Old Town Hall Bamberg (Altes Rathaus)
The Old Town Hall, which spans a portion of the Linker Regnitz River in Bamberg, is a very recognizable “ Germany landmark.” Bamberg, with its well preserved 11th-19th century structures, is located in northern Bavaria .
The Old Town Hall is surrounded by Bamberg’s Old Town, with its medieval streets and Europe’s largest intact old city wall.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Rothenburg is one of Germany’s most popular destinations and for good reason! It’s a fairy tale come to life, and yes it was even the inspiration for the higgledy-piggledy little village in the Walt Disney Pinocchio movie.
But, Disney aside, Rothenburg is one of Germany’s most well preserved historical landmarks. This medieval city will charm you with its half-timbered houses, cobbled streets, and 14th century medieval town walls. Take yourself to Rothenburg and take a step back in time!
First time in Rothenburg? Don’t miss a thing! Rothenburg ob der Tauber: how to make the best of your trip!
Roman sites in Trier
Much older even than Rothenburg is the ancient city of Tier, located in wine country in southwest Germany. Trier, teeming with amazing landmarks, was founded by Romans. You will be delighted to find several well preserved Roman structures still standing.
The best examples of Roman structures in Trier:
- Porta Nigra Gate is an ancient Roman City gate from the year 170 AD.
- Roman baths ruins, a large Roman bath complex from the early 4th century, constructed during the reign of Holy Roman Emperor Constantine I (Constantine the Great) during the time that his son lived in Trier.
- Roman amphitheater
- Stone bridge over the Moselle River. (Römerbrücke) There was a bridge here as early as the year 17 BC.
- Archaeological Museum displays Roman artifacts.
Trier is, as you might expect, listed as a UNESCO site.
Historical Landmarks in Berlin Germany
Berlin is the largest city in Germany, so it’s not surprising that they have their fair share of famous landmarks, most of which are located in the city center.
Here are the best historical landmarks in Berlin:
Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburger Tor)
The Brandenburg Gate is an 18th-century neoclassical monument in Berlin just off of the Pariser Platz. The city gate was built under the Prussian King Frederick William II.
The Berlin Wall
After World War II Germany was divided during the ensuing Cold war. The “Iron curtain” split the country into East Germany (German Democratic Republic) and West Germany, (Bundesrepublik Deutschland or Federal Republic of Germany)…two separate countries.
The split thereby divided the historic town of Berlin into East Berlin and West Berlin and a wall went up dividing the two sides.
After the German Reunification in 1990, and the subsequent Fall of the Berlin Wall, the Berlin Wall Memorial became one of the most Popular landmarks in Berlin.
There are two popular spots to visit on what remains of the Berlin Wall:
- East Side Gallery is the longest surviving section of the Berlin Wall. Today colorful works of art adorn what was at one time a dark symbol that divided a country of kinsmen.
- Checkpoint Charlie-Today there is a monument where Checkpoint Charlie,the best known wall crossing, once stood. All that is left is a concrete slab and a small shack.
Other ” Germany landmarks “ in Berlin
Museum Island (Museumsinsel)
is a museum complex on Spree Island in Berlin, and yet another UNESCO site. The five museums on the island include: The Pergamon Museum (classical antiquities, Greek and Roman art) The Bode Museum (unique collection of sculptures) The Neues Museum (world class exhibit museum) The Alte Nationalgalerie (art museum) The Altes Museum (royal art collections)
Looking for more? “17 Best Museums Berlin – Ultimate Museum Guide for Berlin“
TV Tower (Berliner Fernsehturm) While visiting Museum Island, notice the lanky TV Tower in the background. This is another “ German Famous Landmark.” Make your way to the top of the tower for panoramic views of Berlin and a revolving restaurant!
Castles and Palaces
There are literally thousands of castles and castle ruins in Germany. It’s just hard to comprehend and even if you’re obsessed with castles like I am, you could probably never see them all (around 12,000!…NOT kidding.)
Here are some of the very best German Landmark Castles:
Neuschwanstein Castle (Schloss Neuschwanstein)
What is Germany’s most famous Landmark? I would have to say that (arguably) the most Famous German landmark is Neuschwanstein Castle. The sight of this castle, located in the Bavarian Alps, is recognized around the world.
It’s a decidedly fairy tale castle that was built by King Ludwig, who was a real dreamer and visionary, and sadly one of Germany’s most tragic historical figures. Take the guided tour of this popular tourist destination (the opulent throne room is a sight to behold!)
Did you know that Neuschwanstein, one of Germany’s most famous castles, is just across the valley from another that is well worth visiting? That’s right, bright and cheery in a nice shade of yellow, Hohenschwangau castle (Schloss Hohenschwangau) was King Ludwig’s childhood home and both can be toured on the same day!
Plan your visit to this duo of castles: Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein: Everything you need to know to plan your trip! PLUS I’ll tell you more about the unfortunate King Ludwig, a man who had it all but lost it too soon.
Eltz castle
So many of Europe’s landmarks have tragically been destroyed by war throughout the centuries. That’s not the case with Burg Eltz, the medieval castle situated in a densely forested area of the Mosel River Valley. The original castle, built nearly 900 years ago, still stands in this spot, the original family still in ownership of the castle. The Burg Eltz Castle grounds consist of dense forests with a network of walking trails, a fun way to round out your visit!
Looking no further than here for the best visitor guide! Ultimate Burg Eltz Castle Guide
Heidelberg castle (Schloss Heidelberg)
Heidelberg Castle is a Gothic Renaissance structure located just an hour south of Frankfurt International Airport (1.5 hours by train) This beautiful castle, built in 1214 AD, still stands guard high above the city but is classified as a ruin because it has only been partially rebuilt since its demolition in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Castle Marienburg (Schloss Marienburg)
Whimsical Marienburg Castle is a virtual fairy tale dream come to life. The decidedly fanciful architecture makes this castle a great place to let your imagination run free! The castle, located in northern Germany near Hanover, was completed in 1867.
Hohenzollern Castle (Burg Hohenzollern)
This massive Gothic Revival fortification is located near Stuttgart in southern Germany. The original 11th century castle was destroyed in 1423, the current structure completed in 1867. With over 350,000 visitors per year, Hohenzollern Castle is one of the most visited castles in Germany.
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