Discover the top places to visit in Germany with our list of the best places to visit, from vibrant cities 🏙 to picturesque landscapes 🏔
Germany is a country rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. From fairy tale castles nestled in the Alps to lively cities filled with stunning architecture, Germany offers countless remarkable destinations for travelers. This article will explore the very best places to visit for an unforgettable German holiday.
Visit in Germany: Why It Should Be on Your Bucket List
A vacation in Germany allows you to experience old world charm while enjoying modern amenities and conveniences. Though it has a complex history, contemporary Germany is a welcoming and tourist-friendly country catering to all types of travelers.
Getting around Germany is easy thanks to an efficient transportation network connecting all major cities and attractions. Germany is also very budget-friendly – you can indulge in world-class attractions without breaking the bank. The country’s culinary scene features Michelin-starred restaurants alongside charming local eateries serving hearty German fare. From five-star luxury to quaint family-run pensions, Germany boasts diverse lodging options as well.
Best Places to Visit for an Epic German Holiday
When asked which part of Germany is most beautiful, travelers find themselves spoiled for choice. Though largely overlooked in favor of Paris or London, Germany hides impressive depth and diversity. Here are some of the best places to visit for an epic German holiday:
Munich
Bavaria’s capital entices visitors with its fine Baroque churches, exceptional museums, manicured parks, and Bavarian hospitality. The city strikes an ideal balance between preserving deep-rooted traditions and an enthusiasm for the cutting edge.
Top things to do in Munich:
- Explore Marienplatz and watch the Glockenspiel show at the New Town Hall
- Tour the BMW Museum and BMW factories
- Hike through the Englischer Garten (English Garden)
- Visit Nymphenburg Palace and its sprawling grounds
- Hoist a beer stein at a traditional beer hall
Nearby attractions from Munich:
- Tour “Mad” King Ludwig II’s fairy tale Neuschwanstein Castle
- Take the cogwheel train to the Zugspitze, Germany’s highest peak
- Wander through picture-perfect Rothenburg ob der Tauber
- Visit Berchtesgaden National Park and Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest retreat
With its age-old sights and contemporary attractions, Munich makes the perfect introduction to Germany.
Cologne
Most famous for its magnificent Gothic cathedral, Cologne charms visitors with its laid-back vibes and carnival cheer. Take a cruise along the Rhine river before strolling through the redbrick Altstadt (Old Town) area to view relics from Cologne’s 2,000 years of history, interwoven with quirky modern architectures.
Top things to do in Cologne:
- Climb the 533 steps up the Cologne Cathedral’s south towers
- Explore the Romano-Germanic Museum for artifacts from Cologne’s Roman era
- Tour the Fragrance Museum and buy the iconic 4711 Eau de Cologne
- Snap photos of the colorful houses along the Rhine River promenade
Nearby attractions from Cologne:
- Wander through the Roman ruins at Xanten Archaeological Park
- Take a day trip to Bonn to explore Beethoven’s birthplace and Haribo’s Jelly Museum
Though most famous for its towering cathedral, Cologne rewards visitors with a buzzing arts scene, riverside beer gardens, and the merriment of Germany’s largest Carnival celebration.
The Enchanting Black Forest
Nestled against the French border in Baden-Württemberg, the magical Black Forest presents German folklore at its finest. Encompassing low mountain ranges blanketed by dense forests, the Black Forest echoes with waterfalls, lakes, hiking trails, traditional villages, cuckoo clocks, cured hams, and cherry cakes.
Top things to do in the Black Forest region:
- See Germany’s highest waterfall, the 163-meter-tall Triberg Waterfall
- Hike through awe-inspiring valleys and panoramas in the Northern Black Forest Nature Park
- Snap photos of the tranquil mirrored surface of Bergsee Lake
- Tour the German Clock Museum in Furtwangen to see Black Forest cuckoo clocks being made
- Go skiing, biking, or hiking depending on the season
Nearby attractions from the Black Forest region:
- Visit the historic spa town of Baden-Baden to relax in Roman-style baths
- Take a day trip to Freiburg im Breisgau to see the Gothic cathedral and bustling cafés
- Stop at towns like Gengenbach and Staufen to see well-preserved medieval architecture
With its forest-clad mountains, tranquil lakes, sleepy villages, and artisanal traditions, the cuckoo-clock-studded valleys of the Black Forest present German countryside at its finest.
The Majestic Rhine Valley
Lined with vines and medieval castles, the enchanting Rhine Valley has inspired authors, painters, and composers for centuries. Cruise along the mighty Rhine River as fairytale villages and soaring cliffs slip by to get a taste of the romance found here.
