The bucket-list tourist attraction in every German state

German gems

Medieval towns alongside cutting-edge architecture, traditional beer halls next to avant-garde art galleries and pristine Alpine peaks rising above bustling urban centres – Germany captivates visitors with its rich tapestry of experiences. It’s a place where history, innovation and natural beauty intertwine to create unforgettable experiences. To help you make the most of a visit, our well-travelled team have compiled what they feel are the country’s most compelling attractions, together with an outline about why each state appeals.

Read on to see the best tourist attractions in every German state...

Baden-Württemberg

Explore natural wonders like Mainau's flower island, cycle along Lake Constance, visit historic cities like Heidelberg or hike through the Black Forest – whatever you choose to do here, Germany’s sunniest state won't disappoint. Baden-Württemberg is famous for its spa towns, particularly Baden-Baden with the historic Roman baths. It's also the birthplace of iconic German products like cuckoo clocks and automobiles. What's more, Baden-Württemberg boasts the most Michelin-starred restaurants in Germany. Enjoy excellent regional cuisine paired with local wines. Yes, there’s something to please everyone in this part of Germany.

Baden-Württemberg: Europa-Park, Rust

Attention all adrenaline junkies. Opened in 1975 and now attracting over 5.8 million visitors annually, Germany's largest theme park is also Europe's second most popular one after Disneyland Paris. The Europa-Park consists of 13 themed areas representing different countries, with over 100 rides and shows. Highlights include the Silver Star hypercoaster, Blue Fire launch coaster and Voletarium flying theatre. The resort also includes six themed hotels, just in case one day isn’t enough, and Rulantica, a massive indoor waterpark.

Bavaria

Pretzels, bratwurst, BMW – Germany's southern jewel has left its mark on the world. From Munich's vibrant atmosphere to medieval towns like Regensburg or Nuremberg, Bavaria offers pristine landscapes featuring crystal-clear lakes, Alpine peaks (notably the Zugspitze) and sun-drenched vineyards. Germany’s most famous castle can be found here, as well as over 100,000 architectural monuments and 1,200 museums. If you love road trips, hit the Castle and Romantic Roads. Each reveal the region's diverse charms, with traditional hospitality welcoming you year-round.

Bavaria: Oktoberfest, Munich

Every year, for 16 days from late September to early October, the world's largest folk festival turns Munich upside down. Dating back to 1810, when Crown Prince Ludwig married Princess Therese, the Oktoberfest now attracts over six million visitors annually. Traditional beer tents, each seating thousands, serve specially brewed beer in one-litre steins alongside Bavarian culinary specialties. Visitors wear dirndls and lederhosen while enjoying carnival rides, brass bands and hearty singing. The festival opens with the Mayor's ceremonial tapping of the first keg, declaring "O'zapft is!" ('It's tapped!').

Berlin

There’s no place quite like Germany’s vibrant capital. Berlin bursts with a wealth of attractions from the Brandenburg Gate to the remnants of the Berlin Wall, world-class museums, renowned opera houses and cutting-edge art galleries. Not to forget the thriving culinary and nightlife scene, with edgy neighbourhoods like Kreuzberg and Prenzlauer Berg. Visit during the spring or summer when the city's parks and beer gardens come alive. In December, Christmas markets tempt with bratwurst, pretzels and mulled wine.

Berlin: Berlin Zoo

Even though sights such as the Berlin Cathedral, Hackesche Höfe or the East Side Gallery are hugely popular, they don’t appear in any visitor rankings because no figures are collected for public places. Therefore, the top attraction with the most officially registered visitors in 2023 was, according to local tourism board visitBerlin, Berlin Zoo with 3.8 million visitors. Opened in 1844, it is not only Germany's oldest and most visited zoo but also the world's most species-rich.

Brandenburg

Brandenburg has a largely rural landscape dotted with small towns, villages and lakes. Not to be missed are the Spreewald, a UNESCO biosphere reserve with canals for canoeing, and Potsdam, once the capital of the Prussian kings. Outdoor enthusiasts flock here for the hiking and cycling paths. Alternatively, you can rent a houseboat and holiday on the waterways that are becoming increasingly popular. The best time to visit is late spring to early autumn, when nature is in full bloom.

