There are over 2,000 cities in Germany. Many of them impress with their buildings, landmarks and landscapes. But which cities are the most beautiful? Not an easy question given the large selection of idyllic small towns and dazzling metropolises. Lübeck has one of the most beautiful city centers, Munich the best reputation and Freiburg the most hours of sunshine.
We present you our list of the 44 best cities to visit in Germany. Among them are the popular big cities of Berlin and Hamburg, but also smaller gems that are worth a city break.
44. Görlitz
The cultural city of Görlitz looks back on an eventful urban history and is located on the border to Poland in Lower Silesian Upper Lusatia. The Saxon city has a large stock of listed buildings. Around 2,000 historic buildings can be admired in the city, which has seen a revival of the city center and the old town in recent years. Among the many historical sights of the city are St. Peter’s Church from the 15th century, the Biblical House with scenes from the Old and New Testament and the Oberlausitzer Schauglashütte. In the Schauglashütte, you can comfortably watch the glassblowers at work while enjoying coffee and cake. The historic old town is ideal for strolling and is one of the best preserved old towns in Europe. Görlitz has a lot of cultural offers to offer. The Silesian Museum in Görlitz deals with the thousand-year-old history of Silesia. Interesting cultural treasures from the region are exhibited by the Görlitz Museum of Cultural History. Among the cultural events is the popular Görlitz Old Town Festival, which takes place from the end of August to the beginning of September and spreads over large areas of the old town.
43. Munich
Munich is the capital of the German state of Bavaria. With about 1.35 million inhabitants, it is the largest city in Bavaria and also the third largest in the Federal Republic of Germany. And it is one of the top 10 German city break destinations. Many rulers, nobles and princes, shaped today’s cityscape with its sights, sciences and Bavarian traditions. For example, Wilhelm V created the now world-famous Munich Hofbräuhaus in 1598, or under Prince Regent Luitpold, among other things, the Prinzregentenstraße and the Prince Regent Theater were built. Munich was historically first mentioned in 1158 and therefore has something to offer from many eras. Not to forget the traditional festivals, such as the largest folk festival in the world – the Munich Oktoberfest. And a “Maß” is almost a must when visiting Munich. The cultural offer in the city is great: Bavarian State Opera, museums and exhibitions… The Lenbachhaus, for example, is one of the most important of its kind. You can get a good overview of Munich from the tower of the New City Hall. On a clear day, you can even see the Alps from here.
42. Cologne
The cathedral city looks back on over 2000 years of history, the traces of which can be seen everywhere in the city. Imposing buildings, fascinating museums and, of course, the Cologne lifestyle – in Cologne there is something to discover on almost every street corner.
An old town with a lot of flair, many museums, numerous medieval remains of the city wall and the Cologne brewery culture make the city an excellent destination.
The Cologne Cathedral with its two 157m high towers is the city’s landmark and the most famous architectural monument in Germany. The interior of the cathedral is also worth seeing, including the shrine of the Three Kings.
41. Dresden
The capital of Saxony is not called “Florence on the Elbe” for nothing. Fascinating buildings of the baroque old town of Dresden, such as the Frauenkirche, Zwinger and Semper Opera House are located close to the romantic banks of the Elbe and in the neighborhood of modern, creative districts.
Dresden’s Old Town is of course the highlight of the city. Fürstenzug, Frauenkirche, Catholic Court Church, Dresden Zwinger, Residence Palace, Semper Opera House, Green Vault, etc. – the list of Dresden’s sights is very long.
During the bombing of Dresden by the Allies at the end of the 2nd World War (1945), the old town center was almost completely destroyed.
However, also thanks to long-term desire of the people of Dresden, the most important buildings and sights of the Old Town were completely restored in the framework of a renovation and reconstruction program at the end of the 20th century.
40. Nuremberg
Nuremberg, in the north of Bavaria, is the second largest city in the state after Munich. Absolutely worth seeing is the picturesque old town, which exudes a unique medieval flair. With numerous highlights from the areas of architecture, culture and history, everyone gets their money’s worth during a visit to Nuremberg. Nuremberg’s typical delicacies, such as the Nuremberg Rostbratwurst or gingerbread, provide new energy between the exciting museums and sights of the city.
The imposing Kaiserburg in Nuremberg is one of the most important castles in Germany and the city’s landmark. Built in the 11th century, the castle complex is still well preserved today. As one of the most important imperial palaces of the Middle Ages in Europe, all Roman-German emperors resided at least temporarily in the Kaiserburg from 1020 to 1571. Today, you can even spend an imperial night in the castle: One of Germany’s largest and most modern youth hostels is located in the former imperial stables.
