germany travel pictures

30 Germany Photos That Will Spark Your Wanderlust

Have you ever visited a destination and instantly felt a deep connection? This happened to me when we went to Germany and my hope is that these incredible Germany photos that I captured will express why.

Arriving in Munich for the first time was like going home for me. For years I have wondered about the country where so many of my ancestors had resided and what it would be like to visit.

Finally having the time, we spent 3 weeks in Germany during our most recent trip to Europe .

These photos will take you through some of the most beloved areas of Germany but also show you some places you probably didn’t know existed.

It is our hope that we inspire you to travel more and book a trip to Germany to see for yourself.

Don’t leave home without: Lonely Planet Germany (Travel Guide)

Table of Contents

Munich, Germany Photos

Beautiful, lovely, historical, picturesque Munich started an instant love affair with the country. We arrived by train and spent 3 days in the city dodging rain clouds and seeing some pretty spectacular sights.

The vibe in Munich is intoxicating and we just couldn’t get enough, even when it was raining you could find us under one of the many beer tents or enjoying a pretzel in one of the many brewhouses.

Related Article: 4 Days in Munich

Marienplatz is the heartbeat of old Munich and the first place you should head when you arrive.

It is here that you get your first feel for the culture in Bavaria and have the opportunity to witness the famous Glockenspiel that shows scenes from the 16th century.

Even on a cloudy, rainy day, the beauty of this central square cannot be denied.

I simply could not resist the bright colored pool in this fountain. Also located in the Marienplatz, the Fish Fountain garners its name from the fish market that used to be set up nearby.

Local merchants would place fish in this very fountain to keep them fresh. For me, it was all about color.

Don’t leave home without: Lonely Planet Germany (Travel Guide)

Climbing towers in Europe is not only good exercise but a fantastic way to see the far reaches of any city you might be visiting and Munich is no exception.

We got this view from climbing one of the towers at St Peter’s Basilica.

One of my favorite Germany photos, this was one of those amazing travel moments. After spending a day chasing the blue sky around Munich, we arrived at the Royal Residenz 1 hour before closing and decided to tour the palace.

It’s no lie when you hear that Europe in the summer is crowded…. we’ve been fighting crowds since we landed in Budapest a week earlier.

So you can imagine our surprise when we entered the most famous room in Munich, the Hall of Antiquities, to find o urselves utterly alone.

I told the guard that I could only whisper because I have never been alone in such a grand place. She said to me, ‘Yes, this is a pretty special moment. You are alone in Munich’s greatest room. It’s just you and the ghosts now.’

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A major perk of Munich is its awesome transportation. We hopped on a tram right outside our hotel and in 20 minutes we were walking up to the beautiful Nymphenburg Palace.

We spent some time inside wandering the halls before making our way to the stables and then out into the gardens. You can’t see them in this photo but behind that building are some of the most beautiful gardens in all of Europe.

After prying ourselves away from Munich, we hopped in our rental car and headed for one of the most popular day trip spots in the area, Dachau Concentration Camp.

We have been exposed to a wide array of tragedies in our travels including the genocides in Rwanda and Cambodia but this was our first visit to a concentration camp that was in use during WWII.

Neuschwanstein Castle Photos

This is probably the most famous castle in Europe, if not the entire world. The dream project of the ‘Mad’ King Ludwig II who was deemed unfit to be king because he enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, the mountains and had a strong dislike for people.

He spent all of his time and money building opulent castles, including this one. Shortly after he was removed from the throne for being crazy, he was murdered.

Who did it remain a mystery to this day? Having visited the castle, I don’t think he was ‘mad’ at all, who wouldn’t want to live amongst the mountains in a castle-like this?

The best-kept secret about visiting this castle is that you can actually stay just one turn down the road from it. Most people stay in Fussen and then make their way by bus to the base of the hill before climbing to the top.

Not us, because we stayed so close, we were able to get up and experience Neuschwanstein at sunrise with no crowds. It was amazing.

Thinking of traveling with a drone and don’t know where to start? Best Drones For Travel From A Real Drone User.

9 am and we were two of a handful of people on the castle grounds. The difference with these quiet experiences is that you actually have a chance to feel the place and relate to the history and stories that surround them.

This is impossible when the place is so crowded you can’t see anything and so loud you can’t even think. Visiting places first thing in the morning or the last thing in the evening can really provide special experiences.

We stopped off at this lake the day we drove South from Munich towards Neuschwanstein Castle.

The road was winding and we only caught a short glimpse of the water before hauling on the brakes, turning around and venturing down a small side road where we were treated to this view.

Bavaria proved to be a truly stunning part of Germany.

Rothenberg ob der Tauber, Germany Photos

Originally planned as just a quick stop on our German road trip itinerary, we decided to make a long drive day from Fussen to Rothenburg ob de Tauber for an overnight.

It turned out to be the best decision to make. Crowded with tour buses and day-trippers, you can barely move through the streets during the day, let alone take a nice photo.

However, as the sun lowers itself, the buses pull away fro m the city walls and silence enters the streets, the city becomes magical.

Easily one of our favorites cities in all our travels, wandering the medieval streets evoke a sense of wonder and childhood excitement.

Needing some decent light, you’d never know we were still battling the crowds when this photo was taken. You’d laugh in hilarity if you knew the whole story, actually.

When we first arrived it was so full of people we left in search of a grocery store where we purchased stuff to make a ‘working’ dinner.

Heading back, we parked ourselves onset of steps, making our sandwiches and bolting into the road at every chance it cleared.

The people-watching was priceless and truth be told, it wasn’t until we had made and eaten our dinner that we got our clear moment to capture the photo above.

Total wait time? At least 90 minutes. It was worth it and this is one of my favorite Germany photos.

Another city, another tower to climb. I thought this tower view was particularly rewarding with the cookie-cutter architecture of the city, bright orange roofs and varied color schemes.

Nuremberg, Germany Photos

As with many of the towns and small villages located on the Romantic Road, people tend to spend more time passing through them then they do enjoy them.

There is a lot to be said for the experience you can have if you just allow yourself to stay overnight in some of these places. There’s also plenty of good Germany photos to be had here.

Not only will you get good photography opportunities when the tour buses leave for the day, but you’ll get a chance to see the real magic on offer. We stayed 2 nights and it opened up Nuremberg in a very special and unique way for us.

Related Article: You’re Crazy If You Don’t Spend 2 Days in Nuremberg

There are a lot of beautiful places to discover in Nuremberg but we loved being able to wander and then reroute back to the center of the old town.

This stunning marketplace holds one of the best Christmas markets in Europe and well, it isn’t too bad in the summer either.

It’s all about the shapes and contrasts in this square and the red striped umbrellas over the vendor stalls are the perfect finishing touch.

In between rainstorms, and let me tell you it really rained when we visited Nuremberg, we would spend our time wandering the streets looking for little gems like this.

The architecture is intriguing in these buildings and you can even enjoy a Bavarian dinner in that building complete with brewhouse music, waitresses in lederhosen and cold, German brews.

This is a view that very, very few people are privileged to get. The main church of St Sebald in the historic center opens its towers to visitors only two times per week and at two specific times.

This prevents the wear and tear on the building that would come if they let everyone visit it with open admission.

We got extremely lucky being there on a day it was open and enjoyed a virtually private tour with only 2 other people of the towers and the entire off-limits area of the church. It was incredible.

Hamburg, Germany Photos

Always lively with sailors, brothels, pirates and wealthy businessmen, Hamburg has seen many faces through the centuries. With so much going on, naturally, it’s been on my radar of European places to visit for years.

We didn’t get the best weather, lots of rain, but we had no trouble falling for this city.

Related Article:   Highlights from 3 Days in Hamburg

One of the most unique districts we have ever come across, the Speicherstadt in Hamburg’s UNESCO World heritage-listed warehouse district not only wows with gothic revival architecture but holds the seams of so many stories of the city.

This is one of our Germany photos that has won several travel photography awards. It’s been licensed multiple times and appeared in magazines in both travel and photography.

This statue stands in the now destroyed center of the St Nicholas Church in central Hamburg. The church lies in ruins, but this statue stands out in the center as a memorial to the past of Hamburg. I was captivated by it and could see so many other meanings in the design.

While it is not possible to visit the inside, you can stand at the doors to the company that was hired by the Nazi regime to produce the toxin Zyklon B.

This toxin was the exact poison used in the gas chambers during WWII to exterminate people. The employees of the company didn’t even know what they were producing and they thought it was being used for agricultural purposes.

The owners of the company were directly collaborating with the SS to produce odorless poison.

It’s one of those Germany photos that tells a story.

Berlin, Germany Photos

After spending so much time in Bavaria, Berlin was a bit of a culture shock to us. It’s still classic Germany under the hood but is so progressive and much more modern.

Everything about Berlin screams progress, tolerance, acceptance and we loved it. It’s a city we could live in and that’s saying something.

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Say hello to the Berlin Cathedral. This beauty sits among some of the most prominent international museums in Berlin and takes up residence on Museum Island.

This small island sits point center to Berlin and the Spree River, making it a wonderful place to spend an afternoon.

This is also one of my favorite Germany photos because looking at it takes me back to this beautiful day in Berlin.

The heart of the city and a monument that has stood through the roller coaster of history in Berlin, the Brandenburg Gate.

During the division of Germany with the Berlin Wall, the Brandenburg Gate was left standing in no man’s land, between East and West Germany.

It was not accessible by the public, yet today it stands as a lively center to spend your afternoon people watching and listening to live musicians.

Being seen from virtually every corner of the city is the iconic TV Tower in the center of beautiful Berlin. I couldn’t have asked for a more spectacular sky of clouds while walking by to capture the true grandeur of the tower.

Coming up the stairs from the underground tunnel and catching our first glimpses of the Victory Monument in central Berlin. You can enter the monument and climb the 285 stairs to the top for out of this World views of the city.

Views for days and views for miles. THIS is the reward for your effort of climbing the Victory Monument. Can you even believe how lush Berlin is? I love visiting big cities and discovering beautiful green parks in them.

This is one of the coolest fountains I have ever seen in my travels. The Neptune Fountain depicts a series of animals circled around and facing 4 women with Neptune at the center. The women are said to represent the 4 rivers of Prussia. Not only is it beautiful but you could spend a solid hour studying it.

Potsdam, Germany Photos

The land of palaces and Prussian royalty, I think a visit to Berlin would be a shame if you didn’t add on a day trip to its neighbor, Potsdam.

Easily accessible on the trains that leave from the center of Berlin, you can spend your day wandering extremely ornate and well-preserved palaces of the Prussian Kings that essentially founded what Germany is today.

Wandering in the footsteps of the Prussian Kings of Potsdam awakened a curiosity in me that I hadn’t felt for a while. Who were the Prussians, where did they come from and why did they come to Germany?

These questions were felt intensely as a large part of my bloodlines come from East Prussia, the last stronghold of the Prussian blood before it was taken by Russia forcing many of the last inhabitants to flee into immigration.

This particular palace, Sansoucci, was the grandest palace of the great Fredrick II. These statues are part of the group of people that ‘hold’ the roof upon the grand palace. Each face is different and all are laughing and joking. A depiction of how Fredrick II chose to enjoy life.

If you were tired of the palace you could head out back to the well-decorated garden area. These large terraces sit just to the side of the palace and create a beautiful way to enter the gardens that occupy acres behind them. Clearly opulent, you can see the wealth and taste of the times of the people that lived here.

Along the Elbe River

When we weren’t road tripping or riding trains around Germany, we were cruising on her best-kept secret, the Elbe River. It was amazing to us how few people venture off the tourist trail in Germany.

We were there in the height of summer when the well-known places were bursting at the seams, yet we hit the Elbe river to find only solitude and quiet little gems.

For anyone on the fence about river cruising, don’t be, it’s a great way to beat the crowds and capture some fantastic Germany photos.

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The city market of beautiful Wittenberg. This town was the home to the famed, Martin Luther, the man who led the reformation that paved the way for a transition from Catholic to Protestant beliefs.

He’s also the founder of the infamous witch hunt movement that spread even to the New World- famous for the Salem Witch Trials.

Torgau is a small town in Germany that we have never heard of before, despite the fact that it contains the oldest and most complete Renaissance Castle in Germany. Our riverboat docked in Torgau for an evening visit and a spectacular sunset.

It’s hard to grasp sometimes when you’re fed a piece of information that doesn’t seem possible. This is how visiting Dresden was for me as we were told that the entire city was reduced to nothing but rubble during WWII.

Literally nothing was left standing, yet today we see it in all its glory. Restoration is a powerful thing but something it’s hard to really process that what you’re staring at isn’t original.

Don’t leave home without Lonely Planet Germany (Travel Guide)

Behold, the beautiful city of Meissen. After flying our drone for this epic view, we set off on foot to learn a bit more about the history of the city- the center point for some of the finest porcelain in the world- before hiking to the top of the cathedral hill.

Our last stop in Germany on our river cruise was the beautiful Bad Schandau and Bastei Rock. We took in a fair bit of hiking while we explored the area and we were happy to be out in nature for the first time in weeks.

In 1801, Carl Heinrich Nicolai said about the Bastei Rocks: “What depth of feeling it pours into the soul! You can stand here for a long time without being finished with it… It is so difficult to tear yourself away from this spot.” Well said, Carl, well said.

3 weeks and multiple places visited, yet there is still so much to see in Germany. I have no doubt in my mind we’ll be back to explore more of the beauty this country holds through the lens. Have you been to Germany?

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• How to Visit Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich
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Travel planning resources, about lina stock.

Lina is an award-winning photographer and writer that has been exploring the world since 2001. She has traveled to 100 countries on all 7 continents. Member: SATW, NATJA, ATTA, ITWA

7 thoughts on “30 Germany Photos That Will Spark Your Wanderlust”

I am glad you enjoyed Germany, but just a minor correction: Dachau Concentration Camp is not from World War II. It was opened in 1933, six years before World War II.

I think this is actually quite important (and shocking) because it shows how soon the Nazis began to turn the country into a brutal dictatorship. The first prisoner escaped in May 1933, went abroad and published a pamphlet about the horrors experienced (although they were not yet at mechanized genocide level), yet the world continued to trade and negotiate with Germany until September 1939 (and some countries beyond that). As you have been to Dachau, you have also seen how close it is to the town of Dachau. This is also quite important, because after 1945, Germans liked to say “oh, we didn’t know anything of the concentration camps” because the large death camps like Auschwitz or Sobibor were far in occupied Poland. Dachau is an important example to prove otherwise. After all, many locals were “working” there or selling food or services to the concentration camp.

Wow! What an amazing travel blog. Fantastic pictures accompanied by sincere words about what the experience meant for you. Thank you for sharing this as eloquently as you have. I have planned my entire day tomorrow based on this blog post i.e. Munich. Thank you thank you!!

Amazing to hear and thank you for your feedback. Enjoy Munich, it’s a fantastic city!

Wow! The photos are amazing! Just inspires one to travel. Thanks.

Thank you! Germany is a beautiful place with a lot to offer.

Pictures are Stunning! Just inspired me to plan for next trip to Germany. Thanks for Great Information.

Thank you! We had such a great time in Germany despite the rain. Such a beautiful place. Def add a return visit to your travel plans.

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Germany in Pictures: 31 Beautiful Places to Photograph

Written by Bryan Dearsley and Diana Bocco Updated Jan 3, 2022

Located in the very heart of Europe, Germany is where you'll find some of the continent's most stunning and photogenic scenery.

Camera in hand, try to split your time equally between the country's picturesque countryside and its urban areas. You'll be rewarded with numerous memorable travel photos featuring everything from iconic cathedrals and museums in cities like Berlin and Munich, to the quaint public squares and castles of smaller medieval towns such as Rothenburg and Miltenberg.

Big or small, these old town centers are especially lovely to photograph in the lead up to Christmas. During this time, they're festooned with lights , decorations, and bustling Christmas markets, making a perfect and somewhat magical backdrop.

You might think of Berlin and historical destinations when you think about Germany, but the truth is that the country also boasts countless natural attractions. From stunning deep-blue lakes to snow-kissed mountains, to some of the best hiking trails in Europe , photo-worthy views and vistas are everywhere to be found. Many of these great places to visit in Germany are just minutes away from some of Germany's largest cities, making it easy to combine a city escape with an active outdoor adventure.

This handy list of beautiful places to photograph in Germany will provide you with some great ideas – now get out there and take some pictures!

1. The Black Forest

2. neuschwanstein castle, bavaria, 3. miltenberg, bavaria, 4. porta nigra, 5. wimbachklamm gorge, 6. bacharach, rhine valley, 7. speicherstadt, hamburg, 8. geroldsee lake, 9. rakotz bridge (devil's bridge), saxony, 10. museum island, berlin, 11. bavarian forest national park, 12. rothenburg ob der tauber, bavaria, 13. christmas market, frankfurt, 14. brandenburg gate, berlin, 15. deutsches eck, koblenz, 16. mosel river bend, 17. bamberg, bavaria, 18. bastei bridge, 19. zugspitze, garmisch-partenkirchen, 20. rügen, baltic sea, 21. sylvenstein dam, 22. eibsee lake, 23. königssee, berchtesgaden national park, 24. sanssouci palace, potsdam, 25. insel mainau, lake constance, 26. lake schrecksee, bavarian alps, 27. ramsau, bavaria, 28. wurzburg, bavaria, 29. cologne, 30. harz national park, 31. the romantic road.

The Black Forest is actually a large forested mountain range that sits against the Rhine valley. Popular with hikers year-round, the area is also home to many historic towns – including the small town where poet Hermann Hesse was born – as well as open-air museums and protected natural areas.

Known throughout the world as where the Brothers Grimm set many of their tales, the Black Forest is the perfect place to experience - and photograph - the best of traditional Germany.

• Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in the Black Forest

Germany has no end of romantic castles to photograph. Perhaps the most attractive is Neuschwanstein Castle. Looking like something straight out of a fairy tale, this romantic building is best photographed framed by the surrounding snowcapped mountains.

Built in the 19 th century for Ludwig II of Bavaria, this Romanesque Revival palace served as an inspiration for Disneyland's Sleeping Beauty Castle. Neuschwanstein Castle is located in the heart of the Bavarian forest, reigning from high up a rugged mountain.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Bavaria

The quaint old center of Miltenberg in Bavaria is quite typical of the many medieval towns dotted around Germany. In addition to its well-preserved old architecture, its riverside setting on the Main makes it an extremely pleasant place to photograph.

Miltenberg is also situated on (or near) a number of popular Bavarian hiking trails, making it the perfect spot for outdoors enthusiasts to sample a little of "Old Town" Germany without sacrificing their craving for adventure.

The Porta Nigra (Black Gate) sits in Trier, Germany's oldest city. As a Roman city gate, it once served as one of four town entrances for centuries.

