Statistics prove it: Germans prefer to spend their holidays in Germany. Finally, between the North and Baltic Seas and the Alps, there is plenty on offer for short breaks and city trips in Germany .
Numerous sights in German cities are just waiting to be discovered. We have listed our top 10 most popular sights in Germany for you below.
The top 10 sights in Germany at a glance
1st place: Dresden Frauenkirche
Crdigkeiten Frauenkirche |
Symbol of peaceful reconciliation between nations
The Dresden Frauenkirche was built between 1726 and 1743 and was badly damaged during World War II air raids on Dresden on the night of February 13-14, 1945. As a result of this raging firestorm, the Dresden Frauenkirche collapsed on the morning of February 15, completely burned out.
Rising from the Ruins
With donations from many countries and committed craftsmen, the building was built in the old glory of bygone days. The Dresden Frauenkirche has been a tourist attraction ever since and is therefore number 2 in our top 10 most popular sights in Germany.
Tip: You can also visit the church at night. In the dark hours it is spectacularly illuminated and is a beautiful motif for your travel photo collection.
Almost to read loire gems chateau de chambord
2nd place: Cologne Cathedral
Cologne Cathedral |
MER LOSSE D'R DOM EN KÖLLE, BECAUSE THAT'S WHERE IT'S AT.
Cologne Cathedral is number 1 in our top 10 most popular sights in Germany .
One of the greatest European masterpieces of Gothic architecture
The Cologne Cathedral is the landmark of Cologne and at the same time the center of the Rhine metropolis. As early as the fourth century, there was a Christian sacred building on the site of today's Cologne Cathedral. The first church building whose appearance is known was the Carolingian cathedral, completed in 870.
One of the most important pilgrimage churches in Europe
After the relics of the Three Kings were delivered from Milan to Cologne in 1164, Cologne Cathedral was no longer just the official church of the Archbishop of Cologne, but also became one of the most important and popular pilgrimage churches in Europe.
3rd place: Brandenburg Gate
Brandenburger Tor |
The Brandenburg Gate on Pariser Platz in the Dorotheenstadt district in central Berlin was built between 1788 and 1791 on the orders of the Prussian King Friedrich Wilhelm II.
Symbol of German reunification
The Brandenburg Gate can look back on around 200 years of history. While it was a symbol of the division of Berlin and Germany until 1989, it has since become a national symbol of German reunification, making it one of the city's most famous landmarks. For this reason, it is rightly number 3 in our top 10 most popular sights in Germany.
Tip: Even if you have traveled to Berlin with your own car, it is best to leave it where you want to visit the Brandenburg Gate and use the underground (e.g. line U55). Because, on the one hand, the way by car is very cumbersome and, on the other hand, there are no parking spaces near the landmark.
4th place: Neuschwanstein Castle
Neuschwanstein Castle |
The fairytale castle of Germany
Neuschwanstein Castle is number 4 in our top 10 most popular sights in Germany. Neuschwanstein Castle was opened to the public in 1886, seven weeks after the death of King Ludwig II.
...THE POINT IS ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL TO BE FOUND, SACRED AND UNAPPROACHABLE...
While the shy king built the castle to withdraw from the public eye, Neuschwanstein is now one of the most visited palaces and castles in Europe. 1.3 million people visit the fairytale king's castle every year.
Already knew? Neuschwanstein Castle served as a backdrop for many television and film productions. For example , Neuschwanstein served as a backdrop for Peter Zadek's "The Wild Fifties" from 1983 and in the TV feature film "The Hunt for the Treasure of the Nibelung" (2008) .
5th place: Monument to the Battle of the Nations in Leipzig
Monument to the Battle of the Nations in Leipzig |
The Monument to the Battle of the Nations in Leipzig ranks 7th in our top 10 most popular sights in Germany. It commemorates the Battle of the Nations in 1813, is a symbol of Leipzig and at the same time the largest monument in Europe .