39. Heidelberg
Heidelberg is without a doubt one of the most beautiful cities in all of Germany. Without exaggerating, the city on the Neckar can be described as a single open-air museum. With the imposing Heidelberg Castle, the incredibly well-preserved old town and the immediate proximity to nature, there is a beauty and diversity here that amazes visitors from all over the world.
Heidelberg’s landmark is the castle. It was built on a medieval castle complex and for many centuries the Electors of the Electoral Palatinate of the Wittelsbach dynasty resided here. Even though today’s building is only a partially restored ruin from the 15th century, you should not miss a visit to this romantic place of desire with its mysterious castle halls, impressive walls, the pharmacy museum located here and the idyllic sculpture park.
38. Regensburg
Regensburg the “medieval wonder of Germany” was added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites in July 2006. Founded by the Romans, the city with its almost 2000-year history offers its visitors unique impressions. In the old town alone, there are almost one thousand monuments to discover.
For centuries Regensburg was a politically central place in Europe. In the “Perpetual Diet” in Regensburg, European political history was written at a time when the term “European Union” had not yet been invented.
The convenient location on the Danube also had a very positive effect on the economic development of the city. Thus, Regensburg merchant families maintained business relations from Paris to Kiev in the Middle Ages. Long-distance trade made the city very prosperous. The rich patricians created impressive buildings that still characterize the cityscape today.
St. Peter’s Cathedral, the Stone Bridge, St. Emmeram’s Castle, the old town with its winding alleys, all this makes Regensburg a unique world-class treasure chest.
37. Bamberg
Bamberg was built on seven hills and is therefore sometimes called the “Rome of Franconia”. The city center is located on an island between two arms of the Regnitz River, which flows into the Main River only a few kilometers to the north. The old town was largely spared bombing during World War II and today forms the center of Bamberg as the old “citizen’s town “.
In addition, the historic city center of the world heritage city is considered to be the largest intact old town ensemble in Europe. As the former seat of episcopal power, Bamberg was the high chapter of the early modern persecution of witches and sorcerers in southern Germany in the 16th century. With its approximately 1200 architectural monuments and its history as a Franconian imperial and episcopal city, Bamberg is one of the most beautiful cities in Germany.
36. Leipzig
The music city of Leipzig, located in the Free State of Saxony, is a trade fair and cultural city that is over 800 years old. Famous personalities such as Johann Goethe, Johann Sebastian Bach or Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy already lived here and are inseparably connected with the city. Just as the Gewandhaus zu Leipzig has shaped classical music for over 250 years. In literature, “Auerbachs Keller” went down in history through Goethe’s “Faust”. Of course, the St. Thomas Church and the St. Thomas Choir, whose most famous cantor was Bach, are also worth mentioning. Leipzig also calls itself “the mother of all fairs”. It is one of the oldest trade fair locations in the world. Other sights are, for example, the Old Town Hall, the Nikolaikirchen – the starting point of the peaceful revolution in the GDR, the Monument to the Battle of the Nations or the Waldstrasse district from the Wilhelminian period.
35. Hanover
Hanover, located on the Leine River, is the capital of Lower Saxony. First mentioned in documents in 1150, the city was then the capital of the Kingdom of Hanover from 1814. The city is very diverse: the beautiful old town from the 12th century, the royal baroque garden Herrenhausen, the adventure zoo Hannover, the sculpture mile Hannover, the Lake Maschsee, in the surrounding area the mountain range Deister and the Steinhuder Meer. This is only a small excerpt of what you can expect from a city trip. Hanover says of itself that you can create a full program 365 days. And in the evening, numerous cozy pubs and restaurants in the old town of Hannover invite you to enjoy the end of the day. If you like, you can also take a trip back to your childhood and visit the Wilhelm Busch Museum.
34. Stuttgart
Stuttgart is the sixth largest city in Germany and the capital of Baden-Württemberg. It is the center of a metropolitan area with about 2.8 million inhabitants and is known far beyond Germany’s borders as the center of automobile manufacturing. But that is by no means all that distinguishes Stuttgart. Thanks to the wonderful landscapes – the city is located in a valley basin surrounded by a lot of greenery – there are numerous beautiful destinations for excursions in Stuttgart and the surrounding area. And in the city itself, there are quite a few historical buildings that are worth a visit. But don’t worry, Stuttgart’s sights don’t just consist of buildings from times long past. For despite its long history, the city also shows itself to be quite lively, versatile and, above all, hospitable. By the way, Stuttgart can also score points when looking at the climate table: The region is one of the warmest and sunniest in Germany on average.
33. Hamburg
The cosmopolitan city of Hamburg with its maritime flair is one of the most beautiful cities in Germany. Especially culturally, the port city on the Elbe holds countless opportunities for you. On your trip you can experience almost everything you want.
