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8 of the best places to visit in Germany

May 9, 2024 • 6 min read

Plan your trip to Germany with this guide to the best places to visit © Westend61 / Getty Images

At the heart of Western Europe  is  Germany , a boundless feast for travelers.

Its endless variety of historic yet cutting-edge cities, romantic forests, and cultural riches can often make the task of planning a visit daunting. It would take a lifetime to see all of this fascinating country’s highlights, so take it slow and make a start with our guide to the very best places to visit in Germany.

1. The Middle Rhine Valley (the Rhine Gorge)

As the Rhine , Germany’s second-longest river, flows south from Koblenz , it cuts a gorge through a gasp-inducing landscape of vineyards and castles. The stretch between Koblenz and Rüdesheim, known as the Oberes Mittelrheintal (Upper Middle Rhine Valley) is so special it won UNESCO World Heritage listing in 2002.

A land heavily contested over the centuries, the Oberes Mittelrheintal harbors wonderful castles like  Pfalzgrafstein ,  Burg Rheinstein ,  Burg Reichenstein and Koblenz’s mighty Festung Ehrenbreitstein .

Planning tip:  Make time to visit some of the many wineries and wine bars here. We recommend Bingen’s Weingut Georg Breuer,   Alte Weinstube Zum Hubertus in Koblenz and Zum Grünen Baum in Bacharach.

2. Cologne 

Cologne (Köln) is known for its liberal climate and its wealth of historic sights. Taking its name from the Romans (who founded it in the first century CE as Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium), it’s been a major center of German history for centuries.

The most tangible symbol of Cologne’s importance and the essential sight is its magnificent 13th-century Gothic cathedral. The Kölner Dom  is Germany’s largest church, and was also Europe’s highest building until eclipsed by the  Eiffel Tower . Other must-see historical and cultural attractions include the  Römisch-Germanisches (Romano-Germanic) Museum and the sublime collection of 13th- to the 19th-century European art at the  Wallraf-Richartz-Museum & Fondation Corboud . 

Planning tip:  Pick up a  KölnCard  at the  Cologne Tourist Board office (adjacent to the cathedral) or at any KVB or DB ticket machines. A 24-hour individual ticket (€9) gets you unlimited public transport and up to 50% off at many cultural attractions, restaurants and shops.

Looking for more budget tips? Here's our money-saving guide to visiting Germany

3. The Baltic Coast

Northern Germany’s Baltic Coast represents a side of the country not many visitors anticipate. The indented southern coast of the Baltic Sea hides great swathes of pure sand, susurrating pines and pristine nature sanctuaries. Highlights include the former Hanseatic power Stralsund, a classic of red-brick Gothic gabled architecture; the sheer cliffs of  Jasmund National Park  on Rügen Island ; and the birdlife and beauty of the Darss-Zingst Peninsula.

Driving in Germany? Here are the best road trips

4. Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Perhaps the most enchanting village along the entire 400km (250 miles) of the Romantic Road ,  Rothenburg ob der Tauber (meaning “above the Tauber river”) is a wonderfully preserved example of a medieval German village. Strict heritage protection ensures that every turn reveals meandering cobbled lanes, glimpses of the intact city walls and venerable churches. See the local treasures collected in the  Reichsstadtmuseum , housed in a former Dominican convent, and the  Alt-Rothenburger Handwerkerhaus , where weavers, potters and other craftspeople ply their trade as they have done for over seven centuries.

5. Munich and the Bavarian Alps

Munich (München), the capital of the Free State of Bavaria (Freistaat Bayern) is the city most visitors associate with “classic” German culture – for while Germany is in fact a patchwork of cultures and dialects, it’s often the Bavarian model of Bierkellers , Bratwurst and Lederhosen that outsiders have in mind. Munich is no cliché, though: Germany’s third-largest city is a center of high-tech manufacturing and cutting-edge culture, as well as the gateway to the magnificent Bavarian Alps .

Essential sights and experiences include the  Residenzmuseum , the former palace of Bavaria’s ruling Wittelsbach dynasty; the museum-packed  Kunstareal district; and the gracious 17th-century Schloss Nymphenburg . An easy drive south of Munich lie the forested mountains, photogenic villages and ski- and spa-resorts of the beautiful Bavarian Alps.

Planning tip:  Oktoberfest  – the beer festival that starts each year in September – is synonymous with Munich, and is the busiest and most expensive time to visit. Accommodations are booked solid long in advance, so plan ahead.

Time your visit to Munich right with this seasonal guide

6. Erfurt and Weimar

The proximate central-German cities of  Erfurt and Weimar represent an astonishing concentration of cultural achievement and historic significance. Erfurt, capital of Thuringia , has one of Germany’s loveliest medieval centers, while Weimar stands tall as the capital of the eponymous 20th-century Republic, and before that the home of cultural luminaries such as Bach, Goethe, Schiller and Nietzsche.

Erfurt’s essential sights include its  cathedral , where Martin Luther was ordained, and the vast, baroque  Zitadelle Petersberg . In Weimar, make time for the Goethe-Nationalmuseum , in a building that was the author’s home of 50 years; the UNESCO-listed Herzogin Anna Amalia Bibliothek ; and the modernist treasures of the Bauhaus Museum , which also originated here.

7. The Black Forest

Bordering France and Switzerland , the Black Forest (Schwarzwald) is a vast woodland of more than 6000 sq km (2316 sq miles). From its spruce-swaddled slopes to deep valleys broken by silvery lakes and traditional villages and farmsteads, this diverse rural playground just begs to be explored by car, cycle or foot.

If you’re pressed for time, a drive along the Schwarzwaldhochstrasse ( Black Forest High Road ) from Baden-Baden to Freudenstadt unfurls a series of gorgeous vistas. If you have more time, consider hiking the 40km (25-mile)  Panoramaweg or the 12km (7.5-mile)  Feldberg–Steig to the forest’s highest peak. Population centers you should definitely include on your visit include Triberg, with its waterfall and cuckoo clocks; the laid-back university town of Freiburg ; and Alpirsbach, with its 11th-century Benedictine monastery .

Planning tip: While travelers are naturally drawn to the Black Forest’s great outdoors, it would be a mistake to overlook the region’s excellent cuisine. There’s Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte (Black Forest gâteau), of course – while lesser-known specialities include venison Baden-Baden , smoked Schwartzwalder Schinken (ham) and skinless lange rote (long red) sausages from Freiburg.

Don't miss Germany's best flavors with this guide to food and drink

No list of German highlights would be complete without the country’s capital and dynamic cultural engine room. Germany’s most populous city,  Berlin is a bountiful beast of a place, with some of the country’s definitive museums, dining, art and – perhaps above all – nightlife.

Boisterous Berlin has long had a bohemian streak. While you should definitely make time to for cultural highlights like the Mies van der Rohe–designed Neue Nationalgalerie and the treasure trove that is Museumsinsel (Museum Island), those seeking a party will surely find it in iconic venues like  Berghain and  Pratergarten , where beer and bonhomie have flowed together since 1837. As ever, Berlin’s party people continue to innovate . 

Planning tip:  Before you hit town, get yourself a Berlin Welcome Card online. It's available for varying periods of time, from 48-hours to 6-days, and gives unlimited rides on public transport , free entry to more than 30 top attractions plus up to 50% off entry to over 150 more, as well as other benefits.

Explore Berlin one neighborhood at a time with our guide

This article was first published Jun 3, 2021 and updated May 9, 2024.

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The 19 best things to do in Germany

The best things to do in Germany are a conveyor belt of the best things to do in travel. Nature, culture and more await

Germany is a remarkable country. Few states around the world bring together history, culture and nature like this place, and few have been as influential. More than 30 years have passed since the fall of the Berlin Wall brought about Germany’s reunification, and a leading international player was reborn. What are the best things to do in Germany? We’re glad you asked because running through them is a real treasure. Every corner of the country provides something stunning, from architectural wonders in the north to sweeping forests in the south. You can’t go wrong with Germany. The food ? That also happens to be delicious.

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Best things to do in Germany

1.  Climb the Reichstag dome

The Berlin landmark has been a distinctive site for German politics and identity ever since the February 1933 fire that enabled Hitler to impose emergency law and consolidate his one-party state. Bombed during the war, disused under East German rule and buttressed by the Berlin Wall, it became the modern home of the German parliament in 1999. Book online to visit its glass dome, offering great views across the capital and a timeline of the building’s turbulent history.

2.  Visit the Holocaust Memorial

Just south of the Brandenburg Gate, the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe defies the conventions of a typical memorial. Featuring no names, dates or focal points, it consists of 2,711 concrete slabs of varying height arranged in rows with narrow, undulating paths in between. The site is free and accessible day and night, 365 days a year, but go first thing in the morning or just after dark if you want to reflect in solitude.

3.  Swim in the Königsee

Freshwater paddling is one of Germany’s greatest pleasures, with thousands of spectacular lakes across the country, from sparkling Alpine pools to mellow waters in the pine forests near Berlin. If you have to choose just one, head to Königssee in Bavaria’s Berchtesgadener Land, a pristine beauty flanked by startling mountain faces. To work up a sweat before you dive in, take the short trek up to the Malerwinkel, a shady woodland clearing with sublime views down to the water.

4.  Say hallo to Elphi

The Elbphilharmonie, or “ElPhi,” is the pride and joy of Hamburg’s skyline and one of the most acoustically advanced auditoria in the world. On a dramatic peninsula of the Elbe river, the spectacular building combines a vast red-brick harbour warehouse with a soaring glass structure, shimmering with reflections of the sky and surrounding water. Even if you don’t manage to get tickets for a concert, the building itself is well worth admiring from the outside, or from the public Plaza viewing platform, with its 360-degree view of the city and harbour.

5.  Bike through the Black Forest National Park

Tucked between the genteel spa centre of Baden-Baden and the market town of Freudenstadt, the 100-square-kilometre Black Forest National Park is the Schwarzwald region at its untamed and evocative best. Whether or not the Brothers Grimm based their stories on this wild and wooded area, there’s sure a fairytale whisper through its deep valleys, high mountains, and near-pristine coniferous forest. Visit the National Park Centre in Ruhestein for maps, bike and hike routes and great discovery trails for kids.

6.  Stay the night like a Bauhauser at the Prellerhaus

With more than a century of Bauhaus brilliance now in the pocket, immerse yourself in the ethos and aesthetics of this pioneering art school with an overnight stay in its original studio building in Dessau. Badly damaged during WW2, the Prellerhaus is now meticulously restored to its Bauhaus days—a haven of clean lines, minimal forms and great washes of sunlight. For extra authenticity, you can book a room dedicated to a specific practitioner like Alfred and Gertrud Arndt, Josef and Anni Albers or Franz Ehrlich.

7.  Swing a Stein in Chinesischer Turm beer garden

From May through September, Germans flock to biergartens, and nowhere more so than Munich. For a picture-book experience, head for Munich’s Chinesischer Turm, a vast beer garden at the heart of the Englischer Garten, centred around a pagoda-styled building. Sit down at one of the communal tables, order your Stein, and tuck into some Schweinshaxn (roasted pork knuckle) if you get hungry. En route, swing by the Eisbachwelle, the man-made surf spot that is one of Munich’s most incongruous and enjoyable sights.

8.  Wander above the Sea of Fog at the Hamburger Kunsthalle

The Hamburger Kunsthalle in Hamburg is one of the most important museums in Germany, spanning 700 years of European art history. Swoon at major works by Holbein, Tiepolo, Canaletto, Rembrandt and van Dyck, and the paradigm of German Romanticism—Caspar David Friedrich’s  Wanderer above the Sea of Fog . Don’t miss out on the Kunsthalle’s exciting exhibition program, which includes a strong run of women artists to offset all those Old Masters.

9.  Max out on Schloss at Neuschwanstein

If you’ve seen  Chitty Chitty Bang Bang  or Disney’s  Cinderella,  you’ve already seen something of the outlandish Schloss Neuschwanstein—a favourite movie set inspiration and the most infamous architectural project of “Mad King Ludwig.” Constructed in the late 19th century, the castle was conceived by the notoriously profligate Bavarian monarch both as his private retreat and as a vast tribute to Richard Wagner. One of Germany’s most famous attractions, the Schloss can only be visited on a 30-minute tour.

10.  Admire Charlemagne’s throne at Aachen Cathedral

The UNESCO World Heritage site of Aachen Cathedral may be smaller than the Cologne Dom, but in historical significance and atmosphere, it is both older and more serenely situated than its Rheinland counterpart. Emperor Charlemagne´s own Palatine Chapel, built between 793 and 813, constitutes the nucleus of the building, with further enlargements added during the Middle Ages. Charlemagne was buried here in 814, with more than 30 German emperors later crowned on his white marble throne. 

11.  Call by Karl Marx’s house

It’s been 200 years since Karl Marx was born in this picturesque house in Trier in southwest Germany, but his intellectual legacy is as influential and inflammatory as ever. Whether you salute him as a prophet of disastrous globalized capitalism or condemn him as an enabler of tyrannical communist regimes, you’ll find fascinating material on his ideas and their reach in this birthplace-turned-museum. Devotees be warned: there is a flagrantly capitalist gift shop featuring, among other marked-up souvenirs, Marx champagne.  

12.  Sweat in Liquidrom’s saunas

Only slightly less fanatical than the Finns, Germans love to sweat it out. Historic spa towns, thermal baths and elaborate sauna complexes span the length and breadth of the country, revered for their health and relaxation benefits. Unless you opt for a Hamam, which typically offers male or female-only hours, be prepared for a naked and all-gender experience. With its striking architecture, four (nude) saunas, and a saltwater pool with underwater electro music, Liquidrom in Berlin is a particularly modish choice.

13.  See art in a bunker named Bunker

Bunker, the concrete behemoth on the corner of Reinhardtstrasse and Albrechtstrasse in Berlin, is one of many Nazi-era bunkers designed to be indestructible and have indeed proven too expensive to tear down. Fifteen years ago, this one was acquired by advertising bigwig Christian Boros, who converted the cavernous space into a home and gallery for his contemporary art collection. Book online to join a guided tour of the remarkable building and rotating exhibitions featuring the likes of Kitty Kraus, Santiago Sierra and Guan Xiao.

14.  Hit the seaside in Rügen

You might not think of Germany as a beach destination, but with its white-sand shores, national parks and beautiful copses of chestnut, oak and elm, the Baltic coast has Riviera charm aplenty. Beloved by Thomas Mann, Albert Einstein and Caspar David Friedrich, Rügen is Germany’s largest island and the jewel in the Ostsee crown. As well as 60km of sandy beaches, you’ll find great sailing, extensive bike trails and dramatic white chalk cliffs. For quirky neo-classicism and bygone seaside grandeur, don’t miss the 19 th -century resort of Putbus.

15.  Explore the Stasi Headquarters

In Berlin’s eastern Lichtenberg district, the Stasi Museum is located in the same mammoth, grey concrete complex that was once the Stasi Headquarters. A permanent exhibition details those who worked for the Stasi and the insidious and oppressive methods they employed, but the chilling centrepiece of the museum is upstairs. In the preserved offices of Erich Mielke, Minister for State Security from 1957 and one of the most despised and notorious officials in East German history.

16.  Work a creative web in Leipzig’s Baumwollspinnerei

For those who think Berlin has sold out, Leipzig is a popular next port of call. Crumbling during GDR times, this historic university city has seen such a boom in the last decade that locals worry about the survival of its green spaces, affordable rents and underground nightlife. Before the “Hypezig” gives way to private investors and concept club nights, visit the creative hub of the Baumwollspinnerei, a sprawling former cotton mill turned vibrant community of galleries and artist studios.

17.  Visit the Munich Documentation Center for the History of National Socialism

Compared to other German cities, Munich has taken longer to confront its Nazi heritage, despite being the historic “capital of the movement” and home to the Nazi party apparatus. The Documentation Center for the History of National Socialism sets out to correct this absence with an unflinching interrogation of the local origins—and continued consequences—of the Third Reich. Afterwards, walk down to the Haus der Kunst, the site of the Nazi’s notorious “Great German Art” exhibition.

18.  Revisit the Middle Ages in Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Set in the Tauber valley between Stuttgart and Nuremberg, this astonishing walled town is arguably the most authentic throwback to medieval Europe you can find. Formerly a Free Imperial City, its narrow passageways boast a near seamless run of half-timber houses, stately towers, remarkable churches and an imperial castle. For ultimate Rothenburg romance (and quiet once the tourist buses have departed), stay the night at the  Burg Hotel , offering panoramic views across the valley, a beautiful cloister garden and sumptuous four-poster beds.

19.  Take the cable car up the Zugspitze

At 2,962 m above sea level, the Zugspitze is the highest mountain in Germany. Bridging the border with Austria, it promises a rousing dose of Alpine air and knockout views, stretching across four countries and some 250 kilometres on clear days. In hiking season, walkers can take one of five routes to the summit; a swifter ascent runs on the cogwheel train from Garmisch-Partenkirchen to idyllic Lake Eibsee and on in the Zugspitze cable car.

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Germany Travel Guide

Last Updated: April 29, 2024

Germany. The country is synonymous with beer, sausages, incredible hiking, majestic castles, serious people, and wild techno parties. It’s huge, diverse, and utterly amazing.

There’s a vibrant art and music scene in Berlin , beautiful forests in the west, majestic cathedrals and castles throughout the country, picturesque “Sound of Music” cities in the south, and overlooked historic cities and beaches in the north.

The more I visit Germany, the more I fall in love with it. Whether you are backpacking, traveling on a mid-range budget, or looking to splash out, traveling around Germany is wonderful.

That said, Germany is a huge country so don’t rush your visit. There’s more to the country than just Berin and those cross-country train rides are longer than you think.

This travel guide to Germany will help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your visit!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Germany

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in germany.

1. Get lost in Berlin

Germany’s hip capital has world-class museums, history, funky neighborhoods, and some of the best nightlife in Europe. From the museums to the art and music scene to the great bars and cheap food, Berlin is electric (and one of the cheapest European capitals). It’s a really amazing city that has grown on me with every visit.

2. See Munich

Berlin’s quiet, upscale cousin, Munich is a city steeped in history, lively beer halls, incredible food, lush parks, and a royal palace. It’s a beautiful destination and there are a lot of Bavarian towns nearby that make for scenic day trips.

3. Party at Oktoberfest

Held annually in September and October, the world’s largest beer festival is filled with huge steins and giant pretzels. I went there for 5 days and had the time of my life. Buy some lederhosen, raise a glass, and sing some German beer songs. Just make sure to plan your trip well in advance as things sell out fast!

4. Explore the Romantic Road

A string of historic cities in Bavaria, the “Romantic Road” is the name for the route through majestic Bavarian towns and their surrounding snow-capped mountains. The area can get quite touristy but it’s a beautiful area and a great choice for road trips and romantic getaways. There are a ton of tour options for the area that are worth checking out. For some of the more further afield attractions, the tours are a must as they are hard to visit without a car.

5. Hike the Black Forest

The Black Forest is so named because of the dark green pine trees that grow here. Spanning over 6,000 square kilometers (2,300 square miles), there are hundreds of miles of hiking trails worth exploring and you can spend some time stopping in towns that are famous for their cuckoo clocks and hearty German fare. If you want to go on a guided hike or adventure activity, you can find a lot here.

Other Things to See and Do in Germany

1. explore lake constance.

Lying along the country’s southwestern border with Switzerland and Austria , Lake Constance (known as Bodensee in German) is Germany’s largest freshwater lake and the third-largest in Central Europe. One of the lake’s main attractions is the island of Mainau, also known as Flower Island, which is home to many specialty gardens, a baroque palace, and one of the largest butterfly houses in Germany. Tickets to visit the island are 10.50 EUR. Be sure to visit the many picturesque medieval villages and castles nearby, enjoy water sports, and go hiking and biking along the 272-kilometer (170-mile) Lake Constance Trail.

2. Visit Hanover

This city was one of the hardest hit during World War II, leaving it with only a few historical landmarks. But what I loved about Hanover were its large green areas of forests and big parks, the River Leine winding through the city, and the Sprengel Museum. Not many people visit, but I think it is one of Germany’s most underrated destinations .

3. Hike Berchtesgaden National Park

This national park, located in the south of Germany along the Austrian border, is an alpine heaven of lush forests, steep rock faces, crystal clear lakes, sleepy villages, and rolling meadows. It’s just you, the chirping birds, and cows ringing their brass bells. Well-marked trails wind through the spectacular scenery, which brims with opportunities for hiking and cycling. While nature is the main attraction, the beautiful red-domed Church of St. Bartholomew (dating to 1697) is a worthwhile stop as well.

4. Check out Trier

Nestled in the Moselle River valley, picturesque Trier is the oldest town in the country. With a 2,000-year-old history, Trier was home to six Roman emperors and contains numerous UNESCO Roman ruins. The most outstanding example is the Black Gate, a monumental structure that was once part of the city walls. Other Roman sites worth visiting include the incredibly well-preserved basilica, the huge amphitheater, the bridge, and the baths. Trier is also home to several important Gothic and Baroque churches, a beautiful main square, and great wine due to its location in the Moselle wine region.

