1. Rothenburg ob der Tauber and the Romantic Road
I believed this was one of the enchanting cities in the entire nation! Here I found impeccably preserved medieval structure, fairly half-timbered homes, cobblestone streets, and the landmark space of Plönlein nook (second photograph above), all set towards a backdrop of lush, rolling countryside. I believed the ambiance was romantic and timeless – to me, it felt like stepping right into a dreamy European fairy-tale!
I discovered it nestled within the Franconia area of Bavaria and located on a plateau overlooking the Tauber River which was a part of the scenic Romantic Road (a 350km vacationer route). I used to be based in 1274 and at this time has a inhabitants of round 11,000 residents.
I ended right here on a highway journey and strolled alongside the well-preserved medieval partitions and panoramic views of the city, visited the charming Market Square with its historic Town Hall, explored the fascinating Medieval Crime and Justice Museum, tried conventional Schneeballen pastries, wandered by means of the picturesque Plönlein nook, and stepped again in time on the quirky German Christmas Museum!
- Location: northern Bavaria
- Location Map
- Best time to go to: spring to autumn however Christmas may be very magical
My private highlights…
- Staying on the characterful gem 4-star Hotel Reichsküchenmeister – I liked the seventeenth century conventional Franconian constructing it was housed and distinctive medieval-themed decorations equivalent to vintage armor, picket beams and classic tapestries.
- Climbing the 241 steps of the tall Town Hall Tower the place I noticed panoramic views over the town – I might see Rothenburg’s crimson rooftops, cobblestone streets, and even the plush greenery surrounding the medieval partitions.
2. The Black Forest
This is a mysterious land of cuckoo clocks and cherry gâteaux! I adored this huge, forested mountain vary for its extra-special surroundings consisting of dense evergreen forests, mist-shrouded rolling hills, and quaint conventional villages crammed with fairly half-timbered homes.
I additionally liked the tranquil and mystical vibe which was infused with a way of old-world allure – it’s so magical it even impressed a few of the Brothers Grimm fairy tales!
It’s positioned within the state of Baden-Württemberg in southwestern Germany, bordering France to the west and Switzerland to the south, and stretches from the spa city of Baden-Baden to the Swiss border and eastward from the Rhine River to the city of Villingen-Schwenningen. It spans 6,000 sq. kilometers and has been a major supply of timber, clock-making, and folklore since medieval occasions!
I spent per week staying on the very Insta-worthy 4-star Schwarzwald Panorama lodge and hiked the scenic trails of Feldberg (which was the very best peak), explored the enchanting Triberg Waterfalls, learnt about clock-making historical past on the German Clock Museum in Furtwangen, relaxed within the luxurious thermal baths of Baden-Baden, found the picturesque Titisee Lake, sampled wine within the vineyards of Offenburg and wandered by means of the quaint streets of the historic cities of Calw and Freiburg.
My favorite highlights…
- Driving alongside the Schwarzwaldhochstraße – a surprising scenic excessive highway which took me previous rolling hills and valleys, thick forests of black fir bushes, mist-covered lakes and the occasional quaint cottage!
- Catching the Zapfle-Bahnle practice across the lake – I liked gazing on the lake from the vintage-style, open-air carriages and the quaint stops which had been embellished with hanging baskets of flowers and old school station indicators.
3. Neuschwanstein Castle
This palace is so fairytale-like that it really impressed the well-known Disney fortress! I’ve to be trustworthy, the Nineteenth-century Romanesque Revival structure was completely jaw-dropping. With its dramatic design, towering white limestone facades, intricate interiors and gorgeous backdrop of the Bavarian Alps. To me it felt magical and nearly otherworldly!
I discovered it perched atop a rugged hill above the village of Hohenschwangau within the Alps in southern Bavaria close to the city of Füssen (simply throughout the border from Austria). It was commissioned by King Ludwig II of Bavaria (who was often known as the “Mad King”) in 1869 and opened to the general public in 1886 shortly after his loss of life. It covers an space of over 6,000 sq. meters and was designed as a homage to German composer Richard Wagner.
My highlights..
- The quirky array of distinctive medieval impressed presents within the present store positioned within the fortress courtyard had been loads of enjoyable to browse – I noticed every thing from ornate tapestries to pocket watches and consuming horns!
4. Regensburg
I’ve visited in each summer time and at Christmas time and each seasons had been magical for very totally different causes. When right here, I explored the historic Stone Bridge which had gorgeous views of the Danube, visited the imposing St. Peter’s Cathedral which had intricate Gothic structure, and wandered by means of the slender streets of the Old Town which had been crammed with colourful medieval buildings.
