Germany is a country that is rich in history and culture. There are many famous landmarks in Germany that travelers should visit.
From ancient monoliths to modern, iconic landmarks, Germany has something for everyone. Germany also has one of the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Europe with 51 and counting.
Here are some of the most popular landmarks in Germany that can help inspire or plan your next trip to Germany!
Most Famous German Landmark in Germany
The most famous landmark in Germany has to be the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin. The Brandenburg Gate is an iconic landmark from the 18th century. You will likely see this in many travelers’ photos.
Brandenburg Gate
The most recognizable feature of the Brandenburg Gate is evidently the Quadriga on top of it. Standing tall in the capital city of Germany, the Brandenburg Gate is a symbol of freedom and unity. You can find the gate in the western part of the city centre of Berlin within Mitte.
That said, the monument has seen its fair share of conflict over the years but also bore witness to key historical events.
Today, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Germany. If you are visiting Berlin, you will definitely see this famous German landmark. The Brandenburg Gate is in the vicinity of other prominent attractions, and the meeting point for many tourist activities.
Berlin, Germany Landmarks
Reichstag Building
One of the most famous german landmarks in Berlin is the Reichstag Building. The Reichstag Building is a historic building that was originally constructed in 1894.
The Reichstag Building continues to house the German parliament today. It has been used as a seat of government and parliament building for many different organizations throughout its history.
The Reichstag is just right behind the famous Brandenburg Gate, so it is easy to find. Its spiral glass dom is a catchy visual that draws anyone with interest in Germany’s political history.
There is no entrance fee to visit this German landmark, but you will usually need to make a booking in advance. Try not to bring too much stuff with it for an easier time at the security checkpoint. It is after all the German Parliament building.
Berlin Wall
The Berlin Wall was a physical barrier that divided East Berlin from West Berlin between 1961 and 1989. The barrier was erected by the East Germany Democratic Republic (GDR) government to prevent people in East Berlin from escaping to West Germany.
The Berlin wall consists of concrete and barbed wire. At its peak, it was over 12 meters (39 feet) high and ran for 155 kilometers (96 miles).
In 1989, the Berlin Wall fell as a result of the Peaceful Revolution. This event saw huge numbers of Germans from East Berlin take to the streets, demanding democracy and freedom. Germany was reunified later that year.
The fall of the Berlin Wall is one of the most significant moments in European history since the end of World War II. The Berlin wall remains one of the most meaningful and famous landmarks in Germany.
Berlin Wall Memorial
The Berlin Wall Memorial is a museum that commemorates the division of Berlin and the Cold War. The memorial was created in 1998 and you can find it on Bernauer Straße in Berlin.
The memorial consists of the Chapel of Reconciliation, the Berlin Wall Documentation Centre, a 60-metre section of the former border, a window of remembrance and a visitor center. The exhibition area contains photos, videos, and artifacts from the time of the Berlin Wall.
The documentation center provides information about the history of the Berlin Wall. The chapel is dedicated to those who died while trying to cross the Berlin Wall.
It is a somber but important reminder of Germany’s history, as well as the losses in the division of East Germany and West Germany.
The East Side Gallery
The East Side Gallery is a famous section of the Berlin Wall in Germany that features graffiti and street art. The wall stretches for 1.3 km and you can find it on the east side of the Berlin Wall.
The East Side Gallery was originally painted in 1990, shortly after the fall of the Berlin Wall. It has been repainted a few times since then. The artwork on the wall is a memorial to freedom and democracy. This is another symbolic and artistic landmark in Germany.
Visiting the East Side Gallery is free, one of the cheap and fun things to do in Berlin.
The Holocaust Memorial
The Holocaust Memorial in Berlin is a memorial to the victims of the Holocaust. It was inaugurated in May 2005 and is just a block away from the Brandenburg Gate
The memorial consists of 2711 slabs of granite, forming a grid pattern. The slabs are 2.5 meters high and weigh between 1.5 and 5 tons each.
The Holocaust Memorial in Berlin is Germany’s largest and most visited memorial. One of the most famous landmarks in Germany, it is an important reminder of Germany’s dark history and the victims of the Holocaust.
Museum Island
The history of Museum Island in Germany traces back to the early 19th century when Prussian King Frederick William III acquired four museums from the Royal family.
These museums were: The Altes Museum (Old Museum), The Neues Museum (New Museum), The Bode Museum, and The Pergamon Museum.
