I love that Germany is a mix of age-old traditions and forward-thinking ideals. It’s also a land blessed with acres of countryside dotted with chocolate-box-pretty villages, moody forests, romantic river valleys, vast expanses of vineyards, perfectly preserved half-timbered towns, and the majestic Alps. From my many trips and Berlin aside, here are my favourite places I want to share with you…
1. Rothenburg ob der Tauber and the Romantic Road
Follow the cobbled streets through the fairytale-esque gate embedded within the city walls and return to medieval Europe.
I honestly think this is one of the prettiest towns located along the famous ‘Romantic Road’ in Bavaria, an attraction that also deserves a place on this list. The road is a picturesque 350km route through the forests and mountains of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg.
Rothenburg, although small, is packed with exciting sites I highly recommend visiting the Market Square, flanked by 14th-century buildings; the tall Town Hall Tower, which has 241 steps leading to one of the most stunning views over the city; and the interesting Medieval Crime and Punishment Museum.
When night falls, I would suggest going on the amusing Night Watchman’s Tour!
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Best time to visit: summer but Christmas especially magical
2. The Black Forest
A land of cuckoo clocks and cherry gâteaux, this place is so magical it even inspired some of the Brothers Grimm fairy tales.
It covers a large area within which you’ll find the spa town of Baden-Baden (otherwise known as the “Jewel of the Black Forest”), Freiburg (a vibrant university city), and Offenburg (the capital of the wine region) as well as many other pretty quaint German villages.
However, I personally think the most attractive part of this area can be seen by driving or hiking along the Schwarzwaldhochstraße —a fantastic high road through rolling hills and valleys, thick forests of black fir trees, and mist-covered lakes.
One of the most picturesque lakes in the area is Titisee; I recommend trying to catch the Zapfle-Bahnle train alone on the scenic route around the lake or follow the lake road, where you can take in the beauty of the tranquil water.
3. Neuschwanstein Castle
This stunning iconic image of Germany is, in fact, the former 19th-century home of the late Ludwig II of Bavaria (otherwise known as the Mad King),
The gorgeous Romanesque building is so fairytale that it inspired the famous Disney castle. Although it’s often overrun with tourists, this doesn’t detract from the awe-inspiring beauty of this castle both inside. I would suggest not missing this place, it’s popular for a reason!
The most picturesque view of the magnificent structure is from Mary’s Bridge, a stop halfway up the hill towards the castle. Make sure you also visit the lovely Hohenschwangau Castle, located nearby.
Located in the southeastern portion of Germany and on the border of Austria is the stunning Lake Königssee —Germany’s most profound and cleanest lake and one of my personal favourites.
It’s also often hailed as Germany’s most beautiful Alpine Lake, which, given the competition, is quite an accolade!
Bavaria is a particularly scenic area. This corner of the region has been used for outdoor recreation for centuries – both Bavarian royalty and the local rulers of Berchtesgaden and Salzburg once hunted here.
Since 1909, only electric-powered passenger ships, rowing, and pedal boats have been permitted on the lake, keeping with its pure and natural surroundings.
UNESCO World Heritage sites are scarce, yet Regensburg, Germany, has gained the organization’s attention! In 2006, Regensburg became a UNESCO World Heritage site, to the delight of its 150,000 residents.
Strolling through the streets of this beautiful city will bring you face-to-face with some of the most spectacular architecture in the world!
If you love water, then Regensburg will be the city for you as the city is perched along the Danube, Regen, and Naab rivers.
My favourite city highlights include the beautiful architecture, the many excellent resturants, bars and hotels, the fabulous traditional markets and the beer gardens!
Best time to visit: summer but the Christmas period is especially magical
Check out our video highlights of our trip to Regensburg…
6. Sanssouci Castle
This grand summer palace sits on a large hill near Potsdam in East Germany.
Created for Fredrick the Great of Prussia, it resembles the Palace of Versailles primarily because of the exquisite terraced gardens planted and honestly, I think it’s an extraordinary place which is worth exploring especially if you’re a history fan.
Secluded temples and pavilions are within the gardens, and the palace itself is embellished with golden Rococo detail and 18th-century furnishings.
