Best known for its famous Oktoberfest and
World 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 maintains
the continent’s most powerful economy. Here’s a look at the best places to visit
in Germany. Number 10. Rothenburg. The walled city of Rothenburg sits on a plateau
overlooking the Tauber river in Bavaria. Straight from the pages of a fairy tale, the
town is famous for its extremely well preserved medieval center. Be sure to visit the Town Hall, the seat of
city government since medieval times. Climb the steps of the 13th-century hall’s
tower for stunning views of the city. Rothenburg is also famous for the stores that
carry Christmas items all year round and for having an outstanding Christmas market each
December. Number 9. Rugen Island. Located in the Baltic Sea, Rugen Island is
the largest island in Germany, connected to the mainland by a bridge and causeway. Charming villas, romantic seaside resorts
and beautiful beaches all draw tourists to Rugen Island, but the star attraction is the
Jasmund National Park, famous for its unique chalk cliffs rising 528 feet over the sea. Another notable feature of Rugen Island is
Cape 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 and
Bonn, Germany, the Middle Rhine flows through a dramatic geological formation called the
Rhine Gorge. This region features a spectacular landscape
dotted with some 40 medieval castles, picturesque villages and terraced vineyards. The region’s most famous natural attraction
is the Lorelei, the deepest and most narrow section of the Rhine Gorge, which features
a large, treacherous rock that caused several boating accidents prior to the 19th century. The best way to experience the Romantic Rhine
is by a riverboat cruise. Number 7. Cologne. Situated on the Rhine River in the German
federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia, Cologne is one of the most popular places to visit
in Germany. The city offers a vibrant array of attractions,
buzzing nightlife and a stellar arts and culture scene. Cologne also packs impressive landmarks such
as the city’s informal symbol, the Cologne Cathedral, a stunning Gothic church. Moreover, the Twelve Romanesque Churches are
magnificent examples of medieval architecture. Number 6. Dresden. Before it was severely damaged from World
War II bombings, Dresden was known as the Jewel Box because of its lavish collection
of stunning art and architecture. After many years, the city has restored much
of 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 institutions
of 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 several
centuries as the capital seat of the Hanseatic League. Although it was the first German city to be
bombed 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 Altstadt
offers views of historic sites like the stunning cathedral, the 12th century Town Hall and
the old city gates of which the Holstentor is the most famous. Number 4. Heidelberg. With historic treasures like the medieval
Old Bridge, the Heidelberg Castle, the Church of the Holy Spirit and the Knight St. George
House, it is no wonder that Heidelberg is a popular tourist attraction. The city center’s main street is packed
with pubs, restaurants, museums, art galleries, shops and markets selling the likes of beer
steins, cuckoo clocks and German sausages. Home to Germany’s oldest university, Heidelberg’s
long academic history can be retraced along the Philosopher’s Walk, a scenic footpath
often 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 the
Bavarian Alps near the town of Fussen, this fairy-tale castle served as the inspiration
behind Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. Constructed in the late 1800s, Neuschwanstein
Castle was never built for defense purposes as most castles. Instead, this castle was created as a fanciful
retreat King Ludwig II of Bavaria who had a reputation for abiding in daydreams instead
of reality. Number 2. Munich. Best known as the origin of the world famous
Oktoberfest, Munich is one of the best places to visit in Germany with a great culture scene. Munich is home to several sophisticated opera
houses and theaters like the National Theatre. The city center is an attractive blend of
classic and modern architecture, teeming in historic churches, medieval walls and royal
palaces as well as bustling shopping centers and nightlife venues. Munich’s Oktoberfest began in 1810 with
a royal wedding celebration. Today, this famous festival draws millions
of visitors every year to take part in the revelry that involves several gigantic beer
tents, delicious Bavarian food and millions of gallons of beer. Number 1. Berlin. The capital city of Germany, Berlin is widely
associated with its World War II history and former division of East and West Germany by
the 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 sightseeing
attractions, culture and nightlife. Many tourists are drawn to Berlin’s famous
historic 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.
