Things to Do in Germany

Southeast of the lovely medieval city of Freiburg in the scenic region of Baden-Württemberg, Lake Titisee is located in the Black Forest National Park amid thick forest in the foothills of Feldberg and Hochfirst. Formed by glaciers in the last Ice Age some 10,000 years ago, the lake is a popular vacation destination surrounded by the pretty town of Titisee-Neustadt, which is packed with shops, restaurants and spa hotels where many people go to take the waters. The town has a romantic lakefront promenade and is also home to the famous German cuckoo-clockmaker, Hönes, and no visit is complete without a tour of the historic factory. 

At two kilometers (1.25 miles) in length and up to 40 meters (131 feet) in depth, Titisee is the highest lake in the Black Forest and can be strolled around in 1.5 hours; in summer it is a magnet for sailors and swimmers as well as pleasure-boat cruisers. In winter the lake freezes and the sports switch to skating and ice hockey, while – thanks to its altitude at 850 meters (2,790 feet) – there is skiing and boarding in the surrounding mountains as well as ski jumping at Hochfirstschanze, site of the World Championships in 2005.

Lake Mummelsee, located along the Black Forest High Road scenic route, is the largest of seven mountain lakes remaining in the Black Forest. Perched 3,400 feet (1,036 meters) above sea level, the lake gets its name from the white water lilies, called ‘mummel’ in German, than float on its surface.

According to local lore, a bevy of water sprites live with their king in a glorious crystal palace far below the surface of the water, coming out only at night to dance in the moonlight. Mermaids aside, Lake Mummelsee is circumnavigated by a boardwalk for lakeside strolls, while paddle boats ply the surface. A short trail leads up to a lookout tower atop Hornisgrinde, the highest peak in the area, where visitors can take in panoramic views of the Black Forest.

Dusseldorf’s historic harbor was given an impressive facelift during the 1990s, transforming the bleak silos and shipping warehouses, into a lively cultural hub and one of the city’s most stylish districts. Taking its name from the abundance of media and communications company headquarters that sprung up in the area, the new Media Harbor is characterized by its ultra-modern architecture, and the glass-fronted office blocks, looming Rheinturm TV Tower and wave-inspired Gehry buildings form a sleek silhouette along the waterfront.

As well as being the postcard image of modern-day Dusseldorf, the Media Harbor is also home to a selection of upmarket restaurants, bistros and bars and offers a glamorous setting for the city’s most exclusive nightclubs.

Mitte is the central neighborhood in Berlin, where visitors will find the bulk of the city's attractions, as well as many restaurants, bars and clubs. It’s the best base to explore Berlin’s historical and cultural center. 

Brandenburg Gate, the only surviving city gate in Berlin, is one of the most recognizable sights in the city. It was the symbol of the border between East and West Berlin for decades and was isolated from both sides until the wall came down. Also in Mitte is the Berlin TV Tower (Fernsehturm), one of the tallest structures in Europe and therefore a great place for views of the city. It's located near Alexanderplatz, a big square in the center of the city where you'll find lots of shopping and the hub of Berlin’s public transportation system.

The Reichstag Building is the seat of the German government, located just a short walk from Brandenburg Gate. Free audio tours are available (with reservation) in the glass dome, where you can learn about the government and see the city from a new vantage point. Museum Island is also located in Mitte, near the impressive Berlin Cathedral. On Museum Island, you'll find five of Berlin's most popular museums: Pergamon Museum, Bode Museum, Neues Museum, Altes Museum, and Alte Nationalgalerie.

A somber yet striking memorial stretching over a 4.7-acre (1.9-hectare) plot in the center of Berlin, the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe (Denkmal für die Ermordeten Juden Europas) was opened in 2005 to remember and honor the some 6 million Jewish victims of the Holocaust.

Taking the time to walk through the memorial is essential, and visiting on a private or small-group Berlin walking tour means your guide will be able to offer insight into its significance. You should explore the underground Information Centre, where the moving exhibitions include the Room of Names, the Room of Dimensions, and the Room of Families. For a deeper understanding of Berlin’s World War II and Cold War history, combine a visit with a stop at the Berlin Wall, the Brandenburg Gate, or the Jewish Museum.

