I love how Germany mixes age-old traditions with progressive ideals — from charming villages, moody forests, and romantic river valleys to vineyards, half-timbered towns, and the majestic Alps. With half my family living here, I’ve visited many times, and beyond Berlin, these are my favorite places…
1. Rothenburg ob der Tauber and The Romantic Road, Northern Bavaria
This instantly struck me as one of the most enchanting towns in the entire country – dating back to 1274, it felt like stepping into a dreamy European fairy tale with its cobblestone streets, rolling countryside, and impeccably preserved half-timbered houses, including the iconic Plönlein corner.
I flew into Nuremberg from the UK, picked up a rental car, and followed the scenic Romantic Road to Rothenburg which was an easy 1.5-hour drive through rolling Franconian countryside.
On my two-day Romantic Road trip, I stopped in Rothenburg to walk the medieval walls, explore the Market Square, climb the Town Hall Tower’s 241 steps, and tour the fascinating Medieval Crime and Justice Museum. I devoured crunchy, sugar-dusted Schneeballen pastries, popped into the quirky Christmas Museum, then drove through rolling countryside past vineyards, half-timbered villages, and castle-topped hills, stopping at Dinkelsbühl and Harburg Castle— it was all very timeless and romantic!
Location: Franconia region of Bavaria, overlooking the Tauber River (part of the scenic Romantic Road – a 350km tourist route).
Staying at the characterful 4-star Hotel Reichsküchenmeister — I really liked the 17th-century Franconian building which had creaky beams, antique armor, and vintage tapestries and my hearty breakfast of Tauber Valley honey and strong Franconian coffee!
2. Neuschwanstein Castle, Southern Bavaria
This magical place truly blew me away – the fairytale castle that actually inspired Disney’s! Commissioned by King Ludwig II of Bavaria in 1869, its 19th-century Romanesque Revival design, towering white limestone walls, and intricate interiors set against the dramatic Bavarian Alps made it feel otherworldly!
I drove two hours south from Munich, stayed overnight at the gorgeous AMERON Neuschwanstein Alpsee Resort & Spa in Hohenschwangau village, and took the shuttle to both castles. I joined a guided tour to see the king’s lavish bedroom and grand Singers’ Hall, then hiked to Marienbrücke for that iconic view of the castle framed by mountains! I just have to mention I found that tickets often sell out fast, so I was glad I booked weeks ahead!
Location: perched atop a rugged hill above the village of Hohenschwangau in the Alps in southern Bavaria near the town of Füssen (just across the border from Austria).
Browsing the quirky castle courtyard gift shop, which smelled of polished wood and was packed with medieval treasures — from woven tapestries and gleaming gold-plated pocket watches to hefty drinking horns!
3. Regensburg, Eastern Bavaria
My drone shot of the city of Regensburg – it was incredible to capture the river, the striking red rooftops, and twin towers of Neupfarrkirche in this UNESCO-listed Old Town.My photo of Regensburg streets in December – it was a magical time of year to visit!
My photo of Neupfarr Church Regensburg – the architecture here was so striking!
I was completely charmed by this UNESCO World Heritage city – Regensburg felt like stepping into a storybook with its colorful medieval Old Town, cobblestone streets, and lively mix of restaurants, quaint cafés, and quirky shops. I also found that its buzzy vibe was just as magical in summer as under the twinkling Christmas lights!
On my many visits (my family live nearby and it’s just an 1.5 hour drive from Munich), I crossed the historic Stone Bridge and gazed at Danube views, admired the intricate Gothic St. Peter’s Cathedral, and wandered the Old Town’s winding, colorful lanes.
On a summer trip I sipped crisp Spital Hell beers in the riverside Spitalgarten Beer Garden, devoured Bavarian potatoes at the centuries-old Wurstkuchl cafe, and on a winter trip I soaked up the fairytale vibe at the Thurn und Taxis Palace Christmas Market under twinkling lights.
Location: southeastern part of the country, it sits at the junction of the Danube, Naab, and Regen rivers in the state of Bavaria.
Staying at the unique 4-star Hotel Bischofshof am Dom — I loved its grand historic building and the lively Bavarian beer garden, where waitresses in colorful dirndls served us frosty Ayinger Bräuweisse straight from the tap!
Check Out My Cinematic Viral Video Our Trip to Regensburg (with incredible Drone and Christmas Market Footage)!
