Blog
History, culture, and natural beauty perhaps best describe the essence of vacationing in Germany. With its many historic cities and small towns, along with an abundance of forests and mountains, visitors are spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing a unique place to visit. Those wanting to sightsee or experience the arts should head to the metropolitan areas such as Munich, Frankfurt, or Hamburg, while those looking for recreational activities should visit places such as the Bavarian Alps, the Black Forest, or the Rhine Valley.
Lovely old cathedrals and grand palaces are everywhere, and in the smaller towns and villages – some with their original medieval Old Towns still intact – many centuries-old traditions, including traditional Christmas markets, festivals, and fairs, continue to this day. At the cultural heart of Germany is the capital, Berlin, home to many fine museums and galleries, while nature lovers will find a world of possibilities in Germany’s great outdoors. For ideas to help plan your travels, read our list of the top tourist attractions in Germany.
Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate
Modeled on the Acropolis in Athens and built for King Frederick William II in 1791, the monumental sandstone Brandenburg Gate in Berlin’s Mitte district was the city’s first Neoclassical structure. Measuring an impressive 26 meters in height – including the Quadriga, the spectacular four-horse chariot carrying the goddess of victory perched atop – its six huge columns on each side of the structure form five impressive passages: four were used by regular traffic, while the center was reserved for the royal carriages. Huge Doric columns also decorate the two buildings at each side of the Gate, once used by toll-collectors and guards.
Undoubtedly Berlin’s most iconic structure, it’s hard to believe that the majestic structure you see today was severely damaged during WWII and was also once part of the infamous Berlin Wall and, for a few decades, was symbolic of the division of Berlin into East and West.
Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom)
The towering Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) – the Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Mary – is located on the banks of the Rhine and is undoubtedly Cologne’s most impressive landmark. This masterpiece of High Gothic architecture, one of the largest cathedrals in Europe, was begun in 1248 and was the most ambitious building project of the Middle Ages.
As imposing as its façade, its magnificent interior covers an area of 6,166 square meters and boasts 56 huge pillars. Above the high altar is the Reliquary of the Three Kings, a 12th-century work of art in gold that was designed by Nicholas of Verdun to house the relics of the Three Kings brought here from Milan.
Other highlights include the panoramic views from the South Towers, the 12th- and 13th-century stained glass in the Three Kings Chapel, and the Treasury with its many precious objects, all of which survived largely intact after WWII. For some of the best vistas over the city and river, climb the 533 steps to the viewing platform in the South Tower. (A small entrance fee is required.)
The Black Forest
The beautiful Black Forest with its dark, densely-wooded hills is one of the most visited upland regions in all of Europe. Situated in the southwestern corner of Germany and extending 160 kilometers from Pforzheim in the north to Waldshut on the High Rhine in the south, it’s a hiker’s heaven.
On the west side, it descends steeply to the Rhine, crossed by lush valleys, while on the east, it slopes more gently down to the upper Neckar and Danube valleys.
Popular spots include Germany’s oldest ski area at Todtnau, the magnificent spa facilities of Baden-Baden, and the attractive resort of Bad Liebenzell. Personally, this is one of my favorite tourist attractions in Germany.
Other highlights include the spectacular Black Forest Railway centered on Triberg with its famous falls, and Triberg itself, home to the Black Forest Open Air Museum. The best way to catch them all? Grab a map of the Black Forest Panoramic Route, a 70-kilometer driving tour that takes in the very best views over the region, along with its top historic attractions, including stunning castles and numerous medieval towns and villages.
The Ultimate Fairytale Castle: Neuschwanstein
The quaint old town of Füssen, situated between the Ammergau and Allgäu Alps and a popular alpine resort and winter sports center, is a good base from which to explore nearby Neuschwanstein Castle, one of Europe’s most famous (and picturesque) royal castles.
King Ludwig II of Bavaria built this many-towered and battlement-covered fantasy fortress – the inspiration for Walt Disney’s famous theme park castles – from 1869-86.
A variety of tour options are offered, including guided tours of the sumptuous interior taking in the Throne Room, the Singers’ Hall… and some of the country’s most spectacular views.
Miniatur Wunderland and the Historic Port of Hamburg
In the heart of the historic Port of Hamburg, the magnificent Miniatur Wunderland, the world’s largest model railway, is an attraction that appeals equally to young and old alike. Boasting more than 12,000 meters of track, this massive scale model includes sections dedicated to the USA, England, and Scandinavia (as well as Hamburg) and incorporates 890 trains, more than 300,000 lights, and in excess of 200,000 human figures.
It’s not unheard of for guests to spend many hours exploring this fascinating world with its remarkably detailed miniature airports (and planes that actually take off), crowded cities, quaint rural scenes, and bustling harbors. For a memorable experience, book one of the behind-the-scenes tours, an especially fun thing to do at night.
Speaking of harbors, be sure to explore the vast Port of Hamburg while you’re there. Covering 100 square kilometers, this huge tidal harbor – one of the world’s largest cruise ship terminals, and known as the Gateway to Germany – is best explored by boat. Afterwards, visit the harborside promenade, a lovely pedestrian route, and the Warehouse District with its continuous lines of tall brick-built warehouses.
Explore the world with confidence by taking advantage of our partnership with Viator! Discover top-rated attractions and unforgettable experiences wherever your travels take you.
Experience the ease of booking Germany hotels via our connection with Booking.com, one of the best Germany resorts booking sites. Whether you're searching for last-minute resorts in Germany or planning ahead, we’re proud to offer our hotel room bookings on an easy DIY platform.
Browse our database of the best travel blogs and get the most current travel tips and trends to enhance your vacation experiences. Take a look.
Find travel inspiration, amazing vacation ideas, unique places to visit, and three day travel guides to the top cities around the world. Visit our city guides page to discover where to travel to next.
If you own a business in the travel industry, consider this opportunity to collaborate with Journey Connected and grow your travel brand image. Check out our travel collaborations.
Are you tired of travel plans that don’t live up to your dreams?
Elevate your next journey with expert vacation planning that turns every trip into an unforgettable adventure! Stop wasting time and money—trust our professionals to book your travel and create the perfect, personalized itinerary just for you.
Are you tired of travel plans that don’t live up to your dreams?
Are you tired of travel plans that don’t live up to your dreams?
Elevate your next journey with expert vacation planning that turns every trip into an unforgettable adventure! Stop wasting time and money—trust our professionals to book your travel and create the perfect, personalized itinerary just for you.