The Holocaust Memorial is located on Cora-Berliner-Strasse 1 in central Berlin, just south of the Brandenburg Gate and on the eastern edge of the Tiergarten Park. You can walk there from the Reichstag building and Potsdamer Platz, or take the U-Bahn to the Franzosische Strasse or Mohrenstrasse stations.

The memorial is open 24/7, although you’ll need to visit during the day to see the information center. To avoid the crowds and experience the memorial at its quietest, opt for an early morning or nighttime visit. 

The memorial features 2,711 concrete pillars of varying heights forming a grid-like structure that can be approached and viewed from all angles. The unsettling combination of the undulating ground and ever-changing horizon line create an intentionally uneasy and confusing atmosphere. Architect Peter Eisenman designed it to be a place of contemplation, remembrance, and warning.

Marmorpalais, or Marble Palace in English, is the former royal residence in Potsdam, Germany, outside of Berlin. It sits on the grounds of the Neuer Garten along the shores of the Heiliger Lake. It was designed in a Neoclassical style in the late 1700s and remained as the home of royalty until the early 20th century. Today the palace serves as a museum and is open to the public. Visitors can explore the interiors and see early classical furniture and detailed arches, which have different designs in almost every room. 

The Marble Palace also has several marble fireplaces and ancient sculptures that were obtained from Italy. Local trees were used for creating the high quality wood floors and other detailed aspects of the palace. Some of the walls are covered in fine silks. Other impressive items on display here include two grandfather clocks and an extensive collection of ceramic vases. Most of the rooms have been preserved in their original state, giving visitors a good look at how royalty lived.

With its lattice of canal ways and assortment of half-timbered townhouses, La Petite France is one of Strasbourg’s most picturesque neighborhoods and an integral part of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage site. Set at the mouth of the River Ill on Strasbourg’s Grande Île, the historic district is the city’s oldest area, dating back to the 16th century, when it was mostly inhabited by fishermen, tanners and millers. 

Today, the old tanning houses and water mills of La Petite France have been transformed into bijou hotels, waterfront restaurants and nostalgic souvenir shops, but it’s the district’s timeless charm that entices most visitors. Explore the warren of narrow cobblestone alleyways and you’ll find ample photo opportunities—exquisitely preserved medieval buildings, waterside promenades brimming with colorful flower baskets and views stretching down to the nearby Covered Bridges and Vauban Dam.

Located in the Bavarian town of Günzburg, Legoland Germany invites visitors to explore a colorful world divided into eight theme areas with more than 50 attractions, shows, and models constructed from over 50 million LEGO bricks. Highlights of the theme park include LEGO MINILAND, populated by famous cityscapes in miniature, plus LEGO NINJAGO The Ride, the Hyundai LEGOLAND Driving School, the Jungle X-pedition flume ride, and Captain Nick's Splash Battle. Travelers will also find a LEGO factory, aquarium, and meet-and-greets with the park dragon Olli.

Many travelers visit this popular family attraction on a day trip from Munich, Stuttgart, or Frankfurt. Ticket options include single admission tickets and family tickets for four or five people. Add an Express Pass to skip the lines at individual attractions or a Gourmet Ticket for discounts on the park's restaurants. Those with limited time can opt for a skip-the-line entrance ticket with hotel pickup and drop-off in Augsburg.

The Legoland park is located between Stuttgart and Munich along Highway A8. Parking is available for a fee. For those without a car, a shuttle bus operates between the Günszurg train station and the park with multiple departures throughout the day.

Legoland Germany is open daily from late March to early November but closes entirely during the colder winter months. To enjoy the park with the shortest lines, plan to visit on a weekday during the shoulder season (October or April) and arrive right when the park opens.

The serious LEGO-crazed traveler can extend their experience after the park closes with a stay at LEGOLAND Holiday Village. Connected directly to the park, themed accommodation options include castles, cottages, camping barrels, and campsites.

Mauerpark is a park in Berlin located in what was once the death strip zone of a section of the Berlin Wall in the Prenzlauer Berg neighborhood. The name translates literally as “Wall Park.” After the wall came down and East and West were reunited, this park became a popular recreation spot. People gather here to play sports with their friends, to enjoy performances by jugglers and musicians, or simply to hang out with friends. On Sundays, Mauerpark is home to one of Berlin's most popular flea markets. Both locals and tourists come to the flea market to browse through the clothing, shoes, bicycles, vinyl records, and various trinkets. 

