September 9, 2020

Places of interest in Germany

In Germany, very cliché, there is plenty to see and do. We have selected the ten best sights in Germany for you. From a fairytale castle to the Berlin Wall and from the Cologne Cathedral to Heidelberg Castle.

1. Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein Castle is located in the south of Bavaria . Louis II, former King of Bavaria, had it built in 1869. It looks like a fairytale castle and is probably the most photographed landmark in Germany. A highlight of the castle is a cave with small waterfalls and colorful lighting. This makes it look like a dripstone cave.

2. Europa-Park

The most visited theme park in Europe is Europa Park and not Disneyland Paris as you might think at first. The park is located in the Black Forest in Baden-Württemberg. The theme, as the name suggests, is countries in Europe. You imagine yourself in different countries because, for example, buildings are reproduced in detail. There are many more rides and shows than in other theme parks.

3. Cologne Cathedral

This Gothic-style cathedral is the largest in Germany and one of the largest in Europe. The cathedral is almost 160 meters high and has 509 steps. When the cathedral was finished in 1880, Cologne Cathedral in North Rhine-Westphalia was the tallest building in the world. The 'Sankt Petersglocke' is with 24,000 kg. the largest clock in the world. All reasons to visit this attraction.

4. Brandenburg Gate

When Berlin was surrounded by walls, the Brandenburg Gate may or may not grant access to the city. The Brandenburg Gate was built in 1788 and the construction of the Wall started at the gate in 1961. It is also the place where the Wall first fell. For that reason, the city gate is now a symbol of Berlin 's freedom and unification . You can find the Branden burger Tor at the end of the street 'Unter den Linden'. A beautiful entrance gate to visit.

5. Berlin Wall

Even though the Berlin Wall was largely demolished in the period 1989-1991, you can still see the remains of it. The Wall is also known as the symbol of the division of Germany.
For more than 28 years, the four-meter-high and 166-kilometer-long wall separated the residents of West and East Berlin. Today the Mauerpark and Checkpoint Charlie is a popular tourist attraction. The latter was a checkpoint managed by the Russian and American sectors.

6. Loreley in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley

The 'Obere Mittelrheintal', the upper middle Rhine valley, has been included in the World Heritage List since 2002. It is a very old and spectacular cultural landscape. The Loreley is a slate rock about 132 meters high. The rock is located in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley near St. Goarshausen. There is a beautiful panoramic view. You will find this impressive environment in the Bundesland Rheinland-Pfalz.

7. Natural parks in the Black Forest

Almost all of the Black Forest is designated as a national park. It is the largest national park in Germany, made up of several nature parks. The nature parks 'Mitte / Nord' and 'Naturpark Südschwarzwald' cover almost the whole of the things to do in black forest Germany. The Black Forest has a lot to offer: open mountain plains, deep lakes, beautiful valleys, large forests and peaks with a magnificent view. It is a unique part of Germany because it is unspoiled nature. A popular destination for tourists, located in the Bundesland of Baden-Württemberg.

8. Heidelberg Castle

This beautiful castle, also in Baden-Württemberg, is the pinnacle of German Romanticism. It was built around 1300 for defense. Since 1800 this romantic ruin has been a very popular attraction in Europe.
Much of the splendor and power of the past can still be seen. For example, the castle space with lots of ivy is a majestic decor. Do you really want to experience how it used to be for the residents? Then pay a visit on Saturday when the special performance 'Life at court' is offered.

9. Bodensee and, among others, the island of Mainau

Lake Constance is Germany's largest freshwater lake. It is no less than 74 kilometers long and 15 kilometers wide. It is on the border of Switzerland, Austria and Germany. The island of Mainau is known as the flower island. A beautiful baroque palace can be seen, surrounded by many flowers.
The monastery island of Reichenau, the castle Meersburg and Lindau are also worth a visit. Beautiful historical scenes can be admired, such as prehistoric houses on stilts.

10. UNESCO World Heritage Museum Island in Berlin

The Museum Island consists of five different museums: the Alte Nationalgalerie, the Altes Museum, the Bode Museum, the Neues Museum and the Pergamon Museum. The plan to build a cultural center on the island started in 1841. When many buildings were destroyed in the Second World War, a project was started at the end of the 20th century and all buildings were renovated.

Fancy a holiday to Germany?

Book your holiday to Germany with the ANWB and its travel daughters! Safe, trusted and always with the benefit of your ANWB membership. If you book with ANWB Member Travel, the longer a member, the more free extras!