If you are a soldier who has been stationed in Germany, or if you are a family who is traveling to Germany on vacation, there are a wide variety of sites you should see.
I have been researching the different places to visit in Germany, and from various sources I have come up with the top 33 places to visit in Germany.
So, starting at #33 we will work through the various places and sites in Germany until we reach #1.
If you would like to share your experiences at any of these locations, feel free to do so in the comment section at the end of this post.
#33: Leipzig
Leipzig is a rather large city Southwest of Berlin about 100 miles.
When you visit this city whose history is ancient, you will want to gaze upon the amazing architecture.
There are several well known structures in Leipzig including:
St Thomas church
Battle of the Nations Monument
and the Leipzig Botanical Garden
#32: Aachen Cathedral
This amazing Catholic structure is in the town of Aachen in Western Germany.
It was built by order of Charlemagne in 805.
He was buried there in 814.
See this site where 30 Kings and 12 Queens have been coronated, and listen to the 8 bells as they are rung.
#31: Cologne
Cologne is a large German city quite near the border of Belgium.
It was an important city during the time of the Roman Empire and still has many remnants that depict that.
The city was largely destroyed in World War II, but there is some architecture that survived British bombing runs.
I highly recommend a visit to Cologne.
#30: Phantasialand
This theme park is near Cologne, Germany and attracts over 1 million visitors each year.
There are rides, shows and many other attractions that are designed to put smiles on the faces of everyone.
#29: Lübeck
Lübeck is a city in far Northern Germany.
Remains have been discovered that puts settlers in this area in approximately 9700 BC.
Lübeck has always been a major trade port as it sits on the Trave River.
As a matter of fact, Lübeck was considered Queen of the Hanseatic League.
The Hanseatic League was a confederation of trade guilds and market towns from the 1400s to the 1800s.
#28: Linderhof Palace
Near the Bavarian Alps, King Ludwig II had this Schloss built in the mid to late 1800s.
It is a stately site to see and well worth the visit.
Even the landscape is a site to behold.
#27: The Berlin Wall
While the majority of the original wall is completely gone, there are a few sections still left.
It was a wonderful time watching East Berliners crying and laughing when the wall came down.
I will also never forget the speech given by the President whom I carried the United States flag for as a Boy Scout when he was running for President.
“General Secretary Gorbachev, if you seek peace, if you seek prosperity for the Soviet Union and eastern Europe, if you seek liberalization, come here to this gate. Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate. Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this Wall!” President Ronald Reagan 1987
#26: Eltz Castle
This magnificent castle is still owned by heirs of the original owners.
1/3 of the castle is still used as a residence, but the rest is open to public viewing.
You will see armor and other knight weapons.
The forest that surrounds this castle is now a nature reserve.
#25: Berliner Philharmonie
This concert hall and home of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra is nearly perfect in acoustics.
It was built in 1963 and has been used for great concerts since.
#24: Maulbronn Monastery
It was in 1147 that Pope Eugenius III founded this monastery.
It is separated from Maulbronn with fortifications.
The monastery survived many take overs and wars.
It is a highly visited tourist location now.
#23: Düsseldorf Alstadt
Alstadt is one of the boroughs of Düsseldorf, Germany.
It is considered old town, but is also considered the longest bar in the world.
If you like German beer, this is the place to visit.
There are over 300 bars hooked together.
#22: Sanssouci
This was the summer palace for King Frederick known as Frederick the Great, King of Prussia.
It is quite near Berlin in Potsdam.
This structure was completed in 1747 and is in the French Baroque architectural style.
#21: The Städel Museum
This museum has an amazing collection of the finest art pieces in Germany.
It is located in Frankfurt.
You can see works by artists such as:
Botticelli
Rembrandt
Vermeer
and Degas
#20: Freiburg Minster
This amazing cathedral in the Southwest German town of Freiburg im Breisgau has what is called the “most beautiful spire on Earth.”
Never actually owned by the Catholic church, this cathedral was owned by the townspeople.