Many of Hamburg’s sights are world famous. These include the Port of Hamburg and the new Elbphilharmonie Concert Hall as well as the popular musical theaters, the Reeperbahn and the Miniatur Wunderland, which attract people from all over the world.
32. Frankfurt
The Main metropolis Frankfurt has so many varied sights and destinations to offer. A wonderful old town, quaint pubs and historic buildings that date back to around 1200 – this and much more is Frankfurt, the city on the Main where German democracy was born and the global stock market is overseen. It is not without reason that the city bears the nickname Mainhattan. It is versatile, pompous and, above all, surprisingly different.
On your stroll through Frankfurt, you will discover the Frankfurt skyline again and again and from different perspectives. Especially beautiful is the view from above, for this you can go to the MAIN TOWER, climb the observation deck of the cathedral or climb the Goethe Tower. But also in the middle, between the skyscrapers or from the Museum Embankment, there are great perspectives. Such an impressive skyline is unique in Germany!
31. Lübeck
The Hanseatic city of Lübeck, not far from the Baltic Sea coast, is characterized by its unique architecture, medieval flair and unforgettable culinary highlights. On a tour of the city’s most popular sights, you will learn exciting facts about German history, walk in the footsteps of great personalities and feel transported back in time in the quaint, romantic alleys.
The Holsten Gate is probably the landmark of Lübeck and definitely one of the most popular sights. The red brick city gate was once an important part of the city fortifications that defended Lübeck from attacks. Today, the historic Holsten Gate adorns souvenir photos, postcards, sweet marzipan cakes and even some 2-euro pieces. It can definitely be counted among one of the most famous German buildings and is probably the most important symbol of the Hanseatic city’s history.
30. Trier
The city of Trier in southwestern Germany, more precisely in Rhineland-Palatinate on the Moselle River, is full of historical features. With its 2,000 years, it is one of the oldest cities in Germany and thus has a significant history. Founded by the Romans in the Middle Ages and destroyed due to warlike conflicts, the city attracts visitors with many impressive sights. Today’s Trier, once called “Augusta Treverorum”, has a particularly favorable geographical location. Once there, you will quickly notice that all the important highlights are within easy walking distance.
The still perfectly preserved city gate Porta Nigra is considered the landmark of Trier and is certainly the highlight par excellence. It is one of the oldest Roman monuments north of the Alps.
29. Augsburg
City of Augsburg in Swabia has been considered an insider tip for some time, because although the city is not as well known as perhaps Munich, it still has many interesting sights that are definitely worth a visit. After all, the city has produced some famous names: Brecht, Fugger, Welser and Mozart!
With only about 60 kilometers between Munich and Augsburg, the city is quick to reach. With over 2000 years of history, Augsburg is one of the oldest cities in Germany with Roman roots. No wonder that in many streets there are still historical buildings from different periods – from the Romans and the Baroque period as well as the Renaissance. Augsburg even celebrates its own holiday on August 8, as a sign of peace and religious freedom.
The Fugger City is proud of its history, which tourists can learn about in various museums and exhibitions.
Travelers face a difficult choice in Augsburg, as there is much to discover and probably not enough time to see everything. Many locations are even easy to reach on foot, as they can be found in the city center. You can see the city especially well from the Perlachturm, which is located next to the city’s landmark, the city hall.
28. Bremen
The Hanseatic city of Bremen is one of the top city break destinations in Germany. With its wealth of culture and history, as well as the many cozy places to stop for a bite to eat, it’s no wonder.
Simply omnipresent are Bremen’s most famous representatives, namely the Bremen Town Musicians. They are not only to be found in the Böttcherstraße, at the “Sieben-Faulen-Brunnen” and in the Schnoorviertel, but also as carousel and climbing figure. But probably the most famous representation of the four is located near the town hall. Around 2 meters high, the sculpture, erected in 1953 by the sculptor Gerhard Marcks, recalls the fairy tale of the four old animals who – mistreated by their masters – joined forces to move to Bremen and become Stadtmusikant.
27. Potsdam
Potsdam was once a small fishing village. Over the centuries, however, it developed into a magnificent residential city that has much to offer, especially culturally.
Anyone who travels to Potsdam will follow in the exciting footsteps of the Prussian royal family, which is reflected in numerous palaces and gardens.
For many, the Sanssouci Palace Park is considered the most beautiful sight in Potsdam. Nowhere is Prussian life culture and splendor more evident than during a stroll through the spectacular gardens, which were cultivated by the Hohenzollern kings for generations. Here you’ll find the namesake Sanssouci Palace, Frederick II’s summer retreat, which you can climb via pompous vine cascades. Nearby you will find the Orangerie Palace, a structure that could stand in Tuscany, or the Old Mill, which stood on the same embankment before the park construction began and was not removed only because the miller who owned it asked the king personally for the mill’s whereabouts. About a kilometer to the west you will also find the New Palace, a magnificent palace from the middle of the 18th century.
