Best travel experiences in Germany

1 - Schloss Neuschwanstein

Mad King Ludwig’s maddest creation combines Wagnerian inspiration with a superbly dramatic alpine site to create a romantic fantasy from the age of chivalry. This makes Schloss Neuschwanstein the ultimate fairy-tale castle.

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2 - Pinakothek der Moderne, Munich

This iconic white building of this museum in Munich is a temple to modernism, from the classics of modern art to masterpieces of furniture and automotive design.

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3 - Visiting a spa

Spa culture has a long standing history (as well as FKK (Freie Körper Kultur, aka skinny-dipping). Soak, sweat and rejuvenate in one of Germany’s many saunas and spas. You will find one in every city, some of them with amazing design

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4 - Go Long-distance cycling

Almost every major German river – including the Mosel – has a long-distance cycle path alongside. Rent a bike and cycle multi-day tours, stopping by in small pensions and hotels along the way, enjoying the great regional food and wine.

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5 - Go kitschy on Christmas markets

Christmas cheer the way it’s been for centuries - gingerbread, mulled spicy wine, hearty food and locally crafted Christmas presents and decoration. Most German cities have a Christmas market starting in December. Among the most famous ones is the Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg.

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6 - Travel along the Romantic Rhine

Rhine-side castles and vineyards along the romantic Rhine passage show a picture-postcard side of Germany.

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7 - Lift a Maß at the Octoberfest, Munich

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The world’s biggest excuse for a beer – and it comes in big measures, too. Bring your lederhosen and Dirndl to drink a "Maß" or two at the Octoberfest.

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8 - Explore the Ostalgie

Revel in the Eastern Bloc nostalgia fondly known as Ostalgie. In Berlin, you can take a city tour by Trabbi car, or visit the GDR museum to get a taste of live in separate Germany, behind the iron curtain.

9 - The Zwinger, Dresden

The most extravagant alfresco ballroom Germany ever built is found at the Zwinger in Dresden.

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10 - Fairytale villages on the Romantic Road

A Disney-like Bavarian road-trip where the steep roofs and ancient towers are real.

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11 - Kaffee und Kuchen

This elegant mid-afternoon sugar-rush is another national obsession.

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12 - Visit Cologne

Cologne is an easy-going, liberal, cosmopolitan metropolis with two thousand years of art and history, a world-famous cathedral and a cozy beerhall culture - plus the famous Cologne Carnival festivities. It is also one of the most beloved tourist destinations of Germans within Germany

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13 - Have a Wurst or two

Germany id famous for its sausages, and they come in over 1.500 varieties - from pale, lemony Weisswurst to Currywurst with ketchup and curry powder.

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14 - Go Clubbing

Electronic dance music rules in Germany, but there’s plenty of room for quirkier sounds too.

15 - The Ruhr’s Industrial Heritage Trail

The Ruhr’s reinvented industrial heritage offers some of Europe’s most original travel experiences.

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16 - Bavarian Baroque

Bavaria’s heavenly church interiors pair élan with excess. For more information, see The Wieskirche.

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17 - Marvel at the chalk view of Rügen’s Cliffs

Edged by white cliffs, Germany’s largest island remains a gentle, pastoral place where it’s easy to escape the crowds.

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18 - Taste German wine

High local demand means that many German tipples barely leave the valleys where they are grown. Go for a wine-tasting and a walk through the wine yards at the Deutsche Weinstraße.

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19 - Go Skiing in Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Soak up the views from high-altitude pistes, or brave the fearsome Kandahar World Cup Run in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

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20 - Aachen's cathedral

Aachen’s ancient cathedral is a taste of Byzantium in the heart of the city.

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21 - Celebrate Christopher Street Day

Berlin’s and Cologne’s massive lesbian and gay communities know how to throw a party. Check the dates in June to join them for their celebration of life.

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22 - North Sea islands

Idle in escapist Strandkörbe seats or skim across the sea on a kite-surf in one of the many small sea resorts on the North Sea.

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23 - Hiking in the Allgäu, Bavaria

Enjoy the alpine scenery, clean air and moderate to challenging hikes in Bavaria’s beautiful south.

Travel advice for Germany

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