Each of these museums were designed by different architects and built in a different style. The Altes Museum, which was the first museum on the island, features a classical style. The Neues Museum, which was the last museum to be built on the island, has a neo-classical style.
The museums were originally situated on an island that was surrounded by water. However, the water was eventually filled in and the island became part of the city.
The museums on Museum Island are some of the most famous museums in the world. They are home to an extensive art collection, and several important archaeological artifacts, including the bust of Queen Nefertiti and the Pergamon Altar.
Berlin Cathedral
Berlin Cathedral is a Protestant church located on Museum Island in Berlin, Germany. It is the seat of the Bishop of Berlin.
The cathedral was originally built between 1894 and 1905 in the neo-Gothic style. However, it was heavily damaged during World War II. The cathedral was rebuilt after the war and reopened in 1976.
Berlin cathedral is home to several important religious artifacts, including the coronation throne of Prussia and a bust of Martin Luther. The cathedral also has a large organ, which is one of the largest organs in Germany.
The Berlin Cathedral is a famous landmark in Berlin and Germany. It is a beautiful example of neo-Gothic architecture and features some designs from the Baroque period. The Berlin Cathedral is also home to some significant religious artifacts.
Berlin TV Tower
The Berlin TV Tower is a major landmark at Alexanderplatz, as it sticks out in the capital’s cityscape. Locals usually call it the berlin tower and people instantly know it is referencing the TV tower.
Berlin tower is over 373 meters high, and it has a viewing platform that allows visitors to see the city of Berlin from high up. The tower also has a restaurant, and it is one of the most famous landmarks in Germany.
Frankfurt, Germany Landmarks
Main Tower
The Main Tower is a skyscraper in Frankfurt, Germany. With a height of 157 metres (515 ft), it is the tallest building in Frankfurt.
Construction started in 1996 and ended in 1999. The tower has 41 floors and is the headquarters of the Hessian State Bank.
Frankfurt Römer City Hall
The Frankfurt Römer is a beautiful and well-preserved Romanesque building in Frankfurt. It has been Frankfurt’s town hall since the 14th century, and continues to serve as Frankfurt’s city hall today.
The building is made of red sandstone and has several distinguishing features, including its twin towers. You can find the town hall in Frankfurt’s old town area, a popular tourist zone containing many other famous german landmarks.
Frankfurt Cathedral
The Frankfurt Cathedral, officially known as the Imperial Cathedral of Saint Bartholomew, is a Roman Catholic cathedral.
The cathedral features Gothic architecture and is one of the largest cathedrals in Germany. This german landmark is on the south side of the Römerberg square in the city’s old town.
The construction of the Frankfurt Cathedral started in the 12th century, and it was finally completed in the 15th century. The cathedral was badly damaged during World War II but has been rebuilt since then.
It contains several notable artworks, including an 18-meter-high sculpture of Christ by Tilman Riemenschneider and beautiful stained-glass windows by Marc Chagall.
Bavaria, Germany Landmarks
Neuschwanstein Castle
One of the most magical landmarks in Germany is the Neuschwanstein Castle. The Neuschwanstein Castle is a fairytale castle from the 19th century.
You can find the photogenic castle in Schwangau, Germany. The Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the most famous castles in Europe. It is also one of the castles that belonged to Mad King Ludwig.
If you are looking for a picturesque place to visit while in Germany, be sure to visit Neuschwanstein Castle.
Nymphenburg Palace
Nymphenburg Palace is a Baroque palace in Munich, Germany. The palace was commissioned by the then-elector Maximilian III Joseph of Bavaria in 1701 and built by the architect François de Cuvilliés.
A beautiful 130 ha (320 acre) park surrounds the Nymphenburg Palace, credit to designer André Le Nôtre.
The central building of the palace is the Marstall, which houses the royal stables. On the northern side of the palace is the Amalienburg, a Rococo pavilion with a gilded dome. On the southern side is Nymphenburg Palace’s most famous building: the Schleissheim Wing with its Baroque onion dome.
Lake Constance
Lake Constance is Germany’s third-largest lake. It covers an area of 536 square kilometers and is 63 kilometers long and up to 14 kilometers wide.
Lake Constance has a maximum depth of 246 meters. It borders 3 countries including Austria and Switzerland. The lake is a popular tourist destination, and you can easily spend a day there relaxing in nature.
