If you want Germany at its most enchanting, don’t just do “Berlin, Munich, castle, done.” The real magic is in the places that feel different the second you arrive – river bends where castles pop up like set pieces, old towns that glow at dusk, alpine lakes that look unreal even without a filter, and forests that lean hard into folklore.
I’ve pulled together 21 spots across the country that deliver that atmosphere-first wow, mixing icons with quieter discoveries. And because most of our picks are shaped by writers who’ve actually been, you’ll get the kind of specific, on-the-ground details that turn a nice idea into a trip you’ll remember and not just another generic checklist.
The 21 Most Beautiful Places in Germany
1. The Rhine Valley
The Rhine Valley is easily one of the most beautiful areas in Germany. Carved by the Rhine River, the valley spans from Bingen to Bonn and promises breathtaking green landscapes riddled with medieval castles, small charming villages, and sweeping vineyards.
Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002, The Rhine Valley is a must-visit tourist attraction in Germany and can be explored via a river boat tour, along a road trip, or on a hiking or biking excursion.
Location: Rhineland-Palatinate & Hesse, western Germany | Vibe: Castle-studded river romance | Best for: Scenic cruises, vineyards, storybook towns | Perfect time: May to October | Avg temp: ~12–25°C
Why it’s enchanting: This is Germany at its most cinematic: steep vine-covered slopes, medieval towns, and hilltop castles appearing around every bend. Base yourself in a river town and you can do lazy boat rides one day, castle hikes the next, then end on Riesling terraces at golden hour.
My Personal highlight: My pick is a sunset Rhine boat trip between Boppard and St Goar – it’s the easiest way to get that “castle after castle” feeling without trying too hard.
2. Eibsee
Boasting reflective teal water and plenty of lush natural scenery, Eibsee is one of the most breathtaking alpine lakes in Bavaria, promising a relaxing retreat to the idyllic countryside of the Bavarian Alps.
Along with its awe-inspiring mountain backdrop, Eibsee is an outdoor paradise promising plenty of summer adventures for your holiday, from hiking through the surrounding forests of its banks to getting onto the water with a kayak or canoe.
Location: Near Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Bavaria | Vibe: Alpine-lake perfection | Best for: Easy hikes, paddleboarding, mountain views | Perfect time: June to September | Avg temp: ~15–24°C
Why it’s enchanting: Eibsee looks like it was colour-graded: turquoise shallows, tiny wooded islets, and the Zugspitze looming above like a backdrop. The loop trail is simple, but the views feel wildly premium the whole way round.
My Personal highlight: If you do one thing, rent a paddleboard early morning – the water’s glassy and the crowds haven’t arrived.
3. Rakotzbrucke
Tucked away in Kromlau’s Rhododendron Park in Saxony near the eastern border with Poland, Rakotzbrucke is one of Germany’s most enchanting landmarks that feels like it was taken out of an old European fairy tail.
Built in the 19th century, the stone arch is one of the most picturesque bridges in Europe and is designed to make a perfect circle when reflected in the water below. In fact, the circle produced is so perfect that it earned the landmark the nickname of ‘Devil’s Bridge,’ as folklore claims the feat could only be possibly achieved by the devil.
Location: Kromlau, Saxony (Kromlauer Park) | Vibe: Fairytale stone bridge | Best for: Photographers, quick “wow” stop | Perfect time: September to November | Avg temp: ~6–18°C
Why it’s enchanting: This is the “perfect circle” bridge – when the water’s calm, the reflection completes the ring and it doesn’t look real. The surrounding park is quiet and atmospheric, especially in mist or autumn colour.
My Personal highlight: Aim for golden hour after rain – you’re more likely to get still water and fewer people in your shots.
4. Berlin
The German capital is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Blending new and old, Berlin is a combination of historical landmarks and blossoming modern culture that fits together into a single community of diverse wonder and awe.
From its restaurant-riddled streets to its dozens of art and history museums, there are plenty of inviting attractions and sites to explore.
However, arguably the most beautiful area in the city is Museum Island. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, the picturesque island was built between 1824 and 1930 and features five museums and several breathtaking viewpoints.
Location: Berlin (city-state) | Vibe: Creative, historic, always moving | Best for: Culture, nightlife, museums, food | Perfect time: May to September | Avg temp: ~12–26°C
Why it’s enchanting: Berlin’s magic is contrast: grand boulevards and gritty street art, memorials and techno temples, lakes and late-night kebab runs. It’s one of those places where wandering without a plan is genuinely the point.