26. Mainz
Mainz – capital of Rhineland-Palatinate, lively student city built on Roman ruins and carnival stronghold. In short, Mainz could be described like this, but Mainz is not only to be seen, but to be experienced. Of course, you can explore all the sights in Mainz in a flash, but most people like to come to Mainz because of the very special flair that you will feel everywhere in the city. Mainz is located directly on the Rhine and you will immediately feel the openness, sociability and love of life of the Rhineland Mainzers. In Rheinhessen, people like to live and drink good wine, and so you will find restaurants, cafés and quaint wine bars everywhere in Mainz. And thanks to the many students in Mainz, Mainz is also considered a particularly young city. This is especially evident in the culinary offerings, in the many trendy cafes and pretty little boutiques in the city.
25. Rothenburg ob der Tauber
The little town on the Romantic Road in Middle Franconia is one of those dreamy medieval places that could have come out of a fairy tale world. To enter the old town, you have to pass through a defense system with more than 40 towers.
The still preserved walls guard an idyllic town of noble patrician houses and half-timbered houses with turrets. In its heyday, Rothenburg was an imperial free city, subordinate to the Holy Roman Emperor, and one of the ten largest cities in the empire.
The former imperial city in Middle Franconia attracts thousands of tourists every year with its winding alleys, turrets and half-timbered houses. The special thing about the picturesque place is that the panorama is not disturbed by any modern buildings. The numerous postcard motifs alone make the small town one of the most beautiful cities in Germany.
24. Tübingen
In the heart of Baden-Württemberg lies the university city of Tübingen, one of the most beautiful cities in southern Germany. Almost one third of all inhabitants of the city on the Neckar River are students, which strongly characterizes the lifestyle of the time-honored university metropolis. The historic old town of Tübingen with many half-timbered houses and narrow streets is almost completely preserved. Until the 1990s, Tübingen was a French garrison town. In the south of the city, the French Quarter is still a landmark today. One of the popular recreational areas in the green city is the Old Botanical Garden, which is located between the old town and the university.
Tübingen has many historic buildings to offer in the city center. These include the Hölderlin Tower on the Neckar River as a landmark of the city and popular photo motif or the imposing half-timbered building Burse, which was built in the 15th century for the faculty of arts. Hohentübingen Castle with its museum is also popular.
23. Berlin
Apart from the incredible history that the once-divided city has behind it and still exudes in so many corners, it is currently a focal point for an international, young art and culture scene, which it offers manifold opportunities to try out. Accordingly, many areas are cosmopolitan, while elsewhere the raw Berlin charm still ensures a down-to-earth feel.
Berlin offers a high quality of life with its historical sights, dynamic art and cultural life, a wide variety of gastronomic offerings and, last but not least, generous green spaces and waterways.
Despite its permanent development, the city exudes a relaxed atmosphere and has thus become the adopted home of numerous people from all over the world in recent years.
22. Quedlinburg
Situated on the northern edge of the Eastern Harz Mountains on the Bode River, Quedlinburg is a truly exceptional example of a European medieval city that originated as a castle village and several settlements. The first traces of settlement date back to the Paleolithic Age. Quedlinburg was first mentioned in a document in 922 by King Henry the First. King Henry the I was buried in Quedlinburg. In 1330, the New Town and the Old Town merged into a double municipality with a common city wall. This urban structure with all the old half-timbered houses and a total of four old parishes determines the character of Quedlinburg’s old town. With its approximately 1,300 half-timbered houses from six centuries and a large number of houses in the Art Nouveau style, Quedlinburg is considered one of the most extensive area monuments in all of Germany.
21. Würzburg
The thousand-year-old Würzburg is the gateway to the legendary romantic road leading to Füssen. It is the seventh largest city in picturesque Bavaria. Würzburg is an important wine region where several wine fairs are held in the summer. The beautiful Würzburg on the Main River is known for its architecture and delicate wines.
The magnificent Würzburg Residence from the 18th century is the landmark of the city. The magnificent complex of buildings is a very beautiful example of architecture from the late Baroque period. During this period, palaces such as Schönbrunn in Vienna or the Palace of Versailles were also built. The Residenz served as the seat of the Würzburg prince-bishops. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981.
Johann Philipp Franz von Schönborn commissioned the outstanding complex, which today houses the largest ceiling fresco in the world. Its size is about 580m². It was painted by the famous fresco painter Giovanni Battista Tiepolo from Venice. The whole staircase is really outstanding and breathtakingly beautiful.
