75 Famous Landmarks in Germany
Germany has so many impressive landmarks and attractions, I couldn’t possibly list them all in one blog post. But if you’re looking for some of the most famous landmarks in Germany, we’ve got you covered with this list.
Many of these historical landmarks in Germany are places you’ve probably wanted to see for years, reasons you have for wanting to visit Germany in the first place. And some you might not have heard of before, but maybe this list will encourage you to explore more of this wonderful country and show that it’s worth visiting Germany.
Famous Landmarks in Germany
Germany has so many amazing landmarks throughout the entire country. Many are man-made monuments and buildings, while others are natural landmarks.
There’s bound to be a handful you want to add to your Germany bucket list, so keep reading for the details.
What is the most famous landmark in Germany?
I’m not sure I can definitively pick just one place for THE most famous landmark in Germany. I think it’s a three way tie between the TV Tower in Berlin, Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, and Neuschwanstein Castle.
But so many other landmarks are famous in Germany, and it’s worth adding several of these to your trip.
Berlin and nearby
Berlin has tons of popular landmarks, and I want to share so many of them with you. I’m a bit biased because I love this city, but I think you’ll agree that Berlin is pretty impressive.
Be sure to check out these landmarks and monuments, and check out our full list of landmarks in Berlin.
Brandenburg Gate

Brandenburger Tor is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Germany, and it’s located in the center of Berlin. It’s the only remaining city gate in Berlin and was built between 1788 and 1791.
During the Cold War, the gate sat on the line between East and West Berlin and was inaccessible due to where the Berlin Wall was built. Once the Wall came down, Brandenburg Gate came to symbolize the reunification of Germany.
>>Read: Interesting Places to See Cold War Sites in Berlin
Berlin TV Tower

The TV Tower, or Fernsehturm, rivals Brandenburg Gate for the award of most famous landmark in Berlin, and it’s certainly one of the most popular landmarks in Germany. When the Soviets designed the TV Tower during the Cold War, it was intentionally designed to be high enough that you could see it from almost everywhere in the city.
The TV Tower is also one of the most popular places for views of Berlin from above. But the lines can be long, so it’s best not to wait until you get there.
Here are our recommendations for TV Tower tickets:
Victory Column
Berlin’s Victory Column sits in a roundabout in the center of Tiergarten park, and it was constructed to honor Prussia’s victory in the Franco-German war. This Germany landmark is also a great place for views of Berlin.
For a small fee, you can climb the 285 stairs to the viewing platform, and from there you’ll see lots of the top sights in Berlin, like Tiergarten, Brandenburg Gate, the TV Tower, and more. The Victory Column is one of my favorite cheap thing to do in Berlin.
Reichstag Building

The impressive Reichstag Building is home to the seat of the German government, located just a few steps from Brandenburg Gate. It’s topped by a unique glass dome, which is accessible to the public on a free tour.
The free tour of the Reichstag Building has an audio guide that tells you about Germany’s government, the building, the surrounding areas, and more interesting facts. It’s one of the most popular free things to do in Berlin, and you must book your tour in advance.
>>Read: What to Wear & What to Pack for Germany: Ultimate Germany Travel Packing List
Berliner Dom

The Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom in German) sits next to the impressive museums on Museum Island. This Protestant cathedral is another famous landmark in Germany you should see while you’re in Berlin to learn about its long history.
Church services still take place here, but you can tour the building when services are not going on. You can even climb to the top for views.
>>Read: Best World War II & Cold War Sights in Berlin
Oberbaum Bridge

The Oberbaumbrücke spans the Spree River connecting Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg, and it served as one of the pedestrian crossings between East and West Berlin. After the Wall came down, the bridge’s World War II damage was fully repaired, allowing cars to cross as well.
The Ubahn line that once crossed here was once again connected to the Warschauer station on the east side of the river, and today you can cross on foot, by car, or on the U1 or U3. The bridge’s old appearance makes it an interesting landmark in Germany to see.
>>Read: Fun Facts About Berlin
Charlottenburg Palace

