Germany is a country where history, culture, and innovation converge to create unforgettable experiences. Whether it’s wandering through medieval castles, enjoying world-famous festivals, or exploring cutting-edge art scenes, this destination offers something for every traveler. From the bustling streets of Berlin to the fairy-tale landscapes of Bavaria, every region has its own charm. Food lovers can indulge in authentic bratwurst and pretzels, while adventure seekers can hike through the Black Forest or cruise the Rhine River. With so much to experience, knowing where to start can be overwhelming. This guide highlights the best things to do in Germany this year.
Stay in a Medieval Castle Overlooking the Rhine
Perched on the cliffs above the winding Rhine River, centuries-old castles offer an unforgettable stay steeped in history. Imagine waking up in a turreted fortress surrounded by stone walls, where knights once roamed. Many of these castles have been transformed into boutique hotels, blending medieval charm with modern comforts. Locations like Burg Rheinstein and Castle Hotel Schönburg provide panoramic river views, candlelit dinners, and suites adorned with antique furnishings. Guests can explore hidden passageways, sip Riesling from local vineyards, and experience the echoes of Germany’s past firsthand. The UNESCO-listed Upper Middle Rhine Valley, dotted with over 40 castles, enhances the fairytale setting. Whether staying for a romantic getaway or a historical retreat, these fortresses promise a night like no other. Booking early is essential, as demand soars during peak travel seasons, especially in autumn when the vineyards below burst into golden hues.
Walk the Baumwipfelpfad Bavarian Forest Canopy
Trail
A winding wooden pathway suspended high above the Bavarian Forest offers a breathtaking perspective of Germany’s oldest national park. Stretching over 1,300 meters, the Baumwipfelpfad leads visitors through towering treetops, culminating in a spiraling observation tower that stands 44 meters high. From the top, panoramic views extend over unspoiled wilderness, rolling hills, and the Czech border. Along the trail, interactive exhibits highlight the region’s rich biodiversity, from rare lynxes to ancient beech forests. Designed with accessibility in mind, the gentle incline allows visitors of all ages to enjoy the experience. Seasonal changes bring unique beauty, from lush greens in summer to snow-draped landscapes in winter. Whether seeking a serene nature walk or a family-friendly adventure, this canopy trail offers an immersive way to connect with Germany’s great outdoors. Arriving early ensures a quieter experience before the midday crowds arrive.
Experience the Lantern-Lit Christmas Market in Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Germany’s Christmas markets are legendary, but few compare to the enchanting glow of Rothenburg ob der Tauber’s Reiterlesmarkt. Nestled within medieval city walls, this festive market transforms the town’s cobbled streets into a winter wonderland. Twinkling lanterns illuminate half-timbered houses, while the scent of roasted almonds and spiced Glühwein fills the air. Stalls overflow with handcrafted ornaments, intricate nutcrackers, and seasonal treats like Schneeballen pastries. A highlight is the traditional appearance of the mystical Rothenburger Reiterle, a figure from German folklore who once symbolized winter’s arrival. Live brass bands add to the old-world charm, making evening visits particularly magical. To fully embrace the holiday spirit, visitors can explore the German Christmas Museum or ascend the 13th-century Town Hall Tower for sweeping views of the festive lights below. Arriving on weekdays avoids weekend crowds, ensuring a more intimate holiday experience.
Drive the Deutsche Alpenstraße for Scenic Alpine Views
Germany’s oldest scenic route winds through 450 kilometers of breathtaking alpine landscapes, picturesque villages, and crystal-clear lakes. Beginning near Lindau on Lake Constance, the Deutsche Alpenstraße meanders past jagged peaks, lush meadows, and historic castles. Drivers can stop at fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle, relax by the tranquil waters of Königssee, or visit Garmisch-Partenkirchen’s towering Zugspitze, the highest peak in Germany. Seasonal changes bring different experiences—spring and summer offer wildflower-filled meadows, while autumn brings golden forests, and winter transforms the route into a snow-draped paradise. Serpentine roads and panoramic overlooks make this a dream for photographers and road trip enthusiasts. Travelers should plan stops for traditional Bavarian meals in rustic alpine huts, where hearty dishes like käsespätzle and schnitzel provide the perfect break. Completing the journey at Berchtesgaden National Park allows for an unforgettable end, with its dramatic cliffs and emerald-green lakes.