During the Middle Ages, the gate was partially destroyed as stones and iron parts were removed to use in construction of other buildings – the damage is very visible when you approach Porta Nigra, but doesn't detract from the impressive size and Roman-era design.

• Read More: Top-Rated Attractions in Trier & Easy Day Trips

Thunderous waterfalls, fast ravines, and picturesque cliffs are the heart of the Wimbach valley. Hiking on the wooden path alongside the running waters digging deep into the rocks is a fascinating experience.

Past the gorge, the views open up over flowering valleys and the Watzmann mountain.

The stunning Rhine Valley is a must-visit when in Germany. Here, the medieval town of Bacharach makes the perfect backdrop for a stunning photo.

If you have time, be sure to also book a Rhine river tour for more photo ops. Handy hop-on, hop-off tickets can be bought, which will allow you to sample the delights of a number of other small towns, too. Frequent departures are available from the larger cities of Koblenz as well as Mainz .

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in the Rhine Valley

The most northerly of Germany's big cities, Hamburg offers plenty of opportunity for memorable photographs.

Pictured here at nightfall, the historic warehouse district (Speicherstadt) shows features of the city's rich maritime past. Be sure to also wander around the city's huge port area for more memorable photo ops.

• Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to do in Hamburg

Lake Geroldsee is located in the small village of Gerold and surrounded by meadows and the Westliche Karwendelspitze mountain range in the Bavarian Alps.

Alpine cabins dot the valley in the distance, and the idyllic scenery is particularly spectacular as the sun rises over the mountains.

Located within the borders of the landscaped Azalea and Rhododendron Park Kromlau, the Devil's Bridge is an arched stone bridge designed to reflect on the waters under it and form a perfect circle. The spiked rocks at each end of the bridge were artificially formed using basalt columns .

It has remained something of a secret known only to a few photographers. As you'll see from this photo, the bridge offers those in the know an opportunity to capture a complete circle due to its reflection in the water.

Of all Berlin's numerous attractions , it's Museum Island that offers the most picture-worthy scenes.

Here, Berlin Cathedral is shown next to the river Spree as tour boats pass by (another great way to take photos of the city).

Sitting near the border between Germany and the Czech Republic, the Bavarian Forest National Park extends for over 24,000 hectares, much of it covered with protected Norway spruce.

In winter, the park offers over 350 kilometers of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails. In summer, adventure hiking trails and a network of over 200 kilometers of mountain bike trails cut through forests, up rugged hills and around deep-blue lakes.

The best known of Germany's surviving medieval towns, Rothenburg ob der Tauber is something of a paradise for photographers.

Scenes like this one seem to be at every turn, ensuring you won't go away disappointed, even if you venture out at night. It's also delightful to explore and photograph over the Festive Season, too, and boasts a popular Christmas Market.

• Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Rothenburg

The Germans certainly know how to celebrate winter. Come late November, scenes like this one in Frankfurt spring up everywhere as communities big and small host their own Christmas markets. You can find interesting and colorful subjects to photograph at any of Germany's Christmas markets .

The Brandenburg Gate is quite possibly the most photographed landmark in Berlin. It can get busy, though, so try to arrive early before the crowds, as this photographer has done.

If you're into drone photography, you're going to love the Deutsches Eck in Koblenz. Known in English as the "German Corner," it's here that the Rhine and Mosel rivers meet.

Add to this the huge statue of Emperor William I, and you've got an image to be proud of.

• Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Koblenz

The best views of the horseshoe-shaped bend in the Mosel River are from the Calmont hill, 380 meters above sea level.

The area is famous for its thermal up-currents, which create the perfect conditions for paragliders to jump off over the Moselle Valley.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in the Mosel Valley

Exploring the Old Town of Bamberg on foot with camera (or smartphone) in hand is one of the top things to do in the historic UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bamberg .

By far the most memorable photo you'll take is of the Old Town hall, built atop a medieval-era bridge.

This sandstone bridge inside Saxon Switzerland National Park was built over 150 years ago to connect several jagged rocks of the Bastei.

The bridge can be reached from Dresden after a paddle steamer ride and a strenuous uphill one-hour hike. At the top, the bridge offers wide-open views over the Elbe River and the surrounding sandstone mountains.

Located in the German section of the Alps, the 2,962-meter-tall Zugspitze is Germany's tallest mountain peak.

While popular with hikers, the Bayerischen Zugspitzbahn cog railway can carry you to the top for breathtaking views.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Located in the Baltic sea, the island of Rügen features a diversity of stunning scenery. The Sellin Pier is particularly stunning at sunrise, but Rugen Island has much to offer no matter when you visit.

Germany's largest island is home to Jasmund National Park , flanked by 160-meter-tall chalk cliffs and ancient beech forests. A historic narrow-gauge railway connects the eastern and western beaches on the island.

Set over the alpine Sylvenstein Lake, the dam makes for a stunning photo opportunity any time of the year. The bridge over the dam can be crossed on foot or by car - though walking on it means plenty of panoramic stops.

The surrounding Karwendel mountains offer plenty of opportunities for hiking and snowshoeing in winter.

Located about a 1,000 meters above sea level at the feet of Zugspitze, Germany's highest mountain, Eibsee is right in the heart of the Bavarian Alps.

A number of hikes surround the lake, including the seven-kilometer-long Eibsee circular route, which gives you the best views of the turquoise waters as you walk through dense forest and soft white beaches on the north shore.

The beautiful Königssee, a large lake located in Berchtesgaden National Park in Bavaria, offers numerous dramatic vistas to photograph.

While there are plenty of hiking trails around the lake, a fun option is to take a tour boat.

Expect to spend the best part of a day exploring and photographing spectacular Sanssouci Palace in Potsdam, once home to German royalty.

Some of the best shots can be taken from adjoining Sanssouci Park.

• Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Potsdam

Located on beautiful Lake Constance, Insel Mainau (Flower Island) is possibly one of the most photogenic gardens in Germany.

Time your visit for spring, as in this image, and you'll capture countless varieties of flowers coming into bloom.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions around Lake Constance

Germany's highest alpine lake can only be reached after a steep, arduous, seven-hour hike through a mix of rocky and grassy terrain.

If you make it to the top, you can jump in the lake for a cool swim surrounded by blueish snowy peaks.

Germany's mountains get their fair share of snow, making winter a particularly good time to travel here to take beautiful photographs.

Looking like something straight out of a Christmas card, scenes like this one of the Parish Church of St. Sebastian in Ramsau make braving the chilly weather well worth it.

The Bavarian town of Wurzberg is another location that's extremely photogenic. Here, the historic Marienberg Fortress and the Old Main Bridge make for a postcard-perfect photo.

• Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Würzburg

The ancient city of Cologne (Köln) is home to one of the most spectacular cityscapes in Germany.

For the best pictures, cross over the Rhine and frame the beautiful Cologne Cathedral and the river bridge in the same shot. It's even more magical at night.

• Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Cologne

Foggy forests of Norway spruce and beech cover almost 95 percent of this 247-square-kilometer park.

Rivers zigzag through the park, and the endangered lynx - which was almost completely eradicated from the mountains in the 19 th century - is back and thriving.

The Romantic Road is a 350-kilometer-long road that crosses through historical towns and destinations. Although originally created by the tourism commission as a "theme road," it is based on an ancient trade route that connected important commercial points through Germany.

Today, it has become a great roadmap to see some of Germany's most beautiful villages, castles, and cultural attractions – including medieval towns such as Rothenburg ob der Tauber and the famous Neuschwanstein castle.

More on Germany

The Most Beautiful Places in Germany, From Fairytale Castles to Alpine Lakes

By Caitlin Morton

The most beautiful places in Germany are at once charming, bewitching, and staggeringly pretty. Not only does the country contain alpine peaks and mysterious forests, but its major cities and charming small towns are testaments to man-made beauty: think white Rococo churches, streets lined with timbered houses, and castles that seem almost too majestic to be real.

From the fairytale castles along the Romantic Road to vineyard-covered hills along the Rhine River—and everywhere in between—here are 24 impossibly lovely places to visit on your next trip to Germany.

This article was originally published in 2017. It has been updated with new information.

Eibsee, Bavaria

Germany has no shortage of beautiful alpine lakes, but few are quite as stunning as Eibsee, located at the base of Germany’s highest mountain (Zugspitze). The glistening lake features crystal-clear water, a scattering of islands, and a hiking trail with plenty of overlooks to capture the perfect photo.

Görlitz, Saxony

Back in 2017 , this small city won the “European Location Award”—an annual prize given by the European Film Commission Network to recognize outstanding TV and movie filming locations. Görlitz is perhaps most famous for appearing in The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014), but film buffs will recognize parts of town that appeared in The Reader (2008) and Inglourious Basterds (2009), as well.

Sylt, Schleswig-Holstein

This skinny island seven miles out into the North Sea is like nowhere else in the country, with rolling heathered dunes, thatched roof cottages, beach saunas, and the surrounding Wadden Sea. In other words, it’s like Germany’s version of the Hamptons .

Rakotzbrücke (Rakotz Bridge), Saxony

Hidden in Kromlau’s Rhododendron Park, Rakotzbrücke is a 19th-century bridge that creates a perfect stone circle when reflected in the waters below it. Rakotzbrücke is often referred to as “Devil's Bridge,” since the structure seems so impossible that it must have been built by, well, the devil.

Maddalena Fossati

Noo Saro-Wiwa

Zwinger, Dresden

Once the festival arena of the Dresden Court, the Zwinger palace complex is a stunning example of Baroque architecture . Today, the palace serves as a museum and houses an Old Masters gallery, the Dresden porcelain collection, and the Royal Cabinet of Mathematical and Physical Instruments.

Saxon Switzerland, Saxony

If you think you’ve seen all of the most beautiful places in Germany, rest assured that there are plenty of off-the-beaten-path sites left to explore. Case in point: Sächsische Schweiz (Saxon Switzerland), a slice of rugged and rocky countryside just south of Dresden. Roughly one-third of Saxon Switzerland was designated a national park in 1990, and the area contains surprising attractions like the Bastei Bridge—an arched structure sitting more than 600 feet above the Elbe River.

Pilgrimage Church of Wies, Bavaria

With its bright colors and exuberant frescoes, the UNESCO-listed Church of Wies is a masterpiece of Rococo architecture—with the added bonus of a scenic Alpine setting.

Berchtesgaden National Park, Bavaria

Located near the Austrian border, the only national park in the German Alps is equal parts picturesque and biodiverse. The site is a UNESCO-designated biosphere reserve, which means you won’t find any developed towns or settlements here. Instead, you’ll find untouched natural wonders like Königssee, an alpine lake with crystal-clear water and fjord-like surroundings.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Bavaria

Rothenburg ob der Tauber, well-known for its preserved medieval old town, draws millions of tourists each year with its made-for-Instagram multicolored facades. Try to visit in December to experience the Reiterlesmarkt, one of the best Christmas markets in the entire country.

Zugspitze, Bavaria

Sitting at an altitude of over 9,700 feet, Zugspitze (part of the Wetterstein Mountains) is the highest peak in Germany. Cable cars will take you to the summit, where you can enjoy restaurants, a beer garden, and some of the best views of the Alps.

Geierlay Suspension Bridge, Rhineland-Palatinate

With a length of 1,180 feet and height of 330 feet, the Geierlay Suspension Bridge (Hängeseilbrücke Geierlay) is not exactly for the faint of heart. But its stunning setting in the Hunsrück Mountains might just inspire you to face your fears.

Cologne Cathedral, North Rhine-Westphalia

Germany’s largest Gothic church took more than seven centuries to construct, and it’s hard to argue the remarkable behemoth wasn’t worth the time and effort. The cathedral’s major attractions are its dual spires, stained glass murals, and Shrine of the Three Kings, which is said to hold the remains of the Three Wise Men.

Hohenzollern Castle, Baden-Württemberg

Set atop a 768-foot bluff in the foothills of the Swabian Alps, this picturesque castle is more than just nice to look at: With its many towers and fortifications, it's considered a relic of 19th-century military architecture. It's perhaps most impressive on overcast days when it peeks out above the fog—a literal castle on a cloud.

Rügen, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

Germany’s largest island has Baltic beaches, chalk-white cliffs, and a number of luxurious seaside resorts. Rügen is actually accessible by train, meaning you can leave Berlin in the morning and arrive at the island by lunchtime.

Harz National Park, Lower Saxony

Harz National Park is located within Germany’s most northern mountain range, and it’s one of the country’s most popular areas for outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, and skiing.

Museum Island, Berlin

An ensemble of five museums, Museum Island is actually on another island (Spree) in the Mitte district. Built between 1824 and 1930, it became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999.

Mosel, Rhineland-Palatinate

Mosel is one of Germany’s most prestigious wine regions , with terraced vineyards covering the valleys of several rivers (Mosel, Saar, etc.) near the Luxembourg border. Aside from its famous Riesling grapes, Mosel’s attractions include medieval villages, traditional German taverns, and plenty of riverside views.

Tüchersfeld, Bavaria

This Bavarian village in the Püttlach Valley is postcard-perfect—so much so that it has been featured on German postage stamps. But no matter how many photos you’ve seen of the town, you really must see the timber-framed houses and sky-high rock formations in person.

Stuttgart City Library, Baden-Württemberg

Situated in a concrete cube in the heart of southern Germany, this isn't your average library. The main attraction (a five-story reading room shaped like an upside-down pyramid) looks more like an M.C. Escher drawing than a typical library—until you notice the hundreds of thousands of neatly stacked books, that is. Cozy? Not really. Beautiful? You bet.

Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria

Built in 1886, Neuschwanstein is one of the most popular castles in all of Europe—and not just because it served as inspiration for Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland. The majestic structure has a clifftop location and ornate rooms that attract 1.4 million visitors every year.

Black Forest, Baden-Württemberg

Stretching across southwest Germany is the Black Forest , a wooded mountain range known for its dense 100-mile stretch of pine trees, picturesque villages, natural thermal spas, and, believe it or not, the invention of the cuckoo clock. The area doesn’t just look like a scene out of a storybook, though—legend says the Brothers Grimm drew inspiration from the forested area in their native country for fairy tales like Hansel and Gretel and Rapunzel .

Lübeck, Schleswig-Holstein

Located on the Baltic coast, Lübeck is a striking, colorful town that dates back to the 12th century. The UNESCO-protected city was one of northern Europe’s major trading hubs through the centuries; as such, it transformed into today’s multicultural port defined by its red-brick city gates and gothic churches.

Marburg, Hesse

If you want to get the full German fairytale experience , you can’t do much better than the Hessian town of Marburg—also known as the university town where the Brothers Grimm studied and gathered inspiration for some of their stories. Renowned for its cascading cobblestone streets and medieval churches, the town also features playful sculptures of the Grimms’ most famous characters, from the Frog King reading a book on the side of a building to Cinderella’s slipper sitting beneath the towering Marburger Schloss castle.

30 Travel Photos That Will Inspire You To Visit Germany Right Now!

A couple of years ago if you asked me what country in Europe would be one of my favorite places to visit, I’m not sure Germany would have made the shortlist. Two years later – with the hindsight of having now visited Germany three times – I can say with certainty that it is one of my favorite countries in all of Europe. Why do I like it so much? In a word – diversity.

Few countries have as many fascinating cities to explore while also featuring many off-the-path destinations that are more rustic and rural. When it comes to culture and traditions Germany has a lot to offer. Whether you’re punting down the Spreewald or eating distinct regional cuisine you’ll find a new part of the country worth exploring every time you revisit. The following is a photo essay in which I attempt to encompass the top highlights from my three trips to Germany . I hope that it will inspire you not only to visit Germany but also to think about what type of adventure would best suit the travel experience you’re craving.

30 Photos that will inspire you to visit Germany

1) Gorgeous homes we spotted on a lovely day in Spreewald, Germany as we punted down the canals.

2) Fascinating tall narrow German architecture in the town square of Frankfurt, Germany.

3) Roller-coaster ride during sunset at Europa Park in Rust, Germany.

4) Regatta in the cultural town of Wustrow, Germany located in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.

5) Views of the White Chalk cliffs in Jasmund National Park located on Ruegen Island, Germany.

6) Young man wearing sunglasses and juggling balls while sitting down in Mauerpark, in Berlin, Germany.

7) A crowd of lively German spectators cheering on participants of the Regatta in Wustrow, Germany.

8) Both doors of a Trabant (Former East German car) are open during this early morning shot of our e-Trabi prior to driving it around Ruegen Island, Germany.

9) Trees become the frame of this overhead perspective shot in Freiburg, Germany on an overcast day.

10) Delicious Bismark Herring sandwich that is unique to the town of Stralsund , Germany located in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.

11) Cool stilt-house apartments for rent with scenic views and open door access to the water on Ruegen Island, Germany.

12) A giant traditional German windmill located on the property of an open-air museum located at Freilichtmuseum Klockenhagen.

13) Deep into the forested area of Spreewald during our punting session early in the morning – Spreewald, Germany.

14) A generous portion of delicious German Schnitzel (breaded pork cutlet) for lunch on a plate in Berlin, Germany.

15) A shot of the unique and stunning architecture that is a huge part of UNESCO Heritage in Stalsund, Germany.

16) You can easily find this type of traditional architecture (thatched roof) in Spreewald, Germany.

17) Nothing quite like relaxing on a gorgeous Sunday afternoon at Mauerpark – Berlin , Germany.

18) If you’re looking for a hearty meal while in Germany consider goulash, mashed potatoes, carrots and cranberry whipped cream.

19) A sassy street performer entertaining the crowds in the historic downtown area of Freiburg, Germany.

20) A trip to Germany is not complete without sampling local bread with generous amounts of butter slathered on top.

21) Nothing quite like riding a bicycle in the German countryside and stopping to take shots like this – Wustrow, Germany.

22) Penguins are a lot like cats . If you’ve got a tasty treat you have a new best friend 😉 – Spreewelten Lübbenau, Germany.

23) Graffiti is a huge part of the travel experience in Berlin, Germany.

24) A generous portion of fish and a massive potato smothered in a dill cream sauce is how I like to end my evening in Germany.

25) One of the most underrated places I visited while in Germany was the village of Wustrow.

26) This was one of my favorite shots from visiting Charlottenburg Palace in Berlin, Germany.

27) Fancy a sword or two? How about a whole set? These are the swords used for the Störtebeker Festspiele performance on Ruegen, Island.

28) Did you know German playing cards originated in Stralsund?

29) Nothing like a massive wurst on a bun to stave off hunger while roaming around Berlin, Germany.

30) Our favorite experience on our recent visit to Germany was to go punting down the Spreewald canals.

