The half-timbered houses together with the alpine vegetation contribute to the beauty of the place. If your trip is planned around summer, you can rent a boat to admire the beauty of Switzerland, Austria and even the Alps on the other side of the lake. While there are plenty of places in Germany to enjoy this majestic river, the charming part of the UNESCO-listed Middle Upper Rhine Valley is probably the most popular spot for tourists. Here, this often dramatic 65-kilometer stretch of river has more than 40 castles and some 60 quaint medieval towns, all of which are waiting to be explored by river cruise or car.
From forests, mountains and lakes to thriving cities, these German monuments are diverse and fascinating. With 83 million inhabitants, Germany is a major player in the European Union and the fourth largest country in terms of geographical area. Cologne Cathedral is one of the largest cathedrals in Germany, the largest Gothic church in Northern Europe and the tallest double spire church in the world. With all these superlatives, it’s easy to see why Cologne Cathedral is one of Germany’s most famous landmarks. In addition to its impressive size, the cathedral has many other highlights, such as the magnificent stained glass windows and the Sanctuary of the Three Kings. The Wadden Sea National Park in Hamburg is located at the mouth of the Elbe in the North Sea.
With Berlin’s complex past, you’ll never run out of cultural and historical sites to learn from. The monument consists of more than 2,700 concrete slabs of different sizes and heights. Intended to provide visitors with an experience of isolation and uncertainty, this architectural achievement encourages reflection and remembrance in a thought-provoking way. It’s a beautiful forest stretching along a 100-mile stretch of Germany’s border with France.
The market square, or Marktplatz, is located in the centre of Heidelberg’s Old Town and is well worth a visit. Full of restaurants and small shops, the market square is bustling with activity, especially during market days on Wednesdays and Saturdays. What should also be noted about Heidelberg is the Karl Theodor Bridge, or the Old Bridge, which crosses the Neckar River in the northern part of the Old Town. The bridge was built in 1824 and is a popular tourist attraction for German and Czech tourists.
Sports enthusiasts can take advantage of the wide range of water and land activities on offer; Whether you fancy sailing, windsurfing, canoeing or swimming on one of the many sandy and pebble beaches. You can also hop on a boat and head to one of the lake’s picturesque islands. There’s plenty to discover in the area too, including Baroque castles and churches, monasteries, and amazing reconstructed stone and Bronze Age homes in Pfahlbauten. But if that’s not enough, the view of the Alps from the shore of Lake Constance alone is reason enough to go there. The Upper Rhine Valley stretches across France, Germany and Switzerland and showcases the best these three countries have to offer. Dotted with beautiful hilltop castles, quaint historic towns and picturesque terraced vineyards, it’s no wonder that part of the region was granted UNESCO World Heritage status in 2002.
This medieval castle is tucked away on the slope of the Moselle Valley, surrounded by lush and dense forests. Hanover, the underrated city in the central part of Germany, has two Oktoberfest town halls, but the new one is the city’s main landmark. It was built at the beginning of the 20th century, completed in 1913, and continues to impress anyone visiting Hanover.
Berlin’s alternative outskirts, exciting food culture, tangible history and urban glamour never cease to captivate and enchant. More than a quarter of a century after the fall of the Berlin Wall, the German capital has grown without giving up its indie spirit and penchant for creative improvisation. There’s fine dining in a former brewery, late-night parties in power plants, and world-class art in a World War II bunker. Visit top historical attractions like the Reichstag, Brandenburg Gate, and Checkpoint Charlie, then enjoy a smorgasbord of culture at numerous museums.