Completed in 1699, this was the summer palace for Sophie Charlotte, and it was still outside the Berlin city limits at that time. When she died at the young age of 36, the palace was renamed to honor her.
Today this gorgeous landmark in Germany is a museum where you can see tableware, porcelain, Prussian crown jewels, and more as well as learn more about the history of Charlottenburg Palace. This palace is one of the best castles in Berlin.
Even if you don’t go inside, the gardens of the palace are quite impressive, and free of charge.
>>Read: How Many Days in Berlin Do You Need?
East Side Gallery

The East Side Gallery is one of the most popular landmarks in Germany, and seeing it is one of the top things to do in Berlin. It’s very photogenic, and it represents a huge piece of Berlin’s history.
This is one of the longest remaining sections of the Berlin Wall, and it’s covered in thought-provoking art. Some sections have been there for decades while others change from time to time, so there’s a wide spread of messages from each work of art.
There are lots of places in Berlin to see the Berlin Wall, but this is the most famous piece by far.
Read our full post for tips on visiting the East Side Gallery.
Holocaust Memorial

The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, also known as the Holocaust Memorial, is a somber place that honors the Jewish victims of the Nazi regime. It’s an important landmark in Germany for remembering the country’s dark past so those mistakes don’t get repeated.
This is one of the most important World War II sites in Berlin. It’s located across the street from Tiergarten and not far from Brandenburger Tor.
Pay your respects, don’t sit on the blocks, and please don’t take selfies here.
>>Read: When is the Best Time to Visit Berlin?
Bernauer Strasse Memorial

Another historic landmark in Germany you should definitely check out is the Bernauer Strasse Wall Memorial. This memorial describes the history of a street divided down the middle by the Berlin Wall and how it affected those who lived there.
The visitor center shows two excellent short films (English available) about the Wall, and the memorial itself stretches for nearly a mile. I highly recommend watching these videos as they are very moving and insightful.
Check out our detailed guide to visiting the Bernauer Strasse Berlin Wall Memorial.
Gendarmenmarkt

Gendarmenmarkt is one of the prettiest squares in Berlin, and it’s a location you should include on your Berlin itinerary.
In this beautiful square you’ll see three gorgeous buildings: German and French cathedrals (Deutscher und Französischer Dom) and Schinkel’s Konzerthaus (concert hall). The cathedrals are now museums.
It’s worth visiting this Berlin landmark any time of the year, but if you’re visiting in December, Gendarmenmarkt hosts one of the prettiest Christmas markets in Berlin.
Museum Island

Museum Island is a UNESCO World Heritage site located next to the Berlin Cathedral. This is a must see attraction for museum lovers.
The museums here are the Pergamon Museum, the Bode Museum, the Altes Museum (Old Museum), the Neues Museum (New Museum), and the Alte Nationalgalerie (Old National Gallery). Their impressive appearance matches the wealth of exhibits found inside these Berlin museums.
The Museum Island Welcome Card gives you a 72 hour transport pass, free entry to all museums and collections on Berlin’s Museum Island (Pergamon Museum, Bode Museum, Altes Museum, Alte Nationalgalerie, and Neues Museum), and discounts at many other museums and attractions.
Another option is the normal Welcome Card which gives you discounted entrance to the museums on Museum Island plus discounts at many other museums and attractions. It also includes a transport pass with an option for either 48 hours, 72 hours, 4 day, 5 day, or 6 day.
Checkpoint Charlie
Checkpoint Charlie is the most famous border crossing between East and West Berlin. Once the Wall fell, Checkpoint Charlie became a must see tourist attraction in Berlin. Men dressed as American soldiers used to be there for photo ops, but they have been banned.
This is definitely a famous landmark in Germany, but I promise you, it’s the most overrated sight in the city. It’s really the only attraction on the list that I’ll tell you is totally fine to skip.
The nearby Checkpoint Charlie Museum is much more informative and definitely recommended.
Spreewald

