Best known for its famous Oktoberfest andWorld War II history, Germany is also home to some of Europa’s most beautiful scenery, fairytale castles, important historic sites and lively party scenes.
Located in the heart of Europe, Germany maintainsthe continent’s most powerful economy.
Here’s a look at the best places to visitin Germany.
Number 10.
Rothenburg.
The walled city of Rothenburg sits on a plateauoverlooking the Tauber river in Bavaria.
Straight from the pages of a fairy tale, thetown is famous for its extremely well preserved medieval center.
Be sure to visit the Town Hall, the seat ofcity government since medieval times.
Climb the steps of the 13th-century hall’stower for stunning views of the city.
Rothenburg is also famous for the stores thatcarry Christmas items all year round and for having an outstanding Christmas market eachDecember.
Number 9.
Rugen Island.
Located in the Baltic Sea, Rugen Island isthe largest island in Germany, connected to the mainland by a bridge and causeway.
Charming villas, romantic seaside resortsand beautiful beaches all draw tourists to Rugen Island, but the star attraction is theJasmund National Park, famous for its unique chalk cliffs rising 528 feet over the sea.
Another notable feature of Rugen Island isCape Arkona, East Germany’s northernmost tip, where tourists can visit an old lighthouse, remnants of a Slavic castle and a picturesque fishing village.
Number 8.
Romantic Rhine.
Stretching between the cities of Bingen andBonn, Germany, the Middle Rhine flows through a dramatic geological formation called theRhine Gorge.
This region features a spectacular landscapedotted with some 40 medieval castles, picturesque villages and terraced vineyards.
The region’s most famous natural attractionis the Lorelei, the deepest and most narrow section of the Rhine Gorge, which featuresa large, treacherous rock that caused several boating accidents prior to the 19th century.
The best way to experience the Romantic Rhineis by a riverboat cruise.
Number 7.
Cologne.
Situated on the Rhine River in the Germanfederal state of North Rhine-Westphalia, Cologne is one of the most popular places to visitin Germany.
The city offers a vibrant array of attractions, buzzing nightlife and a stellar arts and culture scene.
Cologne also packs impressive landmarks suchas the city’s informal symbol, the Cologne Cathedral, a stunning Gothic church.
Moreover, the Twelve Romanesque Churches aremagnificent examples of medieval architecture.
Number 6.
Dresden.
Before it was severely damaged from WorldWar II bombings, Dresden was known as the Jewel Box because of its lavish collectionof stunning art and architecture.
After many years, the city has restored muchof its former glory.
The capital of the federal state of Saxony, Dresden offers a number of historic sites like the stunning Frauenkirche cathedral.
The city also boasts many cultural institutionsof which the Semper Opera is most widely esteemed.
Number 5.
Lubeck.
As one of the largest Baltic seaports in Germany, Lübeck is located in the country’s northern-most state, Schleswig-Holstein.
Founded in 1143, Lübeck served for severalcenturies as the capital seat of the Hanseatic League.
Although it was the first German city to bebombed and damaged during World War II, Lübeck still retains much of its medieval architecture, making it a popular tourist destination.
A walk through the narrow streets of the Altstadtoffers views of historic sites like the stunning cathedral, the 12th century Town Hall andthe old city gates of which the Holstentor is the most famous.
Number 4.
Heidelberg.
With historic treasures like the medievalOld Bridge, the Heidelberg Castle, the Church of the Holy Spirit and the Knight St.
GeorgeHouse, it is no wonder that Heidelberg is a popular tourist attraction.
The city center’s main street is packedwith pubs, restaurants, museums, art galleries, shops and markets selling the likes of beersteins, cuckoo clocks and German sausages.
Home to Germany’s oldest university, Heidelberg’slong academic history can be retraced along the Philosopher’s Walk, a scenic footpathoften walked by many earlier philosophers and professors.
Number 3.
Neuschwanstein.
The most photographed building in Germany, Neuschwanstein Castle, is also one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations.
Nestled among the breathtaking beauty of theBavarian Alps near the town of Fussen, this fairy-tale castle served as the inspirationbehind Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle.
Constructed in the late 1800s, NeuschwansteinCastle was never built for defense purposes as most castles.
Instead, this castle was created as a fancifulretreat King Ludwig II of Bavaria who had a reputation for abiding in daydreams insteadof reality.
Number 2.
Munich.
Best known as the origin of the world famousOktoberfest, Munich is one of the best places to visit in Germany with a great culture scene.
Munich is home to several sophisticated operahouses and theaters like the National Theatre.
The city center is an attractive blend ofclassic and modern architecture, teeming in historic churches, medieval walls and royalpalaces as well as bustling shopping centers and nightlife venues.
Munich’s Oktoberfest began in 1810 witha royal wedding celebration.
Today, this famous festival draws millionsof visitors every year to take part in the revelry that involves several gigantic beertents, delicious Bavarian food and millions of gallons of beer.
Number 1.
Berlin.
The capital city of Germany, Berlin is widelyassociated with its World War II history and former division of East and West Germany bythe Berlin Wall during the Cold War.
Since the fall of the historic wall in 1989, Berlin today is now a vast, unified city diverse in ethnic groups and abundant in sightseeingattractions, culture and nightlife.
Many tourists are drawn to Berlin’s famoushistoric structures, which include the Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag.
Although most of the Berlin Wall was demolished, there are some portions still standing near Checkpoint Charlie and the Reichstag.
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