I really like that Germany is a mixture of age-old traditions and forward-thinking beliefs. It’s additionally blessed with miles of countryside dotted with chocolate-box-pretty villages, darkish moody forests, romantic river valleys, big expanses of vineyards, completely preserved half-timbered cities, and the majestic Alps. From my many journeys and Berlin apart, listed here are my all time favorite locations I’d cherished to share with you…
1. Rothenburg ob der Tauber and the Romantic Highway
Comply with the cobbled streets by means of the fairytale-esque gate embedded inside the metropolis partitions and return to medieval Europe.
I truthfully suppose this is among the prettiest cities situated alongside the well-known ‘Romantic Highway’ in Bavaria, an attraction that additionally deserves a spot on this record. The highway is a picturesque 350km route by means of the forests and mountains of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg.
Rothenburg, though small, is full of thrilling websites I extremely advocate visiting the Market Sq., flanked by 14th-century buildings; the tall City Corridor Tower, which has 241 steps resulting in one of the crucial gorgeous views over town; and the fascinating Medieval Crime and Punishment Museum.
When night time falls, I’d counsel happening the amusing Night time Watchman’s Tour!
Guide A Journey!
We will e-book your journey hopping round Germany’s lovely locations by means of our free, top-rated journey planning service!
Location: northern Bavaria
Location Map
Greatest time to go to: summer season however Christmas particularly magical
2. The Black Forest
A land of cuckoo clocks and cherry gâteaux, this place is so magical it even impressed among the Brothers Grimm fairy tales.
It covers a big space inside which you’ll discover the spa city of Baden-Baden (in any other case often called the “Jewel of the Black Forest”), Freiburg (a vibrant college metropolis), and Offenburg (the capital of the wine area) in addition to many different fairly quaint German villages.
Nonetheless, I personally suppose probably the most engaging a part of this space may be seen by driving or mountaineering alongside the Schwarzwaldhochstraße —a improbable excessive highway by means of rolling hills and valleys, thick forests of black fir timber, and mist-covered lakes.
One of the picturesque lakes within the space is Titisee; I like to recommend attempting to catch the Zapfle-Bahnle prepare alone on the scenic route across the lake or comply with the lake highway, the place you may absorb the fantastic thing about the tranquil water.
3. Neuschwanstein Fort
This gorgeous iconic picture of Germany is, in reality, the previous Nineteenth-century residence of the late Ludwig II of Bavaria (in any other case often called the Mad King),
The beautiful Romanesque constructing is so fairytale that it impressed the well-known Disney citadel. Though it’s usually overrun with vacationers, this doesn’t detract from the awe-inspiring great thing about this citadel each inside. I’d counsel not lacking this place, it’s widespread for a cause!
Probably the most picturesque view of the magnificent construction is from Mary’s Bridge, a cease midway up the hill in the direction of the citadel. Ensure you additionally go to the beautiful Hohenschwangau Fort, situated close by.
Location: Bavaria, close to the Austrian border
Location Map
Greatest time to go to: spring and summer season
4. Lake Königssee
Positioned within the southeastern portion of Germany and on the border of Austria is the gorgeous Lake Königssee —Germany’s most profound and cleanest lake and considered one of my private favourites.
It’s additionally usually hailed as Germany’s most lovely Alpine Lake, which, given the competitors, is kind of an accolade!
Bavaria is a very scenic space. This nook of the area has been used for outside recreation for hundreds of years – each Bavarian royalty and the native rulers of Berchtesgaden and Salzburg as soon as hunted right here.
Since 1909, solely electric-powered passenger ships, rowing, and pedal boats have been permitted on the lake, retaining with its pure and pure environment.
Location: Bavaria, close to the Austrian border
Location Map
Greatest time to go to: summer season
5. Regensburg
UNESCO World Heritage websites are scarce, but Regensburg, Germany, has gained the group’s consideration! In 2006, Regensburg turned a UNESCO World Heritage web site, to the delight of its 150,000 residents.