The Spreewald isn’t located in Berlin, but it’s not too far away. This forest south of the city is a protected UNESCO biosphere reserve, and it’s a great place to go when you want some time out in nature.
Take a day trip from Berlin to Spreewald to enjoy boating, hiking, and some of Germany’s best pickles.
Potsdam
Potsdam is just outside of Berlin, but it deserves it’s own section because there are so many famous landmarks in Germany here. It’s a charming town with tons of palaces that are part of one of Berlin’s UNESCO sites.
Potsdam is one of the most popular day trips from Berlin for good reasons.
Sanssouci Palace

This is the most well known palace in Potsdam, and it is often compared to Versailles in France, though it’s smaller. It was built in the mid 1700s for Frederick the Great, King of Prussia, and it served as his summer palace.
If you’re planning a day trip to Potsdam from Berlin, be sure to include this gorgeous palace.
Neues Palais

Roughly 20 years after Frederick the Great had Sanssouci Palace built, he had the New Palace built in stark contrast.The palace is located at the end of a long pathway and is an impressive part of Sanssouci Park.
Where Sanssouci is more modest, the Neues Palais is more elaborate. It has over 200 rooms and was primarily used for hosting events and receiving important guests, such as royalty and dignitaries.
>>Read: How to Get to Potsdam From Berlin by Train
Charlottenhof Palace
Charlottenhog Palace, or Charlottenhof Villa, was the summer residence of Crown Prince Frederick William, who later became King Frederick William IV. He had the architect remodel a farmhouse into the neo-classical villa you see today.
The interiors of the palace have remained mostly the same over the years. The surrounding land was redesigned into an English garden and connected into Sanssouci Park.
Cecilienhof Palace

Built from 1914 to 1917 in the style of an English Tudor manor house, Cecilienhof Palace was the last palace built by the Hohenzollern family. They were the family who ruled the Kingdom of Prussia and German Empire until the end of World War I.
Cecilienhof Palace is an important landmark in Germany for being the location of the Potsdam conference, which took place after the end of World War II. This is when the Allies met to discuss and decide how to handle post war Europe and Asia.
Munich
Munich is another fantastic city in Germany you should visit, and it’s chock full of famous German landmarks and monuments. It’s also a great city to combine with Berlin, so be sure to check out our itinerary for one week in Germany that includes both cities.

Marienplatz
Marienplatz is the main square in the old town, and it’s flanked on one side by the impressive neo-gothic Neues Rathaus (New City Hall) building. This historical landmark is the perfect place to start your exploration of Munich.
>>See if Berlin or Munich is better to visit.
Neues Rathaus
The Neues Rathaus is such an impressive building in Munich, definitely someplace for your bucket list. Its Glockenspiel plays at 11am and noon, so try to see the building at one of those times.
You can also take an elevator to a viewing platform in the Neues Rathaus for fantastic views of Munich.
Munich Residenz
Munich Residenz is a gorgeous palace is right in the middle of Munich. It was once home to Bavarian royalty, and there are over 130 rooms. The intricate decorations of the rooms will surly impress you.
Frauenkirche
This is Munich’s largest church, and its double towers are, by law, the tallest building in the city. It’s a German landmark you can’t miss while you’re in Munich.
This church is another good place to go for views of Munich. You can reach the top with a mix of stairs and elevator.
>>Read: How to Get From Berlin to Munich by Train and Bus
St. Peter’s Church

St. Peter’s Church is Munich’s oldest church, and it’s my favorite place for views of Munich because you can see both the Rathaus building and Frauenkirche. It’s all stairs, and they’re narrow, but it’s worth the climb.
Nymphenburg Palace

Nymphenburg Palace is another beautiful palace in Munich that was once the summer residence of Bavarian royalty. The ornate rooms will wow you, and the gardens are just as gorgeous.
>>How to Get Around Germany: An Easy Guide to Transportation in Germany
Bavaria
Bavaria is one of the most popular regions of Germany because it’s so gorgeous and it has so much to offer. Aside from the landmarks in Munich, here are just a few of the other must see landmarks you’ll find in Bavaria.
Bamberg Town Hall building

Bamberg Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with charming half timbered buildings. The Bamberg Town Hall building was built on an artificial island in the middle of the river, and it’s definitely one of the most interesting landmarks to see in Germany.
Nuremberg Castle

