I love how Germany mixes age-old traditions with progressive ideals — from charming villages, moody forests, and romantic river valleys to vineyards, half-timbered towns, and the majestic Alps. With half my family living here, I’ve visited many times, and beyond Berlin, these are the places I think are the true gems…
1. Rothenburg ob der Tauber and The Romantic Road
I’ve mentioned this first because I personally thought it was the most enchanting town in the entire country — dating back to 1274, it felt like stepping into an illustrated storybook with cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses, and the iconic Plönlein corner that looked even prettier in person.
I flew into Nuremberg from the UK, rented a car, and followed the scenic Romantic Road — a beautiful 1.5-hour drive through the postcard-pretty Franconian countryside. I spent three nights in Rothenburg where I walked the medieval walls, explored the Market Square, and devoured sugar-dusted Schneeballen pastries before visiting the quirky Christmas Museum. Then I carried on past vineyards and castle-topped hills towards Dinkelsbühl and Harburg Castle.
Location:Franconia region of northern Bavaria | Size: small town (part of the scenic Romantic Road – a 350km tourist route) | Vibe: fairy-tale and romantic
My personal highlights…
Staying at the characterful 4-star Hotel Reichsküchenmeister — I loved its creaky beams, antique armor, and vintage tapestries, and my hearty breakfast of Tauber Valley honey with strong Franconian coffee!
2. Neuschwanstein Castle, Southern Bavaria
I couldn’t help but be swept up in the magic of Neuschwanstein Castle – with its soaring turrets, mist-draped alpine backdrop, and 19th-century Romanesque Revival design, it was easy to see why this fairytale fortress inspired Disney’s castle. Commissioned by King Ludwig II in 1868, its white walls looked even more fantasy-like against the incredible Bavarian Alps.
I headed two hours south from Munich, stayed overnight at the gorgeous AMERON Neuschwanstein Alpsee Resort & Spa in Hohenschwangau village, and took the shuttle bus to the castle. I joined a guided tour through the king’s lavish bedroom and grand Singers’ Hall, then hiked to Marienbrücke for that postcard-perfect view of the castle — worth every step! Tickets sold out fast, so I was glad I’d booked early.
Location:Foothills of the Bavarian Alps, southern Germany (close to the border of Austria)| Size: 426 feet (130m) long | Vibe: dreamy, romantic, and fairy-tale-iconic
My highlights..
Browsing the quirky courtyard gift shop, which smelled of polished wood and overflowed with medieval treasures from woven tapestries to gleaming pocket watches!
3. Regensburg
Our drone shot of the city of Regensburg – it was incredible to capture the river, the striking red rooftops, and twin towers of St. Peter’s Cathedral in this UNESCO-listed Old Town.My photo of Regensburg streets in December – it was a magical time of year to visit!
I took this shot of Neupfarr Church Regensburg – the architecture here was so striking!
I’m always charmed by this UNESCO World Heritage city — every time I visit (which is often!) it feels fairytale-like with its medieval Old Town, pastel houses lining cobblestone lanes and elegant architecture. I’ve crossed the historic Stone Bridge to gaze at the Danube views, craned my neck to admire the Gothic spires of St. Peter’s Cathedral, and honestly — it feels just as magical wrapped in twinkling Christmas lights as it does in the summer sunshine!
Only a 1.5-hour drive from Munich, it’s super-charming all year round — from sipping cold Spital Hell beer at the riverside Spitalgarten Beer Garden on warm evenings to soaking up the festive vibe at the Thurn und Taxis Palace Christmas Market, where the air was filled with the cozy scent of cinnamon, woodsmoke, and roasted nuts!
Location:On the Danube River in eastern Bavaria | Size: medium-sized city | Vibe: vibrant yet old-world
My highlights…
Staying at the unique 4-star Hotel Bischofshof am Dom — I adored its grand historic setting and lively beer garden where waitresses in colorful dirndls served frosty Ayinger Bräuweisse straight from the tap!