My Personal highlight: My favourite “Berlin” combo is Museum Island by day, Kreuzberg food crawl by night – high culture, then pure chaos (in the best way).
5. Cologne
Cologne comes in as a close second for being the most beautiful city in Germany. Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cologne boasts a rich history that dates all the way back to Roman times and is home to one of the world’s most monumental cathedrals – the Kolner Dom.
The city features several other historical complexes that beautifully blend in with its more modern buildings, including its scenic Old Town and its Romano-Germanic Museum. While a walking tour is a great way to explore the city, the best views of Cologne are enjoyed along a Rhine River cruise.
Location: North Rhine-Westphalia | Vibe: Cathedral drama + riverside buzz | Best for: Weekend breaks, beer halls, museums | Perfect time: May to October | Avg temp: ~12–25°C
Why it’s enchanting: Cologne’s cathedral is jaw-dropping – it dominates the skyline and somehow still feels bigger up close. Add a lively old town, long Rhine promenades, and the city’s easygoing pub culture and you’ve got a brilliant short break.
My Personal highlight: Go up the cathedral tower near closing time -the light over the Rhine makes the whole city glow. If you are visiting in December, don’t miss the 7 Christmas Markets that are dotted around the city. I visited in 2023 and it was truly magical.
6. Gorlitz
Located along the eastern border with Poland, Gorlitz is easily one of the most beautiful towns in Germany, providing a fairytale-like atmosphere with cobblestone streets, brightly colored buildings, and spacious market squares.
In fact, the town’s quiet streets and scenic historic buildings are often seen as the epitome of the small European town ideal and have attracted numerous filmmakers from around the world, featuring in many international blockbusters, including The Book Thief, The Grand Budapest Hotel, and Inglourious Basterds.
Location: Saxony (on the Polish border) | Vibe: Underrated old-town elegance | Best for: Architecture lovers, slow travel | Perfect time: May to September | Avg temp: ~13–25°C
Why it’s enchanting: Görlitz is absurdly pretty – pastel facades, Gothic spires, and film-set streets (because it basically is one). It feels like a place you “discover” rather than “do”, which is exactly why it works.
My Personal highlight: My pick is a sunrise wander through the Altstadt – it’s quiet, golden, and you’ll get the town to yourself.
7. Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Rothenburg ob der Tauber is another small fairy-tale-like village that competes for the title of Germany’s most charming small town. Located along Bavaria’s famous Romantic Road, it is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe and features plenty of 14th-century buildings contained within its city walls.
In fact, Rothenburg ob der Tauber feels like it has simply been forgotten by time and allows visitors to immerse themselves in the antique setting of medieval Europe through its iconic Market Square, Town Hall Tower, and traditional village buildings.
Location: Bavaria (Franconia) | Vibe: Medieval fairytale town | Best for: First-timers, Christmas vibes, photowalks | Perfect time: December (markets) or May to October | Avg temp: ~12–24°C (summer)
Why it’s enchanting: This is the classic walled town: cobbled lanes, timbered houses, towers and gates, the lot. It’s touristy – but it earns it, especially early morning or late evening when the day-trippers disappear.
My Personal highlight: Do the town walls walk at dusk – the rooftops, spires and lanterns make it feel like a storybook set.
8. The Black Forest
Covering over 6,000 square kilometers of lush tree covered mountains, The Black Forest is such a magical destination that literally inspired many of your favorite fairy tales.
Seriously, the Black Forest was a favorite destination of Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, who are better known as the Grimm Brothers, and inspired them to base many of their stories within the now-celebrated forest, including Hansel and Gretel, Snow White, and Sleeping Beauty.
Now protected as a national park, the Black Forest is an expansive area promising everything from breathtaking nature hikes to majestic waterfalls to rejuvenating spa villages and once-in-a-lifetime road trips.
Location: Baden-Württemberg | Vibe: Folklore woods + spa towns | Best for: Hikes, wellness, cosy stays | Perfect time: September to October or December to March | Avg temp: ~8–20°C (autumn)
Why it’s enchanting: Dense forests, misty valleys, cuckoo-clock villages and thermal spas – it’s the archetype for German fairy tales for a reason. You can do it as rugged hiking, slow scenic drives, or pure spa-and-cake indulgence.