Strolling by means of the streets of this lovely metropolis will deliver you face-to-face with among the most spectacular structure on the planet!
For those who love water, then Regensburg would be the metropolis for you as town is perched alongside the Danube, Regen, and Naab rivers.
My favorite metropolis highlights embrace the attractive structure, the various wonderful resturants, bars and lodges, the fabulous conventional markets and the beer gardens!
Location: japanese Bavaria, southeast Germany
Location Map
Greatest time to go to: summer season however the Christmas interval is particularly magical
Try our video highlights of our journey to Regensburg…
6. Sanssouci Fort
This grand summer season palace sits on a big hill close to Potsdam in East Germany.
Created for Fredrick the Nice of Prussia, it resembles the Palace of Versailles primarily due to the beautiful terraced gardens planted and truthfully, I feel it’s a rare place which is value exploring particularly should you’re a historical past fan.
Secluded temples and pavilions are inside the gardens, and the palace itself is embellished with golden Rococo element and 18th-century furnishings.
Location: Potsdam, close to Berlin
Location Map
Greatest time to go to: Could to September
7. Bamberg
The effective historic metropolis of Bamberg is situated in Bavaria, near the River Essential. Its historic metropolis heart is so overflowing with necessary structure that it has earned itself UNESCO World Heritage Web site standing.
On a bridge over the Regnitz, discover the slender cobbled lanes of the Previous City, the elegant Thirteenth-century cathedral, and the city corridor.
Wander alongside the meandering streams after which cease for a glass of the native beer in one of many many outside beer gardens. In my view, this metropolis is significantly chocolate-box fairly and is properly value exploring!
Location: northern Bavaria
Location Map
Greatest time to go to: summer season
8. The Rhine Valley
The gorgeous River Rhine cuts by means of the Rhenish slate mountains, meandering between hillside castles, sloping fields of wine-producing grapes, Gothic church buildings, forested hillsides, craggy cliffs, and idyllic villages stuffed with half-timber cities.
I like to recommend mountaineering by means of the valley path for spectacular views of mountains, castles, mineral springs, and small nation inns.
The realm from Bingen to Koblenz is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site, residence to forty castles and stately properties.
Location: northern Bavaria
Location Map
Greatest time to go to: summer season or autumn
9. Bremen
Bremen is a Hanseatic metropolis in northwestern Germany. It sits nestled alongside the River Weser, and the small compact metropolis is among the oldest in Germany, courting again 1200 years.
In addition to the gorgeous historic structure, it’s well-known for uplifting bnthe Grimms’ folklore story of the Musicians of Bremen.
Within the older a part of town (the Schnoor-Viertel space), I’d counsel exploring the pleasant winding cobbled alleyways flanked by a collection of charming medieval homes with picket beamed facades.
I personally suppose the encircling countryside and farmland are additionally value exploring, particularly alongside the sting of the river Wümme.
Location: northwest
Location Map
Greatest time to go to: summer season or Christmas for the markets
10. Sylt
Typically forgotten by international vacationers, the Island of Sylt (a part of the German Frisian Islands) is related to the mainland by the Hindenburgdamm causeway and I really like this underrated gem!
With a number of pretty resorts, 40km of sandy seashores, an uncommon shoreline, and loads of breathtaking nature, for my part, Sylt is properly value a go to; as a result of it’s separated from the mainland, it has remained comparatively untouched.
The homes on the island are constructed within the pleasant Fristian type, and the cliffs lining the coast are slowly eroding, creating an uncommon and distinctive sample.
Fields of flowers, colourful lighthouses, and sparsely populated villages have made this an unique hidden gem and playground for the wealthy and well-known.
Location: Frisian Islands, Northern a part of the nation
Location Map
Greatest time to go to: late spring to early autumn
11. The Harz Nationwide Park
The Harz Nationwide Park is a beautiful nature reserve situated within the German federal states of Decrease Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt.
It’s a mountainous area shrouded in mist (or brightly lit by the solar) and stuffed with lakes, woodland, tales of folklore, and loads of alternatives to be one with nature.