I additionally skilled the fairytale Christmas market at Thurn und Taxis Palace (my video beneath), loved a conventional meal on the historic Wurstkuchl, one of many world’s oldest constantly working eating places and sipped on German beer within the charming riverside Spitalgarten Beer Garden.
- Location: japanese Bavaria, southeast Germany
- Location Map
- Best time to go to: summer time however the Christmas interval is very magical
My highlights…
- Staying within the distinctive 4-star Hotel Bischofshof am Dom – I liked the unimaginable historic constructing it was housed in and the cool Bavarian Beer Garden the place we had been served contemporary draught Ayinger Bräuweisse beers by waitresses in dirndls!
Check Out Our Cinematic Viral Video Our Trip to Regensburg (with unimaginable Drone and Christmas Market Footage)!
5. Bamberg
This is one other enchanting place which has an UNESCO-listed Old Town! I believed it regarded post-card fairly with well-preserved medieval and Baroque structure, charming half-timbered homes and winding cobblestone streets. It didn’t have the identical cosmopolitan really feel and energetic vibe that Regensburg did nevertheless it was a quaint, quiet and timeless place the place locals lived a extra conventional lifestyle.
- Location: northern Bavaria
- Location Map
- Best time to go to: summer time
My favorite highlights…
- Dining on vegan dumplings with creamy invoice sauce within the Zapfhahn restaurant – I liked how you possibly can get eco-friendly meals in a conventional wood-beam tavern within the coronary heart of Bavaria! In reality, they actually appeared to embrace this type of way of life there regardless of being surrounded by custom!
6. Bavarian Forest National Park


I liked this Instagram-worthy gem particularly after I visited throughout the winter! It was a really scenic place with expansive stretches of pristine forests, clear streams, and a hanging wilderness dotted with fascinating wildlife. It felt very grounding and zen-like – I liked immersing myself within the untouched nature right here!
It was positioned in southeastern Germany alongside the border with the Czech Republic, within the state of Bavaria and it spans over 24,250 hectares. Established in 1970 as Germany’s first nationwide park, wildlife right here included the lynx, wolves, European bison, deer, black stork, pygmy owl and uncommon the three-toed woodpecker.
When right here, I stayed an evening on the unimaginable wellness targeted 4-star Hotel Eibl-Brunner 4-Sterne-Superior hiked the scenic trails of Lusen and Rachel peaks and noticed unimaginable panoramic views, explored the interactive Hans-Eisenmann-Haus customer heart, skilled the treetop stroll at Neuschönau, and visited the historic glassworks in Frauenau. I particularly liked coming right here in winter although – the bushes regarded critically gorgeous adorned with heavy snow (my pictures are above)!
- Location: Bavaria, southeast
- Visitor centre handle: Hans-Eisenmann-Haus 1, 94556 Neuschönau, Bavaria
- Location Map
- Bavarian Forest National Park
- Best time to go to: all yr spherical (the winter is especially magical)
My private highlights..
- Warming up by consuming a regionally made plum schnapps within the customer’s centre cafe – the fruity kick was simply sufficient to get me to courageous the freezing temperatures once more outdoors!
7. Lake Königssee
This is commonly often known as Germany’s most stunning Alpine Lake! It was additionally my favorite lake and I used to be fully enchanted by its good aquamarine waters which had been flanked by the majestic Bavarian Alps, secluded pebble seashores and the hanging St. Bartholomew’s chapel. It was a spot the place I might simply replicate and simply silently gaze in awe of its pure magnificence!
It’s nestled within the Berchtesgaden National Park in southeastern Germany, within the state of Bavaria, near the border of Austria. The glacial lake spans round 5.2 sq. kilometers and I came upon from locals it has a wealthy historical past as a being a retreat for Bavarian kings.
I additionally discovered that since 1909, the beautiful lake has preserved its pristine and pure atmosphere by allowing solely electric-powered passenger ships, rowing boats, and pedal boats on its waters.
I stayed right here for a blissful weekend and took a scenic electrical boat tour to the idyllic red-roofed St. Bartholomew’s Church, hiked the encompassing trails and noticed breathtaking alpine views, visited the famed Echo Wall (the place I might hear my shouts rebound throughout the lake!) after which took a cable automotive on the close by Jenner Mountain.
- Location: Bavaria, close to the Austrian border
- Location Map
- Best time to go to: summer time
My private highlights…
- Staying after which indulging in an a really stress-free hayflower wrap on the close by 4-star EDELWEISS Hotel and Spa – my therapist instructed me the flowers grew regionally within the area and had potent anti-inflammatory properties.
