The two Germanies were reunited under one flag only in 1990, when the Berlin Wall fell. Since then, this country has regained its geographical integrity and the Germans have learned to bring two cultures together. Germany, currently an economic model with a history troubled by wars, is nonetheless the repository of historical jewels, monuments, museums, and above all of a culture made both of refinement and authenticity, notably through its festive life. Germany, the most populous country in Europe, is dotted with 10,000 cities, of which more than 80 have more than 100,000 inhabitants. Berlin, the capital, the creative metropolis, is gradually regaining its former importance, but the large cities of Cologne, Frankfurt, Düsseldorf, Hanover, Hamburg, Dresden, Munich and Stuttgart each retain their own identity, both architectural and cultural. Metropolises, lively or peaceful, nightlife, historical sights, each one is different. Many small towns are also to be discovered. Baden-Baden and Wiesbaden combine spa and elegance, Tubingen and Heidelberg combine timber-framed houses and modern universities, Kiel is modernism and the Baltic Sea, while Erfurt combines a year-round festival calendar with a medieval city. Nature is preserved outside, but sometimes, as in Berlin, in the city. There are many national parks, and landscapes that encourage rest and hiking. The Alps in the south of the country and the Black Forest are peaceful mountains, the lakes of Constance and Chiemsee as well as the Rhine valley encourage melancholy, the northern beaches carefree; one understands that this country is that of philosophers, poets and classical music... One of the primordial themes lies in the historical richness of the monuments that are castles, ancient cities, churches, treasure preserved after 2000 years of history. A total of 33 sites are classified as Unesco heritage sites. The cathedral of Cologne is a must, the historic centres of Regensburg, Quedlinburg and Lubeck require days to visit, the former residence of the prince bishops of Würzburg unveils one of the most beautiful Baroque ensembles. Industrial sites are also classified: the Volklingen steel complex, the Zollverein coal mines and the Bauhaus complexes. Germany is a temperate continental country and all seasons adapt to your visit, including the heart of winter. But the particularity of this country being the festivals and the "Gemütlichkeit" (the art of quiet living), it is perhaps better to make your trip to Germany coincide with a festive event. The Gemütlichkeit cannot be said enough. Germany is seen as an industrial and culturally cold country, yet it is the country where we know how to balance the time of work, rest and parties of all kinds. The tourist benefits easily from this state. The country is generally luxurious and quiet: cars are gleaming in Düsseldorf, Cologne's shopping avenues are impeccable, houses are maintained, bicycles circulate in the tranquility of Berlin's green spaces. Health and wellness are part of the German spirit and many spas offer theme walks, cycle tours and cures. Highlights of your flight to Germany? Without any doubt, the visit of historic districts of cities, castles, museums. But also encounters in a "Biergarten" and artistic discoveries in Berlin's backyards. German culture is part of its geography, but largely dominates it. We will plan a stay in a hotel in Germany to meet a city, participate in a traditional festival, go to a series of concerts, visit a museum, see modern art exhibitions...

Art and culture in Germany

The museums are very numerous, rich and diversified; let us quote in particular the "Pinacothèque" of Munich and its treasures, but also the "île des musées" in Berlin. Classical music is omnipresent, especially at the Bayreuth Festival, but also in many concert halls with internationally renowned orchestras. Modern music is equally represented in fashionable festivals and clubs, the reggae festival in Chiemsee, the tenieland festival in Dresden... Traditional festivals are also part of the culture. Munich's beer festival is the best known, but huge in every sense of the word. In the holiday calendar, not to be missed, the carnival (fasching), celebrated for a month throughout Germany!

What to visit in Germany

In Berlin, the Reichstag and the Brandenburg Gate are the sightseeing spots par excellence, but you have to discover the "Unter de Linden" avenue and stroll through the streets of the old East Berlin, discover its graffiti-painted facades and the underground artists' squatted backyards. You should also visit the architectural treasures of Dresden, take a boat trip down the Rhine, see the painted facades of Bavarian houses, reflect on the Reich monuments in Nuremberg, dream in front of Neuschwanstein Castle. But don't forget to drink a beer in a "kneipe" (a kind of traditional bistro) and spend a summer evening in a Biergarten. And all these visits will only be possible if you rent a car in Germany, a means of transport to advance at your own pace. On this page you will be able to discover the essential experiences not to be missed in Germany, the essential tourist sites as well as the activities to do absolutely. This selection can help you plan an itinerary and your stay in Germany, giving you a taste of the best things to do and places to visit. The practical information evolves quickly, so don't hesitate to leave a comment if there are points to modify or if you want to share good plans to visit Germany.

