If you’re a history buff, it’s likely that Germany will be on your travel bucket list. Just under a two-hour flight from the UK and with a rich history spanning Germanic-speaking tribes, the Holy Roman Empire, and 20th century wars, Germany is a fascinating place to explore.
From the dazzling Neuschwanstein Castle to some of Berlin’s most iconic structures, here are eight historic sites to visit in Germany.
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1. Cologne Cathedral, Cologne
This impressive Gothic cathedral dominates Cologne’s skyline. Standing at 157 metres, it’s the third tallest cathedral in the world. Though, when it was built it was the tallest building on the planet. With up to 20,000 visitors a day, it’s one of Germany’s most popular tourist attractions.
When Reinald von Dassel, the Archbishop of Cologne, brought what was believed to be the bones of the Three Wise Men from Milan to Cologne in 1164, the city had a huge influx of pilgrims. This led to the commission of a larger, more impressive cathedral to create a worthy home for the relics.
However, due to various wars, financial struggles, and a building break of over 300 years, the cathedral wasn’t complete until 1880 – over 630 years since construction had begun. And today, constant restoration work continues, giving life to the local saying, “When the cathedral is finished, the world will end.”
During a visit here, you can wonder at the Shrine of the Three Kings, take in the beautiful stained glass windows, and climb one of the western towers for panoramic views of the city. It’s been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996.
2. The Berlin Wall, Berlin
There are so many historic sites in Germany’s buzzing capital, Berlin, that it’d be impossible to mention them all. But the Berlin Wall isn’t one miss.
After World War II, Germany was split into four zones shared between the US, Britain, France, and the Soviet Union. Berlin was also divided and the sections owned by the US, Britain, and France became West Berlin, while the Soviet section became East Berlin.
There were vast differences between the standard of living and ideologies enforced between the two halves of the city. As such, by the late-1940s, at least four million East Germans had crossed the border into West Berlin for a higher quality of life.
On 12th August 1961, a wire fence was erected to encircle West Berlin and prevent people moving across – families were divided overnight. The wall was fortified with concrete, guard posts, and checkpoints over the following years.
By the late-1980s, parts of Eastern Europe were becoming increasingly liberal and there was growing unrest within Germany to end the severe restrictions. When a new travel law was mistakenly announced on 9th November 1989, crowds on both sides of the wall immediately rushed to the checkpoints and, ultimately, flooded through.
The wall is so historically significant as it came to be seen as a physical representation of the ideological differences between East and West during the Cold War. When the wall fell, it weakened the power of the East German government, ultimately leading to the reunification of Germany in 1990.
Today, parts of the wall still stand across the city. The longest preserved section is 1.3 kilometres and, covered in colourful artwork and murals, it’s the longest open-air gallery in the world. There’s also a memorial where you can learn more about the wall’s history and cultural impact.
Note: It’s also worth visiting Checkpoint Charlie, the most famous border crossing point.
3. The Black Forest, Baden-Württemberg
For nature lovers looking to get away from the bustling German metropolises, why not head to the Black Forest? Believed to have formed during the Triassic and Jurassic periods, much of this mountain range has remained undisturbed by humans, and trees cover around 60% of the area.
In fact, the name ‘Black Forest’ came from the Romans; because the foliage was so dense, little sunlight could get through – it was so dark it appeared black.
Whether you’re looking to quietly amble along a pretty path or undertake a more challenging hike, the Black Forest National Park is a magical place to breathe in some fresh air and admire lush vegetation, shimmering lakes, and gushing waterfalls. It’s also a paradise for animal-lovers; birdwatchers can try to spot pygmy owls and wood grouse (the Black Forest is their most prominent nesting ground in Europe).
The beauty and sense of mysticism throughout the Black Forest feels almost supernatural. So, it makes sense that it’s believed to have inspired many of the Grimm Brothers’ stories, including Hansel and Gretel and Rapunzel. And while your imagination may be free to run wild here, don’t let a fear of witches put you off visiting!
If you’re in need of some pampering, there are 12 thermal baths in the region. The tradition of bathing in these mineral-rich waters was discovered by the Romans over 2,000 years ago, so you’ll be the latest in a long line of people heading here to relax.
4. Colditz Castle, Leipzig
Anyone with an interest in history will likely have heard of Colditz Castle, which is infamous for the legendary escapes of Allied officers during World War II.
Schloss Colditz was first mentioned in historical records in 1046. Situated atop a steep hill, among other things, it served as a hunting lodge, a workhouse, and a hospital. It possesses both Renaissance and late-Gothic elements.
During World War II, Colditz Castle was known as ‘Offizierslager Oflag IV-C’ and became a prisoner of war (POW) camp for Allied officers – including Winston Churchill’s nephew – and prisoners who’d escaped from other camps.