Our video of beautiful Regensburg (which went viral!) – with drone footage and our magical Christmas Market moments!
4. The Black Forest
I completely fell for this mysterious land of cuckoo clocks and Black Forest cherry gâteaux — with its sprawling mountain ranges, misty hills, dark evergreen forests, and pretty half-timbered villages, it felt like wandering through a painting come to life. With its folklore-steeped vibe, I could easily see why it inspired the Brothers Grimm!
I flew into Stuttgart, rented a car, and based myself for a week at the Instagrammable 4-star Schwarzwald Panorama Hotel, hiking the scenic trails of Feldberg (the forest’s highest peak) and soaking in pine-scented vistas. I also visited the quirky German Clock Museum, soaked in Baden-Baden’s mineral-rich baths, and cruised the epic Schwarzwaldhochstraße scenic drive through a spectacular sea of black firs!
Catching the Zapfle-Bahnle train — I loved feeling the breeze in the vintage open-air carriages, smelling geraniums and petunias spilling from baskets, and passing the quaint stops with their old-fashioned station signs!
5. Bamberg
My photo of Bamberg – I loved capturing the famous view of the city!My Instagram shot of Bamberg River – I could have spent all day here, Bamberg’s riverside was straight out of a postcard!
Bamberg was one of the most photogenic towns I came across in Germany — its UNESCO-listed Old Town brimmed with medieval and Baroque architecture, half-timbered houses, and cobblestone streets that all felt wonderfully stuck-in-time. I found it quieter and more traditional than Regensburg, and I enjoyed the slow-paced vibe here. After driving 2.5 hours from Munich I settled for a long weekend in the beautiful 4-star Altstadthotel Messerschmitt,
I crossed the bridge to the whimsical Altes Rathaus teetering above the river, admired the pretty rose gardens beside the ornate Bamberg Cathedral, meandered through the maze of cobbled Old Town lanes, and drifted into picturesque Little Venice and ended my day in the perfect way – with a smoky Rauchbier in the historic Schlenkerla brewery!
Location: Upper Franconia region, northern Bavaria | Size: medium-sized city | Vibe: atmospheric, historic, and quietly romantic
My favourite highlights…
Dining on vegan dumplings with creamy dill sauce at Zapfhahn a cozy, wood-beamed tavern where sustainable food felt strangely right at home amid centuries of Bavarian tradition!
6. Lake Königssee
I have to say, I thought Lake Königssee was one of the most beautiful lakes in the entire country — its vast, aquamarine waters framed by the majestic Bavarian Alps, secluded pebble beaches, and the iconic St. Bartholomew’s Chapel completely entranced me! It felt serene and almost otherworldly; I just stopped, gazed, and took it all in!
I set out three hours from Munich to Berchtesgaden for an idyllic five days, staying nearby and taking a quiet electric boat ride to the chapel, where its domed red roof shimmered in the glassy waters. I tackled the surrounding alpine trails, shouted across the famed Echo Wall, and rode the cable car up Jenner Mountain and was treated to Insta-worthy, cinematic views!
Staying at the nearby 4-star EDELWEISS Hotel and Spa – I indulged in a relaxing hayflower wrap — my therapist told me the flowers were locally grown and rich in anti-inflammatory properties, which made the experience feel wonderfully rooted in the region!
7. Bavarian Forest National Park
I took this while walking through the Bavarian Forest during the winter – the scenery was just extraordinary!My Instagram gallery snap of the Bavarian Forest trees – it felt like a postcard!
I completely fell for this Instagram-worthy gem when I visited in winter — Germany’s first national park, the Bavarian Forest National Park (established in 1970), unfolded like a tranquil, snow-draped wilderness filled with untouched forests and clear streams. Its almost surreal tranquility made me feel very immersed in nature!
