Germany – Paradise for Tourists
Germany is one of the most popular destinations for tourists, not only in Europe but also around the world. Home to some of Europe’s most impressive landscapes, rich culture and heritage, Germany is a must-visit destination for all those looking for an unforgettable travel experience. And while there are numerous destinations to see, landmarks to explore and places to visit, devising the best travel itinerary for Germany can be a bit challenging. But with the right planning, vacationers can ensure that they get to experience the best that Germany has to offer.
Germany is a large country making it impossible to make a one-size-fits-all itinerary. However, one can roughly divide the popular places into five or six destinations depending on how much time they have to travel. The most popular cities include Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Heidelberg, the Black Forest and Cologne. But there are other equally beautiful places as well that can be discovered with the help of a well-prepared itinerary.
Berlin at the Top
Berlin, the capital and largest city of Germany, undoubtedly needs to be the first destination. It is home to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks such as the Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie and the Holocaust Memorial. It is also known for being the city of free-thinking and its vibrant street culture. Berlin has always been the epicenter of Germany’s political, cultural, artistic and economic activities and proudly continues to be so even today.
Munich for the Bavarian Culture
Munich, located in the picturesque Bavarian Alps, should be the next destination in the itinerary. The city is one of Germany’s leading cities for culture and the arts. The most iconic landmarks such as the Marienplatz, English Garden, Feldherrnhalle and Nymphenburg Palace must be visited. The city is also known for its traditional beer halls and breweries.
Hamburg – The Historic and Cultural City
Hamburg is Germany’s second largest city and the largest port in the country. It is known for its stunning architecture, industrial landmarks, world class museums, art galleries and theatres. Some of the must-see attractions in the city are the International Maritime Museum, the stunning and iconic Hamburg Rathaus, St. Michael’s Church and of course the harbour.
Heidelberg – Medieval Charm
Heidelberg, located on the banks of the Neckar River in the state of Baden-Wurttemberg, is one of the oldest cities in Germany. The city is home to beautiful buildings, churches, castles and bridges, as well as a bustling university scene. The must-visit attractions in the city include the Heidelberg Castle, Old Town, the Old Bridge, the Philosopher’s Walk and the Heidelberg University.
The Black Forest – Nature at its Finest
The Black Forest is a mountainous region known for its thick forests of pine, deciduous, larch and spruce trees. It is a popular destination among travelers around the world, especially during winter when the region is blanketed by snow. The region is home to numerous hiking trails, rivers, streams and lakes, making it an ideal destination for outdoor activities such as camping, skiing and water sports. Not to forget the iconic cuckoo clocks that are a trademark of the region.
Cologne Cathedrals and Beers
Cologne is the fourth largest city in Germany known for its lively culture, famous breweries and stunning cathedrals. It is home to twelve Roman Catholic churches. The Cologne Cathedral is the city’s most iconic landmark and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Equally popular tourist spots include the Old Town, the Museum of Applied Arts, the Chocolate and White Coffee Museum and of course the beer museums.
With this tailor-made itinerary, travelers can easily in explore the best of Germany without much hassle and make the most of their vacation and explore the many sides of Germany.
Exploring Germany’s Variety of Landscapes
Germany is known for its variety of land types accompanied by beautiful landscapes. These landscapes can range from the black forest, fairy tale villages, the rural farmlands and meadows of east Germany, to the Harz mountains, the North and Baltic seas with their sandy beaches and of course the mighty Alps in the south. You’ll never be bored with the variety of beautiful landscapes to explore.
The Black Forest is one of the most popular destinations in Germany. It’s the ideal place for nature lovers, boasting a myriad of forests, meadows, pastures and many trails to take a leisure walk around. The region is also known for it’s traditional craftsmanship, including woodwork, cuckoo clocks, pottery, jewellery and glasswork – perfect for anyone looking for some chic souvenirs to take home with them.
The Harz Mountains, located in northern Germany, are a unique and captivating range of mountains. Made up of the Brocken, the highest peak in northern Germany, the range us covered in dense forest and offer unparalleled views there. Hiking, skiing, mountain biking and more are all viable activities here, with the stunning nature offered to anyone who visits.
The Alps don’t just belong to Switzerland; Germany is also part of the equation. The Plzen mountains and Bavarian Alps are both located in Germany, offering breathtaking wilderness and scenery, that will take your breath away. The Zugspitze peak, the highest mountain in the country, is located here and should definitely be part of anyone’s itinerary.
Germany’s Rich Cultural Heritage
Germany is well known for its cultural heritage, which dates back centuries. It’s not hard to find evidence of this in the country’s many castles, towns and museums.
The country’s many castles embody the distinct architectural legacy of Germany. Many were built during the middle-ages, between the 9th and the 16th century. Here, the dominating regions of the country – the counties of Bavaria, Baden-Wurttemberg, Hesse, Lower Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt- helped shape its identity.
Germany’s capital, Berlin, is among the most historically rich cities in the world. It’s home to attractions such as Museum Island, the Brandenburg Gate, the East Side Gallery, the Jewish Museum, and more. The old city is also very well-known, boasting a different and powerful history.
Munich is another major cultural centre of Germany. Here, the Bavarian culture and traditions are on full display, both in architecture and festivals, such as the world-famous Oktoberfest.
Germany is also home to many fascinating museums, ranging from modern art to industrial art. One of the most famous is the Mrochen Institute in Stuttgart. This museum is known as a treasure trove of modern and contemporary art, exhibits, displays and installations from both renowned international and unknown and local artists.
Conquering Germany By Train
When visiting Germany, one of the best ways of getting around and exploring it is by rail. The Reichsbahn’s train network is extensive, with trains running to smaller towns across the country. This presents the perfect opportunity to discover towns such as Leipzig, Oldenburg, Nuremberg and Karlsruhe.
The German Federal train network is fast, efficient and reasonably priced. On board you will find free wifi, food and drink services and – in most stations – there are great services such as bike rental. On top of that, you have to consider that traveling by train allows you to take in stunning views and enjoy the many small towns and villages you will encounter on your journey.
The Inter City Express (ICE) is another great way of travelling through and discovering Germany. It services major cities such as Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich, Cologne and Hamburg and it also connects these cities with other major European cities.
Foodie Paradise
Germany is well-known for its large variety of local food, so no matter which part of the country you’re in, you will most likely find a special regional dish. The country is home to a vast amount of traditional restaurants, brewpubs as well as international restaurants.
If you’re looking for traditional German cuisine, then it’s worth exploring the many local restaurants all over the country. Traditional dishes include sausage, pretzels, sauerkraut, pork knuckles, beef goulash, and of course beer! Not to mention there is a wealth of vegetable dishes, such as red cabbage and sauerkraut, as well as local dishes like Spaetzle.
On the other hand, if you’re after more international cuisine, then Germany is still for you. You’ll find foods from all around the world, ranging from Italian to Indian and Chinese. Whatever your taste, there is plenty of variety for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Germany
When it comes to picking the best time to visit Germany, it largely depends on what you’re looking for. You must consider to the weather, the activities and the overall atmosphere of each season.
The most popular time of year is summer, as the warm weather makes it the most pleasurable time to visit. It’s also an ideal time for sight-seeing. During this period, the days are longer thus allowing more time to explore the various cities and attractions.
On the other hand, autumn and winter can also be great times to visit Germany as the temperatures are cooler. Autumn in particular is a wonderful time to visit Germany as the leaves turn from green to yellow, orange and red. It’s the ideal time for hikes and outdoor activities such as cycling or camping.
Relaxing Spas and Wellness Retreats
Relaxation is one of the best ways to enjoy your stay in Germany and the country has much to offer in this
