Whether you enjoy nature or cultural attractions, Germany has the best of both worlds. These Germany travel tips will appeal to those looking to see the highlights of this beautiful country. There are also some great German hidden gems for those looking to escape the crowds and get off the beaten path.
Germany Travel Tips for Culture and Nature Lovers
Are you more of a culture vulture or do you prefer to immerse yourself in nature? Or perhaps you enjoy a bit of both?
Well, now you can find great tips for visiting Germany with the Alexa Germany Travel Tips module. This is a handy new way to plan your trip to Germany.
You simply say “Alexa, open Germany travel tips” to activate this innovative Alexa Skill. Then choose between the four options, Nature and Action, Nature and Relaxation, Culture and Action or Culture and Relaxation. Alexa will offer you tailor-made tips so that you can put together a personalized Germany itinerary.
Active Outdoor Attractions in Germany
If you like to be active on your holidays and are a fan of nature, there are lots of options in Germany. Discover the Land of a Thousand Lakes or go mountain biking in Lower Saxony.
Here are some of our favorite suggestions from the Alexa Skills module. There are plenty more Germany tips – you simply say “Next” to hear another one.
The Zugspitze
At 2,962 meters above sea level, Mount Zugspitze is the highest mountain in Germany. Close to the town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, the Zugspitze summit can be easily reached by cogwheel train and the Gletscherbahn cable car.
There’s a 360​​° panorama viewing platform at the top. From here you can see 400 mountain peaks in four countries!
At the bottom of the Zugspitze, Lake Eibsee is another unmissable spot. This Bavarian Alpine lake is somewhat cold for swimming but ideal for rowing.
Saxon Switzerland National Park
Surprisingly, Saxon Switzerland is actually in Germany! This national park in the State of Saxony, Eastern Germany is known for its unique rock formations.
Two visiting Swiss artists felt that the area reminded them of their homeland and gave the area its name in the 18th century. The Bastei is a jagged rock structure, 305 meters high.
You can cross the Bastei Bridge, which is over 200 years old, on foot for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Hirschgrund Zipline Area
With a fantastic location in the heart of the Black Forest, this exhilarating zipline takes a circular course. There are seven zipwires in all, and the whole tour takes from 2.5 to 3 hours.
The Gründle zipline is the longest nature zipline in Germany, at 570 meters. There are English speaking guides and the mountain scenery is stunning.
Relaxing Natural Highlights in Germany
For fans of the great outdoors, Germany is paradise! From Europe’s largest tropical holiday world to the biggest hillside park in Europe, there is much to enjoy.
Wadden Sea Mudflats
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the largest unbroken mud flat and intertidal sand system in the world. Stretching over 10,000 kilometers and three countries, the Wadden Sea lies along Germany’s North coast.
There are three Wadden Sea National Parks in Germany: Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea National Park, Lower Saxony Wadden Sea National Park and Hamburg Wadden Sea National Park. The latter has three islands which can be visited when the tide is out: Neuwerk, Scharhörn and Nigehörn.
Mainau Island
With an incredible location on Lake Constance, Mainau Island has 45 acres of flowering gardens. Mainau is home to the second largest butterfly house in Germany.
There are several themed gardens including the Rhododendron Slope, Dahlia Garden and Hydrangea Path as well as the Italian Rose Garden. The Arboretum has over 250 species of shrubs and trees.
The Baroque Palace dates from the 13th century and is known for its White Hall, decorated in white and gold.
Rhine River Cruise
To see Germany in style, take a Rhine river cruise. The Loreley is a slate rock standing 132 meters high on the banks of the River Rhine at Sankt Goarshausen.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site takes its name from the legend of Lorely, a siren who entranced sailors with her melancholic songs. At the top of the Lorelei rock, you’ll find the Loreley Ampitheatre.
Active Cultural Attractions in Germany
If you’d like to combine active pursuits with culture, you’ll be spoilt for choice in Germany. Head to Maschsee Lake Festival in Hannover for culinary delights and musical events. Here are some other great options for your Germany trip:
Town of Trier
The oldest town in Germany, Trier is over 2000 years old. Located in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate in Southwest Germany, Trier has some fascinating Roman artefacts.
Porta Nigra is the largest Roman city gate north of the Alps. Together with the Cathedral of St Peter and Church of Our Lady and the other Roman monuments, it is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Brothers Grimm Fairy Tale Route
If you’re a fan of the Brothers Grimm fairy tales, don’t miss the route with tourist attractions linked to their iconic stories. Spanning 370 miles, from Hanau in central Germany to Bremen in the North, the road passes through some very scenic areas.
The authors of Snow White and Sleeping Beauty were born in Hanau and lived for many years in nearby Steinau. In Kassel, you can visit the Brüder Grimm-Museum, dedicated to Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm and their stories.
In Bremen, see the bronze statue by Gerhard Marcks of the Bremen Town Musicians. In this popular Brothers Grimm tale, a donkey, dog, cat and a rooster journey to Bremen, hoping for a better life.
Cologne Cathedral
The world’s third tallest Gothic church, Cologne Cathedral houses the Shrine of the Three Kings. This reliquary is said to contain the bones of the biblical Magi.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cologne Cathedral was completed in 1880, 632 years after construction began. Climb up 533 steps to the South Tower platform for panoramic views of the city.
Relaxing Cultural Highlights of Germany
Perhaps you prefer to take it easy on your Germany vacation? You can still enjoy a dose of culture with these tips.
Neuschwanstein Castle
This 19th century palace in Southern Bavaria may look familiar to you. That’s because it is the inspiration for the castle in Walt Disney’s Cinderella movie. It also features in the movie Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, as the home of evil Baron Bomburst.
Perched on a hill above the village of Hohenschwangau, Neuschwanstein was commissioned by King Ludwig II of Bavaria. He envisaged the castle as a hideaway, although today it is visited by millions of people each year.
Weimar
This small town in the federal state of Thuringia, Central Germany has a multitude of treasures. The poets Goethe and Schiller both lived there at the same time in the 18th century.
The famous Bauhaus movement was also founded here by the architect Walter Gropius. The Bauhaus school combined aesthetic design with efficient function.
The Altstadt or Old Town of Weimar has been carefully restored and features the Stadtschloss or castle, as well as Duchess Anna Amalia Library. Also known as the Herzogin-Anna-Amalia Bibliothek, it boasts many historical books and a stunning oval Rococo Hall.
Elbphilharmonie Hamburg
Since opening in 2017, this impressive concert hall in Hamburg has been popular with locals and visitors alike. Nicknamed Elphi, its cutting-edge acoustics and contemporary design make it a magnet for top musicians.
Located at Hamburg harbour in the HafenCity quarter, Elbphilharmonie is one of the best things to see in Hamburg. There’s a popular observation deck, 37 meters high with panoramic views of the River Elbe and Hamburg city center, or take a guided tour of the interior.
You can easily reach Elbphilharmonie by ferry or metro.
As you can see, there are lots of attractions in Germany that will please the whole family, whatever your interests!
You might also enjoy:
Read all our Germany travel features here.
Like these Germany travel tips? Pin for later or share with friends.
Looking for more travel hacks and tips? From hidden gems to unique experiences, we’ve got you covered.
Join us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter.
These Germany travel tips are brought to you in association with the German National Tourist Office.
Thanks for letting us know, changing it now