I drove just over 1 hour and 40 minutes from my family’s hometown of Mallasdorf and stayed a night at the wellness-focused 4-star Hotel Eibl-Brunner, cautiously wandering the frozen treetop walk in Neuschönau, visiting the interesting Hans-Eisenmann-Haus Visitor Centre and capturing endless shots of the atmospheric snow-laden trees. The trails were very icy, so I was glad I’d packed sturdy boots and trekking poles!
Location:Southeastern Germany along the Czech border | Size: ~93 sq miles | Vibe: wild, peaceful, and nature-immersive | Wildlife: lynx, wolves, European bison, deer, black stork, pygmy owl and the rare three-toed woodpecker.
My personal highlights..
Warming up with a shot of locally made plum schnapps in the visitor centre café — its sweet, fruity kick gave me just enough courage to step back out into the icy air!
8. The Rhine Valley
I discovered that The Rhine Valley, a UNESCO-listed gem, was breathtakingly picturesque — a region of vineyard-clad hills, fairytale castles, and medieval villages lining the winding Rhine, all wrapped in a tranquil, timeless atmosphere.
I flew into Frankfurt and from there it was just over 1.5 hours to the riverfront 4-star Hotel Schloss Rheinfels where I cruised the river, toured the impressive Marksburg and Rheinfels Castles, and explored the almost-too-pretty-to-be-real towns of Bacharach and Rüdesheim, hiked the scenic Rheinsteig Trail and soaked in Wiesbaden’s mineral-rich thermal baths!
Location:Western Germany | Size: river valley dotted with 40+ castles | Vibe: romantic, scenic, and timeless
My personal highlights…
Sipping on an aromatic Schloss Johannisberg Riesling at the rustic-chic RheinWeinWelt in Rüdesheim — I loved smelling the heady aroma of fruity wine as I sampled self-service with a pre-loaded card!
9. Bremen
It didn’t take long for quaint Bremen to steal my heart — this 1,200-year-old city, famous for the Brothers Grimm tale The Bremen Town Musicians, spellbound me with its UNESCO-listed Market Square, half-timbered medieval buildings, and lively riverside promenade. I flew directly from London and spent a long weekend at the elegant 4-star Steigenberger Hotel Bremen, which was perfectly placed for exploring the Old Town.
I marveled at the ornate Town Hall and Bremen’s proud Roland Statue, lost myself in the cobbled lanes of the picturesque Schnoor Quarter, ambled down the vibrant Schlachte Promenade, and ended at the quirky Town Musicians Statue (of course)!
Location:Northern Germany | Size: medium-sized city | Vibe: cultured, charming, and slightly whimsical
My favourite highlights…
Stumbling across the quirky Katzen-Café — I loved its cute paw-print cushions, leafy hanging plants, and the friendly cats padding past as I tucked into stuffed peppers with buttery, sage-smothered Bavarian potatoes!
10. The Moselle Valley
I couldn’t get over how beautiful the Moselle Valley wine region was — it had an easygoing, romantic vibe with vine-covered hills, winding river, and chocolate-box villages. I drove just under 40 minutes from my previous stop in the Rhine Valley and spent four days at the romantic 4-star Weinromantikhotel Richtershof.
From wandering Trier’s awe-inspiring Roman ruins and the intriguing Karl Marx House to sipping crisp Rieslings straight from the source, every moment in the Moselle Valley felt very special. Gliding down the Moselle by boat, climbing to the enchanting Burg Eltz Castle, and cycling past sunlit vineyards are memories that have truly stayed with me!
Location:Western Germany | Size: 339 miles long | Vibe: romantic, bucolic, and quietly enchanting
My personal highlights…
Tasting delicately floral biodynamic Rieslings at the organic Weingut Rita & Rudolf Trossen — made without added sulfites, each sip had a clean, vibrant flavor with just a hint of minerality!
