30 Best Things to do in Germany | Points of Interest

Germany is a great country to visit. It has an incredible history, it’s rich in culture, and there are so many things to see and do that you could spend your entire life exploring this great country.

From its vibrant and historic capital of Berlin to the stunning mountain scenery in the south, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Here are the best things to see and do in Germany.

Germany is a beautiful country with breathtaking views of its lush forest, panoramic vistas, and mountains from its landscape of rich forests, gorgeous scenery, and ancient towns.

It is a lovely nation with a long history, incredible culture, excellent breweries, and exciting nightlife—each of which offers something to see.

Best Things to do in Germany & Places to Visit

Ready to plan a trip to Germany and see all its best attractions? Here are the best things to do in Germany along with our favorite places to visit.

1. Phantasialand

Address: Berggeiststraße 31-41, 50321 Brühl, Germany

Phantasialand is a privately owned amusement park situated in Bruhnl, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Over one million people troop into the amusement park just in a year.

This is a result of the attractions it has to it and the wide landscape, too. Phantasialand was established in the year 1967, August 30th precisely, by Gottlieb Foffelhardt and Richard Schmidt.

A fire outbreak occurred in the park in 2001 due to wrong wiring somewhere in the amusement park. This outbreak led to the destruction of some of the park’s tools up to seven million United States dollars. As a result of the outbreak also, near sixty people were injured.

In 2002, Maurer Sohne built two roller coasters (Winja’s Fear and Force). Sohne, around the same time, also developed an area of the park now called Wuze town. In 2006 again, the Black Mamba roller coaster (which represents the African culture) was also introduced to the park.

In 2004, a hotel designed to resemble a Chinese cultural setting was raised in the park, having two restaurants: the Lu Chi and Matamba. Talocan, a topspin, was built in the park in 2007 by Huss Maschinenfabrik.

In this manner, Phantasialand has a whole hand full of discoveries too, themed to represent one cultural heritage or the other: Berlin, Mexico, China Town, Klugheim, etc.

There are a handful of wonderful sights in the park, many of which give the park the look of a fantasy space. There are plenty of great attractions and activities at the amusement park, making it one of the best things to do in Germany with kids.

See Related: Things to Do in Trier, Germany

2. Take a cable car up to the top of the Zugspitze

The Zugspitze is the highest mountain in Germany, and offers a stunning panoramic view of the country from its peak. The peak sits at 2,962 meters above sea level and has become one of Germany’s most popular tourist destinations. Take the cable car up to the summit, and then enjoy the panoramic views from the top.

The Zugspitze is also known as “Southern Bavaria’s Matterhorn,” thanks to its dramatic shape and snowy white color. If you’re going to visit this iconic spot, plan to spend at least two days exploring the area around it so that you have time for some skiing or snowboarding on its slopes (when conditions are right) and join a Zugspite tour.

There are several options for reaching the summit:

• You can ride up via cable car; take an aerial tram across Germany’s longest suspension bridge;
• hike up on foot through an Alpine path that winds its way through forests before ending at an observation deck with breathtaking views,
• or even drive there if you feel like getting behind the wheel.

See Related: Best Hotels in Munich, Germany

3. Brandenburg Gate

Address: Pariser Platz, 10117 Berlin, Germany

The Brandenburger Tor (German) or Brandenburg Gate (English) is a city gate monument situated in the western part of Berlin. The monument was a product of King Frederick William II’s order and had come through when the temporary restoration of order in the Batavian Revolution.

The city gate was constructed in the Neoclassical style. Construction for the gate began in 1788 and lasted up till 1791. The Brandenburg city gate leads to a linden trees boulevard by the name Unter den Linden. Further down, the Unter den Linden is the royal City Palace, where the Prussian monarchs are housed.

The reason behind King Frederick William II’s commission of the gate was to symbolize peace, hence its former name: Friedenstor, which, translated in English, means Peace-Gate. Carl Gotthard Langhans designed the city gate. There are a total number of twelve Doric columns found in the city gate, each side having six to itself; hence there are five entry paths through the gate.

