Brandenburg Gate: a must for your visit to the capital
Experience German history up close
Whether as part of a city tour or on your own – a detour to the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin is an absolute must when visiting the German capital. The world-famous gate is not only one of the most popular sights in the heart of the city, but also a symbol of German unity.
After the Berlin Wall was built in 1961, the Brandenburg Gate was located in the restricted area. It lay between the FRG and GDR and was therefore inaccessible to visitors for decades. After the fall of the Wall, it was reopened at the end of December 1989 to the great enthusiasm of Berliners. During the New Year’s Eve celebrations in 1989/1990, however, the quadriga was so badly damaged that it had to be replaced.
The neo-classical sandstone gate was built at the end of the 18th century by order of King Frederick William II as the boundary of the boulevard ‘Unter den Linden’. One of the annual highlights at the Brandenburg Gate is the big New Year’s Eve party. The ‘Festival of Lights’ in October also attracts numerous visitors every year.
Thanks to the central location of the Brandenburg Gate on Pariser Platz, you can discover other buildings worth seeing: the Hotel Adlon Kempinski, the US Embassy or the Academy of Arts. After sightseeing, take a break in one of the cafés on Pariser Platz.
Neuschwanstein Castle: King Ludwig II's masterpiece
Swimming, boating and lots of sport on Lake Baldeney
When asked the question ‘Where is a must-see in Germany?’, international tourists in particular are sure to answer: Neuschwanstein Castle. The famous fairytale castle above Hohenschwangau near Füssen is a real magnet for visitors and attracts large numbers of people all year round.
The magnificent castle was also the inspiration for numerous novels and the famous Disney castle. Neuschwanstein Castle was built from 1868 as a personal retreat for King Ludwig II of Bavaria. The elaborate building was intended to be a monument to the culture of the Middle Ages and at the same time a tribute to the work of Richard Wagner.
The throne room, the singers’ hall and the royal bedchamber are particularly impressive. They are lavishly decorated with elements from the Middle Ages, Rococo and Baroque periods. In the throne room there are murals depicting scenes from Wagner operas.
Neuschwanstein Castle was opened to visitors shortly after the death of Ludwig II. Today, it can only be visited as part of a 30-minute guided tour. Extra tip: Admission tickets are very popular, so you should definitely book online in advance. By purchasing the ‘Royal Castles’ combined ticket, you can also visit the other Hohenschwangau castles – Linderhof and Herrenchiemsee.
Neuschwanstein is also absolutely worth seeing from further away. From the Marienbrücke bridge near Neuschwanstein, you have a unique view. No wonder it is a favourite photo and selfie hotspot for visitors.
Top 10 sights in Germany: Cologne Cathedral
Imposing Cologne landmark on the Rhine
Anyone travelling to Cologne by train may be surprised. One of Germany’s biggest attractions towers right next to the main railway station. As the third largest Gothic cathedral in the world, the famous sacred building is visited by around 20,000 people every day. With a height of 157 metres, the church dominates the skyline of the city like no other building. Admission is free of charge. You only need to buy tickets for a guided tour of Cologne Cathedral. This also applies to a visit to the treasury in the medieval vaulted cellars beneath the cathedral sacristy. Here you will find, among other things, the Shrine of the Three Kings, in which the relics of the Three Wise Men are kept.
Cologne Cathedral is known for its centuries-long construction period. Even today, around 100 people work every day to maintain the UNESCO World Heritage-listed building. In addition to the beautiful stained glass windows, you should not miss the Cologne Cathedral tower ascent. The platform at a height of around 100 metres offers a breathtaking view over the city. Interesting fact: the iron roof truss ensured that Cologne Cathedral remained largely unscathed during the Second World War.
If you want to visit Cologne Cathedral, you should pay attention to the dress code, especially in summer. Visitors are not permitted to wear headgear or off-the-shoulder tops.
High up on the Zugspitze
Welcome to Germany's highest peak
Where must you have been in Germany? The Zugspitze is definitely one of these destinations. Germany’s highest mountain rises to 2,962 metres. From up there, you can enjoy a unique view of around 400 mountain peaks in the four-country triangle of Germany, Austria, Italy and Switzerland. Sports enthusiasts are spoilt for choice between hiking on the Zugspitze or skiing in the Zugspitze ski area. With its 20 kilometres of pistes, it is the highest ski area in Germany.
On the summit, you will find the last glacier in the country as well as the impressive golden summit cross. During guided tours, a glacier tour or on the Glacier Experience Trail, you can marvel at the ice phenomenon threatened by climate change. The summit is easily accessible by cog railway, glacier railway and cable car to the Zugspitze. If you book a round trip, you can enjoy all three means of transport. Start with the cogwheel railway from the Zugspitze station in Garmisch-Partenkirchen towards the Zugspitzplatt at 2,600 metres.
On the Zugspitzplatt, you can then take the glacier railway to the mountain station. Here you will find the famous Panorama 2962 restaurant, as well as a summit terrace with panoramic views and an exhibition on the history of the cog railway at the summit station. Once you’ve had enough of the mountain air, take the modern cable car down to the Eibsee valley station. The Zugspitz cable car currently holds three world records: it has the highest steel support in the world, the longest free-hanging cable section and overcomes the greatest difference in altitude between the valley and mountain stations. From the valley station, you can then take the cog railway back to Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
Places of interest in Germany: Hamburg's Elbphilharmonie concert hall
New cultural highlight in the Port of Hamburg
Whether it’s a concert or just the architecture – a visit to Hamburg’s Elbphilharmonie is worthwhile. The building, which was built in 2017, has quickly become a new landmark in Hamburg. By 2019, more than 10 million people had already visited the Elphi. Over two million concertgoers experienced the concert hall’s unique acoustics.