It is home to two islands, Mainau and Reichenau, which are popular tourist destinations in their own right. With its glistering waters, Lake Constance is one most breathtaking natural landmarks in Germany.
Berchtesgaden National Park
Berchtesgaden National Park is a German national park that was founded in 1978. The park is located in the Bavarian Alps. It is notable for its many peaks, valleys, and lakes. The park is also home to many animals, including deer, ibex, and chamois.
Berchtesgaden National Park is open year-round and offers a variety of activities, including hiking, skiing, fishing, and mountain biking. There are also several restaurants and lodges located in the park. You can get to the park by car or train.
Partnachklamm Gorge
The Partnachklamm Gorge is a natural wonder in the Wetterstein Mountains near the city of Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
The gorge was formed over millions of years by the Partnach River, which still flows through it today. The walls of the gorge are up to 700 meters high, and the river passes through narrow passages and over dramatic waterfalls.
Visitors can walk along a wooden path that follows the river through the gorge, or take a cable car to get a birds-eye view.
Castles that are famous landmarks
One of the things that Germany is famous for are the stunning castles around the country. Here are just some out of a list of beautiful castles in Germany.
Cochem Castle
Cochem Castle is located in Cochem, Germany. It is a beautiful and picturesque castle that overlooks the River Moselle. The castle is a mix of Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture. It is well preserved and is open to visitors.
The castle stands on top of a hill, making it a prominent sight from the town of Cochem. It is one of the famous landmarks in Germany and key highlights in the region.
Hohenzollern Castle
Hohenzollern Castle is a popular tourist destination in Germany. It is on top of Mount Hohenzollern, near the city of Hechingen in Baden-Württemberg.
The castle is a mix of styles from Gothic to Renaissance. It has been the ancestral home of the Hohenzollern family since 1079. The castle was first built in the 11th century and has been rebuilt and expanded many times throughout the years. The current structure dates back to the 1850s.
It is one of the most beautiful historic landmarks in Germany. The castle is open to visitors year-round. It is a popular tourist destination because of its picturesque location and its rich history. The castle has been used as a fortress, a royal palace, and a prison over the years.
Wartburg Castle
Wartburg Castle is an UNESCO world heritage site located on a mountain in the Eisenach district of Thuringia, Germany.
The castle was first built in the middle ages by the Ludowingians. The most famous resident of the castle was Martin Luther who lived there for a year after his exile from Saxony.
The castle was also used as a hospital during World War II. The Wartburg Castle is now open to tourists and is a popular tourist destination.
Eltz Castle
Eltz Castle is one of the most well-preserved historic landmarks in Germany. The medieval castle is famous for its quaint and charming atmosphere.
It was first built in the 12th century and has been passed down through the generations ever since. Eltz Castle used to be a fortress that defended the borders of the Rhineland. Today, it is open to visitors from April to October, and there is an entrance fee to Eltz Castle that varies depending on age.
You can easily access the castle by car, and there is plenty of parking available. There are also several restaurants and cafes on-site in Eltz Castle, as well as a gift shop that sells souvenirs.
Heidelberg Castle, Heidelberg
Heidelberg Castle is a mix of styles from Gothic to Renaissance. It lies in the city of Heidelberg, Germany. The beautiful castle is overlooking the Neckar River. Heidelberg Castle is one of the most famous landmarks in Germany.
This fairytale castle was first built in the 12th century. Over the years, it has been destroyed and rebuilt several times. The current version of the castle is from the 19th century.
Heidelberg Castle is now open to tourists. Visitors can explore the castle grounds and its many rooms and gardens.
Other famous German Landmarks in Germany
Bastei Bridge
The Bastei Bridge is a natural sandstone bridge that is part of the Bastei cliffs in Germany. It is 194 meters long and was originally built in 1851 by King Frederick William IV of Prussia.
The bridge crosses the Elbe River and is one of the most famous landmarks in Germany. Its impressive appearance and picturesque location is no doubt a big factor.
The bridge was designed to help provide better access to the Bastei cliffs, which were popular tourist destinations at the time. The Bastei Bridge quickly became a prominent german landmark in its own right. It soon drew tourists from all over Germany and Europe, with around 1 million visitors each year.
Frauenkirch, Dresden
The Dresden Frauenkirche is a popular landmark in Germany that travelers should visit if they get the chance. It is a prominent structure in the city skyline, and stands below the church in Neumarkt Square.