5. Visit Dresden

Dresden, the capital of the German state Saxony, is a vibrant city located along the majestic Elbe River near the Czech and Polish borders. During World War II, the city was subject to one of the most devastating bombings of the war. Tens of thousands of civilians died, and over 90% of the city was razed at the hands of British-American forces. After the war, the city was completely rebuilt. The famous Frauenkirche church, the Neumarkt historic district, the Zwinger Palace, the Royal Palace, and the Semper Opera House have all been restored to their former glory. Other must-see attractions include the Fürstenzug, a unique 102-meter-long (334-foot) porcelain mural dating to the 1870s; and the baroque Grosser Garten, the largest green space in the city.

6. Spend a day in Cologne

Cologne is a cool place to stop in West Germany on your way to or from the Netherlands . The cathedral is the most popular landmark in the city (and one of the most popular in the country), but there’s also a vibrant art scene, incredible international restaurants, and lots of riverside cafes and pubs. It’s an underrated stop worth exploring for a couple of days.

7. See Neuschwanstein Castle

This 19th-century Neo-Romantic palace is the model for the Disney castle and a must for any Germany itinerary. It’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in all of Europe, with over 1.5 million visitors each year. Perched on a rugged hill in Bavaria near the town of Füssen, the palace was commissioned by Ludwig II of Bavaria as a retreat and as an homage to Richard Wagner. Visitors can walk around outside and admire the stunning exterior for free, but the interior is only accessible by guided tour at specific times, which must be booked in advance. While the palace is 6,000 square meters (65,000 square feet) in size, only 14 of those rooms were ever finished. The finished rooms were fitted with very modern technology for the time, such as central heating, hot and cold running water, automatic flush toilets, and telephones. Admission is 15 EUR and guided tours are available . I think the guided tours add a lot of context and would really recommend taking one.

8. See Frankfurt

Often considered just a stopover city (there is a huge airport here), Frankfurt is home to a gigantic exhibition hall (one of the largest in the world so tons of events and conferences are held here), an excellent science museum, and a towering 14th-century cathedral. It’s less expensive compared to other cities in Germany and worth spending a day or two visiting.

9. Visit Olympia Park

Located in Munich, this massive complex was originally constructed for the 1972 Olympic Games. It is topped by the largest roof in the world, which spans over 700,000 feet. There is a really good restaurant here too. Tickets to the stadium cost 3.50 EUR while a ticket to the Olympic Tower costs 11 EUR. You can also skate in the ice arena, swim in the Olympic swimming pool, and reserve court time on the tennis courts. The BMW Museum is also nearby and worth a visit.

10. Tour to Schloss Colditz

Originally built to be a Renaissance palace, this interesting structure has a long, bizarre history. Located between Leipzig and Dresden in the region of Saxony, it’s been a hunting lodge, a poorhouse, and even a mental hospital. It is most famous for being a prisoner-of-war camp during World War II. There is a museum within the palace, with tickets costing 4 EUR. A two-hour guided tour through the castle (and escape tunnels built by prisoners) is 10 EUR. There is even a hostel within the castle (30.50 EUR per night).

11. Visit Hamburg

Located in northern Germany, Hamburg is Germany’s second-largest city. This port city, home to the second-busiest port in Europe, is famous for its parks and canals. Near its core, Inner Alster lake is dotted with boats and surrounded by cafes. The city’s central boulevard connects the Neustadt (new town) with the Altstadt (old town) and is home to landmarks like 18th-century St. Michael’s Church.

12. See Tierpark Hagenbeck

Located in Hamburg, this zoo and aquarium spans over 60 acres and is home to more than 2,500 animals including polar bears, penguins, and walruses. In addition to the classic attractions, there is a petting zoo, a miniature railway, pony rides, a playground for kids, and a serene Japanese garden. Combination tickets for the zoo and aquarium are 40 EUR.

13. Take a break in Bremen

Located in the north (near Hamburg), Bremen is a smaller city worth exploring. The charming medieval Schnoor district makes for a great stroll, and there is a beautiful cathedral and opulent city hall in the historic market square. The medieval harbor has been converted into the Schlachte, a large pedestrian promenade along the banks of the Weser River lined with countless restaurants, beer gardens, and riverboats. Bremen is also home to several fascinating museums, including the Universum Bremen, an interactive science museum in a modern whale-shaped building. The museum also offers a Dining in the Dark three-hour dinner experience, where you learn to experience food with just four out of your five senses.

14. Explore the Rhine Valley

The longest river in Germany, the Rhine holds incredible importance both historically and culturally. The most popular area to visit is the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. This 67-kilometer (41-mile) stretch is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with countless castles, ruins, villages, and vineyards. An extensive network of walking and cycling paths, as well as excellent public transportation, means you don’t even need to rent a car when visiting.

15. Step back in time in Bamberg

Located less than an hour from Nuremberg, Bamberg is one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval towns, home to Europe’s largest intact historic city wall. Founded in the 9th century, the town was important in both the 12th-century Holy Roman Empire and the 18th-century German Enlightenment. It’s an incredibly picturesque town so spend the day wandering around, seeing the old homes, visiting the 13th-century cathedral, the 17th-century palace, the 18th-century city hall, and the seven churches that sit atop each of the seven hills surrounding the village.

16. Take a river cruise

Many of Germany’s major cities lie along large rivers, making river cruises a popular way to see the country. While there are expensive multi-day cruises going from city to city, you can also take a day cruise for a more budget-friendly option . Generally, these are around 15-25 EUR for a 1-2 hour trip. They are super fun.

17. Ascend Germany’s tallest mountain

Located in the Alps along the German-Austrian border, the Zugspitze mountain measures 2,962 meters (9,718 feet) and is a popular destination for winter sports. Even if you’re not into skiing, you can still enjoy the trip up the mountain via one of three different cable cars and a 90-year-old rack railway line. At the top, you’ll be treated to panoramic views and several restaurants with traditional Alpine food. Round-trip cable car tickets cost 24-63 EUR depending on the season and which cable car you take. If you don’t want to go solo, day trips are available from Munich and are the best way to get there and around without transportation.

  For more information on specific cities in Germany, check out these guides:

• Berlin Travel Guide
• Cologne Travel Guide
• Frankfurt Travel Guide
• Munich Travel Guide

Germany Travel Costs

Accommodation – Accommodation in Germany is quite affordable compared to other Eurozone countries. Hostels are plentiful and range from 17-25 EUR per night for a dorm room with 6-8 beds. For a private room, expect to pay 40-60 EUR per night. Free Wi-Fi is standard and many hostels also include free breakfast.

Budget hotel prices begin around 45-65 EUR for a small double room with a private bathroom and free Wi-Fi.

Airbnb is available everywhere with private rooms going for as little as 30-45 EUR per night and entire apartments or homes starting at 50-75 EUR. Book early though or prices will double (or triple).

While wild camping is illegal, there are a ton of campsites around the country. Expect to pay 5-20 EUR per night for a basic plot for two people without electricity.

Food – Food in Germany is very cheap (and hearty). Meat is a staple of most meals, especially sausages; there are over 1,500 different kinds of sausages in Germany (sausages here are known as “wurst”). Stews are also a popular traditional choice, as are potato dumplings and sauerkraut. Breakfast is usually composed of bread, cold cuts, cheese, and boiled eggs.

You can get sausages and bratwurst from outdoor vendors for around 3-5 EUR. Meals at many of the beer halls around the country cost 9-15 EUR. Pre-made sandwiches cost around 5 EUR. Fast food (think McDonald’s) costs around 8.50 EUR for a combo meal.

If you eat in the beer halls, a traditional German meal costs around 14-18 EUR. Turkish, Middle Eastern, and Asian food can be found for as little as 5 EUR, while a nicer meal at a sit-down restaurant costs around 25 EUR.

Beer costs around 4 EUR while a latte/cappuccino is around 3 EUR. Bottled water is around 1 EUR.

If you plan on cooking for yourself, a week’s worth of groceries costs around 40-50 EUR. This gets you basic staples like rice, pasta, seasonal produce, and some meat. While they don’t always offer the most variety, the cheapest places are Aldi, Lidl, Penny, and Netto. Bring your own bag if possible.

Backpacking Germany Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Germany, my suggested budget is 55 EUR per day. This is a suggested budget assuming you’re staying in a hostel dorm, cooking all your meals, limiting your drinking, using local transportation to get around, and doing mostly free activities like hiking and taking free walking tours. If you plan on drinking, add another 5-10 EUR to your daily budget.

On a mid-range budget of 135 EUR per day, you can stay in a private Airbnb room, eat a few meals out, take the occasional taxi to get around, enjoy a few drinks, take the bus between cities, and do more paid activities like visiting museums and castles.

On a “luxury” budget of 245 EUR or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, travel between cities via train, eat out at restaurants for all of your meals, drink more, take taxis to get around, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in EUR.

Germany Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Overall, Germany is not an expensive country to visit. Yes, river cruises are expensive. Yes, there’s plenty of high-end cuisine throughout the country. Visiting Frankfurt, the capital of finance, costs a pretty penny. But those are exceptions to the rule. Overall, Germany is quite affordable for a Eurozone country, with plenty of bargains throughout the country. Here are my best tips for saving money in Germany:

• Eat cheap – Throughout Germany, cheap outdoor sausage vendors offer quick eats for only a couple of euros. Additionally, some of the best and cheapest food in Germany is Turkish and Middle Eastern cuisine. You can get meals for 5-8 EUR that are delicious and filling. It’s what I mainly eat while in Germany whenever I want to eat out.
• Drink cheap – In Germany, buying beer and walking around — known as a ‘Weg bier’ — is totally acceptable. Take advantage of good weather by sitting outside in Germany’s lovely plazas and lush parks and buy your own drinks from the Späti shops, street kiosks, and supermarkets to save money. Also, find the student areas by the universities as you’ll find the discounted places.
• Take the free tours – The bigger cities in Germany have free walking tours. They’re a good way to see the city, learn about the history, and get your bearings without spending money. Just make sure to tip your guide at the end!
• Book your train early – Trains in Germany are expensive but you can get a saver ticket that is around 40-50% off the standard fare if you book at least a week in advance. These tickets have limited availability, so be flexible with your travel plans. Also, if you are more flexible with times, try Flixtrain instead, which has fewer routes between bigger cities sometimes at inconvenient times but is way cheaper than Deutsche Bahn.
• Take the bus instead of the train – While not as comfy or romantic, Flixbus or Postbus are two bus companies with super cheap prices. Download the app and you can get tickets last-minute but be aware that prices vary by time and availability so if you need to be somewhere by a certain time or day book in advance.
• Use rideshares – If you’re flexible in your schedule, use the ridesharing service BlaBlaCar and catch rides with locals between cities (or countries). You save money and get to spend time with locals. Drivers are verified and it’s perfectly safe (though sometimes rides don’t show up, which is why you need to be flexible). While the bus might be cheaper, this is usually faster (and more interesting). Just make sure to check where the pickup and drop-offs are as sometimes they are not exactly central places or main station.
• Stay with a local – While accommodation in Germany is pretty cheap, if you want to get some local insight into the country, you should Couchsurf. Not only will you save money on accommodation but you’ll meet locals who can help get you off the tourist trail and show you around! Plus, they have occasional meet-ups depending on the city so you can meet other travelers and locals
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.
• Look out for free museum days – Most museums in Germany offer free admission on certain days or evenings. Check their website or ask the local tourism office to find out about discounts.
• Get transportation day passes – If you’re going to be using public transportation a lot in a city, get a day pass. Paying for single rides adds up quickly.
• Get city tourism cards – Most of the major cities in Germany offer city tourism cards. These include free admission to major museums and attractions, discounts on restaurants, and usually unlimited public transportation. If you plan on seeing a lot, these cards can save you money.

Where to Stay in Germany

There are lots of fun and social hostels in Germany. Here are some of my suggested places to stay:

• St. Christopher’s (Berlin)
• Circus Hostel (Berlin)
• Wombats (Munich)
• Jaeger’s Hostel (Munich)
• Five Elements Hostel (Frankfurt)
• Meininger (Hamburg)
• Generator Hostel (Hamburg)
• Station Hostel for Backpackers (Cologne)
• Black Sheep Hostel (Cologne)
• Lollis Homestay (Dresden)
• Hostel Mondpalast (Dresden)
• a&o Nürnberg Hauptbahnhof (Nuremberg)
• Five Reasons Hostel (Nuremberg)

How to Get Around Germany

Public transportation – Germany has some of the best public transportation in the world. All the cities and larger towns have public transportation that is reliable and efficient. In cities like Berlin and Munich, all the various networks are integrated: one ticket gives you access to buses, trams, U-Bahn (subway), and S-Bahn (above ground train). Fares are determined by zone, but generally, a one-way fare starts from 2.90 EUR. A one-day unlimited pass is generally around 7-9 EUR while a three-day pass costs 17-20 EUR.

Train – Train travel is an incredibly efficient way to get around Germany, though it’s not cheap. Germany’s main rail system is Deutsche Bahn, which has both high-speed trains and regular trains. The high-speed trains are a quick way to get around but are usually much more expensive.

Take advantage of regional group tickets that start at around 22 EUR. These regional discounted tickets are available in Bavaria, Brandenburg-Berlin, Baden-Wüttermburg, Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westfalia, Hesse, etc. For example, the Bavarian Bayern Ticket is 58 EUR for a group of 5 tickets for any train in Bavaria from 9am to 3am.

Last-minute tickets from Berlin to Hamburg can cost 50 EUR, but advance bookings start around 20 EUR. Frankfurt to Cologne is also around 20 EUR. It’s always best to book in advance when possible, otherwise, you’ll pay the price for last-minute bookings. You can track schedules and fares on the Deutsche Bahn website.

Another great site for trains around Germany (and into neighboring countries), is Trainline .

A Eurail Pass, which allows travelers to explore Europe by providing a set number of stops in a specific time period, might also be a good option if you’re doing some country hopping. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how Eurail passes work and can save you money .

Bus – Aside from hitchhiking, buses are the cheapest way to get around Germany. They are punctual but slow, with comfortable seats, air-conditioning, rest stops, and usually free Wi-Fi.

I recommend Flixbus for the cheapest rates and most comfortable buses. You can get from Berlin to Dresden for as little as 10 EUR, or from Berlin to Munich for 20 EUR. Munich to Hamburg is around 22 EUR.

To find bus routes and prices, use BusBud .

Ridesharing – Ridesharing in Germany is very common. Ridesharing means you travel as a passenger with someone in exchange for payment toward fuel costs. It’s usually not as cheap as the bus but it’s often faster and you’ll meet some interesting characters! BlaBlaCar and Mitfahren are the two most popular ride-sharing websites.

Car rental – German is a great country to explore by car. Car rentals start at 30 EUR per day for a multi-day rental. Renters need to be at least 21 years old.

For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars .

When to Go to Germany

Germany is a year-round destination. Summer is the most popular time to visit as temperatures are hot and everyone’s outdoors enjoying the weather. People flock to beer gardens and to the lakes to swim. This is also the peak season, when prices are much higher than usual. During this time, average temperatures hover around 24°C (75°F) and can soar well into the 30s°C (high 80s°F). You’ll want to book accommodation and transportation early (especially in July and August).

Temperatures warm up fast in spring, and the season is marked by the arrival of cherry blossoms. By May it’s warm enough to walk around in t-shirts and shorts. May 1 (Der Erste Mai) is Germany’s Labor Day, and the country breaks out in full celebration. If you’re lucky enough to be here during this time, take to the streets with your fellow Germans and enjoy the live music, drinking, dancing, and general mayhem.

Thanks to the famous Oktoberfest, autumn is a very popular time to visit Germany (especially Munich). From the end of September to early October, millions of people flock here from all over the world to enjoy the most epic beer-drinking festival in the world. If you’re planning on attending Oktoberfest, book your accommodations in advance. Way, way in advance.

An autumn visit to Germany is overall a great idea, especially in Bavaria when the foliage in the hills and mountains makes for some amazing photography. Temperatures can sometimes be chilly, but with light layers, you’ll be fine.

Winter in Germany can be cold, with temperatures as low as -10°C (14°F), but Germany is known for its Christmas spirit and the holiday markets all over the country are well worth your time, especially in Munich, Berlin, and Dresden. Pack some warm clothes and let the delicious glühwein (mulled wine) warm you up.

Winter in Bavaria is a skier and snowboarder’s dream only around one hour outside of Munich. While people might not think of Germany first in terms of skiing in Europe, these slopes are pristine, truly breathtaking, and way cheaper than neighboring Switzerland. Check out Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Füssen, Kranzberg, Zugspitze, and Laber.

How to Stay Safe in Germany

Germany is an incredibly safe place to travel. However, due to a few high-profile terrorist attacks in the country, I often get asked if it’s safe to travel to Germany. I wrote a whole article about how Germany (and Europe) is safe to visit if that’s a concern of yours.

Generally, you just need to watch out for scams and petty crime as you would anywhere (especially in Berlin late at night). Keep an eye on your valuables when in large crowds and on public transportation. Violent crime is rare so as long as you keep your valuables secure you shouldn’t experience any issues.

Scams are rare but if you’re worried about getting ripped off you can read about common travel scams to avoid here .

Solo female travelers should feel safe in Germany, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone at night intoxicated, etc.).

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Germany Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

Germany Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Germany and continue planning your trip:

Where to Stay in Berlin: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

How to Survive Oktoberfest

The 18 Best Things To Do in Berlin

Munich is Better than Berlin

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31 Amazingly Unique Things to do in Germany (That You Can’t Do Anywhere Else!)

Last Updated: November 18, 2023

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The amount of truly hilarious and fun things to do in Germany is something that astounds me  daily.

Did you know, for instance, that Germany is home to world’s largest festivals dedicated to beer, wine, sailing, and pumpkins?

Or that there’s a sausage-themed hotel where you can sleep under a sausage sky?

Or amusement parks built on nuclear power plants, cloud-like cherry blossoms , and ice cream shaped like pasta?

It’s things like this (and the carb-heavy food scene of course) that makes good old Deutschland such a wonderful place to base myself.

I’ve always struggled with the probing question of why I chose Germany of all places to call home, but with this list, I’m sure the secret will soon reveal itself.

So if you’re looking for unique things to do in Germany, read on.

From bucket list festivals and fairytale sights to quirky spas, hotels and theme parks, here are some of the best things to do in Germany that you can’t do anywhere else, a personal Germany bucket list for you to check off!

Save this list of things to do in Germany for later!

You’ll be very glad you did.

Unique Events + Seasonal Things to do in Germany

Some of the best things to do in Germany are seasonal events that only happen at certain times of the year, but make no mistake: these items are real bucket list material, and well worth travelling for.

Here are some of my favourite seasonal things to do in Germany !

1. Get belligerent at the world’s largest (and probably sloppiest) beer festival

This is one of my absolute favourite Germany things to do.

Oktoberfest is one of those events that I can’t talk about without my eyes glossing over with drunken nostalgia.

Truly, there is no experience like it in the world, and it’s something that I believe  everyone  needs to experience once in their lives. 

Not only is it the biggest beer festival on Planet Earth (and probably the galaxy, unless Mars is lit-ter than previously thought), it’s also a giant fun fair complete with mind-bending rollercoasters, a wonderland of delicious eats, and the happiest, reddest people you’ll ever meet…

Once upon a time, I drunkenly proclaimed that Oktoberfest was like a Disneyland for adults… and I stand by that!

Click here to read my full guide to Oktoberfest.

2. Swish, sip and stumble at the largest wine festival in the world

Need tips on what to do in Germany besides guzzle down beer? Well, contrary to popular belief, Germany isn’t all about beer.

In fact, there are countless states and citizens who far prefer a few barrels of vino over kegs, so, rather unsurprisingly: Germany also lays claim to the largest wine festival in the world.

Yup, the Bad Dürkheim Wurstmarkt (literally translated to Sausage Market) is an annual event that takes place in September.

The wurst part about it? It has nothing to do with sausage at all!

Rather, it’s the world’s largest wine festival, welcoming upwards of 600,000 visitors each year.

Think hundreds of wines, mobs of tipsy humans, fairground rides and stall after stall of greasy food… What a delightful low-risk recipe for fun 😛

3. Have a gourd time at the world’s largest pumpkin festival

The beautiful Baroque town of Ludwigsburg (located just outside of Stuttgart) is one of my favourite hidden gems in Germany.

Its flagship event? A giant pumpkin festival in the Fall hosted on the scenic grounds of a palace.

Let me tell you, this festival is the best. 

From impressive pumpkin sculptures and delicious pumpkin-flavoured food and drink, you’ll be exposed to a frightening variety of pumpkin-related activities you never realized you wanted.

No lie, you can even paddle across a lake in giant, hollowed out pumpkin-canoes. What a time to be alive.

PS: The Ludwigsburg Christmas market is also amazing.

4. Go batsh*t bananas over white asparagus

I can’t lie to you: there are some periods of the year in Germany that are perhaps more sacred than even Christmas itself: I’m talking of course about spargelzeit – the short window of time during which asparagus comes into season… usually mid-April until the end of June.

For reasons unbeknownst to my peasant foreign self, Germans are highly passionate about white asparagus in particular.

Think Beatlemania if John, Paul, George and Ringo were rigid stalks of bland nutrition.

