15 Best Things to Do in Germany
If you are wondering whether it is safe to travel to Germany, then know that it is one of the countries that has been hit by the Coronavirus epidemic. 165 cases have been detected in Germany till this date. While the authorities in Germany are taking all the steps to contain the spread of COVID-19, it is recommended to take precautionary measures while visiting Germany. Also, we suggest that you check flight operations to and from Germany as they might be affected amidst the virus outbreak.
Note: The Coronavirus statistics mentioned in this article are based on the updated reports available on March 03, 2020. These figures will be updated depending on how the outbreak unfolds.
Fairytale castles, dramatic landscapes, quaint towns, and pitchers of beer - all this and much more makes Germany a bewitching holiday destination. There is no dearth of natural beauty in this country, and the man-made wonders are equally appealing. With several intricately built cathedrals and palaces, Germany lures the connoisseurs of architecture. The charming valleys, marked by tiny villages, call out those who wish to enjoy solitude. Its flea markets are a paradise for the shopaholics and museums are the mecca for art lovers.
If you are not yet convinced to have a vacation in the Deutschland, then take a look at these 15 things to do in Germany and you will instantly pack your bags to head towards this lovely destination.
1. Live a fairytale at the castles of Germany
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Germany is a land of castles that have inspired the likes of Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. Perched atop hills and surrounded by lush greenery, these castles exhibit royalty and have a treasure of antique furniture, beautiful paintings, old weapons, and many other artifacts. One of the most-visited tourist destinations in Europe, the Neuschwanstein Castle brings you a part of Walt Disney’s fairytale. Dating back to the 1800s, this breathtaking beauty is nestled in the Bavarian Alps. The Lichtenstein Castle, displaying Neo-Gothic style of architecture, and the Schwerin Castle which is a perfect example of Europe’s Historicist Architecture, are two other castles in Germany that must be included in your itinerary. Wartburg, Heidelberg Castle, Burg Eltz, and Hohenzollern Castle are a few more postcard-perfect castles.
2. Experience untouched wilderness in Germany’s national parks
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Germany is home to 16 national parks that are characterized by unique and dramatic landscapes. The Jasmund National Park and the Black Forest National Park are just right to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and cycling through dense woods. The Saxon Switzerland National Park, spanning 36,000 hectares, will treat you to the mesmerizing vistas of lovely table mountains, majestic sandstone cliffs, deep valleys, and stunning gorges. If you love spotting wildlife in their natural habitat, then the Lower Oder Valley National Park, Hainich National Park, and Bavarian Forest National Park are your best bet. Kellerwald-Edersee National Park, Müritz National Park, and Hamburg Wadden Sea National Park are a few other that let you step into the heart of nature.
3. Walk through Germany’s history, culture, and art at its museums
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One might think that the museums of Germany would display only the history regarding World War II. But, the Deutschland museums have a lot up their sleeve. With a Museum Island in Berlin, comprised of five world-renowned museums, you can get an idea of what is in store for you. Germanisches Nationalmuseum is an ideal place to visit for the lovers of art and culture. It is also the place to know all about Germany’s rich history. For science buffs, the Deutsches Museum has a total of 28,000 exhibits related to technology. And then, there is the Mercedes-Benz Museum for those who are in awe of the sleek cars. One of the best places to visit with kids in Germany includes Museum für Naturkunde which houses the world’s largest dinosaur skeleton, along with other extinct animals.
4. Quench your thirst of adventure
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Endowed with dramatic landscapes, Germany offers plenty of options to fire your adventurous side. Although the Bavarian Alps may not scale the height of those in Switzerland, you can swoosh down the slopes of Obsterdof and get the adrenaline rushing through the veins. Skiing down the Bavarian Alps is a major winter sport in Germany. Head towards Berchtesgaden and you can indulge in rock climbing to conquer the rugged rocky cliffs. Ziplining through the Black Forest, you will be awestruck by the panoramic vistas below. Make your way towards Sylt and you may even enjoy some windsurfing time.
5. Admire the magnificent cathedrals of Germany
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Every other famous cathedral and church in Germany is a spectacular piece of architecture. Be it the Gothic-style Cathedral of Cologne or the Rococo masterpiece Wieskirche, each one is built to take your breath away. The life-like sculptures and impressive stained glass windows of Ulm Minster allure many tourists. It also boasts to be the tallest standing church steeple in the world. The Aachen Cathedral, which is one of the oldest churches in Germany, is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dresden Church of Our Lady, the Berlin Cathedral, and the Mainz Cathedral are a few other marvelous churches that are worth visiting.
6. Visit the diverse islands of Germany
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Germany has several islands that are an abode of pristine beaches. With a perfect combination of the sun, sand, and the sea, these make for a perfect retreat to have a fun day out with friends and family. Sylt, a heaven for many outdoor enthusiasts, offers biking and hiking trails, verdant nature reserves, restaurants that have an extensive menu, vast golf courses, shifting sand dunes, and 25 miles of lovely beaches. Rügen boasts to be Germany’s largest island and sports 38 miles of long sandy beaches. Other features of the island are white chalk cliffs of the Jasmund National Park and mesmerizing tiny villages. If you are even slightly fascinated to hear “singing sand”, then Usedom is the place to be in Germany.