20. Ulm
Ulm, the city rich in tradition on the Danube, offers tourists a wide range of opportunities. The city with a long civic history is characterized by an interesting cultural program, which is offered both in the form of permanent facilities and annually repeating events. In Ulm, visitors can learn a lot about history through specific buildings, and at the same time the city impresses with its openness and modernity.
The city’s landmark is Ulm Cathedral, which was built in the Gothic architectural style. Those who climb the steps to the viewing platform are rewarded with a wonderful view over the city. With St. Paul’s Church, St. George’s Church and the Trinity Church, which is now used as a house of encounter, there are three other places of worship worth visiting. However, Ulm does not only rest on its historic buildings, but also gives contemporary architects room for their innovative ideas. The New Central Library and the Town House, which were built more recently, are outstanding in this respect.
19. Düsseldorf
Fashion, art and pleasure: A city break to Düsseldorf promises a short vacation between the Rhine promenade and Königsallee. Hardly any other city in Germany is so often associated with the history and culture of Altbier. Therefore, when visiting Düsseldorf, you should not miss out on sampling the various beer specialties as well. The Rhine metropolis is always a popular destination for a short vacation, because Düsseldorf also has a lot to offer. For example, extensive shopping tours over the Königsallee, the so-called Kö and many attractions such as the Düsseldorf Old Town. Apart from that, the city offers everything you need for a perfect city trip: Water, parks, cafes, restaurants, many promenades, beach, artistic districts and in the evening plenty of nightlife options along the “longest bar in the world” – including Altbier.
18. Freiburg
Freiburg is idyllically located on the Dreisam River and between the Upper Rhine Plain, the Black Forest and Alsace in the border triangle and sunny southwest of the state of Baden-Württemberg. Freiburg looks like something out of a picture book or a fairy tale, especially because of the very well preserved buildings in the old town around world-famous sights like the cathedral.
In addition to the cathedral “Unserer Lieben Frau” (Our Lady), which was built in Romanesque and late Gothic style in the 13th to 16th centuries, there are countless Freiburg sights both in the center of the city between the Castle Hill, the city garden and Bertold’s Fountain, the main building of the Albert Ludwig University as well as the Kaiser-Joseph- and Salzstraße and the train station. The numerous attractions attract many tourists every year. With regularly more than one million overnight stays per year, Freiburg is thus one of the most popular and most visited destinations in southwestern Germany. Quite a few guests fall head over heels in love with the gracious and cozy city during their local visits and stay right there: between 1980 and 2012 alone, the city grew by 32 percent to its current population of almost 231,000.
Last but not least, the approximately 25,000 students at the Albert Ludwig University in Freiburg, which was founded in 1457 and is one of the oldest German academic institutions, have produced almost two dozen Nobel Prize winners, ensure a lot of dynamism, culture, nightlife and a young atmosphere.
17. Erfurt
Erfurt, the capital of Thuringia, is one of the oldest cities in Germany. It has a rich tradition as a Luther, cathedral and university city. Due to its location at the intersection of old trade routes, the city was already a powerful trading and university city in the Middle Ages. Famous poets and great personalities such as Martin Luther, Friedrich Schiller or the composers Johann Bach and Johann Wolfgang Goethe came from the city or came to Erfurt. Many Renaissance and half-timbered houses, numerous churches and monasteries as well as the Cathedral Hill, St. Severi’s Church and the Krämer Bridge – all this and much more is waiting to be admired. Erfurt looks back on more than 1250 years of history – and this can still be felt in many places in the city. To end the sightseeing day during a city trip in Erfurt, numerous cozy pubs and restaurants invite you to enjoy and relax. If you want to get a good overview of Erfurt, you should let your gaze wander from the baroque citadel Petersberg.
16. Weimar
Weimar has a large number of sights to offer. Among the highlights are certainly the Goethe residence with museum, the Schiller residence and the Goethe and Schiller monument in front of the German National Theater. Other important houses are the Liszt House and the Kirms-Krackow House. Many visitors are also drawn to the city’s historic cemetery. Here lie well-known personalities such as Friedrich von Schiller, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Charlotte von Stein. Those interested in architecture should not miss a visit to the Bauhaus sites such as the arts and crafts school building, the art school building or the model house “Am Bau”. The Bauhaus Museum shows works of the pioneering art school with about 500 exhibits.
However, a stay in Weimar always takes you to the numerous castles and parks of the classic city. The Belvedere Palace Park and Orangery are particularly popular. Located in the south of Weimar, the palace invites you to visit and the parks to take long walks. If you want to follow in Goethe’s footsteps, you can visit his house garden at Frauenplan 1, which is still preserved as it was planted around 1820. The much-visited Wittum Palace on Theater Square also dates back to the Weimar Classic period.