4. The Black Forest, Baden-Württemberg
I completely fell for this mysterious land of cuckoo clocks and Black Forest cherry gâteaux – the vast mountain range felt like a fairytale with misty hills, dark evergreen forests, and pretty half-timbered villages. Its tranquil, folklore-steeped vibe made it easy to see why it inspired the Brothers Grimm!
I flew into Stuttgart, rented a car, and based myself for a week at the Instagrammable 4-star Schwarzwald Panorama Hotel. I hiked Feldberg’s scenic trails, the highest peak, and soaked in the pine-scented vistas.
I geeked out at the quirky German Clock Museum, soaked in Baden-Baden’s mineral-rich baths, admired the sparkling glacial lake Titisee, sipped aromatic Offenburg wines, wandered the cobblestone streets of Calw and Freiburg, and drove the epic scenic drive Schwarzwaldhochstraße through a sea of black firs!
Location: Baden-Württemberg in southwestern Germany, bordering France to the west and Switzerland to the south.
Catching the Zapfle-Bahnle train — I loved sitting in the breeze in the vintage open-air carriages, the sparkling lake views, the sweet scent of geraniums and petunias spilling from the baskets, and the quaint stops with their charming old station signs!
5. Bamberg, Northern Bavaria
My photo of Bamberg – I loved capturing the famous view of the city!My Instagram shot of Bamberg River – I could have spent all day here, Bamberg’s riverside was straight out of a postcard!
This was one of the most postcard-perfect towns I’d seen in Germany – its UNESCO-listed Old Town brimmed with medieval and Baroque architecture, pretty half-timbered houses, and winding cobblestone streets that felt timeless. Quieter and more traditional than Regensburg, it had a peaceful, slow-motion vibe which I loved!
I drove 1.5 hours from Munich and stayed at the gorgeous 4-star Altstadthotel Messerschmitt. I admired the Altes Rathaus dramatically perched over the river, wandered the Rose Garden at Bamberg Cathedral, and got lost in the Old Town’s storybook lanes.
I marveled at colorful Little Venice along the Regnitz River and ended the day with a mug of Bamberg’s famous Rauchbier at Schlenkerla brewery – smoky, rich, and the perfect finale!
Location: on the Regnitz River near its junction with the Main River in northern Bavaria
Dining on vegan dumplings with creamy dill sauce at Zapfhahn — I loved tucking into eco-friendly food in a cosy, wood-beamed Bavarian tavern, where sustainability felt perfectly at home amid all the tradition!
6. Lake Königssee, Southern Bavaria
For me, this was the single most beautiful lake in the entire country – its brilliant aquamarine waters, framed by the majestic Bavarian Alps, secluded pebble beaches, and the iconic red-roofed St. Bartholomew’s Chapel, completely enchanted me. It felt serene and almost sacred, the kind of place where I just wanted to stop, gaze and silently take it all in!
I drove 3 hours from Munich to Berchtesgaden and I spent a blissful weekend here, staying nearby and taking a scenic electric boat ride to St. Bartholomew’s, where the chapel reflected perfectly in the glassy water.
I hiked the surrounding trails and was treated to breathtaking alpine views, visited the famed Echo Wall to hear my shouts bounce dramatically across the lake, and rode the cable car up Jenner Mountain where the views were seriously cinematic!
My personal highlights…
Staying at the nearby 4-star EDELWEISS Hotel and Spa, I indulged in a blissfully relaxing hayflower wrap — my therapist shared that the flowers were locally grown and packed with soothing, anti-inflammatory properties!
7. Bavarian Forest National Park, Southeastern Bavaria
My photo of my walk through the Bavarian Forest during the winter – the scenery was just magical!My photo Bavarian Forest trees – it felt like a postcard!My photograph of Bavarian Forest taken in December – it was a stunning snow-covered canopy!
I completely fell for this Instagram-worthy gem when I visited in winter – Germany’s first national park (1970) felt like a peaceful, snow-covered wilderness with pristine forests, clear streams, and interesting wildlife. Its grounding, surreally tranquil vibe made me slow down and just soak up the untouched nature!
I drove 2 hours northeast from Lake Königssee on the same trip before looping back to Munich. I stayed a night at the wellness-focused 4-star Hotel Eibl-Brunner, hiked scenic trails up Lusen and Rachel peaks for breathtaking views, explored the interactive Hans-Eisenmann-Haus visitor center, strolled the treetop walk at Neuschönau, toured the historic glassworks in Frauenau, and filled my camera with shots of snow-blanketed trees!