11. The Harz National Park
I personally thought Harz National Park was seriously spellbinding — a protected land of dense forests, dramatic mountains, and quiet valleys dotted with timber-framed villages and grand old castles. The whole region felt very atmospheric, wrapped in mist and steeped in folklore. I took a three-hour train from Bremen to Wernigerode, then used local connections to explore the Harz towns and ride the historic Brocken Railway.
I based myself for three days at the Insta-worthy 4-star Hotel & Spa Suiten FreiWerk, and hiked up the mist-shrouded Brocken — northern Germany’s highest peak — and watched the steam engine curl through the forest on its climb. I also wandered the colorful half-timbered streets of pretty Wernigerode and Quedlinburg and followed hidden forest trails past rushing waterfalls.
Location:Central Germany in the Harz Mountains | Size: ~95 sq miles | Vibe: mystical, wild, and folklore-filled
My favourite highlights…
Riding the steam-powered Brocken Railway — the hiss of steam and coal-scented air followed us up to the summit, where panoramic views of jagged peaks and winding valleys were absolutely breathtaking!
12. Mittenwald
This 17th-century Bavarian alpine town was a picture-perfect slice of alpine beauty – I discovered colorful timber houses painted with Lüftlmalerei murals, cobbled lanes, frescoed buildings, and the dramatic Karwendel Mountains as a backdrop, it all felt utterly charming and nostalgic!
Only a short 30-minute drive from Eibsee, Mittenwald instantly charmed me. I spent two blissful nights exploring its frescoed houses, the fascinating Geigenbaumuseum, and the exquisite St. Peter and Paul Church. After a morning hike through the wild Karwendel trails, I soared up the Karwendelbahn cable car to jaw-dropping 360° Alpine views — the kind that made me want to fill my phone with photos!
Location:Bavarian Alps between Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Innsbruck | Size: small town | Vibe: quaint, mountain-chic
My favourite highlights…
Staying at the Insta-worthy 4-star Quartier – über Nacht in besonderer Architektur — I loved ending each day sipping on a piney, bittersweet Amaro Braulio that tasted like the Alps in a glass while gazing at the mountain views!
13. Sylt
I thought Sylt was one of Germany’s most unique and underrated gems — a windswept North Sea island dotted with thatched-roof cottages, chic resorts, and beaches that ranged from wide sandy stretches to secluded dune-backed coves. Though it’s been a luxurious retreat since the 19th century, it still had an under-the-radar feel that I really liked!
In the summer, I took a three-hour train from Hamburg across the Hindenburgdamm causeway and spent a relaxing week at the stylish beachfront Hotel 54° Nord. I lounged on Westerland Beach, explored the tidal flats of untamed Wadden Sea National Park, indulged in spa sessions at Sylter Welle, dined on hearty potato gratin at Gosch, browsed the boutiques along Friedrichstraße, and sampled Kampen’s buzzy nightlife. It was the perfect mix of sophistication and laid-back island charm!
Location:North Frisian Islands off Germany’s northwestern coast | Size: ~38 sq miles | Vibe: chic seaside-glam
My favourite highlights…
Seeing the cliffs which lined the coast – they were slowly eroding so they were shaped into unique and striking patterns.
14. Sanssouci Castle
Built in the 1740s as Frederick the Great’s summer residence, this magnificent Rococo palace completely dazzled me with its dreamy terraced vineyards, grand interiors, and impressive parkland dotted with fountains and elegant pavilions. Sanssouci Castle had such a regal, sunlit calm that it genuinely reminded me of the Palace of Versailles!
It was a 40-minute train from Berlin, a 20-minute walk to the entrance, and €15 for the audio-guide tour (with guided tours also on offer). I wandered through the vast Sanssouci Park, admired the whimsical Chinese House, and even visited Cecilienhof Palace (where the historic Potsdam Conference took place)! Although I completely underestimated the scale — my shoes (and my feet!) clocked nearly 10,000 steps by the end!