During spargelzeit, restaurants cart out their seasonal white asparagus features and you’ll spot maniacal Germans lugging baskets of the stuff home from the shop, as if the Apocalypse were nigh.

It’s really all very confusing.

So, if you want an authentic cultural experience – go hoard some spargel and make sure to bring it up in casual small talk. You’ll fit right in.

5. Attend Cowchella

Okay, so this is a popular event in Austria as well, but it’s so cute I needed to include it.

In the late summer, one of the cultural highlights you can experience in southern Germany/Austria is something known as the Almabtrieb (or Viehscheid in the Allgäu).

It’s this amazing little ceremony when alpine cows are brought back down from their scenic mountain pastures, parade-style.

It goes like this: the cows wear special colourful crowns called Fuikl, a brass band plays, there will probably be a man in tight leather pants playing a very long alphorn, and yes, it’s just the most wholesome and wonderful Alpine tradition.

I witnessed my first Almabtrieb in Bregenzerwald last year and I can’t wait to watch another. You can click here for a list of upcoming dates once they’re available.

6. Get naughty-cal at the largest sailing festival in the world

There are a lot of cool things in Germany for every interest, and ahoy, sailors – there’s something for you too!

That’s right: Kiel Week , the largest sailing event in the entire world, takes place in the North German city of Kiel, usually in the last week of June.

With attendance from millions of visitors from around the world, this festival is (as with most things around here) a great excuse to drink copious amounts and party.

Not only are there epic regattas, but it’s a full-on Volksfest, complete with a music festival, plenty of food stalls, and even fireworks.

Click here for more information about Kiel Week from their official website.

7. Ponder the enormity of the world’s largest Christmas tree

In addition to having one of Germany’s top football teams, the city of Dortmund extends its bragging rights to also include the largest Christmas tree in the entire world.

And, unsurprisingly, this beastly creation acts as the centerpiece of Dortmund’s glittering Christmas market , which sets up shop for a magical few weeks during the Advent season. 

With a height of 45m, a weight of 40,000 kilograms and almost 50,000 lights, lamps and ornaments hanging from it, this gigantic tree is one you definitely don’t want to be responsible for decorating!!

Literally, even the angel topper weighs 200kg.

8. Witness the pure athleticism of finger wrestling (fingerhakeln)

There’s plenty of things to see in Germany by way of castles and landmarks, but one unexpected German thing to do? Wrestling with fingers.

While we have all surely played thumb wars as children, this childhood favourite is taken one step further in parts of Southern Germany, where grown men settle disputes through finger FIGHTING.

At least, those are the supposed origins of  fingerhakeln , my new favourite sport to watch, which does indeed have championships every year.

Practiced in the Alpine regions of Bavaria /Austria,  fingerhakeln  consists of two grown azz lederhosen-donning men at a table, hooking their fingers around a leather loop, then trying to pull the other guy to their side. The winner gets limitless glory… and probably a beer, I assume.

Check out this video to see it in action:

Unique Things to Do in Germany Year-Round

What can you do in Germany besides attending all these incredible festivals?

Luckily, there’s a wide range of unique, bucket list worthy things to do in Germany that are available to you year-round.

Here are some of my favourites:

9. Whizz across the AutoBahn

If you’re looking for a totally safe and non-risky activity in Germany, might I suggest….. driving without a speed limit?!

Okay, sure, I know it sounds a little reckless, but if you’re looking for one of the most exhilarating things to do in Germany, I’m sure Usain Bolt-ing your way around the German national highway system will satisfy your thirst for adventure.

After all, the Autobahn is world famous for having sections with no speed limit to adhere to, so why not test out the strength of your engine (and stomach) by driving as quickly as you want..?.

That is, if there’s no traffic 😉

10. Walk across water (kind of)

Up in the North Sea in parts of Germany, the Netherlands and Denmark, the squishy, sweaty thrill of  Wattwandern  awaits you.

Also known as mud flat hiking, this is a unique hiking experience where you literally walk  between islands in low tide, with your feet squishing into the seabed.

While walking on water isn’t a thing we can do as mere mortals, walking between islands is pretty cool too, and just about as close as we can get. 

Learn more about the experience here.

11. Conquer the tallest church in the world

With a steeple measuring 530 ft, the  Ulmer Münster in Ulm is officially the tallest church in the world, pending the completion of the Sagrada Familia.

And so, if it’s bragging rights you seek, strap on your comfiest shoes, crush a few Red Bulls and climb the 768 steps up to the top for some sure vertigo (and an excellent view).

I’m no fitness guru, but I believe that would earn you three donuts after.

12. Soak in the world’s largest spa complex

I love this place. It’s definitely one of my favourite cool things to do in Germany.

The illustrious Therme Erding located just outside of Munich bills itself as the world’s largest spa, and although the new Therme in Bucharest may have dethroned it of this honour, one thing remains true: this place is massive.

Therme Erding is a wonderland of splashy (partially nudist) fun containing 46 acres of waterslides, saunas and pools…

And yes, in true Bavarian fashion, there’s even a special Alps-inspired section where you can book a wooden cabin instead of a usual cabana. I’ve stayed in one and can confirm it’s amazing.

13. Walk across the world’s longest inhabited bridge

… and I don’t mean inhabited by trolls either (which was honestly my first thought when I read about it).

Instead, I’m talking about a bridge that human people live on… Specifically the Krämerbrücke (Merchant’s Bridge) in Erfurt, a sight straight out of a fairytale lined with half-timbered residences, cafes, galleries and boutiques.

Besides being Instagram crack, it also has the (probably not too competitive) honour of being the longest inhabited bridge in the world. Not bad, eh?

Quirky and Unusual Things to do in Germany

Well, you can’t make a list of the best things to do in Germany without getting a little weird, so here are some of my top picks if you’re after something quirky or unusual to do… I warn you, it gets pretty strange.

14. Binge drink at a theme park located on a former nuclear powerplant

Wunderland Kalkar is a place so strange, it can’t be made up.

Built on the site of a nuclear power plant that (thankfully) was never actually used, this amusement park is found just north of Düsseldorf, and is beloved among children’s parties and stag dos alike.

Thanks to their all-inclusive policy, you can have ALL the wine, beer, fries, ice cream and more that you want… for no extra cost!

I visited this oddly-located wonderland on a dreary European Spring day, and can confirm, it’s one of the strangest places ever.

Where else in the world can you gorge on all-you-can-eat fries, ice cream and soda, then hurl yourself on rollercoasters and rides on a nuclear power plant?

Did I mention the underground network of bars and hotels with all you can drink booze included in the room rate?

… The only thing weirder is I came here to watch a biathlon. [Another story for another time]

15. Sip cocktails in a tropical oasis… in an old airplane hangar

Imagine baking in the heat of a tropical rainforest amidst bright blue seas and beach bungalows… only 60km from Berlin.

… while chilling in a former airplane hangar.

It sounds like a bad dystopian novel, but alas, Tropical Islands Resort is a real place, and it’s also the world’s largest indoor water park.

Think tropical plants, balmy temperatures and even installations/architecture made to mimic tropical bucket list destinations like Bali and Thailand.

That’s definitely one way to escape the dreary weather…

16. Visit the world’s largest Cuckoo Clock

With a cuckoo that weights 150kg, and the most charming half-timbered facade, the world’s largest Cuckoo clock is a beastly attraction plucked straight out of a Wes Anderson movie.

Located in the Eble Uhren-Park in Germany’s Black Forest, this feat of craftsmanship was accomplished by master watchmakers Ewald and Ralf Eble who managed to take all the goodness and mechanics of a regular cuckoo clock but made it…. 60 times bigger.

Go big or go cuckoo, am I right?

17. Dachshund-to a museum dedicated to sausage dogs

Ah, dachshunds.

You know, I honestly thought I was obsessed with dogs, then I read about the Dachshund-dedicated museum in Passau, and I realized just how out of my league I am compared to these museum curators.

Yes, this museum is a passion project that devotes itself to the almighty Dachshund, with literally 4500 items connected to the world’s favourite sausage-shaped canine. I vow to one day visit this place with a punny sweater and not leave until I’m kicked out.

Learn more about the Dachshund Museum here.

18. Sleep at the world’s wurst hotel

Yes, only in Germany… a sausage-themed hotel , fittingly located in a small Bavarian town, and created by (you guessed it) a butcher!

With only 7 rooms, all appropriately sausage-themed, this bite-sized hotel is an ode to the almighty wurst, a logical next-door addition to the town’s butcher shop.

Run by Claus Böbel, a real life Willy Wonka of sausage, this venture is a creative ploy to keep his business fresh and relevant… and it’s clearly working!

Having stayed here a few weeks back (as Claus’ first-ever Canadian guest), I can confirm this hotel is a most delightful experience that’s well worth a visit.

NOTE: Germany is also home to a potato hotel , because of course it is.

19. Listen to drain pipes singin’ in the rain

If you enjoy live music but like I, fear human interaction, might I suggest a concert by some lovely drain pipes?

Yup, this exists.

Found in Dresden’s Kunsthofpassage, the whimsical (almost Dr Seussical) “Courtyard of Elements” is a lovely and charming spectacle that turns rainfall into music… which means you’ll need to brave some rain to hear it, but for a show like this, the wet boots and frizzy hair are more than worth it!

PS: Make sure you visit Dresden’s Christmas market if you ever get the chance – it’s one of the best Xmas markets in Germany.

20. Wedge yourself into the world’s narrowest street

It’s a dangerous combo for sure, stuffing oneself with the carbo-loaded glory of German cuisine, then meandering down the tighest, narrowest street in the entire world, but nonetheless, it’s a thing you can do in Germany, so step right up, daredevils and those with fast metabolisms!

Spreuerhofstraße in Reutlingen is the street that holds this distinct honour as certified by the Guinness World Records .

21. Get dizzy in an upside down house – the first of its kind

Das VERRÜCKTE HAUS (literally, the Crazy House) is a random little attraction at Tierpark Gettorf in the town of Bispingen. Its claim to fame? It’s a house that’s upside down….! *cue Stranger Things theme song*

And while it’s (surprisingly) not the only upside down house in the world, it IS the first in the world to be completely built the right way then turned over with the aid of two cranes, which I’ve been told is impressive and well worth celebrating.

Everything in this house is upside down, from mixers and dining tables to toilets and sinks.

Plus, the mangled Google Translate of its tagline is “super cool selfie location with laugh guarantee!” so you know it HAS to be good.

Intrigued? Click here for more info.

Fairytale Things to do in Germany

With the weird stuff out of the way, let’s tackle the magical!

One of the things that has drawn me most to Germany is the fairytale side of the country, where charming half-timbered buildings and castles co-mingle with plentiful beer and wine.

Wondering where to go in Germany to chase your fairytale dreams? Luckily, many Germany points of interest are oozing with magic. Here are some ideas for your fairytale Germany bucket list:

22. Visit the castle that inspired Walt Disney

Germany’s Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the most famous places in Germany, and one of those quintessential Germany activities that every tourist has on their bucket list.

After all, it’s said to be the castle that inspired the iconic one created by Walt Disney, so if that doesn’t make you want to go, then you should probably leave now before I spear you with a tiara.

PS: Burg Eltz is another wonderful fairytale castle in Germany worth visiting.

23. Follow the Brothers Grimm fairytale route

German brothers Jacob und Wilhelm Grimm, also known as the Brothers Grimm, penned hundreds of fairytales throughout their lives, including a few bedtime staples like Cinderella, Snow White and Sleeping Beauty.

The most magical part? It couldn’t be easier for you to follow in their footsteps.

That’s right, the  Deutsche Märchenstraße AKA German Fairytale Route  was created back in the 70s to help tourists follow in the fairytale footsteps of the Brothers Grimm, and it’s still a route you can do today!

This 600km stretch covers a variety of important places to the lives of the Brothers Grimm, including where they lived and worked, but more importantly, the magical destinations that inspired their tales.

And while truthfully, sometimes the connections between the fairytales and destinations can be a bit loose, there’s no doubt the route takes you to some pretty picture perfect places.

Click here for more information on the route.

24. Immerse yourself in a real land of fairies

Okay, sooo fairies may not be real, but the Saalfeld Fairy Grottoes in Thuringia certainly are.

These caverns, located in a former mine in near Saalfeld, are famous for such colourful mineral formations that they attract over 160,000 visitors annually, although the official number of fairy visitors is a stat I’ve yet to find.

This is one of the weird places in Germany you have to see to believe.

 Intrigued? Click here for more information.

25. See dozens of castles in like, 30 minutes (on the Romantic Rhine)

One of the most unique places to visit in Germany is the Rhine, an epic river that snakes 1200km from Switzerland up to the North Sea.

The most wonderful part of this river however is known as the Romantic Rhine, a stretch that goes between Düsseldorf and Mainz, passing through an endless stream of fairytale villages, picturesque vineyards, and hilltop castles every few seconds.

I did this journey once upon a time when I worked on board river cruises in Europe and I can confirm that it is, to date, one of the most magical travel experiences of my life.

Food and Beer-Related Things to do in Germany

Last but not least, how can we not cover food and beer?

Seeing as how some of the best things to do in Germany involve the hefty consumption of both, here are some must-dos to add to your list:

26. Drink the purest beer on Earth

Created in 1516 in Ingolstadt, the Bavarian Purity Law has been in effect for well over 500 years.

This law simply states that ‘nothing other than barley, hops and water be used’ to create beer.

As simple as it may sound, many credit this law for being why German beer is so delicious and beloved around the world.

Is pure beer really better? Well, I’d say you have to taste it for yourself! Maybe try a few litres just to be sure…

27. Savour a beer that tastes like a sauna

Bamberg has developed a reputation as one of the most famous places in Germany for a lot of reasons…

There’s an abundance of things to do in Bamberg , from exploring its perfectly preserved Old Town, photographing its curious Town Hall floating in the river, and of course, drinking its frothy and beloved smoked beer.

Made with malt that’s been dried over an open fire, this beer has a distinctly smokey and unique flavour that’s certainly an acquired taste… but weirdly delicious after a few sips!

If you’ve ever wanted a beer that smelled like a sauna and salmon smokery, this it your chance.

My recommendation? Try it at the (frighteningly) crooked brewery Schlenkerla, where they’ve been making it for centuries.

28. Prost at the world’s oldest brewery

While its status as the world’s oldest brewery is often a point of contention, it’s still commonly acknowledged that the Weihenstephan brewery in Freising (near Munich ) is among the oldest still operational breweries on Earth…

But what’s even more interesting is it’s home to a modern brewing university !

So, whether you simply want to kick a few beers back in a historical setting OR perhaps become a certified beer geek, this is one piece of boozey history you don’t want to miss.

  Click here to learn more about their tours.

29. Squish into the world’s tiniest pub

Looking for fun places to visit in Germany?

If you ever feel like drowning your sorrows in a claustrophobic death trap, then huddle into the tiny seaside pub at  Vareler Harbor, who holds the (likely) honour of being the smallest pub in the world, at a grandiose 4.5m squared.

(Rather obvious) NOTE: This mini-watering hole is standing room only!

Learn more about this tiny pub here.

30. Slurp some spaghetti and meatballs…. made of ice cream

Of all the activities in Germany you can experience, perhaps none is as delightful and affordable as wolfing down ice cream shaped like spaghetti.

Invented by a genius Italian man in Mannheim back in the 60s, spaghettieis is THE way to eat ice cream in Germany, with vanilla ice cream shoved through a press to look like strands of spaghetti, all topped with strawberry sauce and some kind of coconut or almond flake to mimic parmesan.

You’ll never want to eat peasant non-pasta ice cream ever again.

31. Fall weirdly in love with the strangest-sounding foods

As you can tell from this list, there’s no shortage of activities to do in Germany, but one of the best is simply losing yourself to the confusing vortex of baffling foods that dot the German culinary landscape.

After all, it’s not all carbs, gravy and potato in different shapes around here… Sometimes, German cuisine gets real weird.

In fact, think of the weirdest food you’ve ever heard of, and Germany probably has some iteration of it, but like, topped with sauerkraut and pickled with raw fish in a creamy sauce.

Raw minced pork sculpted like a hedgehog? Leathery smoked eels? “HAND CHEESE WITH MUSIC?” Yes, yes, and yes.

…. but there’s a strange magical property in these German foods, like a built-in Stockholm syndrome… because no matter how weird they sound, oftentimes, you just start to enjoy it.

… And that my friend, is when you know Germany has finally got you.

So, tell me: did I miss any of your favourite things to do in Germany?

Let me know in the comments, and I hope you plan a fun trip to Deutschland soon! I hope you now realize the question isn’t “what is there to do in Germany”, but rather “what ISN’T there to do in Germany”?

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🎉 GetYourGuide: For booking activities

16 thoughts on “31 Amazingly Unique Things to do in Germany (That You Can’t Do Anywhere Else!)”

Omg, I am Polish and never been in Germany. I definitely need to visit this country. Spaghetti and meatballs made of ice cream sounds crazy!

I want to do all of these right now. Germany is so much fun, and beautiful. You’ve definitely given me some ideas for my next trip

WOW this is an incredible list! I have only been to Black Forest in Germany and loved Europa Park but can’t wait to get back there and enjoy the cities more! Oktoberfest is a dream!

Haha love this list. Now I have to say Schwetzingen has a great Spargelfest, being one of the most hallowed areas for Spargel production. We stumbled across the festival and witnessed their traditional relay race, which involved teams racing through severals stations: putting on gloves, putting on aprons, putting a hay bale in a wheelbarrow, removing gloves, removing aprons, and then taking a shot of schnapps. Obviously.

We attended the great pumpkin weighing at the Ludwigsburg Pumpkin Festival last year, and it is amazing to witness. It involves pallets and cranes.

Love it! Your quirky sense of humor always comes out and you come up with the best lists! Saving this one for sure.

Even for a German like me this is a great inspiration for things I haven’t experienced yet – and besides that your list makes me wonder what a strange kind of people we are 😉

Absolutely great posting. I actually happy when i done this topic. I am excited world have a excellent author. Always i am waiting for next reading. Thanks a lot for great posting share.

Wow Christina,the list about unusual things to do in Germany remembered the memories which we made in our trip the last year. Specially Neuschwanstein Castle and Pumpkin Festival.Germany is a must visit tourist place in a life time.Thanks Christina for this wonderful post.

I am German, but it was so mich fun to read this article and get some inspiration what I should see in my own country!

You forgot Alpine coasters! They are fun for the entire family and can be reasonably priced if you buy multiple ride tickets. Some of the most fun we had in German on our first trip was riding Alpine coasters! P.S. The spargl is really amazing, too!

Hello Christina

Some suggestions for you

Bremen old town and windmill

A city break in Düsseldorf and a walk along the Rhine

Playmobil land for the kids in Zirndorf near Nuremberg (great park, fun, food, staff and value)

Killesberg park above Stuttgart city and the Porsche museum

Deutsches museum and English garden in Munich

Tegernsee valley, a farm stay in Gmund, a hike up Neureuth mountain and cycling round the lake

The “Eagles nest” at Berchtesgaden

Have a nice day and thank you for your posts

Excellent site to experience Germany. Thanks for the tips..

Thank you so much this was a great list and so effortlessly written I love your sense of humor!!!!

Germany is one of the best country to visit in my bucket list. I been to Germany many times with family and every time i visit i like it more

I am so grateful to have come across this website.

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20 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Germany

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated May 26, 2022

History, culture, and natural beauty perhaps best describe the essence of vacationing in Germany. With its many historic cities and quaint small towns, along with an abundance of forests and mountains, visitors are spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing unique places to visit in this beautiful part of Europe.

Those wanting to sightsee or experience the arts should head to the larger metropolitan areas such as Munich, Frankfurt, or Hamburg. For those looking for recreational activities, consider a visit to places such as the majestic Bavarian Alps, the Black Forest, or the Rhine Valley.

Lovely old cathedrals and grand palaces are everywhere. And in the smaller towns and villages, some boasting still-intact original medieval Old Towns (Altstadt), many centuries-old traditions are still practiced, including traditional Christmas markets, festivals, and fairs.

At the cultural heart of Germany is the capital, Berlin. Home to many fine museums and galleries, this vibrant city makes for a great base from which to explore the many other delights the country has to offer. And for nature lovers, there's a whole world of possibilities in Germany's great outdoors.

For ideas and recommendations to help plan your travels, be sure to read our list of the top tourist attractions in Germany.

1. Berlin's Brandenburg Gate

2. cologne cathedral (kölner dom), 3. the black forest, baden-württemberg, 4. the ultimate fairy-tale castle: schloss neuschwanstein, bavaria, 5. miniatur wunderland and the historic port of hamburg, 6. the rhine valley, 7. berlin's museum island, 8. munich's marienplatz, 9. bamberg and the bürgerstadt, bavaria, 10. zugspitze massif, bavaria, 11. the island of rügen, mecklenburg—western pomerania, 12. königssee (king's lake), bavaria, 13. rothenburg ob der tauber, bavaria, 14. sanssouci park and palace, potsdam, 15. insel mainau: the flower island of lake constance, 16. the berlin wall, 17. reichstag building, berlin, 18. the old town (altstadt) in nuremberg, 19. dresden frauenkirche, 20. frankfurt's main tower.