The Nuremberg Castle is impressive and is definitely worth adding to your list of Germany landmarks to see. It sustained quite a lot of damage during WWII, but luckily has been restored.
The castle tower is also the best place for views of Nuremberg from above.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber

The most famous town on Germany’s Romantic Road is Rothenburg ob der Tauber, famous for the view pictured above. Rothenburg is also one of the few remaining walled cities in Germany, so you should explore beyond that postcard view.
Regensburg old town

Regensburg is a picturesque Bavarian city on the UNESCO list, and it’s the most well-preserved medieval city in Germany. The city is more than 2,000 years old, and much of the architecture has Roman influences, and you’ll see lots of brick here.
Since Regensburg escaped WWII damage, the city is full of original buildings that date back hundreds of years, making it an interesting city to visit. You could easily spend one day in Regensburg.
Zugspitze

Zugspitze is the highest mountain in Germany, and it’s easy to explore this gorgeous region of the country while basing yourself in the town of Garmisch Partenkirchen. For outdoor enthusiasts, this is one of the best natural landmarks in Germany.
Luckily you don’t have to be a climber to reach the top of the mountain. A combination of trains and cable cars takes you to the top of Zugspitze where you can enjoy unmatched views.
Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein Castle is definitely one of the most famous landmarks in Germany. It is the creation of the Mad King Ludwig who nearly bankrupted Bavaria building it, and it’s the inspiration behind Disney’s fairy tale castle in Florida.
The only way to see the inside of the castle is by taking a guided tour, and you have to book a specific time with your ticket. Your tour guide will tell you all about the castle’s interesting history, but no photography is allowed inside.
Dachau
Dachau Concentration Camp is a somber and important place to see when visiting Germany. It’s located near Munich, and it’s one of the most well known concentration camps where you can learn about the horrors of the Nazi regime and the Holocaust.
Leipzig
Leipzig is a popular city to visit in Germany, though it’s often overlooked by American tourists. Consider taking a day trip from Berlin to Leipzig.
You’ll find lots of interesting history here, and here are some of the city’s best landmarks and monuments.
Leipzig Marktplatz
This is Leipzig’s main market square in the Old Town, a great place to start your sightseeing. You’ll find several important buildings on this square and many other attractions nearby.
St. Nicholas Church

St. Nicholas Church (Nikolaikirche in German) is a church where Bach served as a choirmaster. This church was also an important part of the nonviolent protests that eventually helped bring an end to the East German communist rule, making it an important landmark in Germany.
Volkerschlachtdenkmal

In English this is the Battle of the Nations Monument, and it’s one of the most famous monuments in Germany as it is the largest war memorial in Europe. It was built to honor the 100th Anniversary of Napoleon’s defeat at the Battle of the Nations in Leipzig in 1813.
Old Rathaus building

The Old Rathaus is the Old Town Hall building on Leipzig’s Marktplatz, and it’s a beautiful Renaissance building you should check out. It dates back to 1556 and remained the seat of Leipzig City Council until the 20th century, when in 1909 it became the Museum of City History.
>>Read: How to Get from Berlin to Leipzig: Train and Bus Options
Dresden
Another gorgeous city you should consider visiting while in Germany, Dresden is located in eastern Germany, south of Berlin. You can visit Dresden on a day trip from Berlin, or consider staying overnight to have more time to explore the various landmarks.
Frauenkirche

The Frauenkirche Dresden is a Lutheran church that is seen as a symbol of Dresden’s rebirth after World War II. Its reconstruction is viewed as a sign of post-war international reconciliation.
Originally built between 1727 and 1743, the Frauenkirche was destroyed during the bombing of 1945. Afterwards, the ruins stood as a war memorial for 50 years before donations from around the world helped rebuild the church.
Brühl’s Terrace

Brühl’s Terrace is one of the prettiest places to go for a stroll to admire both the Elbe River and the city’s architecture. This terrace along the river is where the old city ramparts were once located.
Neumarkt