30 Places To Visit In Germany: Your Ultimate Bucket List

Indubitably, Germany is a treasure trove of unique places that will leave you awe-inspired. Here are 30 such destinations that are bound to captivate any traveler:

• The Brandenburg Gate in Berlin stands as an iconic symbol of Germany’s reunification and is a sight to behold.
• The Neuschwanstein Castle in Schwangau, nestled in the Bavarian Alps, is the epitome of architectural grandeur and served as the inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle.
• The Berlin Wall, which once separated East and West Germany, now serves as a poignant reminder of the country’s tumultuous history.
• The Miniature Wonderland in Hamburg is a mind-blowing museum that showcases a meticulously crafted miniature world.
• The Cologne Cathedral in Cologne is a Gothic masterpiece and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• The Romantic Road in Bavaria takes you through charming medieval towns and picturesque countryside.
• The Zugspitze, Germany’s highest mountain, offers breathtaking views and skiing opportunities.
• The Black Forest in Baden-Württemberg is a fairytale landscape of dense forests and traditional cuckoo clocks.
• The Eagle’s Nest in Berchtesgaden was once Hitler’s mountain retreat and offers a somber look into the nation’s dark past.
• The Lübeck Old Town, a well-preserved example of a medieval Hanseatic city, is a UNESCO-listed town that exudes an enchanting atmosphere.
• The Nuremberg Castle in Nuremberg served as a royal residence to German kings and emperors and boasts impressive architecture.
• The Heidelberg Castle in Heidelberg, a romantic ruin that overlooks the charming town, offers a panoramic view of the Neckar Valley.
• The Sanssouci Palace in Potsdam is a masterpiece of Rococo architecture and was once the summer residence of Frederick the Great.
• The Berchtesgaden National Park in Berchtesgaden offers a plethora of outdoor activities, including hiking and skiing, amidst awe-inspiring natural surroundings.
• The Harz Mountains in Lower Saxony are a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts and home to charming towns and picturesque hiking trails.
• The Frauenkirche in Dresden, a Baroque masterpiece that was destroyed during WWII, has been painstakingly restored to its former glory.
• The Speicherstadt in Hamburg , a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a historic warehouse district that showcases Germany’s industrial heritage.
• The Würzburg Residence in Würzburg, a grand Baroque palace and a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a true feast for the eyes.
• The Oktoberfest in Munich, a world-famous festival that celebrates beer and Bavarian culture, is a must-visit destination.
• The Romantic Rhine in Rhineland-Palatinate, a scenic river that meanders through castles and vineyards, is a romantic destination par excellence.
• The Lake Constance in Baden-Württemberg is a popular destination for water sports and cycling, offering breathtaking vistas of the surrounding mountains.
• The Königssee in Berchtesgaden, a crystal-clear lake that is surrounded by the Bavarian Alps, is a breathtaking sight to behold.
• The Berlin Zoo in Berlin is a world-renowned zoo that houses a diverse array of animals, including the beloved pandas.
• The Porta Nigra in Trier is a marvel of ancient Roman architecture and one of the best-preserved Roman monuments in Germany.
• The Baden-Baden in Baden-Württemberg is a spa town that is famous for its thermal baths and luxurious hotels, making it an ideal destination for relaxation .
• The Zugspitze Glacier in Bavaria is a must-visit destination for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
• The Bamberg Old Town in Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a well-preserved medieval town that exudes a charming atmosphere.
• The Reichstag Building in Berlin, a historic building that houses the German parliament, is a fascinating example of contemporary architecture and offers stunning views of the city.
• The Museum Island in Berlin, a collection of five world-class museums, including the Pergamon Museum and the Alte Nationalgalerie, showcases a rich history of art and culture.
• The Saxon Switzerland National Park, located just outside of Dresden, offers a stunning landscape of rock formations, forests, and rivers, and is a great destination for hiking, rock climbing, and outdoor adventures.

In sum, Germany is a country that is bursting with unique destinations that will satisfy any traveler’s thirst for adventure, culture, and natural beauty. From medieval towns and historic landmarks to picturesque landscapes and world-renowned festivals, Germany has something to offer for everyone.

Travel Photography Tips For Visitors To Germany

Photography is an art form that enables individuals to capture the beauty of the world around them. For those traveling to Germany, there is an abundance of picturesque destinations that offer the perfect backdrop for breathtaking photographs. To make the most out of your travel photography experience, consider the following tips:

• Immerse yourself in research: Prior to your trip, delve into the destinations you intend to visit and the types of photographs you wish to take. Conducting research will allow you to discover unique angles, lighting conditions, and compositions that will make your photos stand out.
• Equip yourself with the right gear: A high-quality camera, lenses, and accessories are vital tools for capturing stunning photos. Don’t forget to bring a tripod, polarizing filter, and extra batteries and memory cards.
• Pay attention to lighting: The German landscape is characterized by varying weather patterns. It is essential to be mindful of lighting conditions, which can affect the overall quality of your photos. Early morning and late afternoon lighting can provide a warm and soft glow, while midday sun can be harsh and create unappealing shadows.
• Focus on details: While capturing major attractions is important, don’t forget to zoom in on the finer details that make Germany unique. Architecture, food, and street scenes all offer excellent opportunities for capturing memorable shots.
• Experiment with perspectives: Varying angles, heights, and distances can add depth and interest to your photos. Try different perspectives to capture the essence of your subject matter.
• Show respect for privacy: Always be considerate of people’s privacy when taking photographs. If you intend to capture shots of people, seek permission beforehand. Remember to respect cultural and religious customs when photographing religious sites or events.
• Edit and organize your photos: Once you have taken your photos, take the time to edit and organize them. Editing software can help you enhance the visual impact of your images by adjusting exposure, contrast, and color.

By following these tips, you can immortalize the beauty of Germany and capture unforgettable memories of your travels.

30 Inspiring Photography Locations in Germany

Here is a list of 30 inspiring photography locations in Germany:

• Neuschwanstein Castle – the most famous and picturesque castle in Germany, located in Bavaria
• Brandenburg Gate – an iconic landmark in Berlin that serves as a symbol of unity and peace
• Hamburg Elbphilharmonie – a stunning concert hall situated on the banks of the Elbe River
• Rothenburg ob der Tauber – a medieval town in Bavaria that is often considered one of the most beautiful towns in Germany
• Cologne Cathedral – a stunning Gothic cathedral that took over 600 years to complete
• Lake Konigssee – a breathtakingly beautiful lake located in the Bavarian Alps
• Berlin Wall – a historic monument that once divided the city of Berlin and is now a symbol of the city’s reunification
• Heidelberg Castle – a romantic castle located in the charming town of Heidelberg
• Zugspitze – Germany’s highest peak and a popular destination for winter sports and hiking
• Berchtesgaden National Park – a scenic park located in the Bavarian Alps that offers stunning views and outdoor activities
• Nuremberg Castle – a medieval castle located in the heart of Nuremberg
• Frauenkirche Dresden – a beautiful Baroque church in Dresden that was rebuilt after its destruction in World War II
• Bamberg Old Town – a charming medieval town that is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Lübeck Old Town – a picturesque town that is known for its historic buildings and delicious marzipan
• Saxon Switzerland National Park – a beautiful park located near Dresden that is known for its stunning rock formations and outdoor activities
• Sanssouci Palace – a beautiful palace located in Potsdam that was once the summer residence of the Prussian kings
• Herrenchiemsee Palace – a beautiful palace located on an island in Lake Chiemsee that was inspired by the Palace of Versailles
• Bastei Bridge – a stunning bridge that offers panoramic views of the Elbe River and surrounding sandstone cliffs
• Holstentor – a medieval gate located in Lübeck that serves as a symbol of the city’s rich history
• Wartburg Castle – a medieval castle located in Eisenach that is associated with Martin Luther and the German Reformation
• Heidelberg Old Bridge – a beautiful bridge located in Heidelberg that offers stunning views of the castle and Old Town
• Zugspitze Cable Car – a thrilling cable car ride that offers panoramic views of the Bavarian Alps
• Lake Chiemsee – a beautiful lake located in Bavaria that is known for its picturesque islands and stunning scenery
• Marienplatz – a central square in Munich that is known for its famous Glockenspiel clock tower
• Romantic Road – a scenic route that runs through several picturesque towns in Bavaria
• Black Forest – a beautiful forested region located in southwestern Germany that is known for its scenic drives and outdoor activities
• Frankfurt Skyline – a modern skyline that features some of Germany’s tallest skyscrapers
• The Berlin Holocaust Memorial – a powerful and moving tribute to the victims of the Holocaust
• Zugspitze Glacier – a stunning glacier that is located at the summit of Zugspitze and offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains
• Munich Hofbräuhaus – a famous beer hall in Munich that is known for its lively atmosphere and traditional German food and drink.

Final Thoughts: Visit Germany Soon!

A trip to Germany offers visitors and photographers an opportunity of a lifetime!

You’ll find a fascinating mix of urban scenes, rural adventures and unique cultural opportunities to tickle your every fancy.

Have you visited Germany before? Is it a country you’re itching to visit? What are your some of your favorite regions and/or food/culture related things to do in Germany? 

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49 Comments

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Great Pictures. Thanks for sharing the beautiful places in Germany.

Great! I love germany! great pics, congrats :))

Beautiful places, more beautiful still the photos

Great pics. Germany is high on my list of places to visit next year, time and budget allowing.

I like this blog. thanks for the blog. it was very informative and the pictures are captured very beautifully.

I recoomment small lovely village Meersburg, near Friedrichshafen.

I like your pictures and they bring back some memories. I am a German living in Germany and there are still so many new things and places to explore. From time to time I go wild and spent weeks travelling around in Germany.

http://www.worldnonstop.de/travel/home/

We loved Germany too! The small towns, food and ambiance are hard to beat. Great photos by the way!

Love the vibrant colours. Those gingerbread houses look so appealing. I enjoyed reading your post.

Yes, you got me. I do want to visit Germany now….even if just for the schnitzel 😉

OMG. Photos are really awesome. I’ve visited Germany 1 year before. But able to stay there only 2 days. Next time I’ll definitely roam Germany maximum as possible.

Germany is surely a wonderful travel destination with so many wonderful things to do and see. Unfortunately, I am yet to visit Germany. Surely these 30 photos of yours will inspire me to plan a trip to Germany in 2016….awesome photography skills 🙂 I feel lucky to land on your blog this morning,…

wow amazing pics Great pics 🙂

Great stunning Photos! Enjoy the nature, wish to visit these destinations soon.

I will go for sure.Waiting to me for while Deutschland.

These photos are breathtaking, amazing !! Surely now Germany will be in my backpacking through Europe. Thank you!

Wow. I loved your pictures. Thank you for share. Nice blog!

Gorgeous photos, the photographer done a greate job. Keep blogging!

Thank you author for this amazing post. Indeed, we the Nepalese likes Germany and Germans. German always has helped Nepal in any situation. I would prefer to visit these amazing places of Germany at least one time.

Life is full of unexpected things. Enjoy your life as fulfill as possible, Never give up.

Great pics, I enjoy this post. … I always have to have a Schnitzel when I’m in Germany, they are Sooo good 😄

Waw… So Beautiful.. i am enjoying to see all your picture.. nice picture nice website for reference.. Thanks guys… 🙂

Like you, I don´t place among the countries of Europe to visit. But seeing your photos and places, I became interested. I have a friend who lives in Germany, maybe I can go visit it. Thank you for sharing.

Everything seems to be so organized and clean in Germany. Beautiful country.

Hello Sam, I will agree with you that Germany is one of the great country in Europe. The ambiance of the place is great to live. I also wanted to experience the roller-coaster ride during sunset at Europa Park, what a nice feeling to enjoy.

Still never been to Germany 🙁 – got to be next year and probably to Berlin. Seen some amazing buildings on George Clarks’ amazing spaces.

Gorgeous photos. I’m off to Germany in three weeks. I’m going to Schwerin to check out their Christmas markets! 🙂

How wonderful pictures !! Thank you very much for sharing it with us.

Wow..amazing photos you share with us..thanks a lot..i love that place..one day i will go there.

Nice photos. I really enjoyed seeing them, may be would like to plan my coming vacations in Germany with my sweet girlfriend in mid of June 2016. Thanks!

Wonderful pictures. I had always the desire to visit Germany. Now with all these pictures my desire increased a lot. Thanks

I like small towns and villages more than those big ones in Germany. Visiting Germany is great especially during the Christmas time when all the small or bigger towns are featured with amazing Christmas markets! Personally I would recommend Bayreuth! I’ve been there several times.

Next Summer 2016 for Germany tour.

Stunning pics.

Beautiful pics, Germany is beautiful. I am loving it.

Yea Germany is indeed underrated, the country is encompassed with lots of beautiful sites that sometimes you will think you are in another planet. one of my favorite site i would love to visit is the beautiful mountainous region of Berchtesgaden Alps.A friend of mine who went with a family on a vacation came with lots of pictures and stories about the place that i can’t stop fantasizing myself there.

Amazing pics nice stuff.. After seeing these pics i want to visit germany..Specially i like the traditional architecture (thatched roof) in Spreewald, Germany and German windmill. If i will get a chance to visit germany surely i will visit these beautiful places.

Wow….Its just an awesome collection of pics which can inspire anyone to explore Germany once in life time. I would love to visit Germany once for sure. I have heard of Traditional German Schnitzel a lot and would love to have it. It looks so delicious that I just cant bear it without having.

I’ve got to say that these pictures did persuade me to go back to Germany.

I love looking at all your photo essays! I feel that photos, especially well taken ones can really convey the feeling of a place! I was only able to go around Berlin so the next time we’re in Europe, I am looking forward to exploring Germany more.

wow beautiful!! love germany! great pics, congrats :))

Thank you! It is a beautiful country 🙂

Germany is so underrated, it’s one of our favorite countries. On our latest trip we went to Dresden. Just a spectacular place with incredible highlights in a very small area. Who ever talks of Dresden? Yet it is one of very many beautiful cities in Germany. And people seem to have stereotypes in their heads about Germans. They’re very friendly, curious, and very willing to engage. We love the Germans. Frank (bbqboy)

That’s cool to hear! We’ve yet to visit Dresden but now it is on our list.

Yep, that worked! I’ve spent a shamefully small amount of time in Germany for a UK resident. I’ve only seen a small section of the Black Forest and passed through Sankt Goar, which noone seems to have heard of! Time to go back I think!

Yes, we went through Sankt Goar as well as nearby Bacharach. Gorgeous area and lots of nice wine. Frank (bbqboy)

Another area we’ve yet to explore in Germany! 🙂

That’s cool you’re thinking of going back. Where in particular do you think you’d like to explore?

Berlin has to be top of my list! I know it’s an obvious choice, but I can’t believe I haven’t been yet!

34 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Beautiful Bavaria Right Now

I may earn income from affiliate links or partnerships in this post. I spend time to curate tours or products that align with my values. Thanks for supporting my work, at no additional cost to you.

Last updated on January 7th, 2021 at 01:38 pm

Every time I post a photo of my home, beautiful Bavaria in Germany, I am met with reactions of surprise. “Those gorgeous mountains are near Munich?” Bavaria, which is a state in Germany, is seriously underrated and often overlooked as a popular travel destination. Most visitors only just pass through Munich on their way to another European city, or only think of Bavaria for Oktoberfest. But, Bavaria or Bayern, is so much more than the city of Munich, or a two week merry-making fest; it is a gateway to the pristine German Alps, adorable fairy tale villages with wood timber houses, gorgeous hiking trails, picture-perfect castles, vineyards, old churches, monasteries and of course, it is also Oktoberfest. ;) So, what are you waiting for? Book your next vacation to visit beautiful Bavaria, right now! If you need some motivation, these 34 photos to inspire you to visit Bavaria, (Bayern) should do the trick.

34 Photos to Inspire you to Visit Bavaria, Germany

Breathtaking nature in beautiful bavaria.

View of the Alps from Zugspitze, Germany’s tallest peak. Photo Cred: Wandering Chocobo

Plan your trip to Zugspitze, here.

Josefsthaler Waterfall on the Brecherspitze Hike. Photo Cred: Wandering Chocobo

Klettersteig (a form of secure rock climbing) near Königssee, Germany. Photo Cred: Wandering Chocobo

Hiking Riederstein in autumn near Tegernsee. Photo Cred: Wandering Chocobo

Plan your Tegernsee trip here.

Brown Bavarian Alpine cows, meandering the hiking trails. Photo Cred: Wandering Chocobo

Vineyard of German wine grapes, near Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Photo Cred: Wandering Chocobo

The Isar River running through Englischer Garten in Munich. Photo Cred: Wandering Chocobo

Hiking in the Bavarian Alps between Oberau and Farchant. Photo Cred: Wandering Chocobo

Crossing wheat fields, biking from Munich to Starnbergersee (Lake Starnberg) Photo Cred: Wandering Chocobo

Plan your trip to Starnbergersee here.

Bavarian thistles in the Alps. Photo Cred: Cat Kelly, sister of the Wandering Chocobo

Hiking above Tegernsee in the Autumn. Photo Cred: Wandering Chocobo

A stunning view of skiers enjoying the Zugspitze glacier. Photo Cred: Wandering Chocobo

Hiking Brecherspitze looking at Schliersee. Photo Cred: Wandering Chocobo

Charming Towns and City Life in Beautiful Bavaria

The fairy tale town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Photo Cred: Christina of Happy to Wander

Check out more adventures of Happy to Wander here! **

Bird’s eye view of the old city in Munich. Photo Cred: Wandering Choocobo

Plan your trip to Munich here.

The charming cityscape of Passau. Photo Cred: Madeline of Madelines Traveling

See more of Madeline’s Travels here!

Würzburg vineyards with the city as a backdrop. Photo Cred: Wandering Chocobo

The awe-inspiring Miltenberg cityscape. Photo Cred: Rohan of Travels of a Bookpacker

Explore Germany and the rest of the world with Travels of a Bookpacker, here!

Traditional timber houses of Bavaria in Rothenber ob der Tauber. Photo Cred: Wandering Chocobo

Beer kegs decorated for Oktoberfest and the traditional Trachten (clothing) worn in Bavaria. Photo Cred: Beth of Wise Mommies

Follow more of Beth’s family adventures over at Wise Mommies!

Feuerzangenbowle (flaming mulled wine) at Munich’s medieval Christmas market. Photo Cred: Wandering Chocobo

Miltenberg street parade Photo Cred: Travels of a Bookpacker

Siegestor gate in Munich. Photo Cred: Wandering Chocobo

More charming streets of Rrothenburg ob der tauber. Photo Cred: Happy to Wander

Munich Christmas tree at Marienplatz, Munihc. Photo Cred: Wandering Chocobo

Plan your trip to see Munich’s Christmas Markets, here!

