Landmarks are recognizable features of the landscape, some carved out by nature, some man made.
Landmarks are often popular tourist attractions that make great travel destinations and deserve a spot on our “must see” travel wish lists. So, if you’re looking for some of the best places to visit on your next trip to Germany then look no further !
Top Famous German landmarks that you need to see right now!
There are many Famous landmarks in Germany, so many that we don’t have room for them all here! So, we will be focusing on only the very best of the famous landmarks in this article!
In this article you will find OVER 50 THE VERY BEST “Germany Famous Landmarks”
That’s a LOT of fabulous stuff to cover!
In order to tidy things up, we are going to utilize two things:
- TABLE OF CONTENTS you’ll find it below. Use it to skip ahead to your favorite categories, or settle in and devour every last one of these famously fantastic German Landmark sites.
- PAGES There are 3 total pages in this article. You’ll find page numbers at the bottom of this page so be sure to KEEP READING!
Are you looking for more Landmarks to add to your Europe travel itinerary? You may find this article on Top European Landmarks of interest!
*Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small fee. I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own.
Table of contents:
page 1
1: Map of Famous Landmarks
2: Landmarks for Nature Lovers
3: Natural Landmarks
4: Historical Landmarks
page 2
5. castles and palaces
page 3
6. churches and cathedrals
7. honorable mention (Cathedrals & Churches)
8: honorable mention (World Heritage)
9: honorable mention (Castles and palaces)
10: honorable mention (modern architectural landmarks)
11: honorable mention (historical)
12. plan your trip to Germany!
Map of Famous Landmarks In Germany
use this map to help plan a star studded trip to Germany…Gute Reise!
FOLLOW THIS LINK for an interactive Google Map with these Famous Landmarks!
Landmarks Germany: for Nature lovers
These next “ famous landmarks of Germany “ are man made structures set in nature so you get the best of both worlds.
(1) The Bastei Bridge (The Bastion Bridge / Basteibrücke)
The Bastei, located in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains, is a bridge that spans a one of a kind ancient rock formation. The rock formation and bridge tower over the Elbe River and the Saxon Switzerland National Park (Nationalpark Sächsische Schweiz) below.
(2) The Devil’s Bridge / Rakotzbrücke
Located in the state of Saxony, is a whimsical half circle bridge that is one of Germany’s most fanciful iconic landmarks. The reflection of The Devil’s Bridge in the waters of tiny Rakotzee Lake causes the bridge to appear as a full circle.
Folklore often refers to these fanciful and seemingly logic defying structures as Devil’s bridges.
The Devil’s Bridge is a 1.5 hour drive from either Dresden or the Saxon Switzerland National Park.
(3) Geierlay Suspension Bridge (Geierlay Hängeseilbrücke)
Thrill seekers this one’s for you, because my feet prefer to stay firmly planted on the ground! If you find yourself in the Rhine River / Moselle River area check out the Geierlay Bridge, the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in Germany. Navigate your way along this 360 meter long pedestrian bridge that’s suspended 100 meters above the ground below for maximum thrills and amazing views.
natural landmarks in Germany
Germany is flush with natural landmarks! Here are some of the most recognizable:
(4) Triberg Wasserfall (Triberger Wasserfälle)
Triberg is located in the Black Forest (Schwarzwald auf Deutsch!) The Black Forest is a magical densely forested area in southern Germany, where one might expect to find gnomes and fairies around any corner.
The lush green landscape of the Black forest is where you will find one of Germany’s highest waterfalls. In addition to seeing the famous waterfall in Triberg, you can also shop for whimsical cuckoo clocks and get a taste of some delectable Black Forest cake! (cherries, chocolate, cream, and a touch of cherry-flavored liquor…yum!)
To learn about how you can get a taste of what Triberg has to offer, check out my “Triberg Germany trip planner!”
(5) The Alps
The Alps are a mountainous region that stretch across several European countries, including southern Germany. The Bavarian Alps, with their towering peaks, alpine lakes, and alpine villages are a wonderful place to visit.
