The best things to do in Germany

Germany enjoys a diverse natural landscape, with picturesque seaside resorts, dense forests and dramatic mountains and valleys. The country also boasts fascinating cities, from Berlin and Frankfurt to Hamburg and Bremen, with plenty of sightseeing opportunities.

Whatever your interests, Germany has you covered. If you're planning a road trip but are unsure about the local rules, our driving in Germany guide can help. Camping is also a great way to explore the country at your own pace.

There's no Germany without Berlin. The capital is a unique melting pot of cultures and culinary traditions, with history around every corner. There’s plenty to explore here, from hidden jazz venues to fascinating museums. And this is just the tip of the iceberg!

Must-see attractions include:

• Museum Island
• Berlin Wall Memorial
• Tiergarten Park
• Reichstag
• Charlottenburg Palace

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No Germany itinerary is complete without a visit to Cologne. Sitting on the banks of the Rhine River, this powerhouse is a leading commercial hub thanks to its prime location.

Cologne has retained its traditional Roman charm while developing into a dynamic metropolis with endless exciting things to see and do. These include the following:

• Cologne Cathedral
• Museum Ludwig
• Groß St. Martin
• Botanical Garden
• Chocolate Museum

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Travel back in time with a trip to Bremen. This quintessentially German city promises a fun-filled holiday thanks to its thought-provoking museums, landmarks, and medieval buildings. If you visit Bremen around the end of October, don't miss Bremen Freimarkt, one of the country's largest funfairs.

Other popular attractions include:

• Bremen Town Hall
• St Peter’s Cathedral
• Kunsthalle Bremen
• Rhododendron-Park
• Universum Bremen

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Set against a dramatic backdrop, Neuschwanstein Castle is an architectural masterpiece. King Ludwig II's vision was to create a peaceful retreat where he could experience nature in its purest form.

This fairytale building is a tribute to German composer Richard Wagner and symbolises chivalry, Romanticism and wealth.

Stretching around 160km southwards from Karlsruhe to the Swiss border, the Black Forest is among Europe's most visited places. Its dark, dense hills are a treasure trove of natural wonders, from valleys and mountains to waterfalls and picturesque streams.

The Black Forest's highest point is the Feldberg, a 1,493-metre-high flattened mountain. Whether hiking to the top or driving, the summit will reward you with sweeping views of the Bernese Alps.

Some of the region's highlights include:

• Baden-Baden
• Lake Titisee
• The Kinzig and Gutach valleys

Fancy a relaxing seaside getaway? Rügen Island is the place to go. Located in the Baltic Sea off the coast of Pomerania, the island boasts paradisiac beaches (extending for 60km!), dramatic chalk cliffs and many exciting activities. Whether spending an afternoon at a local spa or trying a new water sport, Rügen Island makes a great family holiday.

Highlights include:

• Jasmund National Park
• Kap Arkona
• Bergen auf Rügen

Explore some of Germany's best beaches in our comprehensive guide, perfect for a cycling adventure.

Travelling with kids? Don't miss Europa-Park! Germany's largest theme park promises an adrenaline-packed day. Check out Rulantica, the park’s indoor water world, or touch the sky on the exhilarating Wodan Timbur Coaster. The park also has an extensive entertainment programme, with over 20 shows and films. Not to mention plenty of on-site restaurants and bars!

Straddling the border between Germany and Austria, the Zugspitze sits 2,962 metres above sea level, making it the country's highest mountain. Hiking is the best way to take in its grandeur.

If you don’t feel up to the task, you can reach the summit via a cog railway or aboard the Tyrolean Zugspitze Cable Car. On a clear day, you can see as far as 200km, further than the Alps.

Sitting along the banks of the River Tauber, Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a picturesque medieval town in Bavaria. Its walls, towers and buildings have been untouched since the Thirty Years' War, and the city has retained its timeless charm. Colourful and charming, Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a firm favourite on the famous Romantic Road, so you can't miss out!

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