The fine historic city of Bamberg is located in Bavaria, close to the River Main. Its historic city center is so overflowing with important architecture that it has earned itself UNESCO World Heritage Site status.
On a bridge over the Regnitz, explore the narrow cobbled lanes of the Old Town, the elegant 13th-century cathedral, and the town hall.
Wander alongside the meandering streams and then stop for a glass of the local beer in one of the many outdoor beer gardens. In my opinion, this city is seriously chocolate-box pretty and is well worth exploring!
The stunning River Rhine cuts through the Rhenish slate mountains, meandering between hillside castles, sloping fields of wine-producing grapes, Gothic churches, forested hillsides, craggy cliffs, and idyllic villages filled with half-timber towns.
I recommend hiking through the valley trail for spectacular views of mountains, castles, mineral springs, and small country inns.
The area from Bingen to Koblenz is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to forty castles and stately homes.
Bremen is a Hanseatic city in northwestern Germany. It sits nestled along the River Weser, and the small compact city is one of the oldest in Germany, dating back 1200 years.
As well as the stunning historic architecture, it’s famous for inspiring bnthe Grimms’ folklore story of the Musicians of Bremen.
In the older part of the city (the Schnoor-Viertel area), I would suggest exploring the delightful winding cobbled alleyways flanked by a series of charming medieval houses with wooden beamed facades.
I personally think the surrounding countryside and farmland are also worth exploring, especially along the edge of the river Wümme.
Best time to visit: summer or Christmas for the markets
10. Sylt
Often forgotten by foreign travelers, the Island of Sylt (part of the German Frisian Islands) is connected to the mainland by the Hindenburgdamm causeway and I love this underrated gem!
With several lovely resorts, 40km of sandy beaches, an unusual shoreline, and plenty of breathtaking nature, in my opinion, Sylt is well worth a visit; because it’s separated from the mainland, it has remained relatively untouched.
The houses on the island are built in the delightful Fristian style, and the cliffs lining the coast are slowly eroding, creating an unusual and unique pattern.
Fields of flowers, colorful lighthouses, and sparsely populated villages have made this an exclusive hidden gem and playground for the rich and famous.
Location: Frisian Islands, Northern part of the country
The Harz National Park is a lovely nature reserve located in the German federal states of Lower Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt.
It’s a mountainous region shrouded in mist (or brightly lit by the sun) and filled with lakes, woodland, tales of folklore, and plenty of opportunities to be one with nature.
I love this park for its walking and skiing and offers botanical gardens, hiking trails, and rare flora and fauna. It is also blessed with many species of butterflies and small creatures unique to this area.
I highly recommend visiting Brocken, the highest mountain in northern Germany, which is located in the park and taking a gauge train to the summit to get the most stunning view of the park below.
Best time to visit: spring to autumn but the winter time is also magical
12. Eibsee
Eibsee is a world away from the hustle and bustle of city life, and it’s a tranquil and highly photogenic beauty spot.
Summers here allow visitors to enjoy kayaking or swimming in the crystal clear waters of Eibsee Lake, and the quaint town located at the eastern shores of the lake draws in visitors year after year.
The lake is located in Bavaria and boasts 177.4 hectares of pristine waters. I highly recommend bringing your camera along, although sadly, the pictures will not do justice to the bright blues depicted in real life!
History buffs will love Hohenschwangau Castle, Germany, the childhood home of King Ludwig II in Bavaria, built by Kink Maximilian, Ludwig’s father.
Even though the court may draw visitors in, the town of Hohenschwangau makes the most impact.
This town features worlds of natural beauty with parks such as Poellatschlucht. Strolling through this Bavarian town brings visitors back to a simpler time before technology.
If you want to get away from it all and enjoy the natural beauty and classic architecture, in my opinion Hohenschwangau is the place!
Palaces worldwide have drawn visitors for a glimpse into how the highest of society have lived for centuries and I’m a huge fan, it’s a spectacular place!
The final construction of the palace was completed in 1744, but construction had been going on since 1720.
Prince Bishof of Wurzburg, Johann Phillip Franz Von Schonborn, and Friedrich Carl Von Schonbron, his brother, commissioned the work.
I love that the architecture depicts the classic French style with over-the-top grandeur at every turn!
