These are some of the most beautiful and interesting locations to visit in Germany, including metropolitan cities, villages straight out of a fairy tale, picturesque lake resorts, and rolling valleys. If you’re looking to plan a holiday in Germany, you’ll have a lot of options to choose from. Fairytale castles and enchanted woodlands coexist with busy cities and multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites in this nation.
To assist you in narrowing down your choices, the following is a quick rundown of some of Germany’s tourist places. But before we get to that, let’s take a quick look at the many transportation options available to get you to Germany, just in case you have a vacation planned there.
By air: Berlin, Frankfurt, and Munich are the three major airports in Germany that are used for international flights. There are several daily flights from Indian cities such as Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Bangalore, and Delhi to Germany. Air India, Etihad, Lufthansa, and Jet Airways are just a few of the world-class carriers that fly these routes.
By train: Rail lines in Germany are interconnected in complex and sophisticated infrastructure, and the country also has good connections to the nations that are nearby. The majority of rail service in Germany is provided by Deutsche Bahn, and passengers from neighbouring countries such as Denmark, the Czech Republic, Switzerland, Poland, and others may travel to Germany with relative ease.
By road: Since Germany is a member of the EU, travelling via its borders from any of its neighbouring nations is not too difficult. If you have the necessary paperwork, visas, and an international driver’s licence, you will be able to rent a vehicle or drive a rented automobile on your own.
By water: Germany is home to a large number of rivers in addition to having a portion of the North Sea’s coastline. Therefore, travel over rivers is another advantageous means of transportation. Taking a boat from one of the Scandinavian nations to Germany is an option.
Top 10 places to visit in Germany
Berlin
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Exciting and bustling, the capital city of Germany serves as the epicentre for everything hip and trendy in the areas of architecture, style, entertainment, and innovation. Berlin is packed with incredible architectural marvels, and there are a plethora of exciting and entertaining activities to do in the city.
With a variety of museums, art exhibitions, flea markets, restaurants, and bars to choose from, you won’t have a problem filling your time. However, there are other historical places and landmarks in Berlin as well.
Must-see attractions include Museum Island, which is home to Berlin’s most prominent museums, five of which are located there. Weekends are ideal since there is always something to do and see. Fortunately, there are a wide variety of hotels and guesthouses to select from in Berlin’s lively areas.
Berlin has well-linked railway connectivity to the whole of Germany as well as the rest of Europe. Trains that run through the night depart regularly from major cities such as Paris, Amsterdam, Budapest, and Zurich. Road travel is another option for getting to Berlin. You have the option of using a bus service or hiring a private vehicle service. The picturesque and trouble-free travel is made possible by the use of the highways.
Schloss Neuschwanstein
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Walt Disney drew inspiration for Disneyland’s castle from a mediaeval castle in Germany. One of Germany’s most prominent tourist attractions, Schloss Neuschwanstein, is located in the Bavarian Alps, snuggled in the mountains.
The beautiful castle, which was erected completely for amusement by Ludwig II of Bavaria, is noted for its exquisite spires that rise out from the trees and tower over the surrounding landscape.
Discovering the enchanted grotto and throne chamber with its massive crown-shaped illumination will surely let your fantasy unfettered, regardless of your age. For those who do not like to walk for 30 minutes, a delightful horse-drawn carriage service will take them there for an additional fee.
The travel to the Neuschwanstein Castle may be accomplished in a single day from Munich, Germany. The Munich Hauptbahnhof, which is the city’s primary railway station, has departures every hour. Despite the fact that the castle is located in a little hamlet known as Hohenschwangau, you will need to purchase your tickets in the quaint and picturesque town of Füssen, which is just a bus ride away.
Cologne
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The well-known Cologne Cathedral, which is considered to be the pinnacle of Gothic style, stands majestically. The towering structure that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site also boasts the Ottonian Gero Cross. This cross is the earliest massive artwork of the crucifixion found north of the Alps. In addition to this remarkable structure, the city is home to several excellent museums, dining establishments, drinking establishments, and most notably, chocolate shops. If you have a real need for sweets, a trip to the Chocolate Museum in Cologne is going to be an absolute delight for you.
There are 2,000 different attractions to look at, and one of them is a chocolate fountain that is three metres tall and into which you may plunge a dessert. There is a lot to make you want to drool here. In addition, the museum café provides guests with a breathtaking panorama of the Rhine, which can be seen via the building’s 30-metre-long façade.