The Dresden Frauenkirche is a beautiful Lutheran church that was destroyed during World War II, but it was rebuilt and now stands as a symbol of reconciliation.
Best of all, that area in Dresden is where you will find iconic german landmarks and attractions.
Mercedes Benz Museum, Stuttgart
The Stuttgart Mercedes Benz Museum is a popular tourist destination in Germany. The architecture and exhibition concept are closely interwoven, as exhibition designer HG Merz had already been commissioned before the architecture competition in 2001.
It is home to many vintage and classic cars from the Mercedes Benz company.
The museum is also interactive, allowing visitors to explore the inner workings of these cars. The Mercedes Benz Museum is in the city of Stuttgart, in the state of Baden-Württemberg.
Sanssouci Palace, Potsdam
Sanssouci Palace is a former royal palace in Potsdam, Germany. It was the summer residence of Frederick the Great, King of Prussia from 1745 until 1747, and again from 1772 until his death in 1786.
The palace is famous for its beautiful rococo architecture. It was built as a summer residence for Frederick the Great, King of Prussia. The palace features stunning rococo architecture, which is why it is such a popular tourist destination.
Another fun fact is that Potsdam itself is a UNESCO world heritage site, so it is definitely worth a visit to some of these famous landmarks in Germany.
Old Town Hall, Bamberg
Bamberg Old Town Hall is a historic town hall in Bamberg, Germany. The old town itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993.
It is famous for its beautiful half-timbered houses and narrow streets. The historic district is also home to the Bamberg Cathedral, which is the largest church in Franconia.
The old town is a popular tourist destination and is a great place to wander around and explore. Admission is free, making it a very affordable attraction.
Monument to the Battle of Nations, Leipzig
The Monument to the Battle of Nations is a monument in the city of Leipzig. The monument was erected to commemorate the German victory over Napoleon in the Battle of Leipzig, which took place between 16 October and 19 October 1813.
The monument consists of a large column with a statue of Germany at its top. Four groups of statues surround the column, depicting the four nations that fought in the battle: Prussia, Austria, Russia, and France.
Cologne Cathedral, Cologne
The Cologne Cathedral is a Gothic cathedral that was built in the 12th century. It is one of the most famous landmarks in Germany because of its impressive Gothic architecture.
Construction of Cologne Cathedral began in 1248 but was halted in the years around 1560 unfinished. Work did not restart until the 1840s, and the edifice was completed to its original Medieval plan in 1880.
Unsurprisingly, the cathedral is one of Germany’s treasures on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Every year, millions of people come to see this magnificent structure. If you are visiting Germany, be sure to add the Cologne Cathedral to your itinerary!
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Natural Landmarks in Germany
Black Forest
The Black Forest is a large forest that covers parts of southwestern Germany. It is home to many different species of animals and plants. If you are looking for a beautiful place to hike or camp while in Germany, be sure to add the Black Forest to your list!
Triberg waterfall
Triberg waterfall is one of Germany’s most famous landmarks. It is located in the Black Forest mountain region and is 163 meters high. The waterfall is known for its seven stages, which create a beautiful sight.
The Triberg waterfall is also Germany’s largest waterfall. It is a good place to hiking and also just have a nice picnic lunch within nature.
Saxon Switzerland National Park
The national park is a popular getaway for nature lovers in Germany. It is famous for its various rocky cliffs and gorges. The park is open since 1990, and it covers an area of 1,008 hectares.
If you are looking for a beautiful place to go hiking or camping while in Germany, there is much to do at Saxon Switzerland National Park!
Mount Zugspitze
The Zugspitze is a summit in the Wetterstein Mountains on the border of Germany and Austria. At 2,962 metres (9,718 ft), it is the highest mountain in Germany.
The Zugspitze is the northernmost peak of the Wetterstein range, which forms the border between Germany and Austria.
The mountain lies about 5 km (3 mi) west of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, and 12 km (7 mi) east of Innsbruck, Austria. Its main peak features a steel cross measuring 3.5 m (11 ft) high.
Visiting Landmarks in Germany
Germany is a country that is rich in history and culture. From modern structures to historic buildings, and UNESCO world heritage sites, there is much to see and marvel at.
These are just some of the famous landmarks in Germany that can help in exploring Germany’s fascinating history and culture. However, you are bound to discover other attractive and curious german landmarks during your visit.