My Personal highlight: My “Black Forest” move is a spa afternoon in Baden-Baden followed by a ridiculously unhurried dinner – peak cosy.
9. Neuschwanstein Castle
Nestled within the lush, rugged landscapes of the German Alps is the Neuschwanstein Castle – the 19th-century palace of King Ludwig II that is so enchanting that it inspired the design of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle in Disneyland.
Easily one of the most photogenic castles in Europe, Neuschwanstein Castle features long fairy-tale-like towers and turrets perfectly framed by the verdant foliage of Bavaria’s lush forests and contrasted by the grand majesty of the towering snow-capped mountain backdrop.
While the castle is open to visitors to tour its monumental halls, the best views of the complex are actually about halfway up the hill at Mary’s Bridge.
Location: Near Füssen, Bavaria | Vibe: Disney-level fairytale castle | Best for: Iconic sights, romantic views | Perfect time: May to June or September | Avg temp: ~10–22°C
Why it’s enchanting: It’s famously overhyped… until you see it in the landscape, perched above forests and lakes like something imagined rather than built. The surrounding area is half the magic – viewpoints, trails and alpine air do a lot of heavy lifting.
My Personal highlight: Skip the midday crush and go for Marienbrücke viewpoint early – it’s the postcard angle and the light is better.
10. Lake Konigsee
Tucked away at the foot of Mount Watzmann near the Austrian border, Lake Konigsee is the deepest and clearest lake in Germany, and is one of the most beautiful landmarks that you have to visit when in the country.
Lake Konigsee has long been known for its breathtaking natural beauty and even served as the holiday spot for Bavarian Royals and a popular hunting spot for local Berchtesgaden and Salzburg rulers.
While the lake has since become a popular tourist spot, it has managed to maintain its pristine glory and promises plenty of natural beauty to uncover within its untouched landscapes.
Location: Berchtesgaden National Park, Bavaria | Vibe: Fjord-like alpine lake | Best for: Boat trips, mountain scenery | Perfect time: June to September | Avg temp: ~14–24°C
Why it’s enchanting: Königssee is steep-sided and intensely still, with water so clear it feels edited. The electric boat ride is quiet and dramatic, sliding past cliffs to the little pilgrimage church at St Bartholomä.
My Personal highlight…
- I’d time it for late afternoon on a weekday – softer light, calmer vibe, and fewer “we’ve got 10 minutes” tours.
11. Lichtenstein Castle
Constructed between 1840 and 1842, Liechtenstein Castle continues Germany’s tradition of fairy tale-like castle complexes, featuring a location and structure that seems more fantasy than reality.
The castle delicately sits 800 meters above the Echz Valley atop a stone mount that promises surreal views of the surrounding landscapes and forests. With restorations completed in 2002, Liechtenstein Castle is one of the most inviting attractions in Germany for escaping into one of the country’s legendary stories and fables.
Location: Swabian Alb, Baden-Württemberg | Vibe: Cliffside Gothic fantasy | Best for: Castle lovers, day trips | Perfect time: May to October | Avg temp: ~12–24°C
Why it’s enchanting: Lesser-known than Neuschwanstein, but arguably more “fairytale” in silhouette – it clings to a cliff like it’s guarding a secret. The surrounding Swabian Alb is all forests, viewpoints and hidden trails.
My Personal highlight: Pair it with a short hike on the Albtrauf (the escarpment ridge) for those big, sweeping valley views.
12. Saxon Switzerland
Spanning the border of Germany and the Czech Republic near Dresden, Saxon Switzerland National Park is home to some of the most photogenic landscapes in both countries, promising unique landforms within its Elbe Dresden Mountains.
As the sole rock National Park in Germany, the area is popular amongst hikers and climbers and is home to many iconic landmarks, including the Bastei rock formation, the ruins of Wehlen Castle, and the Bastei Bridge.
Location: Near Dresden, Saxony | Vibe: Dramatic sandstone wonderland | Best for: Hiking, viewpoints, nature photography | Perfect time: April to June or September to October | Avg temp: ~10–22°C
Why it’s enchanting: This is where Germany turns wild – towering sandstone formations, deep valleys, and ridges that feel almost otherworldly. The viewpoints are ridiculous, especially around the Bastei Bridge.
My Personal highlight: My pick is sunrise at Bastei – you’ll understand why people get evangelical about it.
