SIghts Germany

Stasi Museum

A museum dedicated to the history of a terrifying secret police is now held in their former headquarters. The Stasi was the GDR's infamous secret police force. Considering itself the "shield and sword of the party" it ran a covert war against perceived enemies of the state. It was from this building that head of the Stasi, Erich Mielke, ran one of the most feared secret police forces the world has ever known.

Jagermeister Factory Tour

Discover the German liquor of Jagermeister with a visit to its headquarters in Wolfenbuttel

Munich's Marienplatz

Germany's third biggest city, Munich (or München in German) has plenty to offer the adventurous traveller. The capital city of the state of Bavaria can trace its roots all the way back to the 12th century when a monastery was established here, and quickly grew into the region's most important place of trade and commerce. Central to this rise was Marienplatz, the large square where traders from across Bavaria would meet to conduct business, and where locals would congregate to shop and watch medieval jousting tournaments

Goslar Zwinger

Historic battery tower with an eatery & exhibits of weapons & torture devices from the Middle Ages.

Nuremberg Christmas Market

In northern Bavaria, Nuremberg's large Hauptmarkt becomes a bright wonderland of Christmas lights and treats, highlighted by a double-decker carousel with Santa and prancing reindeer. The market is believed to have originated in the time of Martin Luther, when the custom of giving children gifts on Christmas Eve originated, and today it is probably the best known in Germany. The signature product here is the famed Nürnberger Lebkuchen, a rich, spice-filled gingerbread that's made into cookies, figures, and entire houses.

Miniatur Wunderland and the Historic Port of Hamburg

In the heart of the historic Port of Hamburg, the magnificent Miniatur Wunderland, the world's largest model railway, is an attraction that appeals equally to young and old alike. The Port of Hamburg covers 100 square kilometers, this huge tidal harbor - one of the world's largest cruise ship terminals, and known as the Gateway to Germany - is best explored by boat. Afterwards, visit the harborside promenade, a lovely pedestrian route, and the Warehouse District with its continuous lines of tall brick-built warehouses.

Steiff Factory and Museum

Kids and collectors all over the world love the German Steiff plush toys with their signature "button in ear". Created in 1880 by the German seamstress Margarete Steiff, the plush animals are made only out of the finest materials, such as felt, mohair, or alpaca. You can visit the birthplace of the famous toys, Giengen, 90 miles west of Munich.

The Ultimate Fairytale Castle: Neuschwanstein

King Ludwig II of Bavaria built this many-towered and battlement-covered fantasy fortress - the inspiration for Walt Disney's famous theme park castles - from 1869-86. A variety of tour options are offered, including guided tours of the sumptuous interior taking in the Throne Room, the Singers' Hall... and some of the country's most spectacular views.

Island of Rügen

Rügen is the largest and most beautiful of the German Baltic islands. The island's beauty stems from its diversity of landscape, including everything from flat farmland and forest-covered hills to expansive sandy beaches, lagoons, and lovely peninsulas.

Zugspitze

So that is what it feels like to have Germany at your feet: At precisely 2,962 metres above sea level, the Zugspitze is the highest mountain in the country and home to three glaciers and Germany's highest ski resort. The 20 kilometres of pistes enjoy a deep covering of natural snow for skiing and boarding for six months of the year. The Zugspitze is also an attractive destination for non-skiers: Right at the top, an impressive 360° panorama opens up to reveal extensive views over 400 mountain peaks in four countries.

The Eagle's Nest

Soaring over 6,000 feet in the Bavarian Alps, this beer garden was once Hitler's 50th birthday present.AS THE ALLIES RUSHED THROUGH Western Europe following the German defeat on D-Day, one of the grand prizes to be taken was the infamous Eagle's Nest.

Sanssouci Park and Palace, Potsdam

Spectacular Sanssouci Park, laid out between 1744 and 1756, is considered the most celebrated example of Potsdam Rococo. Reflecting the personal influence of Frederick the Great, the park includes a lovely Baroque flower garden, more than 3,000 fruit trees, and numerous greenhouses.

