Best 5 of the Most Beautiful Places in Germany

A country of contrasts, Germany is a mix of age-old traditions and forward-thinking ideals. It’s also a land blessed with acres of impossibly beautiful countryside dotted with chocolate-box-pretty villages, thick moody forests, romantic river valleys, vast expanses of vineyards, perfectly preserved half-timbered towns and of course not forgetting the stunning splendor of the Alps. From our many trips to this charming European country over the years, and Berlin aside here is our collective choice for 20 of the best and most beautiful places to visit in Germany…

1. The Black Forest – dense evergreen forests and picturesque villages and a famous beauty spot in Germany

A land of cuckoo clocks and cherry gâteaux, this place is so beautiful and magical it even inspired some of the Brothers Grimm fairy tales. It covers a large area within which you’ll find the spa town of Baden-Baden (otherwise known as the “Jewel of the Black Forest”), Freiburg (a vibrant university city) and Offenburg (the capital of the wine region) as well as many other pretty quaint German villages.

However, the most attractive part of this area can be seen by driving or hiking along the Schwarzwaldhochstraße – a fantastic high road where you can journey through the rolling hills and valleys, thick forests of black fir trees and mist covered lakes. One of the most beautiful lakes in the area is Titisee, try catching the Zapfle-Bahnle train alone the scenic route around the lake or follow the lake road where you can take in the beauty of the tranquil water.

2. Neuschwanstein Castle – the fairytale castle which is one of the most famous places to visit in Germany

This stunning iconic image of Germany is, in fact, the former 19th century home of the late Ludwig II of Bavaria (otherwise known as the mad king!) The gorgeous Romanesque building is so fairy-tale esque it inspired the famous Disney castle. Although it’s often overrun with tourists this doesn’t detract from the awe-inspiring beauty of this castle both inside and out.

The most picturesque view of the magnificent structure is from Mary’s Bridge, a stop halfway up the hill towards the castle. Make sure you also pay a visit to the lovely Hohenschwangau Castle which is located nearby.

3. Lake Königssee – one of Germany’s most beautiful lakes and one of the best places to explore in the country

Located in the southeastern portion of Germany and on the border of Austria, is the stunning Lake Königssee – Germany’s deepest and cleanest lake. It’s also often hailed as Germany’s most beautiful Alpine Lake, which given the competition is quite an accolade!

Bavaria is a particularly scenic place to visit in Germany and this corner of the region has been used for outdoor recreation for centuries – both Bavarian royalty and the local rulers of Berchtesgaden and Salzburg once hunted here. In keeping with its pure and natural surroundings, only electric-powered passenger ships, rowing, and pedal boats have been permitted on the lake since 1909.

4. Sylt – a breathtaking tranquil island in the Frisian archipelago

Often forgotten by foreign travellers, the Island of Sylt (part of the German Frisian Islands) is connected to the mainland by the Hindenburgdamm causeway. With several lovely resorts, 40km of sandy beaches, an unusual shoreline, and plenty of breathtaking nature, Sylt is well worth a visit and because it’s separated from the mainland it has remained relatively untouched.

The houses on the island are built in the delightful Fristian-style and the cliffs lining the coast are slowly eroding which has created an unusual and unique pattern. Fields of flowers, colourful lighthouses, and sparsely populated villages have made this an exclusive hidden gem and playground for the rich and famous.

5. Eibsee – a crystal clear, deep blue lake in Bavaria which is a wonderful beauty spot in Germany

Eibsee, is a world away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Those that are looking to relax on the water enjoy visiting Eibsee Lake. Summers here give visitors the opportunity to enjoy kayaking, fishing, or swimming a the crystal clear waters the Eibsee Lake and the quaint town located at the eastern shores of the lake draw in visitors year after year.

Located in Bavaria, Germany, the lake boasts 177.4 hectares of pristine waters. If you intend on visiting Eibsee, be sure to bring along your camera, however, the pictures will not do justice to the bright blues depicted in real life.