The secret of the optimal sound experience in the Great Hall lies in the special panelling. It consists of plasterboard panels that were developed using an innovative 3D process. The large organ, which is located directly behind the audience seats, is also impressive. Another highlight is the viewing platform at a height of 37 metres. Here on the so-called Plaza, you have a stunning view of the harbour. The jetties, the River Elbe and Hamburg’s Michel can also be seen from here. The way up to the plaza is also spectacular. To do this, take the ‘Tube’ – a futuristic escalator that takes you to the top in two and a half minutes. The walls, which are covered with almost 8,000 glass sequins and glitter in the light, create a special effect. In short: one of Hamburg’s most interesting attractions!
Off to Heidelberg Castle
Most famous ruin in the world
You are rarely alone at Heidelberg Castle. Every year, around one million visitors from all over the world find their way to this famous sight. In the 16th and 17th centuries, it was considered one of the most magnificent buildings in Europe. Today, the remains of Heidelberg Castle characterise the silhouette of the Old Town.
Guided tours of the former residence of the Palatinate Wittelsbach dynasty are organised several times a day. Particularly worth seeing are the Great Barrel in the Barrel Building, the King’s Hall and the façade of the Friedrich Building. In the palace courtyard, the many figures decorating the façade immediately catch the eye. After so much sightseeing, you can take a stroll through the beautifully landscaped Stückgarten. From there, you can enjoy the view of the Neckar and the Old Town at the foot of the palace. The Elisabeth Gate, which dates back to the 17th century, is also a popular photo motif.
The history of the castle is characterised by destruction. After several wars, such as the Palatinate War of Succession, further damage was caused by lightning strikes. As the then Elector moved his residence to Mannheim, the castle was never repaired. The Heidelberg mountain railway offers a special experience. The starting point is at Kornmarkt in the Old Town. From there, you first get to the castle station and then to Molkenkur. Here you can board one of the oldest electric mountain railways in the world. As you continue up to the Königstuhl, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Neckar Valley and the city.
Things to do in Florence on the Elbe: Dresden Frauenkirche
Impressive church building with a history
The question ‘What is the most popular sight in Germany?’ is certainly difficult to answer. But Dresden’s Frauenkirche is definitely on the shortlist. On the way into the Old Town, the famous dome can be seen from afar. Anyone entering the interior of the impressive sacred building for the first time will be surprised. The Frauenkirche is not only an extraordinary building from the outside, but also from the inside. The round interior is particularly friendly and inviting thanks to the numerous windows and the light, pastel colour scheme.
During one of the many guided tours, you will learn more about the eventful history of the Protestant church. You will also learn about the special architecture and religious significance of the building. You can also climb up to the dome and look out over Dresden’s Old Town from a viewing platform.
The Frauenkirche is best known for its history. The church collapsed during the air raid on Dresden in February 1945. The ruins remained untouched for around 50 years afterwards. It was only after German reunification that it was rebuilt thanks to a large amount of donations. The church was reconsecrated in 2005 and has symbolised peace and tolerance ever since.
Famous sights in Germany: Partnachklamm Gorge
Monumental forces of nature in an impressive gorge
A visit to the Partnach Gorge in Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a spectacular experience in both summer and winter. The enormous power of the water becomes clear in the narrow gorge. Over millions of years, the water has carved its way through scree and meltwater. Two paths lead between huge rock faces, surrounded by rapids and waterfalls. The Partnach Gorge has been an official natural monument since 1912.
In winter, a fascinating spectacle awaits you in the Partnach Gorge. Instead of rushing masses of water, you will see sparkling icicles, frozen waterfalls and ice walls up to 30 metres high. But beware: you should dress especially warmly for a visit in winter. As a rule, hardly any sunlight reaches the gorge.
You can see the Partnach Gorge from a completely different perspective from the Iron Bridge. At the end of the gorge, a steep path leads up to the bridge. From here you have a breathtaking view down into the gorge. The car park is located at the ski stadium. From there, you can walk to the gorge in around 20 minutes or, if you’re lucky, take a horse-drawn carriage.
Extra tip: Unfortunately, prams and pushchairs are not permitted in the Partnach Gorge. The passage is also somewhat difficult with walking frames.
Sigthseeing in Potsdam with Sanssouci Palace
Frederick the Great's pleasure palace worth seeing
Potsdam’s Sanssouci Palace is undoubtedly one of the most popular sights in Germany. The former pleasure palace of Frederick the Great was built between 1745 and 1747 in the Rococo style. It served the Prussian king as a majestic retreat away from the business of government – a place ‘without worries’, as the name translates.
The Sanssouci Palace Gardens were designed no less elaborately. Designed in the French style, the garden impresses with its unique terraces and the fountain in the centre of the park. The wine terraces, the historic Sanssouci Mill and the Chinese Tea House are also well worth a visit. No wonder the palace grounds are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Potsdam’s most popular sights. The palace can only be visited as part of a guided tour.
A very special highlight takes place in Sanssouci every year at the end of August: the Potsdam Palace Night. Under the motto ‘Potsdam dances’, there is a varied programme on two evenings. Against the backdrop of a completely illuminated palace, theatre, music, dance and variety shows await you at various locations in the park. An impressive spectacle!
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