Brandenburg: Sanssouci Palace, Potsdam

Only 35 minutes by public transport from Berlin lies Germany’s answer to Versailles. Sanssouci, meaning 'without a care' in French, was the summer residence and favoured retreat of Frederick the Great. The palace, Picture Gallery, New Chambers and preserved 18th-century interiors easily rival its counterpart in France. Frederick was buried on the vineyard's uppermost terrace, allowing him to remain near his beloved sanctuary even in death. You can identify his grave by the potatoes which visitors still place there in his honour.

Bremen

The world-famous Bremen Town Musicians' plan to head to Bremen is still a really good idea. In 2023, in fact, more than 1.4 million visitors agreed. What many non-Germans don’t know is that the federal state is actually made of two cities: Bremen and Bremerhaven. Jump in a car, drive an hour through Lower Saxony and end up back in Bremen. Once there, check out attractions like the Brick Gothic city hall, the German Emigration Center Museum and the stone Roland statue.

Bremen: Bremen Town Musicians

Donkey, dog, cat and rooster – the protagonists in The Bremen Town Musicians by the Brothers Grimm – will accompany you at every turn in the Old Town. Their most famous statue is a bronze figure by Gerhard Marcks. It can be found on the west side of the Town Hall. Don’t forget to embrace the donkey's front legs as this is supposed to bring good luck. In front of the Bremen Parliament, you’ll hear the voices of the four animals resound from the ground at the 'Bremer Loch'.

Hamburg

Known as the 'Gateway to the World', Germany’s second largest city charms visitors with its maritime flair and cultural diversity. Hamburg’s lively neighbourhoods, like the Sternschanze or St. Pauli (where The Beatles famously played in the early 1960s), offer renowned nightlife and music scenes, while the Alster Lakes provide spots for relaxation. As city breaks go, Hamburg is a perfect year-round destination. In good weather, harbour cruises, street art and walking tours await. In the colder seasons, museums and galleries provide plenty to marvel at.

Hamburg: Miniatur Wunderland

You don't have to be a trainspotter to be fascinated by the world's largest model railway. In the German National Tourist Board's 2024 survey of the country's Top 100 sights and attractions, more than 25,000 international visitors voted Miniatur Wunderland in Hamburg to the top spot. It features over 1,000 trains, 50,500 feet (15,400m) and nearly half a million lights. Over the course of 800,000 hours, 300 meticulous employees have brought realistic landscapes to life complete with day-to-night transitions every 15 minutes.

Hesse

Located right in the middle of Germany, with Frankfurt Airport at its centre, Hesse is easily accessible. Many international visitors choose to explore the Frankfurt Rhine-Main area. The Taunus, Spessart and Odenwald mountains are locals’ favourites. Cultural highlights include the Hessenpark Open-Air Museum, the Saalburg Roman fort and the Brothers Grimm's legacy in the north. Wine connoisseurs might be familiar with the Rheingau, one of Germany’s finest wine-growing regions. Harvest, which takes place around September and October, is a great time to visit.

Hesse: Frankfurt

Frankfurt’s nickname is 'Mainhattan'. It's a portmanteau of Manhattan and the river Main which flows through the city. The moniker's a fitting one as, thanks to multinational corporations having their headquarters here, Germany's fifth largest metropolis boasts the country's most impressive skyline. The Museum Embankment (Museumsufer) features 26 museums including the Städel Museum, showcasing seven centuries of European masterpieces. For bookworms, Frankfurt annually hosts the world's largest book fair.

Lower Saxony

Often overlooked by international travellers, Lower Saxony is definitely worth a trip – especially in spring. Indulge in freshly harvested white asparagus from the middle of April to near the end of June and find out why Germans call it 'the white gold'. Popular destinations include the state capital Hannover, the Lüneburger Heide heath and the Wadden Sea. Among the state’s cultural sights are St. Michael's Church and St. Mary's Cathedral, both in Hildesheim. Don't miss out on Walkenried Monastery either.

