Planning a trip to Germany and want some advice on what to see and do first? Here is a list with the top ten attractions and sights in Germany that no traveler should miss.
Neuschwanstein, Bavaria
Birge Amondson
The world's most famous castle, Neuschwanstein, is nestled in the Alps, and it seems to come straight out of a fairy tale; Walt Disney drew inspiration from it for his classic, Sleeping Beauty. Neuschwanstein (new-swan-stone) is the most photographed building in Germany.
King Ludwig II designed his dream castle in 1869, and instead of an architect he hired a theatrical set designer to realize his vision.
Take a tour through the flamboyant castle's interior. Highlights include a gaudy artificial grotto, the Throne Room with its giant crown-shaped chandelier, and the lavish Minstrels' Hall.
For a postcard view of Neuschwanstein, take the ten-minute walk up to Mary's Bridge, which crosses a spectacular waterfall.
Brandenburg Gate, Berlin
Birge Amondson
More than any other landmark, the Brandenburg Gate is the national symbol for Germany. Built in 1791, the gate was a symbol of peace. It is crowned with the winged goddess of victory, riding a four-horsed chariot.
In 1806, the sculpture was taken to Paris by Napoleon's troops as a war trophy. The Prussian army reclaimed it in 1814 with their victory over the French.
During the cold war, when Berlin was divided in two, the Brandenburg Gate stood between East and West Berlin. It was here, in front of the Gate, that former American President Reagan said his famous words, “Mr. Gorbatschow, tear down this wall, Mr. Gorbatschow, open this Gate.” After the wall fell in 1989, the Brandenburg Gate became the symbol of Germany's reunification.
Weimar, Thuringia
Weimar is a city in Thuringia, in the East of Germany. To visit Weimar is to get at the heart of German culture.
Since Goethe moved here in the late 18th century, Weimar has been a site of pilgrimage for the German intelligentsia. The list of former residents reads like the “Who's who” of German literature, music, art, and philosophy: Johann Sebastian Bach, Richard Wagner, Friedrich Schiller, Walter Gropius, Wassily Kandinsky, and Friedrich Nietzsche are only a few of the many luminaries that lived and worked here.
Walk in their footsteps and explore the old city; visit Goethe's and Schiller's home, the Residential Palace, the Duchess Anna Amalia Library, the Bauhaus art school, and Weimar's many historic parks and gardens.
The Cathedral of Cologne
The Cathedral of Cologne is one of Germany's most important architectural monuments. This gothic masterpiece is the third tallest cathedral in the world, with the highest church spires ever built. It took over 600 years to construct the building, and when it was finished in 1880, it was still true to the original plans from 1248.
When Cologne was leveled by bombings in World War II, the Cathedral was the only building that survived. Standing tall in an otherwise flattened city, some said it was divine intervention. A more matter-of-fact explanation is that cathedral was a point of orientation for the pilots.
Climb the 509 steps of the spiral staircase to a platform, and enjoy the beauty of Cologne and the Rhine River valley.
The Black Forest
If you imagine Germany with rolling hills, small villages and lush forests, visit the Schwarzwald (Black Forest), where you can experience it all. The vast expanse of hills, valleys, and forests stretches from the posh Spa-town Baden Baden to the Swiss border, covering an area of 4,600 square miles.
Walking, biking or driving – there are many scenic routes that will lead you to tiny villages, wineries and old-world monasteries. Two of the most recommended tours are the Wine Route and the German Clock Road, which traces the history of the cuckoo clock.
But remember: No visit to the Black Forest is complete without a piece of Black Forest Cake, with chocolate, cherries, cream and a good dash of cherry schnapps.
Hofbräuhaus and Oktoberfest, Munich
It might be a cliché, but it is an essential German experience: Visit the Hofbräuhaus in Munich, the most famous beer hall in the world. This Bavarian institution has defined gemütlich (“comfy”) since 1589. Wash down Bavarian specialties and giant pretzels with beer that is only served in one-liter glasses.
Plan to be in Germany for Oktoberfest, the world's largest fair with over 6 million people annually, eating sausage and sauerkraut and drinking Oktoberfest beer. Celebrate in 14 different beer halls, and enjoy Bavarian “Schuhplattler”, alphorn players and yodelers.
The Romantic Road
The Romantic Road is Germany's Route 66. It leads you through a region that boasts quintessential German scenery and culture; charming medieval towns surrounded by walls and towers, half-timbered houses, historic hotels, castles, and restaurants that offer hearty food and great beer.
Running north and south along the River Main through western Bavaria, the route covers 261 miles between Würzburg and the Alps. The Romantic Road was a trade route during the Middle Ages and today leads you through beautiful landscapes, passing more than twenty Franconian towns. The most picturesque is Rothenburg ob der Tauber, the best-preserved medieval city in Germany.
Trier
On the banks of the Moselle River lies Trier, Germany's oldest city. It was founded as a Roman colony in 16 BC.Trier became the favored residence of several Roman emperors and was called “Roma Secunda”, the second Rome. Nowhere else in Germany is the evidence of Roman times as vivid as it is in Trier.
The highlight is the Porta Nigra (“black gate”), which is today the largest Roman city gate north of the Alps.
Another must-see is the Cathedral of Trier; it was originally built by Constantine and is the oldest church in Germany. The Cathedral houses great works of art and a holy relic that draws many pilgrims: the Holy Robe, the garment said to be worn by Jesus when he was crucified.
The Christmas Market in Nuremberg
The old center of Nuremberg with its imperial castle towering majestically over the city is certainly worth a visit any time of year. But starting in November, the famous Christmas market turns this city into a magical winter wonderland.
Stroll through this open-air market with its 180 wooden huts festooned with red and white cloth, lights and fresh garlands.
There is also a Christmas market just for kids, featuring a steam train and nostalgic carousels. A magical moment for young and old is the procession, where over 1500 Nuremberg kids join in a lantern procession parading up to the castle on the hill.
Island of Sylt, Northern Sea
Birge Amondson
The island of Sylt is the northernmost tip of Germany and famous for its pristine beaches, dune landscapes, and healthy climate. The west side of the island, a 25-mile long beach, meets the waves of the North Sea. The east side faces the quiet Wadden Sea and its tidal mud flats. When the water is low, you can walk on the watershed of the mudflats (make sure you have a guide with you).
Sylt is best known for its thatched-roof houses that can be admired in all of the eleven small villages on the island. For centuries, the people of Sylt made their living as sailors, whalers, and pirates. Today, Sylt is a destination for the discerning traveler, and many German celebrities have their vacation homes here.