Modeled on the Acropolis in Athens and built for King Frederick William II in 1791, the monumental sandstone Brandenburg Gate in Berlin's Mitte district was the city's first Neoclassical structure. It measures an impressive 26 meters in height, which includes the Quadriga , the spectacular four-horse chariot carrying the goddess of victory perched atop this spectacular building.

Its six huge columns on each side of the structure form five impressive passages: four were used by regular traffic, while the center was reserved for the royal carriages. Huge Doric columns also decorate the two buildings at each side of the Gate, once used by toll-collectors and guards.

Undoubtedly Berlin's most iconic structure, it's hard to believe that the majestic structure you see today was severely damaged during WWII. It was also once part of the infamous Berlin Wall and, for a few decades, was symbolic of the division of Berlin into East and West.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Berlin

The towering Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom), the Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Mary, is located on the banks of the Rhine and is undoubtedly Cologne's most impressive landmark. This masterpiece of High Gothic architecture is one of the largest cathedrals in Europe. Construction on this most ambitious building project of the Middle Ages started in 1248 and reportedly took over 600 years to complete.

As imposing as its façade, the cathedral's magnificent interior covers an area of 6,166 square meters and boasts 56 huge pillars. Above the high altar is the Reliquary of the Three Kings, a 12th-century work of art in gold that was designed by Nicholas of Verdun to house the relics of the Three Kings brought here from Milan.

Other highlights include the panoramic views from the South Towers , the 12th- and 13th-century stained glass in the Three Kings Chapel , and the Treasury with its many precious objects, all of which survived largely intact after WWII. For some of the best vistas over the city and river, climb the 533 steps to the viewing platform in the South Tower. A small entrance fee is required.

• Read More: Top-Rated Things to Do in Cologne

The beautiful Black Forest with its dark, densely-wooded hills is one of the most visited upland regions in all of Europe. Situated in the southwestern corner of Germany and extending 160 kilometers from Pforzheim in the north to Waldshut on the High Rhine in the south, it's a hiker's heaven.

On the west side, the Black Forest descends steeply to the Rhine, crossed by lush valleys, while on the east, it slopes more gently down to the upper Neckar and Danube valleys. Popular spots include Germany's oldest ski area at Todtnau, the magnificent spa facilities of Baden-Baden , and the attractive resort of Bad Liebenzell.

Other highlights include the spectacular Black Forest Railway . It's centered on Triberg with its famous falls, and Triberg itself, home to the Black Forest Open Air Museum .

The best way to catch them all? Grab a map of the Black Forest Panoramic Route, a 70-kilometer driving tour that takes in the very best views over the region, along with its top historic attractions, including stunning castles and numerous medieval towns and villages.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions & Places to Visit in the Black Forest

The quaint old town of Füssen , situated between the Ammergau and Allgäu Alps and a popular alpine resort and winter sports center, is a good base from which to explore nearby Neuschwanstein Castle. This spectacular old fortress is widely recognized as one of Europe's most famous and picturesque royal castles.

King Ludwig II of Bavaria built this many-towered and battlement-covered fantasy fortress, famous as the inspiration for Walt Disney's iconic theme park castles, from 1869-86. A variety of tour options are offered, including guided tours of the sumptuous interior taking in the Throne Room, the Singers' Hall – and some of the country's most spectacular views.

Official site: www.neuschwanstein.de/englisch/tourist/index.htm

In the heart of the historic Port of Hamburg, the magnificent Miniatur Wunderland , the world's largest model railway, is an attraction that appeals equally to young and old alike. Boasting more than 9.5 miles of model railway track, this massive scale model includes sections dedicated to the USA, England, Scandinavia, as well as Hamburg. It also incorporates around 1,300 trains, more than 50,000 microscopic lights, and in excess of 400,000 human figures.

It's not unheard of for guests to spend many hours exploring this fascinating world, with its remarkably detailed miniature airports, complete with planes that actually take off, as well as crowded cities, quaint rural scenes, and bustling harbors. For a memorable experience, book one of the behind-the-scenes tours, an especially fun thing to do at night.

Speaking of harbors, be sure to explore the vast Port of Hamburg while you're here. Covering 100 square kilometers, this huge tidal harbor is home to one of the world's largest cruise ship terminals, and is known as the Gateway to Germany. To make the most of your visit, note that the harbor is best explored by tour boat.

Afterwards, visit the harborside promenade , a lovely pedestrian route, and the Warehouse District . This historic district is famous for its continuous lines of tall brick-built warehouses.

• Read More: Top Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Hamburg & Easy Day Trips

The Rhine is not only Europe's most important waterway, it's also the most beautiful. With a total length of 1,320 kilometers, this magnificent river stretches from Switzerland through Germany all the way to The Netherlands.

While there are many places in Germany to enjoy this majestic river, the lovely Upper Middle Rhine Valley section, designated a UNESCO World heritage Site, is probably the most popular spot for tourists to visit. Here, this often dramatic 65-kilometer stretch of river boasts more than 40 castles and some 60 picturesque medieval towns all just waiting to be explored either by river cruise or by car.

Looking for a great place to begin your Rhine Valley adventure? The historic town of Bingen , where the river cuts through a deep gorge before entering the Bacharach valley, is a good place to start.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in the Rhine Valley

Berlin's world-famous Museumsinsel, or Museum Island, lies between the River Spree and the Kupfergraben, a 400-meter-long canal off the river. This excellent attraction includes many of the city's oldest and most important museums.

The heart of this pedestrian-friendly district is the Old Museum . Constructed in 1830, it was designed specifically to exhibit the royal treasures. Soon after, the land behind the museum was set aside for art and the "knowledge of antiquity."

Between 1843-55 the New Museum took shape, and the National Gallery was added in 1876, along with the Bode Museum , built in 1904 and home to collections of antiquities. Another highlight of a walking tour of these spectacular points of interest is the Pergamon with its recreated historic buildings from the Middle East.

But be warned: there's so much to see among these amazing museums that you can't possibly cram it all into a single day.

Germany's third biggest city, Munich (or München in German) has plenty to offer the adventurous traveller. The capital city of the state of Bavaria can trace its roots all the way back to the 12th century when a monastery was established here, and quickly grew into the region's most important place of trade and commerce.

Central to this rise was Marienplatz , the large square where traders from across Bavaria would meet to conduct business, and where locals would congregate to shop and watch medieval jousting tournaments. These days, this vast square still draws crowds of people, but for different reasons: they're here for sightseeing or possibly to enjoy a visit to one of square's trendy cafés and restaurants, or to shop in its unique boutique stores.

The points of interest for tourists are plentiful. Here, you'll find both the "new" and "old" town halls, the Neues Rathaus and Altes Rathaus, where much of the city's history was written. Both are attractive and worth a visit. Other landmarks include the tall monument to the Virgin Mary, the Mariensäule built in 1638, as well as the elegant Fischbrunnen , a 19th-century fountain with its bronze figures.

For a truly memorable experience, why not consider a visit in winter? If so, you'll be rewarded with the chance see the Marienplatz come alive with a spectacular display of lights and ornaments during the annual Christmas Market . Other winter festivals are held here, too, including the ancient, month-long Fasching carnival. Held each January to February locals and visitors alike partake in fun dances and events that have been held here for centuries.

Visit Marienplatz at any time of year and you'll still have fun. From March through to October you can witness the Neues Rathaus' famous glockenspiel perform its merry dance, its mechanical figures thrilling viewers thrice daily in a performance that has been enjoyed since 1908.

Location: Marienplatz, 80331 München, Germany

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Munich

Located in the valley of the Regnitz, where the river divides into two arms, sits Bamberg. This old imperial city is the most important town in Upper Franconia, and is one of the best preserved of Germany's many charming old towns. It's also one of the best to explore on foot.

Your walking tour should begin in its old episcopal quarter, home to the 13th-century cathedral and the old Benedictine abbey of Michaelsberg . It's between the two river branches that you'll find spectacular Bürgerstadt , a small borough of Bamberg that contains the Grüner Markt , an excellent pedestrian zone which is home to the 17th-century Baroque church of St. Martin .

To the north is the New Town Hall , or Neues Rathaus, built in 1736. But perhaps the town's most important structure is the Old Town Hall , built on top of the Obere Brücke (Upper Bridge).

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Bamberg

Part of the Wetterstein mountain range, the Zugspitze massif straddles the frontier between Germany and Austria and is surrounded by steep valleys. The eastern summit, at 2,962 meters, is crowned by a gilded cross and can be reached by the Bayerische Zugspitzbahn , a cog railway, or by cable car.

Another great way to enjoy this area of outstanding natural beauty is aboard the Tiroler Zugspitzbahn , a railway that runs to the Zugspitzkamm station at 2,805 meters. From here, the journey can be continued via a cable car to Zugspitz-Westgipfel Station at 2,950 meters. Be sure to sample a meal at the excellent panoramic restaurant located here.

A highlight of the journey is the chance to walk through an 800-meter-long tunnel, complete with viewing windows, to the Schneefernerhaus station at the top of the Bavarian cog railroad. From here, you can ascend the eastern summit with its viewing platforms. And thanks to the many ski resorts located nearby, Zugspitze is a wonderful German destination to visit in winter.

Rügen is the largest and most beautiful of the German Baltic islands. Separated from the rest of Germany by the Strelasund, it's linked to the mainland town of Stralsund by a causeway. The island's beauty stems from its diversity of landscape, including everything from flat farmland and forest-covered hills to expansive sandy beaches, lagoons, and lovely peninsulas.

A fun thing to do here, especially for outdoor enthusiasts, is to pay a visit to the Jasmund Peninsula , which in places reaches heights of 161 meters. Here, you'll find Jasmund National Park, popular among nature lovers for its abundance of wildlife, with notable species found here, including rare white-tailed eagles.

Another draw are the island's beautiful Stubnitz beech forests, part of Königsstuhl National Park. One of the most dramatic parts of the island's scenery can be enjoyed where these dense old forests come to a dramatic end on the Königsstuhl (King's Chair), a sheer chalk cliff plunges down to the sea from a height of 117 meters.

There's also a great visitor center here, which offers plenty of valuable information regarding all aspects of the island. Another must see is the little old resort town of Putbus , seat of the Princes of Putbus and with numerous Neoclassical buildings and parks.

The lovely Bavarian lake of Königssee is one of the great beauty spots of the region of Germany referred to as Berchtesgadener Land. Also known as the King's Lake, this area near Salzburg is a hiking and biking paradise thanks to its vast network of trails.

One of the most popular things to do is follow the attractive footpath located along the east side of the Königssee to the Malerwinkel. Also known as Painters' Corner, it's notable for its superb views over the lake and the surrounding mountains.

Another equally attractive sightseeing option is taking a boat trip to the 17th-century Pilgrimage Chapel of St. Bartholomew , at the south end of the lake, and to walk from here to the Obersee. Berchtesgaden , at the end of the Deutsche Alpenstrasse, is perhaps the best-known tourist town and one of the most popular mountain resorts in the Bavarian Alps.

Also of note here is Berchtesgaden National Park. This place of outstanding natural beauty has, since 1990, been designated a UNESCO Word Heritage Site.

The old Franconian imperial city of Rothenburg is one of the most attractive places to visit on Germany's famous Romantic Road tourist route. Located on the steep banks of the picturesque River Tauber, it's notable for its walls and towers, untouched since the Thirty Years War of 1618.

This completely preserved, picture-perfect medieval town offers endless charm. One of the most popular things to do in Rothenburg ob der Tauber is to join a walking tour. For those who prefer to be their own guide, get started by picking up a map from one of the tourism offices located in the town.

There are no end of opportunities to explore, with individual buildings of note including the imposing 13th-century Town Hall (Rathaus) and the wonderful Ratstrinkstube , or Council Tavern, built in 1466 with its interesting clock. Also worth seeing is St.-Georgs-Brunnen fountain , built in 1608 near the end of Herrngasse; St. James's Church , with its fine high altar dating from 1466; and the Imperial City Museum .

Simply walking the old streets past these beautiful buildings is a timeless experience, especially if it involves the Plönlein , one of the town's most picturesque spots. And after all that adventure, end your visit at one of the many fine restaurants dotted around the town.

If traveling in winter, be sure to include a stop here for the traditional Christmas Market, which draws crowds from across the country and even further afield.

Spectacular Sanssouci Park, laid out between 1744 and 1756, is considered the most celebrated example of Potsdam Rococo. Reflecting the personal influence of Frederick the Great, the park includes a lovely Baroque flower garden, more than 3,000 fruit trees, and numerous greenhouses. It's a pleasure strolling around this huge park, especially the straight-as-an-arrow, two-and-a-half-kilometer-long avenue, shielded on each side by trimmed hedges, perfect lawns, and gorgeous gardens.

A number of park buildings are worth exploring, too, in particular the Picture Gallery with its many works of art. Other must-sees here include the exquisite Chinese House , an extremely elaborate garden pavilion, and the wonderful Roman Baths complex.

Sanssouci Palace itself, a single-story Rococo building with an elliptical dome in the center and a circular room at each end, is notable for its spectacular interior decor. This is especially evident in its large oval Marble Hall and sumptuous apartments.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Potsdam

Insel Mainau, the spectacular Flower Island on beautiful Lake Constance, covers an area of 110 acres and attracts many visitors to its beautiful parks and gardens, luxuriant with semitropical and tropical vegetation.

Access to the island is by boat, or via a pedestrian bridge connecting it to the mainland, so be sure to allow a little extra travel time in addition to the two or more hours needed to properly explore this stunning property. Ample public parking is available on the mainland, some with electric vehicle charging stations.

Another highlight is the 18th-century Schloss, notable for its lovely White Hall, the old defensive tower, and the gatehouse.

Official site: www.mainau.de/en/welcome.html

While not exactly the most picturesque of places, what's left of the Berlin Wall is one of those attractions that any visitor to Berlin simply must see. Built in 1961, the wall was the most visible manifestation of the Cold War mentality that existed after WWII, and by the time it was torn down in 1990, it extended some 155 kilometers.

Thankfully, all that remains of the wall today are small graffiti-covered sections, stark reminders of the more than 70 people who died trying to escape from the East. Sections of preserved wall include a short stretch at infamous Checkpoint Charlie , as well as a section at Humboldthafen opposite the Reichstag Building on which the victims of the wall are listed.

Also of note is the excellent Berlin Wall Exhibition , with its permanent exhibits relating to the Berlin Wall, and the Berlin Wall Memorial .

The seat of Germany's government, the Reichstag (Reichstagsgebäude) is once again one of Berlin's most-visited attractions. Constructed in 1894 in Neo-Renaissance style, it infamously burned down in 1933 and remained in ruins until after German reunification, when it was rebuilt in its former glory.

One change that was made was to the building's massive Kuppel, its central dome. Instead of a traditional wood or metal dome, a decision was made to use glass, transforming the space into a major tourist attraction in the process.

From here, visitors can enjoy great city views, which are even more dramatic at night. If planning to enjoy the view in the evening, try to catch a spectacular sunset from the on-site Rooftop Restaurant. The Reichstag also makes for a stunning backdrop for summer concerts and light shows. English language guided tours are also available.

Address: Platz der Republik 1, 11011, Berlin, Germany

Official site: www.bundestag.de/en/visittheBundestag

The historic city of Nuremberg (Nürnberg) has long held a reputation as one of Germany's most important, and oldest, cultural, spiritual, and commercial centers. If visiting, you'll want to spend the bulk of your time exploring the city's "Altstadt," or Old Town area.

Although largely destroyed during WWII, the medieval structures were painstakingly rebuilt and look today much as they would when originally constructed. Ringed by five kilometers of city walls, the Altstadt is wonderful to explore on foot, especially if you're able to take the time and let your curiosity lead you.

Highlights include Nuremberg Castle, an imposing medieval stronghold built in the 11th century, which dominates the Old Town. Most impressive are its old towers, the oldest of which, the Pentagonal Tower, was constructed in 1040, and the 13th-century royal quarters.

Other notable features of the Old Town you'll come across include the Hauptmarkt, a centuries-old market square popular for its exquisite old fountain. Also located here are the original town hall, built in the early 1600s, and numerous old merchants' homes.

The city of Dresden is home to another remarkable story of reconstruction after the destruction of WWII. Here, in the old city center, you'll find the elegant Frauenkirche, a magnificent church that was, when built in 1743, considered one of the best examples of Baroque architecture in all of Europe.

Looking at it today, it's hard to believe that the church was completely destroyed during the war. But thanks to the hard work and diligence of local city folk, what remained was carefully catalogued and stored until reconstruction began after German reunification.

The fully restored interior is equally impressive, with a particular highlight being the rebuilt high alter, which looks today exactly as it did when the church was originally built. Be sure to also take the opportunity to visit the church dome for its superb city views. Check the attraction's website for details of upcoming concerts and events, as well as for its regular service schedule (visitors are always welcome).

Address: Georg-Treu-Platz 3, 01067 Dresden, Germany

Official site: www.frauenkirche-dresden.de/home

While Germany is especially well-known for its many magnificent historic structures, the country is also making a name for itself in the world of modern-day architecture. One of the best examples can be found in Frankfurt, a former Imperial City that's fast becoming one of the most important financial centers in Europe.

Now known as "Mainhatten," a nod to both its river setting and the many skyscrapers that now grace its skyline, the city's business district feels distinctly North American. By far the most impressive structure, though, is the architecturally pleasing Main Tower. Standing 240 meters tall and with no less than 56 stories, the tower's observation platforms offer unparalleled views over the city and the Main River.

And if a fear of heights isn't a problem, book a table for an evening meal at the Main Tower Restaurant and Lounge for a spectacular sunset view (reservations recommended). Be sure to check out the boutique shops and artworks on the ground level floors of the tower, too.

Address: Neue Mainzer Str. 52-58, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Official site: www.maintower.de/en/

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17 Best Places to Visit in Germany

By Becky Griswold · Last updated on May 4, 2024

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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Summer in Germany: 19 Beautiful Places to Visit & Things to Do

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my  disclaimer policy.

Planning a summer vacation to Germany? Here are the best summer destinations around Germany, along with some helpful travel tips!

• 1 Is Summer a Good Time to Visit Germany?
• 2 What is Germany Like in the Summer?
• 3 What to Pack for Summer in Germany
• 4 Where to Go in Germany in Summer?

Is Summer a Good Time to Visit Germany?

Summer is many traveler’s favorite time to visit Germany.

If you’re a big fan of festivals or concerts, one of the biggest draws are all the cultural events that take place during these months. From lively wine and beer festivals to open-air concerts and street celebrations, there’s always something exciting happening all around the country. 

It’s also a great time for outdoor activities, whether it’s hiking in the Alps, swimming in lakes, visiting the beaches of northern Germany, exploring national parks or cycling through picturesque countryside.

Join our FREE Germany Trip Planning Facebook Group!

Lastly, the warm and generally pleasant weather creates the perfect backdrop for sightseeing and taking pictures!

What is Germany Like in the Summer?

The summer months are typically considered to run from June through August, though warm summery weather can being in May and continue into September. I’ve been in Germany for more than one May or September heat wave!

During the summer you can expect anything from mild to warm temperatures to long, hot, sunny days. Hotter summers have become more frequent with global warming so heat waves are to be expected at some point during a typical summer.

But you also need to be prepared for rainy days, since these months actually have the highest average precipitation. I’ve also experienced days or even a couple weeks of cloudy, rainy weather.

In terms of travel, summer has always been the peak tourist season. We recommend booking everything from airfare, hotels , tours, and entrance tickets for popular sights like Neuschwanstein castle or the Reichstag dome in Berlin as early as possible to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.

What to Pack for Summer in Germany

• Lightweight clothing: Pack breathable and versatile clothing like shorts, t-shirts, dresses, skirts, and lightweight pants
• Sun protection: Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to shield yourself from the sun
• Comfortable walking shoes: Bring sturdy, comfortable shoes for sightseeing! Hiking shoes are also a  good idea if you plan to hike or do outdoor activities. I like to bring a pair of comfortable sandals to wear, as well.
• Swimsuit:  Essential if you plan to visit lakes or coastal areas. Watershoes are also a good idea.

These are just a few essentials to get you started. For more tips, read our ultimate Germany packing list and the 15 things we always take with us to Germany (and beyond).

Where to Go in Germany in Summer?

Rhine Valley & Moselle Valley

With their rolling vineyards, rivers glistening under the sun, surrounding beautiful towns and villages exuding a relaxed vibe, and the many castles, the Rhine Valley and Moselle Valley are popular travel destinations for the summer holidays.

Castle Eltz (Burg Eltz) is one of the main attractions in this area for many travelers and a must-see. Another attraction are the vineyards. Although harvest time is typically in the fall, it’s nice to visit during this time to see them in full bloom.

For all wine lovers, a fun activity would be to do a vineyard tour like this one in the Moselle Valley where you can spend soaking up the beautiful  scenery, taste premium wines, and learn about the wine-making process of different vineyards.

The Moselle Valley region is also home to charming medieval villages like Cochem , Beilstein, and Bernkastel-Kues – all worth visiting for their fairy tale atmosphere and historic buildings.

