By: Maha Mourad
Germany is well known for its history, culture, and natural beauty which are only a few ways to describe this beautiful country. With its historic cities and small towns, along with an abundance of forests and mountains, visitors will sure have a wide variety of places to visit and activities to be involved with during their visit!
Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate
Undoubtedly Berlin’s most iconic structure, built in 1791 for King Frederick William II, the monumental Brandenburg Gate in Berlin’s Mitte district, was the city’s first Neo-Classical structure and is the only surviving city gate which has a strong representation of the reunification of the East and West of Berlin. This gate measures 26-meters in height which includes the spectacular four-horse chariot perched atop – its six huge columns on each side of the structure form five impressive passages: four were used by regular traffic, while the center was reserved for the royal carriages. The two buildings at each side of the Gate, once used by toll-collectors and guards.
Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom)
The towering Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Mary, Kölner Dom, located on the banks of the Rhine is Cologne’s most impressive landmark and has been this way for many centuries. This masterpiece of High Gothic architecture, and is one of the largest cathedrals in Europe, making it the third tallest Cathedral in the world. Its construction began in 1248 and took over 600 years to complete. When visiting the Cathedral, be sure to take a look at the panoramic views from the South Towers, the 12th- and 13th-century stained glass in the Three Kings Chapel, and the Treasury with its many precious objects.
Neuschwanstein Castle – Germany
Located in Bavaria, Germany, this 19th Century Castle meaning “New Swanstone Castle” is one of Europe’s most visited castles in Germany and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. The castle was built for King Ludwig II of Bavaria as a personal refuge/retreat, giving it its second name as the “Fairytale Castle”. This name came about when it was built and castles had no strategical or defensive purposes except for the aesthetic appearance. After King Ludwig’s death in 1886, the castle was opened to the public attracting 1.3 million people annually! If you visit this castle you will be amazed by the beautiful surrounding landscapes as it is located in the Alps of Bavaria!
The Romantic Rhine
The Romantic Rhine is the most famous sections of the Rhine, running between Koblenz to Bingen. The river Rhine carves its way here through steep vineyard-covered hills topped with countless castles and ruins leading you through a region that boasts quintessential German scenery and culture; charming medieval towns surrounded by walls and towers, half-timbered houses, historic hotels, and restaurants that offer hearty food and great beer. The river has been an important trade route into central Europe since ancient times and a string of small towns has grown up along the banks. Constrained in size, many of these old towns retain a historic feel today
Schwarzwald
– The Black Forest
The beautiful Black Forest with its dark, densely-wooded hills is one of the most visited upland regions in all of Europe filled with rolling hills, small villages and lush forests! Located in the southwestern corner of Germany and extending 160 kilometers, it is a hiker’s dream! Popular spots include Germany’s oldest ski area at Todtnau, the magnificent spa facilities of Baden-Baden, and the attractive resort of Bad Liebenzell. Other highlights include the spectacular Black Forest Railway centered on Triberg with its famous falls, and Triberg itself, home to the Black Forest Open Air Museum. Dozens of attractive slow-paced small towns and villages make touring a delight, but perhaps the best way to explore is to base yourself in one of the two largest towns and strike out from there and enjoy the spectacular views!