Another big draw are the Sunday afternoon karaoke sessions that take place at the amphitheater from spring until fall and start at 3 p.m. Remaining sections of the Berlin Wall at the Jahn Stadium now serve as a canvas for graffiti artists. Near the park, visitors will find the Bernauer Straße Memorial, an outdoor museum that details the history of the Berlin Wall and how it affected this neighborhood. There are also several restaurants and cafes in the area near Mauerpark, as well as a few food stalls throughout the Sunday flea market.

The LEGOLAND Discovery Centre is one of the largest LEGO boxes in the world, so it only makes sense that people come from all over to get creative and play with the 4 million LEGO pieces here. But it's not just piles of LEGOS.

Explore MINILAND, the Medieval Dragon Castle and the scientific LEGO Factory, and watch the exciting 4D Clutch Powers film. You can make your own real LEGO pieces at the factory, race LEGO cars in the Build and Test Centre or fly around high up on the magical Merlin ́s Apprentice carousel. See a miniature version of Berlin made out of LEGOS, or check out the mini Star Wars section, complete with scenes from Episode I built from these tiny pieces.

Miniatur Wunderland in Hamburg, Germany, is definitely not your everyday miniature railroad. It’s the largest miniature railroad in the world, and it’s an entire world at a perfect, small scale — one that took 500,000 working hours to create. From software-controlled fire trucks putting out fires in tiny neighborhoods to a 20-foot (6 meter) tall Swiss mountain with alpine skiers and brick tunnels with perfectly timed trains, the features of the different points of interest inside the ‘wonderland’ are not only in perfect working order, they’re filled with details that you could explore for days. Like a ‘Where’s Waldo’ book come to life, the 8 miles (13km) of tracks that wind through Miniatur Wunderland take the visitor on a tour of a tiny world that is utterly fascinating. The airport just might be the world’s most perfect flight simulator, with every possible detail in miniature. There’s a mini Grand Canyon and a mini Las Vegas. ‘Days’ in the different cities last just under an hour, and when night falls each of the city lights come on and different characters come out to play. Spoiler alert: there’s a red-light district, lovers getting frisky in a flowery meadow, and even murder scenes!

Flowing 527km between Mainz and Bamberg, and passing through 3 German states (Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg and Hesse), the Main River is one of the main tributaries of the mighty Rhine River. Running through the heart of Frankfurt, the river is not only the lifeline of the city’s industrial center, but brings with it a steady stream of cruise passengers. 

Frankfurt sightseeing cruises are also a popular way to take in the city’s sights, with attractions like Museumsufer (Museum Embankment), Frankfurt Cathedral, Frankfurt’s famed financial district, nicknamed ‘Little Manhattan’, and Europaturm, the city’s tallest building, all visible along the waterfront.

Little Big City Berlin tells the story of Germany’s capital city from the Middle Ages to modern day, using intricate replica models at a scale of 1:24. The miniature world is set up on two floors of the landmark TV tower building by Merlin Entertainments (the company behind Madame Tussauds and Legoland). From medieval farmsteads to the imperial age and the rise and fall of the Third Reich and the Berlin Wall, Little Big City Berlin presents big epochs in small scale.

The model city is interactive, with plenty of moving, turning, and flying pieces. Captivating special effects and beautifully crafted 3D interactive miniature sets bring the visitor closer to the city’s history than ever before. Creating Little Big City Berlin was a three-year process, with each building requiring 15-20 hours just to paint. More than 5,000 residents 'live' in Little Big City Berlin, adults and children in figurines ranging from 2 to 3 inches (5cm to 8cm) tall.

Inspired by the Palace of Versailles in France, Bavaria’s 19th-century Linderhof Castle is one of the country’s most magnificent structures. The smallest in a trio of elaborate royal palaces built by King Ludwig II (also known as the “Mad King”), Linderhof was the only one the king saw completed.

Visitors can explore the lavish interiors of Linderhof Palace on a guided tour, stroll around the palace gardens and lakes, or opt for a combination ticket that includes entrance to all three of King Ludwig’s palaces. Travelers can also see Linderhof on a full-day tour from Munich or Fussen to visit other fairytale castles and sites along Bavaria’s famous Romantic Road. Highlights of full-day excursions include Herrenchiemsee Palace, Neuschwanstein Castle, Oberammergau village, the Ettal Monastery, and Hohenschwangau Castle—King Ludwig’s childhood home.

