” The model for the construction was the Acropolis in Athens. With the construction of the Berlin Wall, the Brandenburg Gate became a symbol of division, as it stood in the middle of the restricted area. With the fall of the Wall,the gatethen became a symbol of the reunification of Germany. Today it is a great attraction for all Berlin visitors and one of the most important sights in Berlin. Brandenburger Gate - Germany CologneCathedral is popular with tourists and pilgrims alike: With more than six million visitors a year, it isGermany's most popular tourist attractionand also one of the most important pilgrimage churches in Europe. Art lovers certainly get their money's worth, too, as the church building is one of the European masterpieces of High Gothic architecture. The foundation stones of today's Cologne Cathedral were laid as early as the Middle Ages, in 1248. In 1530, the construction was stopped for lack of money and the unfinished cathedral shaped the image of the German city of Cologne for over 300 years. It was not until 1842 that construction continued and was completed in 1880. Tip:Highlights include the panoramic view from the South Towers and the 12th and 13th century stained glass windows in the Chapel of the Epiphany. For the best view of the city and the river, climb the 533 steps to theobservation deckin the South Tower. Cologne Cathedral - Germany Neuschwanstein Castlewas commissioned by King Ludwig II and built in the Ammergau Alps in the style of old German medieval castles. The foundation stone was laid on September 5, 1869. In the family tradition, the building plan, a portrait of the builder and money coins from his reign were embedded in the cornerstone. Guided by various architectural and artistic motifs, the romantic image of a medieval knight's castle was thus created, the completion of which the king himself never saw. Shortly after the king's passing, Neuschwanstein Castle was opened to the public and has sinceoffered an impressive glimpse into the world of the fairytale King Ludwig II. Due to its spectacular location and the fact that it served as inspiration for Disney movies such as “Cinderella,” the fascinating architectural masterpiece attracts more than a million visitors every year and isone of the best places to visit in Germany. Neuschwanstein - Germany The Black Forest is amountainous region in the southwestern corner of Germanybordering France. The Black Forest is best known for its dense evergreen forests and picturesque villages. It is also famous for its spas andcuckoo clocks, which have been produced in the region since the 18th century. The largest city in the Black Forest isFreiburg, surrounded by vineyards. Here visitors can also admire numerous Gothic buildings. Black Forest - Germany According to the Guinness Book of Records, theMiniatur Wunderland in Hamburg's Speicherstadtis the world'slargest model railroad layoutwith more than 1040 digitally controlled trains. But theWunderlandis more than just a sight for railroad fans and children. In the largeWunderlandworld, there are also small landscapes with special places from all over the world to see. For example, the small trains travel through the Alps, America and, of course, the recreated Hamburg. Did you know thatHamburg- located on the Elbe River - is thelargest seaport in Germany? With an area of 7,200 hectares, the 800-year-old port occupies one-tenth of the city. Among the 10,000 ships that enter each year are the largest cruise ships and cargo vessels in the world. Navy ships are also among them. You can see the ships up close on a harbor tour. The tours are one of the attractions in Hamburg that hardly anyone misses. Miniature Wonderland - Hamburg, Germany A vacation on the river Rhine means pure romance. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe also knew aboutthe beauty of the Rhine Valleyand visited the unique cultural landscape along the river banks, which was - and still is - characterized by medieval castles, lush green vineyards, historic half-timbered houses and spectacular views. With a total length of 1,232.7 km, the Romantic Rhine is one of the busiest waterways in the world. The headwaters of the Rhine River are mainly located in the Swiss canton of Graubünden, while its estuary arms reach as far as the North Sea in the Netherlands. In Germany alone, the Rhine stretches over a length of 865 km and is divided into the High Rhine, Upper Rhine, Middle Rhine and Lower Rhine. Tip:More than 60 castles and palaces along the Rhine invite you to extensive explorations, the Rheinsteig promises 320 km of adventure hiking at the highest level, while boat trips on the Middle Rhine introduce you to the legendary world of theLoreley Rock. This 132-meter-high, steep rock of dark clay-slate is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Upper Middle Rhine Valley. Rheinstein Castle - Germany The Museum Island is anensemble of five museums locatedin the northern part of Spree Island in the historical town center ofBerlin.It isone of the most important sights in the German capital and one of the most significant museum complexes in Europe. The centerpiece of this pedestrian-friendly district is theOld Museum (Altes Museum), built in 1830 as a place to display royal treasures. Soon after, the area behind the museum was dedicated to art museums and ancient knowledge at thePergamon Museum. Other museums in the Museum Island: Bode Museum, Museum Island - Berlin, Germany TheOld Town Hallin the old