I would just say that during midwinter the trails were slippery and icy, so good boots and trekking poles really came in handy!
Location: southeastern Germany along the border with the Czech Republic, in the state of Bavaria
Warming up with a shot of locally made plum schnapps in the visitor centre café — its sweet, fruity kick gave me just enough courage to step back out into the icy air!
8. The Rhine Valley, Rhineland‑Palatinate and Hesse
I discovered this UNESCO gem was breathtakingly picturesque – I found vineyard-clad hills, fairytale castles, and medieval villages lining the winding Rhine, and a timeless and serene vibe!
I flew into Frankfurt, rented a car, and spent a dreamy week at the riverfront 4-star Hotel Schloss Rheinfels. I cruised the river, toured the castles of Marksburg and Rheinfels, and explored the storybook towns of Bacharach and Rüdesheim.
I traced the Rheinsteig for epic vineyard views, stood on the fabled Lorelei Rock, lingered over crisp Rieslings in snug taverns, and melted into Wiesbaden’s steamy thermal baths each night — heaven!
Location: western part of the country, stretching along the Rhine River between Koblenz and Bingen in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate
Sipping on an aromatic Schloss Johannisberg Riesling at the rustic-chic RheinWeinWelt in Rüdesheim — I loved smelling the heady aroma of fruity wine as I sampled self-service with a pre-loaded card!
9. Bremen, Lower Saxony
I instantly fell for Bremen’s charm – this 1,200-year-old city (famous for its Brother’s Grimm fairy tale of the Bremen Town Musicians) really wowed me with its UNESCO-listed Market Square, chocolate-box half-timbered medieval architecture, and lively riverside promenade.
I flew from London to Bremen, hopped on the 15-minute tram into the city, and spent a long weekend at the gorgeous 4-star Steigenberger Hotel Bremen. I admired the UNESCO-listed Town Hall and Roland statue, explored St. Peter’s Cathedral, wandered the picture-perfect Schnoor quarter, strolled the lively Schlachte promenade, and of course stopped by the whimsical Town Musicians of Bremen statue made famous by the Brothers Grimm tale!
Location: along the Weser River, about 60 km (37 miles) south of Germany’s North Sea coast
Stumbling across the quirky Katzen-Café — I really liked the cat-themed decor with paw-print cushions, leafy hanging plants, and the friendly cats padding past as I enjoyed stuffed peppers with buttery sage smothered Bavarian potatoes!
10. The Moselle Valley, Rhineland-Palatinate
I was blown away by just how breathtaking this wine region was – I found rolling vine-covered hills, winding Moselle River, and chocolate-box medieval villages, it felt serene, romantic, and almost storybook-like.
I drove 40 minutes from my previous stop at Rhine Valley and spent a long weekend here based at the romantic 4-star boutique Weinromantikhotel Richtershof, explored Trier’s fascinating Roman ruins and the Karl Marx House, and sampled world-class Rieslings that this region is famous for.
I strolled through the charming village of Bernkastel-Kues for more wine tastings, cruised the Moselle River by boat, hiked to the striking Burg Eltz castle, soaked up Insta-worthy views from Reichsburg Cochem, and cycled through the pretty vineyards along the Moselle Wine Route – a perfect blend of history, scenery, and wine culture!
Location: stretches along the Moselle River between Trier and Koblenz, near the borders of Luxembourg and France in the western part of the country.
Tasting delicately floral biodynamic Rieslings at the gorgeous organic Weingut Rita & Rudolf Trossen — I really liked that they were made without added sulfites, giving each sip a clean, vibrant taste with a hint of minerality!
11. The Harz National Park, Lower Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt
I personally thought this place was seriously spellbinding – a protected area of dense forests, dramatic mountains, and quiet valleys dotted with timber-framed villages and fairytale castles. The whole region felt mystical and atmospheric, often wrapped in mist and steeped in folklore, which made it even more magical.
I took a 3-hour train from Bremen to Wernigerode, then used local trains and buses to explore the Harz towns and ride the Brocken Railway.
I based myself for three days at the Insta-worthy 4-star Hotel & Spa Suiten FreiWerk, hiked to the Brocken (northern Germany’s highest peak), and rode the historic railway through stunning scenery. I strolled the colorful half-timbered streets of Wernigerode and Quedlinburg, explored the Rammelsberg Mining Museum, and wandered forest trails past waterfalls and serene landscapes.