Location: Würzburg, Bavaria, southern part of the country
I love this Instagram-worthy gem especially during the winter! This park maintains its natural beauty as park officials refused to repair the damage from a severe 1983 storm.
Even though it might seem odd today for officials to make such a decision, it paid off for the park, making it among the more rugged and naturally wild parks on Earth.
Apart from being a wild dream, Bavarian Forest National Park also features some uncommon animals, including the pygmy owl and three-toed woodpecker so I would suggest trying to spot them!
Wildlife enclosures are found throughout the park to give the animals a sense of safety while providing humans with an up-close view of the animals in their natural habitat.
The scenery here is seriously stunning and in the winter the thick forest is adorned with heavy snow!
Location: Bavaria, southeast
Visitor centre address: Hans-Eisenmann-Haus 1, 94556 Neuschönau, Bavaria
Best time to visit: all year round (the winter is particulary magical)
16. Gorlitz
Gorlitz has provided an excellent backdrop for several films, including The Grand Budapest Hotel, The Reader, The Last Command, and The Inglorious Bastards.
It is also a stunning location for many movies, but few places, even in such a historic country as Germany, hold as much history as Gorlitz.
Although modernized, the town’s roots go back to 1071, when it was initially a slave settlement. Today’s Gorlitz still maintains the markings of the past in rich historic buildings and architecture, but most visitors visit the Neisse River.
The river flows through the city, providing a means of transportation, a fishing avenue, and a tourist attraction. Gorlitz is a hidden gem, not near most of the country’s major attractions.
Still, people flock to this part of the country for its serene setting and calm atmosphere. If you want to get away from it all and see a few familiar buildings, I personally think Gorlitz is the place to do it!
I loved the Moselle Valley! I thought it was a charming and picturesque place which even matches the elegance and romance of Prague and Rome!
This area has been home to various cultures for over 2000 years and has multiple cultural influences. The Moselle Valley houses many vineyards, which adds to the wonderful scenery! The Rieslings made here are known to be among the best in the world!
I also highly recommend exploring the picturesque castles and quaint villages located here!
I love this gorgeous, fairytale like castle located in the Swabian Alps!
This castle is open to the public, but remember it is a privately owned structure. The court, built in the Gothic Revival style, was crafted between 1840 and 1842.
Restoration of the historic castle was completed in 2002 through non-profit organization support. If you want to live out your fairytale fantasies, Lichtenstein Castle is the place to do it.
Ramsau is certainly not the largest town in Germany, with a population of around 1,800, but it is known to be among the most beautiful for its quaint, picturesque setting.
Those venturing to Ramsau are not heading to the area for various attractions but rather for a chance to enjoy the great outdoors. Apart from being completely breathtaking, the area boasts the third-highest mountain in Germany, Waltzmann.
Lake Hintersee and the village’s local church are also famous attractions.
It is a charming town where you can appreciate German landscapes. Sites and attractions throughout Quedlinburg are along the Romanesque Road, and this area is another place known for being a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
With a population of just 24,000, I love that the town maintains much of its small-town feel without being an overwhelming metropolis. Visitors enjoy strolling through Quedlinburg and taking in the rich history.
The city was named the first capital of Germany in 919 AD and has an illustrious history to boast about.
Location: Saxony-Anhalt, central part of the country
Mittenwald is in the middle of the Bavarian alpine peaks, located in the district of Garmisch-Partenkirchen along the Austrian border.
This attractive town has enchanting houses with mural art (Lüftlmalerei) and exquisite cobbled stone lanes. I know you won’t be disappointed with the views that blend picturesque mountains and a serene vista, it’s seriously stunning!
This is the perfect place to visit in Germany if you are an art and violin fan, as it’s known for manufacturing violins and cellos. Mittenwald Violin Crafting Museum is one of the most famous attractions founded in 1930.
If you prefer to see the mural arts, a place that is a must is the old town, where you can appreciate painted buildings, lovely churches, and a pleasant atmosphere.
Still want more? Then I would suggest heading for the elegant city of Munich, which is home to the famous annual Oktoberfest, the striking resort town of Monschau, the fine baroque university city of Heidelberg, Lübeck the city renowned for its Brick Gothic architecture, and the spectacular scenery of the Rems Valley.
