Home Travel Top 9 Must-See Attractions in Germany

Top 9 Must-See Attractions in Germany

Top 9 Must-See Attractions in Germany
Photo by Rachel Davis on Unsplash

As you plan your next vacation, Germany should be at the top of your list of places to visit. Natural beauty, culture, and history are the best terms to describe what you’ll experience on your trip to Germany. This country boasts an abundance of mountains, forests, small towns, and big cities. In fact, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Germany has everything whether you want to visit for sightseeing or shopping.

Before you leave Germany, make sure you visit the following places.

Brandenburg Gate in Berlin

Berlin Germany
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The Brandenburg Gate was built in 1791 during the reign of King Frederick William II. This monumental sandstone gate is the first Neoclassical structure in Mitte, a district of Berlin. It’s 26 meters high and includes a striking 4-horse chariot, the Quadriga. Undoubtedly, this is the most iconic structure in Berlin. Before heading to the gate, you can take a flight from Ethiopia to Berlin Brandenburg Airport. For your online Ethiopian booking, consider using top airline booking sites to be on the safe side.

Kölner Dom (Cologne Cathedral)

The towering Kölner Dom (Cologne Cathedral), home to the St. Mary’s and St. Peter’s cathedrals, is a place to behold. Just on the Rhine’s banks, the Kölner Dom is perhaps the most impressive sight in Germany. This masterpiece is among the biggest cathedrals in Europe. The construction of the Cologne Cathedral began in 1248 and was completed in 1848, taking about six centuries to complete. It has an imposing façade with a magnificent interior covering an area of over 6,000 square meters. The cathedral is supported by 56 large pillars, making it look even more attractive.

What you’d love more about this place is the artistic 12th or 13th-century stained glass, the panoramic views, and the treasury, which hosts the precious objects that survived the Second World War.

Baden-Württemberg, the Black Forest

Black Forest
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The Black Forest derives its name from its densely-wooded, dark hills. Situated in the southwestern part of Germany, this forest is the most visited tourist attraction in Europe. It’s a 160-km stretch, starting from Waldshut to Pforzheim. The Baden-Württemberg descends to the Rhine on its west side, creating a panoramic scene with lush valleys. It’s a little gentler to the east, where you’ll find the Upper Danube and Neckar Valleys.

Popular highlights in the Black Forest include:

  • The Todnau ski area.
  • Baden-Baden spa facilities.
  • The spectacular railway.
  • The Bad Liebenzell resort.

Museum Island

Also known as Museumsinsel, Museum Island is Berlin’s most famous island that lies between the Kupfergraben and the River Spree. It’s a 400-meter-long canal just off the River Spree. This old museum in the heart of this tourist-friendly district was constructed in 1830. The designers made it specifically for exhibiting the royal treasures.

The New Museum took shape between 1843 and 1855. About 21 years later, the contractors added the National Gallery. Later, in 1904, the Bode Museum was added, becoming the home of antiquities. You can also visit the Pergamon, a recreation of the Middle East’s historic buildings. Note that there are lots of things to see here that you can not manage in a single day.

The Rhine Valley

If you like waterways, you can’t leave Germany without visiting the Rhine Valley. It’s probably the most attractive waterway in Germany. The Rhine Valley stretches up to 1,320 kilometers from Switzerland to the Netherlands, passing through Germany. The most magnificent part of this majestic river is the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a lovely section designated as a UNESCO heritage site. It’s a trendy spot for tourists because it has over 60 picturesque towns and 40 castles, which you can explore by car or river cruise.

The best place to start exploring the River Rhine is Bingen, a historic town where the Rhine cuts a very deep gorge before it enters the Bacharach valley.

Munich’s Marienplatz

Munich’s Marienplatz, or München, is the third biggest city in Germany. So if you are an adventurous tourist who likes city life, this is the place. München is the Bavarian state’s capital city, which traces its roots to the 12th century with the establishment of a monastery. The city grew quickly, becoming the most important place of commerce and trade in this region. 

Of particular importance is that traders from Bavaria used to meet in Marienplatz to conduct their business, and locals would gather to watch jousting tournaments and do some shopping. To date, this area still attracts a large number of people for various reasons. Some come here for sightseeing, while others visit to sample the many exquisite restaurants and cafes.

Schloss Neuschwanstein, the Ultimate Fairy-Tale Castle of Bavaria

Füssen, an old town situated between the Allgäu Alps and the Ammergau, is a popular winter sports center and Alpine resort. It is an excellent place for exploring Neuschwanstein Castle. The castle is a spectacular fortress, recognized as Europe’s most picturesque and famous royal castle. King Ludwig II built this battlement-covered and many-towered fortress. It’s renowned for guided tours and some of the most spectacular views in the country.

Miniatur Wunderland

Miniatur Wunderland
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Miniatur Wunderland is in the heart of the Port of Hamburg. It is the world’s largest model railroad, making it appealing to adults and children. The model is more than 9.5 miles long and has sections dedicated to Hamburg, Scandinavia, England, and the US. It also incorporates over 400,000 human figures, 50,000 microscopic lights, and 1,300 trains. The model has detailed miniature airports with planes, bustling harbors, quaint rural scenes, and crowded cities.

The Island of Rügen, Mecklenburg

Rügen is the most beautiful and largest Baltic island in Germany. The Strelasund separates it from the other parts of Germany, and it’s linked to Stralsund (a mainland town) by a long causeway. You’ll love it here because it has everything to keep you engaged. Its diverse landscape has everything, including lovely peninsulas, lagoons, sandy beaches, forest-covered hills, and flat farmland.

Conclusion

Germany is a big country with thousands of attractions. If you want to sample all the attractions, it may take you several years. But if you only visit the most attractive places with rich histories, the above nine attractions will fit the bill. It’s best to book your flight and hotel early to have a memorable trip.

Featured Photo by Rachel Davis on Unsplash