Neumarkt is a large square in Dresden that hosts the Striezelmarkt, Dresden’s famous Christmas market that has been running since 1434 and is considered to be the oldest Christmas market in the world. It’s a pretty square to see anytime of year.
Fürstenzug
Along the outer walls of the Dresden Castle, you’ll find the Fürstenzug, a long mural depicting the rulers of Saxony through the ages. It’s an impressive mural made from roughly 23,000 Meissen porcelain tiles, though it was originally painted.
Zwinger Palace

Another historic landmark in Germany, Zwinger Palace is an impressive 18th century Baroque palace. Inside is an extensive art museum, and the grounds surrounding the palace feature gardens, fountains, and statues.
>>Read: How to Get from Berlin to Dresden: Train and Bus Options
Quedlinburg

Quedlinburg is a beautiful and well preserved medieval town in central Germany. It’s located on the edge of the Harz Mountains and was in the former East when the country was divided.
The old town is so well preserved, it’s had UNESCO status since 1994. Check out the famous Rathaus building pictured above, as well as the castle and church on the hill.
Wander the streets and admire the many half timbered houses. Read more about all the things to do in Quedlinburg.
Southeastern Germany
The southeastern region of Germany includes Leipzig and Dresden, but also lots of other interesting cities, castles, and gorgeous natural areas. Add some of these landmarks to your wish list.
Saxon Switzerland National Park

Saxon Switzerland National Park, located in the southeast part of the country, is one of Germany’s most gorgeous natural landmarks and one of its 16 national parks. The park covers an area of 274 square miles, and it’s great for hikers or cyclists.
If you enjoy hiking and being out in nature, this could be a great option for a weekend trip from Berlin.
Devil’s Bridge

Known as Rakotzbrücke in German, Devil’s Bridge is a delicate stone bridge that spans the water in a half circle shape. The reflection completes the circle for an amazing effect. It’s located in Kromlau, in Kromlauer Park.
Albrechtsburg Castle

The Albrechtsburg Castle in Meissen is a gorgeous hilltop castle on the Elbe River that’s also the oldest castle in Germany. The town of Meissen is well known for porcelain production, so you should also visit the Porcelain Manufactory and the adjoining Neoclassical Museum where you can see a stunning collection of porcelain items made several centuries ago.
Krämerbrücke

Consider visiting Erfurt on a day trip from Berlin, and you’ll be rewarded with this interesting Germany landmark. Krämerbrücke is an old merchants bridge with picturesque buildings on it, just one of the many great attractions you’ll see here.
Tangermünde Old Town and Castle

This is one of the most preserved towns in Saxony-Anhalt, and it features an impressive castle. At the fortress museum named Burgmuseum, you can learn about the history of Tangermünde’s castle and take a tour of the palace built by Frederich I in 1700.
Hamburg
You can plan a day trip from Berlin to Hamburg to see many of its famous landmarks, but you could also spend days in this interesting port city without getting bored. Hamburg will show you yet another side to Germany.
Speicherstadt

Hamburg was an important port for a long time, and the Speicherstadt district is where you can see the canals and warehouses that were once an important part of the shipping and trading. It’s an impressive landmark to wander through, plus there are several museums here.
Speicherstadt is also a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site.
>>Read: How to Get from Berlin to Hamburg: Train and Bus Options
Miniatur Wunderland

Miniatur Wunderland is a fantastic model railway museum with entire cities recreated in miniature with unbelievable detail. You could easily spend a few hours here, it’s that good.
I’ve been there three times, and I can’t get enough. Book tickets ahead to avoid the long wait.
Elbphilharmonie

Check out the Elbphilharmonie, one of the most famous landmarks in Germany and home to Hamburg’s philharmonic. Even if you don’t take in a show, you can still go to the impressive viewing platform for views of the city.
Hamburg Harbor

Located between the North and Baltic seas, Hamburg was an important trade city for centuries. The city had a vast trade route across the globe and was a major port of departure for immigrants.
Its maritime history is still an important part of the city’s identity. At the harbor, you can take a boat tour or visit a museum, such as the Rickmer Rickmers ship museum.
Reeperbahn
This is Hamburg’s infamous red light district, a great place to go for clubbing and listening to music, as well as other activities red light districts are generally known for. Situated in St Pauli, it’s one of the largest red light districts in the whole of Europe.
Beatles Platz
The Beatles got their big break in Hamburg, and it’s a great city for fans. Check out Beatles Platz, a square honoring the band, as well as the clubs they used to play at, such as Indra Club and Kaiserkeller, though many have changed names.
You can even take a Beatles tour in Hamburg to learn more about their iconic connection to the city.
St. Michaeliskirche

