Why Germany Should Be on Your Travel List: Castles, Culture & Celebration
- Heather
- May 28
- 5 min read
Germany is a country that blends medieval charm, modern sophistication, and centuries of rich culture. From ancient towns and storybook castles to vibrant cities and time-honored festivals, Germany invites travelers to step into history while enjoying the comforts of today.
Here are just a few of the unforgettable highlights that make Germany a top destination for travelers of all ages:
Rothenburg ob der Tauber: A Step Back in Time
Step into a storybook in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval towns along Germany’s Romantic Road. Cobblestone lanes wind between colorful half-timbered houses, and ancient walls, which you can walk atop, still guard the city’s perimeter. Here, it feels as though time paused in the 1600s—yet Rothenburg ob der Tauber hums with life through its artisan shops, cozy inns, and the famous Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas Village.
Don’t miss: The Medieval Crime Museum, the year-round Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas store, and the view from the Town Hall tower.
Oberammergau: Faith, Art, and Alpine Beauty
Tucked into the Bavarian Alps, Oberammergau is famous for its once-a-decade Passion Play, but it’s worth visiting any time of year. The village is a masterpiece of Lüftlmalerei—colorful frescoes painted directly onto buildings, depicting scenes of folklore, saints, and daily life. Local woodcarvers carry on centuries-old traditions, offering beautifully hand-crafted nativity scenes, crucifixes, and sculptures that reflect the town’s deep spiritual roots.
Don’t miss: Woodcarving workshops, local chalets decorated with Lüftlmalerei, and scenic views of the mountains.
Neuschwanstein Castle: The Fairytale Fortress
Few landmarks are more iconic than Neuschwanstein Castle, rising like a dream from the foothills of the Alps. Commissioned by the enigmatic King Ludwig II, it’s as much a monument to imagination as it is a feat of architecture. Touring the castle’s opulent halls and gazing from its balconies feels like stepping into a 19th-century fantasy. And yes—it really did inspire Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle.
Don’t miss: The castle interior, nearby Hohenschwangau Castle, and the scenic walk to Marienbrücke (Queen Mary’s Bridge) for picture-perfect views.
Oktoberfest in Munich: Germany's Grandest Festival
Held annually from mid-September to early October, Oktoberfest is the world’s largest beer and folk festival. More than just a party, it’s a cultural celebration filled with Bavarian music, traditional attire, hearty food, and warm hospitality.
What to expect:
Huge beer tents hosted by Munich’s traditional breweries
Steins filled with crisp, golden Märzen lagers
Classic Bavarian dishes like roast chicken (Hendl), sausages, sauerkraut, and pretzels
Traditional bands, carnival rides, parades, and family-friendly areas
Thousands dressed in lederhosen and dirndls joining in the fun
Oktoberfest exemplifies Gemütlichkeit—a hard-to-translate word that means coziness, camaraderie, and a welcoming spirit. Whether you're cheering “Prost!” in a lively tent or people-watching in the beer gardens, Oktoberfest is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Berlin: A City Rebuilt on Hope and History
Germany’s capital is a story of reinvention. Once divided by ideology and a concrete wall, Berlin is now one of Europe’s most creative, eclectic cities. It pulses with life, from graffiti-covered remnants of the past to cutting-edge galleries and open-air music scenes.
Don’t miss:
The Berlin Wall Memorial and Checkpoint Charlie, offering powerful glimpses into Cold War history
The Brandenburg Gate, a symbol of unity and peace
Museum Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to five world-class museums
The East Side Gallery, a nearly mile-long section of the Berlin Wall now covered in murals by international artists
Neighborhoods like Kreuzberg and Prenzlauer Berg, which are filled with bohemian cafés, indie boutiques, and street art
Berlin wears its history with honesty and its future with flair.
The Black Forest: Nature and Folklore
Germany’s Black Forest (Schwarzwald) is a land of legends, dense evergreen woods, and timeless tradition. The forested hills and valleys gave rise to the Brothers Grimm fairy tales, and today they enchant visitors with their beauty and charm. It’s a region made for slow travel—where every turn reveals another fairy-tale view.
Don’t miss:
Triberg, home to Germany’s highest waterfalls and the heart of cuckoo clock craftsmanship
Cuckoo clock workshops, where you can see master artisans at work, learn how these charming timepieces are made, and browse ornate clocks ranging from traditional to whimsical
Baden-Baden, a spa town famed for its thermal baths and elegant casinos
A slice of authentic Black Forest cake (Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte), rich with layers of chocolate sponge, whipped cream, cherries, and a splash of cherry schnapps (Kirschwasser)
Scenic driving routes like the Black Forest High Road (Schwarzwaldhochstraße)
Leipzig & Dresden: Music and Majesty in the East
In eastern Germany, Leipzig and Dresden offer a blend of cultural brilliance and historical resilience.
Leipzig:
This city was once home to Johann Sebastian Bach, whose music still echoes in St. Thomas Church, where he served as cantor. Today, Leipzig boasts one of Germany’s liveliest art and music scenes, with cutting-edge galleries, classical concerts, and a youthful energy that courses through the city.
Don’t miss: The Bach Museum, Gewandhaus Orchestra, and the Monument to the Battle of the Nations.
Dresden:
Nicknamed the “Florence on the Elbe,” Dresden was devastated during WWII and rebuilt in a tremendous display of resiliency. Its Baroque Old Town is a visual feast, centered on the restored Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady) and the grand Zwinger Palace, with its opulent pavilions and museums.
Don’t miss: A stroll along the Brühl’s Terrace, views of the Elbe River, and performances at the Semper Opera House.
The Rhine Valley: Castles and Vineyards
A cruise along the Rhine River is one of Europe’s most romantic journeys—a serene and scenic voyage through a storybook landscape. This UNESCO-listed region offers a breathtaking blend of natural beauty and medieval charm. As you drift past hilltop castles, vine-draped slopes, and half-timbered villages that seem frozen in time, every bend in the river tells a new story.
Don’t miss:
Rüdesheim – Known for its festive wine taverns and the lively, music-filled Drosselgasse, this town is a perfect place to sample Riesling and soak up the local spirit.
Bacharach – A fairytale village with turreted buildings, cobbled lanes, and intimate wine cellars tucked beneath centuries-old houses.
The Lorelei Rock – Towering above a dramatic river bend, this legendary cliff has inspired poets and composers with its beauty and mystery.
Local Rieslings – Crisp, aromatic, and world-renowned, the wines of the Rhine pair perfectly with regional fare like sausages, schnitzel, and spätzle.
Whether you’re cruising, cycling along riverside trails, or winding your way through wine country by car, the Rhine Valley is a feast for the senses—one you’ll remember long after the last glass is empty.
Why Germany?
Whether you're fascinated by history, inspired by music and art, or just looking to experience one of the world’s most joyful festivals, Germany has something for you. Its blend of natural beauty, old-world charm, and cultural richness makes it a destination you’ll never forget—and one you’ll want to return to.
So whether you're clinking steins at Oktoberfest, climbing castle towers, or strolling through scenic towns, one thing’s for certain: Germany stays with you.
Ready to explore more travel inspiration? Stay tuned to our blog for future destination features and travel tips from around the world.
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