Location:Potsdam, northeastern Germany | Size: set in 290-hectare park | Vibe: elegant, regal, and romantic
My personal highlights…
The lavish Voltaire Room — its intricate stucco, cherub-filled frescoes, and grand marble fireplace made it feel like stepping into a Rococo masterpiece!
15. Görlitz
With over a thousand years of history, this city radiated such charm and character, and it was impossible not to fall for it — its Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Art Nouveau architecture, elegant main square, and striking Peterskirche made it feel like a living museum (seriously)! Knowing Görlitz had starred in films like The Grand Budapest Hotel and Inglourious Basterds just made me love it even more!
I took a 2.5-hour train from Dresden (after flying in from London) and stayed three nights at the historic 4-star Gut am See. I wandered the cobbled Old Town, admired the Silesian Museum, strolled through the riverside Stadtpark, and photographed the rainbow-hued Woad House before crossing the bridge into Zgorzelec, Poland, for a new perspective!
Location:Eastern Germany on the Lusatian Neisse River at the Polish border | Size: medium-sized city | Vibe: romantic, cinematic, and beautifully old-world
My personal highlights…
Enjoying a frothy Viennese coffee and cinnamon-warm Apfelkuchen at Ratscafé Görlitz — I sat beneath stone arches and creaking beams, the sweet apple and coffee aromas mingling as locals chatted under antique lamps!
More Places I Loved in Germany…
Berlin– the hip, lively city with an edge was home to awesome bars, nightclubs and restaurants!
Munich – the busy, traditional and elegant Bavarian capital hosts the annual Oktoberfest (and it’s also near my family’s home, so I’ve visited many times now!)
Heidelberg – this was filled with baroque university charm along the Neckar River.
Lübeck – I really enjoyed this Brick-Gothic beauty steeped in maritime history.
Monschau – this was a gorgeous spa town tucked away in the Eifel hills.
Rems Valley – I really liked this peaceful countryside dotted with picturesque vineyards.
Becky Moore - Owner, writer and photographer
My first true adventure began as a six-month voyage around South East Asia as a fresh-faced backpacker and ever since I’ve lived a semi-nomadic existence, clocking up visits to over 40 countries. I’m a lover of US Road Trips, deserted beaches bathed in the warm glow of a sunset, Cuban mojitos, travel destinations far away from the tourist crowds, and all things Scandinavian – from cloudberry liquors to Nordic noirs. When not wandering the world and running Global Grasshopper, you’ll find me walking my ex-Athens street dog in leafy South West London, strolling around the Brighton Lanes on random day trips, hunting for photogenic landscapes or daydreaming about my favourite places; Havana, Copenhagen, Italy, Borneo, Finland, Greece, Berlin, Laos, California and the surreal and beautiful landscapes of a wintry Iceland.
Hotel Reviewing Experience - published hotel review in the 52 Sleeps Book organised by Laterooms.com and Lonely Planet. Asked by over 12 tourist boards and many high-profile travel brands to formally review hotels including Germany Tourist Board,Canada Tourist Board, Eviivo, France.fr, Visitoostende.be,Live Riga and Queensland Tourist Board. Also travelled around the world scouting out and reviewing all the most unique hotels in the world, check out our Instagram page for photos.
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25 thoughts on “15 Most Enchanting Places to Explore in Germany”
My favourite place is Neuschwanstein Castle, maybe because I lived nearby for a while and visited the location so often. Rothenburg ob der Tauber, I visited the Christmas market last December, it was great too, but I missed a bit of the atmosphere, maybe it was too crowded.
Hey, I also recommend a trip to Schloss Neuschwanstein. I go there every year and it never gets boring. This may have to do with the hotel that I chose every time, because it has a view of the mountains and the castle Neuschschwanstein, and it is located on the lake Hapfensee. Very nice.
I will be visiting Germany to celebrate our 1st wedding anniversary am planning to Apply for Germany Visa soon. I was looking for some good places to visit in Germany when I came across your blog that gave me around 20 of the most beautiful places to visit in Germany. I would love to plan a visit to at least 4-5 places that you shared in the blog!