You should use a train to get to Cologne if you’re travelling from any place else in the EU. There are also several foreign airlines that service Cologne, so another option is to fly there. Bus travel is the most cost-effective option for those who are on a tight budget. It is possible that the trip may be lengthy, but it is still doable if you are going on a tight budget. It is possible to go to Cologne with a rental automobile; but, if you are not a citizen of an EU country, this is not the most prudent course of action.
Bayreuth
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Bayreuth, located in northern Bavaria, offers a home to the internationally renowned Richard Wagner Festival each and every year. The well-attended festival, which honours the composer who was born in Germany, turns the city into a sanctuary for those who are passionate about opera. But even if opera isn’t your thing, you can’t help but be impressed by the lavish decor that can be seen within the Margravial Opera House, which was built in the 18th century.
This magnificent example of Baroque theatre decor is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is often used by 500 visitors who are interested in experiencing true Baroque court opera. In addition to this jaw-dropping edifice, Bayreuth is home to a plethora of cultural and historical attractions. This is shown by the eclectic assortment of cultural sights that it offers.
The airport that is closest to Bayreuth is located in Nuremberg (NUE). On the other hand, there are other, more convenient ways to go to Bayreuth. Getting to Bayreuth from Frankfurt (FRA) through Nürnberg Hbf will take around 3 hours and 40 minutes by rail. Alternatively, FlixBus runs a bus twice daily between Bayreuth, Goethestraße and Flughafen, Terminal 2 of the airport. The trip takes around 3 hours and 10 minutes.
The Upper Middle Rhine Valley
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The Upper Rhine Valley, which stretches over Germany, is a veritable melting pot of cultures. It’s little surprise that part of the area was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002, which is dotted with breathtaking hilltop castles, charming old villages, and lovely vineyards nestled into the landscape. Over the course of the previous two centuries, the natural scenery that can be seen along the Rhine has served as motivation for a great number of poets, artists, and musicians, and it is not difficult to understand why this is the case.
Bingen and Rudesheim are among the charming places you’ll pass through while cruising the river. Along the way, it passes the famed Loreley rock, which is a slate cliff perched above the river’s narrowest part, and through a breathtakingly picturesque valley. Additionally, the Upper Middle Rhine Valley has 500 hectares of hillsides that produce some of Germany’s best Rieslings.
Travelling across the Upper Middle Rhine Valley may be done on foot, by bicycle, by vehicle, on train, or by boat, and each of these modes of transportation offers spectacular vistas along the journey. There are six boats that go over the river, making it convenient to get to both sides of the river. Because there are several options for public transportation in the area, it is not necessary for you to rent a vehicle.
Munich
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Munich, the headquarters of Bavaria, is without a doubt among the most multicultural towns that travellers may visit in Germany. Beer gardens, countless galleries, eateries, cathedrals, and pubs may be found all across Munich, not to mention the city’s numerous eateries. The Oktoberfest is the largest beer festival in the world, and it is held annually in Munich. This event is largely responsible for the city’s prominence on the globe.
Nevertheless, Munich is a wonderful city that can be enjoyed at any time of the year, even if you have no interest in mixing with the locals. The Marienplatz central square is home to some of the city’s most well-known sights, including the Neues Rathaus, the Altes Rathaus, and the Mariensaule.
Because the rail network in Germany is so well-organised, travelling by train from one city to another inside the nation, such as from an adjacent city to Munich, is a wonderful opportunity to take in the breathtaking scenery along the route.
The Munich International Airport is situated about 28.5 kilometres to the northeast of the city centre of Munich. Both the railway and the car are convenient modes of transportation. There are a large number of car rental firms located both within the airport and around the city. The airport also serves as the starting point for a variety of bus trips that go across Munich and even far beyond.
Lake Constance
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It’s little wonder that Lake Constance, which straddles Germany, is such a popular vacation spot. Because of its wide range of applications, it’s appealing to a wide range of people. A wide variety of wildlife may be found in wildlife reserves.
Followers of professional athletics may choose from a broad variety of marine and coastal sports, such as windsurfing, sailing, boating, or just diving at several of the sand and gravel beaches that are available. They also have the option of boarding a boat and travelling to one of the picturesque islands located in the lake.
