9 of Germany’s Most Beautiful Places to Visit & The Unique Things to Do There (2025)

Key Takeaways:

• Germany offers a wide variety of travel experiences, from alpine landscapes and fairy-tale castles to UNESCO World Heritage towns and vibrant cultural cities.
• Top places to visit in Germany include the Romantic Rhine, Neuschwanstein Castle, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, and Saxon Switzerland, each offering its own unique charm.
• Exploring beyond the major cities allows travellers to discover hidden gems, scenic hiking trails, and rich regional traditions throughout the country.
• Travel insurance helps you explore with confidence, providing coverage for unexpected disruptions so you can enjoy the many places to visit in Germany with peace of mind.

Exploring Germany: A Journey Through Castles, Culture, and Countryside

Are you planning a trip to Germany? There’s more to explore than just the Berlin Wall’s murals or ticking the Cologne Cathedral off your list. From storybook castles to scenic alpine slopes, here are 10 of the most beautiful places to visit in Germany, including a few hidden gems you might not expect.

Travel Tips Before You Visit Germany

Before exploring the many places to visit in Germany, it’s important to be protected with travel insurance. Consider a plan that includes comprehensive coverage, including damage to personal belongings, personal accident, medical expenses while overseas and trip cancellations due to unexpected events. Travelling with peace of mind starts with being well-prepared.

1. Rothenburg ob der Tauber

With cobbled lanes, half-timbered houses, and medieval walls surrounding the old town, Rothenburg ob der Tauber looks like something from a storybook. Just two hours from central Munich, it is a favourite among travellers seeking picturesque places to visit in Germany. Although many come for the day, staying overnight offers a deeper experience.

In December, the town glows with festive spirit. The Reiterlesmarkt, its traditional Christmas market, brings choral performances, warm treats, and colourful decorations that line the streets and shopfronts. Local vendors sell seasonal snacks, including the Schneeball, a deep-fried snowball-shaped pastry dusted with sugar.

To round off your visit, step into St. Jakob’s Church to admire its intricately carved altarpiece by Tilman Riemenschneider, a renowned sculptor of the Middle Ages. With its fairytale setting and rich seasonal traditions, Rothenburg earns its place among the most memorable places to visit in Germany.

2. Black Forest

Escape into the enchanting Black Forest (Schwarzwald), a region often said to have inspired the fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm. With its dense woodlands, half-timbered villages, scenic hiking trails, and the world’s largest cuckoo clock, this is one of the most distinctive places to visit in Germany.

Covering over 160 kilometres, the Black Forest is best explored at a leisurely pace, either on foot or as part of a scenic road trip through winding mountain routes. A great starting point is Baden-Baden, a spa town known for its Belle Époque architecture, Roman-style thermal baths, and easy access to the Black Forest National Park.

For a livelier atmosphere, consider staying in Freiburg, located at the southern edge of the region. It offers a laid-back charm with vibrant nightlife, perfect after a day of hiking or sightseeing. With its mix of nature, culture, and comfort, the Black Forest remains a timeless highlight among the many places to visit in Germany.

3. Heidelberg

Heidelberg’s red-roofed skyline and riverside charm once captivated 19th-century poets and thinkers, including Goethe. As Germany’s oldest university town, it has survived both World Wars and still carries a lively student spirit, especially in its cosy taverns and beer halls.

The city’s most iconic landmark is Heidelberg Castle, a striking 13th-century fortress perched on a hill overlooking the Neckar River. This impressive ruin is one of the finest examples of German Renaissance architecture and offers sweeping views of the city below.

A walk through the Old Town reveals cobbled streets lined with Baroque buildings, elegant fountains, and inviting cafes. Marktplatz Square is a great place to pause before heading to the historic Old Bridge, an 18th-century stone structure with postcard-worthy views of both river and castle.

With its blend of history, beauty, and youthful energy, Heidelberg stands out among the most charming places to visit in Germany.

4. Rhine Valley

Flowing from the Swiss Alps to the North Sea via the Netherlands, the mighty Rhine River connects a rich tapestry of cultures and landscapes. Its most celebrated section lies in western Germany, where the “Romantic Rhine” winds past castle-topped hills, dramatic cliffs, terraced vineyards, and riverside villages that seem frozen in time.

From Frankfurt, the region is an easy 90-minute journey by train or car. Boppard makes a great starting point for your adventure, whether you're driving or exploring by rail. As you travel downstream, you’ll pass through charming towns like Bacharach, Oberwesel, and St. Goar before arriving in Rüdesheim am Rhein, a historic wine village known for its medieval charm and locally produced pinot noir.

If you prefer to sit back and take in the views, a “Romantic Rhine boat” cruise lets you hop on and off at different stops. Whether by road, rail, or river, this is one of the most unforgettable places to visit in Germany, especially for those who enjoy pairing good food with excellent wine.