8. The Rhine Valley
I believed this was such a picturesque and romantic place! I discovered dramatic landscapes of steep, vineyard-covered hills, dotted with charming medieval villages, fairytale-like castles, quaint villages and fairly historic cities all set alongside the winding Rhine River. The entire place had a timeless and serene vibe which I couldn’t get sufficient of!
It’s nestled within the western a part of the nation, stretching alongside the Rhine River between Koblenz and Bingen within the state of Rhineland-Palatinate, with some components extending into North Rhine-Westphalia and Hesse. It has been an important commerce route since Roman occasions and at this time it’s listed as an UNESCO World Heritage web site.
I spent an idyllic week cruising alongside the Rhine River and seeing the gorgeous medieval castles of Marksburg and Rheinfels, exploring the charming cities of Bacharach and Rüdesheim, climbing the Rheinsteig path and seeing beautiful views of the vineyards and river, visited the legendary Lorelei Rock, savoured native wines in cosy wine taverns and relaxed within the thermal baths within the spa cities of Wiesbaden.
- Location: northern Bavaria
- Location Map
- Best time to go to: summer time or autumn
My private highlights…
- Staying in a single day on the fantastic 4-star Hotel Schloss Rheinfels – the excellent river views and stress-free on the terraced solar‑lounging platforms which aligned with the Alpsee shoreline outdoors was an unimaginable expertise!
- Going wine tasting on the rustic-chic RheinWeinWelt in Rüdesheim – it was nice having the ability to pattern the wine self-service fashion utilizing a pre-loaded card. My favorite was the fragrant Schloss Johannisberg Riesling!
9. Bremen
This is without doubt one of the oldest cities in Germany and dates again 1200 years! I additionally thought it was gorgeous with an attention grabbing mix of historic structure, chocolate-box fairly half-timbered homes within the Schnoor quarter and the enduring Bremen Roland statue.
I discovered it tucked away alongside the Weser River, round 60 kilometers (37 miles) south of the North Sea coast in northern Germany and it has a inhabitants of 570,000. It’s recognized for its maritime commerce, its UNESCO-listed Town Hall and Roland statue, and its affiliation with the Brothers Grimm’s “Town Musicians of Bremen.”
I spent a day right here and an evening on the beautiful 4-star Steigenberger Hotel Bremen and that was sufficient to squeeze within the spectacular UNESCO-listed Town Hall and the Roland statue within the historic Market Square, go to the gorgeous St. Peter’s Cathedral, stroll by means of the charming Schnoor quarter with its slender streets and half-timbered homes, stroll alongside the Schlachte promenade by the Weser River, and uncover the enduring Town Musicians of Bremen statue impressed by the Brothers Grimm fairy story.
- Location: northwest
- Location Map
- Best time to go to: summer time or Christmas for the markets
My favorite highlights…
- Stumbling throughout the quirky cat-cafe Katzen-Cafe – I used to be completely gained over by the cosy and eccentric cat-themed decor, the plush foliage which was in every single place and their very tasty stuffed peppers with got here with Bavarian fashion potatoes.
10. The Harz National Park
I believed this place was actually spellbinding! I found a protected space crammed with beautiful surroundings – dense forests, dramatic mountain landscapes, and tranquil valleys, complemented by charming timber-framed villages and fairy-tale like medieval castles. I used to be additionally fully taken with its mystical, tranquil and atmospheric vibe – it was shrouded in folklore, and sometimes in mist too!
I spent a weekend days staying on the Insta-worthy 4-star Hotel & Spa Suiten FreiWerk. I spent exploring and hiked to the Brocken, the very best peak in northern Germany, rode the historic Brocken Railway by means of gorgeous landscapes, explored charming cities of Wernigerode and Quedlinburg which had been crammed with vibrant half-timbered homes, found historical mining heritage on the Rammelsberg Museum, and wandered by means of serene forests crammed with cascading waterfalls and picturesque trails.
- Location: central a part of the nation
- Address: Lindenallee 35, 38875 Wernigerode
- Harz National Park Website
- Location Map
- Best time to go to: spring to autumn however the winter time can also be magical
My favorite highlights…
- Taking the distinctive conventional steam locomotive alongside the Brocken Railway, which ultimately took me to the summit of Brocken, the very best peak within the Harz Mountains. The panoramic views of the encompassing peaks and the river valleys reducing by means of the panorama had been breathtaking!
11. Hohenschwangau Castle
This Nineteenth century fortress was additionally one thing like out of a fairytale! I used to be fully charmed by this distinctive place – it had a vibrant yellow facade, set towards the rugged backdrop of the jaw-dropping Bavarian Alps and had ornate interiors, which featured medieval and romantic motifs, fairly frescoes, and complicated wooden carvings.