Additionally, there are several Baroque castles, cathedrals, monasteries, and restored Neolithic Period homes in Pfahlbauten to be seen in the surrounding region. In addition, the panorama of the Highlands from Lake Constance’s beach is incentive enough to visit on its own.
There is no need to possess a vehicle in order to go across the four countries around Lake Constance since you can get there by bus, train, or boat. In many cases, doing so not only enables you to save money and some precious hours of your vacation time, but it also enables you to make a direct contribution to the conservation of the environment.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber
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Visit Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a quaint German hamlet that will transport you back in time to your favourite childhood fairy tale. This Bavarian village, situated along the Romantic Road in Franconia, is known for its magnificent mediaeval architecture.
The old town’s cobblestone lanes, which straddle the Tauber River, are lined with half-timbered buildings. Along the town’s perimeter, you’ll see a number of well-preserved towers, galleries, and cathedrals dating from the mediaeval period.
Rothenburg is the penultimate station on the minor railway line between Steinach and Rothenburg ob der Tauber. This trip takes 14 minutes. However, the train only operates hourly, thus interconnections from other destinations are also hourly. Commuters on long-distance trains like the IC or ICE often switch to regional trains at Würzburg if they’re coming from the north, or Ansbach if they’re coming from the south. Commuters may take advantage of the reliability of regional trains that run frequently between these cities and Steinach.
The Zugspitze
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To really experience the sensation of being on the pinnacle, you need to take a trip to the Zugspitze, Germany’s tallest mountain. With a peak elevation of 2,962 metres, this mountaintop is Germany’s highest, straddling the border between the countries of Germany and Austria. More than 400 summits dispersed across nations may be seen from the summit, ringed by steep lowlands.
It goes without saying that climbing the mountain is a worthwhile endeavour, and thankfully, there are two routes that one might use to accomplish this goal. There are three cable cars that you may ride, or you can take the Bayerische Zugspitzbahn, which is a mountain train. The latter travels from the Garmisch Zugspitzbahnhof to the Zugspitzplatt glacier station, making stops at several intermediate stations along the route.
During this time, guests may ride the cable car that broke the record for the fastest ascent to the peak in under ten minutes. Once you reach the summit, you’ll be able to take in breathtaking views in every direction. If you are interested in taking a winter holiday and enjoying some adventure on the slopes, Zugspitze is also an excellent alternative since it is situated close to a large number of ski resorts.
Black Forest
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The Black Forest in Germany is often regarded as one of the country’s most beautiful natural areas. This region of Baden-Württemberg consists of a 99-mile stretch of breathtaking scenery, which has undulating hills, breathtaking lakes, entrancing waterfall-filled woods, and extensive valleys studded with attractive towns. Driving down the magnificent roadway that bears the Black Forest’s name is an excellent way to become acquainted with the region.
You will also want to make sure you have plenty of time to view breathtaking natural attractions like Lake Titisee, Triberg Waterfalls, and the Feldberg, which is the highest point in the Black Forest.
There are a number of ways to get to the Black Forest if you’re flying in from somewhere other than Europe. From Frankfurt International Airport, Germany’s largest, to the northern Black Forest takes roughly 90 minutes via rail. In addition, international airports may be reached in around two hours or less from both Zurich and Stuttgart, depending on where in the area you choose to go. If you’re coming from inside Europe, the nearby airports at Basel-Mulhouse and Karlsruhe-Baden-Baden are also good choices.
FAQs
What is the official language of Germany?
German is the official language of the country.
What currency does Germany use?
The Euro is used in Germany.
Is a visa required to enter Germany?
Schengen is a treaty signed by Germany and other EU countries. Visa-free entry into Germany is available to the US and Canadian citizens with passports valid for 90 days. There should be at least two or three months left on your passport after your intended time of travel. In Germany, this rule is enforced by the letter of the law.
To visit Germany, what is the ideal time of the year to do so?
During the months of May through September, many tourists visit Germany because the weather is more pleasant. This opens up a slew of possibilities for outdoor events and celebrations throughout the course of the summer.
How is the German transportation system?
Buses, trams, underground trains (U-Bahn), and suburban railways (S-Bahn) are all integrated into one continuous network in Germany's biggest cities, making it possible for the country to boast one of the most advanced and comprehensive public transportation systems in the world. The Autobahn in Germany was the very first motorway ever built anywhere in the world.