Summer is also a great time to visit the area because the boat cruises along the rivers are running on a regular basis (provided the water level is high enough). The Rhine river especially is the perfect place to explore by boat tour. There are lots of different options to choose from depending on the route you prefer.

We recommend doing the Castles Tour river cruise operated by the Köln-Düsseldorfer cruise line. This boat ride from Bingen to Koblenz takes you to many of the castles in the Middle Rhine. You can also do a shorter portion if you prefer. We’ve done the Bingen to St. Goar portion and enjoyed it.

Along the way, you can explore any of the quaint medieval towns by the river like Bacharach, Rüdesheim, Boppard, or St. Goar. It’s also a good idea to visit these small towns during summer because the majority of shops and restaurants are open full hours!

Black Forest

Another popular destination during summer is the Black Forest. It’s a beloved region for good reason! It’s associated with a variety of things like the famous Brothers Grimm fairy tales, Black Black Forest cake, breathtaking natural beauty, and charming historic cities like Freiburg , Triberg, and Gengenbach.

The diverse landscape of the Black Forest makes it a great place to do a wide range of outdoor activities – perfect for nature lovers!

There are lots of different hiking and walking trails that go through scenic wonders like the Triberg waterfalls, Ravenna Gorge and the Wutach Gorge, and mountain peaks like Feldberg and Schauinsland. If you’re looking for something more laidback, there’s nothing better than spending a day relaxing or swimming in any of the Black Forest’s pristine, beautiful lakes like Schluchsee (largest lake in the region), ​Titisee, or Mummelsee.

The region is also famous for spa towns like Baden-Baden and Bad Wildbad, where you can relax in thermal baths or hot springs.

If you’re traveling with family, a fun thing to add to your itinerary is the Europa-Park in Rust. It’s the largest theme park in Germany with over 18 different themed areas and 13 roller coasters.

Another one of the best things about visiting the Black Forest is its location! If you’re looking to maximize your summer holiday by visiting another European country, you can easily take a day trip to France or Switzerland!

Colmar, a picturesque French city known as Little Venice, is only around an hour away from Freiburg. Larger Strasbourg is another an easy France day trip. Also located an hour away is Basel in Switzerland, known for its historic center and a great starting point for exploring the rest of Switzerland.

These are just some things you can do during your summer stay in the Black Forest , but make sure to read our complete guide of things to do and see year-round!

Lake Constance (Bodensee)

There’s no better time to visit Lake Constance than summer! This crystal-clear lake is a popular tourist destination but it’s also a favorite place for many locals. It’s located near the Swiss and Austrian border at the foot of the Alps in southern Germany and not too far from Lichtenstein.

Konstanz is the largest city on the lake, known for its historic old town and the nearby Mainau Island. There’s also Lindau, situated on an island in the eastern part of the lake, with its charming old town, harbor, and the Lindau Lighthouse. Meersburg, Friedrichshafen, and Überlingen are other beautiful towns on the lake.

For fans of water sports, the lake is ideal for sailing, wakeboarding, windsurfing, and canoeing. You can rent equipment or join local classes to try these activities. The well-maintained cycling path that encircles the lake is perfect for bike enthusiasts, offering picturesque views of villages, vineyards, and the lakeshore.

Summer is also festival season around the lake, with live music, open-air shows, and cultural special events taking place in the various towns and cities.

Harz Mountains

The Harz Mountains region in northern Germany is another haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Summer is an ideal season to visit and make the most out of the vast network of hiking and nature trails for all skill levels.

If you’re a bit more experienced, we recommend hiking the Brocken, which is the highest peak in the Harz. It’s a relatively strenuous and steep hike but you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views.

But if you prefer to skip out on the hike, there are other ways to explore the mountains! The region is known for its historic narrow-gauge railways, like the Harzquerbahn and Brockenbahn, which offer scenic train rides through the mountains. You can also drive to scenic outlooks.

Don’t miss out on charming towns like Wernigerode, Quedlinburg, and Goslar, with their well-preserved medieval architecture. The region has a rich history associated with mining and the vast network of mines in these towns have been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Some other famous landmarks include the and the Quedlinburg Castle-Hill and Wernigerode Castle, which can be reached by the Harzquerbahn or on foot.

Saxon Switzerland

Saxon Switzerland is one of the most unique places in Germany, characterized by its striking sandstone cliffs and dramatic gorges. The summer months are a perfect time to admire the vibrant landscapes and go on outdoor adventures.

We’ve day tripped here a couple times from Dresden but you can also spend a couple days exploring the region.

The Saxon Switzerland National Park is home to hiking trails with varying levels of difficulty. One of the most popular routes is the Malerweg (Painter’s Way) which winds through picturesque valleys and offers views from rocky outcrops.

This route leads you to the famous Bastei Bridge , stunning, bizarre rock formations that stand over 600 feet over the river Elbe. Rock climbing is also a very popular activity here because of the rich variety of sandstone formations, but climbers must be trained and follow certain rules to protect the cliffs. 

For a more leisurely experience, you can take a scenic steamboat cruise along the Elbe River, passing by the sandstone formations and charming villages, like Bad Schandau and Kurort Rathen. Here you’ll find the Rathen Open Air Stage, a natural stage in a deep valley that’s used as an open-air theater. During summer weekends, you can watch shows varying from traditional performances, musicals, and plays.

Füssen Area (Neuschwanstein Castle and More)

Fussen serves as a gateway to one of Germany’s most popular tourist attractions, Neuschwanstein Castle . This fairytale castle receives tons of visitors year-round, but summer is especially busy. With its iconic turrets and picturesque backdrop of the Bavarian Alps, it’s easy to see why it’s so popular.

If you’re looking for something less touristy, we recommend going to the Tegelberg! The Tegelberg mountain rises steeply from the foothills of the Alps near Schwangau and offers different outdoor activities. You can hike along scenic trails or take the Tegelbergbahn cable car to the summit.

If you’re feeling adventurous, experience the thrill of paragliding and view the landscape of the castle and lakes like Alpsee and Forggensee from above. In the summer, the Sommerrodelbahn or summer luge ride is finally open! It’s located directly at the foot of the mountain and is a fun activity for kids and adults alike.

Zugspitze & Eibsee

Eibsee is a lake at the base of the Zugspitze mountain. In the summer, the crystal-clear waters are great for renting boats and cooling off from the heat by swimming in the cold water. You can also hike around the lake (takes approximately 2 hours – I recommend going in the morning when it’s cooler) as an enjoyable way to take in stunning mountain views. After a long day of summer activities, you can grab a drink and relax at the lakeside beer garden. 

Zugspitze, the highest peak in Germany, is situated south of the town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen in Bavaria. While it may be more known as a ski resort, summer is a good time to visit this area, too. There may even still be enough snow on the glacier for sledding. But summer also provides the opportunity to hike to the very top of Zugspitze to get panoramic views, especially during clear, sunny days. However, do keep in mind that it can get quite crowded in the summer months.

Rügen Island

Summer on Rügen Island, which is tucked away on the Baltic Sea in northeastern Germany, is a coastal paradise that remains somewhat off the beaten path for many non-German travelers – perfect for avoiding the crowds of tourists during the summer peak season.

The island is known for its sprawling coastline and beautiful beaches. Rügen is a place of relaxation. You can stroll through charming seaside towns like Binz and Göhren, where you can enjoy ice cream on the promenade or enjoy seafood at waterfront restaurants in the fresh sea air.

For more active things to do, there are plenty of hiking trails in the chalk cliffs of Jasmund National Park, offering panoramic views of the coastline.For a unique experience, hop on a ferry to Hiddensee, Rügen’s carless neighbor. Here, you’ll find unspoiled beach landscapes and a tranquil atmosphere. It’s the best way to truly unwind and disconnect!

Across from Rügen Island you’ll find Stralsund, a German city that combines the laid back atmosphere of the coast with history and culture. The Old Town of Stralsund is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s home to important buildings like the Gothic Old Town Hall and historic churches like St. Mary’s Church.

The town’s location on the coast offers fantastic opportunities for relaxed days by the waterfront, taking in the sea breeze. Stralsund’s waterfront promenades with their outdoor cafes and restaurants are a great spot to sip on local beers while enjoying summer sunsets over the Baltic sea. You can also easily take a ferry to the nearby islands of Rügen and Hiddensee for more summer beachfront adventures. We really enjoyed exploring Stralsund when we spent a week on Rügen.

Rostock, a vibrant coastal city in northern Germany, is a fantastic destination to explore during the summer season. Its sandy beaches along the Baltic Sea coast, especially Warnemünde Beach, invite sunbathing, swimming, and leisurely strolls along the promenade. The nearby seaside district of Warnemünde makes for a great day trip for an even more relaxing atmosphere by the beachfront and marina.

If you plan your visit in August, don’t miss the Hanse Sail, one of the largest maritime festivals in the Baltic region! During this festival, over 250 traditional ships of all types from all over the world visit the coast of the city of Rostock. There’s also another maritime event that takes place later on in September called the Rostock Cruise Festival, where cruise ships are accompanied by fireworks as they sail out onto the Baltic Sea.

Wattenmeer (Wadden Sea)

The Wattenmeer is an intertidal zone made up of mudflats, sandy shoals, dunes, wetlands that stretches along Germany’s northern coastline by the North Sea. This is one of the most beautiful places in Germany because it has remained largely undisturbed. It has also been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its natural beauty and diverse flora and fauna.

Summer is an ideal time to visit and try unique outdoor activities. During low tide, you can join guided mudflat hiking tours to walk across the exposed mudflats while discovering marine life like crabs and shellfish. As an important stopover for migratory birds, summer brings increased bird activity so avid bird watchers will be able to spot a variety of species.

There are also usually seal safari tours operating throughout June to September, allowing you to observe these creatures lounging on sandbanks or swimming gracefully in the water from a safe distance.

The Wadden Sea is also dotted with picturesque islands like Sylt, Föhr and Amrum. In summer, ferries and boats offer regular services, making it convenient to explore these islands’ unique cultures, landscapes, and beaches.

Würzburg

Würzburg, a charming city in the heart of Bavaria, truly shines during the summer months. With its stunning architecture, lush greenery, and vibrant cultural scene, it’s an ideal destination for the warm months.

One of the quintessential summer experiences in Würzburg is savoring the local wine. The city is located in the Franconian wine region, known for its excellent white wines particularly the Silvaner and Müller-Thurgau varieties. 

You’ll find numerous vineyards and wine cellars in and around Würzburg, making it a wine enthusiast’s paradise. The best way to enjoy these wines is at one of the many outdoor restaurants or wine bars or on the Old Main Bridge with picturesque views of the city and the Main River. We not only enjoyed a glass of local wine on the Old Bridge but also picked up a bottle in the farmer’s market in the Marktplatz.

The city’s green spaces, like Hofgarten or the Ringpark along the river, are also great spots for picnics with wine or leisurely strolls.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a town frozen in time with its well-preserved medieval architecture and intact city walls, is especially enchanting in the summer. One of the highlights during this season is the Night Watchman Tour . While this tour is available throughout the year, they offer it more regularly during the summer.

In this walking tour, you’ll be guided by the Night Watchman, in his traditional attire, who takes you on a humorous journey back in time through the cobbled streets of Rothenburg after dark. This tour is offered in English and in German.

Summer also brings a vibrant festival atmosphere to Rothenburg. The town hosts various events like music festivals and outdoor performances in its charming squares. Aside from this, the weather is just great for getting lost in the charming streets of Old Town. But do keep in mind that Rothenburg is quite touristy so it can get very crowded during the day since it’s peak season.

Read our full guide on the best things to do and see in Rothenburg!

Hamburg is one of the best cities to visit during summer! You’ll get to experience the city in full swing with outdoor festivals and events like the Christopher Street Day Parade in early August and Isamarkt – an outdoor market that is nearly 1 km long (fun fact: I used to walk through this market on my way home from school when I lived in Hamburg as a teen).

Because of the warm, pleasant weather, it’s also the best time for going on boat trips along the harbor or exploring the canals by canoe (which is super fun). The Alster Lake is also a popular spot during summer for barbecues, swimming, or simply relaxing by the shore. 

Check out our accommodation guide for the best places  to stay in Hamburg!

For an exciting summer adventure, you can also go on a day trip to Heligoland, a small archipelago in the North Sea that’s easily accessible by ferry. It’s known for its white sand dunes, beautiful red rock cliffs, and diverse bird colonies.

If you want to stay closer to the city, the Elbstrand beaches, such as Övelgönne and Wittenbergen, are a good option. These urban beaches provide a quick escape from the urban hustle and bustle. Read our full guide on the top things to do and see in Hamburg!

As one of the most popular German cities for visitors, Munich is always bustling with life and activity and summer is no exception. One of the city’s most iconic summer traditions is the beer garden experience, which you can find all throughout the city center. A must-visit is the Chinese Tower Beer Garden in the English Garden. It’s one of the biggest ones with over 7,000 seats. It’s also connected to a restaurant where you can enjoy Bavarian cuisine and on certain days, there’s live music performances which adds to the fun and lively summer atmosphere.

Aside from the Chinese Tower, the English Garden is a popular spot for just hanging out, picnicking, or strolling around. One unique feature is the Eisbach, a man-made river that flows through the park. In the summer, you can even float down the river or just watch surfers riding the waves. 

Check out our accommodation guide for the best places to stay in Munich!

Summer also brings a lot of festivals in Munich. One of the highlights is the Tollwood Summer Festival held in the Olympiapark usually from June to September. This multicultural event features live music, art installations, a vibrant market with handcrafts and international gastronomy. Read our full guide on the top things to do and see in Munich!

While you may think of Frankfurt as mainly a city for transiting or layovers , the city is worth exploring for a day, especially during summer! There are several events and outdoor activities taking place like Museumsuferfest, a multi-day cultural festival held along the banks of the River Main during the last weekend of August. It features stage productions, live music performances, art exhibitions, museum presentations, and delicious food stands. If you’re a big fan of classical music, the Palmengarten (Frankfurt’s botanical garden) also hosts open-air concerts during the summer months amidst the blooming greenery. 

Check out our accommodation guide for the best places to stay in Frankfurt!  

Frankfurt is also a great base to do day trips to nearby castles , wine festivals, and scenic landscapes. In the Frankfurt Rhine-Main region you’ll find festivals like the Rheingau Wine Festival in August where you can sample excellent local wines. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Taunus Mountains, located a 40-minute drive from Frankfurt, offer a range of recreational opportunities like hiking and cycling.

Read our full guide on the top things to do and see in Frankfurt!

Nestled in the Neckar River, Heidelberg is a delightful destination to explore in the summer. It’s home to the Heidelberg Castle, fascinating castle ruins that date back to the Middle Ages. During mid-June to the beginning of August, one of the most anticipated events takes place – the Heidelberger Schlossfestspiele (Heidelberg Castle Festival). This festival features a series of open-air theater performances in the courtyard, ranging from plays, operas, and concerts. 

Check out our guide for tips and more information on visiting Heidelberg Castle!

Summer is also the perfect time to enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Philosopher’s Walk (Philosophenweg), a scenic path offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city. We also recommend checking out Königstuhl (King’s Seat), a mountain situated on the edge of Old Town that you can reach by hiking or cable car for views of the city and the Neckar Valley. Summer is also the best time to take the Neckar River Cruise and relax and enjoy the sights from a romantic river boat.

Read our full guide on the top things to do and see in Heidelberg!

Grab our FREE Germany Trip Planning Checklist Now!

Cate has been traveling to Germany for 30+ years. She has lived in Germany, taught college German, and has a PhD in German Applied Linguistics. She loves helping travelers plan their dream trips to Germany!

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GERMANY TRAVEL PLANNER:  Just getting started? Have questions about Germany’s confusing train tickets or how to find the best guided tours? Not sure which parts of Germany should be in your itinerary (and what to leave out)? Our  Germany Travel Planner  answers those questions and more via how-to videos, our interactive Germany Planning Map, City Cheatsheets, and MUCH more. Click here to unlock the best of Germany the easy way!

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ACCOMMODATIONS:  We recommend using  Booking.com  since they have widest range of accommodations available from hostels, boutique hotels, luxury chains, aparthotels, at the best prices. Check out our  accommodation guides  for specific recommended hotels.

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Best Tourist Activities to Do in Germany: The Ultimate Guide (Map & Photos)

Known for its rich history, thriving culture, stunning architecture and natural beauty, Germany offers endless possibilities for an unforgettable travel experience. Imagine walking into a chocolate shop and finding an array of flavors, each unique but all equally inviting—that’s Germany for you. This comprehensive guide cherrypicks the ultimate highlights for visitors seeking to maximize their precious time when planning a German getaway.

After exhaustive research consulting numerous travel guides, German tourism sites, friends’ tips, and drawing on our own extensive travels through Germany, we are delighted to provide a definitive single resource for travelers to fully experience captivating Germany. Whether you have one week or one month for your trip, this guide curates must-see recommendations tailored for you.

Ready to immerse yourself in Deutschland? Take the leap! This comprehensive guide will help you discover the best cities and towns to visit, top outdoor activities, famous landmarks, major events, German food and budget tips. An interactive map at the end aids in planning your customized German itinerary.

Best Cities to Visit in Germany

Germany is filled with vibrant metropolitan hubs that showcase the country’s fascinating history, culture, cuisine and nightlife. Travelers looking for urban adventures will find plenty to see and do in the nation’s largest and most popular cities. From historic landmarks, museums and castles to beer halls, festivals and shopping, Germany’s urban centers offer endless activities. Some of the top cities to explore include Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Frankfurt and Cologne.

Berlin: Historical sites, museums, nightlife

Berlin serves as Germany’s capital and cultural epicenter. The city offers an intriguing mix of history and modernity. Visitors can reflect on Berlin’s turbulent past at historical sites like the Berlin Wall Memorial, Checkpoint Charlie and Brandenburg Gate . The city’s world-class museums cover topics from Egyptian artifacts to Prussian paintings. Berlin also shines when the sun goes down. Night owls can explore hip bars and clubs that keep the party going into the early morning hours. During the day, relax at sprawling city parks and gardens like Tiergarten. Graffiti artists have also transformed Berlin into an outdoor art gallery with colorfully painted murals across the city.

Munich: Oktoberfest, Beer halls, Neuschwanstein Castle day trips

Munich emanates old-world Bavarian charm. The city’s iconic Oktoberfest draws millions for boisterous beer drinking in packed festival tents. Even outside of the festival, beer halls like the Hofbräuhaus perpetually overflow with revelers hoisting overflowing steins. Along with beer culture, Munich offers architectural gems like the Frauenkirche church and lively public squares. The city also serves as an ideal base for day trips to Neuschwanstein Castle . Rising from the hilltops, this fairy-tale castle inspired the one in Disney’s Sleeping Beauty.

Hamburg: Harbor, Miniatur Wunderland model railway, nightlife

Hamburg sits along the Elbe River and contains one of Europe’s largest harbors . Visitors can tour the bustling port and ride on ships that cruise along the city’s canals. When seeking indoor adventures, check out Miniatur Wunderland , an elaborate model railway depicting detailed scenes from around the world. At night, the Reeperbahn district comes alive with neon-lit clubs and cabarets that gave birth to the city’s famous red light district.

Frankfurt: Finance hub, museums, green spaces

Modern skyscrapers tower above Frankfurt, which serves as Germany’s financial center . While here on business, make time to visit world-class museums like the Städel Museum and the Museum of Modern Art . Frankfurt offers a respite from the steel and glass jungle with abundant nature spots. Have a picnic in Bethmann Park , take a stroll through the Palmengarten botanical gardens or ascend the forested hills along the riverfront.

Cologne: Cologne Cathedral, Roman-Germanic Museum, shopping

Cologne dazzles visitors with its massive Gothic cathedral along the Rhine River. Equally impressive is Cologne’s Roman-Germanic Museum, which displays intricate mosaic floors and archaeological artifacts from ancient Roman settlements. Outside of museums and historic landmarks, Cologne boasts extensive shopping outlets and a robust art scene in the Belgian Quarter .

The Most Beautiful Towns in Germany

Beyond its bustling cities, Germany entices visitors to slow down and appreciate sublime scenery in its picturesque smaller towns. With winding cobblestone streets, ancient hilltop castles, soaring cathedrals and timber-framed houses, these charming destinations transplant travelers back in time. Among the loveliest towns to explore are Cochem, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Ramsau bei Berchtesgaden, Bamberg and Bacharach.

Cochem: Medieval Reichsburg Castle, riverside scenery, Riesling wines

Sitting on the banks of the Moselle River beneath a dramatic medieval castle, Cochem charms visitors with its riverside setting in the heart of Riesling wine country. Take the chairlift up to Reichsburg Castle , with its impressive octagonal tower and panoramic views. Stroll flower-filled streets like Endertplatz and Kaplanei, taste local Reisling white wines, and walk along the riverside promenade. 

Rothenburg ob der Tauber: Preserved medieval architecture, night watchman tours

With impressively preserved medieval walls and towers enclosing red-roofed dwellings, Rothenburg ob der Tauber fully transports you back in time. Stroll Market Square, walk along covered walkways like the Kobolzeller Steige, and see relics like St. James’ Church. Join the classic Night Watchman’s Tour for entertaining anecdotes of local history and legends.