Munich’s old Graveyard (Altstadtfriedhof) in Winter. Photo Cred: Wandering Chocobo

Stork nest in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Photo Cred: Myles Kelly, father of the Wandering Chocobo

The adorable town of Bad Wiessen. Photo Cred: Wandering Chocobo

Picturesque Castles and Churches in Beautiful Bavaria

Neuschwanstein Castle, the castle that inspired Disney. Photo Cred: Wandering Chocobo

Plan your trip to Neuschwanstein, here!

St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Passau. Photo Cred: Madeline’s Travels

Alpine Church atop Wendelstein Peak in the German Alps. Photo Cred: Wandering Chocobo

Andechs Monastery near Munich. Photo Cred: Wandering Chocobo

Plan your trip to Andechs Monastery, here!

Hohenschwangau Castle, looked down from Neuschwanstein Castle, nestled in the Alps. Photo Cred: Wandering Chocobo

Feeling inspired, yet? I thought so, I’ll see you in Bavaria!

Freistaat Bayern sign at the border of the German and Austrian Alps.

** While both Rothenburg and Würzburg are technically part of Bavaria, it is noted that they often will refer to themselves as being from Franconia or Fränkish. This area was given to Bavaria by Napoleon in the early 1800s.

About the Author: Susanna Kelly-Shankar

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49 comments.

Bavaria is one of the most charming areas in Europe! I love the pictures in the forests! I love that you featured your home. It’s easy to forget about the beauty of where we are from when we like to travel.Thanks for sharing and taking me down memory lane!

You’re welcome and thank you! I always love going out and exploring my home area, it’s so inspiration!

I went to Germany in high school and we were in Bavaria and I loved it! Rothenburg and Garmish were my favorites, but I really loved it all. I would love to go back and see a lot more of it.

I know, it’s hard to pick a favorite area, both Rothenberg and Garmisch are just so charming, they’re a great pick for favorite.

Ooooh, wonderful! Your (and the others too) photos are amazing! I would love to hike over there, those mountains are impressive. Can you freecamp in the Alps?

Ugh, that is one thing I dislike about the area, I think the only Alps you can legally free camp in, is in Italy. They have huts that are common for hut to hut hiking. However, free wilderness hiking like I am used to back home in the U.S. is not so common here.

I honestly have never given Bavaria much thought, but I honestly would love to discover new German places because I’ve only been to Frankfurt and I am in love with it – and by these photos I am sure I’d love Bavaria too! Girl – you are a talented photographer!!! (Ps, what kind of camera and photo editing software do you use?)

LOVE THIS. Just might be adding it to my bucket list ;)

Thank you, Jaimee! I hope you make it down here sometime very soon :) I have yet to make it to Framkfurt, but sounds like I need to go! I use an Olympus OM-DEM10 camera with a good travel outdoor lens. When it comes to editing I use photoshop or snapseed/google photos. Feel free to send me a message if you have any more detailed questions!

Oh good golly, those castles make me giddy!

I haven’t spent nearly as much time in Bayern as I would like, but I always love my time while I’m there! I need to get away from Munich more. My drive through the Allgäu was definitely the highlight of my time in Bayern! Bookmarking so many of these places for future reference!

Thanks, Lindz! I hope you make it back over here to explore some of these new areas! Happy Travels!

Lovely photos. It looks as if there is plenty to do whether you are interested in the outdoors or culture (or both). My kind of place

Wow. Fantastic. You really took me back to Germany, although I was an exchange student in Westphalia, we did travel to Bavaria a few times. I love the mix of nature and architecture, of old and new.

I have yet to spend any quality time in Bavaria, which is a shame. The natural beauty alone is worth the trip. I love hiking too, so I would head straight to exploring the woods and mountainsides! Really great photos too, by the way!

Oh, I didn’t really need any more motivation, but your photos are absolutely spectacular! I have been to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, and I would love to return there as well as all the other areas of Bavaria you have shown us. I had only great experiences traveling in Germany, and I highly recommend traveling there!

I had no idea of the variety of landscapes in Bavaria! Love too that there are vineyards so close to town. Smart vintners!

We went to Germany just over a year ago for the first time and LOVED it! Although we traveled all over the country during our road trip, Bavaria was one of our favorite parts. My daughter still talks about visiting King Ludwig’s castles (we did 3 of them)! We didn’t get a chance to go to Zugspitze, but it’s on the agenda for a return trip!

What a gorgeous spot. The hiking looks incredible especially autumn in Tegernsee. Seems like the perfect place for anyone like us who loves the outdoors.

Looks gorgeous year round! I definitely have been wanting to see more of Germany and this post just fuels the flame! Thanks for sharing your home and I’ll have to meet up with you if I make it there ;)

OMG your photos are incredible Susanna! The nature in Bavaria looks out of this world, I mean those mountains! Munich reminds me a lot of Prague with the terracotta roofed house and cobbled streets. Beautiful place. I’ll definitely be adding it to my list. What do you think, better in summer or winter?

I’ve hiked a lot of trails, but have never hiked a trail and crossed paths with cows. Your photos are amazing! It looks to be a nature enthusiast’s dream come true.

I dated a buy from Bavaria for a while and your photos perfectly match his descriptions. It’s so romantic. One day!

This part of Germany really reminds me of Alsace, a part of France I fell in love with when I lived there. From there I visited Bavaria and loved it but I do think it is under rated. I’ve flown into Munich a number of times and drivers straight into Austria to ski when it seems I probably could have got my fix much closer to the airport.

The pictures are stunning! So many places in Europe that I still need to discover…well Bavaria is now rising on my list! The town looks amazing and the nature is so rich in the region…not to forget the “Disney” castle… waw!

wow – this looks straight out of a fairytale. i honestly had very little knowledge about this city. Since I don’t drink beer that much, Oktoberfest was never much interest but ….Germany is one country I have yet to visit and has been on the list for a while, now i know what to include on the itinerary! Thanks

Those waterfalls are absolutely fabulous. I’m a sucker for the relaxing sound of the falls.

Simply stunning. I didn’t know Bavaria and Bayern were the same place. The nature is breathtaking. I think I could spend a couple of months exploring the landscape here, including the churches and castles. You live in a beautiful place on earth.

Wow, these pics definitely are inspirational! I love visiting places where the landscapes are really diverse. Currently in New Zealand right now, which is exactly like that. I didn’t have Bulgaria on my list of places to go, but I do now. Thanks for sharing!

Incredible photos – I was one of those travelers who only passed through Munich on route to another European destination – but I was pleasantly surprised with the two days I had there. Neuschwanstein Castle in particular was a highlight – I visited during winter and the whole region was stunning. Can’t wait to get back and explore Bavaria as a trip on it’s own this time :)

Wow, fabulous photos! Bavaria looks even more stunning than I remember. I particularly like the photo of Rothenburg. It sure does look like a fairytale place. Everyone loves castles and Bavaria has some of the best in the world!

I can’t help but this is the same surprising reaction about Bavaria – Is it so gorgeous? Are there so many wonderful places? So much to explore for a nature addict like me, apart from the Oktoberfest of course ;)

Beautiful pictures of Germany, your pictures make me want to book a trip there now. I really want to go skiing on the Zugspitze glacier, it looks stunning and my type of place to go too. Alos that fairy tale town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber it looks like a dream. I know I will be adding a few more of these to my bucklist.

I love your pictures! Those are so beautiful, especially the Crossing wheat fields :) I’ve never been to Germany at all, but will visit Berlin first next week. Hope I can visit Bavaria one day! This place is totally underrated.

Wow, wow, wow — these are some impressive photos. What a gorgeous place! It looks like I need to add Bavaria to my must-see list! :) I especially love the gorgeous nature views and the castles. Thanks for sharing!

I feel like one of those people you mentioned because I had NO idea all the beauty was near Munich. I visited Munich a few years ago but should’ve made a stop in Bavaria! Thanks for sharing these stunning photos!

I absolutely share your love for Bavaria! I think its my favorite German state! The little town of Rothenburg ob der Taube looks like it came out of Beauty and the Beast or something! Adding it to my to-do list next time I’m in country!

First of all, the photos are spectacular. Bavaria looks so beautiful and picturesque. I am definitely inspired by your article and will definitely make it part of my bucket list. Thank you so much for sharing this post and I will sure let you know when I visit the place.

These are definitely gorgeous photos! I loved my travels in Bavaria and I’d love to go back. My husband and I are both of German (mostly) descent and we’d love to trace some family history there. Rothenburg was the highlight of my trip to Bavaria. Love seeing it included.

That sounds like a great reason to head to back to Germany. I would love to do the same, as I am mostly German as well! Thanks for stopping by!

Jeee there are some stunning photos here. Def make me wanna go to Bavaria. Germany was never on my radar but now it is :) I simply love the shot of Josefsthaler Waterfall, maybe coz I love chasing waterfalls. Would love to go there on my next Euro trip.

Thanks, Jo. Glad they gave you some inspiration!

Your blog post couldn’t come in a better time for me :-) I’m going to Bavaria (Garmisch Partenkirchen) for five days during the Easter weekend. Neuschwanstein Castle is already on the list, but would definitely include some of the places you’ve recommended here as well. Anything really special we shouldn’t miss? And, yes, your photos are beautiful!!! :-)

Woo! You’re going to LOVE it! If you go to the section on my site for Munich, I have a whole series of day trips. The one about Zugspitze might be good for you, since you’re staying in Garmisch and you definitely need to go to the top of the mountain. I have another one about heading to Tegernsee which is another fun place with some good easy hiking, views and charming town. Make sure you swing though Munich for a day as well.

This literally looks like a fairy tale! Would it be too hot to visit in the summer? I have some free time late July early August … and am very open to suggestions!

Definitely not too hot! It’s a mild climate, so we have nice weather up to the 80s on nice weeks, but it averages around 65-70. It’s perfect for a day of hiking without overheating or walking around the city. Things do tend to get a bit crowded, so if you want to do some of the major touristy things, like Neuschwanstein castle, plan ahead. I have a whole section on days trips to help you plan for that as well. https://curiositysavestravel.com/destinations/europe/germany/munich/day-trips-munich/ Let me know if you have any other questions!

I spent 4 years in Bavaria, back in the 80’s. I lived along the Romantic Road and spent many weekend driving to Rothenberg, etc. Thanks for the chance to reminisce. ep

Diese Bilder sind herzliche und Ich Freu mich sehr darüber.

Bavaria is beautiful, there’s no doubt about that. I visited Rothenburg last Christmas, after seeing all these amazing pictures of the little charming town and I was totally in awe of it. Also, Neuchwanstein Castle was out of the world. I was supposed to make it to Zugspitze glacier but couldn’t, and I can see that I missed out on a beautiful place. Also, autumn in Bavaria is lovely, I’ve heard!

It really is lovely all times of the year. It sounds like you had a great introduction to Bavaria and I hope you come back to visit soon.

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8 top places to visit in Germany in 2024

Feb 23, 2024 • 5 min read

No highlights list of Germany would omit Oktoberfest in Munich © FooTToo / Getty Images

The heart of Western Europe , Germany is a boundless feast for travelers.

Its endless variety of historic yet cutting-edge cities; dark, romantic forests; and cultural riches can often make the task of planning a visit daunting. Yet though it would take a lifetime to take in all of this fascinating country’s highlights, you can get a good start indeed with this guide.

Here are eight of the very best places to visit in Germany.

1. The Baltic Coast

Northern Germany’s Baltic Coast represents a side of the country not many visitors anticipate. The indented southern coast of the Baltic Sea hides great swathes of pure sand, susurrating pines and pristine nature sanctuaries. Highlights include the former Hanseatic power Stralsund, a classic of red-brick Gothic gabled architecture; the sheer cliffs of Jasmund National Park ; and the birdlife and beauty of the Darss-Zingst Peninsula .

2. Cologne 

Cologne (Köln) is known for its liberal climate and its wealth of historic sights. Taking its name from the Romans (who founded it in the first century CE as Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium), it’s been a major center of German history for centuries.

The most tangible symbol of Cologne’s importance and the essential sight? Its magnificent 13th-century Gothic cathedral, the Kölner Dom , Germany’s largest church, which was also Europe’s highest building until eclipsed by the  Eiffel Tower . Other must-see historical and cultural attractions include the  Römisch-Germanisches (Romano-Germanic) Museum and the sublime collection of 13th- to the 19th-century European art at the  Wallraf-Richartz-Museum & Fondation Corboud . 

Planning tip:  Pick up a  KölnCard  at the  Cologne Tourist Board office (adjacent to the cathedral) or at any KVB or DB ticket machines. A 24-hour individual ticket (€9) gets you unlimited public transport and up to 50% off at many cultural attractions, restaurants and shops. 

3. The Middle Rhine Valley (the Rhine Gorge)

As the Rhine , Germany’s second-longest river, flows south from Koblenz , it cuts a gorge through a gasp-inducing landscape of vineyards and castles. The stretch between Koblenz and Rüdesheim, known as the Oberes Mittelrheintal (Upper Middle Rhine Valley) is so special it won UNESCO World Heritage listing in 2002.

A land heavily contested over the centuries, the Oberes Mittelrheintal harbors wonderful castles like  Pfalzgrafstein ,  Burg Rheinstein ,  Burg Reichenstein and Koblenz’s mighty Festung Ehrenbreitstein .

Of the many wineries and wine bars you might visit, we recommend Bingen’s Weingut Georg Breuer,   Alte Weinstube Zum Hubertus in Koblenz and Zum Grünen Baum in Bacharach .

4. Erfurt and Weimar

The proximate central-German cities of  Erfurt and Weimar represent an astonishing concentration of cultural achievement and historic significance. Erfurt, capital of Thuringia , has one of Germany’s loveliest medieval centers, while Weimar stands tall as the capital of the eponymous 20th-century Republic, and before that the home of cultural luminaries such as Bach, Goethe, Schiller and Nietzsche.

Erfurt’s essential sights include its  cathedral , where Martin Luther was ordained, and the vast, baroque Zitadelle Petersberg . In Weimar, you’ll have to find time for the Goethe-Nationalmuseum , in a building that was the author’s home of 50 years; the UNESCO-listed Herzogin Anna Amalia Bibliothek ; and the modernist treasures of the Bauhaus Museum , which also originated here.

5. Munich & the Bavarian Alps

Munich (München), the capital of the Free State of Bavaria (Freistaat Bayern) is the city most visitors associate with “classic” German culture – for while Germany is in fact a patchwork of cultures and dialects, it’s often the Bavarian model of Bierkellers , Bratwurst and Lederhosen that outsiders have in mind. Munich is no cliché, though: Germany’s third-largest city is a center of high-tech manufacturing and cutting-edge culture, as well as the gateway to the magnificent Bavarian Alps . 

Essential sights and experiences include the  Residenzmuseum , the former palace of Bavaria’s ruling Wittelsbach dynasty; the museum-packed  Kunstareal district; and the gracious 17th-century Schloss Nymphenburg . An easy drive south of Munich lie the forested mountains, photogenic villages and ski- and spa-resorts of the beautiful Bavarian Alps .

Planning tip:  Oktoberfest , synonymous with Munich, is also the busiest and most expensive time to visit. Accommodation is booked solid long in advance, so plan ahead.

6. Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Perhaps the most enchanting village along the entire 400km (250 miles) of the Romantic Road ,  Rothenburg ob der Tauber (meaning “above the Tauber river”) is a wonderfully preserved example of a medieval German village. Strict heritage protection ensures that every turn reveals meandering cobbled lanes, glimpses of the intact city walls and venerable churches. Make time to see the local treasures collected in the  Reichsstadtmuseum , housed in a former Dominican convent, and the  Alt-Rothenburger Handwerkerhaus , where weavers, potters and other craftspeople ply their trade as they have done for over seven centuries.

7. The Black Forest

Bordering France and Switzerland , the Black Forest (Schwarzwald) is a vast woodland of more than 6000 sq km (2316 sq miles). From its spruce-swaddled slopes to deep valleys broken by silvery lakes and traditional villages and farmsteads, this diverse rural playground just begs to be explored by car, cycle or foot.

If you’re pressed for time, a drive along the Schwarzwaldhochstrasse ( Black Forest High Road ) from Baden-Baden to Freudenstadt unfurls a series of gorgeous vistas. If you have more time, consider hiking the 40km (25-mile)  Panoramaweg or the 12km (7.5-mile)  Feldberg–Steig to the forest’s highest peak. Population centers you should definitely include on your visit include Triberg, with its waterfall and cuckoo clocks; the laid-back university town of Freiburg ; and Alpirsbach, with its 11th-century Benedictine monastery .

Planning tip: While travelers are naturally drawn to the Black Forest’s great outdoors, it would be a mistake to overlook the region’s excellent cuisine. There’s Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte (Black Forest gâteau), of course – while lesser-known specialities include venison Baden-Baden , smoked Schwartzwalder Schinken (ham) and skinless lange rote (long red) sausages from Freiburg.

No list of German highlights would be complete without the country’s capital and dynamic cultural engine room. Germany’s most populous city,  Berlin is a bountiful beast of a place, with some of the country’s definitive museums, dining, art and – perhaps above all – nightlife.

Boisterous Berlin has long had a bohemian streak. While you should definitely make time to for cultural highlights like the Mies van der Rohe–designed Neue Nationalgalerie and the treasure trove that is Museumsinsel (Museum Island), those seeking a party will surely find it in iconic venues like  Berghain and  Pratergarten , where beer and bonhomie have flowed together since 1837. As ever, Berlin’s party people continue to innovate . 

Planning tip:  Before you hit town, get yourself a Berlin Welcome Card online. This six-day, all-inclusive ticket (adults €169; children aged 3–14 €85) gives you unlimited rides on public transport, free entry to more than 30 top attractions plus up to 50% off entry to over 150 more, as well as other benefits.

This article was first published June 2021 and updated February 2024

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THE BLOG FOR THE ADVENTUROUS TRAVELER WHO LOVES A TOUCH OF LUXURY NOW AND THEN

BLOG , Destinations , Europe , Germany , Road Trips · February 17, 2021

The Perfect 3 Weeks Germany Itinerary

Are you looking for the most beautiful places to visit in Germany? In this blog post I cover all of my favourite spots that I personally visited over the past years. I always love discovering more unique places and hidden gems and well Germany has some real stunners!

Over the past year I wanted to travel a little closer to home and since a lot of beautiful places in Germany are within reach after only a 3 hour drive, I figured why the hell not!

I’ve bundled all of the information I gathered during my trips so I could create the ultimate 3 weeks Germany itinerary for you. This is the perfect itinerary for anyone who loves to spend their time outdoors, who loves admiring beautiful castles and who loves a good road trip !

By now Germany is one of my favourite countries to explore!

In this blog post I will take you with me on a journey along the most beautiful castles in Germany and the most breathtaking landscapes . Get ready to explore these fantastic and unique places in Germany with me and prepare for the road trip of a lifetime!