There are many more beautiful regions and towns which unfortunately now lie outside Germany’s historic borders. Areas like Silesia and the masurian lakes in East Prussia with the beautiful Teutonic Castle of Marienburg. Still very German in feel in spite of the Polish population that was moved in after 1945.
Really Thanks a lot for this informative Post with images. Germany is a beautiful place and I have no any idea about these places but after reading this post and see images I feel wow its amazing place. The Rhine Valley is so beautiful place and really I will go there in these places.
my father was born and lived in East Germany till WW2 when he was captured and brought to Scotland as a p.o.w. it is really nice to see pictures of his homeland and some of the places I have been to on holiday I really like this site.
Who said that it’s expensive to have a trip abroad? Germany was the first country I visited because I was lucky that my aunt married a German. The people were so nice and friendly as well as the place. Very clean city.
I spent 6 years in Germany and one word describes it to me “Christmas” which in your photos you can see why.. Its a beautiful country and somewhere I can’t wait to take my wife to visit.
We have been to a few of the places on your list and they are all very interesting and beautiful. The best one we did was a wonderful cruise down the Rhine ,will never forget that one.
My favourite place is Neuschwanstein Castle, maybe because I lived nearby for a while and visited the location so often. Rothenburg ob der Tauber, I visited the Christmas market last December, it was great too, but I missed a bit of the atmosphere, maybe it was too crowded.
Hey, I also recommend a trip to Schloss Neuschwanstein. I go there every year and it never gets boring. This may have to do with the hotel that I chose every time, because it has a view of the mountains and the castle Neuschschwanstein, and it is located on the lake Hapfensee. Very nice.
It´s grazy how many of them are located near to Füssen. A beautiful region!
I will be visiting Germany to celebrate our 1st wedding anniversary am planning to Apply for Germany Visa soon. I was looking for some good places to visit in Germany when I came across your blog that gave me around 20 of the most beautiful places to visit in Germany. I would love to plan a visit to at least 4-5 places that you shared in the blog!
There are many more beautiful regions and towns which unfortunately now lie outside Germany’s historic borders. Areas like Silesia and the masurian lakes in East Prussia with the beautiful Teutonic Castle of Marienburg. Still very German in feel in spite of the Polish population that was moved in after 1945.
Really thanks for sharing this useful post !! Germany is a nice place to visit for holidays and I will definitely visit these places with my friends.
Really Thanks a lot for this informative Post with images. Germany is a beautiful place and I have no any idea about these places but after reading this post and see images I feel wow its amazing place. The Rhine Valley is so beautiful place and really I will go there in these places.
Castles in Germany are the most beautiful destinations and none can match with them. Other places are also must visit in Germany
We just visited half of the places on the list and look forward to return visits. Germany is a very beautiful country.
It is indeed Jessica! We love Germany! 🙂
my father was born and lived in East Germany till WW2 when he was captured and brought to Scotland as a p.o.w. it is really nice to see pictures of his homeland and some of the places I have been to on holiday I really like this site.
Same thing happened to my Grandad! I’m proud to have Bavarian heritage 🙂
How I love Bamberg! Great inclusion. Breweries, college town, rosegarten overlooking the river, palace….easily one of my favorite towns in Germany.
Who said that it’s expensive to have a trip abroad? Germany was the first country I visited because I was lucky that my aunt married a German. The people were so nice and friendly as well as the place. Very clean city.
I really like your selection of pictures form Germany, just beautiful.
I spent 6 years in Germany and one word describes it to me “Christmas” which in your photos you can see why.. Its a beautiful country and somewhere I can’t wait to take my wife to visit.
We have been to a few of the places on your list and they are all very interesting and beautiful. The best one we did was a wonderful cruise down the Rhine ,will never forget that one.
Neuschwanstein Castle is beautiful!!!!!!!!
So true! 🙂