Linderhof Palace is situated in Graswang Valley near the village of Ettal, 60 miles (97 kilometers) southwest of Munich, or roughly 90 minutes by road. The palace is also accessible by train from Oberammergau and by bus from Linderhof. 

Linderhof Castle is open to visitors year-round, although the palace gardens and park buildings are closed during winter. Summer is the most popular time to visit, when it’s best to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to miss the biggest crowds. 

Linderhof Castle takes its inspiration from the French King Louis XIV (also known as the “Sun King”) and the Palace of Versailles. There are numerous references to Versailles within Linderhof, including the grand Ambassador's Staircase, the Hall of Mirrors, and multiple elaborate sun frescos. The gardens surrounding Linderhof Castle are considered some of the most beautiful in Germany, combining the formal elements of baroque style and Italian Renaissance gardens with landscaped sections in the English style. Architectural highlights of the palace park include the Venus Grotto, Hunding's Hut, Gurnemanz Hermitage, and the Moroccan House.

A public plaza in the center of Munich, Marienplatz is full of history—it’s been the city’s main square and central heart of Munich’s Old Town (Altstadt) since 1158. Marienplatz is a popular gathering spot and possibly the busiest location in all of Munich, with crowds of locals and tourists visiting its landmarks, shops, and restaurants on foot from early morning until late at night.

The pedestrian-only Marienplatz is at the center of Munich—both literally and figuratively—and is bordered by a variety of historic structures and shopping markets. In the middle of the square is St. Mary’s Column (Mariensaule), topped by a statue of the Virgin Mary, and a trip up to the top of the New City Hall (Neues Rathaus) tower offers panoramic views of Munich; on clear days, you can see all the way to the Bavarian Alps. Historic city tours often begin at Marienplatz, and most bike tours, walking tours, and city sightseeing tours pass through the square as well.

Marienplatz is located in the heart of Munich’s Old Town. All of Munich’s major landmarks are easily accessible from the centrally located Marienplatz subway station. 

Marienplatz is a public square, with varied opening times for the different businesses located there. During the holiday season, one of Munich’s most celebrated Christmas markets is held on the plaza. In summer, the square hosts viktualienmarkt (farmers markets) and musical buskers. 

At the top of the Neues Rathaus’ tower is the famous Glockenspiel clock. Every day it chimes at 11am and noon, as well as 5pm in summer. The Glockenspiel portrays two stories from the 16th century, with the top half of the clock acting out the marriage of the local duke (Wilhelm V) to Renata of Lorraine and the bottom half telling the story of the Schafflertanz, or Coopers’ Dance. Legend says that Munich’s coopers danced through the streets during the plague of 1517 to bring vitality to the city.

A haunting tribute to all that was lost in WWII, the aptly named ‘Missing House’ is powerful in simplicity – a visual metaphor that pushes visitors to consider the lasting effects of war. Destroyed by bombing in February 1945, the ‘house’ is now nothing more than an empty space between 2 buildings, but it was once part of a thriving mixed community, with both Jewish and non-Jewish former residents.

Transformed into ‘a memorial space dedicated to absence’ by French artist Christian Boltanski in 1990, the neighboring houses are now adorned with brass plaques listing the house’s former residents. It’s a moving sight, with the stark space offering a poignant reminder of what is left behind after war, and the surprising variety of former residents (both in religion and class status) showcasing a diversity all but wiped out by the arrival of the Nazi regime. 

Madame Tussauds is the ultimate wax museum with locations the world over. Madame Tussauds Berlin has a wide variety of life-like wax figures made to look like celebrities, including actors such as Johnny Depp and Julia Roberts, and musicians such as Rihanna and the Beatles. Wax exhibits also include politicians such as Angela Merkel and Barack Obama, sports stars such as Muhammad Ali and Mesut Özil, and historical figures such as Albert Einstein and Ludwig van Beethoven. There's even a section of superheros like Spiderman and Shrek.

There's also a behind-the-scenes area where visitors can get a closer look at how the figures are made. It's a complex process starting with measuring and photographing the person who will be sculpted. Great care is taken to ensure the eye color, hair color and style, skin color and even the teeth are as accurate as possible. 

Madame Tussauds is a fun place where visitors can walk among the celebrities and have their photo taken with the stars. On average, visits take about an hour and a half.