This church has been a landmark of Germany in Hamburg since the 18th century. It’s considered one of the most beautiful Hanseatic Protestant Baroque churches in Europe, and it’s a great place to climb for views of the city from above.
Hamburg Rathaus

Hamburg’s historic town hall dates back to 1897, and it’s an impressive building with soaring spires and an ornate sandstone facade. If you’re visiting during the Christmas season, the square in front of the Rathaus holds the city’s main Christmas market.
>>Read: Tasty German Foods to Try: What to Eat in Germany
Northern Germany
This region of Germany doesn’t see as many tourists as places like Bavaria, but there’s a lot to see here. You’ll find interesting Hanseatic League history, impressive castles, and more.
Bremen Roland statue and Rathaus

Bremen was in the Hanseatic League and has some really gorgeous architecture. The Gothic Old Town Hall (Rathaus) dates back to the early 1400s but was renovated in the Weser Renaissance style in the early 1600s.
The Roland statue is from 1404 and stands 18 feet (5.5 meters) tall. It represents market rights and freedom, and together with the Rathaus building, these landmarks are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Holstentor in Lübeck

Lübeck was an important part of the Hanseatic League, and it has a charming old town. Among the historic architecture, check out the old city gates, including Holstentor Gate, which you’ll see when walking from the train station towards the old town.
Schwerin Castle

The northern city of Schwerin is best known for its gorgeous Schwerin Castle. This romantic palace sits on an island and is surrounded by stunning landscapes.
Check out our tips for a day trip to Schwerin from Berlin including details about visiting the castle.
Ludwigslust Palace

The Ludwigslust Palace is a historical Germany landmark that features a vast park, fountains, canals, and brilliant artificial waterfalls. It’s easy to combine a visit to this palace with a trip to Schwerin.
>>Read: 23 Memorable Berlin Souvenirs to Bring Home With You (+ ones to skip)
Southwest Germany
Southwest Germany includes the Black Forest, lots of famous German castles, and several other areas nearby that are worthwhile attractions to see in Germany. Here are some of the highlights you should consider adding to your itinerary.
Black Forest

The Black Forest is a vast natural area that has become one of Germany’s most famous landmarks, and it’s a fantastic region to visit for outdoors enthusiasts. You can do lots of hiking here, or go skiing if you’re visiting in the winter.
It’s the home of Hansel and Gretel, along with many other tales from the Brothers Grimm. The Black Forest is also the perfect place to buy a traditional coo-coo clock, but do some research to make sure you’re getting an authentic one.
Freiburg Cathedral

In the middle of Freiburg’s large market square is the gorgeous cathedral. The market runs every day except Sunday, and you can climb the cathedral tower for views of the city from above.
See how to get from Berlin to Freiburg.
Bächle in Freiburg
Bächle are small canals on the sides of the streets in Freiburg’s old town, and they have water running through them. Kids pull boats by strings through them in the summer, and legend has it that if you step into one of them, you will marry a local.
These mini canals are a charming Germany landmark unique to this city.
Schauinsland
On the outskirts of Freiburg, you can take the cable car up to Schauinsland, one of the tallest mountains in the area, and climb the observation tower. You’ll have spectacular views of the Black Forest, and on a clear day you can supposedly see all the way to Switzerland.
Baden Baden spas

Baden-Baden is a well known spa town in the Black Forest, and it was a Roman bath town which became a popular resort for thermal baths in the 19th century. The town recently gained UNESCO World Heritage status as part of an ensemble of bath towns in Europe, making it one of the best landmarks in Germany.
Heidelberg Castle

Heidelberg Castle is one of the most visited castles in Germany, despite being in partial ruins. The castle played an important role in the history of this region for centuries, and it is now a protected landmark.
Main Tower in Frankfurt

