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Top Things To See
Bavarian Alps
Forming a long natural divide along the Austrian border, the Bavarian Alps are a strikingly attractive sight. Outdoor enthusiasts will be in their element, with skiing, hiking and canoeing options aplenty, while a selection of top-notch spas cater for those more intent on relaxation. Berlin The capital has a glut of iconic sights, from the stately Brandenburg Gate to the Norman Foster-redesigned Reichstag. For a vivid encounter with recent history, be sure to visit the Berlin Wall Museum at Checkpoint Charlie, where people crossed between the east and west of the city during partition. Black Forest No part of the German countryside is as storied as the Black Forest: a dense, green mountain range in the southwest. As well as its photogenic beauty and sky-high peaks, the forest is also home to a large number of small character-rich towns. Dresden The Second World War left Dresden in a sorrowful state of ruin, but the city has recovered sufficiently to become a spirited and arty (not to mention good-looking) destination. Of most note is the resurrected Frauenkirche church, destroyed by firebombing but rebuilt to wonderful effect. Essen The European Capital of Culture for 2010 was once best known as being a mining town, but has since grown into a multicultural example of modern Germany, with a heavy emphasis on both industry and art. A fitting place to try and understand what makes the country tick. Frankfurt Frankfurt am Main is best known as a financial centre (its gleaming office-block skyline has been coined ‘Mainhattan’) but there’s much to draw cultural tourists too. Its historic core dates back to medieval times, and several attractive landmark buildings remain. Hamburg This northern port city is another with rich pickings for tourists. It’s the second largest metropolis in the country and, as a result, a colourful, cosmopolitan place to visit. Retrace the steps of The Beatles on the Reeperbahn, or dive into the wealth of heritage sites. Heidelberg Boasting a glorious woodland setting on the broad Neckar River, Heidelberg draws large numbers of visitors with its mixture of historical attractions and annual events. The town has a history of drawing academics, and is famed for its riverside Philosophers’ Walk (Philosophenweg). The Rhine The Rhine (spelt Rhein in German) is one of the longest rivers in Europe, and one of its most impressive to boot. Take a cruise from Koblenz past fairytale castles, pretty villages and the imposing Lorelei Rock, legendary home of a siren who lures boatmen to their demise. Weimar A must for culture vultures. The southern 1,000-year-old town of Weimar has been home to many great men, including Goethe, Luther, Bach, Liszt, Wagner and Schiller. An important creative centre of the past, the city experienced its golden age in the 18th and 19th centuries. |
