10 Best Landmarks In Germany You Should Visit

Germany is a country that has one of the most interesting and eventful histories. From being home to some of the world’s best museums, to its rich culture, and natural beauty, there are plenty of reasons why you should consider a vacation in Germany. With Triptile vacation planner it’s as easy as a few clicks to plan your trip. To get you inspired, we’ve compiled 10 landmarks that you must visit while in this beautiful country.

1. Brandenburg Gate

Brandenburg Gate is one of the most well-known landmarks globally and has always been a symbol for Berlin since it was first built in 1791. The Gate was Berlin’s first Greek Revival building designed by Carl Gotthard Langhans. 

When the Berlin Wall went up in 1961, the Brandenburg Gate became a symbol of Berlin’s Cold War division into East and West because it stood in an inaccessible zone for locals and visitors. When the Wall fell, more than 100 000 people gathered at the Gate for its official opening in 1989, and it became a location for New Year’s eve celebration. Today it symbolizes German unity and is a monument to peace. 

2. Neuschwanstein Castle

The Neuschwanstein Castle is the castle of the fairytale king, surrounded by beautiful nature. Located in the Bavarian Alps, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. Every year 1.4 million people visit the castle to admire its unique beauty. 

The historical palace was commissioned by King Ludwig II of Bavaria, the shy king that wanted to escape from public life. Unfortunately, the Neuschwanstein Castle was opened only a few weeks after the king’s death. Today with its charming white facade and blue turrets, it serves as inspiration for Disney fairytales, poets, musicians, and painters. 

3. Cologne Cathedral

Seen from every point in the city center and many places elsewhere, the stunning Cologne Cathedral is one of the most visited landmarks in Germany, attracting approximately 20 000 people a day. It is currently the tallest twin-spired church in the world and the second tallest church in Europe. The construction began in 1248 but was left unfinished, and in 1840 work was restarted and finally completed by its original Medieval plan in 1880.

Initially, Cologne Cathedral was planned to house the Shrine of the Three Kings that Emperor Frederick Barbarossa gifted, and after many centuries, the cathedral fulfilled its role. Apart from the Cologne’s Cathedral main work of art, there are more critical treasures, such as the High Altar, which was installed in 1322, or the medieval statue of St. Christopher.

4. Marienplatz

Marienplatz Square has been the heart of Munich city since it was founded by Henry the Lion in 1158. It was a marketplace and fairground until the late 1800s. Today, it is a popular tourist site with its glimmering Fish Fountain, which lights up at night, becoming an excellent photo opportunity. At the center of the main square stands the Mariensäule (column) with a striking golden statue of the Virgin Mary, the Patrona Bavariae on top. 

One more highlight of the plaza is the New Town Hall, designed in the stunning gothic Revival style. The location is the most popular place for the Munich celebrations, and visitors always come there during holiday time to dive into the festive Christmas Market!

5. Miniatur Wunderland

Located in Hamburg, Miniatur Wunderland or Miniature Wonderland is the largest Model Railway in the world in numbers. It is a 10-acre detailed miniature world where visitors can watch trains in more than 100 countries, drive boats on the rivers and seas or just stroll through it. 

The park is divided into nine areas: Harz, the fictional city of Huntington, the Alps and Austria, Hamburg, Scandinavia, Switzerland, America, Italy, and the replica of the Hamburg Airport. The exhibition includes 1300 trains, 100 000 moving vehicles, 500 000 lights, 130 000 trees, and 400 000 human figurines.

6. East Side Gallery

The East Side Gallery once was a wall dividing the city of  Berlin into two. Now it’s the longest open-air gallery in the world. Shortly after the wall came down, 118 artists from 21 countries began painting the East Side Gallery. 

The 1316 meters long wall contains more than a hundred paintings that reveal the political changes in 1989-1990. One of those famous artworks is Dmitri Vrubel’s Fraternal Kiss!

7. Pergamon Museum

The Pergamon Museum is a perfect landmark to explore ancient civilizations. Situated in the center of Berlin, it’s part of the UNESCO World Heritage. Proudly standing on Museum Island, it invites visitors to explore fascinating ancient treasures. 

The most famous one is the Pergamon Altar that dates back to the 2nd century BC! It stood on one of the terraces of the acropolis of the ancient Greek city of Pergamon. What’s more, the Pergamon Museum houses turquoise Ishtar Gate and the giant marble Market Gate of Miletus. The museum has unbelievable evidence of ancient civilizations for you to explore!

8. Nymphenburg Palace

The Nymphenburg Palace is a Baroque palace located in Munich’s district. Completed in 1675, it served as the principal summer residence for the former rulers of Bavaria of the House of Wittelsbach. Today the palace and its park is one of the most famous sights of Munich. 

Some rooms still show their original baroque decoration, and the baroque facades comprise an overall width of 700 meters. In addition to the palace’s grand size, the Nymphenburg Palace Park occupies 229 hectares of area, and its design is based on Versailles Palace: symmetrical French style, canals, bridges, statues, and stunning pavilions.

9. Charlottenburg Palace

Charlottenburg Palace is the largest and one of the most magnificent palaces in Berlin. Built in the 17-18th century, this palace was dedicated to Sophie Charlotte, the first Queen consort in Prussia. 

Today, every visitor gets amazed at how stunning the palace is! It includes baroque and rococo-style rooms, including the Porcelain Cabinet and the Goldene Galerie (ballroom). Apart from the precious gems inside, the Charlottenburg Palace has a vast park designed by French landscape architect Siméon Godeau. The highlights in the park are the Belvedere tea house, the mausoleum, and the Neuer Pavillon.

10. Heidelberg Palace

The history of the Heidelberg castle began when the Count’s palatine of the Rhine established their residence here; ever since then, this place has been destined for glory. First mentioned in 1225, this Renaissance-era palace has been threatened by both wars and forces of nature alike, rebuilt and destroyed repeatedly. In the 19th century, the castle ruins epitomized the spirit of the Romantic movement.

To this day, only part of this magnificent national monument is in use, yet it attracts millions of visitors each year. In addition to the edifice’s striking architecture, the castle towers above the undoubtedly wonderful deep green forests, the Neckar valley, and the old town of Heidelberg, offering incredible views.

To sum up, there are plenty of landmarks in Germany, and it’s best to plan ahead. Collect your preferred landmarks, accommodation on Triptile and travel around the country by the Germany trains!