Ramsau bei Berchtesgaden: Alpine village under Watzmann mountain

Nestled dramatically amid the Bavarian Alps near Berchtesgaden National Park, Ramsau bei Berchtesgaden epitomizes traditional Alpine charm. Quaint chalets cluster around St. Sebastian Church with magnificent views of the Watzmann massif. Hike through the mountain scenery, breathe clean Alpine air and sample hearty regional cuisine.

Bamberg: Historic city center, Gothic cathedral, Old Town Hall on an island

With its entire Altstadt or old town listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site , Bamberg showcases one of Germany’s largest and undisturbed medieval townscapes. Marvel at the quartet of church spires, see ornate Baroque architecture and stroll the Tiny Bridge over narrow canals flanked by charming fisherman’s houses.

Bacharach: Postcard-perfect vineyards, half-timbered houses, medieval charm

Walking Bacharach’s narrow cobblestone streets lined with half-timbered houses, it’s easy to see why this town inspired ancient legends of sorcery and magic. Climb to the ruins of imposing Burg Stahleck Castle overlooking the village. Gaze out over surrounding hillside vineyards along one of the many scenic trails.

Best Outdoor Activities in Germany

Beyond its bustling urban centers, Germany’s diverse landscape provides endless opportunities for outdoor recreation and adventure. Alpine peaks, dense forests, crystalline rivers and massive lakes set the scene for hiking, biking, swimming and watersports across the country. Germany caters to outdoor enthusiasts of all levels with scenic trails, world-class climbing and action-packed waterways.

Hike through stunning scenery in the Bavarian Alps, Saxon Switzerland, Black Forest

Lace up your boots and head for the hills to experience Germany’s magnificent hiking trails. The Bavarian Alps offer towering peaks and flower-filled meadows. Summit Germany’s highest mountain, the Zugspitze, then ride a cable car back down while soaking in panoramic views. Saxon Switzerland dazzles with its soaring sandstone cliffs and deep gorges. Meander through the cuckoo clock-making region of the Black Forest , past cascading waterfalls and mythical woods.

Cycle along the Elbe River, Romantic Road or Lake Constance

With thousands of miles of dedicated cycling paths, Germany provides heavenly terrain for avid cyclists. Pedal along the Elbe as it winds past vineyards and castles. Bike the famous Romantic Road through quaint medieval villages and rolling farmland. Circle Lake Constance and cross between Switzerland, Germany and Austria.

Swim in Alpine lakes like Königssee, Eibsee or Schluchsee

Cool off from the summer heat by plunging into Germany’s crystalline, sapphire-blue Alpine lakes. Boat across glassy Königssee to swim in secluded coves with views of steep cliffs. Dive into the depths from platforms at Eibsee , nestled dramatically beneath the Zugspitze. Enjoy Schluchsee’s shallow shores and waterfront cafés.

Canoe or kayak down rivers like the Elbe or Neckar

Paddle through scenery along Germany’s gently flowing rivers. Drift beneath hilltop castles along the Romantic Road’s Neckar River. Row downstream on the Elbe as it winds through the UNESCO-listed Saxony Switzerland National Park. Rent a canoe or kayak to navigate sheer sandstone cliffs rising hundreds of feet straight from the water.

Climb cliffs in Saxon Switzerland near Dresden or at Frankenjura near Nuremberg

Saxon Switzerland’s spires and arêtes offer heart-pounding climbing. Scale the Bastei cliffs to reach panoramic viewing platforms. Boulder on huge sandstone blocks or tackle overhanging routes on sport climbs. Frankenjura also impresses climbers with its sweeping walls and dramatic shapes.

Famous Landmarks and Monuments in Germany

Germany harbors an array of striking landmarks and monuments that offer windows into the nation’s multifaceted history and culture. Grand palaces, stoic memorials and enduring fortifications stand as icons throughout the country. Visitors flock to admire their impressive architecture and learn about Germany’s complex past.

Brandenburg Gate, Berlin

This 18th-century neoclassical gate has come to symbolize German unity. Damaged in World War II then isolated by the Berlin Wall, the restored Brandenburg Gate now represents peace and freedom. Visitors can walk through the imposing sandstone columns and admire the Goddess of Peace statue on the gate’s top.

Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria

Nestled in Bavaria’s mountains, Neuschwanstein Castle is considered one of the most beautiful castles in Germany . Built by King Ludwig II, the Romanesque Revival palace inspired Sleeping Beauty’s Castle at Disneyland. The lavish interior includes a simulated cave and colorful frescoes paying tribute to Wagnerian operas.

Cologne Cathedral, Cologne

Cologne Cathedral dominates the city’s skyline with intricate twin spires soaring 515 feet high. This UNESCO site took over 600 years to complete since construction began in 1248. Visitors are awed by its immense interior that can accommodate 40,000 worshippers at a time.

The Berlin Wall

Segments of the Berlin Wall still stand as a memorial to Germany’s divided past. Visitors can learn about its history at the open-air Berlin Wall Memorial. The memorial contains a preserved 200-meter stretch of the wall covered in graffiti artwork.

Reichstag Building, Berlin

Home to Germany’s parliament, the Reichstag’s sleek glass dome added during reconstruction has become an iconic Berlin landmark. Visitors can climb to the top of the dome for 360-degree views of the city.

Heidelberg Castle, Heidelberg

This dramatic hilltop ruin overlooks Heidelberg and the Neckar River. Repeatedly destroyed then rebuilt since the 13th century, the castle complex exudes romantic ambience. The grounds contain picturesque gardens, courtyards and a large barrel-shaped wine vat.

Major Events and Festivals in Germany

Germany hosts an array of lively festivals and events throughout the year that showcase the country’s culture, food and flair for revelry. These colorful celebrations, often centuries-old, attract visitors from around the world.

Oktoberfest, Munich

Oktoberfest , held annually from mid-September through early October, is considered one of the most famous festivals globally. Over 6 million beer lovers flock to Munich’s Theresienwiese grounds to fill massive beer tents decorated with colorful banners for boisterous drinking, eating and merriment. Revelers hoist overflowing one-liter steins and sway to oompah bands while donning traditional dirndl or lederhosen attire at the world’s largest Volksfest celebrating Bavarian culture.

Christmas Markets, Various Cities

During December, German cities like Frankfurt, Cologne, Berlin and Dresden transform into sparkling winter wonderlands with traditional Christmas markets centered around the town square. Vendors sell unique gifts, ornaments, toys and decorative items from festively adorned wooden stalls set amongst twinkling lights and decorative wreaths. Sip steaming cups of mulled wine, nibble gingerbread cookies and roast chestnuts, and shop for handmade crafts like wood carvings, ceramics and nutcrackers at these markets oozing old-world European charm.

Wacken Open Air (W:O:A) Heavy Metal Festival

Considered the world’s largest heavy metal music festival, Wacken Open Air gathers devoted metal fans to the village of Wacken every August. The first W:O:A festival debuted in 1990 with just 800 attendees, growing exponentially each year. Now over 75,000 metal lovers converge to rock out to bands playing on multiple stages.

Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale)

Each February, one of Europe’s premier film festivals showcases nearly 400 films from around the world to over half a million viewers in Berlin. Hollywood stars and directors regularly attend the prominent Berlinale , dressed to impress for flashy red carpet premieres and competitions. The festival sells over 300,000 tickets to screenings at various venues including the iconic Berlinale Palast as film buffs celebrate innovative cinema.

Rock am Ring and Rock im Park Music Festivals

Two of Germany’s largest outdoor rock music festivals, Rock am Ring and Rock im Park take place concurrently in early June featuring the same lineup of bands. Rock am Ring happens at the Nürburgring race track, while Rock im Park occupies the Zeppelinfeld in Nuremberg. The multi-day festivals showcase rock, metal, punk and indie acts on multiple stages. Past lineups have included bands like Green Day, Muse, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Die Toten Hosen.

Cologne Carnival (Kölner Karneval)

Taking place every year in February, Cologne Carnival is one of the largest street festivals in Europe. For six days, Cologne is transformed into a carnival hub overflowing with colorful parades, brass band music, dancing and elaborate costumes. With origins dating back to Roman times, this jubilant festival has grown into a spectacular annual tradition.

Airbeat One Electronic Music Festival

Airbeat One Festival occurs annually in early July in Neustadt-Glewe, focused on EDM, house, techno and other electronic dance music. With elaborate stage setups and pyrotechnics, Airbeat One brings Ibiza-esque festival vibes to northern Germany. The four-day beachside event attracts over 65,000 electronic music fans.

German Foods and Culinary Delights

Germany is a food-lover’s paradise with flavorful culinary traditions ranging from hearty comfort foods to sweet treats and refreshing beverages.

Traditional dishes like bratwurst, schnitzel and spätzle satisfy any hearty appetite. Bratwurst refers to juicy grilled sausages, often served with mustard and sauerkraut. Tender pork cutlets pounded thin and fried in breadcrumbs make a classic schnitzel . Spätzle are soft, chewy egg noodles that pair well with meats and gravies. Finish a meal with rich desserts like moist German chocolate cake , decadent Black Forest cake topped with whipped cream and cherries, or fresh fruit tarts with flaky crusts.

Regional specialties add diversity to German cuisine. In Bavaria, taste savory sausages, sweet mustard and of course Bavarian lagers like the original Oktoberfest beers from Munich. The Rhineland’s wine country dishes include säuerbraten, a German pot roast marinated and braised in a tangy gravy. Up north, the coastal areas serve fresh seafood like trout, shrimp and Baltic fish often smoked or cured. Berlin offers currywurst, a beloved street food of grilled pork sausage sliced and seasoned with ketchup mixed with curry powder. The city’s trendy dining scene also includes international and modern German fare.

No matter where you travel, stop in any local bakery to find delicious pretzels, rye breads, and an array of rich cakes. Visit Christmas markets for additional treats like spiced gingerbread, stollen fruitcake and paper cones filled with hot roasted nuts.

You make a good point. I’ve tried to improve the transitions and flow by adding some more expansion and connecting phrases:

Cost and Budget for Traveling in Germany

Despite being one of the richest countries globally, living expenses in Germany may surprise you by not being as high as expected. Costs of goods, dining and accommodation are moderately aligned with other EU countries, with consumer prices averaging just about 8% higher than the EU norm.

Within the EU, Germany ranks 10th highest for cost of living. Still, it remains more affordable than visiting the UK, Denmark, Norway, France or the Netherlands. Significant variations exist even within Germany’s borders. Major metropolitan hubs in western Germany generally have higher daily costs than smaller towns in eastern regions of the country.

Unexpectedly, Berlin is actually one of Germany’s most budget-friendly cities , even though it serves as the nation’s capital and cultural center. By contrast, other major cities like Darmstadt, Frankfurt, Munich, Hamburg, Düsseldorf, Cologne and Bonn all tend to be more expensive.

According to the cost comparison site Numbeo , prices in Berlin are around 40% less than New York City, and about 25% cheaper than London.

To give an idea, a meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Berlin may cost 12 EUR. Mid-range dining with a glass of wine averages around 30 EUR per person. Ordering a 0.5 liter draft beer will set you back about 4 EUR, while a cappuccino from a cafe runs approximately 3 EUR. Opting for groceries from markets often provides cheaper eating options if you want to cook some of your own meals while traveling.

In terms of lodging, well-rated Berlin hostels like Wallyard Concept Hostel or Three Little Pigs can be booked for around 25 EUR per night. Upgrading to a nice hotel like Amano Grand Central with a sleek rooftop terrace starts at about 75 EUR per night. Boutique hotels such as Hotel Indigo offer rooms for 100 EUR per person and up.

Overall, while costs vary based on location and preferences, Germany remains an affordable travel destination compared to the average European standard. With reasonable budgets and planning, travelers can readily enjoy Germany’s top-tier attractions and experiences.

Map and Additional Resources for Traveling in Germany

After reading about Germany’s top destinations and attractions, it’s time to start mapping out your travel route. Planning your dream trip is easy with the help of this interactive map. It displays the various cities, landscapes and landmarks detailed throughout the article so you can visualize how to travel between them.

Here are some additional tips and resources to help you plan your ideal trip to Germany:

Safety: Germany is very safe for travelers. Exercise basic precautions against pickpockets or scams, especially in crowded areas. Violent crime is rare.

City Cards: Multi-day passes provide discounted access to public transportation, museums and attractions in major cities. Consider purchasing:

• Berlin WelcomeCard
• Frankfurt Card
• CityTourCard Munich
• Hamburg City Card
• Cologne Card

Opening Hours: Many attractions are closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly. Most shops close on Sundays due to laws restricting retail hours.

Public Transportation: Germany has an efficient network of trains, buses, trams and subways. Purchase tickets beforehand or at station machines. Use Deutsche Bahn’s website or app to easily navigate connections.

Rental Cars: Rental car rates are reasonable , but consider going car-free if staying mainly in cities. Parking is limited and expensive in urban areas.

Home » Travel Guides » Germany » 25 Best Things to Do in Cologne (Germany)

25 Best Things to Do in Cologne (Germany)

On the Rhine, Cologne ( German: Köln ) is a cultural capital and university city enriched with more than 2,000 years of history. In Roman times Cologne was in charge of a province, and ancient vestiges bubble through the city’s surface at medieval Romanesque churches and the gripping Romano-Germanic Museum.

If you love to lose yourself in a great museum for a few hours there’s enough art and history to keep you in Cologne for days. You’re going to have to be ruthless and organised just to fit a few in. And for refreshment in between the Romanesque churches and museums, Cologne is the city with the most pubs per person in Germany . Add to the mix effortlessly cool neighbourhoods, a dynamic new riverside district and a celebrated cathedral and you may never want to leave.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Cologne :

1. Cologne Cathedral

An international pilgrimage site, Cologne Cathedral has held the reliquary of the Three Kings since 1164. In 1248 work started on a new Gothic home for these precious remains, and it was inspired by the ethereal cathedrals of Northern France.

Now a UNESCO site, Cologne Cathedral is the single most visited landmark in Germany and its 19th-century towers are still the second-tallest structures in the city.

There’s a dizzying profusion of invaluable art to see inside, like stained glass windows from the 1500s, the 10th-century Gero-Kreuz crucifix and a black marble high altar from the 1300s carved with niches featuring images from the Coronation of the Virgin.

But the gilded shrine of the Three Kings is what draws the crowds.

This is a triple sarcophagus decorated with 12th-century reliefs of episodes from the life of Christ, prophets and apostles, all by Nicholas of Verdun.

2. Ludwig Museum

Exhibiting art from after 1900, the Ludwig Museum was set up in the 1980s in the modern, purpose-built complex near the cathedral.

The attraction came about during the 1970s after the Ludwigs, Peter and Irene, donated a multi-million-dollar collection of 20th-century art.

Among the many Picassos and the extensive collection of Russian Avant-Garde pieces, there are iconic examples of Pop Art, like Warhol’s “Brillo Boxes” and “Maybe” by Roy Lichtenstein.

This is all alongside the Sammlung Haubrich collection, which covers Expressionist art by Erich Heckel, Kirchner, August Macke and Karl Schmidt-Rottluff to name a few.

3. Romano-Germanic Museum

In the war a Roman villa was uncovered next to the cathedral when a bomb shelter was being built.

This was fully excavated later, and rather than try to move the centrepiece, beautiful Dionysus mosaic, an entire museum was built around the site in the 1970s.

The museum also shows off all of the artefacts found around Cologne from the time of Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium, which was the capital of the Germania Inferior province.

This settlement specialised in glassmaking, and the quantity and workmanship of the shape-blown glass, snake-thread glass and ground glass is mesmerising.

The single most valuable piece is the 4th-century “Cologne cage cup”, which bears Greek lettering that reads “Drink, live well forever”.

4. Wallraf-Richartz Museum

The Wallraf-Richartz Museum was born in 1824 when Franz Ferdinand Wallraf bequeathed a tremendous assortment of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Impressionist art to the city.

Some of the finest Gothic pieces were painted by Stefan Lochner, the Cologne-based 15th-century artist who contributed the Dombild Altarpiece to the cathedral.

The Last Judgment, Madonna of the Rose Bower and Triptych with the Virgin in the Garden of Paradise deserve as much time as you can give them.

But Lochner is only a fraction of what this extraordinary museum has to offer, as the art of Albrecht Dürer, Hieronymous Bosch, Rubens, van Dyck, Rembrandt, Degas, Monet and many more is in store.

5. Cologne’s Old Town

As you saunter from square to square in the historic centre of the city it’s worth remembering that three quarters of Cologne was obliterated in the war.

It can be humbling to wander a cobblestone alley and think that this would have been rubble just 70 years ago.

And yet the old world atmosphere still shines through on streets and plazas like Heumarkt and Altermarkt, even among the newer concrete constructions from the post-war period.

Along Am Hof, look for the Heinzelmännchenbrunnen, a fountain from 1899. You’ll meet the Cologne’s beloved Heinzelmännchen, gnomes who did all the city’s work at night so the citizens could relax (until the gnomes were insulted and left town forever).

Suggested tour : Night watchman tour through the Old Town

6. Groß St. Martin

Part of the skyline since the 12th century, Cologne would be the same without the fabulous crossing tower of Groß St. Martin.

And when this wonderful Rhenish monument was hit by bombs in the war, the reconstruction gave an opportunity to study its foundations, which go back to Roman times.

Beneath the signature trefoil chancel you can now see where the church’s walls merge seamlessly with the walls of a Roman storehouse.

The restoration lasted until the 1980s, and the church’s interior is typical of a Romanesque place of worship, with solemn architecture and understated decoration.

7. St. Maria im Kapitol

In the Kapitol Viertel, this Romanesque church is on the spot where ancient Colonia’s Roman Temple once stood.

The largest of Cologne’s three surviving Romanesque churches, St. Maria im Kapitol dates to the middle of the 11th century and its apses are modelled on Bethlehem’s Church of the Nativity.

Amazingly, the original wooden doors, dated to 1046 are still in good condition and are displayed on the south side of the aisle.

Framed by intricate patterning they have reliefs depicting the life of Christ.

In addition to the church’s tombs and marvellous wooden images, check out the explicit pietà (Christ on the cross) in the northeastern apse, which was carved in the 1300s and is remarkable for its expressiveness.

8. Botanical Garden

In the north of the city, next to the zoo is Cologne’s loveliest park: 11.5 hectares of sprawling lawns, individual gardens and greenhouses around an exquisite glass palace inspired by London’s Crystal Palace and built in the 1860s.

Known as the Flora, this monument was intended as an orangery and after coming through a renovation a couple of years ago now stages concerts, talks and private events.

There are more glass structures around the park, like the Main Greenhouse for tropical rainforest, the Small Tropical House supporting tropical crops like sugar cane, vanilla, cocoa and cinnamon, as well as a Subtropical House and a Cactus House.

Outside there’s a Mediterranean garden beside a pond and a gorgeous Italian Renaissance garden complete with stone vase, pergolas a cascade and temple.

9. KölnTriangle

Cologne Cathedral’s World Heritage status means that no buildings are allowed to interfere with the city’s skyline too much.

For this reason the KölnTriangle skyscraper was kept to just over 100 metres.

On the right bank of the Rhine its panoramic observation deck affords a photogenic view of the old town, the cathedral towers and the 266-metre Colonius telecom tower behind it.

Useful descriptions are provided for all the landmarks you can spot from this height.

The platform is open until 23:00, so it’s the best place to see the sun go down behind the cathedral.

10. Hohenzollern Bridge

The tiered-arch bridge between the cathedral and KölnTriangle dates to the start of the 20th century, and when it was rebuilt after the war it was restricted to just rail and pedestrian traffic.

Make a crossing to look over one of Europe’s great rivers towards the tower of Groß St. Martin Church and the towers of Cologne Cathedral directly ahead.

In the last decade the bridge has become another to be taken over by the “love locks” craze.

Couples attach a padlock to the grating beside the footpath and throw the key into the river as an expression of permanence.

These locks now amount to more than two tons, and while love locks have weakened other European structures, the sturdy Hohenzollern Bridge can handle the extra weight.

11. Museum für Angewandte Kunst Köln

This outstanding museum has 100,000 pieces of decorative arts in its collection, leading through history to the present day.

The exhibitions are arranged chronologically and contain furniture, weapons, jewellery, porcelain, puppets, tapestries and modern examples of industrial design.

You can embark on a trip through the development of applied arts, or dip into the parts that suit your taste.

There’s a marvellous 18th-century chinoiserie cabinet by the master cabinet-maker David Roentgen, an allegorical tapestry of Africa also from the 1700s or 5,000 years of jewellery crafted on the banks of the Rhine.

The museum also has masterworks of industrial design by the likes of Frank Lloyd Right, Ray Eames and Philippe Starck, and art by Mondrian and Kandinsky.

12. Kolumba Museum

The museum for Cologne’s Archdiocese is in a structure that was erected over the ruins of the St. Kolumba Church.

This fine Late-Gothic church was razed during the Second World War, a the new building surrounding it was designed by Pritzker Prizewinning architect Peter Zumthor.

You enter via the bombed out church building, which is an eerie experience, before ascending to the art galleries.

The exhibition has been devised to reveal the impact of Christianity on different periods of history and parts of the world, so each new piece is a surprise.

