Best Things to Do in Germany
Germany
Germany is a land of contrasts, where walled Medieval towns coexist with high-speed Mercedes-filled autobahns, and where quaint Black Forest and Bavarian villages share the same soil as ultra-hip Berlin and pulsating cities like Munich and Hamburg. Rhine River and Moselle cruises are ever-popular, and the long-defunct "East Germany" has been resurrected -- witness the total rebuilding of Dresden, firebombed during World War II and now a showplace. Heidelberg, Nuremberg, Cologne, Lubeck, Stuttgart, Leipzig -- the list of intriguing German cities is long, but the alluring countryside beckons as well.
Top Germany Experiences
River cruising along the beautiful Rhine, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley.
Standing in front of the massive Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, once the symbol of the division of East and West Berlin and part of the infamous Berlin Wall.
Hiking along the trails of the dense Black Forest.
Follow the popular Romantic Road tour route to the old imperial city of Rothenburg - self-guided walking tours make stops at the 13th-century Town Hall, the St. Georgs-Brunnen Fountain and picturesque Plönlein.
Visiting the historic city of Lindau, a historic city.
Taking in the views from the Zugspitze massif, reachable by cog railway or cable car - walk through the 800-meter-long tunnel and peer out the many viewing windows.
Celebrating and meetin new friends over classic German beers during the Oktoberfest.
Climbing the 533 steps of the Cologne Cathedral for the best views of Cologne, a quintessential right of passage on a German tour.
Enjoying walking or biking and taking in the sites in Heidelberg.
Pondering the Berlin Wall itself and reading the names on the wall at Checkpoint Charlie of those who chanced escape.
Venture into the Baltic Sea to Rügen, the largest of the German Baltic islands, and explore Jasmund National Park.
Touring the ancient town of Bamberg, one of Germany’s best-preserved towns and home to a 13th-century cathedral.
Feeling like royalty in one of Europe’s most beautiful castles, the Neuschwanstein Castle, in the town of Füssen.
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Things to do in Germany - Expert’s guide
1. Berlin “Big Three”
Berlin’s three most famous attractions are Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Wall and Checkpoint Charlie. Include the Reichstag and you have a complete historic time capsule of this German capital city.
2. Oktoberfest in Munich
Millions of visitors flock to Germany’s biggest and most famous festival - Munich’s Oktoberfest. Grab a stein, join the festivities, then tour the city’s many palaces, medieval buildings and churches to complete your cultural tour of Munich.
3. Neuschwanstein Castle
Perhaps the most famous castle in the world - and certainly the one that gets photographed the most in Germany - Neuschwanstein Castle was an inspiration to Walt Disney and the fanciful home of King Ludwig II of Bavaria.
4. Cologne Cathedral
Dominating the Cologne skyline with its Gothic and Neo-Gothic architecture, the Cologne Cathedral is one of Germany’s most iconic landmarks. Climb the towers and visit the shrine of the Three Magi.
5. Schloss Sanssouci (Potsdam)
Add this top German castle to your bucket list, particularly if you have a sunny summer day during which to stroll through its magnificent gardens.
6. Nuremberg Christmas Market
The Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg is one of the most famous holiday markets in all of Germany. Shop, eat, drink and soak up the festive, medieval vibe on the Hauptmarkt of the city’s historic Old Town.
7. Zugspitze
Ski, snowboard, hike or just gaze at the highest mountain in Germany. Even if adventure travel isn’t your jam, you can ride to the top and enjoy a drink while you savor the view.
8. Museum Island (Berlin)
Museum Island, in Berlin, is a unique UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to five intriguing museums.
9. Moselle Valley
Whether by cycle, car or river cruise, the Moselle Valley - home to the Moselle, Saar and Ruwer rivers - is a wine, food and castle lover’s dream destination.
10. Rothenburg Old Town
Tour the historic museums, monuments, churches and sights of the charming Old Town of Rothenburg.
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Useful Links
- Germany's Weather Overview: Live Weather, Forecasts, and Averages
- Additional Information About Germany
Visa Information
| Visa Needed? | Link | |
| US | N (< 90 days) | Visas to Germany for United States Citizens |
| UK | N (< 90 days) | Visas to Germany for United Kingdom Citizens |
| CA | N (< 90 days) | Visas to Germany for Canadian Citizens |
| AU | N (< 90 days) | Visas to Germany for Australian Citizens |
| NZ | N (< 90 days) | Visas to Germany for New Zealand Citizens |
| IN | Y | Visas to Germany for Indian Citizens |
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