Explore Berlin’s Abandoned Spy Station on Teufelsberg
Rising above Berlin’s Grunewald Forest, Teufelsberg’s eerie, graffiti-covered ruins tell a story of Cold War espionage. Built atop a man-made hill created from wartime rubble, this former NSA listening station once intercepted Soviet communications. Today, it stands abandoned, its decaying radar domes covered in vibrant street art. Guided tours offer rare access to the crumbling structure, where visitors can climb to the top for panoramic views of Berlin’s skyline. The site has become a creative hub, attracting urban explorers and artists alike. Teufelsberg’s unique history intertwines with its haunting atmosphere, making it one of the city’s most intriguing offbeat attractions. Sunset visits enhance the experience as golden light filters through broken windows, casting long shadows over the ruins. While technically off-limits without a guide, authorized tours provide the safest and most informative way to explore this relic of a divided past.
Tour the Underground Bunkers of the Berlin Wall
Beneath Berlin’s bustling streets, a hidden world of Cold War history awaits. The underground bunkers connected to the Berlin Wall reveal a chilling glimpse into life during one of the world’s most divided eras. Guided tours take visitors through air-raid shelters, escape tunnels, and surveillance hubs once used by East German officials. These concrete labyrinths, some still bearing original furnishings, show the intense measures taken to control movement between East and West. The Berliner Unterwelten Museum offers expert-led explorations, unraveling stories of daring escapes and secret operations. Each chamber carries echoes of the past, from rooms lined with gas masks to corridors once patrolled by border guards. Limited access and preservation efforts make these tours a rare opportunity to witness history firsthand. Booking in advance is essential, as small group sizes ensure an intimate, immersive experience. This underground journey unveils a side of Berlin few get to see.
Soak in the Thermal Spas of Baden-Baden
Steaming mineral-rich waters have drawn visitors to Baden-Baden for centuries, making it one of Europe’s premier spa destinations. The town’s renowned thermal baths, such as Caracalla Spa and Friedrichsbad, provide a rejuvenating retreat surrounded by elegant 19th-century architecture. Soaking in these naturally heated pools, sourced from deep underground springs, offers relaxation while promoting circulation and skin health. Friedrichsbad, a Roman-Irish bathhouse, blends opulent decor with a structured 17-step spa ritual, featuring warm-air baths, steam rooms, and thermal pools. For a more modern experience, Caracalla Spa boasts outdoor whirlpools, waterfalls, and saunas overlooking the Black Forest. The town itself enhances the spa experience with boutique shops, Michelin-starred dining, and serene parkland. Travelers seeking ultimate tranquility can combine a thermal soak with a massage or mineral mud wrap. Visiting in the early morning ensures a quieter, more indulgent experience without the midday crowds.
Hike to the Stunning Königssee Lake and Echo Wall
Towering cliffs, emerald waters, and a legendary echo create one of Germany’s most breathtaking natural spectacles. Königssee, nestled in Berchtesgaden National Park, is accessible by scenic boat rides that glide through fjord-like landscapes. Midway, the boat pauses for a trumpeter’s demonstration of the lake’s famed echo, where sound bounces between sheer rock walls with crystal clarity. The journey continues toward St. Bartholomew’s Church, a picturesque pilgrimage site with red onion domes. For those seeking adventure, the surrounding trails lead to hidden alpine viewpoints and cascading waterfalls. One of the most rewarding hikes ascends to the Rabenwand lookout, offering panoramic views of the pristine lake below. Seasonal changes add to the charm, with misty mornings in autumn and snow-covered peaks in winter. Arriving early maximizes the experience, as the lake’s tranquility is best enjoyed before midday visitors arrive.
Catch the Sunset from Cologne Cathedral’s South Tower
A breathtaking panorama unfolds from the top of Cologne Cathedral’s South Tower, where the climb rewards visitors with sweeping views of the city’s skyline and the Rhine River. Ascending 533 steps through Gothic stonework and towering spires, the journey is as awe-inspiring as the destination. Late afternoon offers the most dramatic lighting, as golden hues illuminate the cathedral’s intricate facade. From the summit, landmarks like Hohenzollern Bridge and Cologne’s historic old town stretch into the horizon. On clear days, distant hills frame the cityscape, enhancing the sense of scale. The cathedral’s bells, housed within one of the world’s largest free-swinging bell chambers, occasionally toll, adding to the atmosphere. Arriving just before sunset ensures a stunning transition from daylight to twilight, when city lights shimmer against the river below. Limited evening openings make this experience even more special, so checking schedules in advance is recommended.
Walk Across the Suspension Bridge of Geierlay
Suspended high above a lush valley, the Geierlay suspension bridge delivers an unforgettable thrill for visitors seeking panoramic views and a touch of adventure. Spanning 360 meters across the Mörsdorf valley and soaring 100 meters above the forest floor, this pedestrian-only bridge sways gently with each step. Built to resemble Nepalese rope bridges, its design enhances the sense of elevation without feeling unsafe. The surrounding Hunsrück region offers scenic trails leading to and from the bridge, making it a perfect day-trip destination. Autumn transforms the valley into a tapestry of warm colors, while misty mornings add a mystical touch. Although popular, arriving early or visiting on weekdays ensures a quieter, more immersive experience. Parking is located a short hike from the entrance, adding to the sense of discovery. For those unafraid of heights, pausing at the center reveals breathtaking, uninterrupted views of the rolling landscape below.