BUDGET TRIP

Budget option, the 30 most beautiful places in germany – the perfect 3 weeks germany itinerary.

Germany is often considered the heart of Europe but let’s be fair if you think of Germany you most likely also think of beer and bratwursts. But let’s be honest, Germany is so much more than that!

There’s cosmopolitan cities which showcase the beautiful but sometimes also brutal history of this country. There’s an endless amount of castles , some nestled in a valley, others shining high on top one of the many hills in Bavaria. And then there’s the incredible nature in whole of Germany, from crystal clear lakes in the South to man made stone bridges in between rocks.

This 3 weeks Germany itinerary will show you the absolute best that the outdoors of Germany has to offer .

Is it safe to travel to Germany?

Germany is one of the safest country in Europe , especially if you’re traveling the outdoors. The crime rates are low, and the laws are strictly enforced and respected.

If you want to go exploring the outdoors you can do so without any trouble. Hiking trails are well marked with yellow arrows leading you the way and indicating how much time is left until you reach your destination.

Of course every big city has its bad neighbourhoods but that’s the same for every country!

What to pack for a trip to Germany

When you’re traveling through Germany you’ll want to focus on wearing layers and make sure to bring a rain jacket. Yes, even if you’re traveling during the Summer months!

Make sure to pack comfy walking shoes and hiking shoes so you’re ready to explore the outdoors and some cute Summer dresses to explore all of the beautiful castles you’ll see along the way!

Below you’ll find some of my favourite items to wear on a road trip!

Why you should visit Germany

Germany’s many facets are what make it such a unique travel destination! There’s huge cosmopolitan cities, fairytale villages, medieval castles, crystal clear lakes and impressive mountain ranges.

And  in this 3 weeks Germany itinerary you’ll come across pretty much each and every single one of these gems !

If you need a solid reason to convince your friends or boyfriend you might want to inform them that they serve beer in half liter glasses throughout entire Germany.

When is the best time to visit Germany

The best time to visit Germany is the spring or fall, specifically May, June, September or October.

In Spring the temperature starts to warm up but the occasional rain shower will definitely occur! But by Spring every hiking trail in Germany is accessible again but it’s not high season yet. This means that most of the top attractions in Germany aren’t too crowded !

During Fall it might get a little chillier from time to time but nothing compares to the vibrant colours of Autumn in Germany. Especially during your time in the South you’ll be blown away by nature’s beauty. All of the hiking trails can still be accessed and cable cars run all year round.

Summer is peak season and you won’t just find a lot of tourists but also the locals love visiting their own country! If you can only visit during the Summer months make sure to pack lightly and prepare yourself for big crowds .

Winter is never my favourite season but the South of Germany does transform in a true Winter Wonderland. Most of the hiking trails aren’t accessible but you can go skiing in the Alps or indulge in mulled wine at the world renowned Christmas markets in Germany !

Which airport to fly into Germany

Germany is home to over thirty commercial passenger and cargo airports as well as a large number of smaller airfields and air strips that service business and general aviation. And of the commercial airports over two dozen can be considered “international airports”.

For this 3 weeks Germany itinerary I chose to start from the city of Düsseldorf , the 3rd largest international airport in Germany.

After arriving at the airport you can pick up your rental car from one of the many car rental services. I know some of you like to travel by public transport but then you won’t be able to visit every spot on this travel guide and it will take you way longer to complete this itinerary.

What is driving like in Germany

Driving in Germany is done on the right side of the road and is pretty amazing since all of the cities are very well interconnected. A lot of times you’ll find no speed limit on the highways and if there is it’s always indicated.

The Germans do love their road side constructions so be prepared to sometimes be stuck in traffic on the highway as well.

Every tourist attraction comes with a spacious parking lot and there’s plenty of gas stations where you first pump the gas that you need and afterwards you pay inside for it by either cash or card.

3 Weeks Germany Itinerary Overview

Day 1 – 2: north rhine – westphalia, day 3 – 5: rhineland palatinate, day 6 – 7: baden – württemberg, day 8 – 15: bavaria, day 16 – 18: saxony, day 19 – 21: harz national park.

Beautiful Places to see in Germany in 3 weeks

Germany is divided into different states and that’s exactly how I’ve planned this itinerary for you! Every state that we’ll visit will be split up into the amount of days that you’ll need to see the most beautiful places.

The best part is that it makes it extremely easy to book your accommodation as well! For each state I will give you several lodging options ranging from budget to a more luxurious type of trip !

North Rhine – Westphalia is located in Western Germany and it’s where we’ll start this Germany itinerary! It’s the most dense populated state out of all of them but no worries, we won’t stay in the city for too long.

1. Düsseldorf

Düsseldorf is the capital city of North Rhine – Westphalia and the perfect place to start this road trip through Germany. The city is a mix of modern versus old and a stroll through the Altstadt is a definite must! Some of the other top sights to see in Düsseldorf are:

• Rheinuferpromenade : a promenade on the right bank of the Rhine with true Mediterranean vibes in the summertime.
• Königsallee : the most high end shopping boulevard of the city
• Hofgarten : this was the first public park in all of Germany
• Marktplatz : one of the most beautiful squares in the entire city

If you happen to be here around Christmas time make sure to pay a visit to the beautiful Christmas markets of Düsseldorf .

2. Schloss Drachenburg, Königswinter

Schloss Drachenburg is one of the newest castles in Germany and was only built in the 19th century. It’s located in the area of Königswinter, just a quick 1 hour drive from Düsseldorf.

Every castle in Germany practically begs for drone photography . Do know that you need a special permit to do so. If you do not have one and you get caught the estimated fine is €350

• Opening hours – 11am to 6pm
• Entrance fee – €7
• How to get there – This is the nearest parking to Schloss Drachenburg. From here it’s a 30 minute walk up towards the entrance of the castle.

3. Monschau

Monschau is a small town in the Eifel region on the West side of Germany, really close to the Belgian border. It’s known for its medieval centre with cobble stones streets and wooden timbered houses.

The town is located in the hills of the North Eifel, within the  Hohes Venn – Eifel Nature Park  in the narrow valley of the Rur river. Parking places are centred around the villages and within this town you’ll find an abundance of restaurants, bars, craft and souvenir shops.

Where to stay in North Rhine – Westphalia

Luxury trip.

• Capella Breidenbacher Hof Düsseldorf – A 5 star hotel located on the famous Königsallee and also comes with an indoor pool.
• The Wellem Düsseldorf – Another stunning hotel in the heart of Düsseldorf that perfectly combines modern design with the historic nature of the building.
• White Lofty – A luxurious 2 bedroom appartement in the city centre.
• KEMPE Komfort Hotel – A modern day 3 star hotel with clean and spacious rooms.
• The Woodmans Boardinghouse – A light and bright private appartement.
• Hotel Sir & Lady Astor – A more unique and high end boutique hotel in the heart of Düsseldorf which also offers a parking service.

Rhineland-Palatinate is another Western state in Germany and is bordered by Belgium, Luxembourg and France . It’s the perfect place to explore some of the most beautiful castles and towns in Germany .

4. Burg Eltz, Koblenz

Burg Eltz, also known as Eltz Castle , is probably my favourite castle in the entire world (for now :p). The drive up there is beautiful and leads you through meadows and small German towns. Burg Eltz is one of the most beautiful places in Germany and is nestled in the middle of a valley and surrounded by trees.

If you are interested in photography try to be there for sunrise. It’s a favourite with many photographers so even at the break of dawn you won’t be the only one.

I haven’t visited the castle itself but this is only possible with a guided tour . Important to note is that photography inside the castle is strictly forbidden .

• Opening hours – 9am to 5pm
• Entrance fee – €9 for a guided tou
• How to get there – There is a big parking lot located on 20 minutes walking distance from the castle. From here there are two ways to reach the castle . One that goes through the woods and another one that goes down a paved road. To find the second one simply walk towards the Burg Eltz Chapel and keep on following the road. From here you’ll have a beautiful view over the entire valley with Burg Eltz placed perfectly in the middle.

5. Rheinstein Castle, Trechtingshausen

The Rheinstein Castle, also known as Burg Rheinstein , is located in  Trechtingshausen  and also serves as a hotel and used to serve as a knight’s watch castle above the Rhine.

• Opening hours – 10am to 5pm
• Entrance fee – €4,5 if you want to enter the castle
• How to get there – There is a parking lot underneath the castle which allows you to park for free for 2 hours. From here you have to walk up to the castle and follow the winding road. However, you won’t find the best viewpoint inside the castle. The best photography spot is when you’re looking at Rheinstein Castle from the watchtower. To get here follow the winding road upwards but instead of turning left to go towards the castle go right and walk behind it.

6. Geierlay Suspension Bridge, Mörsdorf

The Geierlay suspension bridge is one of the coolest bridges in Germany and with good reason one of the most beautiful places to visit in Germany! Its length measures 350 meters and it’s suspended a dazzling 100 meters above ground .

READ MY FULL GUIDE ON THIS BEAUTIFUL PLACE IN GERMANY, INCLUDING A LOT MORE DETAILS AND PHOTOS – Geierlay Suspension Bridge in Mörsdorf, Germany – Travel Guide

• Opening hours – 24/7. If you’re visiting on the weekend try to come early cause it can get very crowded during the day.
• Entrance fee – Free
• How to get there – The main parking lot for visitors is located in the small town of Mörsdorf . From here it’s around 25 minutes walking to the bridge itself.

The small town of Cochem is located in the Mosel valley and offers the perfect backdrop for some stunning photos.

The best viewpoints of this castle are either from the other side of the river or from this main lookout point .

• How to get there – Leave your car in one of the parking lots in front of the center . You can’t drive into the town itself (no matter what Google Maps or Waze says!. Trust me, I’ve been there and ended up in a small street lined with restaurant tables :p. So leave your car at a parking lot and from there simply walk up towards the Reichsburg Cochem.

Where to stay in Rhineland Palatinate

• Schloss Lieser, Autograph Collection – If you’ve ever wanted to stay at a fairytale castle now is your chance! This one of a kind hotel truly is a gem!
• Fährhaus – This modern day hotel is located in Koblenz and has an indoor swimming pool and wellness centre.
• Romantik Hotel Schloss Rheinfels – A beautiful 4-star Superior hotel across from the Loreley Rock in the UNESCO Middle Rhine Valley is at the foot of Rheinfels Castle. 
• Gästehaus Ziemons – This guesthouse is located in the heart of Cochem and some rooms come with their own private bathroom.
• Monteurzimmer Göllheim – An appartement with 2 bedrooms and a balcony in töllheim
• Mosel Dream – Located in Cochem and only 3 miles from Cochem Castle, Mosel Dream provides accommodations with river views, free WiFi and free private parking

Baden – Württemberg is a state in the South West of Germany and together with Bavaria it forms the Southern border of Germany.

It’s home to some of the most stunning castles in Germany and its incredible nature. And if you want to take a break from exploring and feel like a kid again you can pay a visit to Europa Park !

8. Lichtenstein Castle, Lichtenstein

It’s name might make you presume this castle is located in Lichtenstein but rest assured, it is in fact near Stuttgar t! The castle is surrounded by a beautiful domain and also hosts a restaurant where on the terrace you can have lunch or dinner while overlooking the castle.

The best photography viewpoint is located inside the courtyard of the castle . Try to go as soon as it opens to have some decent light. I arrived in the middle of the day and well I am not too happy with the lighting in my photograph ;).

It’s important to note that this castle is especially popular with the locals . Not many international tourists have wandered here and most of the guided tours are in German.

• Opening hours – 9am to 5.30pm
• Entrance fee – €2 to enter the courtyard and for a €8 guided tour of the castle.
• How to get there – There is a main parking lot from where you’ll have to walk around 10 minutes to reach the castle. If memory serves me right the parking fee is €2.

9. Hohenzollern Castle, Bisingen

Hohenzollern Castle  is in the South of Germany and pretty  close to the Black Forest . The castle is still privately owned by the Royal Family and when they’re at home, their flag flies on the flag tower.

The stunning fortress offers  a majestic panoramic view stretching over more than 100 km . Burg Hohenzollern is one of the most popular castles in Germany with over 300.000 visitors each year.

In the 15th century, the first Hohenzollern Castle was destroyed by war, but was rebuilt soon afterwards. In the 18th century, the fortress was deserted and fell into ruin. It was King Frederick William IV of Prussia who had his family’s ancestral home reconstructed in its present form in the 19th century but even larger and more magnificent than before.

Since 1952, the castle has been  filled with art and historical artefacts from the collections of the Hohenzollern family . 

• Opening hours – 10am to 5.30pm
• Entrance fee –  €7, without a tour

10. Blautopf, Blaubeuren

The Blautopf is a spring that serves as the source of the river Blau in the landscape on the Swabian Jura’s southern edge, in Southern Germany.

You can find it in the city of Blaubeuren developed a funnel-like shape with a depth of 21m.

The water’s peculiarly blue color, varying in intensity depending on weather and flow, is the result of physical properties of the nanoscale limestone particles densely distributed in the water.

A similar effect is observed at the Blue Lagoon near Reykjavík, where the color originates from nanoscale silica particles.

• Opening hours – 24/7
• Entrance fee – free

Where to stay in Baden – Württemberg

• Der Öschberghof – A golf and wellness resort close to the Black Forest.
• Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa – an Oetker Collection Hotel – Get the celebrity treatment with world-class service, exclusive spa facilities and several restaurants in this 5 star hotel.
• Hotel Engel Obertal – Especially known for their outstandig spa facilities.
• Alte Schreinere i – A spacious appartement with a view over the mountains.
• Parkside Boutique Appartements – Modern appartements with a luxury feel and 2 bedrooms. Up to 6 people can stay here!
• PLAZA Hotel Buchhorner Hof – A family run historic hotel in the heart of Friedriechshaven. Their spa even has a Turkish steambath and a Finnish sauna.

Bavaria is the largest state in entire Germany and my personal favourite. I’ve dedicated at least 1 week to this region for this 3 weeks Germany road trip cause well there’s simply too much to see.

From the crystal clear lakes to the endless amount of hiking trails . The area of Bavaria is the perfect place in Germany for outdoor lovers!

Since Bavaria is such a big state I will split the list of accommodations in two. On one hand there’ll be places near the Zugspitz area and then also around Berchtesgaden .

11. Mespelbrunn Castle, Mespelbrunn

Mespelbrunn castle is  a moated castle  located between Frankfurt and Würzburg. It’s also privately owned and the owners are currently still living here. They now live in the southern part of the castle and have opened up the main rooms to the public for visiting.

• Entrance fee – €5
• How to get there – The main parking lot for Mespelbrunn Castle is €2 and from here it’s only 5 minutes walking to the castle.

12. Rothenburg ob der Tauber

The most fairytale like town in entire Germany and one that is filled with Instagrammable places! Did you know that Rothenburg ob der Tauber served as the inspiration for Disney’s Pinocchio ? So yeah, no strings could hold me down from visiting this picturesque place.

• How to get there – The center is closed off for cars but you can park your car on one of the many parking lots .

13. Neuschwanstein Castle, Schwangau

The construction of the idyllic castle started in 1869 on behalf of the shy and eccentric  King Ludwig II of Bavaria, who had this castle built to escape public life. After his passing in 1886 the construction was paused and the fairytale castle was opened to the public.

Walt Disney visited this castle and used it as inspiration for the  castle of Sleeping Beauty in Disneyland.

• Opening hours – 9am to 6pm
• Entrance fee – €12 for a guided tour of the castle. Photography inside is strictly forbidden.
• How to get there – The closest parking lot to start your hike up is Parkplatz 4 . From here it’s about 30 minutes walking to the Mariënbrücke , which offers a spectacular view over the castle. Most people stop here and go back down but if you hike up a little more through the forest you’ll actually find a lot more amazing viewpoints!

14. Schloss Hohenschwangau, Schwangau

So remember King Ludwig II of Bavaria? Well his father Crown Prince Maximilian II of Bavaria had the ruined castle of Schwanstein rebuilt from 1832 into the  Hohenschwangau Castle.  

The young Ludwig was influenced by the romantic mountain scenery and this summer castle became one of his favourite places to stay. It is here that he got the idea for one of Germany’s most famous castles.

You can not park at the castle Hohenschwangau. Park your car at parking lot P4 in Hohenschwangau. From here you walk uphill to the castle in 20 minutes.

• Opening hours  – 9am to 5pm
• Entrance fee  – €13

15. Eibsee, Grainau

Eibsee is a beautiful crystal clear mountain lake and one of my personal favourites to visit. So far I have been here 3 times and I would go back in a heartbeat.

There’s a beautiful hiking trail that goes around the entire lake and which offers you a spectacular view over the Zugspitze in the back.

I ALSO WROTE A DETAILED GUIDE WHERE YOU CAN FIND WAY MORE DETAILS AND PHOTOS ABOUT EIBSEE LAKE – Eibsee Lake In Bayern, Germany

• How to get there – Eibsee has two main parking lots : one next to the cable car and one next to the hotel. You can choose either one of them! Once you’ve parked your car, face with your back towards the mountain and follow the trail that goes behind the hotel towards the Eibsee bridge.

16. Geroldsee, Garmisch Partenkirchen

Picture green pastures as far as the eye can see, little wooden cabins, a crystal clear lake and a stunning mountain range in the back. Those are the views you get when you follow the hiking trails to Geroldsee in Garmisch Partenkirchen.

• How to get there – You can park your car in the small town of Gerold . From here it’s about 10 minutes walking to the best viewpoint.

17. Riessersee, Garmisch Partenkirchen

The Riessersee is a beautiful and lesser known lake in the area of Garmisch Partenkirchen. Pretty much everyone visits the well known Eibsee but the impressive Riessersee is nearly only known by the locals.

There’s a hotel and restaurant which offer the perfect view over the lake and the mountains in the back. So if you have the time sit down here for lunch! During the Summer months it’s also possible to rent a boat for on the lake but they close at the start of October!

• How to get there – Follow the Rieserseestrasse until you reach the parking lot. From there the lake is only 1 minute walking.

WHRE TO STAY NEAR GARMISCH PARTENKIRCHEN

• Romantik Alpenhotel Waxenstein – So far I’ve stayed at this hotel twice and absolutely love it. It’s in authentic German style and offers an incredible view over the Zugspitze.
• Werdenfelserei – The Werdenfelserei is an extraordinary mixture where tradition mixes with modern alpine style.
• Hotel Maximilian – This privately owned Alpine-style design hotel is located in the center of Oberammergau and offers design rooms and a spa area.
• Hotel Atlas Sport – A modern hotel in Garmisch Partenkirchen and only 1km from the ski lift.
• Golden GaPa Family Apartment 23 – An entire appartement in true Bavarian style which also offers bbq options.
• Hotel Klosterhotel Ludwig der Bayer – This hotel in the Ettal monastery is a cozy base for active and relaxing holidays in the heart of the Ammergau Alps.