15. Rostock
Rostock looks back on a history of about 800 years. The old Hanseatic city is located on the Baltic Sea and is the largest city in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. The city also includes Warnemünde – a district of the city. Rostock has preserved much of its old charm: a large part of the old city fortifications is still preserved, beautiful brick facades, dressed up gabled houses, the Ständehaus, the university founded in 1419 and the more than 700 year old town hall are just a few buildings to admire. If you like it more relaxing during city trips, you should go to the sandy beach of Warnemünde, which is more than 100 meters wide and has a wide promenade, which is popular not only in summer. And did you know that Rostock includes one of the largest forest areas on the Baltic Sea? Maritime you can experience on board the “Stephan Jantzen” – the strongest German icebreaker.
14. Konstanz
Constance is a city in the south of Germany that attracts many tourists every year. Constance is by far the largest city directly on Lake Constance. Fortunately, the area was spared during the Second World War, which is why the historic city center could be preserved. In addition to the beautiful old town with its many historic buildings, the city offers many opportunities for excursions to the surrounding areas on Lake Constance or to the great outdoors.
Constance is home to buildings from many different eras. The oldest ones date back to antiquity. In the 4th century, for example, the Roman fort was built on the Münsterplatz. The entire old town was built between the 12th and 15th centuries, giving the impression of a huge open-air museum. Although there are only remains of the ring wall built at that time, the town hall, the Schnetztor and many other buildings, such as the Haus zur Katz, date back to this period. Seeheim Castle, the main train station and the Bismarck Tower are particularly impressive examples of historicism and art nouveau.
13. Speyer
On the Upper Rhine, in the area where the Speyerbach flows into the Rhine, in Rhineland-Palatinate, lies the ancient city of Speyer. It is one of the oldest cities in Germany. Once it was a free imperial city and belonged to the most important cities of the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation. The most important building is probably Speyer Cathedral, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981. The foundation stone was laid as early as 1030. Also worth mentioning is the Altpörtel, one of the highest city gates in Germany, or the Jewish quarter with the ritual bath Mikwe. If you want to experience something, you should visit Speyer in July. This is when the famous Speyer Pretzel Festival takes place – and has been doing so for over 100 years now. It is the largest folk festival on the Upper Rhine. Whether as a pure city trip or during a river cruise on the Rhine: a visit to Speyer is worthwhile!
12. Aachen
In the course of its history, the city of Aachen has accumulated an almost unmanageable number of sights. In addition to the city hall dating from 1349 and the UNESCO World Heritage Aachen Cathedral, there are many other churches and dozens of houses worth seeing from all stylistic eras. There is also an impressive number of museums, including the Ludwig Forum for International Art and the Suermondt-Ludwig Museum. In 1985 the newly built striking building of the Aachen Clinic was opened and in 2001 the “Carolus Thermen Bad Aachen”, one of the most modern thermal baths in Europe, was inaugurated.
Since Charlemagne made the city of Aachen his residence around 789 and built the Palatine Chapel, the heart of Europe beat in Aachen for several centuries. By 1531, no fewer than 31 German kings had been crowned in Aachen Cathedral. The addition of the Gothic choir followed in 1414. In 1978, the cathedral and its artistic treasures became the first German monument to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
11. Worms
Worms and the Nibelungs are inseparably linked. Siegfried, Kriemhild and all the protagonists of the Nibelung saga are good acquaintances for the people of Worms. But you will discover during your visit that there are many other reasons to explore the city of the Nibelungs.
The Celtic Borbetomagus experienced its first heyday in Roman times as Civitas Vangionum. Worms was the site of numerous imperial days and important political decisions in the Middle Ages. It was a founding member of the Rhenish League of Towns and a city with a high degree of ecclesiastical and civic influence, with a population of about 6000 to 7000 around 1500. The Imperial Diet of 1521 marked the beginning of the Reformation with the appearance of Martin Luther, which quickly gained a foothold in Worms.
Worms is a lively and open-minded city with 82,000 inhabitants today. It has an eventful history to tell, which is at least as exciting as what is happening in the here and now.
There is much to see and experience in Worms: the Romanesque cathedral, the oldest Jewish cemetery in Europe, the former Jewish quarter in the Old Town with its synagogue or Rashi House and Jewish Museum. With the Luther Monument as the largest reformation monument in the world, art collection in the Museum Heylshof, museum in the Andreas Monastery and Nibelung Museum at the city wall are only the most popular, by far not all attractions are included.
