Germany is such a diverse country with an impressive culture and huge array of travel opportunities. It's picture-perfect small towns and villages with many centuries-old traditions, towering old Cathedrals, fairy tale castles, deep forests, jaw-dropping alps to cities like Berlin, Hamburg and Köln. There is something for everyone.
1. Berlin
Berlin, Germany's capital and the biggest city by area and population is one of the top tourist destinations in Europe. Berlin's mayor said it best, "Berlin is poor but sexy." I think that really sums up Germany's capital city.
Brandenburg Gate, one of the Iconic building of Germany is at the heart of the city. The impressive architecture and history of the city will keep you busy all day and when the darkness falls, the nightlife comes to life and it won't disappoint its visitors.
2. Neuschwanstein Castle
The 19th-century ultimate fairy tale castle, built on a rugged hill above the village of Hohenschwangau near Füssen in Bavarian Alps is visited by 1.3 million visitors per year making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. In the peak season from June until August, Neuschwanstein has as many as 6000 visitors per day, and guests without an advance reservation may have to wait several hours.
3. Eltz Castle & Moselle (Mosel) Valley
Eltz Castle or Burg Eltz is a medieval castle nestled in the hills above river Moselle (Mosel). It is one of the Castle which has never been destroyed during wars and is owned by a branch of the Eltz family that lived here in the 12th-century.
The Mosel valley with its picturesque perfect villages, steep vineyards and hilltop castles has a lot to offer its visitors. The beautiful village of Beilstein, Cochem and its impressive Castle on a hilltop, Trier with its most famous Porta Nigra which is a 2nd-century Roman city gate is not to be missed.
4. Rhein Valley
River Rhein is the most important waterway. From the beautiful city of Koblenz to the historical town of Bingen am Rhein has been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This is a fascinating section of Rhein to discover. The region's most famous steep Lorelei Rock is a natural attraction.
The best way to explore this section is to take a cruise both way or one-way by cruise and return by train. The most important towns in this section of Rhein are Boppard, Bingen, Rüdesheim or Mainz with countless museums and its impressive Dom overlooking the Rhein.
5. Dresden and Bastei Bridge in Saxon Switzerland National Park
Saxon Switzerland national park is only 30 km from Dresden near to the Border of the Czech Republic in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. One of the main tourist attraction is Bastei Bridge the rock formation towering 194 meters above the Elbe River and reaching a maximum height of 305 meters.
The area has a lot of hiking and rock climbing opportunities and is easily reached from Dresden either by Public transport or by Car.
During WWII, the city of Dresden was completely destroyed and its old town is rebuilt. The city is famous for Versailles inspired Zwinger palace and the baroque church Frauenkirche for its grand dome.
6. Cologne (Köln)
The first sights of the towering Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) right next to main train station will leave you speachless. It is undoubtedly the most impressive landmark of Cologne with its magnificent interior is one of the largest Gothic architectural Cathedral in Europe.
7. Rothenburg ob der Tauber
The walled city of Rothenburg ob der Tauber overlooking the Tauber River in Bavaria is famous for its extremely well preserved medieval centre. Rothenburg is also famous for its Christmas market which usually starts from last week of November till the end of the year. Rothenburg itself is very small and can be easily seen in a few hours walking around.
8. Heidelberg
Heidelberg is a town on the Neckar River just under an hour away from Frankfurt. With roughly three million day-trippers every year, it is one of the most visited places in Germany.
Heidelberg Castle, perched on the slopes of Mount Königstuhl some 70 meters above the river Necker is main tourist attraction along with Old bridge and historic city centre. It is a university town which gives the city a unique atmosphere.
9. Mittenwald in Karwendel Alps
Karwendel is the largest mountain range of the Northern Limestone Alps. The major part belongs to Austria. Mittenwald a small town in the Karwendel Alps is famous for its colourful painted houses and mountain landscapes.
Mittenwald is a great base to explore the Karwendel Alps either by hiking, skiing, mountain biking or taking a cable car to Bergwelt Karwendel at 2244 meters, the highest nature information centre and impressive mountain vistas all around.
10. Black Forest
The beautiful Black Forest is a mountainous region southwest of Germany bordering France famous for its dense, evergreen forests and picturesque villages. Freiburg is the largest town in the region has an impressive number of Gothic buildings and is surrounded by Vineyards.
Triberg Waterfalls is the highest waterfall in Germany over 163 meters and one of the main tourist attraction. The 70km long Black Forest Panoramic route will take you through the very best of this region.
