Find 10 Top Tourist Destinations in Germany with VisitGermany.com

Germany, as you may know, not only has beautiful natural sights to see, but also has both modern and historical buildings, constructions and points of culture which make it almost impossible to make a definitive Top 10 list, however, completing this sightseeing tour of Germany, will leave most travelers and tourists happy.

The first stop I recommend anyone makes whilst in Germany is Rhine River Valley. Situated between Koblenz and Rudesheim, this scenic and romantic area has breathtaking views and you can also take cruises along the route to see the sights by water.

The castle Neuschwanstein in Bavaria is not only world famous for its history and design, but it is also the most photographed building in Germany. Designed by King Ludwig II in 1869 and built by a theatre designer as opposed to an architect, this fairy tale castle played inspiration to Walt Disney as he drew it as the castle in Sleeping Beauty.

If there were a national symbol of Germany, it would be the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin. Built in 1791 as a symbol of peace, it has a winged goddess on top of it, riding a horse drawn chariot. When Germany was divided into East and West, the gate stood between the two and was the site where President Reagan ordered the destruction of the Berlin wall. The gate now serves as a symbol on unity between the two sides.

The Cathedral of Cologne in the third tallest cathedral in the world. When it was completed in 1880, it was built exactly as depicted in its original plans that were drawn up over 600 years before it in 1248.The cathedral is Germanys most visited building and survived the bombing of the city during World War II due to the fact that bombers used it for their navigation around the city.

To soak up the true essence of German culture, one must visit the very heart of it in the Thuringian city of Weimar. Since Goethe first moved there in the 18th century, the city has become a homing beacon for the brightest minds of Germany and its list of former residents include Bach, Wagner and Schiller but to name only a few. As well as the palaces, parks and gardens, one can also visit the homes and birth places of the Who's Who of German culture.

No well planned trip to Germany could possibly be complete without visiting the Oktoberfest festival in Munich. With over 6 million people attending each year, Oktoberfest is the world's largest fair and is the best place to taste German sausage, sauerkraut and of cause the beer. With 14 different beer halls, there is fun to be had for everyone.

The old centre of Nuremberg is a breathtaking view at any time of the year, but in November, the Christmas Market is erected and the city is transformed into a winter wonderland for all. In this open air market there are over 180 wooden stalls selling almost everything you could possibly image in preparation for Christmas and is a magical treat for both young and old.

Built by the Romans in 16B.C, Trier is the oldest city in Germany. Located to the north of the alps, Trier became residence to many Roman emperors. As well as the Porta Nigra, the cathedral in this historic city also plays home to the Holy Robe warn by Jesus during his crucifixion.

The Black Forest or Schwarzwald, stretches from the idyllic spa town of Baden Baden though to the Swiss border covering a massive 4,600 square miles. Whether you're hiking, cycling or driving your way through the Black Forest, there are many gorgeous sights to see and routes to take including the Wine route and the German Clock Road.

The Church of Our Lady or the Dresden Frauenkirche, has a symbolic meaning and historic importance. After it was destroyed during the air raids of the Second World War, the ruins laid untouched for over 40 years to act as a reminder of the destruction caused by war. In 1994, reconstruction began and it was finally returned to its former state in 2005.

For more information on Major German Cities, please visit our guides to Berlin; Cologne; Frankfurt; Hamburg and Munich.