I really like this park for its strolling and snowboarding and provides botanical gardens, mountaineering trails, and uncommon wildlife. It’s also blessed with many species of butterflies and small creatures distinctive to this space.
I extremely advocate visiting Brocken, the very best mountain in northern Germany, which is situated within the park and taking a gauge prepare to the summit to get probably the most gorgeous view of the park beneath.
Location: central a part of the nation
Tackle: Lindenallee 35, 38875 Wernigerode
Location Map
Greatest time to go to: spring to autumn however the winter time can be magical
12. Eibsee
Eibsee is a world away from the hustle and bustle of metropolis life, and it’s a tranquil and extremely photogenic magnificence spot.
Summers right here enable guests to take pleasure in kayaking or swimming within the crystal clear waters of Eibsee Lake, and the quaint city situated on the japanese shores of the lake attracts in guests 12 months after 12 months.
The lake is situated in Bavaria and boasts 177.4 hectares of pristine waters. I extremely advocate bringing your digicam alongside, though sadly, the images won’t do justice to the brilliant blues depicted in actual life!
Location: Bavaria, southern a part of the nation
Location Map
Greatest time to go to: summer season
13. Hohenschwangau Fort
Historical past buffs will love Hohenschwangau Fort, Germany, the childhood residence of King Ludwig II in Bavaria, constructed by Kink Maximilian, Ludwig’s father.
Though the courtroom could draw guests in, the city of Hohenschwangau makes probably the most affect.
This city options worlds of pure magnificence with parks similar to Poellatschlucht. Strolling by means of this Bavarian city brings guests again to a less complicated time earlier than expertise.
If you wish to get away from all of it and benefit from the pure magnificence and basic structure, for my part Hohenschwangau is the place!
Location: Bavaria, southern a part of the nation
Location Map
Greatest time to go to: all 12 months spherical
14. Wurzburg Residence
Palaces worldwide have drawn guests for a glimpse into how the very best of society have lived for hundreds of years and I’m an enormous fan, it’s a spectacular place!
The ultimate building of the palace was accomplished in 1744, however building had been happening since 1720.
Prince Bishof of Wurzburg, Johann Phillip Franz Von Schonborn, and Friedrich Carl Von Schonbron, his brother, commissioned the work.
I really like that the structure depicts the basic French type with over-the-top grandeur at each flip!
Location: Würzburg, Bavaria, southern a part of the nation
Tackle: Residenzplatz 2, 97070 Würzburg, Bavaria
Location Map
Greatest time to go to: all 12 months spherical
15. Bavarian Forest Nationwide Park
I really like this Instagram-worthy gem particularly through the winter! This park maintains its pure magnificence as park officers refused to restore the injury from a extreme 1983 storm.
Though it might sound odd at this time for officers to make such a call, it paid off for the park, making it among the many extra rugged and naturally wild parks on Earth.
Aside from being a wild dream, Bavarian Forest Nationwide Park additionally options some unusual animals, together with the pygmy owl and three-toed woodpecker so I’d counsel attempting to identify them!
Wildlife enclosures are discovered all through the park to provide the animals a way of security whereas offering people with an up-close view of the animals of their pure habitat.
The surroundings right here is significantly gorgeous and within the winter the thick forest is adorned with heavy snow!
Location: Bavaria, southeast
Customer centre tackle: Hans-Eisenmann-Haus 1, 94556 Neuschönau, Bavaria
Location Map
Greatest time to go to: all 12 months spherical (the winter is particulary magical)
16. Gorlitz
Gorlitz has supplied a wonderful backdrop for a number of movies, together with The Grand Budapest Resort, The Reader, The Final Command, and The Inglorious Bastards.
It’s also a surprising location for a lot of motion pictures, however few locations, even in such a historic nation as Germany, maintain as a lot historical past as Gorlitz.