imperial city ofBambergis a real curiosity:Just as amazing as its history are the frescoes that adorn the façade of the building. According to the city's history, the bishop of Bamberg did not want to give the citizens space to build a town hall. Therefore, the people of Bamberg rammed piles into the Regnitz River, creating an artificial island on which they erected the building. The Old Town Hall is remarkable because of its frescoes, which lend plasticity to the façade through mock architecture. An interesting detail: The leg of one of theputti(a figure in a work of art depicted as a chubby male child, usually naked and sometimes with wings) is sticking out of the wall frescoes as a sculpture. Today, the Old Town Hall houses the representative Rococo Hall and the Ludwig Collection. Tip:The New Town Hall in the historic city center of Bamberg is also worth avisit in Germany. During winter, you should not miss the Christmas market! Old Town hall - Bamberg, Germany Rügen is a German island in the East Sea. The island's beaches and white chalk cliffs are well known, including the Königsstuhl on the Jasmund peninsula. On the rock, there is a viewing platform and a visitor center with exhibitions about the nature of Rügen. The King's Chair is part of the Jasmund National Park, where you can find original beach forests and the sea eagle. The island is also ideal for active vacationers: You can go hiking or do water sports, and there are also numerous well-developed bike paths on Rügen. Tip:The best places to visit in Rügen are thelighthouse at Cape Arkonaand the piers in Sellin, Binz and Sassnitz, as well as the fairytale forest in the north of the island. Rügen - Germany It is almost impossible to describe how beautiful Germany can be. In Berchtesgadener Land you will find everything: Unspoiled nature, waterfalls, crystal clear lakes and the beautiful Bavarian Alps.This natural paradise is located about two hours fromMunich. TheAlpine National Park, which includes Lake Königssee, is located right on the border with Austria. Embedded in a huge mountain landscape,the lovely Bavarian lake is about 8 km long. Despite its idyllic location, Königssee is a tourist hotspot. You should focus on the surrounding mountains during your stay: On the hiking trails around Königssee you will feel incredibly connected with the beautiful nature and make your visit in Germany an unforgettable experience. Kings Lake - Germany After the end of the Cold War,Berlinwas chosen as the capital of recently-unified Germany. Berlin has not only historical buildings but also the infamous Berlin Wall.For almost three decades, the city was divided by a wall: From August 13, 1961, to November 9, 1989. It cut right through the middle of Berlin, separating the city into East and West Germany. Between July 1990 and November 1991, around 155 km of the Berlin Wall were gradually dismantled, 43 km of which served as the inner-city border between Eastern Germany and Western Germany. As a result, only a few remnants of this structure, which shaped the cityscape for decades after World War II, remain in Berlin. The longest preserved piece of the Wall is located on Bernauer Strasse. Tip:Visit the excellent Berlin Wall exhibition and the Berlin Wall Memorial. Many historic buildings (such as Berlin's Parliament) were restored after the Second World War and are also worth a stop. Berlin Wall - Germany The island of Mainau in Lake Constance is located at one of the southernmost tips of Germany and has beautiful parks. Over a million tulips in spring, more than 1,000 roses in bloom in summer and over 12,000 magnificent dahlias in autumn:The island is a flower paradise all year round! The flower year begins in spring with one of Germany's largest orchid shows in the Palm House on Mainau Island. In spring, thousands of tulips and daffodils also bloom. During summer, roses, and fall, dahlias, invite you to choose the most beautiful flowers. The flower island in Lake Constance with its tropical and semitropical vegetation is certainly one of the most beautiful parks in the world and one of the best places to visit in Germany. Tip:In thetropical butterfly house, about 40 different species of butterflies can also be observed in all stages of their life cycle. Island Mainau: Flower Island of Lake Constance - Germany Sanssouci Palace inPotsdamnear Berlin was Frederick the Great's pleasure palace. With its magnificent gardens, it is apopular attraction and a must-see for tourists. On April 14, 1745, the foundation stone was laid for the “world star” among Brandenburg's palaces. The result is a composition of architecture, sculpture and garden art that surpasses all Prussian royal palaces in its fantastic location, serene atmosphere, imaginative playfulness and surprising sophistication. Frederick II had the southern slope on which the palace stands terraced into a vineyard a year before construction began. The six-step open staircase and the parabolically shaped terraces set the perfect stage for the rococo era. Tip:Sanssouci is world-famous as a parkwith unique terraces and a magnificent fountain in the center, and was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1990. Some of the park buildings there are extremely worth seeing, especially the Picture Gallery with its numerous works of art. Sanssouci Park and Palace - Germany Rothenburg: This beautiful city with itshalf-timbered buildings and ancient wallsis the last attraction on our list of the most popular places to