Lower Saxony: Harz mountains

If you think Lower Saxony is just flat land and sugar beet, think again. Locals and tourists alike appreciate the wide, open spaces of the federal state. According to the 2024 German National Tourist Board survey, which collated opinions on the country's top 100 sights, Harz Mountains ranks in Germany's top 30 places to visit. With its deep valleys, endless coniferous forests, rugged cliffs, rolling hills, colourful mountain meadows and clear lakes, you could argue the case that this beautiful spot should have finished even higher.

Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

The double state in the far northeast thrives on trade, (fishing) industry and domestic tourism. The world outside, it seems, has yet to discover this coastal gem. Though Mecklenburg is next to the sea, it’s made up largely of seemingly endless fields of wheat and yellow rapeseed flowers as well as over 1,000 wonderful lakes. Vorpommern, which simply means 'before Pomerania', borders old Pomerania further east (now part of Poland). Experience its soothing remoteness, unforgettable views of unspoilt nature and time standing still.

Mecklenburg-Vorpommern: Rügen Island

Germany’s largest island attracts more than 1.2 million visitors annually. Most famous are the dramatic chalk cliffs of Jasmund National Park, including the iconic Königsstuhl which offers breathtaking views over the Baltic Sea, sandy white beaches, charming seaside resorts like Binz and lush beech forests. The island’s scenic coastline, historic lighthouses and laid-back villages make it a perfect summer escape. If Rügen is too busy for you, smaller islands like Poel and Hiddensee are perfect day-trip escapes.

North Rhine-Westphalia

Germany's most populous region has been a cradle of artistic genius, nurturing talents like composer Ludwig van Beethoven, poet Heinrich Heine and artist Joseph Beuys. Today, it stands as one of Europe's cultural powerhouses, drawing millions of visitors to its diverse array of museums, theatres, orchestras and events. Popular sights like Aachen Cathedral, Brühl's Augustusburg and Falkenlust Castles, Corvey's Princely Abbey and Essen's industrial marvel, the Zollverein Coal Mine Complex, are worth a visit in any season.

North Rhine-Westphalia: Cologne Cathedral, Cologne

It’s impossible to overstate the grandeur of Cologne Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, UNESCO World Heritage Site and Germany’s most visited landmark. In 2023, more than four million visitors marvelled at the world’s third largest Gothic church. It took over 600 years to complete, between 1248 and 1880, reaching up to a height of 515 feet (157m) with its twin spires dominating the city skyline. Miraculously, Cologne Cathedral survived World War II despite severe bombing of the city.

Rhineland-Palatinate

Combining romantic castles, mighty waterways and renowned wine regions, Rhineland-Palatine has established itself firmly as a wine lover's paradise, spoiling visitors for choice with tasting sessions at local wineries around every corner. The grapes here grow on everything from riverbank slopes to dormant volcanoes, while the Rhine and Moselle flow gently through the state. For history buffs, a 2,000-year-old-heritage comes alive through historic towns and ancient Roman buildings like Trier’s Porta Nigra Gate.

Rhineland-Palatinate: Eltz Castle, Wierschem

Germany has hundreds, if not thousands, of castles, but this one is quite something. Built in the 12th century, Eltz, perched majestically in a secluded valley near the Moselle River, has remained in the same family for nearly 900 years – a rare feat in European history. The remarkable building features eight towers, authentically furnished rooms showcasing medieval life and a significant treasury, boasting gold artefacts and armoury. Unlike many German castles, Eltz remained intact through the various wars and preserved its original medieval character.

Saarland

Germany's smallest federal state is nestled along the French border and charms with a unique blend of savoir-vivre and German culture. Known for its rolling hills and lush forests, the Saarland is a hiker’s paradise. It also has a rich industrial heritage though, as highlighted by the Völklinger Hütte Ironworks. If you love food, this is the place to be: Chefs in the Saarland achieve great things, as this is the German region with the most Michelin stars per capita. Visitors savour its French-German culinary fusion, enjoying specialties like Lyoner sausage.

Saarland: Saarschleife river bend

The Saarschleife ('Saar Loop') near the town of Mettlach will take your breath away. This natural marvel offers panoramic views where the Saar River curves dramatically amidst dense forests, creating a scenic vista beloved by hikers, photographers and Instagrammers alike. The best look at it is from the 'Cloef' viewpoint, perched high above the loop. Those surrounding trails and lookout points are also worth exploring though, especially in autumn when the foliage adds vibrant colours.

