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7 Best Places to Visit in Germany

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Bacharach in the Rhine Valley, Germany

Bacharach in the Rhine Valley, Germany

Germany is one of Europe’s most dazzling travel locations, boasting countless must-see destinations.

From its snow-covered alps to the soft winding banks of the Rhine River, the beauty of the country combines nature’s splendor with its remarkable culture, bringing together magical forests, fairy-tale villages, historic monasteries that produce beer, and scenic vineyards crafting historical wines.

The cities, villages, and towns in Germany are full of cultural treats and temptations that you don’t just visit, but experience. Here are Germany’s top seven destinations.

Overview
  1. 1. Berlin
  2. 2. Rhine Valley
  3. 3. Munich
  4. 4. Black Forest
  5. 5. Baden-Baden
  6. 6. Dresden
  7. 7. Rothenberg
  8. Explore the Best Places to Visit in Germany

1. Berlin

Sunset at Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany

Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany

Berlin is not just the capital of Germany, but a city that captures the diversity of the country.

Berlin moves to its own rhythm, reflecting artistic culture, distinctive history, and an eclectic mixture of classic institutions and contemporary life. It is a combination of glamour and grit that can take you from Baroque grandeur to the cutting edge of modern architecture. Also a culinary hotspot, Berlin is known for its gastronomic influence around the world and is a global trendsetter in theater and music.

Berlin is always inviting and endlessly surprising, with its unparalleled aesthetic and relaxed pace making it a great place for tours for seniors.

Highlights: Brandenburg Gate • Museum Island • Berlin Wall Memorial • Checkpoint Charlie • Charlottenburg Palace and Park

Recommended Length of Stay: 2-3 days

Learn more: Best Places to Visit in Berlin

2. Rhine Valley

Reichenstein Castle in the Rhine Gorge

Reichenstein Castle in the Rhine Gorge, Germany

The Rhine River flows between the lush hills and slopes of the Rhenish mountains, setting a dramatic scene beneath fortified castles, forested hills, and terraced vineyards.

Whether winding along the waters or visiting idyllic villages, the Rhine Valley has crafted an ambiance direct from a fairy tale, where you will discover the past and contemporary luxury.

With hiking, cycling, wine tasting, or lounging on a riverboat, the Rhine Valley is a paradise you can explore at your pace.

Highlights: Rhine Gorge • Museums of Mainz • Worms Cathedral • Mannheim • Wiesbaden Braubach and Marksburg Castle

Recommended Length of Stay: 2-3 days

3. Munich

Marienplatz in Munich, Germany

Marienplatz in Munich, Germany

Munich is a city of contrasts, where tradition and modernity intermingle.

With an edgy art scene juxtaposed against men wearing customary lederhosen and high-tech cars driving down cobblestone streets, you can find contemporary elegance in the likes of the English Garden and BMW Museum, or the treasure trove of traditional beer halls and medieval walls.

From the charming glockenspiel to elegant palaces, Munich is a city rich in custom and exuberant celebrations.

Highlights: Marienplatz • English Garden • Nymphenburg Palace • Munich Residenz • BMW Museum • Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site

Recommended Length of Stay: 3-4 days

Learn more: Best Places to Visit in Munich

4. Black Forest

Old half-timbered houses in Schiltach, black forest

Schiltach, Germany

The traditional home of cuckoo clocks, half-timbered villages, and deep woodlands, the Black Forest brings fairy tales to life.

With waterfalls and lakes, storybook villages and delectable cuisine, the Black Forest has embraced tradition, while moving beyond its past to create an idyllic escape from the contemporary cities of Germany.

The immersive woodlands offer forest trails, scenic roads, and exceptional views of the past and present.

Highlights: Freiburg im Breisgau Münster • Triberg Waterfalls • Schiltach • Black Forest Open-air Museum • Gengenbach

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-2 days

5. Baden-Baden

Licthentaler Allee park with bridge over canal and green trees

Licthentaler Allee in Baden-Baden, Germany

Mineral-rich spas, Roman history, and old-world luxury create an alluring atmosphere in Baden-Baden, one of the best places in Germany for seniors.

Over the centuries, its curative waters have attracted royals and celebrities eager to soothe their bodies and enjoy the greater ambiance of the surrounding Black Forest.

With colonnaded buildings, whimsical turrets, and Art Nouveau villas, the town’s opulence reflects the natural beauty of the woodland, prairies, and hills, accentuated by perfect weather.

Highlights: Lichtentaler Allee • Friedrichsbad and Caracalla Baths • MerkurBergbahn • Hohenbaden Castle • Museum Frieder Burda • Opera House

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-2 days

6. Dresden

The main city square with famous church of our lady during the sunrise in Dresden, Germany

Frauenkirche in Dresden, Germany

Baroque glamour only scratches the surface of Dresden’s charm as it rises from the banks of the Elbe River.

Lavish palaces, towering churches, and vast collections of art and antiquity add to the underlying allure of the city’s historic wealth of heritage. Blossoming gardens, glinting domes, and glittering palaces shape the city’s striking silhouette.

With celebrated restaurants and elegant shops, Dresden captures the past, while creating one of the most vibrant cities in Germany.

Highlights: Frauenkirche • Zwinger and Old Masters Picture Gallery • Semperoper • Brühl’s Terrace • Pillnitz Palace

Recommended Length of Stay: 2-3 days

7. Rothenberg

Medival town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a German town in northern Bavaria

Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany

The town of Rothenburg crowns Germany’s Romantic Road with its tangled web of cobbled lanes and half-timbered houses.

The town feels straight out of a storybook and reflects the charm of preserved medieval design, especially when cast in the serene glow of evening lamps. As the streets weave along the banks of the River Tauber, the charms of Rothenberg flood the atmosphere with romance and charisma.

Rothenberg also offers a fascinating open-air museum in which you can explore the past and present.

Highlights: Old Town • Town Hall • Old Town Walls • Plonlein • St. James’s Church • Castle Gardens

Recommended Length of Stay: 2-3 days

Explore the Best Places to Visit in Germany

Idyllic alpine mountain scenery with blooming meadows and snowcapped mountain peaks

Berchtesgaden National Park in Bavaria, Germany

Germany is proudly one of Europe’s most charming destinations, with sensational architecture, art, and cuisine. From fairy-tale villages to peaceful mountaintop resorts, each destination offers an immersive experience.

To learn more about these top spots and more, explore our Germany travel guide or browse our Germany tours and vacations to start planning your trip.

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