visit in Germany and definitely should not be skipped. The beautiful city in the north of Bavaria is especially known for its medieval architecture. Half-timbered houses stand along the cobblestone streets of the old town. The city wall includes many preserved gatehouses and towers, as well as a covered walkway over the wall.St. Jacob's Churchhas an ornate late Gothic altarpiece by the woodcarver Tilman Riemenschneider. Tip:The medieval town hall also has a tower with a beautiful panoramic view. Rhotenburg ob der Tauber - Germany If you are looking for places to visit outside of Germany's border, there are many other European countries that are relatively quick to reach: In the north, Germany borders Denmark with its endless coastline, numerous islands and its hip capital Copenhagen. Whether for a vacation in a colorful wooden holiday home by the sea, a camping vacation or a city break:The Scandinavian neighbor of Germany is the right destination for almost everyone. Only mountain lovers will not find what they are looking for in Denmark, but the flat country is perfect for cycling, for example. In the east, Germany adjoins Poland with its diverse landscape. From the eastern part of the German island of Usedom to the Russian border stretch 500 km of beautiful sandy beaches. But also hiking enthusiasts get their money's worth in Poland. A part of the High Tatras as well as the Giant Mountains belong to Poland and attract with breathtaking summit panoramas.If you are interested in inexpensive city trips, you will find them in Szczecin, Gdansk or Krakow. Another eastern neighbor of Germany is the Czech Republic. Besides the historical capital Prague,the Czech Republic offers wonderful nature experiences in its mountain ranges, such as the Czech parts of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains or the Giant Mountains. When snow and ice are present, winter sports enthusiasts also can enjoy themselves to the fullest. If you are looking for a cheap travel destination in Europe and don't want to travel far from Germany, you will find many beautiful corners and cities to explore. Germany's southern neighborattracts hiking and climbing enthusiasts to the Alpswith a network of over 40,000 km of hiking trails. Crystal clear lakes and magnificent cities also draw many visitors to Austria at any time of the year. The culinary delights should not remain unmentioned as well. Next to Austria, Switzerland is Germany's second southern neighbor. With its Alpine peaks, the country attracts mainly hikers and active holidaymakers to the mountains and numerous lakes in summer. In winter, Switzerland offers excellent ski resorts for all lovers of winter sports. Even though Switzerland is not a cheap travel destination,it offers exciting destinations that can be reached quickly and comfortably by train from Germany. As another neighbor of Germany, France offers analmost unbelievable range of attractions, from Mediterranean beaches to small sleepy mountain villages to the historic fashion metropolis of Paris. Not to forget: France stands for culinary delights of the highest order! One of Germany's most popular neighboring countries is its western neighbor with its windmills and endless tulip fields.The flat country with its cheese specialties is the ideal destination for beach lovers and city travelers. Besides the capital Amsterdam, art and architecture lovers are drawn to The Hague or Rotterdam. Other interesting places like Delft with its world-famous tiles or Alkmaar as a cheese stronghold are also worth a trip. Germany offers a wealth of places to visit not only within its borders. If you choose Berlin as your starting point, for example, you can easily continue exploring the neighboring countries to the east. From Hamburg, Denmark is just a stone's throw away, and cities like Cologne are best combined with a visit to the Netherlands, Luxembourg or Belgium! Nature-lovers should choose a city like Munich as a starting point and continue their journey to Austria or Switzerland to really see all the best places to visit in this part of Europe!Germany tourist places: What are the top tourist attractions?
Is there a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Germany?
What part of Germany should I visit?
Must-see places in Germany: The 14 best places to visit
1. Berlin's Brandenburg Gate
2. Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom)
3. The Ultimate Fairytale Castle: Neuschwanstein
4. The Black Forest
5. Miniatur Wunderland and the Historic Port of Hamburg
6. The Rhine Valley
7. Berlin's Museum Island in the City Center
8. Bamberg and the Old Town Hall
9. The Island of Rügen
10. Königssee (King's Lake)
11. The Capital City of Berlin and the Berlin Wall
12. Insel Mainau: The Flower Island of Lake Constance
13. Sanssouci Park and Palace in Potsdam
14. Rothenburg ob der Tauber
What are the most beautiful tourist places near Germany?
1. Denmark
2. Poland
3. Czech Republic
4. Austria
5. Switzerland
6. France
7. The Netherlands
Conclusion
FAQ
What are great photo spots to visit in Germany?
What does the landscape in Germany look like?
What are three iconic tourist attractions in Germany?
What is the most visited place in Germany?
See Also
Experience Rostock, the pictueresque seaside city - Germany TravelTHE 25 BEST Cruises to Berlin 2024 (with Prices) - Berlin Cruise Port Terminal on Cruise CriticTop 20 Most Beautiful Cities in Germany - Bring Your Camera!The Best Cities in Germany for Expats: Over vs. Underrated
