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During my visit to Germany, I made my way from the southern regions of Bavaria, which is home to Munich and The Alps near the infamous Neuschwanstein Castle, all the way up to the bustling port city of Hamburg in the north region of Lower Saxony, situated near Denmark. As I made my way through each region of Germany, I became enamored with the country over and over again with every step through a new city centre. Germany is a country that I enjoyed visiting so much and the scenery from the train window as I whizzed from city to city held my attention with its beauty.
While travelling through The Netherlands earlier this year, I took a day trip to Germany to visit the beautiful city of Aachen, which sits almost directly on the Dutch border, which made it the perfect and easy day trip from Maastricht.
Read more: A City Guide to Maastricht, Netherlands
For those of you thinking about visiting Germany, I highly suggest booking the trip! Here are my top seven reasons why you must visit Deutschland.
Read more: 7 German cities I fell in love with
Read more: Europe’s prettiest winter towns and cities
Read more: How to spend 48 hours in Munich
Best Beer In The World
When it comes to all things beer related, Germans may know a thing or two. Ok…they know A LOT! They’re experts at brewing it, drinking it and keeping German traditions alive and well. Reinheitsgebot, also known as the Bavarian Beer Purity Law and Bavarian Beer Ingredient Law, was enacted in 1516. This law means that beers made with just three ingredients; hops, barley malt and water (yeast was still unknown at the time) in order for it to be labeled a “pure” German beer. With so many beers to choose from, you’ll be spoiled for choice while adventuring through the country. My favourites include Augustiner, Hacker-Pschoor, Paulaner, Spaten, Erdinger and Hofbräu-München, which ALL coincide with the Reinheitsgebot. Prost!
Read more: Germany’s Bavarian Beer Purity Law Explained
Delicious Food
Oh, Germany…your scrumptious eats and sweet treats have me dreaming of you after visiting. Germany has some of the most decorated Michelin Star restaurants in the world, which makes the country a heavy hitter in the foodie world falling only second to France. When most people think of German cuisine, they aren’t necessarily thinking about those 5 star restaurant though. No, they are thinking of the perfectly grilled juicy sausages (Wurst in German), the delicious sauerkraut, the soft rye breads, the salty pretzels and the coveted apple strudels. Excuse me while I drool just a little bit! If you’re not into heavy meals, or don’t eat meat, fret not. Germany also has many veggie and vegan restaurants that serve healthier and just as tasty options. If I have any advice to you while visiting Germany it’s this: Come hungry! 🙂
Read more: Table for one, please – How to feel confident eating alone while travelling solo
Read more: How to Find Great Places to Eat While Travelling
Castles Galore
Germany has as many castles dotted throughout the country, as Canada has Tim Hortons coffee shops and with almost every city in Germany possessing a magnificent castle, it sure lives up to its reputation as one of the most fairy tale looking countries in the world. Neuschwanstein Castle was built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria, also known as the “Fairy Tale King,” and he definitely knew a thing or two about building beautiful and grand castles. Everyone that visits this stunning castle is in awe of its beauty. Walt Disney used Neuschwanstein Castle as his architectural muse for Cinderella’s Castle. Heidelberg Schloss (meaning castle in German) is one of my favourites and sits directly above the main town square creating a dreamy background to the city.
Read more: Spending a gorgeous autumn day visiting Neuschwanstein Castle
Read more: How to spend a day exploring Heidelberg, Germany
Stunning Architecture
German architecture is as eclectic as the country itself. Ranging from Roman to Post Modern in style, every city has its unique look. A city like Frankfurt is home to more than one type of architecture, which gives it one of the most interesting blends of architecture in the entire country. Frankfurt’s architecture boasts the Gothic style Römer area in Old Town and the tall and modern skyscrapers that dominate the skyline. Other architectural styles within Germany consist of Ancient, Pre-Romanesque, Romanesque, Gothic (one of my favourites), Renaissance, Baroque (another personal favourite) and Post War Reconstruction. Walking through different cities, towns and villages will showcase the architecture beautifully and you’ll constantly be snapping photos of little gingerbread looking buildings, to modern metallic skyscrapers rising high into the sky.
Read more: Frankfurt, Germany – How to spend a day exploring Germany’s financial hub
Read more: Exploring the vibrant and bustling port city of Hamburg, Germany
Rich History
Germany is saturated in rich history dating back as far as Roman Times, but is more commonly known for its tumultuous WWII reputation. Although many people associate Germany with the horrible events of WWII, Germany is now a multicultural country with kind hearted people and is known to have some of the most hard working, smart and industrious populations not only in Europe, but the world. Germany was also home to many famous scientists, artists, composers and poets. And just because I work in the print media industry, I thought this fact was pretty interesting; In 1439, Johannes Gutenberg invented and brought the Printing Press to the world stage, therefore creating the Print Revolution. Pretty neat! As you wander your way around many cities in Germany, you’ll feel as though you are walking through the pages of an open air museum just oozing with history, thus making Germany one of my favourite countries.
Read more: 25 Photos That Will Inspire You To Book A Trip To Germany
Efficient Transportation
Germans have perfected efficient public transportation. All major cities rely on the systems to get around and out of town and even to the airports. Travelling around Germany is quick, easy, comfortable and clean. The U-Bahn (underground train) and S-Bahn (suburban express train) are usually the most typical and quickest way around any city, but to get a feel for old world transportation, you could also take the trams if the city has them. The central train station in German cities is called the Hauptbahnhof. Here you can change from local transport to regional trains and long-distance train services, which can take you to neighbouring countries. With more than 40,000 kilometres of railway tracks making up Germany’s national rail system, taking the train is an environmentally (albeit pricey in some cases) method of transportation in and around the country. Most trains I’ve taken in Germany run on time and I mean ON TIME, so don’t you dare be late! Once those train doors close, there’s no opening them again. German’s pride themselves on being punctual and running their trains on schedule is no exception.
Read more: How to Create the Perfect Travel Itinerary
Read more: Tips for travelling within Europe
Beautiful Public Parks & Green Spaces
Germany is known around the world for its beautiful and serene public parks and green spaces. Situated alongside the water in Hannover, the stunning walk along an autumn landscape at Herrenhauser Allee is as relaxing as it is romantic. Couples walk hand in hand down the mile long walkway while admiring the changing leaves above their heads that slowly fall to the ground like feathers floating through the air. Public spaces and seating areas along rivers and lakes are a huge draw card for German cities and enhance the quality of life for its inhabitants. Visitors, as well as locals, flock to them during the summer to chill out and enjoy an oasis right in the heart of the cities creating the perfect escape, even if it’s only for an hour lunch break.
Read more: How to spend a day discovering Hannover, Germany
Read more: A city guide to exploring Bremen, Germany
Have any of you been to Germany, or are heading there in the near future? If you’ve been, which places did you visit? Let me know in the comments below! xo