It is still an active Catholic cathedral.
#19: Drive the Autobahn
If you are like me, you have the “need for speed” at times.
The German Autobahn is the perfect way to fill the urge.
Rent a Porsche, Ferrari or Lamborghini and see how fast you can fly.
#18: Harz National Park
This magnificent park is in the Saxony region of Germany.
You can find some rare wildlife roaming in this park including:
Dipper (a bird)
Eurasian Lynx
Black Stork
European Wildcat
and Peregrine Falcons
#17: Europa-Park
It is the largest theme park in Germany, and the 2nd largest in Europe.
It is in Southwest Germany in the town of Rust.
In 2015, this park took in well over 5 million visitors.
The park has themes covering many different cultures.
#16: Berchtesgaden National Park
This park is in Southern Germany at the Alps on the border with Austria.
The beauty is breathtaking.
The park was established in 1978 to protect the German Alps.
It is a site you must see!
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#15: The Brandenburg Gate
This well-known landmark in Berlin was built in the 18th century.
The Gate has been a major site for many political gestures both of peace and of war.
#14: Nuremberg Castle
This ancient castle in Nuremberg will give you the sense of peasants, knights, queens and kings.
The castle was documented in 1105, but no one knows for sure when it was actually built.
#13: Lake Constance
This lake is at the foot of the Alps with the Rhine flowing into it.
Lake Constance is in 3 countries:
Germany
Austria
and Switzerland
#12: Lake Königssee
This is a natural lake that lies within Berchtesgaden National Park near the Austrian border.
While I did list the park, I just had to list this lake because you must visit this beautiful work of nature.
#11: Mount Zugspitze
It is the highest mountain in Germany.
At over 9,700 feet above sea level, you can take a cable car to the top.
It is on the border of Germany and Austria..
#10: Rhine River Cruise
Many people have enjoyed a peaceful cruise by boat on the Rhine River in Germany.
See the view with your lover in your arms.
#9: Rothenberg ob der Tauber
This ancient town in Bavaria, Germany is a tourist flocking place.
The structures show that this was built many years ago.
Construction started in 950, but the town was founded in 1170. If in Germany, you must go to this place.
#8: The Romantic Road
This is a slower pace than the Autobahn.
This 200+ mile long road winding through the Bavarian forests is a perfect getaway for lovers.
#9 is one of the towns along this route.
#7: Cologne Cathedral
The building of this work of architectural art started in 1248.
When it is a cloudy day, you almost feel eerie gazing upon this structure.
From the air, it forms a perfect cross.
#6: Heidelberg, Germany
It is such a picturesque and lovely city in Southwest Germany that I had to install it in the 6th position.
Many say that romance is always in the air in Heidelberg.
#5: The Black Forest
This is a popular tourist destination in Southwest Germany.
The whole area just awaits you to snap photographs.
Maybe you will see Robin Hood.
#4: Rügen Island
This huge island is in the Baltic Sea and there is a bridge that connects mainland Germany to it.
With nice beaches and resort areas, this is a must see in Germany.
#3: Oktoberfest in Munich
It is a party like no other.
The original Oktoberfest began in Munich, so while you can celebrate in other locations, why not Munich?
Warm beer and frankfurters, along with dancing and fun.
#2: Dresden
It is the capital of Saxony in Germany.
It is known as the Garden city, and the structures are amazing.
The city is on the banks of the Elbe River, and is a site you must visit.
#1: Neuschwanstein Castle
This castle in Bavaria absolutely deserves the first place.
Every year more than 1 million people make the trek to view this monstrous piece of architecture.
King Ludwig II had this castle built, but it was not completed when he died.
Final Thoughts
Have you visited any of these sites?
What was your favorite?
I hope you enjoyed this post.
Please leave your comments and questions below.
Thank you.
Chuck Holmes
Former Army Major (resigned)
Publisher, Part-Time-Commander.com
Email: mrchuckholmes@gmail.com
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