From hilltop castles circled with morning mist to authentic medieval villages that appear to be stuck in time, Germany has no shortage of fairytale scenery, but the West Europe heavyweight also has acres of rolling countryside, soaring mountains and dazzling cities teeming with modern architecture. Whether you want to trek in the Bavarian Alps, cruise the Rhine River or discover the vibrant underbelly of Berlin, here are 10 of the most beautiful places to visit in Germany to add to your itinerary.
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Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
1. Rothenburg ob der Tauber
With a prime location on Germany’s Romantic Road, the medieval splendour of Rothenburg ob der Tauber is straight out of a picture book. Beautifully preserved timber fronted houses, winding cobblestone lanes and towering medieval town walls make this the ideal spot to rediscover medieval Germany, stopping for lunch in the historic marketplace or sipping beer in an authentic Middle Ages tavern.
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Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria.
2. Neuschwanstein Castle
There are thousands of castles dotted around the country, but top of everyone’s list is the fantastical Neuschwanstein Castle (Schloss Neuschwanstein), famously used as the inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle. Perched on a mountaintop in Bavaria and surrounded by forested hills, the 19th century castle is a real fairy-tale palace, built by King Ludwig II and featuring a magnificent galleried throne room.
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Mount Zugspitze. Photo courtesy of Focx Photography via Flickr.
3. Zugspitze
Looming 2,962 meters over the Wetterstein Mountain range, soaring to the summit of Germany’s highest mountain can be, quite literally, breathtaking. The snow-covered wonderland of Mount Zugspitze is a hotspot for skiing, snowboarding and sledding, but the main reason to brave the high altitude is the view – an expansive panorama covering over 400 peaks in the German, Italian, Austrian and Swiss alps.
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Rhine Valley
4. Rhine Valley
Preserved on the UNESCO World Heritage list and ranking among Europe’s top cruise destinations, the Rhine River valley serves up some of West Germany’s most idyllic scenery. Rambling vineyards, mountaintop castles and riverside medieval villages provide an endlessly romantic backdrop, while annual events like the famous Rhine in Flames Festival and the yuletide Christmas markets transform the valley into a sea of glittering lights. Don’t miss the awe-inspiring UNESCO-listed cathedral in Cologne, the landmark Loreley Rock and the historic town of Koblenz.
5. Potsdam
The capital of the state of Brandenburg and the one-time seat of the Prussian kings, Potsdam is awash with magnificent architecture. The opulent Rococo-style Sanssouci Palace is most renowned, with its expanse of beautifully manicured gardens and UNESCO World Heritage Status but the Baroque-style New Palace, the Marble Palace and the City Palace are equally extravagant.
6. Dresden
Few city skylines are as impressive as Dresden, with its grand churches and regal architecture framing the picturesque banks of the Elbe River. The painstakingly restored Church of Our Lady (Frauenkirche), the lavish Semper Opera House and the Zwinger Palace, one of Germany’s most renowned Baroque palaces, are the city’s top landmarks, but there are plenty of hidden gems to uncover on a walking tour around the Dresden Baroque Quarter or the scenic Brühl’s Terrace, which run along the riverbank in the Old Town.
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Black Forest
7. Black Forest
Famous for its traditional Cuckoo Clocks and decadent Black Forest gateau, exploring Germany’s Black Forest is like stepping into a different era. Here, the houses are timber-fronted, the streets cobblestoned and the roads wind through acres of unblemished countryside. Get your hiking boots on and discover the pretty woodlands encircling lake Titisee; potter around the historic spa town of Baden Baden; or pay a visit to the UNESCO-listed Maulbronn Monastery.
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Bremen. Photo courtesy of Michel Kramer via Flickr.
8. Bremen
A standout attraction of Germany’s Fairy Tale Road, Bremen’s dramatic Brick Gothic architecture, romantic cathedral spires and cobblestone streets make Germany’s smallest city-state an enchanting destination. Famously featured in the Brothers Grimm tale, the statue of the ‘Town Musicians of Bremen’ is one of the city’s most beloved landmarks, standing outside the spectacular UNESCO-listed Rathaus, but the most unique attraction is the eclectic Art Nouveau designs along the Böttcherstrasse, including the imaginative Glockenspiel House.
9. Berlin
Counteracting its often-dark past with a modern, fashion-forward sensibility, Berlin always has its finger firmly on the pulse, and the sprawling German capital is brimming with striking architecture and unmistakable landmarks. Make sure you walk beneath the arches of the grand Brandenburg gate, marvel at the colorful murals that adorn the remains of the Berlin Wall, stroll around the UNESCO-listed Museum Island and check out the haunting Holocaust Memorial installation.
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Lake Constance. Photo courtesy of nikolaj.kuebler via Flickr.
10. Lake Constance
Fed by the Rhine River and flowing over 3 countries – Switzerland, Germany and Austria – the vast Lake Constance is an idyllic spot and with over half of its shore lying on German soil, there’s plenty to take in. Hiking or driving around the lake unveils a constant stream of photo opportunities – tiered vineyards, lakeside beaches, Stone Age remains and medieval castles. Lake Constance is also a hotspot for water sports, so try your hand at windsurfing or canoeing, sail out to the UNESCO-listed Reichnau Island or simply take a swim.
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