The city gate was built to resemble a typical Propylaea. Resting on the head of the gate is the molded image of Johann Gottfried Schadow driven in a chariot by Victoria. It s a sight to see on a City Sightseeing Berlin Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour.

The City Gate is opposite the Parister Platz, which is one of the most attractive squares in the whole of Berlin. It, the city gate, has witnessed many wars and renovations.

4. Reichstag Building

Address: Platz der Republik 1, 11011 Berlin, Germany

The Reichstag Building, also called Reichstagsgebaude in German, is an edifice situate in Berlin, Germany.

The edifice was constructed to be the residence of the German Empire’s Imperial Diet from its construction in 1894 until the year 1933 after a fire attack was made on it.

The construction of the Reichstag Building began in the year 1884 and was completed in 1894, ten years after. It was initially a product of Paul Wallot’s design. Paul Wallot, born on the 26th of June, 1841, was an architect from Germany of Huguenot descent.

Then the World War II of 1944 came, and the building became even more abandoned. However, between the 1960s, movements were made to restore the building to its former glory, but this didn’t seem possible.

It was only in 1990, just past the German reunification, that actually, following a redesign of the structure by Norman Foster that the house actually became rebuilt. Actualization of this took about nine years, and once again, it (the edifice) became the modern Bundestag.

Bundestag is the federal parliament of Germany.

See Related: Best Mountains in Germany

5. Neuschwanstein Castle

Address: Neuschwansteinstraße 20, 87645 Schwangau, Germany

The Neuschwanstein Castle, known in German as Schloss Neuschwanstein, is located in Hohenschwangau, Bavaria, Germany. It is a historical palace of the nineteenth century constructed from the years 1869 to 1886.

The palace, which celebrates Richard Wagner’s achievements and as a retreat, was commissioned by the then king of Bavaria, King Ludwig II, who took up all the expenses it cost to raise the structure. He didn’t solicit funds from anywhere: he personally used his own fortune to raise the structure.

The palace was specifically designed to be just the king’s residence, meaning people were not let into it. But briefly, after the king’s passing in 1886, the palace became open to the public, and since then, millions of people have been trooping into the palace for several purposes.

Architect Eduard Riedel was responsible for realizing the design for the palace after Christian Jank’s designed draft of what the building could resemble.

And accompanied by the following civil engineers, the structure was able to be raised: Georg von Dollmann and Julius Hofmann. From the letter King Ludwig wrote to Richard Wagner, he intended for the palace to be built in the old German Knights’ castle style.

The castle did survive the two World Wars, and it is believed that so was the case because of the space where the castle is mounted. Some persons described it as a “secluded and strategically unimportant location.”

Today, the castle is open to just everyone, though some restrictions are put into place. For instance, no one can take pictures inside the castle, and no one stays more than thirty-five minutes guided tour. Bring one of these top travel backpacks on your journey to the castle. It’s a long day trip so you’ll need to pack all the essentials in case you hit any delays in your trip.

See Related: Fun & Best Things to Do in Düsseldorf, Germany

6. Attend Oktoberfest in Munich.

Oktoberfest, or the Wiesn, is a 16-day festival held annually in Munich of Bavaria, Germany. It is an important part of Bavarian culture and has been held since 1810. It’s a great way to sample German beer with locals and some of your close friends.

The Oktoberfest is held in an area named Theresienwiese (field of Therese) which was named after Therese of Saxony who was married to Ludwig I (the son of Karl IV).

The festival has been taking place every year since 1810 but the first official record mentioning this event dates back to 1811 when King Maximilian I Joseph allowed for a horse race for his birthday celebration on October 12th.

This first event had about 300 attendants who enjoyed German beer and sausages along with gambling and dancing at night.

See Related: Things to Do in Munich, Germany

7. Visit The Black Forest.

The Black Forest is a region in southwestern Germany, famous for its pine-covered hills, quaint villages, and traditional Black Forest gateau. It’s a popular tourist destination thanks to its mild climate and pristine beauty.

