Germany's Top Ten Places to Visit

Cologne Cathedral

Cologne's mighty cathedral towers just a stone's throw from the banks of the Rhine. Built over 600 years ago entirely in a high-Gothic style, it is Cologne's most famous landmark and an UNESCO World Heritage site. Its most sacred treasure is the Shrine of the Three Magi, a magnificent gilded sarcophagus thought to hold the remains of the Three Wise Men. More than 500 steps lead up the south tower, which offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the city.

Neuschwanstein

King Ludwig II's world-famous castle stands proudly against the spectacular backdrop of the Alps in southern Bavaria. Neuschwanstein, his fairytale castle, is the most-visited building in Germany, and was designed to resemble a medieval German knight's castle. Walt Disney also found inspiration for his magic kingdom here and based his world-famous Disney Castle on this spectacular Bavarian highlight.

Heidelberg Castle

The charming city of Heidelberg in south-western Germany is home to Heidelberg Castle - its ruins rise majestically on the site of a medieval castle complex high above the lanes and the jumble of roofs of the picturesque old town. The architecture contains elements of the Gothic and Renaissance periods. The castle gardens, the Great Vat (the world's largest wine barrel) and the remarkable Pharmacy Museum are also worth a visit.

Checkpoint Charlie

Established in 1962 next to the legendary Checkpoint Charlie border crossing, the "Haus am Checkpoint Charlie" Museum is an exhibition on the history of the Berlin Wall and the partition of the city. It contains original items used in underground, overground and even airborne attempts to flee East Germany. There are also exhibitions on Berlin's history and on the international non-violent fight for human rights.

Church of Our Lady, Dresden

Dresden's most famous attraction is a masterpiece of baroque architecture on the River Elbe. Destroyed in the bombing raids of 1945 the Church of Our Lady has been rebuilt and is now a symbol for reconciliation and peace. With its marbled pillars and delicately painted balustrades the chancel looks as good as new, while the huge stone dome is once again the dominating feature of the cityscape.

Marienplatz, Munich

This beautiful square in the heart of the Old Town is home to the town hall and its world-famous carillon (Glockenspiel), which has existed since 1908. The mechanical figures delight the audience on the square below by dancing to chimes at 11 am and midday throughout the year. During Spring and Summer there is an extra performance at 5 pm.

German Emigration Center, Bremerhaven

Situated on Germany's northern coast, in the port of Bremerhaven, is Europe's largest museum specializing in emigration. This modern museum offers a compelling insight into emigrants' lives and their incredible stories. It is also an invaluable source of information for those who want to find out more about their family heritage and offers numerous research possibilities.

Saxony Switzerland

The Saxon Switzerland National Park is one of the jewels in Germany's scenic crown. Strange rock needles, cliffs and deep gorges alternate with wide plains, large, silent forests and valleys, looked down upon by table mountains. Large sections of the neighboring "Bohemian Switzerland" have also been designated a national park. With a little patience it is possible to spot otters, falcons and even the occasional lynx.

Black Forest

The Black Forest, or Schwarzwald to give it its German name, is famous the world over. Deeply rooted in its traditional culture the Black Forest is an area of mountains, waterfalls and forest in the south west of Germany 125 miles long and up to 37 miles wide. This beautfully scenic region is home to the cuckoo clock and of course the delicious Black Forest Cake and is a paradise for hikers, skiers and spa lovers alike offering something for everyone.

Bavarian Alps

The Bavarian Alps in southern Germany is one of the country's most visited vacation regions. Picturesque villages, fairytale castles and crystal-clear lakes are set against the dramatic backdrop of snow-covered mountain peaks. In winter this area is a skier's paradise whilst in summer the lower mountain meadows are perfect to stroll or hike through.

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