Saxony

A treasure trove of artistic and musical traditions awaits anyone venturing into Germany's easternmost state. Admire the grandeur of Dresden's Semper Opera House, the imposing Monument to the Battle of the Nations in Leipzig and the legacies of famed composers such as Bach and Wagner. Traditional crafts flourish, from Meissen porcelain to Glashütte watches, while unique landscapes such as the Saxon Switzerland National Park, home to the famous Bastei stone bridge, captivate outdoor enthusiasts. Saxony's historic spas provide wellness opportunities, making it ideal for both active and cultural holidays year-round.

Saxony: Dresden

The Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Awards 2024 for Saxony placed the top three spots, namely the Baroque Zwinger Palace, the Church of Our Lady and the Green Vault Museum, in the capital of Dresden. Additional favourites are the Elbe Castles and the Dresden State Art Collections which include treasures such as Raphael's The Sistine Madonna. Dresden is at its best in summer, when you can stroll through the royal gardens and take a boat tour on the Elbe. However, in December, Germany’s oldest Christmas market is a real crowd-pleaser. It's been operating annually since 1434.

Saxony-Anhalt

If you venture into the heart of Germany, you’ll find impressive UNESCO World Heritage sites like Wittenberg’s Castle Church where Martin Luther began the Reformation and Dessau’s iconic Bauhaus buildings. Saxony-Anhalt shares the rugged Harz mountains with Lower Saxony, while the scenic Saale-Unstrut region is the place to be for a good glass of wine. Castles like Moritzburg and Wernigerode add to its charm. Around 3.4 million tourists visited Saxony-Anhalt in 2023. The best time to be here is between May and September.

Saxony-Anhalt: Quedlinburg

It doesn’t get more fairytale-like than Quedlinburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994. The small town is famed for its well-preserved medieval architecture and over 1,300 half-timbered houses, spanning eight centuries. Walk the cobbled streets up to the stunning Quedlinburg Castle and the Romanesque Collegiate Church of St. Servatius, then explore historic squares, unique museums and vibrant markets. The magic comes to light during the Christmas market season, when Quedlinburg radiates a festive glow.

Schleswig-Holstein

The ebb and flow of the waters of the North and Baltic Seas have a major influence on the way of life here. Nature lovers and active travellers are drawn to Schleswig-Holstein for the extensive cycling routes, sailing opportunities and serene lakes. Charming maritime towns dot the landscape, while dense forests and rolling hills characterise the southern Duchy of Lauenburg. If you’re heading to Germany’s far north expect a fresh breeze, dykes as far as the eye can see, beaches and dunes. The best time to visit is summer.

Schleswig-Holstein: Heligoland Island

Often referred to as Germany’s only island in the high seas, Heligoland rises dramatically with red sandstone cliffs 43 miles (70km) from the mainland. This car-free haven boasts pristine air, virtually pollen-free, making it ideal for allergy sufferers. The island features Lummenfelsen, the country's largest breeding bird sanctuary. It's also rich in flora and fauna. Together with its neighbouring island Düne, known for pristine beaches, Heligoland offers unique natural experiences like seal encounters. Don’t miss the famous Heligoland lobster, sold from historic harbour huts.

Thuringia

Cities like Erfurt or Weimar bring Thuringia’s history, tradition and modern attractions to the fore. They also reflect the region's deep intellectual and artistic legacy laid down by Goethe, Schiller and Bach. But it’s not just city slickers that are drawn to Thuringia. The state is a hub for winter sports with ski runs and cross-country ski trails galore. Many top athletes are based here. Furthermore, spa resorts with a wealth of natural remedies, such as saltwater and sulphur springs, promise relaxation.

Thuringia: Wartburg Castle, Eisenach

Perched above Eisenach, the 900-year-old Wartburg Castle stands as a testament to German history. According to legend, Louis the Knight announced its founding with the following words: "Wait! Mountain, you shall become a castle to me!" The Wartburg witnessed courtly medieval art, the charitable works of Saint Elisabeth and Martin Luther's translation of the New Testament which lay the foundations for the modern German language. This iconic site also inspired Wagner's romantic opera Tannhäuser.

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