The Black Forest offers plenty of things to see and do, including hiking through the mountains or visiting one of the many castles that dot the landscape.

If you’re more interested in relaxing by the water than climbing up steep hillsides and taking pictures of castles, you can also enjoy swimming at one of the many lakes or rivers found throughout this area.

No matter what your interests are, the Black Forest is sure to have something for you. Make sure you purchase a legendary cuckoo clock, which are made with traditional Black Forest wood.

8. Visit the Berlin Wall

The infamous Berlin Wall is a popular tourist attraction in Germany. It’s a symbol of the Cold War and the division of Germany between West Germany and East Germany. You can walk along the Berlin Wall, or see the graffiti-covered East Side Gallery.

The Berlin Wall was built in 1961 to prevent East Germans from fleeing to the West. It was a symbol of the Cold War and the division of Germany. The Berlin Wall was torn down in 1989 by protesters who saw that it didn’t make sense anymore when Germany had been unified three years earlier.

Now it’s a tourist attraction where you can get your picture taken with your head poking through an opening in its outer layer—if you want one.

See Related: Most Famous Historical Landmarks in Berlin, Germany

9. Marienplatz and the Glockenspiel in Munich, Germany.

Imagine a large public square in the center of a city, with beautiful buildings surrounding it. Now imagine that this square is so large that it can accommodate thousands of people all at once. That’s pretty much what Marienplatz is like.

It has been the center of Munich since 1255, and it remains as such today. In addition to being home to multiple landmarks and attractions—including Christkindlmarkt and Marienplatz railway station—it also hosts several festivals throughout the year, including Oktoberfest and Christmas markets (the latter originating from an old tradition).

If you’re looking for something really unique, check out Munich’s Glockenspiel: an enormous carillon of 48 bells located in the south tower of Town Hall (Rathaus).

The clock chimes every hour on the hour; when you hear those familiar notes ring out over Marienplatz (approximately above), stop what you’re doing and look up at its clock face! You’ll see little figures moving around as they tell stories about life throughout history…and even get involved yourself.

10. Dresden Altstadt (Old Town)

Located at the Elbe river, Dresden Altstadt is the historic center of Dresden, Germany. It is the largest coherent historic area in Saxony’s capital. It played a significant role in German history as one of two centers (with Leipzig) for the Saxon electorate and kingdom.

The city council was founded at this time as well as several other important institutions such as the Dresden Bank Association, or Dresdner Bankverein association which later became important financial institutions for Germany and Europe.

In addition, Dresden’s Christmas markets are some of the most festive and atmospheric in all of Germany. Stroll through the stalls, savor traditional German foods, and shop for unique gifts and souvenirs.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site has been visited by over 25 million tourists each year.

See Related: Best Things to Do in Würzburg, Germany

11. Hofbräuhaus München, Beer Hall & Restaurant in Munich, Germany.

The Hofbräuhaus is one of the most famous breweries in the world. This Bavarian restaurant and brewery is located in Munich, Germany, and attracts beer lovers from all over. The atmosphere at this brewery is lively, fun, friendly, and adventurous. It’s a great place to take your friends as well as a date!

The Hofbräuhaus serves traditional German food like sausages (known as “Wiener”) along with delicious beer brewed on-site by master brewers. It’s a great place to enjoy authentic Bavarian food while drinking some of Germany’s best beers. This is one of the most recognizable tourist attractions in Germany.

12. Heidelberg Castle Ruins and Old Town.

The Heidelberg Castle Ruins and Old Town near Frankfurt, Germany are the perfect place to spend your day. The castle’s ruins are among the most visited castles in Germany, and it’s easy to see why. The stunning setting, romantic backdrop, and beautiful architecture are sure to impress you.

The Heidelberg Castle is an amazing spot for a photo shoot or even just a walk around with friends. You’ll love seeing how many people have made this spot their own personal backdrop over the years!

This gorgeous location and picturesque town is also known as “the city of 200 hills.” It certainly lives up to its name with its rolling hills leading down towards the Rhine river – one of Europe’s most picturesque views.