The aura right here was one among mystique and romance – I felt as if I had been deep within the pages of a fantastically illustrated storybook!
I discovered it tucked away within the coronary heart of the Alps near the border with Austria and close to the city of Füssen in Bavaria within the southern a part of the nation. It was accomplished in 1837 and it sat a heady elevation of round 800 meters (about 2,620 ft) above sea stage. It additionally as soon as served because the childhood dwelling of King Ludwig II.
I drove and parked within the automotive park at Hohenschwangau village, took the steep 15 minute stroll as much as the fortress and paid the €13 entrance payment and from there I joined a guided tour (impartial exploring of the fortress wasn’t allowed).
My private highlights…
- King Ludwig’s Bedroom which was crammed with unimaginable wooden carvings and unique Oriental Room which was embellished in a hanging impressed by King Maximilian’s travels within the Near East! I particularly appreciated the lantern-like lamps which mimicked the kinds present in Middle Eastern bazaars.
12. Wurzburg Residence
- Location: Würzburg, Bavaria, southern a part of the nation
- Address: Residenzplatz 2, 97070 Würzburg, Bavaria
- Location Map
- Best time to go to: all yr spherical
My favorite highlights…
- The opulent White Hall which had detailed stucco work, and the Mirror Cabinet which had uncommon intricate mirrored partitions and an elaborate ceiling fresco which I used to be in awe of!
13. The Moselle Valley
This was such a picturesque historic wine area! I found a fascinating space crammed with rolling vine-covered hills, the winding Moselle River and chocolate-box fairly medieval villages. To me, it felt serene, quaint and romantic.
- Location: western Germany
- Location Map
- Best time to go to: summer time and early fall
My private highlights…
- Tasting biodynamic Riesling wines on the beautiful natural winery Weingut Rita & Rudolf Trossen – I liked how the wines had been made with out the addition of sulfites which gave them a a lot cleaner style!
14. Lichtenstein Castle
I believed this place was enchanting with a capital ‘E’! It was perched dramatically on a slender cliff which overlooks the Echaz Valley and had fairytale-like neo-Gothic structure full with photogenic turrets and spires, and backdrop of thick forested landscapes. This was one other fortress which exuded a magical, storybook vibe – Germany was just like the present that saved on giving!
- Location: Baden-Württemberg, southwest
- Location Map
- Best time to go to: all yr spherical
My highlights…
- The Knight’s Hall which was a grand, neo-Gothic room that includes intricate wooden paneling, stained glass home windows and fascinating shows of completely preserved medieval armour!
15. Mittenwald
I believed this charming Bavarian alpine city was postcard fairly! This gem had an idyllic alpine setting, vibrant timer homes adorned with mural artwork (Lüftlmalerei), beautiful cobbled stone lanes, fairly frescoed buildings and the dramatic backdrop of the Karwendel Mountains. It additionally had a peaceable, alluring and timeless vibe.
I discovered it nestled Upper Bavarian Alps of Germany, close to the Austrian border, nestled within the scenic Isar Valley and surrounded by the Karwendel and Wetterstein mountain ranges. It has a inhabitants of round 7,000 and is thought for its centuries-old violin-making custom, established within the seventeenth century.
I spent a weekend right here and that was sufficient to gaze in awe at its beautiful frescoed homes, go to the Geigenbaumuseum and study concerning the city’s violin-making heritage, admire the gorgeous interiors of St. Peter and Paul Church, hike the dramatic trails of the Karwendel Mountains, and take a cable automotive to Karwendelbahn the place I noticed photogenic panoramic views of the Alps.
- Location: Bavaria, south
- Location Map
- Best time to go to: late spring to early fall
My favorite highlights…
- Staying on the close by Insta-worthy 4-star Quartier – über Nacht in besonderer Architektur – I liked its hanging architectural design which solely used natural supplies, the designer custom-made furnishings and floor-to-ceiling home windows in my room which had breathtaking mountain views.
16. Sanssouci Castle
This magnificent Rococo palace was really constructed as a summer time retreat! I found it was a surprising gem of a spot with beautifully preserved Rococo structure, dreamy terraced vineyards, ornate interiors, surrounding parkland dotted with fountains and stylish constructions, such because the Chinese House and the New Palace, and a serene, regal vibe!
It’s tucked away in Potsdam, simply outdoors Berlin, nestled inside an unlimited park. It was constructed within the 1740s as a summer time residence for Frederick the Great of Prussia, and it jogged my memory of the Palace of Versailles in France due to the beautiful terraced gardens.