Here are 10 things to see and do on a trip to Germany:

1. BERLIN

The lively capital of Germany, with its superb museums, modern architecture, trendy nightlife and superb restaurants. The main historical sites not to be missed are the Reichstag, the Brandenburger Gate and Checkpoint Charlie, among others. You will find several museums in Museumsinsel (or Museum Island). The Berlin Wall can still be visited at some places in the city, including the East Side Gallery. If you can, try to attend a performance by the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra.

2. THE CATHEDRAL OF COLOGNE

Germany's most visited monument, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Very impressive with its 157 meters high, it is one of the largest cathedrals in the world. It is also the third largest cathedral in Gothic style (after the Cathedral of Seville and the Dome of Milan). It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admission is free. Do not miss the visit of the tower to enjoy the panorama.

3. OKTOBERFEST IN MUNICH

Munich is known as the origin of the famous beer festival, Oktoberfest. This tradition began in 1810 as a wedding party. Today, it is a festival that attracts millions of visitors from all over the world every year. Hotels increase their prices accordingly, so book your accommodation well in advance! Despite its name, the beer festival begins in mid-September and continues until the first weekend in October. Apart from this festival, Munich is a beautiful city to visit, with excellent museums, baroque palaces, superb churches, friendly open-air brasseries and beautiful parks.

4. THE NATIONAL PARK OF SAXON SWITZERLAND

One can see there superb rock formations, in particular the very tourist Bastei (the bastion in German) which offers a spectacular panorama on the river and the mountains of Elba. Besides the bastei, you can go hiking in the park, mountain biking or climbing. The park extends into the Czech Republic, but the Czech part is called differently (Bohemian Switzerland National Park).

5. HEIDELBERG CASTLE

Located an hour's drive south of Frankfurt, it is a partially ruined but magnificent castle, and offers a superb view of the old town and the river Neckar. It is accessible on foot or by funicular with a ticket coupled with the visit of the castle. Outside the castle, do not miss a visit to the old town of Heidelberg, with its narrow streets and picturesque squares, as well as the oldest university in Germany, which lies just below the castle. If you have time, enjoy the panorama from the top of the Königstuhl mountain with a magnificent view of Heidelberg and the surrounding area. A tip to park cheaper, go to the Kaufhof car park and walk through the city.

6. NEUSCHWANSTEIN CASTLE

The most photographed castle in Germany! Nestled in the Bavarian Alps near Füssen, it marks the finish line of the Romantic Route and seems to come straight out of a fairy tale; Walt Disney is even inspired by it for Sleeping Beauty. King Ludwig II launched the construction of his dream castle in 1869 and instead of an architect, he hired a theatre designer to design it. The place is very touristic, book your tickets online well in advance and visit the place in low season to avoid the crowd (from November to March).

7. THE ROMANTIC ROAD

This 410 km long scenic route was founded in 1950 to stimulate tourism in post-war Germany, and passes through some of the best places to visit in Germany. Würzburg is the starting point of the romantic route, and it ends in Füssen (not far from Neuschwanstein Castle, see photo above).

8. ROTHENBURG OB DER TAUBER

A medieval village superbly preserved, well maintained and very photogenic (come out of season to avoid tourists). Do not miss the visit of the ramparts to have a great view! Rothenburg ob der Tauber is on the romantic road.

9. THE RHINE VALLEY

With a total length of 1320 kilometres, from Switzerland through Germany to the Netherlands, the Rhine is the most important waterway in Europe. The section of the Rhine between Koblenz and Mainz is by far the most interesting to explore, whether you are driving or cruising. You can see many medieval castles and towns (like Bacharach and St. Goar where you can visit the fortress of Rheinfels) in spectacular cliff landscapes and green vineyards. A slightly more peaceful alternative to the Rhine valley is the Moselle valley between Trier (where Roman remains can be seen) and Koblenz (where the confluence of the Rhine and the Moselle is located), where you can visit picturesque villages with half-timbered houses like Cochem, Beilstein, Bernkastel-Kues or the photogenic castle of Eltz (official site). Do not miss the Moselle curve at Bremm.