Location: central part of the country, and spanned the states of Lower Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt, and centered around the Harz Mountains.
Riding the steam-powered Brocken Railway — the hiss of steam and coal-scented air followed us up to the summit, where panoramic views of jagged peaks and winding valleys were absolutely breathtaking!
12. Hohenschwangau Castle, Southern Bavaria
Perched at around 800 meters (2,620 feet) above sea level, this 19th-century castle looked like something straight out of a fairytale! Once the childhood home of King Ludwig II, its vibrant yellow façade popped against the rugged Bavarian Alps, and the ornate interiors were filled with medieval and romantic motifs, colorful frescoes, and intricate wood carvings – I was completely charmed!
I visited this castle when I was also visiting Neuschwanstein Castle and the whole place felt mystical and romantic, as if I’d stepped into the pages of a beautifully illustrated storybook. When I was staying in Hohenschwangau village, I took the steep 15-minute walk up to the castle, then joined a guided tour (independent exploring isn’t allowed) after paying the €13 entrance fee.
I explored the 14 ornate rooms open to the public and gazed in awe at the beautiful gardens and terraces filled with fountains, sculptures, and stunning views of the surrounding Alps and Alpsee lake.
My personal highlights…
King Ludwig’s ornate carved wooden bedroom and the exotic Oriental Room, which had a lantern-lit glow and faint scent of polished wood that evoked a Middle Eastern bazaar!
13. Eibsee, Southern Bavaria
This lake felt straight out of a postcard – its clear, brilliant blue waters, lush green forests, and dramatic Zugspitze mountain backdrop made it feel like a serene escape far from city life. I loved the way charming wooden boathouses dotted the shoreline, giving it a picture-perfect, timeless feel.
I visited on a day trip from Munich (after driving 1.5 hours south) and stayed overnight at the idyllically-located 4-star Eibsee Hotel, which had incredible lake views from my room. I took a scenic boat ride to explore the little islands, hiked the pretty lakeside trails, and even tried stand-up paddle-boarding. Renting boats and paddle-boards was easy right on-site, which made enjoying the water super convenient.
Location: base of Zugspitze, the highest peak in the southern part of the country, near the town of Grainau in Bavaria.
Size: approximately 177 hectares (about 438 acres)
My personal highlights…
Renting a pedal boat for €12 an hour from the lakeside station was a lot of fun — it was great gliding over the sparkling water, hearing it gently lap against the boat as I soaked up the pristine views!
14. Wurzburg Residence, Northern Bavaria
This magnificent Baroque palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site completed in 1744, completely wowed me – its sweeping Baroque architecture, ornate frescoes, and opulent interiors were matched only by its beautifully landscaped court gardens. Walking through it felt like stepping back into the world of European aristocracy and courtly romance!
I stopped here while driving the northern part of the Romantic Road and I paid the €10 entrance fee and joined the guided tour to see the lavish rooms, each more extravagant than the last. I marveled at Tiepolo’s intricate frescoes, climbed the dramatic grand staircase, strolled the meticulously maintained gardens, and admired the Residence’s treasury filled with fine art and antique furniture – the grandeur was breathtaking at every turn!
Location: in the city of Würzburg, in the Franconia region of Bavaria
The White Hall’s ornate stucco space and the glowing Mirror Cabinet, its mirrored walls and fresco scented faintly of beeswax and old stone!
15. Lichtenstein Castle, Baden‑Württemberg
I thought this 1840 castle was enchanting with a capital “E”! Inspired by Wilhelm Hauff’s 1826 novel Lichtenstein, it perched dramatically at around 817 meters on a narrow cliff above the Echaz Valley, with its fairytale neo-Gothic turrets, spires, and thick surrounding forests making it look straight out of a storybook – Germany really was the gift that kept on giving!
I stopped here as a detour during my Black Forest road trip before looping back to Stuttgart. Although privately owned, I found it open to the public and paid €14 for the 30-minute guided tour, the only way to see inside.
The interiors were spectacular, with carved woodwork, colorful stained-glass windows, antique furnishings, woven tapestries, and even suits of armor and medieval weapons on display. Afterward, I wandered the landscaped gardens and winding paths, soaking up breathtaking views over the Swabian Alps – a perfect way to end the visit!
Location: Swabian Alps near the village of Honau, in Baden-Württemberg, in the southern part of the country
The Knight’s Hall which was a grand neo-Gothic room with dark wood paneling, glowing stained glass, and gleaming displays of perfectly preserved iron grey medieval armour!