I actually wrote an entire guide on this area in Germany. So if you want to extend your stay here a little make sure to read my full guide – 7 Best Things To Do In The Tiroler Zugspitz Arena

18. Königssee, Berchtesgaden

The beautiful Königssee in Berchtesgaden is a must visit when you’re in the area. Go for a boat ride between the fjords and get swept away by its beauty.

READ MY FULL ARTICLE INCLUDING A LOT MORE PHOTOS & DETAILS – Lake Königssee – The Ultimate Travel Guide

• Opening hours – The ticket counter opens at 7.30am. And believe me when I say that it is totally worth it to be there on opening time. You’ll be able to go out with the first boat at 8am. Boats run every 15 minutes and all of them are always fully booked. So you can only imagine how crowded it gets during the day.
• Entrance fee – €19 for a round trip with stops at both Obersee and Saint Bartholomeus. Important to know is that the boat only goes to Obersee from April until October. You can still go on a boat ride in between those months but it will only stop at Saint Bartholomeus.
• How to get there – You’ll have to leave your car at the main parking lot . You can either choose to pay for a maximum of 3 hours or get a day ticket for €5. I opted for the latter because I knew I would spend a lot of time here and didn’t want to stress out about not making it back on time and getting a ticket.

19. Obersee, Berchtesgaden

Obersee is a lot smaller than Königssee but might be even more beautiful than its big sister!

How to get there – To reach Obersee you will have to take one of the boats at Königssee (see above) and get off at the second stop ‘Salet’. Once you get out of the boat you have the follow the sign that says Fischunkelalm .

When to go – Make sure to get on the first boat out at 8am. Otherwise the trail will be crowded and the sun will be too high.

20. Maria Gern, Berchtesgaden

The beautiful little church of Maria Gern is located in the heart of the mountains in Berchtesgaden. It’s one of the most picturesque and beautiful places in the area.

• How to get there – There isn’t an actual parking lot in the neighbourhood but there are some patches along side the road where you can leave your car for a couple of minutes. Otherwise you can park your car at the church.

21. Hintersee, Ramsau

Another beautiful lake in Berchtesgaden is Hintersee! The most beautiful footpath to the lake leads from Ramsau through the Zauberwald (Enchanted Forest), and along a wild mountain stream.

• How to get there – There are a ton of parking lots surrounding Hintersee and it takes around 40 minutes to do a tour around the entire lake.

22. Rossfeld Panoramastrasse

The Rossfeld Panoramastrasse is a must when you’re staying in Berchtesgaden . It’s a beautiful winding mountain road that will take you above the clouds.

How to get there – This is a closed off road and to enter by car you have to pay €8.

23. Rabenwand, Berchtesgaden

Rabenwand is one of the most beautiful viewpoints over the Königssee! To get to this viewpoint you have to go left at the start of Königssee and walk behind the boat storages.

First follow the sign that says Malerwinkel and afterwards simply follow the signs that say  Rabenwand .

24. The Most Beautiful Swing in Germany, Berchtesgaden

This has to be one of my favourite swings in the entire world and you can find it on the property of the Kempinski Hotel in Berchtesgaden .

As far as I know you can’t just go to the hotel to sit on the swing and take photos. But if this hotel is out of your price range you can simply make a reservation for drinks or dinner and then you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the swing and the view!

25. Watzmann, Berchtesgaden

Berchtesgaden is literally surrounded by the most insane mountain range and one of the most impressive mountains is the Watzmann! There are several hiking options here but the one that offers the most stunning views is the hike up to Watzmann Hocheck. It’s not an easy hike so come prepared with enough water and some snacks and please  wear proper hiking shoes ! I could even recommend hiking poles towards the end of this hike!

Total duration of the hike  – 10 hours

Where to stay in Berchtesgaden

Luxury option.

• Kempinski Hotel Berchtesgaden – A luxurious 5-star hotel located high up in the mountains.
• Berghotel   Rehlegg – A stunning 4 star hotel overlooking the mountains. They even have rooms with an outdoor bed.
• Klosterhof – Alpine Hideaway & Spa – Set at the foot of the Reichenhaller mountain range and features a spacious spa area with saunas and steam rooms, a swimming pool, fitness room and a unique floating pool.
• Villa Bello – This guest house is set in a quiet and beautiful location on a mountain in Oberau, with views across the valley towards the Watzmann and Untersberg mountains. 
• Alpenresidenz Buchenhöhe – Beautiful and comfortable guesthouses located close to the Eagle’s nest in Berchtesgaden.
• Gästehaus Achental – Surrounded by beautiful mountainous scenery in the Bavarian Alps, and situated near Berechtesgaden train station and center of town, this guest house enjoys a traditional and friendly ambiance.

READ MY FULL GUIDE ON BERCHTESGADEN INCLUDING A LOT MORE DETAILS & PHOTOS – The Best 3 Days Berchtesgaden Itinerary .

Saxony is a state in Eastern Germany and contains the two largest and most important cities in eastern Germany other than Berlin: Leipzig and Dresden.

26. Saxony Switzerland National Park

While it’s name will make you presume something else, this beautiful park is actually located near the border of Germany and the Czech Republic. There are many amazing viewpoints to discover here and if you can spend an entire day here I totally recommend it. There is Kleine Winterberg, Grote Winterberg and the viewpoint I visited called Himmelsleiter .

• How to get there – Park your car near Pension Felsenmühle and take the forest road up. Go right at the crossing and keep on hiking up. At one point you’ll arrive to another crossing and on the right you’ll see stairs. Hike them all the way up until you reach a cave where at the end on the left you can follow the sign that says Himmelsleiter. Be aware, it’s a steep way up from here in between two rocks, just go slow and get rewarded with the most amazing view over the entire National Park.

27. Bastei Bridge, Saxony

The Bastei is a natural phenomenon formed by jagged rocks that were shaped this way due to erosion. Then later on a bridge was built to connect these rocks.

• How to get there – There is a big parking lot when you’re driving up (€3), but there is also a second parking lot (reserved for guests of the hotel). If I would visit this place again I would just park my car here for free. Especially if you only stay for a short while! The best viewpoint over the Bastei Bridge is from the Ferdinandstein viewpoint.

28. Knotenweg

This has to be one of the prettiest roads in Saxony and I can’t even imagine how gorgeous it would be when there’s snow on the ground and trees!

• How to get there – Park your car here on the foreseen spot on the side of the road. From here it’s just a short 5 minute walk. Follow the road up until you’re out of the tree rows. Turn around et voilà you have yourself an awesome curved road.

29. Rakotzbrücke Devil’s Bridge, Gablenz

This jaw-dropping 19th-century bridge uses its reflection to form what appears to be a perfect circle. 

Either end of the Rakotzbrücke is decorated with thin rock spires created to look like natural basalt columns, which occur in many places in Germany. In addition, the curvature of the bridge is designed to be one half of a perfect circle, so that when the waters are still and the light is right, it creates the illusion of a complete stone circle.

It’s important to note that crossing the bridge is strictly forbidden!

Since June 2018, the Rakotzbrücke is under renovation  and the lake has been drained. According to local radio station MDR, the basalt columns and the bridge chambers are almost complete. Still, one section of the arch remains. The Rakotzbrücke is said to be completely restored by the end of 2020.

• How to get there – This bridge is located in Kromlauer Park in Eastern Germany.

Where to stay in Saxony

• Gewandhaus Dresden, Autograph Collection – This completely renovated pet-friendly hotel, in the centre of Dresden, features a new modern-baroque design.
• Hotel Fürstenhof Leipzig – The Hotel Fürstenhof Leipzig offers luxurious rooms and suites in an old, aristocratic residence. High ceilings, chandeliers, and marble décor create a special atmosphere.
• Heide Spa Hotel & Resort – Excellent spa facilities, healthy cuisine and a tranquil location within the Dübener Heide Nature Park join forces here to guarantee a wonderful feeling of well-being and an enjoyable break in the midst of nature.
• Hotel Markgraf Leipzig – This hotel in Leipzig offers stylish rooms for a cheap price.
• LE Hotel – A cosy and stylish hotel in the heart of Leipzig.
• Landhotel Goldener Becher – A country hotel where you can get a single room as of €29.

READ MY FULL GUIDE ON SAXONY SWITZERLAND TO GET MORE DETAILS & PHOTOS – A Weekend in Hrensko: The Ultimate 2 Day Hrensko Itinerary

Harz National Park  is a nature reserve of 24 700 hectares in no less than two German federal states; Lower Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt.

It’s mostly known for its large variety of hiking trails but also for its old school steam train which can take you all the way up to the Brocken mountain.

30. Harz National Park

This national park is located in Germany’s most northerly low mountain range and one of the most beautiful places in this country. It has such a wide variety that you definitely need a couple of days to join in on all of the most fun activities.

What makes this place actually really cool is that its drenched in tales of folklore and witchcraft. You can’t visit one of the souvenir shops without spotting a couple of witched flying on their brooms.

 Legend has it that on the night of April 30 to May 1, witches fly their broomsticks to meet the devil at the top of the highest peak in the region – known as the Brocken. This night is also called Walpurgisnacht and is now celebrated by the locals and tourists dressing up and dancing their way into the month of May.

TOP THINGS TO DO IN HARZ NATIONAL PARK

• Take the Brocken Railway up to the highest point in the national park, the Brocken summit.
• Pay a visit to the Gustav Adolf Church, a stave church similar to those in Norway .
• Follow one of the many hiking trails into Harz National Park

WHERE TO STAY NEAR HARZ NATIONAL PARK

• Naturresort Schindelbruch – An amazing hideaway destination especially catered to adults.
• Events and Stay – A beautiful and luxurious appartement that also comes with a bbq set.
• Schlosshotel Stecklenberg – Set in tranquil nature and featuring a historical ambiance, this grand castle hotel offers spacious rooms with Italian period furniture.
• Hotel Kaiserworth Goslar – This traditional-style, 4-star hotel in Goslar offers spacious rooms, free Wi-Fi, and traditional food from the Harz mountains.
• Berghotel Hahnenklee – This hotel is set in a quiet forest in the Hahnenklee district of Goslar, in the Harz Mountains. Berghotel Hahnenklee offers a beer garden.
• Gästezimmer Haus Talblick – Located on the Bromberg Mountain, this homestay offers a spacious double room with a flat-screen TV and free WiFi. Guests can expect scenic valley views, a terrace and a playground.

Essential tips for traveling in Germany

• The official language spoken in Germany is German . While in the big cities you’ll find that most people also speak English this is not the case in the smaller villages. Menu’s do often come in multiple languages.
• Cell service is not the best in Germany and it can often happen you won’t have any service, even while driving on the highway. It’s always smart to already download an offline map if you plan on going hiking.
• A lot of places prefer payment by cash but Mastercard and Visa are also widely accepted. But still small vendors sometimes don’t even have a cash machine.
• Germans are very punctual , being ‘fashionably late’ really isn’t a thing in this country.
• Everywhere in Germany, shops, supermarkets and pharmacies are closed on Sundays. restaurants and bars remain open on Sunday.
• The restaurants in smaller villages typically only serve local food which usually contains a high dose of meat.

PIN IT FOR LATER

Charlotte Lint is the founder of Charlies Wanderings. Charlotte has traveled all over the world and is based in Belgium where she also owns her very own dental practice. She is an expert on writing efficient travel guides and finding unique places to stay. Every month she helps over 134.000 people discover the most beautiful places in the world through her detailed travel guides.

You’ll Also Love

Francesca Brooking says

January 25, 2020 at 8:55 pm

I’m in absolute awe of your photography skills! Do you have a course?

Tiana Bantis says

January 25, 2020 at 9:23 pm

Wow this has definitely inspired me to visit Germany, I have only been to Berlin but clearly I need to take a long road trip! Gorgeous photos!

January 25, 2020 at 11:16 pm

Germany is such a beautiful country I’d love to explore it more. And with so many fairytales looking castles. Your photos are incredible

Michelle says

January 26, 2020 at 12:55 am

These are all such great suggestions. I am happy to say that I have checked a couple off of this list! Your photos are beautiful!

Charlotte says

January 26, 2020 at 9:15 am

Thank you so much Michelle! 🙂 Which was your favourite so far? 🙂

Thank you so much! Oh yes and there are so many more castles!!

January 26, 2020 at 9:16 am

Oh yes! The cities are cool but there is nothing like the nature and castles in Germany!

Thank you so much Francesca! No I do not have a course at the moment 🙂

January 26, 2020 at 8:19 pm

Wow, so many stunning places in Germany. And a lot I still have to discover. Thanks for the inspiration.

Jacquie says

January 26, 2020 at 10:31 pm

You’ve captured pretty much all of the places in Germany I want to visit! Love your pictures.

January 27, 2020 at 2:49 am

Thanks for this amazing post. I’m from the Netherlands and never went to those places in Germany will do that. Good quality content and pictures.

Paul Newbery says

April 30, 2020 at 10:20 am

Amazing photographs we were supposed to be in Berlin in July not sure that will happen , I like the processing on the images they have a dreamy quality. I am really looking forward to the lockdown been lifted so we can travel again.

April 30, 2020 at 10:24 am

Oh same here Paul! I have a trip booked to the Dolomites in July, all hotels were paid for already so I really hope I get to go. We would travel by car anyway so fingers crossed!

June 7, 2020 at 3:54 pm

What a nice list of sights. I had no clue that Germany could be so so thrilling. Cheers from Frankfurt/ Germany

June 7, 2020 at 4:16 pm

Thank you so much Ralph! Such a big compliment to have someone who lives in Germany say that! 🙂

Erika Garcia says

September 10, 2020 at 6:08 am

Good evening! Do you have any suggestions of things to see or do in Landstuhl or Permasens? Thank you!

Pursuit traveller says

July 11, 2022 at 10:54 pm

This guide is absolutely superb. Such detailed and comprehensive guide, it feels I am almost travelling along. Stunning pictures.

July 12, 2022 at 7:13 pm

Thank you!!!

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Germany Road Trips: 9 of the Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Germany

Updated: January 5, 2022

I did not expect to love Germany as much as I did. That’s why I foolishly put off visiting for so long. But oh man, what a wonderful country! It quickly became one of my favorite places in the world. The food was incredible, the people were so kind to us, and the towns were beyond charming. And to think, we’ve barely scratched the surface of what Germany has to offer.

With just 5 short days to travel through the southern part of the country, I planned the most efficient Germany road trip possible. I focused on Bavaria, castles, wine regions, and stops along the Romantic Road. If you’re planning a trip to Germany, follow along as I’m sharing 9 of the most beautiful places to visit.

Germany Road Trips

While planning a trip to Germany, we had so many questions about the road. Is it safe? Are the roads easy to drive? Jorge has driven in 8 foreign countries, and they’ve all brought their challenges. That is why research is key . We decided to drive instead of taking a train because it helped us save time and money.

Here’s what we learned about driving in Germany:

• Germany is the easiest place Jorge has ever driven. So much so that I would even consider driving, and I’m nervous about driving in foreign countries. It also helps that the other drivers are respectful.
• You drive on the right side of the road.
• Their roads are well taken care of. The ones we came across in southern Germany were super smooth, even in the small towns.
• There are no tolls in Germany.
• You don’t need an international driving permit to drive in Germany. Your US license is enough.
• Research the German driving laws and road signs before driving. None of the signs are in English, and it can be hard to figure out what the symbols mean. I’m pretty sure we went down some roads that we weren’t supposed to.
• The speed limits we saw on the Autobahn went up 130 km/h (80 mph). Sometimes we’d go long gaps without seeing any speed limits at all.
• Gas can be pricey. We drove about 650 miles and filled up twice when we were at 1/4 tank for $120.
• Gas stations accept credit cards. Regardless of how you choose to pay, you pump first and then go inside to pay in person.
• Parking is easy to find!!* You’ll find parking lots right off the main roads before entering the towns or city walls. You can’t miss them. Parking is free in some places or around 2 euros per hour. *I can only speak for the towns we visited below.

Germany Itinerary: Start in Munich

Munich was the cheapest airport to fly into and the closest to all the towns I wanted to visit. It only made sense to start the itinerary there.

We flew into Munich and rented a car from Europcar near the central train station, München Hauptbahnhof . The exact location is called Europcar MUNICH CITY TILL 12PM . It’s a confusing name since they stay open way past noon.

We paid $220 for a 5-day rental that included all the necessary insurance and a drop-off in a different city (Koblenz). Not a bad deal! The process was a breeze, and the car was in good condition.

We didn’t care to stay in Munich because we wanted to focus on the small towns this time around. However, we did spend a few hours in the city center before picking up our rental. If Munich is on your schedule, here are some places we loved:

Man Versus Machine – Excellent coffee shop! Make sure to try a franzbrötchen (traditional German pastry) with your coffee.

Chocolaterie Beluga – A chocolate cafe that specializes in drinking chocolate. They have over 30 flavors in spoon shapes, choose your favorite and dip it in hot milk. It tastes amazing.

California Bean – I had a delicious breakfast here but skip the coffee.

You’ll also find tons of food stalls in the Altstadt area selling a variety of German food. Jorge stopped for a bratwurst on our way out of the city.

Places to Visit in Germany

I have so much to share about all of these places, including many more photos. Individual blog posts for each of the regions are soon to come! For now, I wanted to kick things off with a general overlook of all the stops we made to help you plan your Germany itinerary.

1. Fussen, Germany

Füssen is a gorgeous Bavarian town located at the foot of the mountains near Austria. This small town can be considered the beginning or last stop of the Romantic Road in Germany. It’s also a 5-minute drive to the famous Neuschwanstein Castle. Since I was aiming for small towns during this first trip to Germany, I chose to stay in Fussen to visit the castle.

People usually visit Fussen as a day trip (from Munich) to or from the castle. But that day trip becomes a whole day ordeal because of the distance; more info is below.

Though it’s small, you’ll find great food and a pretty good coffee scene. The perk of staying in a place that’s regularly filled with day-trippers is that as soon as they’re gone, you get to enjoy a quieter side of town.

Read more about Fussen HERE .

FAVORITE STOP : Fussener Kaffeerosterei, a coffee roaster in Fussen! We were surprised to find this place and even bought a bag of coffee to bring home.

2. Neuschwanstein Castle

If you stay in Munich, it’ll take 2.5 hours each way by train + bus to visit Neuschwanstein Castle. If you have limited days and want to experience castles and fairytale towns, I recommend staying in Füssen. Plus, the drive is beautiful!

When you arrive at the castle, you can park at any of the lots and take a shuttle bus or hike up to Mary’s Bridge, where you’ll get this view. We had no interest in doing a tour of the inside.