5. Trier

Often overlooked by travellers, Trier rewards those who make the journey with nine UNESCO World Heritage sites and a striking sense of history. Situated near the Luxembourg border, this is Germany’s oldest city and was once the seat of the Roman Empire, earning it the nickname “Rome of the North.”

Trier offers an impressive collection of Roman monuments, the most iconic being the Porta Nigra. Built in the 2nd century AD using only sandstone blocks and iron clamps, this blackened city gate still towers over the town today.

You can also explore Constantine’s throne room, ancient imperial baths, and a Roman amphitheatre that once echoed with crowds. In the pedestrian-friendly city centre, historic Gothic and Baroque buildings now house cafés, shops, and restaurants, blending old-world architecture with modern life.

For history lovers and architecture enthusiasts, Trier is a captivating stop among the many culturally rich places to visit in Germany.

6. Bavarian Alps

Head south from Munich towards the Austrian border, and you'll reach the breathtaking Bavarian Alps, where fir-covered peaks rise above alpine villages, frescoed houses, and serene lakes. This region offers some of the most dramatic scenery among the many places to visit in Germany, with outdoor activities available year-round. From skiing in winter to hiking and canoeing in summer, it is a haven for adventure seekers.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a convenient base, especially for those planning a trip to Zugspitze, Germany’s highest peak. Ride the cogwheel train and cable car to the summit for stunning views stretching across four countries. Winter visitors will also enjoy skiing, tobogganing, and snowshoe trails in the surrounding area.

For a quieter alternative, Berchtesgaden offers a more traditional alpine atmosphere and access to Berchtesgaden National Park. It’s also an excellent pick for travellers hoping to travel around Europe on a budget without compromising on natural beauty. With its blend of rugged landscapes, rich culture, and small-town charm, the Bavarian Alps remain a favourite among the most scenic places to visit in Germany.

7. Schloss Neuschwanstein

Tucked high in the Bavarian Alps, Schloss Neuschwanstein is as close as it gets to a real-life fairytale. With its ornate towers, delicate turrets, and richly painted halls, the castle looks like it stepped out of a storybook. It also famously served as the inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle.

To reach it, most travellers take a train from Munich followed by a short bus ride to Hohenschwangau, where the ticketing office is located. As Neuschwanstein draws large crowds throughout the year, it’s best to book tickets in advance. Visiting during the shoulder seasons can offer a quieter, more enjoyable experience. Try to avoid peak summer months and major holidays like Christmas.

With its dramatic setting and whimsical design, Neuschwanstein is a standout among the many remarkable places to visit in Germany.

8. Potsdam

Looking for a day trip from Berlin? Just 24 kilometres from the city centre, Potsdam is a cultural treasure with royal roots and a UNESCO World Heritage designation. Once the seat of Prussian kings, the city is known for its grand palaces, landscaped gardens, and Cold War landmarks that offer a rich glimpse into Germany’s layered history.

If you're exploring places to visit in Germany beyond the capital, Potsdam makes an excellent choice. Start at Sanssouci Palace, the city’s most iconic attraction. Set atop vineyard-covered terraces, this Rococo-style summer residence was built for Frederick the Great and is often compared to France’s Palace of Versailles.

The surrounding Sanssouci Park extends the experience, with tree-lined walkways, ornamental fountains, and formal rose gardens creating a peaceful retreat. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a casual explorer, Potsdam is a rewarding stop among the most culturally significant places to visit in Germany.

9. Saxon Switzerland

South of Dresden, Saxon Switzerland offers a strikingly different side of Germany. Its national park is renowned for its dramatic sandstone cliffs, unusual rock formations, and deep, forested valleys that feel almost otherworldly. This rugged landscape is part of what makes it a memorable stop among the many scenic places to visit in Germany.

The best way to explore the region is on foot. The famous Malerweg, or Painters’ Way, winds through the Elbe Sandstone Mountains, passing narrow gorges, quiet villages, and sweeping views that once inspired Romantic painters like Caspar David Friedrich.

Many visitors come on a day trip from Dresden, enough to see the main highlights. But staying overnight allows more time to truly connect with the landscape through extended hikes. The park also offers 15,000 free climbing routes for thrill-seekers and access to the Elbe Cycle Route for those who prefer to explore on two wheels. Saxon Switzerland is a wild, beautiful reminder of Germany’s natural diversity.

Explore Germany With Peace of Mind

Wherever your journey takes you, Germany offers an abundance of romantic palaces, historic landmarks, and scenic wonders worth discovering. With so many unforgettable places to visit in Germany, the last thing you want is to be caught off guard by unexpected travel disruptions or medical issues.

If you have a pre-existing medical condition, it's important to choose a travel insurance plan that provides coverage for your condition as standard travel insurance plans do not cover you for pre-existing medical conditions. Income’s Enhanced PreX Travel Insurance provides coverage for pre-existing medical conditions¹ such as diabetes, heart conditions, high blood pressure, asthma, eczema and more.

Travel with greater peace of mind knowing you're covered. Speak with an Income advisor today to find a plan that fits your needs.