20 Best Places to See in Germany

Germany has beautiful small towns, charming cities, impressive castles, famous landmarks, and famous festivals – especially Oktoberfest and Christmas markets. With 16 states, from Bavaria to Bremen, there are many ways to go on holiday in Deutschland. This can look like just hopping off to a mountain village on a road trip or just hopping into a beautiful city and going on a fun day trip. Need some inspiration for your first (or next) trip to the land of bratwurst and beer? We asked Liam S. Dunch, sales manager, Europe at Abercrombie & Kent, and Caroline Quinn, travel expert at Black Tomato, to share their top picks. Find the best places to visit in Germany.

Related: 12 Best Small Towns in Germany, From Charming Old Towns to Idyllic Mountain Escapes

1. East Side Gallery

Once a symbol of oppression – and a lasting reminder of Germany’s chaos – the concrete barrier that divided Berlin now serves a very different function thanks to the establishment of the East House. Artists turned the largest remaining part of the Berlin Wall into an open-air art gallery with beautiful and inspiring images.

2. Rothenburg ob der Tauber

One of the most beautiful small towns in the world, Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a charming village located along the German Romantic Road in the Franconia region of Bavaria. Its cobbled streets, half-timbered houses, churches, and walls dating back to 500 to 500,000 years ago, look like they were taken out of a story book.

3. Court 600

Many people who visit Germany want to get a deeper understanding of the horrors that took place in the 1900s. to see the actual events of the Nuremberg trials and learn about the verdicts,” explains Dunch. .

4. Bach Museum Leipzig

Dunch encourages classical music lovers to visit Leipzig, where Johann Sebastian Bach wrote many of his greatest works and spent the last 27 years of his life. Bach-Museum Leipzig contains instruments, original manuscripts, and other memorabilia related to the German composer.

5. Baden-Baden

European dignitaries (including Napoleon III and Queen Victoria) have moved to Baden-Baden, a famous town on the edge of Germany’s Black Forest, since the 19th century. This Belle Époque town also has a good history and cleanliness, it continues to attract well-heeled travelers with hot springs and luxury hotels such as Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa.

6. Museum Island

“I always tell first-time visitors to Berlin to check out Museum Island,” says Caroline Quinn, travel expert at Black Tomato. Located in the middle of the River Spree, this amazing building houses five museums: Altes Museum, Neues Museum, Alte Nationalgalerie, Bode Museum, and Pergamon Museum.

7. Schloss Proschwitz

Schloss Proschwitz is a beautiful 18th-century, neo-baroque palace in the Meissen district with beautiful interiors and gardens. The property also houses Saxony’s oldest wine cellar, which invites visitors to visit the cellar and taste the flavors.

8. Hofbräuhaus

Hofbräuhaus, Munich’s most famous beer hall, takes visitors back to a time when tokens were used to pay for coins and share customs. to relax (geniality) with guests from all over the world through live music, hospitality, and homemade Bavarian cuisine.

9. Meissen’s Porcelain Museum

“The medieval town of Meissen has produced fine sculptures and plates since 1710,” explains Dunch. The Meissen Porcelain Museum tells the story of Meissen porcelain through more than 2,000 objects – including decorative tables used in 18th-century European courts, vases, candlesticks, and intricate animal figurines.

10. Neuschwanstein Castle

One of Germany’s most popular and frequently visited attractions, Neuschwanstein Castle welcomes 1.4 million visitors each year. Travelers come from all over to see the old castle and the distant view from the top of the rocky mountain in the Bavarian Alps. Quinn recommends making a reservation to avoid waiting in long lines.

11. Linderhof Palace

And you don’t have to go far to see another great home. Instead of (or after) fighting the crowds at Neuschwanstein Castle, Dunch decides to visit nearby Linderhof Palace. “It is easy to see why this ‘hunting ground’ was a favorite place for Ludwig II.”

12. Lindau

Located on the shores of Lake Constance in Bavaria, Lindau attracts travelers with its beautiful harbor views and scenic views. On a trip? See Switzerland across the water as you stroll the streets, check out the lighthouse, stop by the Seepromenade to take pictures of the 12th-century Mangturm tower, and embark on a kayaking excursion.

13. Spreewald Biosphere Reserve

Located between Berlin and Dresden, the UNESCO Spreewald Biosphere Reserve is a unique gateway to the banks of the Spree with water and forest. It is a great place to go kayaking along the canal and take in the natural beauty of the area.

14. Porsche Experience Center Leipzig

Sports car enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Porsche Experience Center Leipzig, a state-of-the-art factory and testing area. Are you ready to do anything? After the tour and a short history lesson, race, smash, and drive in an adrenaline-pumping car on a circuitous track.

15. Zugspitze

The Zugspitze, Germany’s highest mountain, rises 9,718 meters above sea level and is seen as a top destination for climbing and year-round fun. The Wankbahn cable car operates from April to October, bringing visitors to Mount Wank for breakfast in the Sonnenalm and the surrounding area. Hiking is also popular in the warmer months, while winter brings opportunities for skiing, tobogganing, and glacier tours.

16. Baiersbronn

Baiersbronn, a popular village in southern Germany between Strasbourg, France and Stuttgart, is the culinary capital of the Black Forest, home to seven restaurants with Michelin stars and several other culinary award winners. “It’s a great place to stop for lunch while walking through this beautiful area,” says Quinn.

17. Therme Erding

Europe’s largest thermal bath, Therme Erding, located 30 minutes northeast of Munich, attracts more than 5,000 visitors every day. The fountains, swimming pool, and lazy river are popular with children. Like to relax? There is also a state-of-the-art gym and sauna for adults only.

18. Titisee-Neustadt

Nestled in the heart of the Black Forest in southwestern Germany, Titisee-Neustadt is a seaside resort that is popular for family fun and nature opportunities. In the summer, active types like to hit the scenic trails and climb the Hochfirst Mountain, while winter means skiing and sledding. Bringing the kids? Visit Badeparadies Schwarzwald, an indoor water park with slides, salt pools, and saunas.

19. Europa Park

Travelers of all ages will have a blast at Europa-Park, an amusement park in Rust, Germany with 100 rides – including 13 roller coasters – plus a water park, shows, restaurants, bars, hotels, campsites, and even a nice spa . Looking for something special? The resort is also home to Eatrenalin, an event that combines fine dining with theme park technology for a full meal experience.

20. Eibsee

There are many naturally beautiful places to visit in Germany, but few are as stunning as Eibsee. At the foot of the Zugspitze, the lake has crystal clear water and is surrounded by mountain peaks that make it a favorite spot for boating and hiking.