Though modernized, the city’s roots return to 1071, when it was initially a slave settlement. As we speak’s Gorlitz nonetheless maintains the markings of the previous in wealthy historic buildings and structure, however most guests go to the Neisse River.
The river flows by means of town, offering a method of transportation, a fishing avenue, and a vacationer attraction. Gorlitz is a hidden gem, not close to many of the nation’s main points of interest.
Nonetheless, folks flock to this a part of the nation for its serene setting and calm ambiance. If you wish to get away from all of it and see a number of acquainted buildings, I personally suppose Gorlitz is the place to do it!
Location: Saxony, Jap a part of the nation
Location Map
Greatest time to go to: late spring to early winter
17. The Moselle Valley
I cherished the Moselle Valley! I believed it was a captivating and picturesque place which even matches the class and romance of Prague and Rome!
This space has been residence to varied cultures for over 2000 years and has a number of cultural influences. The Moselle Valley homes many vineyards, which provides to the fantastic surroundings! The Rieslings made listed here are recognized to be among the many finest on the planet!
I additionally extremely advocate exploring the picturesque castles and quaint villages situated right here!
Location: western Germany
Location Map
Greatest time to go to: summer season and early fall
18. Lichtenstein Fort
I really like this beautiful, fairytale like citadel situated within the Swabian Alps!
This citadel is open to the general public, however keep in mind it’s a privately owned construction. The courtroom, constructed within the Gothic Revival type, was crafted between 1840 and 1842.
Restoration of the historic citadel was accomplished in 2002 by means of non-profit group help. If you wish to stay out your fairytale fantasies, Lichtenstein Fort is the place to do it.
Location: Baden-Württemberg, southwest
Location Map
Greatest time to go to: all 12 months spherical
19. Ramsau
Ramsau is definitely not the most important city in Germany, with a inhabitants of round 1,800, however it’s recognized to be among the many most lovely for its quaint, picturesque setting.
These venturing to Ramsau usually are not heading to the realm for varied points of interest however relatively for an opportunity to benefit from the nice outdoor. Aside from being utterly breathtaking, the realm boasts the third-highest mountain in Germany, Waltzmann.
Lake Hintersee and the village’s native church are additionally well-known points of interest.
Location: Bavaria, south
Location Map
Greatest time to go to: summer season to winter
20. Quedlinburg
It’s a charming city the place you may respect German landscapes. Websites and points of interest all through Quedlinburg are alongside the Romanesque Highway, and this space is one other place recognized for being a UNESCO World Heritage Web site.
With a inhabitants of simply 24,000, I really like that the city maintains a lot of its small-town really feel with out being an awesome metropolis. Guests take pleasure in strolling by means of Quedlinburg and taking within the wealthy historical past.
The town was named the primary capital of Germany in 919 AD and has an illustrious historical past to boast about.
Location: Saxony-Anhalt, central a part of the nation
Location Map
Greatest time to go to: late spring to early fall
21. Mittenwald
Mittenwald is in the course of the Bavarian alpine peaks, situated within the district of Garmisch-Partenkirchen alongside the Austrian border.
This engaging city has enchanting homes with mural artwork (Lüftlmalerei) and beautiful cobbled stone lanes. I do know you gained’t be disillusioned with the views that mix picturesque mountains and a serene vista, it’s significantly gorgeous!
That is the proper place to go to in Germany in case you are an artwork and violin fan, because it’s recognized for manufacturing violins and cellos. Mittenwald Violin Crafting Museum is among the most well-known points of interest based in 1930.
For those who want to see the mural arts, a spot that could be a should is the outdated city, the place you may respect painted buildings, pretty church buildings, and a nice ambiance.
Location: Bavaria, south
Location Map
Greatest time to go to:late spring to early fall
Nonetheless need extra? Then I’d counsel heading for the elegant metropolis of Munich, which is residence to the well-known annual Oktoberfest, the placing resort city of Monschau, the effective baroque college metropolis of Heidelberg, Lübeck town famend for its Brick Gothic structure, and the spectacular surroundings of the Rems Valley.