Top things to do in the Rhine Valley region:
- Explore ruins like Marksburg Castle, Stolzenfels Castle, and Rheinfels Fortress
- Hike through legendary Loreley Valley to see the famous slate rock from folklore
- Sample world-class Rieslings in wine-growing villages like Rüdesheim, Bacharach, and Kaub along the Rhine
- Marvel at the Cologne Cathedral and Koblenz’s Ehrenbreitstein Fortress bookending the valley
- Take the Rhine in Flames festival fireworks cruise (or participate on land)
Nearby attractions from the Rhine Valley region:
- See Charlemagne’s Aachen Cathedral and Crowns Jewels
- Tour Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum in Rüdesheim
- Visit Speyer Cathedral, the world’s largest Romanesque church
- Admire Frankfurt’s modern skyline on a riverboat evening cruise
With forests and vineyards climbing up from the riverbanks, the Middle Rhine Valley presents some of Germany’s most awe-inspiring scenery. Exploring its castles, cliffs, and half-timbered hamlets feels like stepping into a fairy tale.
More Incredible Destinations in Germany
Beyond its most popular tourist attractions, Germany hides impressive depth and diversity waiting to be uncovered by intrepid travelers.
Berlin
Germany’s capital beckons with world-class museums, poignant historical sites, pulsating nightlife, cutting-edge art galleries, and green havens for quiet contemplation.
Dresden
Nicknamed the “Florence on the Elbe,” Dresden stuns visitors with a meticulously reconstructed old town and impressive Saxon architecture.
Heidelberg
Nestled on the Neckar River, this picture-perfect university town presents romantic cobblestone streets and one of Europe’s most picturesque ruined castles.
Hamburg
Germany’s second-largest metropolis blends winding canals, lush green spaces, restored historic neighborhoods, vibrant cultural attractions, and North Sea flair.
Bamberg
This captivating Franconian town features a preserved medieval layout, Imperial and Baroque architecture, and Germany’s largest beer cellar.
Main Questions About Visiting Germany
Here are answers to some of the main questions travelers have about visiting Germany:
Which part of Germany is the most beautiful?
Pinpointing Germany’s most beautiful region is challenging with so many fairy tale backdrops competing. The fairy tale castles nestled in the Bavarian Alps, the vineyards cascading towards the Rhine and Moselle rivers, and the mist-veiled peaks of the Black Forest all make strong cases. Ultimately the title may go to Romantic Rhine Valley, whose Middle Rhine region encapsulates all of these elements.
Where should I go for the first time in Germany?
For an easy yet exciting introduction to Germany, visitors can’t go wrong with Munich and Bavaria. The excellent transportation connections, user-friendly amenities, powerful historical resonances, picture-book villages, hearty food, and beautiful landscapes provide the quintessential German experience.
What is the #1 tourist attraction in Germany?
Germany’s most popular tourist attraction is Cologne Cathedral, which draws over six million visitors a year. This UNESCO-listed Gothic masterpiece took six centuries to complete and serves as the seat of the Archbishop of Cologne. Its soaring twin spires have become a national symbol of Germany.
What is the prettiest city to visit in Germany?
Beauty is subjective, but perennial contenders for Germany’s prettiest city include Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Dresden, Cologne, Heidelberg, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, and Bamberg. Smaller towns in the Black Forest and along the Romantic Rhine also captivate visitors with scenes straight from fairy tales.
How many days in Germany is enough?
Most travelers spend between one to three weeks in Germany, though the country’s scenic diversity merits an even longer stay. Visitors short on time should prioritize exploring one key region in depth rather than trying to tackle too much. Focusing on Bavaria, the Romantic Rhine, or the storied cities of Berlin and Munich will allow first-time visitors to immerse themselves in the culture, natural beauty and history a single area has to offer. Travelers with additional vacation time can embark on a grand tour taking in the fairy tale castles nestled in the Bavarian Alps, the mist-veiled peaks of the Black Forest and the dazzling museums and nightlife of Germany’s metro hubs.
Regardless of the duration, Germany’s regional diversity guarantees each new destination unveils new surprises. By traveling slowly, lingering in charming villages along the Moselle wine trail or ascending heights by cable car for epic panoramas, one discovers that fairy tales truly come alive here. Both first-time visitors and seasoned travelers find that Germany richly rewards those who take the time to savor its riches region by region over repeated sojourns. The allure of this storied country continues reeling visitors back as each trip peels away another fascinating layer of history, culture and nature waiting to captivate during the next visit.
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In conclusion, Germany offers immense diversity for travelers – from quaint villages full of Old World charm to lively metropolitan cities buzzing with art and culture. Its rich history has left a fairytale landscape dotted with castles, palaces, Gothic cathedrals, ancient ruins and more just waiting to be uncovered. The efficient transportation network, user-friendly amenities, and variety of accommodation options make Germany an accessible and enjoyable destination for all manner of travelers seeking epic adventures. Whether your ideal holiday involves museum-hopping and theater-going or vineyard-hopping and mountain vistas, Germany promises experiences to delight.