Where Napoleon failed
This temple, which represents death and freedom in Europe, is 91 meters high and was located near Napoleon's command post during the Battle of the Nations in 1813. After 364 steps, a fantastic panoramic view of Leipzig and its surroundings opens up.
Already knew? Special acoustic conditions in the monumental domed hall make concert events an unforgettable experience. The Monument to the Battle of the Nations has its own choir, which regularly gives concerts in the monument. In addition, organ concerts are held on a digital organ.
6th place: Reichstag Berlin
Reichstag Berlin |
place of decisions
On June 20, 1991, the German Bundestag decided, with a narrow majority, to move the parliament and the government to Berlin. On April 19, 1999, the first regular session of the all-German parliament took place in the Reichstag building in Berlin.
Impressive mix of architecture
Especially thanks to its architecturally unique combination of Italian High Renaissance, German Renaissance and facets of Neo-Baroque in connection with the modern glass dome, the Reichstag is a popular attraction for visitors from all over the world.
For us, too, it is not only one of the top sights in Berlin , but also number 8 in our top 10 list of the most popular sights in Germany.
7th place: Schwerin Castle
Schwerin Castle |
Schwerin Castle , number 9 in our top 10 most popular sights in Germany, is romantically situated on an island in Lake Schwerin .
Neuschwanstein of the North
The castle is one of the most important historicist buildings in Europe. Today's building was commissioned by Friedrich Franz II, including older wings, in the years 1845-57 and was used by the Grand Dukes of Mecklenburg-Schwerin as a residence.
In the Neo-Renaissance style, Schwerin Castle combines local models with echoes of French Loire castles such as Chambord .
8th place: Port of Hamburg
Port of Hamburg |
The Port of Hamburg , number 5 in our top 10 most popular sights in Germany, is the largest port in Germany and also the third largest in Europe. Only the ports of Rotterdam and Antwerp are larger.
Between historical ships and modern cruise giants
In addition, the Port of Hamburg is one of the nine largest container ports in the world. Around 13,000 seagoing vessels from all over the world call at the Port of Hamburg every year, spreading the scent of freedom and distant lands from the cruise terminal to the historic warehouse district and the Landungsbrücken to the modern container port.
Tip: You can also explore the harbor from the water by joining one of the harbor tours offered by boat.
9th place: TV Tower Berlin
TV Tower Berlin |
Number 6 in our top 10 most popular sights in Germany belongs to the Berlin TV Tower , which at 368 meters is the tallest structure in Germany and the fourth tallest unsupported structure in Europe.
High above Berlin
From a height of 203 or 207 meters of the most striking landmark you get a unique panorama and a unique view over the city and all the different Berlin sights .
In addition, tourists and Berliners alike visit the television tower to dine in the sphere of the tower.
10th place: Holstentor Lübeck
Holstentor Lübeck |
The Holstentor consists of the south tower, the north tower and the central building and has four floors, whereby the ground floor in the central building cannot be counted because the archway is located here.
One of Germany's historical treasures
Because of its high level of popularity, it is also considered a landmark of the Hanseatic City of Lübeck. In addition, the late Gothic building is one of the remains of the former Lübeck fortifications . Due to its importance, the Holstentor ranks 10th in our top 10 most popular sights in Germany.
Tip: There is a museum in the Holstentor where you can admire the miniature model of the city.
The top 10 sights in Germany in a nutshell
Germany is a small but diverse country with many sights that are more than worth seeing. Historical buildings with a strong symbolism, magnificent churches, fairytale castles in picturesque surroundings and wonders of the modern world inspire tourists from all over the world and of course the Germans themselves.
Germany: The most important facts and figures at a glance
Form of government: parliamentary federal republic
Population: approx. 82,550,000
Size: 357,385.71 km²
Language: German
Currency: euros
Time zone: Western European Summer Time (UTC +1)
Average summer temperature: 16°C
Average winter temperature: 4.1°C