See Related: Best Museums in Munich, Germany

13. Visit the Dachau Concentration Camp

A sobering reminder of Germany’s dark past, the Dachau Concentration Camp is a must-visit for anyone interested in history. Take a tour of the camp, and learn about its role in the Holocaust.

The Dachau Concentration Camp was opened on March 22, 1933, just weeks after Adolf Hitler was appointed Chancellor of Germany. It was the first concentration camp in Nazi Germany and served as a model for all later camps.

Dachau was originally intended to hold political prisoners but soon became a place of terror for all those concentration camps were an essential part of the Nazis’ plan to systematically exterminate European Jews. The Dachau camp was one of the first and largest of these camps.

The concentrationcamp was located in the town of Dachau, about 10 miles northwest of Munich. Be sure to join a Dachau Concentration Camp tour and get your tickets in advance.

14. See the sights of Frankfurt

From its towering skyscrapers to its historic old town, Frankfurt is a city with something for everyone. See the sights of the city on a walking tour, or take a ride on the Frankfurt U-Bahn.

Frankfurt is a city that has been through a lot over the years. It was first settled by the Romans in the 1st century AD, and they soon built a fortress on the hill where Frankfurt’s main railway station now stands.

The city played an important role during the Middle Ages as a stop on the important trade routes between northern Europe and southern Europe.

The city was also the site of the first public stock exchange in Germany. The Frankfurt Stock Exchange was founded in 1585 and is now one of the most important stock exchanges in the world.

Frankfurt was heavily bombed during World War II, but it has since been rebuilt and is now thriving and is currently the headquarters of the European Central Bank. The city is always moving forward, and there’s always something new to see and do.

See Related: Best Lakes in Germany

15. Ruedesheim am Rhein

Ruedesheim am Rhein is a popular tourist destination in Germany. It is located in the Rhine Valley in the state of Baden-Württemberg and is a wine-growing town. The city has many sightseeing spots, including its main attraction: a castle that was built over 700 years ago.

There are also hiking trails nearby the city where you can see beautiful natural scenery like rivers and waterfalls. If you’re interested in visiting Ruedesheim am Rhein, it’s best to book your trip for August or September when there are fewer tourists around.

16. Weltenburg Abbey and the Danube Gorge (Donaudurchbruch) in Bavaria, Germany.

The Danube Gorge is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s one of the most stunning and unique landscapes in Germany, and Weltenburg Abbey (a monastery) is located on its edge.

The abbey was founded in 788 by Duke Tassilo III as a Benedictine monastery. Weltenburg Abbey has had an unusual history since then–it was destroyed by fire in 1014, rebuilt, sold during the Reformation era, and finally restored as a nunnery in 1852 before being transformed into an artist’s colony in 1948.

Nowadays it is open to visitors who can wander through the gardens while admiring the Gothic architecture or visiting one of their many art exhibitions featuring works by leading contemporary artists such as Anselm Kiefer and Gerhard Richter.

17. Upper Middle Rhine Valley World Heritage Site in Germany.

The Upper Middle Rhine Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Rhine Valley in Germany. The Upper Middle Rhine Valley contains many castles and palaces that were built during medieval times when this area was controlled by the Holy Roman Empire.

This region was also historically important as it contained some of Europe’s most important trade routes between France and Switzerland. It was also a popular destination for pilgrims who would travel around Europe during religious festivals such as Easter or Pentecost pilgrimages.

18. Go skiing in the Alps

A popular winter destination, the Alps are a great place to go skiing or snowboarding. There are many ski resorts to choose from, so find one that suits your level of experience. Then enjoy the views from the top of the slopes.

The Bavarian Alps are a great place to ski, and there are many resorts to choose from. If you’re a beginner, I recommend heading to Garmisch-Partenkirchen. It’s a small resort that is perfect for beginners, and it has a great ski school that will help you improve your skills.

See Related: Best Islands to Visit in Germany to Visit

19. Drive along the Autobahn

The Autobahn is one of Germany’s most famous exports, and a must-visit for any car lover. The highway is an amazing driving experience, with wide and well-maintained roads. You can really let your car loose and enjoy the thrill of driving at high speeds on the Autobahn.