13. The Mosel Valley
A must-visit for any wine lover, the Mosel Valley is one of the most picturesque wine regions in Germany.
Along with being the center of the country’s wine industry since Roman times, the region promises plenty of natural splendor within its landscapes, which include sweeping vineyards and the glamorous Rhine River nestled between the rugged peaks of the Eiffel and Hunsruck Mountains.
Even if you aren’t a wine connoisseur, the Mosel Valley is an absolute must-visit and promises some of the most surreal hiking trails in the country.
Location: Rhineland-Palatinate | Vibe: Riesling, rivers, slow travel | Best for: Wine lovers, cycling, castle towns | Perfect time: May to October (harvest Sept/Oct) | Avg temp: ~12–25°C
Why it’s enchanting: The Mosel is pure charm – river bends, vine terraces, and towns that look like they’re designed for long lunches. It’s calmer than the Rhine, and that’s part of the appeal.
My Personal highlight: Do a vineyard walk above Cochem then reward yourself with a Riesling tasting – the views make everything taste better.
14. Dresden
Known as the Jewel Box, Dresden is the capital city of Saxony, a state in eastern Germany bordering the Czech Republic. As such, it is the cultural epicenter of the region, promising plenty of beautiful landmarks within its picturesque cityscape.
Some of the destination’s most photogenic attractions include the architectural marvels of the Zwinger Palace and Frauenkirche, the historical buildings of the Baroque Quarter, and the natural beauty of the Elbe River, which flows its way through the heart of the city.
Location: Saxony | Vibe: Baroque beauty + riverside calm | Best for: Architecture, art, culture weekends | Perfect time: May to September | Avg temp: ~13–26°C
Why it’s enchanting: Dresden’s historic centre is a stunner – domes, stone facades, and a skyline that feels deliberately composed. The Elbe adds that relaxed, waterside rhythm that makes the city feel elegant rather than intense.
My Personal highlight: My favourite moment is blue hour on Brühl’s Terrace – that soft evening light makes Dresden look unreal.
15. Eifel National Park
Founded in 2004, Eifel National Park protects a 110 square kilometer area where nature is left entirely to its own devices. Free from human interference, the region allows many endangered species to establish new habitats within its developing ecosystems, making it one of the best spots in germany for spotting endemic flora and fauna species.
The park features pristine wetland lakes, open grasslands, and flourishing beech forests that play host to rare wildlife species that include black storks, wild cats, and Eurasian eagle owls.
Location: North Rhine-Westphalia | Vibe: Quiet lakes + ancient forests | Best for: Uncrowded hikes, stargazing, nature resets | Perfect time: September to October | Avg temp: ~7–18°C
Why it’s enchanting: The Eifel is underrated: forest trails, dark skies, reservoirs, and little villages that feel properly rural. It’s the kind of place that makes you exhale without realising you were tense.
My Personal highlight: Go for a sunset lakeside walk at the Rursee – simple, peaceful, and ridiculously photogenic.
16. Partnach Gorge
Located near the south German town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Partnach Gorge is a striking 80-meter-deep gorge carved into the region’s limestone cliffs by the Partnach mountain stream over millions of years.
The gorge was designated a national monument in 1912 and remains one of the most unique landforms in Germany today. It is a must-visit destination for marveling at the breathtaking results of time and nature.
Location: Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Bavaria | Vibe: Dramatic mountain gorge | Best for: Easy adventure, family-friendly wow | Perfect time: May to October (or icy winter version) | Avg temp: ~10–22°C
Why it’s enchanting: A walkway hugs the rock walls as the river thunders below – it’s loud, misty and exhilarating in the best way. It’s also surprisingly accessible for how dramatic it feels.
My Personal highlight: If you can, go right after rainfall – the water is wilder and the gorge feels extra cinematic.
17. Hamburg
We can’t talk about beautiful destinations in Germany and not mention the vibrant port city of Hamburg. As the second largest city in the country, Hamburg blends historical landmarks with modern buildings to produce one of the most culturally diverse cityscapes in Europe.
From its world class culinary scene to the UNESCO-recognized warehouse district of Speicherstadt, Hamburg’s city structures are only enhanced by the presence of the picturesque Elbe River that cuts through and branches out throughout the city.
