I want to show you some of my favorite places in the enchanting country of Germany, so here’s my Germany top 10. Germany is home to some of the world’s most stunning landscapes from endless castles, medieval towns straight out of a fairy tale, and the towering Bavarian Alps Germany has so much to offer.
1. Rothenburg
Let’s start this article off in the magical village of Rothenburg. Now, when you go to Rothenburg you’ll feel like you’re walking in a fantasy movie, it’s one of the most preserved medieval old towns in all of Europe during the middle ages, Rothenburg thrived as it was located at the crossroads of European trade routes at the beginning of the 15th century it rose to become the second-largest city in all Germany, but during the 17th century, Rothenburg faced adversities such as the 30-year war and the bubonic plague without much resources. Rothenburg’s growth was halted which aided in keeping the town preserved in its medieval state. Today, Rothenburg maintains its medieval charm and it’s been the inspiration for sets of Disney movies such as Pinocchio. If you go, you can check out the famous Plonlein corner or witness the beautiful Christmas markets which are hard to beat the lore of this German village.
2. Munich
From Rothenburg. You can make the three-hour drive to the beautiful city of Munich, also known as Bavaria's capital. Munich is located in the south of Germany about 50 kilometers from the Alps. During world war 2, Munich was heavily bombed by over 70 air raids, but today the city is restored to its former beauty. One of the most popular spots is the Marienplatz central square. You’ll find the new town hall, with its stunning clock, tower, and historical figurines.
3. Berchtesgaden
After exploring Munich we’re going to head to the Alps to visit Berchtesgaden now I have to say this may be one of the most beautiful towns in all of Germany. It’s just a two hours drive from Munich and it’s nestled in the Bavarian Alps. One of my favorite features of the town is the Watzmann mountain. It has these uniquely shaped peaks that tower over the town. It almost looks like someone took a bite out of it. There are so many beautiful churches around Berchtesgaden to explore, such as the Maria Gern Church, which offers a perfect view of the Votsman peaks just south of the town, is where Hitler's former Eagle Nest retreat is located. It’s now a restaurant with unbelievable views. The area is full of stunning alpine lakes, such as Hintersee, which offers just incredible views. You can also visit the Berchtesgaden National Park and explore all its hidden treasures. I mean the whole area is just pure paradise.
4. Lake Constance
Now, after we’re going to visit Lake Constance now, it’s this massive lake, that’s not only in Germany but also borders, Austria, and Switzerland. I remember I was hiking in the mountains of Atonzel Switzerland and I can see the lake from where I was it’s just huge. Now it’s the second largest lake in all of Europe, by volume. Now one scenic place on the lake is this town called Lindau. Now what makes it so unique is that it’s this island now was first mentioned by a monk in the 9th century and during medieval times it became quite the fortified city. Today, it’s a popular place to visit. I just love the harbor and just the fact that it’s an island I mean just such a cool place. Another picturesque city on lake constant is Meersburg, it’s located right on the shores and it’s a historical town like the beautiful colored houses, and I just can’t think of a better place to go during a warm German summer.
5. Hohenzollern Castle
After, we’re going to visit Hohenzollern Castle. Now I have to say this is one of the most impressive castles in all of Germany. It sits perfectly on mount Holstein and can be seen from miles away. Hohenzollern Castle is the last of three castles that were built upon this hill. It was completed in 1867 as a memorial to the Prussian royal family. Today, it’s one of Germany’s most visited castles and I understand why another stunning castle in Germany is the Cochem castle. The original castle was built back in the 1100s and it made its money by collecting shipping tools on passing. Ships down on the river, sadly, is destroyed in 1689 by the french, but in 1868 a wealthy businessman from Berlin decided to rebuild the castle ruins today. It stands perched on a hill, overlooking the beautiful town of Cochem. Another stunning castle, just 30 minutes away, is the Eltz castle. It’s a popular place to get that classic Instagram picture. So if you’re in the area you got to check both these castles out, you won’t regret it.
6. Berlin
After we’re going to visit the capital city of Berlin. Now, today, Berlin is a thriving capital with a population of over 3.6 million people. It’s an incredible city with a complicated history. Now Berlin was first documented in the 13th century. During world war 2, it was the headquarters of Hitler's Third Reich and became the most heavily bombed city in history. After the war, Berlin was divided into the east and west Berlin, with the end of the cold war, east and west Berlin were finally reunited in 1990. So one of my favorite spots is the Brandenburg gate. It’s this 18th-century neoclassical monument that is Germany’s national symbol of unity and peace. You can also check out the Berlin wall memorial to see remnants of the historical wall.
7. Hamburg
After Berlin, we’re going to head over to Hamburg located in northern Germany on the Elbe river. Hamburg is the second-largest city in Germany after Berlin, thanks to its access to the north sea, Hamburg grew as a port city throughout the ages it is Europe’s third-largest port. I just love all the canals that run through the city. Hamburg is home to 2 500 bridges making the city with the highest number of bridges in Europe. It reminds me of modern-day Venice. A really impressive spot in the city is the Speicherstadt. It’s the largest warehouse district in the world. Now another beautiful spot in the city is the Alster lakes. It’s a set of two artificial lakes that are often full of sailboats during the summertime now.
8. Frankfurt
After Hamburg we’re going to head over to Frankfurt located in west-central Germany, Frankfurt is one of Europe’s major financial hubs and it’s home to the European central bank. It’s full of beautiful, skyscrapers and kind of reminds me of American cities. Aside from its skyscrapers and financial districts, Frankfurt is a beautiful historical town. One of the most popular places is Romerburg. It’s a beautiful town square, lined with colorful timber houses that will get your german vibes going from Frankfurt. You can make the three-hour drive to the black forest now located right on the border of France. The black forest is a giant region famous for its dense vegetation, and picturesque villages and it’s often associated with the brothers' grim fairy tales. Whenever I think of Germany, I just think of the black forest with its cuckoo clocks and just beautiful german towns, I mean I can’t think of a better place to road trip and experience the beauty of southern Germany and just such a cool region.
9. Fussen
After we’re going to head to the beautiful town of Fussen, now looking right at the foot of the Bavarian Alps, fussing is a 700-year-old, medieval city, full of all-world charm. Its streets are lined with cobblestones and you feel like you’re walking back in time. As you explore it, I just love all the classical German houses and I think it’s so cool how the milky blue river lack runs right next to the town. The crowning feature of Fussen is the high castle and we just add so much character to the town. If you want to go back in time, I mean you just got to give Fussen a visit.
10. Neuschwanstein Castle
Now for our final destination, we’re going to visit the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle. I have to say that it is the most beautiful castle in all of Europe. It’s what inspired Disney's sleeping beauty castle – I mean it’s just the perfect place for a princess. Now the castle is nestled at the very tip of southern Germany. No strong Johnston castle is placed perfectly in the mountains with a phenomenal 360 view of the Bavarian Alps. In the town below the construction of the castle began in 1869 during world war 2, the SS debated blowing up the castle to prevent it from falling into the enemy’s hands. But thankfully it never happened today. The castle receives over 1.4 million visitors a year. So it’s a tourist hot spot. I mean I just can’t get over the beauty of this castle, something straight out of a fairy tale.