Germany is filled with historical, cultural and architectural landmarks, although many sites were damaged or destroyed during World War II. More than 37 destinations in Germany are on the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage list. For placement on the list, UNESCO stipulates that the landmark must be one of the “finest monuments to human and natural activity” in the world. In addition, leading travel experts list numerous sites in Germany as not to be missed.
The Cologne Cathedral is constructed on a site that since late Roman times was an assembly ground for early Christians. Many churches were built on the site until the late 13th century, when construction of the present-day Cologne Cathedral began. After six centuries and many stages of construction, it was completed in 1880. On the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites, it is considered a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. During World War II, the cathedral survived numerous bombings by Allied planes and was not completely restored until 1956. The Cologne Cathedral is Germany’s most-often visited landmark, so be prepared for crowds. Virtual tours are available on the cathedral’s website, and the public is welcome to come for services.
On every list of top 10 tourist attractions in Germany, Neuschwanstein Castle sits on a hill in southwest Bavaria. It is the most-photographed site in Germany. Fodor’s places it on its list of "11 Top European Landmarks." Disney used it for inspiration for the "Sleeping Beauty" movie and for the Sleeping Beauty castles in the Disney parks. The castle was built for King Ludwig II, who went insane during its construction. King Ludwig II loved the theater, so he commissioned a set designer to plan the castle instead of an architect. Murals depicting scenes from Wagner’s operas adorn the walls of some rooms. To tour the castle, you must buy your tickets at the Ticketcenter Hohenschwangau in the village of Hohenschwangau, which is below the castle. Only guided tours are allowed. Inside the castle, you can dine at the Cafe & Bistro, and watch a film about it and King Ludwig.
“National Geographic” magazine calls the Brandenburg Gate the “regal symbol of Berlin.” Constructed in the latter part of the 18th century, the gate is the last remaining gate of a series of gates that connected the wall that once encircled Berlin. The gate is modeled after the entrance hall to the Acropolis; at its top it features a depiction of the goddess of victory. The gate is at the city’s main entrance, but for 30 years it symbolized Berlin’s division into separate entities. In 1989, it reopened at the termination of the Berlin Wall, and East and West Berlin were reunited. Hundreds of people celebrated at the gate, and today it symbolizes the reunification of Germany.
Germany is so filled with historical buildings, churches and castles -- more than 20,000 castles and castle ruins are in Germany -- that in a year of traveling around the country you couldn’t visit them all. An often-frequented site in Berlin, the Maur Checkpoint Charlie Museum presents a photographic and cinematic record of Germany’s division into East and West Germany. Learn about the people who risked their lives to escape Communist East Germany by going over, through or under the wall. Even though it’s partially in ruins, you can spend the night or celebrate a birthday, anniversary or wedding at Heidelberg Castle. Tours are presented every hour in both English and German, so you can see the beautiful gardens and the largest wine barrel in the world. The Berlin Museum was built in 1454 and is Germany’s largest and oldest church. Tours are offered.
- German National Tourist Board: UNESCO World Heritage – the greatest legacies of mankind and Mother Nature
- UNESCO World Heritage Centre: Cologne Cathedral
- Low Fares.com: Must See German Landmarks
- Der Kolner Dom (Cologne Cathedral): Welcome
- Bayerische Schlösserverwaltung: Neuschwanstein Castle
- Fodor's: Travel Photography: The 11 Top European Landmarks: Neuschwanstein Castle, The Romantic Road, Germany
- Fodor's: World: Europe: Germany: Romantic Road Sights: Neuschwanstein Review
- Touropia: Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Germany
- Travel Channel: Fairytale Destinations: Neuschwanstein Castle
- National Geographic Travel: Photo Gallery: Berlin Landmarks
- Senate Department for Urban Development and the Environment: Brandenburger Tor (Brandenburg Gate)
- BBC News: On This Day: 22 December: 1989: Brandenburg Gate re-opens
- Germany Insider Facts: Discover German Castles
- Mauer-Museum am Checkpoint Charlie
- Berlin Landmarks: Kreuzberg Landmarks: Checkpoint Charlie Museum
- Schloesser Magazine: Rooms for Rent Heidelberg Castle
- Heidelberg Marketing GmbH: Heidelberg Castle/Castle Gardens
- Berliner Dom Berline Cathedral: General Information about the Cathedral
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