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25 of the Best Places to Visit in Germany for Breathtaking Mountains, Medieval Towns, and Moving Historic Sites

Go underground in Berlin or take a seat at a traditional beer garden for the ultimate German itinerary.

Lindsay Cohn is a writer, editor, and avid traveler who has visited 45 countries across six continents — and counting. She contributes to Travel + Leisure, Hotels Above Par, InsideHook, Well+Good, The Zoe Report, and more.

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Germany is filled with charming small towns, exhilarating cities, enchanting castles, historic landmarks, and famous festivities — notably Oktoberfest and the Christmas markets. With 16 states, from Bavaria to Bremen, there are a lot of different ways to vacation in Deutschland. That might look like bopping around to hilltop villages on a road trip or plopping down in a vibrant metropolis and going on some interesting day trips. To compile this list of the best places to visit in Germany, we asked Liam S. Dunch, the Product Manager, Europe at Abercrombie & Kent , and Caroline Quinn, a travel expert at Black Tomato , to share their top picks.

• Best tourist destination: Neuschwanstein Castle
• Underrated hidden gem: Cologne
• Best for families: Europa-Park
• Best for couples: Baden-Baden
• Best for solo travelers: Heidelberg

Keep reading for even more destination ideas for your Germany trip.

Neuschwanstein Castle 

One of Germany’s most famous and frequented attractions, Neuschwanstein Castle welcomes a whopping 1.4 million visitors each year. Travelers come from all over to gawk at the fairy-tale medieval palace and far-reaching views from atop a dramatic rocky hilltop in the Bavarian Alps. Quinn recommends booking timed-entry reservations to avoid waiting in lengthy lines.

With a striking Gothic cathedral at its center, Cologne is filled with historic attractions and unique museums. The Farina Fragrance Museum delves into the history of eau de cologne in the perfumery where it was first created. You can also find a vast collection of art at the Museum Ludwig , which is home to works by Picasso, Warhol, and Lichtenstein. For something sweeter, the Chocolate Museum is a thorough exploration of the history of cocoa production with tasting sessions and guided tours available.

Europa-Park

Europa-Park GmbH & Co Mack KG

Travelers of all ages will have a blast at Europa-Park , a theme park in Rust, Germany with more than 100 attractions including 14 thrilling roller coasters, a water park, and live shows. There are also over 50 themed restaurants and bars, plus hotels, a camping site, and even a wellness spa. Looking for something unique? The resort area is also home to Eatrenalin , an experience that combines fine dining with theme park technology for a totally immersive meal.

Baden-Baden 

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Since the 19th century, European aristocracy (including Napoleon III and Queen Victoria) have decamped to Baden-Baden, on the edge of southwestern Germany's Black Forest. The Belle Époque spa town retains its glamorous reputation and wellness credentials, continuing to entice well-heeled travelers with thermal baths and high-class spa hotels such as Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa .   

Historic Heidelberg always feels fresh, even with a centuries-old castle watching over it. City life centers on the university, which is the oldest in Germany and was founded in the 14th century, and the large student population keeps the nightlife vibrant. Just one hour away from Frankfurt, this city's baroque charms are well-preserved in the Old Town and along the Old Bridge. Still, Heidelberg Castle is the biggest attraction, housing multiple museums and gardens. In December, the city hosts one of Germany's best Christmas markets , filling up five city squares with festive stalls.

When it comes to fashion, art, and notoriously hard-to-get-into nightclubs, no city does it like Berlin . Beyond the historic attractions and museums, get a taste of life in the German capital by exploring boho-chic neighborhoods like Neukölln, where you can spend your days perusing the vintage shops and art galleries. Get some rest before heading for a night out in Kreuzberg or give it your best shot to win the bouncer's approval at the legendary megaclub Berghain .

East Side Gallery in Berlin

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Once a symbol of oppression — and an enduring reminder of Germany’s turbulent past — the concrete barrier that used to divide the city now serves a vastly different purpose thanks to the creation of the East Side Gallery. Artists transformed the largest remaining section of the Berlin Wall into an open-air art gallery with colorful, thought-provoking graffiti murals.

Museum Island in Berlin

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“I always tell first-time visitors to Berlin to check out Museum Island,” says Quinn. Situated in the middle of the Spree River, this architecturally stunning cultural complex houses five magnificent museums: Altes Museum, Neues Museum, Alte Nationalgalerie, Bode Museum, and Pergamon Museum.

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If there's a winner for the best place and time to be in Germany, it's Munich during Oktoberfest . Each year, the city pulls off the beer extravaganza in the Theresienwiese, a giant beer hall with tons of tables and just one of the venues keeping the pints flowing for the millions of attendees. Even when it's not Oktoberfest, Munich delights travelers with an array of attractions like the sprawling gardens of Nymphenburg Palace and medieval architecture radiating out from the historic square of Marienplatz. For something more modern, check out the Deutsches Museum , one of the world's largest science and technology museums.

Hofbräuhaus in Munich

The most famous of the many beer halls in Munich, Hofbräuhaus takes patrons back in time to an era when tokens were used to pay for steins and shares the tradition of gemütlichkeit (geniality) with visitors from around the world through live music, warm hospitality, and homemade Bavarian food.