I paid the doorway payment €12 and explored the opulent interiors of Sanssouci Palace (guided excursions had been additionally obtainable) and strolled by means of the expansive Sanssouci Park, visited the ornate Chinese House, admired the structure of the New Palace, relaxed by the attractive Sanssouci Fountain, and found the close by Cecilienhof Palace, the place the Potsdam Conference as soon as happened.
- Location: Potsdam, close to Berlin
- Location Map
- Best time to go to: May to September
My private highlights…
- The Voltaire Room which was essentially the most lavish with elaborate stucco work and frescoes adorned with cherubs, floral preparations and an enormous ornate fire manufactured from effective marble!
17. Gorlitz
This picturesque, historic metropolis is a extremely popular filming location! I additionally thought it was a phenomenal gem with impeccably preserved architectural treasures spanning Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Art Nouveau kinds, a effective sq. and a strikingly stunning church.
I liked its very genuine old-world allure, which is why it was chosen as a backdrop for movies equivalent to ‘The Grand Budapest Hotel,’ ‘The Reader,’ ‘The Last Command,’ and ‘Inglourious Basterds.’
- Location: Saxony, Eastern a part of the nation
- Location Map
- Best time to go to: late spring to early winter
My private highlights…
- Going for a basic Viennese espresso and a ‘Apfelkuchen’ on the historic cafe Ratscafe Görlitz – I used to be completely charmed by the Town Hall Renaissance constructing it was housed wherein together with stone arched ceilings, uncovered picket beams, genuine vintage furnishings and a really cosy vibe!
18. Eibsee
This is an idyllic and distant spot! I believed this alpine lake was critically gorgeous with clear, good blue waters, lush inexperienced forests and a dramatic backdrop of the pristine Zugspitze mountains and dotted with charming picket boathouses lining its shoreline – for me, it was a serene escape a world away from the hustle and bustle of metropolis life!
It’s nestled on the base of Zugspitze, the very best peak within the southern a part of the nation, close to the city of Grainau in Bavaria. Spanning roughly 177 hectares (about 438 acres), it reaches a most depth of about 29.5 meters (97 ft) and serves as a preferred leisure hub!
I visited right here on a day journey Munich and stayed in a single day on the 4-star Eibsee Hotel which had unimaginable lake views! When right here, I loved a really scenic boat trip, explored the smaller islands within the lake, hiked the picturesque trails and tried stand-up paddle-boarding, I might can lease boats, paddleboards, boats, and all types of water sports activities gear proper there, which was tremendous handy!
- Location: Bavaria, southern a part of the nation
- Location Map
- Best time to go to: summer time
My private highlights…
- Renting a enjoyable pedal boat for €12 an hour from the boat station which was positioned alongside the lake’s shore – I liked seeing the close-up views of crystal-clear waters.
19. Sylt
I believed this was a very distinctive and underrated gem! I found a windswept magnificence spot that includes distinctive thatched-roof cottages, elegant resorts, and quite a lot of seashores – from broad, sandy stretches supreme for sunbathing and water sports activities to secluded spots backed by dunes.
It has been an expensive seaside resort because the Nineteenth century, but it’s typically missed by international guests. Personally, I used to be an enormous fan of its stylish and complicated vibe, full with connoisseur eating, high-end purchasing, and energetic nightlife!
It’s a part of the is a part of the Frisian archipelago nestled within the North Sea, off the northern coast of Germany however I discovered it was related to the mainland by the Hindenburgdamm rail causeway, so no boat journeys had been required!
I used to be fortunate sufficient to remain for per week on the up to date boutique beachfront Hotel 54° Nord and unwound on the sprawling Westerland Beach, explored the Wadden Sea National Park’s distinctive tidal flats, indulged in spa remedies at Sylter Welle, dined on effective meals at Gosch, skilled the colourful nightlife within the buzzy resort of Kampen, and loved boutique purchasing alongside Friedrichstraße in Westerland.
- Location: Frisian Islands, Northern a part of the nation
- Location Map
- Best time to go to: late spring to early autumn
My favorite highlights…
- I liked the gorgeous homes which had been constructed within the distinctive Fristian fashion – that they had thatched roofs and charming facades!
- Seeing the cliffs which lined the coast – they had been slowly eroding in order that they had been formed into distinctive and hanging patterns.
I additionally liked the elegant metropolis of Munich, which was dwelling to the well-known annual Oktoberfest, the hanging resort city of Monschau, the effective baroque college metropolis of Heidelberg, Lübeck the town famend for its Brick Gothic structure, and the spectacular surroundings of the Rems Valley.