7 Must-See Attractions in Germany — and Tips on Getting the Most From Them
From the gorgeous scenery and picturesque villages to Gothic architecture and Christmas markets, Germany is a place you should visit at least once in your lifetime.
But with so many world-class attractions, you may not know where to begin. Well, to help you get started, the following seven attractions are ones that you must see.
Learn Some German Before You Go, With Online Classes
Before we explore some of Germany’s best must-see attractions, it is worth mentioning that you will have a more rewarding experience visiting the country if you learn a little German before you go.
You will then be able to ask for directions and understand restaurant menus. You could even get to know the culture more by conversing with locals.
Thankfully, it is easy to learn some German before you go by taking online classes with native-level teachers.
Taking German lessons will allow you to learn the basics or become more advanced in your foreign language skills. You will then be able to embrace your trip to Germany even more.
Cologne Cathedral
Construction of Kölner Dom, known as Cologne Cathedral in English, began in the Middle Ages in 1248, but it was not completed until hundreds of years later, in 1880!
Renowned for its Gothic architecture, the cathedral attracts around 20,000 people daily, making it the most visited landmark in Germany. And at 515 feet, Cologne Cathedral is the tallest twin-spired church on the planet.
To get the most from this must-see attraction, which sits on the banks of the Rhine river, make sure you visit its Three Kings Chapel to see the twelfth and thirteenth-century stained glass windows.
Also, it is worth climbing the 533 steps to the viewing platform in the South Tower, where you will get one of the city’s best views of Cologne and the river.
Miniatur Wunderland
Hamburg is worth visiting for many reasons, including its hundreds of canals and large parkland areas. But one attraction you will not want to miss is the magnificent Miniatur Wunderland.
Even if you are not particularly into trains, you are sure to be bowled over by this model railway, the world’s largest model railway. Incredibly, it boasts 9.5 miles of track!
And it has sections designated to places worldwide, such as England, Scandinavia, and the U.S.A.
With 1,300 trains, 400,000 figurines, and incredibly detailed airports where the tiny planes take off and land, visiting Miniatur Wunderland will be an experience you will never forget. To get the most out of this attraction, book a behind-the-scenes tour.
Zugspitze Massif
Zugspitze Massif, in the Bavaria region, is part of the Wetterstein mountain range, which connects Germany with Austria. One of the best ways of seeing the incredible beauty of the sprawling mountains is to take the Tiroler Zugspitzbahn railway.
To get the most out of this natural must-see attraction, take a cable car to the eastern summit, crowned by a gilded cross.
Another great tip: walk through the 2,600-foot-long tunnel, with plenty of viewing windows along the way, to the high viewing platforms for an unparalleled view of this fantastic landscape.
And if you intend to cross over to neighbouring Austria, make sure you visit the Baroque-style Moosham Castle.
The Berlin Wall
One of the most historically significant sites in Germany from modern times is the famous Berlin Wall.
Dividing East and West Germany as part of the Cold War that existed after the end of World War II, the wall existed from 1961 until it was torn down in 1990.
It originally extended around 96 miles. Today, just a few sections of the wall remain, which are covered in graffiti that serves as reminders of the horrors of the Cold War and the people who died trying to cross from East to West.
To better understand the Berlin Wall’s history, visit the Checkpoint Charlie Museum and the Berlin Wall Memorial.
Neuschwanstein Castle
Situated in the old town of Füssen, which lies between the Ammergau and Allgäu Alps, Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the most fairy-tale-looking castles in the world.
It was the inspiration for the iconic castles of Disney’s theme parks. King Ludwig II had this multi-towered fortress built between 1869 and 1886.
To get the most out of this attraction, take a guided tour of fascinating places like Singer’s Hall and the magnificent Throne Room. Also, from the top of the castle, you will gain some of the most spectacular views in Germany.
The Black Forest
The Black Forest region is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in Germany and the world.
Known for its mountains, evergreen forests, and scenic villages, the area is well known for the fantastic spas and cuckoo clocks that locals have been making since the 1700s.
The region is also associated with the fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm.
When visiting The Black Forest, ensure you do not miss the Black Forest Open Air Museum, the Triberg waterfalls, and the Baden-Baden Spas and Gardens.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber
The Bavarian city of Rothenburg ob der Tauber is one place that should most definitely be on your itinerary. The old imperial franconian town is one of the most attractive places in the country.
Situated on the steep banks of the River Tauber, it is particularly remarkable for its colourful houses and old walls and towers that have remained untouched since the Thirty Years War ended in 1648.
The mediaeval town looks like a picture postcard, offering endless charm.
To get the most out of this must-see city, go on a walking tour to explore sites like the thirteenth-century Town Hall, the fifteenth-century Council Tavern, and the seventeenth-century St. Georgs-Brunnen Fountain.
And if you visit in the winter months, you will be able to catch the city’s traditional Christmas Market, one of the most popular in all of Germany.