Location: Hamburg (city-state) | Vibe: Maritime, moody, effortlessly cool | Best for: City breaks, architecture, food | Perfect time: May to September | Avg temp: ~12–23°C
Why it’s enchanting: Hamburg’s magic is water – canals, lakes, harbour views, and warehouse districts that feel atmospheric even on grey days. It’s polished but not precious, and the city has a quiet confidence.
My Personal highlight: My pick is an evening stroll around Speicherstadt when the lights come on – it’s pure mood.
18. Sylt
Tucked away among the Frisian Islands, Sylt is a beautiful destination within the North Sea that is often neglected by international travelers, making it one of the best-hidden gems in Germany for getting off the beaten path.
The island is small but long and features an expansive stretch of shoreline that contains 40 km of sandy beaches lined with untouched coastal landscapes and welcoming beach resorts.
Along with being a great destination for soaking away along soft sands, Sylt promises plenty of sightseeing opportunities, including sprawling flower fields, small Frisian villages, and colorful lighthouses lining its shoreline.
Location: North Sea coast, Schleswig-Holstein | Vibe: Windy luxury island escape | Best for: Beach walks, seafood, reset weekends | Perfect time: June to September | Avg temp: ~14–22°C
Why it’s enchanting: Sylt is a different Germany: dunes, endless beaches, salty air and that “wrap up and walk for miles” vibe. It’s chic in places, wild in others, and the North Sea energy is addictive.
My Personal highlight: Book a sunset beach table for fresh fish – the kind of meal where the weather is part of the experience.
19. Munich
As the capital of Germany’s Bavaria state, Munich is the culmination of the region’s rich cultural beauty, and is home to breathtaking architectural marvels that include the Nymphenburg Palace and Schleissheim Palace.
Munich continues its cultural scenery within its cobblestone streets, where you will find several cafes, shops, and the Victual Market, where you can sample some traditional sweets.
Location: Munich, Bavaria | Vibe: Grand, green, beer-garden bliss | Best for: City + day trips, culture, food | Perfect time: May to October | Avg temp: ~13–26°C
Why it’s enchanting: Munich feels like a city that knows how to live: huge parks, elegant architecture, world-class museums, and beer gardens that double as social glue. Plus, it’s the perfect springboard for lakes and castles.
My Personal highlight: My favourite Munich moment is visting my friend who taught English here and went on to marry a German gentleman from the area!
20. Sanssouci Castle
Built for the Prussian King Frederick the Great in 1747, Sanssouci Castle is one of the most lavish palace complexes in Germany. Occupying a 290 hectare property just outside of Potsdam in eastern Germany, the palace promises plenty of 18th century grandeur both within the main castle complex and surrounding gardens.
Along with the castle, Sanssouci Park promises plenty of scenic beauty within its expansive gardens that contain various other smaller castles, a Chinese tea house, and picturesque vineyard terraces.
Location: Potsdam, near Berlin | Vibe: Regal gardens + palace elegance | Best for: Day trips, history, photography | Perfect time: April to October | Avg temp: ~10–25°C
Why it’s enchanting: Sanssouci is less “stuffy palace”, more “summer dream”: terraces, fountains, manicured gardens and elegant buildings scattered like set pieces. It’s easy to spend a whole day wandering and still feel relaxed.
My Personal highlight: Do the gardens first, palace later – when the light is warm on the paths and everything feels quietly grand.
21. Lake Constance
Set along the border of three countries, Lake Constance is a breathtaking alpine lake whose pristine blue waters reach out into Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It is Europe’s third-largest lake and is a paradise for outdoor adventures.
The lake itself is perfect for kayaking or canoeing while the surrounding alps and meadows provide for some truly charming hiking trails.
Meanwhile, the city of Konstanz on the German shores of the lake promises a scenic medieval old town along with one of the country’s most picturesque cathedrals nestled within lush trees of the Flower Island of Mainau.
Location: Southern Germany (Bodensee), bordering Austria & Switzerland | Vibe: Lakeside towns + mountain backdrop | Best for: Cycling, boat trips, easy multi-country hop | Perfect time: June to September | Avg temp: ~16–26°C
Why it’s enchanting: Lake Constance is all gentle pleasures: promenades, vineyards, island gardens and that Alpine edge in the distance. It’s mellow, beautiful and ridiculously easy to do by bike, boat, and slow afternoons.
My Personal highlight: My pick is a boat hop to Mainau (flower island) – it’s colourful, calm, and feels like a little escape inside an escape.
