The 14 best sights in Germany
From the endless beaches of the North and Baltic Seas to the forested hills of the low mountain ranges and the majestic peaks of the Alps, Germany is a very diverse country. Throughout the country you will find natural and architectural wonders that you should have seen. Whether it's just for a weekend or for a big vacation in the summer, we'll show you that what's worth seeing really doesn't have to be that far away.
Places of interest in Germany
We Germans are world champions in traveling and many of us have already seen almost the whole world. But what about our home country? The many visitors from all over the world who come to Germany every year should know. We often do not perceive our home country for what it is. A country full of unique sights that are worth seeing. We present you our highlights.
The most important at a glance
Germany has countless castles, churches and patrician houses that will impress you
It is not only the buildings of our country that will amaze you. Germany also has real natural treasures to offer. Not only in the 16 national parks.
You have already heard about many of the attractions. We also present a few "insider tips", which are not so well known but still worth seeing.
Sights in Germany - the most impressive buildings
Our country is rich in history, which is still alive in a variety of historic buildings. But not only old walls will amaze you. Also in recent times sights have been built in Germany, which are worth a visit.
Neuschwanstein Castle - the Bavarian fairy tale castle
Near Füssen, Germany's most famous castle is enthroned, visible from afar. On the ruins of an old castle in Hohenschwangau, the Bavarian King Ludwig II had his romantic idea of a knight's castle built. The rooms were intended to impress one guest in particular - the composer Richard Wagner, whom Ludwig adored above all else.
Neuschwanstein Castle
Neuschwanstein, the "fairy tale castle
But the castle was also planned as a retreat for the reclusive king. He loved the sensational view over the foothills of the Alps on one side and the peaks of the Tyrolean Alps on the other. Walt Disney was so enthusiastic about the castle that he took it as the model for his Cinderella Castle. During a guided tour you will discover the magnificently designed rooms and learn interesting background stories.
Opening hours Admission fees
Neuschwanstein Castle Apr - Oct 15, daily 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
16 Oct - Mar, 10 am - 4 pm Adults approx. 15.00 euros
Children and teenagers up to 18 years free
Note: The castle can only be visited as part of a guided tour. As a result, the number of visitors is limited. Especially in summer there can be long waiting times in front of the castle. We therefore strongly recommend that you book your tickets in advance on the website of the palace administration.
Hotel tip: The Best Western Plus Hotel Füssen is located just a few minutes' walk from the old town. There are regular buses to Neuschwanstein from the train station, which is also just a few minutes' walk away.
Sanssouci Palace - the Brandenburg Versailles
Since 1990, Sanssouci and about 30 other palaces and gardens between Potsdam and Berlin have been UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Frederick the Great, who was a bit of a kindred spirit to the Bavarian Ludwig, had a superlative retreat built here on the famous vineyard terraces. The palace "without care" became his place where he came to rest with his dogs far away from the hustle and bustle of government.
New Palace in Sanssouci Park in Potsdam
Sanssouci Park is home to numerous buildings worth seeing, such as the New Palais
Although the palace is very impressive from the outside, you should also take a look at the magnificent and elegantly furnished interiors. During your tour you will be amazed by the proverbial building blocks. Afterwards, you can take the time to wander through the extensive gardens and feel a bit like king and queen.
Opening hours Admission fees
Sanssouci Palace Apr - Oct, Tue-Sun, 09-17.30 hrs.
Nov - Mar, Tue-Sun, 10am-4.30pm Sanssouci with audio guide:
Adults approx. 14.00 euros
Children 7 - 18 years ca. 10,00 Euro
Sanssouci+ (one ticket for almost all Potsdam palaces with fixed time for Sanssouci):
Adults approx. 19,00 Euro
Children 7 - 18 years approx. 14,00 Euro
Hotel tip: The NH Hotel Potsdam is located at the Holländisches Viertel, one of the most worth seeing quarters of the city. Sanssouci can be easily reached on foot from here.
Cologne Cathedral - the last resting place of the Three Wise Men
Cologne's landmark, visible from afar, is the second highest church in Germany after Ulm Cathedral and the third highest place of worship in the world. The foundation stone was laid as early as 1248, but the church was not completed until 1880. Because of its uniform and balanced design, the cathedral is also known as a perfect cathedral. Logically, it is also on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Cologne Cathedral
The cathedral stands out from the Cologne cityscape
Even though the church is already very imposing from the outside, it is definitely worth taking a look inside. Artful altars and statues of saints can be admired there. The colorful stained glass windows are also fascinating, especially when the light of the sun makes them shine. Sacred art and splendor can be seen in the treasury. The more athletic among you can climb the 533 steps to the platform of the south tower and admire the cathedral bells on the way.
Opening hours Admission fees
Cologne Cathedral Mon - Sat, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sun, 1-4 p.m.Cathedral Treasury
daily, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Cathedral Treasury
Adults approx. 5,00 Euro
Hotel tip: The Flandrische Hof is very centrally located on the edge of the old town and thus only a few minutes' walk from the cathedral. The popular Belgian Quarter is in the immediate vicinity.
Zwinger Dresden - baroque art in the heart of Elbflorenz
Another king who earned a place in the German history books with a magnificent building. In this case it was August the Strong. The original orangery here had to make way for a Baroque ensemble that today includes the Zwinger, the Gemäldegalerie, Semperoper and porcelain collection. Together with the Frauenkirche, this laid the foundation for Dresden to be compared to Florence from then on.
Sights like the Dresden Zwinger make Dresden one of the top vacation destinations in Germany
The Zwinger is just one of many historic buildings in Dresden
In the 18th century, it was a sign of power to own as many orange trees as possible. Especially north of the Alps, where citrus fruits do not normally thrive. Good August had over 1100 of them here in the Zwinger garden alone. It's hard to imagine how it must have smelled here when these trees were in bloom. Since 2021, you can dive deep into the history of the building during your visit thanks to the new Zwinger Xperience with the help of virtual reality.
Opening hours Admission fees
Zwinger Xperience daily, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Adults approx. 10.00 euros
Children 6 - 16 years approx. 3,00 Euro
Hotel tip: The Leonardo Hotel Dresden Altstadt offers you a central location. Both the old town and the banks of the Elbe are easy to reach from here.
Elbphilharmonie - the glittering landmark of Hamburg
Quite controversial during planning and construction, you can't imagine Hamburg without this 110 meter high building five years after its official opening. The Elbe Philharmonic Hall in Hafencity was planned as a concert hall, a cultural monument for all and a landmark for the city of Hamburg. In the first year of its opening, 850,000 people attended the 600 concerts held here.
Hafen-City with the Elbe Philharmonic Hall in Hamburg
Hafen-City with the magnificent Elbphilharmonie Concert Hall
Of course, a lot of classical music is played here, but there is definitely room in the halls for the stars of our time and all kinds of music. But you don't have to get one of those hard-to-get tickets to see the building. Guided tours of about 90 minutes are offered, during which you can take a look behind the scenes. Or you can go to the observation deck 37 meters above the ground and enjoy the view over the harbor and the city.
Opening hours Admission fees
Elbphilharmonie daily, 10-24 hrs per person approx. 2.00 euros
Hotel tip: The Hotel Domicil Hamburg by Golden Tulip is located in the popular district of Altona and offers you good opportunities to explore the city thanks to good public transport connections.
The charm of German cities
It doesn't always have to be a big metropolis if you want to get away from it all for a weekend. Germany has many smaller cities worth visiting, which also have some impressive sights to offer. And a lot of charm...