You can browse a breathtaking Rhenish Romanesque crucifix with an ivory Jesus, the gilded bronze Hermann Ida Cross from the 1000s, a Coptic Egyptian tunic dating to the 400s and avant-garde pieces by artists like Joseph Beuys and Paul Thek.

13. St Gereon’s Basilica

One of Cologne’s 12 Romanesque churches, St Gereon’s Basilica is also the strangest.

The reason for its outlandish design is that it was built across four phases in the 12th and 13th centuries, and newer portions were simply annexed to the old ones to form a wonderful hodgepodge.

Where the nave should be there’s a decagonal dome 21-metres across, and if you go up close you can tell how its walls were built into Roman ruins below.

That dome is the largest constructed in the western world in the period between Constantinople’s Hagia Sophia from the 500s and Florence Cathedral in the 15th century.

Students of medieval architecture can inspect this mysterious building to work out where each phase began and ended.

14. NS Documentation Center

You can revisit one of the grimmest periods from Cologne’s past at the former HQ of the Gestapo secret police.

Despite the role it filled from 1935 the EL-DE Haus escaped real damage in the Second World War, making it an interesting if harrowing document of the Nazi period.

The permanent exhibition has more than 30 high-tech multimedia stations giving an account of Cologne under national socialism.

The cellar was used as a prison and is one of the best preserved of the period, bearing some 1,800 inscriptions on its walls that testify to the torture and murder that took place here.

Upstairs in the research area the centre’s files that were destroyed at the end of the war have been forensically reconstructed.

15. Schnütgen Museum

The Cäcilienkirche (St Cecilia’s Church) looks a lot like it did when it was completed in 1160 and in 1956 became the venue for a captivating museum of medieval liturgical art.

Cologne’s position in the medieval Catholic world is underlined by examples of craftsmanship that would each be worth a visit in their own right.

There’s goldsmithery, sculpture in wood and stone, stained glass, painting, carved ivory, textiles and manuscripts.

St Cecilia’s own Romanesque tympanum is part of the exhibition, along with an array of wooden and bronze Madonnas and crucifixes like the stunning Cross of St George, sculpted in the 1000s.

16. Belgian Quarter

Maybe Cologne’s trendiest quarter is situated between Aachener Straße in the south and Friesenplatz in the northeast.

It’s a neighbourhood of galleries, hip bars, cafes, theatres, live music venues and boutiques selling vintage clothes or handmade accessories.

They’re are all on streets named after cities and provinces in Belgium, like Liege, Ghent, Brussels and Antwerp, as well as Maastricht and Utrecht.

These are a holdover from the German victory in the Franco-Prussian War in 1870-71. Brüsseler Platz, traced with bars and restaurants is where the city’s cool young things will come to spend summer evenings swigging beer and chatting under the stars.

17. Rheinauhafen District

South of the old town, two kilometres of the Rhein’s left bank have been turned into new district for the digital and creative industries.

Rheinauhafen is the name for the commercial port that used to occupy the riverside here, and since the 1990s the old cranes and waterside industry have been taken over by fresh and ambitious architectural landmarks.

The boldest of these are the award-winning Kranhaus buildings, 60 metres high and resembling colossal hoisting cranes in the way the upper floors jut out 90° over the water.

Some of the noteworthy historic buildings have been repurposed, like the Siebengebirge granary, known for its sharp gables and now repurposed as offices and apartments.

There’s a growing arts scene in the new district, and plenty of places for a meal or drink beside the Rhein.

18. Fragrance Museum

A whisker away from the Rathaus there’s a museum about perfume in the very rooms where Eau de Cologne was invented in the 18th century.

You’ll be inside the oldest intact perfume factory in the world, belonging to the Italian-born perfumer Johann Maria Farina whose invention made waves in the Rococo period and enhanced the city’s reputation.

You can only visit on a 45-minute guided tour, during which you’ll enter the vaults where a cedar barrel has survived for 300 years and see a copper still and laboratory equipment that are faithful replicas of the kind Farina used.

You’ll also see how cologne is created today, and because the scent wasn’t a registered trademark, there’s a presentation of imitations that you can compare to the real thing.

19. Imhoff-Schokoladenmuseum

Operated in collaboration with the Lindt & Sprüngli chocolate brand, the Imhoff-Schokoladenmuseum is one of the world’s top attractions in its field.

The exhibits strike a balance between educational details about chocolate’s origins and how cocoa is grown, and the indulgence of seeing chocolate being made before your eyes.

There’s a three-metre-high chocolate fountain, at which your guide will dip wafers into the liquid chocolate for you to taste.

The museum also has a “tropicarium” growing cacao trees in a glass cube, silver Mesoamerican vessels for chocolate, as well as pared-down versions of chocolate-making machines, demonstrating how everyone’s favourite treat is produced.

20. Cologne Zoo

Established back in 1860 Cologne Zoo has the distinction of being one of the oldest as well as one of the most up-to-date animal attractions.

There are halls that have been here since the 1800s, along with new facilities that are being introduced all the time, like the expansive Asian elephant park.

The zoo has more than 700 species, and specialises in primates like bonobos, gorillas, tamarins, orangutans and the endangered golden-bellied capuchin.

If you check the schedule there are staggered feeding session throughout the day for penguins, sea lions, meerkats, otters, hippos and also the piranhas in the aquarium.

21. 1. FC Köln

After the 2006 World Cup was awarded to Germany 1. FC Köln set about renovating its stadium for the competition.

The current 46,698-capacity RheinEnergieStadion is among the top stadiums in the Bundesliga, both for atmosphere and the way the tiers come right down to the touchlines of the pitch putting spectators on top of the action.

For football fans, attending one of the 17 home games is an all-day experience that begins at supporters’ bars and continues in the stadium where before the match the “Billy Goat” fans belt out their anthem “Mer stonn zo dir FC Kölle” in the Ripurian dialect to the tune of The Bonnie Banks o’ Loch Lomond.

22. Boat Trip on the Rhine

On the left bank of the Rhine at the Hohenzollern Bridge are jetties where you can board a boat for a cruise along the storied Rhine River.

There are three companies offering panoramic tours of the city (KölnTourist, KölnDüsseldorfer and Colonia), but if you book with the tourist board you’ll pay one price and afterwards can choose the company you’d like to ride with.

The route most people take is south to the old fishing community of Rodenkirchen on an hour-long cruise that floats past the cathedral, the spires of the old town, the new Rheinauhaufen district and under a total of four bridges, each with interesting trivia attached.

23. Gamescom

The Koelnmesse exhibition hall is the where the world’s second-largest trade fair for interactive electronics takes place every August.

Over the course of four days Gamescom receives around 350,000 visitors and hosts more than 900 exhibitors.

The crowds show up for world-first announcements about upcoming releases and the chance to try out games and technology in the pipeline.

There’s all kinds of video game-oriented fun, including concerts and appearances by stars like Wladimir Klitschko and Tony Hawk.

To give a sense of its growing status, Angela Merkel showed up to open Gamescom 2017.

24. Christmas Markets

Most cities put on a market in the build-up to Christmas.

But Cologne goes the extra mile, as there’s hardly a public space in the centre that doesn’t have some sort of Christmas-themed market and activity.

To illustrate, there’s a cluster of booths around the Cathedral, beside a stage for live music.

On Heumarkt the city sets up an ice skating rink, while Markt der Engel (Angel Market) is a little city of chalet-style huts illuminated by fair lights selling goodies on Neumarkt.

That’s nowhere near the end of it though, as for kids there’s a village for St. Nicholas on Rudolfplatz, and just around the corner is a lively gay and lesbian Christmas Avenue Market.

Another market by the Chocolate Museum on the Rhine is a cute place to sip Glühwein and nibble on Lebkuchen.

And even now we’re still at the tip of Cologne’s winter iceberg.

25. Kölsch and Halve Hahn

If you want to impress people at Cologne’s traditional Kneipen (pubs) you could order a Kölsch (beer) and a Halve Hahn (rye bread and gouda cheese). Kölsch is the local brew in Cologne, a top-fermented beer, made from Pilsener malt and with a straw colour.

It will come cold, in small 20cl glasses and is very smooth and drinkable.

Needless to say there are loads of other varieties if you’d like to be more adventurous.

Halve Hahn (literally, half rooster), is usually more artful than it sounds.

Your soft rye roll will come with butter, tomatoes, sliced onions and generous slabs of gouda for you to assemble as you like.

25 Best Things to Do in Cologne (Germany):

• Cologne Cathedral
• Ludwig Museum
• Romano-Germanic Museum
• Wallraf-Richartz Museum
• Cologne's Old Town
• Groß St. Martin
• St. Maria im Kapitol
• Botanical Garden
• KölnTriangle
• Hohenzollern Bridge
• Museum für Angewandte Kunst Köln
• Kolumba Museum
• St Gereon's Basilica
• NS Documentation Center
• Schnütgen Museum
• Belgian Quarter
• Rheinauhafen District
• Fragrance Museum
• Imhoff-Schokoladenmuseum
• Cologne Zoo
• Boat Trip on the Rhine
• Christmas Markets
• Kölsch and Halve Hahn

Munich   Travel Guide

Courtesy of Michael Fellner | Getty Images

24 Essential Things to Do in Munich, Germany ( + Day Trips)

Munich may be famous for its beer gardens, beer halls and annual Oktoberfest, but these beer-fueled attractions aren’t the only reasons to plan a visit to this cosmopolitan city. Art and culture lovers will be satisfied with the city’s variety of

• All Things To Do

Marienplatz Marienplatz free

The Marienplatz square, accessible by a U-Bahn station of the same name, is considered the heart of Munich, and has been since the city was founded in 1158. In medieval times, it hosted markets and jousting tournaments. Today, busy Marienplatz is a must-visit for its two town halls, and is also a great spot to stop for coffee and watch the world go by. For Munich day trippers, it’s the perfect starting point for a tour of the city’s main central attractions, as well as the square’s surrounding pedestrianized area, home to foodie paradise, the Viktualienmarkt , and countless restaurants, cafes and shops. At Christmastime, Marienplatz fills with vendors selling festive food, mulled wine and holiday gifts at the popular Christkindlmarkt.

Recent travelers say spending some time in this city square is a must-do, noting the distinctly Bavarian feel. Past visitors also recommended timing your visit for the daily glockenspiel shows at the New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus) , which take place at 11 a.m. and noon. The square is free to visit 24/7, though individual businesses operate their own hours.

English Garden (Englischer Garten) English Garden (Englischer Garten) free

U.S. News Insider Tip: If you need a break from the crowds, hop on the U-Bahn to the Westpark to enjoy fewer tourists, more locals and in spring, some 20,000 roses. The Westpark is also home to Chinese and Japanese gardens and a Nepalese pagoda. – Christie Dietz

This large public park, which stretches from the city center to the northeastern city limits, is one of Munich's must-dos. Named for the informal English style of rolling hills and open landscaping, the Englischer Garten contains four popular beer gardens, jogging and biking paths, several kiosks for buying drinks and snacks, a boating lake, and monuments, including a Greek temple, a Japanese tea house and the Chinese Tower, or Chinesischer Turm. Head to the tower for one of the city’s largest beer gardens and several seasonal events throughout the year, such as a Christmas market and a traditional Bavarian dance event. One of the park’s biggest draws is the Eisbach wave (Eisbachwelle) at the garden entrance, a human-made standing wave that allows surfers to try their hand at river surfing almost all year.

Munich Residence (Residenz München) Munich Residence (Residenz München)

What originated in the late 1300s as a small, moated Gothic castle was transformed over the centuries by the Bavarian Wittelsbach dynasty to become the largest city palace in Germany. From 1508 to 1918, the Munich Residence (Residenz Munich) was the residence and seat of government of the Bavarian dukes, electors and kings. Today, it’s an impressive mix of Renaissance, Baroque, rococo and neoclassicism styles – and what many travelers describe as a must-see when visiting Munich.

Inside, you can explore more than 150 ornately decorated rooms filled with tapestries, paintings, sculptures, clocks and furniture. Highlights include King Ludwig I’s neoclassical royal apartment and the treasury, which comprises 10 halls displaying a magnificent collection of exhibits, such as crowns, goblets, swords, jewelry and tableware. The Court Church of All Saints (Allerheiligen-Hofkirche), the Rococo Cuvilliés Theater (Cuvilliés-Theater) and Hercules Hall (Herkulessaal) are today all used as performance venues. The palace is surrounded by the Court Garden (Hofgarden), a beautiful park filled with courtyards, fountains, statues, pavilions and water features.

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Nymphenburg Palace (Schloss Nymphenburg) Nymphenburg Palace (Schloss Nymphenburg)

U.S. News Insider Tip: Head to the palace late in the day to enjoy fewer crowds and a peaceful sunset in the beautiful gardens. – Christie Dietz

Located in the northwestern district of Neuhausen-Nymphenburg, Nymphenburg Palace (Schloss Nymphenburg) was built as a gift for the wife of Elector Ferdinand Maria, Henriette Adelaide of Savoy, on the birth of their long-awaited son. Designed by Italian architect Agostino Barelli, who also designed Munich’s Theatine Church (Theatinerkirche), the Baroque-style palace was completed in the 1670s. Over the centuries, it was extended and embellished with Rococo and Neoclassical elements.

Viktualienmarkt Viktualienmarkt free

The Viktualienmarkt, located off the Marienplatz U-Bahn and S-Bahn stops, began as a farmers market in 1807. Today, the 100 or so permanent stands offer everything from freshly baked bread to sausages and honey to fresh flowers. There are also several fountains featuring statues of local comedians, actors and singers, and a towering maypole decorated with emblems depicting various aspects of Munich life. You can also enjoy a locally brewed beer in the shade of the chestnut trees at the Viktualienmarkt beer garden.

Travelers say this market is perfect for an afternoon stroll, noting visitors should stop to buy and sample some of the goods available (especially the pretzels and white sausages), and finish their day with a cold drink at the beer garden.

Old Town (Altstadt) Old Town (Altstadt) free

Located in the heart of Munich, the city’s Old Town ( Altstadt ) is a hive of activity that’s as popular with tourists as it is with locals and packed with sights and attractions.

The Marienplatz is at the center of the Old Town, a former market square named, along with the victory column – St. Mary’s Column ( Mariensäule ) – in its center, after Bavarian’s patron saint, Mary. Travelers love both the sights and the atmosphere here and are impressed by the neo-Gothic New Town Hall ( Neues Rathaus ), famous for its glockenspiel and the location of both the Lord Mayor’s office and Tourist Information. During Advent, there are several Christmas markets in the Old Town, but the Christkindlmarkt at Marienplatz is the most traditional, dating back to the 14th century.

Asam Church (Asamkirche) Asam Church (Asamkirche) free

Munich is full of hidden gems, and the Asam Church (Asamkirche) is no exception. Nestled between stores and cafes on the city's popular shopping street Sendlinger Straße, this 18th-century church, which is officially called St.-Johann-Nepomuk-Kirche, is an unexpected masterpiece. 

Previous visitors said they were intrigued by the building's unique exterior while strolling by, so they decided to peek inside. What they found was a tiny church with enormous detail. 

Glockenspiel in the New City Hall (Rathaus-Glockenspiel) Glockenspiel in the New City Hall (Rathaus-Glockenspiel) free

In the tower of the New City Hall ( Neues Rathaus ) on Marienplatz is Munich’s world-famous glockenspiel. With its 43 bells and 32 life-size figures, the large solar-powered mechanical clock first sounded in 1908 and reenacts scenes from two famous 16th-century Munich stories twice a day; from March to October, there’s an additional reenactment at 5 p.m. The glockenspiel has a repertoire of 22 pieces of music, mostly folk songs, that are played on rotation, with four reserved especially for Advent. The only time the glockenspiel is silent is on Good Friday.

The first of its two scenes depicts a moment from a jousting tournament that took place on Marienplatz in 1568 during two weeks of celebrations held in honor of the wedding of the local Duke Wilhelm V to Renate of Lorraine: A Bavarian knight triumphs over his French opponent by thrusting him off his horse with his lance. The second scene illustrates the dance of Munich’s barrel makers ( Münchner Schäffler ), who are celebrating being allowed to venture out onto the streets again for the first time after a severe plague epidemic in 1517 and began dancing to entertain the city’s plague-ravaged residents. In a third performance every evening between March and October, a night watchman comes out to blow his horn and a guardian angel stretches a protective hand over the Munich Child ( Münchner Kindl) , the symbol on the city’s coat of arms.

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Pinakothek Museums Pinakothek Museums

Amongst the outstanding collection of museums in Munich’s art district – Kunstareal – are the three Pinakothek museums. All are within walking distance of one another and are part of the Bayerische Staatsgemäldesammlungen (Bavarian State Picture Collection), along with several other museums.

The Alte Pinakothek – translated as the “Old Picture Gallery” – is regarded by experts as one of Europe’s most significant art museums. With walls lined with works from Titian, Rembrandt and Rubens, the museum is home to one of the world’s largest collections of 14th- to 18th-century paintings. Visitors appreciated the incredible collection of masterpieces and the audio guide, which can be accessed via your smartphone – so remember to bring headphones!

Deutsches Museum Deutsches Museum

A science and technology museum like no other (according to travelers), the Deutsches Museum brims with exhibits on everything from robotics and aviation to bridges and musical instruments. Sprawling across more than 200,000 square feet of space, the museum reopened in 2022 after a yearslong renovation. Today, visitors have the opportunity to explore 19 new and redesigned exhibits. There’s also Kids’ Kingdom ( Kinderreich ), a section geared toward 3- to 8-year-olds that houses interactive exhibits, including a marble run, a hall of mirrors and a giant guitar that kids can crawl inside and actually play. Beyond the exhibits, the museum also boasts a rooftop restaurant and a gift shop.

There are also two other branches of the Deutsches Museum (accessible via additional admission fees). In the west of the city, the affiliated Center for Transportation ( Verkehrszentrum) offers three exhibition halls filled with transport-related exhibits, including vintage cars and locomotives. Meanwhile, Flugwerft Schleissheim is all about aviation, and it’s located about 13 miles north in Oberschleißheim.

Olympiapark Olympiapark free

Originally constructed for the 1972 Summer Olympics, Munich's Olympiapark is now a popular tourist attraction. It houses a massive recreation center complete with skating rinks, an indoor pool, mini golf courses, tennis courts and, of course, the 77,337-seat Olympic Stadium. The stadium hosts concerts and other large-ticketed events throughout the year, but many visitors come to the park to explore the plethora of activities in and around the stadium.

The park sprawls across more than 200 acres, meaning you likely won’t see it all during one visit. If you’re limited on time, opt for a 20-minute tram tour of the grounds for 7 euros (around $7.60). Some visitors preferred this comfortable sightseeing method, but others said they wished the tram tour passed more interesting sights. For a 360-degree view of the park, city and the nearby Alps, climb up the grassy mound known as Olympic Hill (Olympiaberg). It’s one of the highest elevations in the city and a popular picnic spot in the summer. During warm weather, you can also rent rowboats and pedal boats to take out onto the park’s lake.

Augustiner-Keller Augustiner-Keller free

Augustiner-Keller, one of few remaining traditional beer gardens left in the city center, is Munich’s oldest brewery, and the last remaining one that’s owned privately. It was first mentioned in 1812 on the Munich city map as a beer storage facility, and was acquired by the owner of the Augustiner brewery in 1862.

The beer garden took its current form in 1896 and has changed very little since. Today it has some 5,000 seats and is very popular in summer, in part thanks to the shade of its 100 or so chestnut trees. You can sample traditional Bavarian food here, such as sausages or roast pork, opt for lighter international dishes and salads, or if you want to cut costs, do as the locals do and bring a picnic. In winter, the historic brewery building has a network of cozy rooms and larger beer halls to drink and dine in.

Odeonsplatz Odeonsplatz free

Despite its location in the heart of Bavaria, Munich has been called "Italy's most northerly city" because of its architecture and laid-back atmosphere. Its Italian influence is most apparent in Odeonsplatz – a historic square near the city center designed by a king who had an affinity for the Mediterranean country.  

The Field Marshals' Hall (Feldherrnhalle) – a three-arch monument built in the 1840s – stands at the south end of the Odeonsplatz square and is almost identical to  Florence 's Loggia dei Lanzi. Deeply embedded in pre-World War II history, the monument is perhaps best known as the site of the 1923 Beer Hall Putsch, a failed coup by the Nazi Party following which Hitler was arrested. Nowadays, the Feldherrnhalle's steps provide an ideal spot for Munich residents and visitors to lounge. 

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St. Peter's Church (Peterskirche) St. Peter's Church (Peterskirche) free

St. Peter's Church  (Peterskirche) is Munich's oldest place of worship. Its stunning white and gold interior is filled with treasures, but its tower – fondly known as Old Peter (Alter Peter) by locals – is the real draw. Adorned with eight clocks and eight bells, the tower stands at nearly 200 feet tall. From its viewing platform, visitors are treated to 360-degree views of Munich, including City Hall (Rathaus) and the Frauenkirche (Church of Our Dear Lady) .

Recent travelers were impressed by the church's glittering altar, not to mention the gold, jewel-bedecked, glass-enclosed skeleton of St. Munditia, a revered Christian martyr. Reviewers also said the view at the top of the tower is a must-see and worth the effort.

