I love traveling through Germany visiting the various cities and quaint towns. A wonderful country to plan a road trip through. The locals are friendly, and many speak very good English, making it an ease to travel through.
With a terrain of vast forests, rivers and mountain ranges, and 2 millennia of history. Berlin, its capital, is home to thriving art and nightlife scenes, iconic Brandenburg Gate. Munich is known for its Oktoberfest and cavernous beer halls, including 16th-century Hofbräuhaus.
My Top 10 Things to do in Germany
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Oktoberfest in Munich.
If you don’t like beer or drinking this will probably not be for you. On the other hand its a great place to be an anthropologist if you don’t, as Oktoberfest, held in every year in Munich during October is the perfect place to see German people in their element. Think, singing, cheering, laughter and Lederhosen (traditional German outfit). If not visiting Germany at this time of year than visit the Hofbräuhaus am Platzl The Hofbräuhaus beer hall built in 1589 by Bavarian Duke Maximilian.
2. Castles: Hohenschwangau Castle or Schloss Hohenschwangau
is a 19th century palace in southern Germany. It was the childhood residence of King Ludwig II of Bavaria, this is one castle not to miss in Germany. Germany is also home to the castle that inspired Disney’s ‘Sleeping Beauty’ Neuschwanstein Castle (pictured above). Both of these castles are a must see in Germany.
3. Meet the monks of Ettal Abbey
a beautiful baroque edifice, is one of the most significant Benedictine abbeys in the Bavarian Alps, dating back to 1330. Stepping through the gate, visitors are firstly confronted with the impressive facade of the original Gothic church before joining a tour to be introduced to the abbey, the church and the monks’ working quarters.
4. The Brandenburg Gate
is one of Berlin’s most important monuments – a landmark and symbol all in one with over two hundred years of history. A former symbol of the divided city, it drew visitors who used to climb an observation platform in order to get a glimpse of the world behind. It was here that on June 12, 1987, Ronald Regan issued his stern command to his cold war adversary admonishing him with the words: “Mr. Gorbachov – tear down this wall!’
5. Marienplatz and the Glockenspeil (clock tower)
Important public events such as tournaments or executions were still held here, named Marienplatz (St. Mary’s Square) as a way to ask Virgin Mary to protect the town from a cholera epidemic. A very grim history. Today this is popular square and you can climb up the clock tower for a view of Munich.
6. The Englischer Garten German for English Garden
is a large public park in the center of Munich. The English Garden has much to offer, one of the largest parks in the world. One of the coolest things in the park is that people surf in a 2km man-made river that creates a wave. After exploring the park, visit the restaurant ‘Aumeister’, and enjoy a cold bavarian beer in the beer garden.
7. The Viktualienmarkt
is a daily food market and a square right near Marienplatz. The Viktualienmarkt developed from an original farmers’ market to a popular market for gourmets has over 200 delicious stores to eat your way through.
8. Cologne Cathedral (UNESCO World Heritage listed)
a cathedral in Cologne, construction first started in 1248, the construction of this Gothic masterpiece took place several different stages and was not completed until 1880. A finished masterpiece that rivals Gaudi’s unfinished masterpiece in Barcelona
9. Explore Germany’s capital, Berlin, the cultural hub of Germany
and dates to the 13th century. Divided during the Cold War, today it’s known for its art scene, nightlife and modern architecture.
10. Bavarian Alps
Blue skies, green meadows and majestic mountains: just a few words capture perfectly the true essence of the Bavarian Alps. Ride a cable car to the top of the Zugspite, Germany’s highest mountain.
GERMANY IN A WORD:
‘Guten Tag’ Means Good Day
‘Wie Geht’s’? (we gets) is How are you?
‘Prost!’ Means Cheers! This is essential for Oktoberfest.
‘Danke Schoen’ (Dunk-e-shon) Means Thank-you
I hope you’ve enjoyed this post on the Top 10 Must Do in Germany. If you have anything that you love about Germany that you would like to add to this list please comment and share below. If you know someone traveling to Germany please share this post
I am always surprised that the Northern part of Germany is never mentioned as being a desirable place to visit.
Hamburg is one of the most interesting cities in Germany.
The Birthplace of Thomas Mann/s, the old Hansiatic town of Luebeck is very beautiful
The beaches along the Baltic sea, the small towns along the North sea which have retained their Frisian character, all of that one can find in Nord Deutschland