The Nazis believed Colditz to be inescapable. However, there were over 300 POW escape attempts made, 32 of which were successful. At one point during the war, there was an average of one escape attempt per day!
Since then, there have been multiple books published (such as The Colditz Story, detailing POW Pat Reid’s escape), as well as a TV series, a film, and even a board game inspired by the castle.
Many recommend taking an organised tour to learn more about life as an inmate and the escapes attempted – including countless tunnels and construction of a wooden glider. Or, for a more immersive experience, you can book to stay in a hostel within the castle!
5. Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Bavaria
Germany boasts many beautiful medieval towns, but one that’s particularly worth visiting is the walled town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
The town dates back to 1142 and it grew to be Germany’s second-largest city during the Middle Ages. Rothenburg ob der Tauber was an economic powerhouse within the Holy Roman Empire, and locals remain proud of its history as a Free Imperial City (awarded in 1274 by King Rudolf of Habsburg).
Unfortunately, during the last few weeks of World War II, an American air raid destroyed around 45% of the historic centre. Yet, there remain few places in the world with as many original buildings from the Middle Ages.
Alongside ambling along picturebook pretty streets, you can check out the original town gates, walk around the fully intact medieval walls, and marvel at the ornate St. James’s Church. There’s also a Medieval Crime Museum for anyone with an interest in dark tourism.
As you explore, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back in time; even more so if you visit during the Imperial City Festival (held annually on the first weekend of September). The past is brought to life as the local community comes together to re-enact different eras of Rothenburg’s history.
6. Brandenburg Gate, Berlin
Brandenburg Gate is one of Berlin’s most iconic monuments and the city’s only surviving historical gate.
Built between 1788 and 1791, architecture enthusiasts will be interested to learn that it was Berlin’s first building constructed in a Greek Revival style. It was designed by Carl Gotthard Langhans to look like the entrance to the Acropolis in Athens, Greece.
The Gate holds deep symbolic meaning for Berliners. During the post-war division of Berlin, the Gate stood in East Germany, but was inaccessible for those on both sides. After the fall of the Berlin Wall, Brandenburg Gate was officially reopened on 22nd December 1989. Over 100,000 people attended to celebrate the reunification of Berlin.
Note: When in Berlin don’t forget to visit the Reichstag Building, which is just a five to 10 minute walk from Brandenburg Gate. It’s one of Germany’s most significant historical buildings and where the German Parliament continues to meet. You can learn more about the Reichstag’s history here.
7. Dachau concentration camp, Dachau
Situated just outside Munich and established in March 1933, Dachau was the first Nazi concentration camp. It served as the blueprint for all future camps and was used as a training centre for Nazi officers and guards.
During World War II, there grew to be around 44,000 Nazi camps and incarceration sites. Dachau, or KZ-Gedenkstätte Dachau, as it was known, was initially used to hold political prisoners. But, over time thousands of Jews, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Roma, gay men, and other groups the Nazi Party deemed ‘enemies of the state’ were also imprisoned here.
While historians don’t know the exact numbers, it’s believed that over 200,000 people were incarcerated at Dachau between 1933 and 1945, and at least 40,000 prisoners died here. It’s difficult to imagine the scale of suffering.
Prisoners were liberated by American forces on 29th April 1945. The camp had been in operation for nearly 12 years, making it the longest running Nazi concentration camp.
Dachau is now a place of learning and remembrance. On a visit here, you’ll find many of the original buildings (such as watchtowers and the sickbay), numerous informative exhibitions, and a memorial site. While visiting can be an emotionally challenging experience, it’s also a way to reflect on the past, honour the victims, and keep the memory of what happened alive.
8. Neuschwanstein Castle, Schwangau
Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the most visited castles in the world. And, with its beautiful turrets and limestone facade, it’s easy to see why.
Perched on the foothills of the Bavarian Alps, this is the epitome of a fairy tale palace. In fact, it’s believed to have inspired the castles in Walt Disney’s Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty and was also featured in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang!
However, its history is less romantic. Construction began in 1868 by King Louis II – also known as ‘Mad King Ludwig’. He planned for the castle to be completed within three years to use as his private residence, but it remains unfinished to this day.
It was opened to the public in 1886, just a few weeks after the king’s death. You can tour the opulent interior, which is just as majestic as the outside, and admire stunning views of Bavaria’s largest nature reserve.
Final thoughts…
From enchanting medieval towns to sobering reminders of World War II, there are countless historic sites to visit in Germany. While reflecting on the past may not always be easy, it can offer important insight into how we got to where we are today.
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For further inspiration, head over to the history section of our website. Here, you’ll find articles like; 8 countries for history lovers to visit and 28 of the best historical sites to visit in the UK.
Have you been to Germany, or are you planning a trip? Which of the historic sites on our list would you find most interesting to see? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.