Celebrate the Rhine in Flames Fireworks Festival
Explosions of color light up the night sky as fleets of illuminated boats glide along the Rhine, creating one of Germany’s most spectacular annual events. The Rhine in Flames festival transforms the river into a glowing spectacle, with fireworks launched from castles, hills, and barges. Spanning multiple weekends from May to September, different regions along the river, including Koblenz, Rüdesheim, and Bonn, host their own dazzling displays. Viewing spots along the riverbanks provide stunning panoramas, but boarding a river cruise offers an unforgettable front-row seat. The event is complemented by live music, wine festivals, and local delicacies, making it a full cultural experience. Booking accommodations early is crucial, as hotels fill up months in advance. Whether watching from a vineyard terrace or beneath the fireworks on a boat deck, this festival offers a mesmerizing way to experience the beauty of Germany’s most famous river.
Visit the Colorful Fuggerei Social Housing Complex in Augsburg
A hidden gem in Augsburg, the Fuggerei stands as the world’s oldest social housing complex still in use. Established in 1521 by the wealthy Fugger family, this walled community continues to provide affordable housing for local residents. Its picturesque yellow facades, green-shuttered windows, and cobblestone streets transport visitors back in time. A symbolic annual rent of just one Rheinischer Gulden (less than a euro) keeps the tradition alive. Strolling through its tranquil alleys reveals a chapel, a small museum, and a preserved 16th-century apartment showcasing how residents lived centuries ago. Unlike typical tourist sites, this community remains a functional home for many, making visits feel authentic rather than staged. Exploring during quieter hours allows for a more immersive experience, offering glimpses into a living history that few places can match. This unique destination provides a fascinating contrast to Germany’s grand castles and bustling cities.
Explore the World’s Largest Model Railway in Hamburg’s Miniatur Wunderland
An intricate world unfolds inside Hamburg’s Speicherstadt district, where Miniatur Wunderland showcases the most detailed model railway ever built. Spanning over 1,500 square meters, this miniature universe features entire countries, bustling cities, and stunning landscapes brought to life with moving trains, cars, and even airplanes that take off and land. Every 15 minutes, the exhibit shifts into night mode, as thousands of tiny lights twinkle across the display. Highlights include a meticulously crafted replica of Switzerland’s Alps, the canals of Venice, and an airport where planes taxi in real-time. Hidden details reward careful observers, from tiny wedding scenes to secret tunnels. Advance tickets are essential, as this popular attraction often sells out. While designed for all ages, train enthusiasts and casual visitors alike will be captivated by the craftsmanship and attention to detail. Few places in the world can match the charm and scale of this model wonderland.
Take a Wine Tasting Tour in the Moselle Valley
Rolling vineyards, medieval castles, and charming riverside villages make the Moselle Valley Germany’s premier wine destination. Renowned for its Riesling, this region produces some of the finest white wines in the world. A tasting tour offers the chance to sample crisp, mineral-rich vintages while learning about the valley’s centuries-old winemaking traditions. Family-run wineries, such as those in Cochem, Traben-Trarbach, and Bernkastel-Kues, provide intimate settings where guests can sip wines directly from the source. Many vineyards offer cellar tours, explaining the fermentation and aging process. For a scenic approach, river cruises stop at various wineries, allowing visitors to pair breathtaking views with top-tier wines. Harvest season in late summer and early autumn brings wine festivals and bustling tastings, making it the best time to visit. Whether a casual drinker or a connoisseur, exploring this picturesque valley through its wines is a must.
Ride the Harz Mountain Steam Train to a Fairytale Peak
Thick plumes of steam rise against the backdrop of dense forests and rugged peaks as a vintage locomotive ascends the Harz Mountains. The Brocken Railway, part of the Harz Narrow Gauge network, offers a journey straight out of a storybook. Departing from Wernigerode, the train chugs through misty valleys, over wooden bridges, and past snow-dusted pine trees before reaching the summit of Brocken, northern Germany’s highest peak. On clear days, panoramic views stretch for miles, while winter transforms the landscape into a frozen wonderland. The nostalgic charm of wooden carriages and the rhythmic sound of the steam engine make this experience unforgettable. Tickets can be purchased in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. For an even more magical experience, winter rides through frost-covered landscapes create a scene reminiscent of a classic German folktale. This historic railway offers a timeless escape into Germany’s enchanting mountain scenery.