10. Schwerin
Schwerin offers vacations in the middle of a green idyll directly on the water. The capital of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern impresses with its princely residence architecture and a great combination of various natural attractions and historic buildings. Schwerin Castle with its magnificent garden and the handsome old town are just a few of the highlights in the northern German state capital. Famous landscape architects created an idyllic synthesis of the arts and one of the most beautiful park landscapes in Mecklenburg in the city area.
One of the best sights in Schwerin is the princely Schwerin Castle, built between 1843 and 1857. It is located on a peninsula and is the seat of the state government of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Surrounded by water and enchanting gardens, it stands magnificently in the middle of Lake Schwerin. Inside, the living and ceremonial rooms, including the throne room and ancestral gallery, impress with their picturesque decor. Various art treasures can be admired in the rooms. Valuable paintings and sculptures from the 18th century can be seen alongside the newly inaugurated silver chamber and princely state weapons.
9. Münster
The city of Münster (population approx. 310,610), also affectionately known as the bicycle city, is located in North Rhine-Westphalia in the center of the Münsterland region. It has been the Catholic diocese of Münster since as early as 805. The history of the city is long and rich in history. For example, part of the Peace of Westphalia was concluded here in 1648 to end the 30 Years War. The first traces of settlement date back to 750 B.C. and Münster received its town charter in 1170, the year in which construction of the town fortifications began. The city has many historic buildings, especially within the promenade ring in the old town, such as the Historic Town Hall of Münster, the Buddenturm, the Prinzipalmarkt and the moated castle Wilkinghege. You should explore all this on a city trip to Münster!
8. Rüdesheim
The small town of Rüdesheim am Rhein is located in the upper Rhine Valley in the state of Hesse and is full of sights. The wine town is surrounded by a unique river and cultural landscape and high Riesling vineyards, which make Rüdesheim one of the most beautiful towns in Germany. The deep gorges of this mountainous landscape are cut by the Rhine, which is dotted with islands. And the banks are guarded by medieval castles, which have been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley since 2020.
The medieval old town with the Eagle Tower is not the only tourist attraction. The quaint Drosselgasse of Rüdesheim is known far beyond the borders of Germany. Every year, around three million visitors stroll through the 144-meter-long and only two-meter-wide alley, where historic wine taverns line up like a string of pearls. Especially popular with tourists from Asia, the USA and England, the Drosselgasse is the second most popular tourist attraction in Germany after the Cologne Cathedral.
7. Bonn
Bonn, the former German capital, can look back on a history of over 2,000 years. The most famous citizen of Bonn is undoubtedly Beethoven (1770-1827), one of the most famous German composers. His birthplace in Bonngasse can still be visited today. From 1949 until 1999 Bonn was the provisional capital or seat of government of the FRG. The list of sights from Roman times to the era as the seat of government is long: the Villa Hammerschmidt, the Old Town Hall, the Poppelsdorfer Allee, the Bonn Cathedral, the Bonn Museum Mile – and in the region, Mount Drachenfels in the Siebengebirge and of course the Rhine as such. In addition, there is an impressive number of museums with attractive exhibitions. And after all the sightseeing during a city trip to Bonn, pleasure should not be neglected. Did you know that the historic city center of Bonn forms the largest continuous pedestrian zone? Stroll a little and relax in one of the many street cafes.
6. Passau
Among the most amazing sights in Passau is by far the Three Rivers Corner. Passau is not called the city of three rivers for nothing. Here in Passau you get to see a very special natural spectacle: at the end of the beautiful old town, the Danube, Ilz and Inn meet. The three rivers, which come from different directions, unite in Passau and run together from here as the Danube River.
Passau is unique in the world as a city of three rivers. Nowhere else can you experience this special natural spectacle as closely as here. The Three Rivers Corner is definitely worth seeing, or what do you think?
During your visit to Passau, you should definitely head for the picturesque old town, which is one of the top sights of Passau. The typical Bavarian old town with its partly narrow streets and the small local stores exudes its very special charm.
Stroll past the baroque-style houses and churches, admire the beautiful facades, explore the surroundings and take a relaxed stroll along the enchanting waterfront.
The old town of Passau invites you with its numerous shopping opportunities to an extensive shopping tour through noble boutiques. For a short break, you can sit down in a cozy café and enjoy the view of the cobblestone old town and the old city hall with a cup of coffee. Passau’s old town is just perfect for a little downtime with a picturesque backdrop!
5. Karlsruhe
Karlsruhe, the modern and vibrant metropolis in the west of Baden-Württemberg with its approximately 295,000 inhabitants, has a lot to offer the visitor! It is a young city: the foundation stone of Karlsruhe Castle was laid in 1715, and the city of Karlsruhe was built around the castle according to the ideas of the Margrave of Baden, Karl Wilhelm.