The Rhine Valley

The Rhine is not only Europe's most important waterway, it's also the most beautiful. With a total length of 1,320 kilometers, this magnificent river stretches from Switzerland through Germany all the way to the Netherlands. While there are many places in Germany to enjoy this majestic river, the lovely Upper Middle Rhine Valley section - designated a UNESCO World heritage Site - is probably the most popular spot for tourists to visit.

The Black Forest

The beautiful Black Forest with its dark, densely-wooded hills is one of the most visited upland regions in all of Europe. This is where the Black Forest Cake and the cuckoo clock were invented.

Königssee (King's Lake)

The lovely Bavarian lake of Königssee is one of the great beauty spots of the region of Germany referred to as Berchtesgadener Land. Also known as the King's Lake, this area near Salzburg is a hiking (and biking) paradise thanks to its vast network of trails.

Haribo Gummy Factory

The most famous gummy bears in the world come from Germany. Haribo Goldbären were born in 1920 in Bonn in West Germany. Today, Haribo is the largest manufacturer of gummy sweets on the globe. Visit the Haribo factory store, which features an exhibition about Haribo and offers a wonderful variety of gummy bears for sweet prices.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber

The old Franconian imperial city of Rothenburg is one of the most attractive places to visit on Germany's famous Romantic Road tourist route. Located on the steep banks of the picturesque River Tauber, it's notable for its walls and towers, untouched since the Thirty Years War of 1618.

Cologne Cathedral

The towering Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) - the Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Mary - is located on the banks of the Rhine and is undoubtedly Cologne's most impressive landmark. This masterpiece of High Gothic architecture, one of the largest cathedrals in Europe, was begun in 1248 and was the most ambitious building project of the Middle Ages.

Schwebebahn Wuppertal

This "floating railway" is one of the world's oldest monorail systems.

Wolfsburg Volkswagen Factory

This is the worldwide headquarters of the Volkswagen Group, and one of the largest manufacturing plants in the world.

Rakotzbrücke Devil's Bridge

This jaw-dropping 19th-century bridge uses its reflection to form what appears to be a perfect circle.NESTLED AMONG THE VERDANT FOLIAGE in Kromlau, Germany's Kromlauer Park, is a delicately arched devil's bridge known as the Rakotzbrücke, which was specifically built to create a circle when it is reflected in the waters beneath it. Commissioned in 1860 by the knight of the local town, the thin arch stretching over the waters of the Rakotzsee is roughly built out of varied local stone

Eltz Castle - Burg Eltz

This medieval castle overlooking the Elzbach river looks just like it did hundreds of years ago. Located between Koblenz and Cochem, near the Mosel River in the Eltztal.

The Berlin Wall

This one of those attractions that any visitor to Berlin simply must see. Built in 1961, the wall was the most visible manifestation of the Cold War mentality that existed after WWII, and by the time it was torn down in 1990, it extended some 155 kilometers.

Brandenburg Gate

Undoubtedly Berlin's most iconic structure, it's hard to believe that the majestic structure you see today was severely damaged during WWII and was also once part of the infamous Berlin Wall and, for a few decades, was symbolic of the division of Berlin into East and West.

Allianz Arena

What makes the Allianz Arena the world's finest football arena? Find out for yourself! Take an Arena Tour for a behind the scenes insight into this extraordinary and unusual stadium. Experience the atmosphere of the Allianz Arena from the point of view of a professional footballer in the players' areas and discover the exciting details of this unique structure.

Kunsthofpassage Singing Drain Pipes

When the rain falls, this drain system turns into a musical instrument. The "Courtyard of Elements" is one of the strangest and most enjoyable attractions in Dresden's student district in the new town.

Harz Mountains

While Germany's Harz Mountains are an awesome travel destination at any time of the year, they turn particularly magical on Walpurgisnacht, which takes place in spring each year. This wild pagan festival is unique and fun for the entire family.It is derived from local myths and folklore, which have it that witches used to whisk on their broomsticks to the highest peak of the Harz Mountains (Brocken) on this night, and to other locations of pagan sacrifices, to have a get-together with other witches and devils to celebrate the retreat of winter and the arrival of spring.