Tourism in Germany: From Castles to Breweries

Germany offers an incredible diversity of tourist attractions, ranging from fairytale castles nestled in the Alps to sobering historical sites and world-famous breweries. Whether you want an iconic photo or to explore off the beaten path, this guide covers the highlights.

Neuschwanstein Castle and Marienbrücke

Nestled in Bavaria, Neuschwanstein is Germany’s most famous castle (the inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle). Beyond the castle’s lavish interior, the surrounding nature is the main draw.

Finding the Best View: Marienbrücke

If you are looking for the best bridge to view the whole castle, you are looking for Marienbrücke (Mary’s Bridge).

  • Aussichtspunkt Neuschwanstein und Marienbrücke translates to English as “Neuschwanstein and Mary’s Bridge Viewpoint.”
  • Getting to the bridge: You can hike up a steep paved path from the village of Hohenschwangau (about 40 minutes), take a shuttle bus that drops you near the bridge, or ride a horse-drawn carriage partway.
  • Location: It is suspended directly over the Pöllat Gorge, offering an unobstructed, iconic side-profile view of the castle. Tip: Walk past the initial crowd on the bridge and hike slightly higher into the woods for alternative viewpoints without the elbowing tourists.

Exploring German History

Nuremberg is famous for its medieval architecture and Christmas market, but it is also deeply tied to WWII history. The Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds provides a profound, chilling look into the propaganda machine of the Third Reich. When exploring the area, you can see the massive, unfinished Kongresshalle and the Zeppelin Field where the infamous rallies took place.

Sachsenhausen Memorial

Located just outside Berlin in Oranienburg, the Sachsenhausen Memorial and Museum was a concentration camp used primarily for political prisoners. It is a sobering, essential educational site for those visiting the capital.

German Beer Culture

You cannot visit Germany without exploring its beer culture. The Hofbräuhaus in Munich is arguably the most famous internationally, but Germany is full of historic breweries that have been operating for centuries.

Famous beer towns:

  • Munich: Home of Oktoberfest and the major six breweries (Augustiner, Paulaner, Hacker-Pschorr, etc.).
  • Bamberg: Famous for its Rauchbier (smoked beer) and highest density of breweries per capita.
  • Cologne (Köln) and Düsseldorf: Known for their fierce rivalry between Kölsch (Cologne) and Altbier (Düsseldorf).

Hidden Gems and Alternative Visits

Looking for Germany’s best kept secrets or alternative destinations?

  • Dragon Gorge: The Drachenschlucht (Dragon Gorge) near Eisenach in Thuringia is a stunning, moss-covered narrow gorge perfect for a magical hike.
  • Fairy Grottoes (Feengrotten): Located in Saalfeld, these colorful underground caves were formed by historic alum mining and are stunningly beautiful.
  • Romanesque Church Erfurt: Erfurt is a beautifully preserved medieval city off the main tourist trail, home to incredible churches and the Krämerbrücke (Merchants’ Bridge).