7. Tour the best breweries of Germany
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It is no secret that Germany is a paradise for those who love beer. Then how about visiting those breweries where your favorite drink is produced? With more than 1,200 breweries producing over 5,000 different beers, you have plenty of options to discover the rich beer-brewing history of Germany. Hofbrau Brewery, the Andechs Monastery, Erdinger Brewery in Munich, and Becks Brewery in Bremen stand amongst the top breweries in Germany to offer tours for the visitors. Most of these open doors to their secrets of beer-manufacturing every once a week. Sample the best of beers and buy the ones you like at their shop.
8. Holiday in the gorgeous valleys of Germany
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Nothing can equal to a laid-back vacation in one of the beguiling valleys of Germany. The Rhine river valley is the most popular in Germany. With majestic castles, tiny villages, and verdant vineyards spanning the valley, it is undoubtedly a favorite amongst visitors. The Mosel Valley is yet another appealing beauty, dotted with castles and vineyards. Danube is an ideal retreat for the outdoor enthusiasts as it offers many opportunities of hiking and cycling. If you are in Germany during winters, then Reintal is just the right place to visit. You may also visit the valleys of Hollental and Elbe that are equally beautiful.
9. Spend peaceful hours by the lakes in Germany
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Germany has an array of crystal-clear lakes that add to its natural beauty. Looking at these vast, expansive lakes, you would want the time to slow down and spend hours together by the tranquil lakeshore. Boasting to be the biggest lake in Germany, Lake Constance in itself is a wonderful vacation destination in the Deutschland.You may ride a cable car, enjoy a river cruise, go hiking along the trails, and take up mountain top excursions upon visiting this lake. Königssee in Berchtesgadener Land holds the title of being the cleanest lake in the country. Opt for a panoramic boat tour to take in all the beauty that this lake offers. Titisee in Black Forest and Tegernsee in the Bavarian Alps are other great waterbodies in Germany.
10. Enjoy a platter of delicious German cuisines
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One may justifiably think that Germany does not have world-famous cuisines to its account. But, there are many dishes that you must try before heading back home from Germany. Sauerbraten, Schweinshaxe, Rinderroulade, and Schnitzel are a few of the best traditional meat dishes of Germany. If you love devouring sausages then Currywurst, Bratwurst, and Weisswurst are a must-try for you. Spätzle and Sauerkraut make for the perfect side dishes. To end your meal on a sweet note, order Apfelkuchen or Mohnstrudel for desert. Don’t forget to have a beer which acts as a perfect companion to all these dishes during your meal.
11. Visit the less explored German towns
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Shift your focus from the popular cities in Germany and make your way to its hidden gems. There are many unexplored towns in the Deutschland that would make you step back in time and showcase you the true culture of Germany. With a city center that is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bamberg in Bavaria should top your must-visit places in Germany. Trier is one town on the banks of the Moselle River that would instantly teleport you back to the Roman times in Germany. Home to many parks and palaces that have UNESCO World Heritage status, Potsdam is an equal opponent of Bamberg. Görlitz and Nuremberg are other towns that you must consider visiting during your Germany tour.
12. Show off your bargaining skills at flea markets of Germany
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You should not miss a chance of shopping to your heart’s content, especially when you have an opportunity to haggle down the prices. Germany offers many such opportunities through its several flea markets. Head towards Berlin Mauerpark Flea Market which spans over 8 hectares and is home to around 500 stalls, selling a variety of items. Flohschanze Flea market in Schanzenviertel, Hamburg, is popular amongst those who love to collect antiques, art, and everything vintage. Trabrennbahn Daglfing flea market in Munich has something in store for everyone. Be it soft toys for children or books for the bibliophiles, you will find it all here.
13. Have a heart-pumping experience in Germany’s theme parks
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Germany pumps the adventure game a notch higher with its theme parks. They make for the best places to visit with kids in Germany. If you want glide Germany’s highest water slide, then the Tropical Islands theme park is where you have to go. Comprised of five themed areas, namely Pirate Bay, Transylvania, Lower Saxony, Wild Wild West, and Land of the Forgotten, the Heide Park is a favorite amongst visitors. LEGOLAND is another unique theme park that fascinates the young and the old alike. For thrilling rides, the Europa Park and Phantasialand are just right for you.
14. Add these popular points of interest to your itinerary
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Many tourist attractions in Germany are scattered around in different cities. If you are in Deutschland with the sole purpose of visiting these famous points of interest, then the Brandenburg Gate should be on top of your checklist. Dating back to the 18th century, this neoclassical monument in Berlin will leave you awestruck. Then there is the Reichstag building in Germany which has a Norman Foster glass dome offering 360-degree panoramic city views. Although there is not much to see at the Berlin Wall, being a historical landmark, it attracts millions of tourists every year. Zwinger in Dresden, Charlottenburg Palace in Berlin, Miniatur Wunderland in Hamburg are a few other attractions to visit in Germany.
15. Revel in the local Deutsch festivals
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To bask in the local vibes of Germany, it is best to plan your vacation around the festive times. The Oktoberfest is not unknown to many and is famously dubbed as the massive beer festival in Munich. Marked with colorful parades, fun rides, open-air concerts, and topped with pitchers, this is one joyous festival of Germany. The Berlin International Film Festival, premiering over 400 international films, is the second-largest film festival in the world. If marching bands, decorated floats, and enthusiastic dancers are what you love to see, then be a part of the Carnival in Germany, also called the Fifth Season and the Carnival of Cultures in Berlin.
The Deutschland is one country that offers you a joyous ride for a vacation. Pack your bags and leave to explore Germany, for it will leave you with unforgettable memories.