Read my detailed guide on how to get to Neuschwanstein Castle HERE .

3. Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is another magical town located in Bavaria along the Romantic Road. This was the longest drive on our entire road trip, and it was only 2 hours from Fussen to Rothenburg. So just for reference, all the other towns are short distances away.

Rothenburg is a popular destination and one of Germany’s best-preserved historic towns. It’s full of great restaurants, shops, and unique museums, including a year-round Christmas museum/store.

If you’re there in the evening, try to catch the Rothenburg Night Watchman tour. It’s free, and it’s supposedly quite entertaining and informative. We had it on our list, but we couldn’t make it due to drama from a hotel.

Read about more things to do in Rothenburg HERE .

FAVORITE STOP : Gasthof Butz , we had a great traditional German dinner here with a generous side of Riesling.

4. Bacharach, Germany

Bacharach is the loveliest town located in the Rhine Valley. It’s nestled between hills of Riesling vineyards and the Rhine River. You’ll find fewer tourists in this area and more peaceful streets.

The Rhine Valley is the largest wine-producing region in Germany, so the tastings are abundant and delicious. All that plus historic architecture, you know I fell in love.

One popular thing to do while in the Rhine Valley is to take a boat tour along the river to see all the castles that this area boasts. We didn’t get a chance to do that, but I hope we can return to explore it by boat one day.

FAVORITE STOP: Views from Postenturm, we had this spot to ourselves, and it was unforgettable. To see Bacharach from this angle is a must.

5. Rudesheim am Rhein

We made a quick stop in Rüdesheim am Rhein on our way to Mosel Valley. Rüdesheim is another town located in the Rhine Valley. It’s only a 40-minute drive from Bacharach along the Rhine River.

It’s a lively little town that seemed to get more visitors than Bacharach. I loved walking around taking photos, hearing all the live music, and of course, drinking the local and seasonal Federweißer wine.

FAVORITE STOP:  Anyone who was serving Federweisser (Federweißer)! Federweisser is a young wine that is only available for the first few weeks of September in Germany. We learned about this treat while out there, and I loved that I got to try something seasonal and uniquely theirs.

6. Cochem, Germany 

Beautiful Cochem is located along the Mosel (Moselle) River and is an excellent base for anyone looking to explore this scenic area.

The Mosel River flows through Germany, Luxembourg, and France and meets up with the Rhine River in Koblenz. Koblenz is where we returned the car at the end of our trip. Cochem is also close to Burg Eltz, one of Germany’s most stunning castles.

In Cochem, you’ll also find a castle overlooking the town, unique architecture, and plenty of vineyards. Just look at it! Both Jorge and I loved our stay here and truly enjoyed the views we got from the top.

FAVORITE STOP: Alte Gutsschänke , a cozy restaurant with a wine cellar ambiance. One night we were hungry and wanted to do a wine tasting cause when in Germany, right? We tried this place on a whim and loved it! The service was wonderful, the decor was perfect, and the wine was so good we brought some bottles home.

7. Burg Eltz

If you’re visiting the Mosel or Rhine area (even if you’re not), you need to see Burg Eltz in person. I wanted to experience it without any of the crowds, so I planned accordingly. By staying in Cochem, we were only a 30-minute drive away.

So one morning, we woke up early to visit this extraordinary castle that has been there for over 800 years. We gasped and wowed as soon as the castle peeked out at us. It was worth the morning struggle.

And here I am taking it in.

8. Beilstein, Germany

The tiny town of Beilstein is the main reason I was drawn to the Mosel Valley. I saw a photo of it online and knew my camera, and I had to explore it. I was right; I loved it. It quickly became one of my favorites, even though it’s the size of a shoebox.

Beilstein is a quick 15-minute drive from Cochem along the Mosel River. It’s often referred to as the “Sleeping Beauty of the Moselle.” Every nook in Beilstein is picturesque, and the buildings are either covered in flowers or grapevines. The whole town is oh so charming, and I couldn’t stop taking pictures.

FAVORITE STOP: The whole dang town! Again, it’s tiny, and we only spent a few hours there. But I guess if I had to choose a favorite, it’d be this nook below that inspired me to visit in the first place.

9. Bernkastel-Kues, Germany

Bernkastel wasn’t on my list, but I’m glad we had a chance to visit. It’s another medieval town located further south along the Mosel. It felt bigger than Cochem and more crowded. But it offered tons of beauty and plenty of wine bars! I’m telling ya, the Rhine/Mosel areas are like the Tuscany of Germany.

I wish I had more time in Bernkastel; I felt like there was still so much left to explore. I mentioned to Jorge that whenever we returned to this region, Bernkastel would be another great base. Since it’s a slightly bigger town than Cochem, there seemed to be more food options (which I always prefer).

FAVORITE STOP: The Spitzhausen, a unique building that’s now a wine bar. For anyone who’s been following the blog for a while, you know that I love facades. So imagine the joy when I stumbled upon this half-timbered pointy house! We didn’t try the wine bar, but it’s on the list for next time.

There you have it, 9 places to visit in Germany that I’m sure you’ll love as much as we did. I can’t wait to return to this country and explore further.

Hoping to explore more of Germany? Check out these helpful Guides next

• Neuschwanstein Castle + Fussen Guide
• Things to Do in Rothenburg, Germany

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43 Comments

Loved your comments about Germany. As a 🇬🇧service man I spent a total of 7 yrs in Germany and I love the country. My favourite place is Traben Trarbach not far from Bernkastel. Next time you are near Munich visit Berchesgarten. Another great place to visit is Hameln of Pied Piper fame. Check before you go if the Sunday play is on where the towns folk replay the legend of the Pied Piper of Hamelin. Strangely it is based on fact. Another place is Wuppertal with the overhead Eisenbahn taking you over the traffic. Not as extensive as it was on my first visit in 1964/5. You must taste Apfel Strudel. There are as many recipes as places that sell it but great with either coffee or a glass of Mosel wine.

Quick clarification – Rothenburg Night Watchman tour isn’t free – 9 euro for adults.

So I see by the wine you drank it was early September? It pays to re-read slowly lol! Thanks again.

Hi Lily….you did a FABULOUS job on this Germany trip report, the photography, the information, all simply wonderful, Thank-you! I was wondering what time of year you traveled? Everything is green and the flowers are in full bloom but somehow you got shots without all the crowds, so Im thinking it wasn’t Summer? I plan to use your post as my Germany travel guide next year and fingers crossed we will have a similarly amazing trip. Thanks again!

Hi Debbie, so sorry for the delay! Yes, I did visit in September. It was September 9th, I believe, right after the summer crowds.

Hi Lily, what an amazing article! You’ve truly sold me on these 9 beautiful towns.

Do you know what traveling to these places looks like now that COVID is such a factor?

Hi Olivia, thanks so much for reading! Unfortunately, I don’t know much about their covid situation since I went before the pandemic.

Hi Lily – Amazing article with awesome information!! My family and I are planning a trip to Germany for February Break.. I was wondering how long the 9 cites took you? We might have to only pick a few you listed since we are going for a week!

Hi Jenna, as mentioned in the post, I visited all those places in 5 days! We didn’t explore much of Munich, though. The cities aren’t far apart, so a week should be plenty.

Great information and I love your gorgeous photos! Ever since my first time visiting Germany just before COVID (Cologne, Essen, Dusseldorf), I’m dying to go back! Love your helpful insights on driving too; we might try a road trip! And I agree – Germans are so friendly and hospitable!

Thanks so much, Kellee! I can’t wait to return either. The road trip is definitely worth it.

What beautiful pictures. We are headed to Denmark in July and have decided to fly into Germany and take a road trip north. Your comments about feeling safe driving in Germany were exactly what I needed to hear before deciding to fly into Munich as our starting point. Thank you for sharing your travels with us!

Thank you so much for reading and for your comment! I’m glad the post was helpful that’s always my goal. Enjoy Germany, I can’t wait to return!

Muchas gracias por esta entrada, la he leído con el traductor en español, con una traducción muy buena, eso significa que el original es un muy buen relato, me encantó, con datos específicos y entretenidos, otra vez gracias! Vivo en el sur de Alemania, y estos datos son para mi muy útiles, para fines de semana.

Muchas gracias por tu comentario. 🙂 Me alegra que esta entrada te haya ayudado. Disfruta tus fines por Alemania, ¡me encanta ese país!

Germany is amazing! I didn’t believe it either, but after moving to Germany I’ve discovered so many charming places. It sounds like you had a great time and your photos are really beautiful!

Lucky to be living in Germany! That was my dream for a while but wasn’t able to make it happen. Hoping to return soon enough!

Yes, yes and yes! This is the road trip I want to make. Last time I went to the Rhine-Moselle area, the trip was ruined by torrential rain. And, of course, I was looking forward the most to those days spent there. But, I am hopeful another opportunity to visit will present.

Oh man I’ve had several trips ruined by rain and it’s so disheartening. Hope you get to return soon!

Reading through this post made me so happy, I love all of the buildings in Germany, they are so beautiful! The places you visited were stunning, great photos!

Excellent post! I’d love to explore more of Germany one day. I’ve only been to Munich, but I did take a trip to Neuschwanstein Castle!

These places are incredible! You make me want to go back to Germany even though I have been countless times. I need to go see these places in real life now! Thanks for sharing!

I have had the same thoughts about Germany. I wasn’t too interested until I heard about this Bavarian road trip a few months back. And your experience here has made that trip bump up to the top of my bucket list. I am going to pin , bookmark and save this blog. Thank you for inspiring me! Love love love your pictures..

What a beautiful experience, Lily! 💛 You’ve been to beautiful places in Germany, one better than the other. But I wonder how much time you spent in Munich, since you didn’t share many details about this lovely city.

I have the honor to call it home! And, as time went by, I discovered hidden spots and super interesting stories that locals told me. If you come back to Munich, let me know and I’ll take you out!

I’m so sorry for the delay in response, as you see life has been crazy lately😣 Hope you’re all well in Germany! I loved visiting so much last year and would love to return to Munich one day♥️ we only stayed for a few hours before picking up our rental car since our plan was to visit the smaller towns first. Thanks so much for reading!

Just happened upon your great blog, thanks for all the info. I have already planned our 23 day road trip starting in Berlin and ending in Frankfurt, but what is so timely is we will be staying in 5 of the towns ( Munich, Fussen, Rothenburg ob der tauber, Beilstein, Ruedesheim am Rhein) you wrote about and visiting for the other places. We are even staying at the Hotel Hirsch for 2 nights. Loved your pictures, too!

Oh man your trip sounds amazing!! You’re going to love love love Germany, especially the wine region — it’s such a dream! And Hotel Hirsch looks so cool, good choice! Thanks for reading 🙂

Loved your article! Since living in Germany for 5 years now I know that 12pm usually means our 12am and filling up at a gas station right off the autobahn is a no, no! The other gas stations a little bit in town will be much cheaper!

Thanks for reading! Lucky you get to live in Germany, can’t wait to return one day. 🙂

All these German towns are so pretty!! I really need to go explore some more of Germany.

For sure, definitely check out the small towns!

Federweißer Season usually goes until mid-October at least, thankfully! And when you see long stretches on the Autobahn with no posted speed limit, it is because it’s unlimited.

Next time, definitely check out the Weinstraße in the Pfalz (Rhineland-Palatinate in English). It’s a gorgeous collection of small towns in the second largest wine region. Glad you had a good time, Germany is so lovely!

Whaaa? That’s awesome! Yeah I had read somewhere that it was only a few weeks, but it’s good that it lasts longer lol it’s so good. And I’ll save that place for next time cause we’ll definitely be back! Thanks 🙂

Love your pictures and recommendations! especially the castles – they look amazing!

Thanks Daria!! No shortage of amazing castles in Germany, I loved it.

We are headed to Germany this November and this post is giving me lots of ideas for itinerary planning (we will be staying in Rothenburg and Munich)

Yay! I’m glad I was able to give you a few more ideas. You’re going to LOVE Germany!

Oh man!!! Some of these were already on my list, but I’d never heard of Berg Eltz or Beilstein and they look like an absolute DREAM!! I have a good friend near that area, and she wants to do a road trip around Scotland, so I’m gonna take her on a road trip here, and then she can take me on a road trip there!! Haha.

Hahaha I love this idea!!! Scotland is incredible so it sounds like two amazing road trips!

Wow, Germany looks like an absolute dream! It’s super high on my bucket list and your photography is amazing. I will deff be using this guide when I get to go. I really want to see the Neuschwanstein Castle. I prob wouldn’t want to do the tour inside either. Great post!

Thank you, Sam! 🙂 Yeah I’ve read and felt like going inside would be a waste of time – at least for my travel style.

Beautiful photography! You probably could’ve said “There’s absolutely nothing to do in this entire country” and I would still want to go just to see these pictures in real life!

LOL, I love this comment! Thanks so much for reading 🙂 I hope you make it to Germany soon.

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• Germany Tours
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Top 12 Tourist Attractions in Germany

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Germany has so much to offer its visitors: sprawling alps, winding rivers, lush valleys, and about 20,000 elegant castles. The country also has an incredibly complicated history, reflected in its many monuments and museums.  With so much to see and do, it’s hard to decide what truly deserves a place on your German bucket list! Here are what we consider to be the top 12 tourist attractions in Germany , in no particular order.

1. Heidelberger Schloss, Heidelberg

Though now in ruins, Heidelberger Schloss (Heidelberg Castle) remains an impressive structure that can be seen from nearly anywhere in Heidelberg. Nestled in the rich green forest of the Königstuhl hillside, some 80 metres from the rest of the city, the castle can be reached by funicular railway or by stairs. Once at the top, take in the views of the city below (including the Neckar River and the Old Bridge), take in the impressive Renaissance architecture, roam the castle’s gardens, and visit the Heidelberg Tun - the World’s Largest Wine Barrel! For these reasons and more, Heidelberg is considered one of the best cities to visit in Germany . 

• Best time to visit: The castle is open year-round, with the heaviest crowds in the summer. Visit in the spring for good weather but less crowds.
• Entrance fee: EUR 7 for adults, EUR 4 reduced (includes use of the Funicular Railway, Great Tun, German Apothecary Museum)

2. Fernsehturm (Television Tower), Berlin

It’s impossible to miss the towering Fernsehturm as you explore Berlin ! Standing 368 metres tall, the Television Tower is the tallest structure in Germany and was originally built by the German Democratic Republic as a symbol of communist power. While the tower is primarily used for broadcasting TV and radio stations, you can also visit its observation deck for incredible panoramic views of the cosmopolitan city of Berlin. Be sure to grab a drink at the bar or, if you’re really feeling fancy, have a bite at the tower’s rotating restaurant.

• Best time to visit: Visit late at night (21:00 - 23:00) for cheaper tickets and sparkling views of the city
• Entrance fee: Adults from EUR 13 and children from EUR 8.50

3. Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Ansbach of Mittelfranken

With so much to offer its visitors, we’re considering the entire town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber one of Germany’s top tourist attractions. Prepare to step back in time, as this medieval town has been virtually untouched since the early 1600s. We highly recommend climbing the tower of the Town Hall, where you’ll be able to look out over the town’s red roofs (they look like gingerbread houses from up there) and the winding Tauber River beyond the town walls.

• Best time to visit: Rothenburg ob der Tauber can be fairly crowded year-round, and is beautiful in all seasons. Visit in December for some gorgeous Christmas markets.
• Entrance fee: Free 

4. Brandenburg Gate, Berlin

Though Berlin has many famous monuments, the Brandenburg Gate with its sandstone columns and its horse-drawn chariot is possibly the most recognizable of them all. The monument was built in 1791 in honor of King Frederick William II and is modelled after the Acropolis in Athens. Though it was once a symbol of oppression as part of the infamous Berlin Wall, today it is recognized as a symbol of peace and unity, along with being an ode to Germany’s complicated history. You can walk right up to the gate as it is surrounded by a pedestrian area. Many walking and cycling tours of the city departing in front of the Brandenburg Gate.

• Best time to visit: This attraction is best seen at night, when you can enjoy it shining in its surrounding yellow floodlights while eating some street food.
• Entrance fee: Free

5. Kölner Dom (Cologne Cathedral), Cologne

A gorgeous example of High Gothic architecture, the Cologne Cathedral is the main attraction for this German city. Nestled on the banks of the River Rhine, this cathedral covers nearly 6,200 square meters of space and consists of 56 gorgeous, massive pillars. Pop inside to see the cathedral’s incredible stained-glass windows, dating back to the 12th century, and climb the South Tower for panoramic views of Cologne. 

• Best time to visit: The Cathedral is usually open from 6:00 – 21:00 and 13:00 – 16:30 on Sundays. Do plan a visit on a Sunday if you wish to attend a church service. 
• Entrance fee: EUR 3

6. Neuschwanstein Castle, Füssen

Perhaps one of the most photographed tourist attractions in Germany, Neuschwanstein is an impressive fairytale-like castle that inspired Walt Disney to create his most famous park, Magic Kingdom. In fact, it is quite easy to see the resemblance between this 19th-century castle and Cinderella’s castle. Surrounded by sweeping valleys, towering mountains and beautiful lakes, Neuschwanstein is best viewed from Marienbrücke, or Mary’s Bridge — a bridge over the Pöllat Gorge that offers stunning views of the castle and the scenery around it.

• Best time to visit: Visit during the winter months for fewer crowds and spectacular views of the castle and surrounding hills covered in snow
• Entrance fee: EUR 13. Free for children under 18

7. Oktoberfest, Munich

You’ll have to plan wisely if you plan to visit this tourist attraction, as it only happens once a year over the course of 16 to 18 days. Running from the end of September until the first weekend of October, Oktoberfest attracts an incredible 6 million visitors every year. It’s a full-fledged celebration of German heritage, beer, hendl (roast chicken), w ürstl (sausage), knödel (dumplings) and other traditional fare. While celebrations occur all over the country (and, in fact, all over the world), the largest parties can be found in Munich and wider Bavaria. If you would like to know more then, please read our Insider's Guide on Oktoberfest .

• Best time to visit: Runs only from the end of September until the beginning of October. Be sure to research specific dates in advance.
• Entrance fee: Free (varies by location)

8. Berlin Wall, Berlin

No visit to Berlin is complete without seeing one of the world’s most famous walls. The Berlin Wall (Berliner Mauer) separated East Germany (including East Berlin) from West Berlin from 1961 until 1990, when it was eventually demolished. You can still visit some of the wall’s remnants, including Checkpoint Charlie (a well-known crossing point along the wall) and the remaining stretch near Ostbahnhof. Sections of the wall, often graffitied with political messages and symbols of peace, can also be found throughout the city — and around the world!