In addition to the driving experience, the Autobahn is also a great place to see some of the beautiful scenery that Germany has to offer. Whether you’re a car lover or just looking for a fun driving experience, the Autobahn is definitely a road you don’t want to miss.

20. Drive along the Romantic Road

If you’re looking for a scenic route that takes you through the best of Germany, look no further than the Romantic Road.

This popular tourist route runs through the heart of the country, passing through many small towns and villages along the way. You’ll be able to take in some of Germany’s most beautiful scenery, including mountain views, forests, and quaint villages.

There are also many lookout points along the route where you can stop and take in the view. The Romantic Road is a great way to see some of Germany’s most popular tourist attractions and to get a taste of its culture and history. And with so much to see and do along the way, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience.

21. Insel Mainau: The Flower Island of Lake Constance

Insel Mainau is an incredible flower island located on beautiful Lake Constance. With a total area of 110 acres, Insel Mainau is one of the largest islands on the lake.

The island is home to 18th-century Schloss, famous for its beautiful white hall, the old defensive towers, and the gatehouse. In addition to the Schloss, Insel Mainau is also home to a picturesque garden and a variety of public parks.

Visitors can access the island by boat or by a pedestrian bridge connecting the island to mainland China. So take some extra time to get to these amazing locations. Plenty of parking spaces are available on the mainland, some equipped with electric vehicles.

Another highlight of Insel Mainau is the diversity of its flora and fauna. The island is home to a variety of bird species, as well as several endangered plant species. So take your time and explore all that Insel Mainau has to offer!

See Related: Most Famous Historical Landmarks in Munich, Germany

22. Museum Island

Museum Island is situated on the Spree Island of the River Spree in the capital city of Berlin with an incredible array of five international museums and its unique location provides a unique experience and provides an inspiring place to learn and live the history of Germany.

Established in 1830 with The Altes Museum, it represents the evolution of museum design over the last century. Museum Island and is the home to five museums including the Pergamon Museum, the Alte Nationalgalerie, the Altes Museum, the Neues Museum, and the Bode Museum. This area is one of the top tourist attractions in Germany while also being in the heart of Berlin’s city center.

23. Königssee (King’s Lake), Bavaria

King’s Lake, or Königssee, is a beautiful Bavarian lake located in the Berchtesgadener Land region of Germany, near Salzburg. The lake and surrounding area are perfect for tourists who enjoy hiking and biking, as there is an extensive trail system.

A popular activity for many visitors is the walk along the east side of King’s Lake to Malerwinkel, also known as Painters Corner. This area is known for its stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

If you’re looking for a breathtaking landscape and some fresh air, King’s Lake is the perfect destination for you in Southern Germany.

24. Sanssouci Park and Palace in Potsdam

Sanssouci is a simple terraced garden used by Frederick the Great to relax from his royal burdens. King realized that the location offered magic and set up a large house and later one venue after another. The original orchard became a large park with lavish palaces and lavish garden gardens.

Today, Sanssouci Park offers a sophisticated location perfect for a relaxing experience in a particularly royal style. The spectacular Sanssouci Park constructed from 1814 to 1856, is considered to represent the most renowned example of Potsdam Rococo.

Reflecting the personal influence of the Great Frederick, the park contains an impressive Baroque flowering garden with over 300 fruit trees and several greenhouses.

I enjoyed strolling the huge park and especially the straight-as-an-arrow 2.5km-long road. Several park building sites are also worth exploring, especially the pictures gallery and its many paintings.

See Related: Real, Magical Castles in Fairytales to Visit

25. Bamberg and the Bürgerstadt, Bavaria

Bamberg is a beautiful city located in Lower Franconia in Germany. This historic city is known for its well-preserved historic district and for being one of Germany’s most important beer-producing regions.

Bamberg is a great place to walk, and your walking trip should start at the old episcopal quarter. In the old episcopal quarter, you will find the 13th-century cathedral and the old Benedictine abbey of Michaelberg.