Black Forest

Named for the dark shade beneath its dense canopy, the Black Forest in southwest Germany is one of the most beautiful and romanticized forests in the world , conjuring the image of an enchanted place straight out of a Brothers Grimm fairy tale. There are adventures aplenty in this storied forest, where you can hike the schnapps trail , visit the splendid Triberger Waterfall, or enjoy a scenic funicular ride above Baden-Baden with the MerkurBergbahn .

Baiersbronn

Baiersbronn, a quaint village between Stuttgart and Strasbourg, France, is the culinary capital of the Black Forest with seven Michelin-starred restaurants and even more that have earned other culinary awards. “It’s the perfect place to stop for lunch on a drive through this scenic region,” says Quinn.

Titisee-Neustadt

  GettyImages / István Kovács 

Nestled within the Black Forest, Titisee-Neustadt is a getaway on the lakeshore that’s beloved for family fun and access to nature. During the summer, active types love to hit the scenic trails and climb Hochfirst Mountain, while winter means skiing and sledding. Bringing the kiddos? Head to Badeparadies Schwarzwald , an indoor water park with slides, mineral pools, and saunas. 

Rothenburg ob der Tauber

One of the most beautiful small towns in the world , Rothenburg ob der Tauber is an endlessly charming village along Germany’s fabled Romantic Road in the Franconia region of Bavaria. Its cobblestone lanes, half-timbered houses, churches, medieval walls, and towers look like they were plucked from a storybook.

Courtroom 600 in Nuremberg

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Many people who visit Germany want to gain a deeper understanding of the tragic events of the 20th century. “Not only does a trip to Courtroom 600 mean the chance to step inside the room where Nazi leaders were tried for their unspeakable crimes, but visitors can also watch real footage of the Nuremberg trials and learn about the legacy of the verdicts,” explains Dunch.

Bach Museum, Leipzig

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Dunch urges lovers of classical music to make the pilgrimage to Leipzig, where Johann Sebastian Bach composed most of his major works and spent the last 27 years of his life. The Bach Museum houses a collection of instruments, original manuscripts, and other memorabilia related to the German composer. 

Schloss Proschwitz in Meissen

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Schloss Proschwitz is a beautiful early-18th-century castle in the district of Meissen — between Leipzig and Dresden — with elegant interiors and gardens. The estate is home to Saxony's oldest private winery, which invites visitors for cellar tours and tastings.

Meissen Porcelain Museum

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“The medieval town of Meissen has produced fine figurines and crockery since 1710,” explains Dunch. The Meissen Porcelain Museum tells the story of the region's renowned decorative art through a collection of more than 2,000 objects — including ornate tables used in the royal courts of Europe in the 18th century, vases, candle holders, and intricate animal figurines.

Linderhof Palace

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Germany has dozens of fairy-tale castles and palaces, so instead of (or after) fighting the crowds at Neuschwanstein Castle, Dunch suggests visiting nearby Linderhof Palace : “It’s easy to see why this idyllic fantasy ‘hunting lodge’ was King Ludwig II’s favorite getaway.”

The grounds are lovely, but the extravagance of the interior is what makes it worth the trip. The most impressive room is the king's enormous bedroom (relative to the size of the rest of the building) in which the bed stands almost on a stage surrounded by fine embroidery, golden ornaments, and giant candelabras.

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Set on the shores of Lake Constance in Bavaria, Lindau attracts travelers with its harborfront charm and scenic views. On the itinerary? Catch sight of Switzerland across the water as you stroll the streets, check out the lighthouse, pause along Seepromenade to snap photos of the 12th-century Mangturm watchtower, and embark on a kayak excursion.

Spreewald Biosphere Reserve

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Tucked between Berlin and Dresden, the UNESCO-listed Spreewald Biosphere Reserve is a unique inland delta along the Spree with waterways and woodlands. It’s an idyllic setting for kayaking along the channels and soaking in the natural beauty of the area. 

Porsche Experience Center Leipzig

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Sports car enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Porsche Experience Center Leipzig , a state-of-the-art factory and test circuit. Ready to go at full throttle? After the tour and a brief history lesson, accelerate, brake, and drift on an adrenaline-pumping drive on the circular track.   

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Zugspitze , Germany's highest mountain, rises 9,718 feet above sea level and stands out as a top spot for high-altitude fun and year-round recreation. The Wankbahn cable car operates from late spring to late autumn, bringing visitors to Mount Wank — opposite the Zugspitze — for a Bavarian-style breakfast at Sonnenalm restaurant and far-reaching panoramas of the famous peak. Hiking is also popular during the warmer months, while winter brings opportunities for skiing, tobogganing, and glacier tours.

Germany doesn't usually conjure up images of turquoise waters, but the beautiful Eibsee promises just that. Sitting at the base of the Zugspitze, this pristine lake is surrounded by alpine peaks that make it a favorite for boating and hiking. You can take a traditional cruise or rent a rowboat to explore its eight small islands. In the summer, the lake may even be warm enough to swim in, reaching highs of 68 degrees Fahrenheit.

Therme Erding

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Visiting Therme Erding , located less than 25 miles northeast of Munich, feels like walking into a rain forest inside a greenhouse. With a glass ceiling to keep the cold out and let the light in, the largest thermal bath complex in Europe promises summer temperatures all year long. The giant water slides, wave pool, and lazy river are a hit with kids, but if you prefer relaxation, there's a classic spa and sauna area just for adults. You can also partake in a daily program of activities from exercise classes to guided meditation.

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