• Best time to visit: Anytime. The memorial site is open from Monday to Sunday 8:00 – 22:00 

9. Dachau Concentration Camp, Upper Bavaria

Though far more sombre than many of the tourist attractions on this list, a visit to Dachau is an incredibly humbling experience that every visitor to Germany should take in. As the first of Germany’s concentration camps, Dachau is a memorial site offering a wealth of information on the more than 200,000 individuals imprisoned in the camp over a 12 year period.  Guided tours and audio tours are available, taking you through various exhibits, the barracks, and the crematorium.

• Best time to visit: Anytime of the year. However, it is best to visit during warmer months as there is a lot to see outside. 
• Entrance fee : Free (EUR 3 for an audio guide)

10. Miniatur Wunderland, Hamburg

You don’t have to be a train or transportation aficionado to appreciate this miniature wonder. Located in the centre of Speicherstadt, the city’s historical district, this model railway (the world’s largest) will transport you from the Austrian Alps to Las Vegas and back again, all using more than 15,000 meters of track, 1,300 trains, and about 400,000 human figurines! You’ll want a couple of hours at least to appreciate the sheer scale and amount of fine detail at Miniatur Wunderland.

• Best time to visit: Visit on a weekday as soon as it opens (08:00) to avoid heavy crowds
• Entrance fee: EUR 13 for adults and EUR 6.50 for children under 16

11. Sanssouci Park and Palace, Potsdam

With a steep staircase leading up to this summer palace’s once copper dome and long yellow walls, you’d be forgiven for mistaking the Sanssouci summer palace for France’s Versailles. In fact, the two are often compared. Though Sanssouci is  comprised of just ten rooms, much smaller than the Palace of Versailles, it is an impressive sight that shouldn’t be missed during your visit to Germany. After exploring the palace’s interior and taking in the gorgeous architecture, be sure to take a stroll through the surrounding park where you’ll find more than 3,000 fruit trees, countless greenhouses, and a sprawling flower garden in the baroque style.

• Best time to visit: Between May and October (to avoid any closures or limited operating hours) 
• Entrance fee: EUR 12

12. Insel Mainau, Lake Constance

Floating in Lake Constance, near the city of Konstanz, you will find a small garden island named Mainau, another famous tourist attraction in Germany. Covering about 110 acres of land, the island is nicknamed ‘Flower Island’ as it is covered in parks and gardens teeming with vibrant, colorful flowers and about 500 species of trees, along with beautiful sculptures and fountains. Explore the island’s Italian rose garden, home to 500 varieties of roses, and the greenhouse, where you’ll find plenty of tropical and semitropical vegetation and thousands of butterflies.

• Best time to visit: Visit in the spring to enjoy the trees and flowers in full bloom
• Entrance fee: In  summer, EUR 21 for adults, EUR 12 for students and free for children under 12. Half price entry after 5pm. In winter, EUR 10 for adults, EUR 6 for students and free for children under 12. 

Germany is a country full of interesting sites, rich culture, vibrant cities , stunning historical architecture, and lovely European landscapes. There is so much to see and do for the avid traveler. We suggest you take the time and explore all of these 12 sights, guaranteed you won't regret it! 

Related Categories

• Germany Travel Tips
• Hikes In Germany
• How Long To Spend In Germany
• What To Do In Germany
• When To Visit Germany
• Where To Go To Germany

• A Aissa Mohamed Sep 24 2023 REPLY I visited some of the places you mentioned, and I love traveling very much, and I appreciate your effort to direct me where I should go, and combined with my travel experience.

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Germany is a hidden gem when it comes to awesome travel destinations. Whatever suits you best – you can have it all:

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Tourism.de is your Germany travel guide.

Enjoy your vacation!

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Baden-Baden – The Spa and Casino City

Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Mainau – Island of Flowers

Koblenz – wine city at deutsches eck.

Trier – Roman Heritage and German Wine

Heidelberg – Gorgeous College Town on the River Neckar

Oberwiesenthal – The highest Town in Germany

Ulm – Lovely City on the River Danube

Mainz – the carnival city.

Augsburg – The Lovely Capital of Swabia

Heilbronn – rich history, fine wines and live music.

Kempten – Lovely City in the Allgäu

Ansbach – The Hidden Rococo Gem

Görlitz – Gorgeous City in the Upper Lusatia

Füssen – nature, history, and hospitality.

Konstanz – A Lovely City at Lake Constance

Oberstdorf – a paradise for hiking and skiing.

Rostock – A Baltic Paradise

Stuttgart – enjoyable city at the neckar river, münster – cultural centre of westphalia.

Cochem – Idyll along the Moselle

Bad Salzungen – The Spa Town

Leipzig – The Heart of Saxony

Lübeck: Queen of the Hanseatic

Potsdam – the city of parks, passau – city of three rivers.

Erfurt – Beauty in the East

Winterberg: fun in the snow.

Weimar – Centre of culture

Weil am Rhein – The city of chairs

Regensburg: gorgeous world heritage.

Freiburg im Breisgau: The sunny city

Bamberg: The franconian Rome

Beautiful Würzburg

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Discovering the Black Forest Weather

A guide to chiemsee: germany’s lake paradise, discover the beauty of the bavarian alps.

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Herrenhausen gardens – one of the great gardens of the world, mittenwald: a hidden gem in the bavarian alps, the green heart of munich: the english garden.

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Franconian Switzerland: A Mountainous Wilderness

Zugspitze – Germany’s Highest Mountain

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Lenggries – Picturesque Place in the Alps

Bad Reichenhall – A Wonderful Alpine Town

Bad Aibling – Relaxing in a gorgeous Spa Town

The Eifel – A fiery, natural Paradise

Meersburg – city of museums, wernigerode – the colorful town in the harz foothills.

Teutoburg Forest

Thuringian forest.

Eisenach – Home of Wartburg Castle

Neuschwanstein Castle

Mecklenburg lake plateau, lake constance.

Bavarian Forest

Spreewald – Picturesque Woodlands

The Ore Mountains

Berchtesgadener land.

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Gorgeous Harz Mountains

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Grömitz: The Baltic’s Peaceful Coastline

Cuxhaven – The Small Shining Pearl of Northern Germany

Heiligendamm – The White Town by the Sea

Bad Doberan – Relaxing near the Baltic Sea

Timmendorfer Strand – Enjoying the Beach Life

Norderney – Stunning Coastal Vistas

Hiddensee – The Feel-Good Island

Rügen Island – The Jewel of Germany’s Baltic Coast

Heringsdorf – The Imperial Spa and Seaside Resort Town

Büsum – Home of the North Sea Shrimps

Scharbeutz – Sun, Sand and Stew

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Juist – Cozy island in the North Sea

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Usedom – the sunny island, borkum – a lovely seaside health resort.

Amrum – Pearl of the North Sea

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Should You Bring a Camera When You Travel or Is a Phone Enough?

F or most travelers, the smartphone in your pocket works just fine for taking photos of adventures. But what are you missing by relying on your phone alone? I used my recent trip to Germany to explore when a casual sightseer would benefit from having a dedicated camera or if their phone would be enough.

While everyone's kit is different, most travelers won't be hauling around a DSLR or pro-quality mirrorless camera. Instead, they'll debate between buying a fancy new phone or a more affordable everyday mirrorless camera. (Though there are point-and-shoot options if you want a standalone camera, they may not outstrip your phone's photo capabilities.)

I'm no pro photographer, so don't expect expert advice on how to get the most out of this kit, but for casual photo takers who leave their camera on the auto settings, this is a good comparison to see what each device can handle without much fuss amid a busy trip abroad.

My kit isn't the best you'll find, but it's probably not far off from what many travelers may pack in their pockets and bags: my personal iPhone 12 Pro, a Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra (to test a more camera-intensive phone), and a snug Sony ZVE-10 mirrorless camera with a Sigma 16mm f1.4 DC DN (an affordable prime lens).

Here's the breakdown for what each device did best -- and what they couldn't do.

iPhone 12 Pro

The iPhone 12 Pro is a few years past its October 2020 launch date but still plenty capable, and its photo capabilities are probably similar to what many older premium and newer cheaper phones can achieve. When it debuted, the iPhone 12 Pro retailed for $999 (£999, AU$1,699) but years later it isn't really sold anywhere aside from refurbished at sub-$500 prices. You can still pick up a stock iPhone 12 on Apple's website for $599, but it lacks the 2x telephoto lens. 

The iPhone 12 Pro took basic photos well, albeit with the warm tones typical of iPhone photos. Images I shot didn't have quite the same color accuracy as the Samsung S22 Ultra or the Sony ZVE-10. Still, the iPhone 12 Pro was great at taking daytime shots of streets, museums and breezy lunches. It struggled with dimly lit dinners and at night, with photos having a grainy texture from image noise.

Germany Travel Photo Comparison: iPhone 12 Pro Example Photos

Another limit was the iPhone 12 Pro's 2x optical zoom, which was far inferior to the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra's telephoto capabilities. Since I was mostly seeing landscapes, I rarely felt the need to zoom in on a distant subject. The ultra-wide camera was more useful, and its 13mm-equivalent focal length allowed me another option to the 26mm-equivalent main camera for framing a specific shot. 

In head-to-head comparisons with the mirrorless camera, the iPhone 12 Pro held up surprisingly well. The phone captured near and background distant subjects in crisp detail. The mirrorless camera was more selective in its focus, largely homing in on one or the other and requiring a bit more finesse. 

As I was using the iPhone for every other travel-necessary app like navigation and wireless payments, it was in my pocket every day and wasn't a burden to carry. That meant it was on-hand for me to take quick photos out the windows of our train or rental car of passing scenery at just the right time.

Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra

While superseded by this year's Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra I took on my trip is still a camera powerhouse. It has a 108-megapixel main camera and a 12-megapixel ultrawide camera with 120-degree field of view, but it's really known for its zoom photography. It has not one but two  telephoto lenses: a 10-megapixel with 3x optical zoom and a 10-megapixel periscope-style capable of 10x optical zoom.

As expected, the Galaxy S22 Ultra took great photos at a distance. Did I need zoom photo capability? Not really! Most of my subjects were 20 to 50 feet away.

Unless, of course, you're taking shots of distant buildings, like the Neuschwanstein Castle on Germany's southernmost border, nestled in the foothills of the Alps within spitting distance of Austria. It was nice to have more control to frame the photos with the zoom capability, even if I didn't need the 100x "space zoom." The feature combines optical and digital zoom with AI tricks to home in on a cropped-in corner of zoomed-in image. The 30x was enough and rarely necessary. Regardless, the S22 Ultra's 10x optical and digital hybrid zoom produced far better photos than the iPhone 12 Pro's grainy 10x digital zoom.

Here's the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra's camera from the road at the foot of a trail leading up to Neuschwanstein, with shots from the main camera at 1x, 3x, 10x and 100x zoom. 

Germany Travel Photo Comparison: Samsung S22 Galaxy Ultra, Castle Street

Compare that to the iPhone 12 Pro's main camera at 1x, 2x and 10x.

Germany Travel Photo Comparison: iPhone 12 Pro, Castle Street

The Galaxy S22 and iPhone 12 Pro both did a decent job shooting photos with a mixture of dark and light foregrounds and backgrounds, especially with bright skies that can be easily washed out. Below is a shot from up on a balcony of the Neuschwanstein castle, looking west into the valley. 

But it's easy to see how cool the Galaxy S22 Ultra's zoom capabilities are when perched above the landscape and using successive zoom intervals to get closer shots of a subject.

Germany Travel Photo Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, Valley Zoom

Lastly, here's a simple comparison of shots of the castle itself, with the Galaxy S22 Ultra's main camera versus the iPhone 12 Pro's camera. 

The Galaxy S22 Ultra is one of the best phones we've tested, which garnered a CNET Editor's Choice Award  in our review . It's more convenient to handle than my mirrorless camera, though it doesn't have as many photo settings.

The Galaxy S22 Ultra is a large phone, so it took up a lot of space in my pocket. Even if I were to buy it to replace my iPhone 12 Pro, it would still be cumbersome to yank out for casual photos. As it was, there were a handful of situations where I might have lost the S22 if it had been in my pocket instead of the smaller iPhone 12 Pro, including a bobsled-like roller coaster on a hillside in the middle of the Black Forest. (Which, sadly, wouldn't allow phones on the course, but there are ride-through videos on YouTube .)

Sony ZVE-10 mirrorless camera

The Sony ZVE-10 is aimed at vloggers with its 4K video shooting and light weight, but that also made it great for taking still photos with its 24-megapixel resolution. The camera is reasonably affordable at $700, and has swappable lenses via a lens mount.

I used the ZVE-10 with a Sigma 16mm f/1.4 prime lens I picked up for $399 to take better product shots. The Sony body and Sigma lens combo took superior photos to either phone in medium to close range. Thanks to the ZVE-10's crop APS-C sensor, the 16mm lens was more like a 24mm lens, and had essentially the same field of view as the standard rear cameras on the iPhone 12 Pro and Galaxy S22 Ultra. 

For the majority of the trip, the short-range prime lens was fine, and I didn't miss being able to zoom in on distant objects. You can get pretty close to any subject that's worth taking photos of, though I would want a telephoto lens at a concert or for shooting wildlife. I did miss not being able to zoom out with either phone's ultra-wide lenses, especially in cramped quarters like awkwardly small museum rooms.

The ZVE-10 performed fine with landscape shots but excelled in reasonable-size enclosed spaces, capturing greater color contrast and lighting/shadow variance. Compare these photos below of a fresco on a low roof in the Cologne Cathedral, shot with the ZVE-10 and the iPhone 12 Pro, respectively.

When shooting close subjects, the ZVE-10 excelled at capturing evocative lighting, and the f/1.4 Sigma lens' natural bokeh led to moodier shots compared to the uniform brightness of the iPhone 12 Pro. 

And while the iPhone 12 Pro produced uniformly brighter and crisper photos, the post-processing to get such clarity led to some flattened color and shadow. In photos of this iron statue of the Chinese mythological aquatic monkey demon Wuzhiqi located in Berlin's Humboldt Forum, you can see more detail in the iPhone 12 Pro's shot, but it loses the red-brown tone from years of oxidation. 

It was also easier to get the ZVE-10 to produce a depth effect naturally. With the iPhone 12 Pro, portrait mode requires more fiddling and an ideal distance between the phone, your subject and the background. But the camera's depth effect made it tough to keep everything in focus when I was taking photos of food and wanted to show the whole plate. 

Unsurprisingly, the ZVE-10 and lens far outweighed the phones. Though not enough to be cumbersome, the weight and size differences are noticeable. The camera and lens fit snugly in my compact camera bag, which stayed out of the way while slung over my shoulder. But the camera was more annoying to lug around and pull out to take photos than a phone in my pocket.

Needing to manually upload my photos was a bit annoying, too. The Sony Imaging Edge app let me send photos directly from the camera to my phone, but it's clunky for bulk uploads. And forget about handing your fancy mirrorless camera over to a stranger to take a photo of your traveling party for fear of them dropping it or not knowing how to use it. Thankfully, the ZVE-10's rotating display meant I could angle it forward to pull off selfies, which consequently took better shots than either phone's front-facing camera but didn't capture as much subject matter. Both the iPhone's and Galaxy's selfie cameras had wider field-of-views.

Lastly, the mirrorless camera may have more potential for better shots since it can save images in the RAW format, which gives photo editors a lot more data and freedom to tweak. It's worth pointing out that my iPhone 12 Pro can shoot in Apple's ProRAW format , while my Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra can shoot in Expert RAW format via a separate app (though it's natively in the camera app as of the Samsung Galaxy S23 series). Both can be edited much like standard RAW formats. I deliberately shot photos in JPG format for all devices in this test, since most travelers will simply point and shoot with the default format. All these photos could certainly look better with some Photoshop touch-up.

Ultimately, this was an unscientific test rather than a thorough field guide. I set out wondering whether my daily smartphone would miss out on any particular travel shots that a camera-focused phone like the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra or my mirrorless camera would be capable of picking up.

Most of the time the iPhone was fine, but there were edge cases where the S22 Ultra and ZVE-10 outperformed my older iPhone. And as I am not an especially gifted photographer, I acknowledge that someone with real skills could finesse far better images out of either the Galaxy S22 Ultra or the ZVE-10 that could likely put the iPhone to shame in all situations. 

Also, your mileage will vary depending on which kinds of photos you want to take. If you absolutely need to zoom in on distant subjects, a phone like the S22 Ultra is the right choice -- or you could buy a telephoto lens for your mirrorless camera. 

But from citywide landscapes to museum art piece shots to selfies, the iPhone 12 Pro handled nearly everything I needed it to do. It also helped that I could effortlessly post my photos on social media from my main phone rather than having to transfer them from the mirrorless camera. That's essential to the travel experience, as I'd add a photo to my Instagram story and get friends responding in minutes with recommendations for historical monuments and food in my area. And it's not like my mirrorless camera could make calls or text.

This isn't necessarily an iPhone recommendation, just reiterating that your daily driver will be just as useful while traveling as it is at home (but better cameras and a quality ultra-wide lens certainly help). The shots you'll take of yourself and peripatetic partners will mostly be 10 to 20 feet away in bright daylight and low light, with some night scenes here and there. Perhaps a higher-end camera would capture more artistic and high-quality depth shots, but you'll probably want to capture the fleeting and low-key moments more than the artfully posed ones.

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Horn-Bad Meinberg: Overlooking Externsteine ©DZT (Florian Trykowski)

Garmisch-Partenkirchen: Zugspitze summit, Zugspitze peak ©DZT (Florian Trykowski)

Black Forrest National Park ©Verband Deutscher Naturparke e.V. (Gerhard Albicker)

Cuxhaven: Segelschiff in der Wurster Nordseeküste ©DZT (Florian Trykowski)

Thale: View from the Hexentanzplatz ©DZT (Florian Trykowski)

Experience nature sustainably: embrace Germany's unique landscapes!

Three UNESCO natural World Heritage Sites, 16 UNESCO biosphere reserves, 16 national parks and 104 nature parks protect and preserve Germany's unique natural landscapes. Islands and coasts, towering mountains and thick forests, as well as thousands of lakes and rivers, can all be explored easily and without a harmful environmental footprint along countless great hiking routes and cycle paths. Relaxation and sustainability are guaranteed thanks to the climate-neutral journey by train and your prolonged stays in certified eco-friendly accommodation.

Find true relaxation in the countryside close to your heart. Embrace German Nature!

Germany's natural landscapes are all so rewarding

Join us on a very unique journey – fly across the sea, over coasts and islands, above gorges, mountains and valleys! Let us take you on an adventure into Germany's green diversity. Why not see for yourself?

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"The gorge is always changing: sometimes it's as stately as the Grand Canyon; on other occasions, it's an untouched spot where nature remains wonderfully untamed."

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