Bamberg’s Grüner Markt is also located between the river banks in Bamberg. Bamberg’s Grüner Markt is a tiny city that contains Bamberg’s many breweries.

Bamberg’s many breweries are what make Bamberg one of Germany’s most important beer-producing regions. When visiting Bamberg, you should definitely visit one of Bamberg’s many breweries and try some of the local beer.

See Related: Best Things to Do in Berlin with Kids

26. Visit the Würzburg Residence

The Würzburg Residence is one of Germany’s most important cultural landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in the city of Würzburg, the palace is a baroque architectural masterpiece that is open to the public for tours.

The palace was commissioned by Archbishop Johan von Schonborn in the early 18th century and took over 40 years to complete. Today, visitors can explore the more than 300 rooms of the palace, including the lavish State Apartments and the Great Hall, which is one of the largest halls in all of Europe.

The grounds of the Würzburg Residence are also worth exploring, with manicured gardens and a sweeping lawn that offers stunning views of the Main River.

Whether you’re interested in architecture or simply looking for things to do in Germany, a visit to the Würzburg Residence should be high on your list.

27. Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom)

Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Germany and is definitely worth a visit if you’re ever in Cologne. This is the largest gothic church in northern Europe and is known to be the second tallest church in Europe.

The cathedral took about 600 years to build, starting in 1248 AD and finishing in 1880 AD, with various interruptions during wars when construction was halted for some time.

The Cologne Cathedral is a Gothic church and is the seat of the Archbishop of Cologne and the administration of the Archdiocese of Cologne. The Cologne Cathedral contains many treasures, including 4 separate bell towers that were built with different styles.

One bell tower from 1380 AD even has 5 bells that are still operating today. The Cologne Cathedral is definitely a must-see tourist attraction in Germany.

See Related: Best Breweries in Cologne, Germany

28. Regensburg: Old Town of Regensburg

The Old Town of Regensburg is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the best-preserved medieval towns in all of Europe. The city is home to a wealth of architectural and historical treasures, including the Zyankarla shutters, which were built by the Romans in 179 AD.

Today, Regensburg is a vibrant cultural and business center, but its ancient origins are still very evident. A stroll through the old city center will reveal a wealth of German art and architecture, dating back centuries.

The Old Town is also home to numerous sanctuaries and churches, as well as a number of patrician buildings and towers. brilliantly preserved, but completely unaffected by wars, the Old Town of Regensburg is truly a unique place to explore.

29. Berchtesgaden National Park

Berchtesgaden National Park is one of Germany’s top tourist attractions. The national park has a rich forest, clear lakes and steep rocks with rolling meadows and sleeping small village villages. Trails that clearly identify wind along a beautiful landscape, with ample options for biking, hiking, and Nordic hiking.

Do make a point of seeing Lake Königssee — a lake which rivals almost every Norwegian fjord for beauty only in its cleanliness. Berchtesgaden National Park is the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and experience some of the most beautiful scenery that nature has to offer.

See Related: Best Museums in Cologne, Germany

30. Europa Park

Europa-Park is one of the largest theme parks in Germany and a top tourist destination, conveniently located between the Black Forest and the Vosges Mountains. The theme park features 12 different themed areas, each with its own unique attractions, rides, and shows.

Some of the most popular themed areas include Scandinavia, England, France, Iceland, and Italy. Europa Park is also home to a variety of kid-friendly attractions, including a ropes course, a water park, and a mini railway.

In addition to its many rides and attractions, Europa-Park also offers a variety of dining options, making it the perfect place to spend a day or two when visiting Germany. Get your Europa Park ticket now.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many things to do in Germany. Whether you’re looking for an educational experience, a fun adventure, or just want to explore nature, Germany has something for everyone. The country is rich in culture and history and we hope that this blog post helped give you some ideas on where to go next time you visit Europe.

Looking for more ideas on what to do in Germany and the rest of Europe? Be sure to subscribe to our free travel newsletter for updates on our favorite attractions and places to visit.

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