Cathedral of Our Dear Lady (Frauenkirche) Cathedral of Our Dear Lady (Frauenkirche) free

Officially called the Cathedral Of Our Dear Lady (Zu Unserer Lieben Frau) , this Munich landmark is also known locally as Munich Cathedral (Münchner Dom) and the Frauenkirche. The Gothic-period cathedral is a unique part of the city skyline, thanks to its two dome-topped towers. The dual towers stand at around 323 feet, though one is slightly higher than the other – and no one knows why! Thanks to a law passed in 2004, no buildings within Munich’s city limits are allowed to be constructed taller than the towers.

The main part of the church and two towers were constructed in the late 1400s, built with red bricks in order to save money as there were no local stone quarries. The domed tower roofs were added in 1525. The cathedral was severely damaged by bombing during World War II, and although the initial restoration was simpler than the original design, more ornate embellishments were added later.

Neuschwanstein Castle (Schloss Neuschwanstein) Neuschwanstein Castle (Schloss Neuschwanstein)

Neuschwanstein Castle ( Schloss Neuschwanstein ) famously served as the inspiration for Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. Built on a rock ledge over the Pöllat Gorge on the site of two smaller castles, the medieval-style Neuschwanstein Castle was commissioned by King Ludwig II in 1868. Today, it’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in Europe, and just a two-hour train ride south of Munich.

Even if you’re not interested in touring the inside of the castle, travelers say it’s still worth the trip for the views of the exterior and surrounding area. You can admire the photogenic setting on one of the many wooded trails, or from Marienbrücke, a bridge suspended over a waterfall that offers spectacular photo-ops of the castle and Bavarian Alps.

Bavarian National Museum (Bayerisches Nationalmuseum) Bavarian National Museum (Bayerisches Nationalmuseum)

The Bavarian National Museum ( Bayerisches Nationalmuseum ) is one of Germany’s largest museums and one of Europe’s largest art and cultural history museums.

Founded in 1855 by King Maximilian II, it was dedicated to the history of the Wittelsbach dynasty and the culture and history of the people they ruled. The museum was originally situated between what is today Karlsplatz and Marienplatz , but its collection quickly outgrew its space. In 1900, the museum was moved to a historic building complex on Prinzregentenstraße, close to the River Isar. Much of the museum required reconstruction following severe damage during World War II.

The Hirschgarten The Hirschgarten free

Located in the Nymphenburg district in Munich’s west, the approximately 100-acre Hirschgarten park was created in 1780 by Elector Carl Theodor as a hunting ground for the nobility. Though it’s no longer used for hunting, the park does shelter a wild animal enclosure, which is home to fallow deer and wild sheep that visitors can feed (just pay attention to the signage listing what the animals are allowed to eat). The Hirschgarten park also houses several playgrounds, including a water playground for hot summer days, a small skate park, barbeque areas and various walking trails.

The Königlicher Hirschgarten restaurant and beer garden , which dates back to 1791, is also situated in the park. With seating for more than 8,000 people, it’s the largest traditional beer garden in the world. Stop by for some hearty fare, such as white sausages with sweet mustard, käsepätzle (egg noodles with cheese and onions), or a large platter of bread, cold cuts and cheeses. Recent travelers say the beer garden has a great ambiance, excellent service and a fantastic location, and that the park is a peaceful place to escape the packed downtown area.

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St. Michael's Church (Michaelskirche) St. Michael's Church (Michaelskirche) free

Situated in Munich’s pedestrian zone halfway between Karlsplatz and Marienplatz, St. Michael’s Church (Michaelskirche) is considered to be the first Renaissance church built north of the Alps. According to past travelers, it is a must-see in Munich.

The Jesuit church was built in two stages. Commissioned by Duke Herzog Wilhelm V and modeled on the Jesuits’ mother church in Rome, its foundation stone was laid in 1583, but a vaulting system was used that turned out to be unstable and in 1590, the church’s tower collapsed and destroyed the choir, which had just been completed. In a second stage of construction, the plans for the (now towerless) church were expanded to incorporate a new choir and transept, resulting in the impressively proportioned building that still stands today.

Cuvilliés Theatre (Cuvilliés-Theater) Cuvilliés Theatre (Cuvilliés-Theater)

Named after its Belgian-born architect François de Cuvilliés, the plush Cuvilliés Theatre ( Cuvilliés-Theater ), originally called the Residence Theatre ( Residenztheater ), was built in rococo style in the mid-18th century as a theater for Elector Maximilian Joseph III and used for grand opera performances for members of the royal court.

The building was destroyed toward the end of World War II, and the theater was rebuilt in one of the wings of the Munich Residence (Residenz München) . The theater’s ornately carved wooden box paneling had been dismantled and security stored during the war and could be reused in its meticulous reconstruction and decoration in magnificent red and gold. It reopened under its new name, the Cuvilliés Theatre, in 1958. It’s also known as the Old Residence Theatre ( Altes Residenztheater ) to distinguish it from the New Residence Theatre ( Neues Residenztheater ), which was built on the Cuvilliés Theater’s original site.

NS-Dokumentationszentrum NS-Dokumentationszentrum free

The Munich Documentation Center for the History of National Socialism (NS-Dokumentationszentrum), abbreviated to “nsdoku,” explores the history of National Socialism and the longstanding effects of the Nazi dictatorship.

The museum is located on Königsplatz on the site of the Brown House ( Braunes Haus) , the former headquarters of the National Socialist German Workers’ Party – the Nazi Party – which was almost destroyed by Allied bombing in 1945. More than any other city, Munich is most closely associated with the rise of National Socialism, and between 1933 and 1945, the area surrounding the nsdoku became a primary location for the Nazi Party and home to many of its administrative offices.

Munich Court Garden (Hofgarten) Munich Court Garden (Hofgarten) free

Bordered by the Munich Residence (Residenz München) , the Bavarian State Chancellery ( Bayerische Staatskanzlei ) and Odeonsplatz , the Munich Court Garden ( Hofgarten ) is an enjoyable place to stroll around as part of a visit to the palace, but with its plentiful benches, also makes a great spot to take a break from sightseeing and shopping.

Plans for the garden date back to 1613, when various new buildings and extensions of the palace were being constructed. It was designed in the style of formal Italian Renaissance gardens, but was redesigned several times according to changing fashions, and needed rebuilding after it was destroyed during World War II.

Bavarian State Opera House (Bayerische Staatsoper) Bavarian State Opera House (Bayerische Staatsoper)

U.S. News Insider Tip: If your Munich visit coincides with the opera’s annual summer festival and you’d like to attend a free live broadcast from the National Theatre/open-air concert at Max-Joseph-Platz, do as the locals and bring a picnic and something to sit on. – Christie Dietz

The Bavarian State Opera (Bayerische Staatsoper) is one of the world’s most acclaimed opera houses. Its history goes back some 350 years and today, it has its own orchestra, the Bavarian State Opera (Bayerische Staatsorchester), and ballet company, the Bavarian State Ballet (Bayerische Staatsballett).

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BMW World (BMW Welt) and the BMW Museum BMW World (BMW Welt) and the BMW Museum

On the east side of the Olympiapark , situated a few minutes’ walk from each other in a complex shared with BMW’s corporate headquarters and main plant, the BMW Museum and BMW Welt (which translates as “BMW World”) are dedicated to one of Germany’s most famous exports.

Housed in a strikingly modern building, the BMW Museum documents the brand’s 100-year history through temporary and permanent exhibitions that feature collections of cars, motorcycles and engines, as well as displays highlighting BMW’s technological advances and achievements from its inception to today. Directly opposite, the futuristic-looking BMW Welt is home to the newest BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce vehicles, as well as exhibitions showcasing BMW’s latest innovations. Many travelers said it the site was worth visiting, if not for the cars then for the building's contemporary architecture.

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• woman killed

Naperville woman killed in attack near Germany's Neuschwanstein Castle, friend injured

BAVARIA, Germany (WLS) -- A 21-year-old University of Illinois graduate from Naperville died after being assaulted and pushed down a slope by an American man near one of Germany's most popular tourist sights, Neuschwanstein Castle, in Bavaria, according to local police.

Eva Liu was on a trip with her college friend 22-year-old Kelsey Chang.

Liu and Chang, who is also from Illinois, had gone for a hike on Wednesday near the historic "Marienbrücke," a bridge known for its views of the Neuschwanstein Castle.

The two women then met a 30-year-old American man, also a tourist, who persuaded them to follow him down a hidden trail leading to a viewpoint, according to police.

Both women were American tourists and the man was previously unknown to them, Thomas Hoermann, a spokesperson at the prosecutor's office in the town of Kempten in Bavaria, told CNN.

"I just, my heart breaks for them," said Debbie Krull, neighbor of the Liu family in Naperville. "I'm very upset. Very upset and very heartbroken for them."

After leading the women down the trail, the man "physically attacked" Liu, according to police. The man then choked Chang and pushed her down a steep slope after she intervened to help her friend.

Police believe the man then attempted to sexually assault Liu, then pushed her down the slope, causing her to fall about 50 meters below her friend.

"My daughter travels overseas and stuff too, and I just can't even believe what people are capable of doing anymore. You worry really bad," Krull said.

The two women were rescued by the Füssen mountain rescue service Wednesday afternoon, according to police. Rescue services airlifted Liu to a hospital. Liu died overnight after sustaining serious injuries, police in Bavaria said in a statement issued Thursday.

Chang survived the fall after a tree stopped her, and was able to speak when found by rescuers. She was also taken to the hospital, where she is recovering.

Neighbors of the Liu family are devastated by the loss.

"Very, very sweet people. I mean, it just shouldn't have happen," Krull said.

Both women recently graduated from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The university released the following statement:

"I can confirm that Kelsey Chang was awarded a BS in Computer Engineering in May 2023, and Eva Y. Liu was awarded a BS in Computer Science in May 2023. Our University of Illinois family is mourning the senseless death of Ms. Liu and the attack on Ms. Chang. Both had just graduated in May and should have been able to celebrate such an important accomplishment without the fear of such a tragic outcome. Our thoughts are with Ms. Chang as she recovers and with both of their families as they grieve."

Liu and Chang both graduated from Illinois Math and Science Academy in Aurora. The school released a statement saying in part, "Eva was a dedicated, academically talented and involved student... On behalf of our administration, faculty and staff, we are saddened by this loss and we grieve for and with her family and loved ones. The loss of any student, particularly in such a tragic way, deeply hurts us all."

The attacker, who fled the scene, is in police custody, according to police. He is charged with murder, attempted murder and a sexual offense.

The CNN Wire contributed to this report.

Related Topics

• CHAMPAIGN URBANA
• WOMAN KILLED
• U.S. & WORLD
• UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

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EURO 2024 host cities: Venue guide

Sunday, June 16, 2024

Article summary

UEFA EURO 2024 is taking place across ten world-class stadiums in Germany from the Olympiastadion Berlin to the Volksparkstadion in Hamburg. Find out history, tourist attractions, fixtures and stadium capacity for all the venues and cities.

Article top media content

Article body.

Three-time winners Germany are hosting the 17th UEFA European Championship in 2024.

EURO 2024 is Germany's first major tournament as hosts since the 2006 FIFA World Cup and fixtures at this summer's showpiece event are taking place in ten host cities including the capital, Berlin.

Discover the stadium capacity, history, fixtures and top tourist attractions for Berlin, Cologne, Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Dortmund, Leipzig, Gelsenkirchen, Stuttgart and Düsseldorf with our venue guides.

• Stadium capacity: 71,000
• Home team: Hertha Berlin
• Notably hosted: 2006 FIFA World Cup final, 2015 UEFA Champions League final

Olympiastadion Berlin history

The biggest venue at EURO 2024, the Olympiastadion has staged every German Cup final since 1985, as well as several high-profile games on the continental and international stage. Berlin hosted the 2006 World Cup final between Italy and France. Nine years later, Barcelona beat Juventus at the Olympiastadion Berlin to win the 2015 UEFA Champions League final.

EURO 2024 matches

15/06 : Spain 3-0 Croatia 21/06 : Poland vs Austria (18:00) 25/06 : Netherlands vs Austria (18:00) 29/06 : Round of 16 – 2A vs 2B (18:00) 06/07 : Quarter-final (21:00) 14/07 : Final (21:00)

• Berlin venue guide – read in full

A city with a rich history, Cologne sits on the River Rhine and is home to more than one million inhabitants, as well as Germany's most visited landmark: the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Cologne Stadium  

• Stadium capacity: 43,000
• Home team: 1. FC Köln
• Notably hosted: 2020 UEFA Europa League final

Cologne Stadium history

The home ground of 1. FC Köln, Cologne Stadium was reconstructed to stage matches at the 2006 World Cup and since 2010 has been the regular venue for Germany's Women's Cup final, as well as hosting American football, ice hockey and music concerts.

15/06 : Hungary 1-3 Switzerland 19/06 : Scotland vs Switzerland   (21:00) 22/06 : Belgium vs Romania   (21:00) 25/06 : England vs Slovenia (21:00) 30/06 : Round of 16 – 1B vs 3A/D/E/F (21:00)

• Cologne venue guide – read in full

Considered the cultural heart of the Ruhr region, Dortmund was known predominantly for coal, steel and beer 50 years ago, but has evolved into a major tech hub, with a lively cultural scene and rich sporting heritage on show at the German Football Museum.

BVB Stadion Dortmund

• Stadium capacity: 62,000
• Home team: Borussia Dortmund
• Notably hosted: 2001 UEFA Cup final

BVB Stadion Dortmund history

One of the most renowned venues in world football thanks to its famous 'Yellow Wall' stand, the BVB Stadion Dortmund is one of the largest arenas at UEFA EURO 2024 and has hosted a string of World Cup and European football fixtures, including the 2001 UEFA Cup final between Liverpool and Deportivo Alavés .

15/06 : Italy 2-1 Albania 18/06 : Türkiye vs Georgia   (18:00) 22/06 : Türkiye vs Portugal   (18:00) 25/06 : France vs Poland   (18:00) 29/06 : Round of 16 – 1A vs 2C (21:00) 10/07 : Semi-final (21:00)

• Dortmund venue guide – read in full

The capital of North Rhine-Westphalia, Düsseldorf has 650,000 inhabitants and more than 250 beer houses and restaurants in its Old Town, which has been dubbed 'the longest bar in the world'.

Düsseldorf Arena  

• Stadium capacity: 47,000
• Home team: Fortuna Düsseldorf
• Notably hosted: 1988 UEFA European Championship group games (former Rheinstadion)

Düsseldorf Arena history

The Düsseldorf Arena is one of the smaller UEFA EURO 2024 venues but still has a capacity of well over 40,000 and is currently home to Fortuna Düsseldorf, whose most recent Bundesliga campaign came in 2019/20.

17/06 : Austria vs France   (21:00) 21/06 : Slovakia vs Ukraine (15:00) 24/06 : Albania vs Spain (21:00)   01/07 : Round of 16 – 2D vs 2E (18:00) 06/07 : Quarter-final (18:00)

• Düsseldorf venue guide – read in full

A global hub for commerce and finance situated on the banks of the river Main, Frankfurt is Germany's fifth largest city and its distinct skyline has earned it the nickname 'Mainhattan'.

Frankfurt Arena  

• Home team: Eintracht Frankfurt
• Notably hosted: 2002 UEFA Women's Cup final, 2006 World Cup quarter-final

Frankfurt Arena history

The Frankfurt Arena, home of Eintracht Frankfurt, was built in 1925 and has hosted games at several major tournaments including the 1988 UEFA European Championship and the 2006 World Cup.

17/06 : Belgium vs Slovakia   (18:00)   20/06 : Denmark vs England   (18:00) 23/06 : Switzerland vs Germany   (21:00) 26/06 : Slovakia vs Romania   (18:00) 01/07 : Round of 16 – 1F vs 3A/B/C (21:00)

• Frankfurt venue guide – read in full

Gelsenkirchen

Gelsenkirchen is known for its coal mining and steelmaking history, but visitors will these days find green space, theatres and boat cruises, as well as industrial heritage in the Ruhr region.

Arena AufSchalke  

• Stadium capacity: 50,000
• Home team: Schalke
• Notably hosted: 2004 UEFA Champions League final, 2006 World Cup quarter-final

Arena AufSchalke history

The Arena AufSchalke, which opened in August 2001, is the home of seven-time German champions and 1996/97 UEFA Cup winners Schalke and features a retractable roof and slide-out pitch. Cristiano Ronaldo provided a memorable moment here for Portugal in their shoot-out success over England at the 2006 World Cup.

16/06 : Serbia vs England   (21:00) 20/06 : Spain vs Italy   (21:00) 26/06 : Georgia vs Portugal   (21:00)   30/06 : Round of 16 – 1C vs 3D/E/F (18:00)

• Gelsenkirchen venue guide – read in full

The third biggest European city that is not a national capital, Hamburg has a world-renowned harbour, a rich cultural history, impressive architecture and nightlife that makes it a 'bucket list' city for many tourists.

Volksparkstadion Hamburg  

• Stadium capacity: 49,000
• Home team: Hamburger SV
• Notably hosted: 2010 Europa League final, 2006 World Cup quarter-final

Volksparkstadion Hamburg history

The Volksparkstadion Hamburg was first opened in 1953 but received a significant upgrade in 2000 and has hosted matches at the 1988 UEFA European Championship and the 1974 and 2006 World Cups.

16/06 : Poland vs Netherlands   (15:00) 19/06 : Croatia vs Albania   (15:00) 22/06 : Georgia vs Czechia   (15:00)   26/06 : Czechia vs Türkiye (21:00)   05/07 : Quarter-final (21:00)

• Hamburg venue guide – read in full

Once the home of Johann Sebastian Bach, Leipzig is steeped in culture and history, not least the peaceful demonstrations in 1989 which captured the mood as Germany moved toward reunification.

Leipzig Stadium  

• Stadium capacity: 40,000
• Home team: RB Leipzig
• Notably hosted: 2006 World Cup group stage and round of 16 games

Leipzig Stadium history

Home to Bundesliga side RB Leipzig, Leipzig Stadium – which features a state-of-the-art roof – opened in 2004, having been rebuilt inside the shell of the old Zentralstadion, the biggest stadium in the former East Germany.

18/06 : Portugal vs Czechia   (21:00) 21/06 : Netherlands vs France   (21:00) 24/06 : Croatia vs Italy   (21:00) 02/07 : Round of 16 – 1D vs 2F (21:00)

• Leipzig venue guide – read in full

Home to around 1.6 million people, Munich is Germany's third largest city and a destination brimming with history, art galleries, parks and beer gardens.

Munich Football Arena  

• Stadium capacity: 66,000
• Home team: Bayern München
• Notably hosted: 2012 UEFA Champions League final, EURO 2020 quarter-final

Munich Football Arena histor y

Built by local rivals Bayern München and 1860 München, the Munich Football Arena was opened in 2005, although Bayern have since taken full ownership of the stadium. It served up a memorable 2012 Champions League final, when Chelsea defied home advantage to beat Bayern on penalties, and held several UEFA EURO 2020 games, including Italy's 2-1 quarter-final victory against Belgium.

14/06 : Germany 5-1 Scotland   17/06 : Romania vs Ukraine   (15:00) 20/06 : Slovenia vs Serbia (15:00)   25/06 : Denmark vs Serbia   (21:00)   02/07 : Round of 16 – 1E vs 3A/B/C/D (18:00) 09/07 : Semi-final (21:00)

• Munich venue guide – read in full

Stuttgart is a major industrial city and home to two of the most famous car manufacturers in the world, Mercedes and Porsche, but visitors can also enjoy a rich winemaking and culinary scene, with Flädlesuppe (pancake soup) among the local specialities.

Stuttgart Arena  

• Stadium capacity: 51,000
• Home team: VfB Stuttgart
• Notably hosted: 1998 European Cup final, 2006 World Cup third-place play-off

Stuttgart Arena history

The Stuttgart Arena has been renovated and modernised several times since being built in 1993 and has staged games at the 1974 and 2006 World Cups, as well as the 1988 UEFA European Championship.

16/06 : Slovenia vs Denmark   (18:00) 19/06 : Germany vs Hungary   (18:00) 23/06 : Scotland vs Hungary   (21:00) 26/06 : Ukraine vs Belgium   (18:00)   05/07 : Quarter-final (18:00)

• Stuttgart venue guide – read in full

When is UEFA EURO 2024?

The UEFA EURO 2024 final tournament takes place from 14 June to 14 July 2024.

Who has qualified for EURO?

The final tournament draw took place on 2 December 2023 at Elbphilharmonie Hamburg.

Group A : Germany, Scotland, Hungary, Switzerland Group B : Spain, Croatia, Italy, Albania Group C : Slovenia, Denmark, Serbia, England Group D : Poland, Netherlands, Austria, France Group E : Belgium, Slovakia, Romania, Ukraine Group F : Türkiye, Georgia, Portugal, Czechia

All kick-off times CEST .

Selected for you

Your in-depth guide to EURO

EURO 2024 match schedule

EURO 2024 fixtures by venue

EURO 2024 fixtures by team

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