Mount Zugspitze is located in the Bavarian Alps and happens to be Germany’s highest mountain. For panoramic views of the stunning alpine landscape that surrounds Zugspitze, head to the viewing platform / observation deck at the very top, and don’t miss the emerald-green Eibsee at the base of the mountain.
Why are Alpine lakes green? One of the Best things about Alpine Lakes is their stunning green color. As it makes its way down the mountain, ice melt creates a fine powder sediment that settles at the bottom of these lakes. The sediment deposits are what give the lakes their lovely color.
Get more information: Complete Visitor Guide: Stunning Eibsee Lake and Zugspitze Mountain!
(6 & 7) Königssee and Obersee Lakes
Ah the Bavarian Alps, a little bit of heaven on earth and the lakes in heaven are just, well heavenly! Konigsee is a fjord like lake nestle in the German Alps. Take a scenic boat tour on Konigsee to the back of the lake where you have the option to disembark. From there, a lovely path leads to Obersee, an idyllic emerald green lake. Röthbachfall waterfall, Germany’s highest, is located behind Obersee.
get more details: read about the best way to see both Königssee and Obersee Lakes.
(8) River Rhine (Rhein)
The famous Rhine River slowly meanders its way through some of the most lovely scenery in Deutschland! The banks of the Rhine River are littered with castles, castle ruins, and oh so adorable villages!
The most romantic and beautiful part (arguably) of the Rhine runs through the The Lorelei Valley (Loreley) in Germany. The Lorelei Valley has been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Consider adding a short trip on the most scenic section of the Rhine to your Germany Itinerary. If you’re looking for something longer you can book multi-day cruises on the Rhine!
You may be interested in: Must See Rhine River Castles!
Want to stay in a castle overlooking the banks of the Rhine River?
Here are two great options for castle stays in the lovely Lorelei Valley in these 4-star options:
Burghotel auf Schönburg Oberwesel
This romantic hotel offers gourmet cuisine and spectacular views of the Rhine River Valley.
Romantik Hotel Schloss Rheinfels
A great home base for exploration and more stunning views of the Rhine River Valley down below!
(9) Tree path Regensburg (Pappelallee)
You’ll feel a bit like you’ve landed in a daydream when you visit the fancifully crooked tree path in the World Heritage town of Regensburg. (Find it on Google Maps / GPS: try entering “Pappelallee” (popular avenue))
Pro tip: while you’re in Regensburg make your way to Historische Wurstküche zu Regensburg the 876 year old sausage house! The building was built in 1135 AD. (Restaurant opened in 1146 making it the oldest continuously open public restaurant in the world.)
Historical landmarks in Germany
Germany is just flush with history! It’s the perfect place to take a trip back in time. I love the way they preserve their ancient treasures instead of tearing them down just to replace them with modern structures that are often completely lacking in personality. You’ll find many very well preserved medieval towns in Germany.
Here are some of the best historic landmarks in Germany:
(10) Prehistoric Pile Dwelling Museum (Pfahlbauten Unteruhldingen)
Let’s start with one of the oldest of the historical landmarks in Germany. On Lake Constance there is an archaeological open air museum. There you will find recreated dwellings based on Neolithic and Bronze Age stilt house settlements that existed here from around 4,000-850 BC!. The location of the Prehistoric Pile Dwelling Museum on Lake Constance is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
(11 & 12 & 13) Bremen Town Hall (Bremer Rathaus) plus the Roland and Bremen Town Musicians Statues
Bremen is located near the North Sea in northern Europe. The beautiful Bremen Town Hall is one of the most important examples of Brick Gothic and Weser Renaissance architecture in Europe. Together with the Roland Statue, an iconic sight that can be found in the Market Square, it is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
While you’re in Bremen don’t miss one of the most Popular attractions in town, The Bremen Town Musicians Statue! The “Town Musicians of Bremen” is a German fairy tale was published by the Grimm Brothers. It tells the story of a donkey, a cat, a dog and a rooster, that meet and travel together to Bremen to become musicians. Things go awry on their journey, and the rest makes for an interesting tale!
KEEP READING ON THE NEXT PAGE!!!