Even today, Karlsruhe is crisscrossed by a network of streets that fan out from the castle, just as it was planned in the 18th century. That is why the people of Karlsruhe like to call their city “Fan City”. The city is very pleasant for pedestrians and for cyclists. After all, it was built into the flat land! There are also extensive pedestrian zones in the city center.
The castle of Margrave Karl Wilhelm is rightly considered the most important public attraction of the city! Today, the Baden State Museum is located in the castle, which provides information about the history of Baden in interesting exhibitions. Visitors can spend some quiet hours in the extensive palace garden.
4. Eisenach
In the west of Thuringia lies one of Luther’s cities, the historic city of Eisenach. The center of western Thuringia is best known for Wartburg Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that towers over the city. In 1067, the castle was brought to life by the legendary Count Ludwig von Schauenburg. Wartburg Castle is one of the most popular castles in Germany among visitors. It was here that the reformer Martin Luther translated the New Testament into German. In the summer, the Wartburg hosts the famous Wartburg Concerts.
The most famous son of the city is Johann Sebastian Bach. The composer was born in Eisenach in 1685. The house where he was born, located on the Frauenplan, is now the most important Bach museum and displays the world’s largest collection on the life and works of Bach. The Bach House program includes special exhibitions and concerts. One of the outstanding cultural institutions in Eisenach is the Luther House on Lutherplatz near the market square. Martin Luther went to school in Eisenach, among other places. Eisenach has a variety of beautiful buildings to offer in the city center. In and around the core city of Eisenach there are still some beautiful castles, such as the Eisenach City Castle, which used to be the residence of the Dukes of Saxony-Eisenach.
3. Koblenz
Koblenz is famous for the Electoral Palace, which was once the residence of the Elector of Trier. Stolzenfels Castle is no less magnificent; it is located on the left bank of the Rhine and can be visited at any time. The Rhine is overlooked on one side by the hill Ehrenbreitstein.
High above, one discovers the completely preserved fortress of the same name, Ehrenbreitstein, which protected Koblenz from invaders in the past and was accessible only from one side. At the top of the “German Corner” visitors discover the city’s landmark: an equestrian statue of Emperor Wilhelm I. In the city center one encounters the beautiful city hall with the Schängelbrunnen fountain in front of it. A bronze figure spits a jet of water into the air every two minutes, which you should be wary of. When you visit, you’ll notice the many baroque buildings lining the alleys. You can see the Epiphany House and the Old Department Store, or you can get a glimpse of the Old Mint on Mint Square during your wanderings.
2. Lüneburg
Deciding whether you like the city of Lüneburg itself or the surrounding heath better is likely to put you in a bit of a quandary. Both are impressively beautiful in their own way, though the city is a good deal older. After all, it was the people of Lüneburg who are said to have once burned the wood from the forests surrounding them in order to be able to use the city’s salt deposits. Today, Lüneburg enjoys an excellent reputation as a brine and mud spa, while heather grows in place of the forests and heath sheep graze.
Among the most prominent of its sights is certainly the well-preserved building complex of the town hall with its baroque show facade built around 1720, the court arbor decorated with colorful windows and several other splendid interiors. Besides the market, “Am Sande” counts as the town’s main square, surrounded by attractive gabled houses, the Black House built in 1548 and St. John’s Church. With St. Nikolai and St. Michaelis, two more churches worth seeing adorn the cityscape of Lüneburg. The harbor on the Ilmenau unfolds its own charms with the gabled facade of the Old Department Store and the crane, a medieval wooden construction that is an important cultural monument.
1. Kassel
Among art lovers, the city of Kassel is known worldwide by its epithet “documenta city,” officially received in 1999. Since 1955, the “documenta”, probably the most important international exhibition of contemporary art, has been held here every five years. A very special highlight is the Hill Park Wilhelmshöhe, the largest mountain park in Europe, which fascinates not only with its unique wealth of plants and many sights, but also with its extraordinary water features. The Brothers Grimm, who lived here for 30 years and whose work is presented in the Brothers Grimm Museum, are another attraction of the city.
In the picturesque Hill Park, one can find a remarkable collection of world-famous paintings in the Wilhelmshöhe Palace. Other beautiful sights of the Hill Park are the Ball House, the Loewenburg Castle, the Rose Island as well as the Hercules, the city’s landmark, from whose viewing platform you can enjoy a magnificent view of the low mountain ranges from the Rhön to the Harz Mountains. The annual water games in the park should not be missed. Another tourist attraction in Kassel is undoubtedly the Karlsaue, an extensive park with a baroque Orangery Palace.