16. Mittenwald, Southern Bavaria
This 17th-century Bavarian alpine town was pure postcard perfection – I discovered colorful timber houses painted with Lüftlmalerei murals, cobbled lanes, frescoed buildings, and the dramatic Karwendel Mountains as a backdrop, it felt peaceful, timeless, and utterly enchanting.
I drove 30 minutes from my previous stop at Eibsee to Mittenwald and stayed for a weekend. I gawped in awe at the gorgeously frescoed houses, explored the Geigenbaumuseum and learned about its centuries-old violin-making tradition, and admired the ornate interiors of St. Peter and Paul Church. I hiked the rugged trails of the Karwendel Mountains and took the Karwendelbahn cable car, where I was rewarded with photogenic panoramic views of the Alps – the perfect ending to a charming alpine escape.
Location: Upper Bavarian Alps of Germany, near the Austrian border, nestled in the scenic Isar Valley and surrounded by the Karwendel and Wetterstein mountain ranges.
I personally thought this was one of Germany’s most unique and underrated gems – a windswept island with thatched-roof cottages, chic resorts, and beaches from wide sandy stretches to hidden dune-backed coves. A luxurious retreat since the 19th century, I really liked how it still felt blissfully under-the-radar.
I loved its sophisticated vibe, with gourmet dining, boutique shopping, and lively nightlife. I took a train from Hamburg across the Hindenburgdamm rail causeway (which took 3 hours) and spent a blissful week at the trendy beachfront Hotel 54° Nord.
I lounged on Westerland Beach, explored the tidal flats of Wadden Sea National Park, indulged in spa treatments at Sylter Welle, ate at the famous Gosch seafood spot, shopped along Friedrichstraße, and joined Kampen’s buzzing nightlife!
Location: part of the Frisian archipelago nestled in the North Sea, off the northern coast of Germany
Seeing the cliffs which lined the coast – they were slowly eroding so they were shaped into unique and striking patterns.
18. Sanssouci Castle, Brandenburg
Built in the 1740s as Frederick the Great’s summer residence, this magnificent Rococo palace completely dazzled me – with its superbly preserved architecture, dreamy terraced vineyards, ornate interiors, and surrounding parkland filled with fountains and elegant pavilions like the Chinese House and the New Palace, it had a serene, regal vibe that reminded me of Versailles.
I took a 40-minute regional train from central Berlin to Potsdam and walked 20 minutes to the palace entrance.
I paid the €12 entrance fee to explore the opulent rooms of Sanssouci Palace (guided tours are also offered), strolled through the expansive Sanssouci Park, paused by the beautiful fountain, admired the Chinese House and the striking New Palace, and even visited Cecilienhof Palace nearby, where the historic Potsdam Conference took place. I have to just say though, the grounds were huge, so I was glad I wore comfy shoes — I easily clocked up over 10,000 steps exploring!
Location: Potsdam, just outside Berlin, nestled within a vast park
The lavish Voltaire Room — its intricate stucco, cherub-filled frescoes, and grand marble fireplace made it feel like stepping into a Rococo masterpiece!
19. Gorlitz, Saxony
With over a thousand years of history, this picturesque city completely charmed me – its Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Art Nouveau architecture, elegant main square, and striking Peterskirche made it feel like a perfectly preserved time capsule. I wasn’t surprised that it’s been used as a filming location for The Grand Budapest Hotel, The Reader, The Last Command, and Inglourious Basterds!
I took a 2.5-hour train from Dresden (where I’d flown from London) and stayed three nights to explore the historic boutique 4-star Gut am See. I got lost in the cobbled Old Town, gazed up at Peterskirche, uncovered treasures at the Silesian Museum, soaked up the greenery of Stadtpark, and captured the rainbow-hued Woad House on camera — before crossing into Zgorzelec, Poland, to see a whole new angle on this pretty border town!
Location: most eastern city in the country and is nestled along the Neisse River that marks the border with Poland.
Enjoying a frothy Viennese coffee and cinnamon-warm Apfelkuchen at Ratscafé Görlitz — I sat beneath stone arches and creaking beams, the sweet apple and coffee aromas mingling as locals chatted under antique lamps!
I also loved the elegant city of Munich, which was home to the famous annual Oktoberfest, the striking resort town of Monschau, the fine baroque university city of Heidelberg, Lübeck the city renowned for its Brick Gothic architecture, and the spectacular scenery of the Rems Valley.
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