The Main Tower (pronounce more like MINE) is a skyscraper in Frankfurt that has the city’s highest viewing platform. If you like views of cities from above, don’t miss this one.
>>Read: How to Get From Berlin to Frankfurt: Train, Bus, & Flight Options
Gothic Ulm Münster

The Gothic Ulm Münster is an impressive church with the world’s tallest steeple. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Alps from the viewing platform, which is 70m (230ft) high.
Lake Constance

Lake Constance, or Bodensee in German, is a popular vacation spot along the Swiss border. At the lake, you can go boating, swimming, and participate in many other water sports. Or go for a stroll through some of the villages along the lake.
Konstanz and Friedrichshafen are two of the bigger and more popular towns on the lake, but there are plenty of other villages if you’re interested in staying somewhere smaller.
Neues Schloss in Stuttgart
The New Palace was built in the Baroque style in the 1700s in Stuttgart, and it’s one of the last big city palaces built in this part of Germany. Though you might know Stuttgart more for its ties to the auto industry, this palace is worth adding to your sightseeing list if you’re visiting.
Hohenzollern Castle

Hohenzollern Castle, not too far from Stuttgart, is an imposing castle located high up on a mountain. It was built in the 19th century by the Hohenzollern family, who were the Prussian royal family.
In fact, the castle is still privately owned by the family. Luckily they do have tours, so you can still explore this fantastic castle.
Lichtenstein Castle

Despite its remote location, Lichtenstein Castle is one of the most popular castles to visit in Germany. It’s only accessible by drawbridge, a characteristic that makes it an even more interesting place to see.
>>Read: Ultimate Itinerary for 3 Days in Berlin: Tips From a Local
Northwestern Germany
No list of famous landmarks in Germany would be complete without some of the great places in this region of the country. If you’re interested in wine, castles, and history, this is for you.
Cologne Cathedral

The Cologne Cathedral is undoubtedly the city’s most famous landmark, and this impressive church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s so tall it’s hard to get a picture of the whole thing, but its height makes it a great place for views of Cologne from above.
Trier city gate
Trier was founded by the Romans, and you can still see many structures from that time period, such as Roman bath ruins, an amphitheater, and a stone bridge. The Trier Cathedral is also quite stunning.
But the main attraction here is the famous city gate, and it’s certainly one of the more well known landmarks of Germany.
Rhine Valley

The Rhine Valley in Germany is famous for its wine and gorgeous castles. Along the Rhine River between Cologne and Frankfurt, there are tons of castles to admire and plenty of delicious wine to taste.
One of the more popular ways to experience the Rhine Valley is, unsurprisingly, from the river itself. Take a boat tour to see the beautiful landscape and many of the castles in this region.
Deutsches Eck

The Deutsches Eck is a point in the city of Koblenz where the Rhine River and Moselle River meet. This region is famous for its wine, and the rivers have shaped the landscape throughout history.
Pfalzgrafenstein Castle

Pfalzgrafenstein Castle is a unique castle on the Rhine River that was built as a toll station and sits on a tiny island in the middle of the river. You’re likely to pass this castle while on a boat trip along the river.
Burg Eltz

One of the most impressive medieval castles in Germany is Burg Eltz. It’s located near the Moselle River, not far from the Rhine River and Koblenz.
If you’re traveling through the Rhine Valley to see castles, this is a must see Germany landmark.
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Even though this is a long list, it’s still only a portion of the wonderful and popular landmarks in Germany. This country really has a lot to offer, and I hope you take the time to explore!
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Berlin Travel Resources
I want you to have the best trip to Berlin and Germany, and hopefully this guide to famous landmarks in Germany is helpful. But there are lots more tips on the site!
- 101 Best Things to do in Berlin
- 23 Impressive Castles in Berlin (And Nearby)
- 27 Best World War II & Cold War Sights in Berlin
- 29 Fun Day Trips From Berlin
- 75 Things to Know Before Visiting Berlin: Essential Berlin Travel Tips
- What to Wear & What to Pack for Berlin, Germany: Your Ultimate Berlin Packing List
- How to Get Around in Berlin: An Easy Guide to Berlin Public Transportation
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