10. GO TO THE TOP OF THE ZUGSPITZE

The highest mountain in Germany, with an altitude of 2962 metres, situated in the Bavarian Alps near the Austrian border. Very touristic, it is notably accessible by the railway of Zugspitze and by cable cars, on the German side or on the Austrian side. From the top, the view extends over four countries (Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy). Remember to take warm clothes even in summer! The summit can be reached by cable car from the hamlet of Eibsee. or by the rack railway from Garmisch-Partenkirchen. From there you can also hike to the summit via the Partnach gorge (Partnachklamm), 800 metres deep.

ALSO TO SEE AND DO IN GERMANY

There are so many things to do in Germany that you can't limit yourself to ten! Here are others to visit that are worth a look and that you can place on your travel itinerary:

• The castles
• Schwerin castle, Hohenzollern castle, Wartburg castle, Königstein fortress....
• The monuments
• In Dresden: The Church of Our Lady of Dresden & the zwinger
• Aachen Cathedral: the oldest cathedral in Northern Europe (UNESCO World Patent)
• Natural sites
• Lakes: the Königsee, a beautiful Bavarian lake surrounded by high mountains; the beautiful Lake Obersee; Lake Eibsee.
• The Externsteine rock formation near Horn-Bad Meinberg
• Black Forest: Follow the scenic Bundesstraße 500 (or B500) from Baden Baden to Freudenstadt (approx. 60km), a must if you want to see the
• Black Forest landscape (great viewpoint at the Aussichtsplattform Ellbachseeblick).
• Nuremberg Christmas Market (or Christkindlesmarkt): the most beautiful Christmas market in Germany.
• The Eagle's Nest in Berchtesgaden
• Harz National Park: the highest suspension bridge in the world, the Titan RT (439 metres long)
• Towns and villages
• Mainz (Mainz)
• Lübeck the medieval old town of Regensburg (in German: Regensburg); (UNESCO World Patent)
• Lindau Island on the Obersee, upper Lake Constance
• The town of Monschau (Montjoie)
• Quedlinbourg (in the Hartz Mountains)
• Wernigerode
• Bremen (Bremen)
• Bamberg
• Frankfurt
• Hamburg
• Ramsau village (see: church, Wimbachklamm gorge, Hintersee lake)
• Miscellaneous
• Rakotzbrücke semi-circular bridge (Rhododendronpark Kromlau)
• The Maulbronn Monastery, founded in 1147 in the town of Maulbronn, is the most complete and best preserved medieval monastic complex north of the Alps (UNESCO World Patent).
• Wilhelmshöhe Park in the city of Cassel (UNESCO World Patent)
• Geierlay suspension bridge (360 metres), Moersdorf
• The picturesque town of Wertheim am Main
• In Erfurt: see Krämerbrücke bridge
• The statue of Hermannsdenkmal
• The Lake Constance region: Mainau, the monastic island of Reichenau, and the prehistoric pile dwellings of Unteruhldingen
• The Roman ruins of Trier
• Europa Park (super amusement park)
• Admire the panorama from the viewpoint in Drachenfels
• Sanssouci Palace in Potsdam
• The panorama from the Alpspix
• If you have time, make a detour to Salzburg (Austria)

Gastronomic specialities in Germany

Know that, generally, during a traditional meal, there is only one hearty dish including meat, vegetables and salads. Pork is the culinary king through roasted "Eisbein", but especially the diversity of sausages; each region has its own... Sauerkraut is one of the most famous dishes. Potatoes should not be forgotten as an accompaniment, with the specialties of'knödls' and'spätzle'. The "pretzel", between pastry and bread, in the shape of a knot, is a must for the aperitif. You are in Germany, the land of beer, which is here, an institution. One would count 5000 kinds of it, it is necessary to privilege the fresh beer resulting from small breweries.