Germany is widely known for its beer, sausages, artisans, and even its architecture, yet it sometimes falls under the radar of many travelers touring Europe. Whether you’re in for a stroll around a park or just looking to explore the unique architecture in the city, travelers are sure to never run out of sites to see in Germany, as this country is full of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, left and right! Don’t believe us? Check it out for yourself and be prepared to bask in the beauty of these sites. Take a look at our list of top 10 UNESCO sites in Germany that you should definitely visit.
1. Cologne Cathedral
Attention history lovers: learn from the Romans and get some great tips on surviving the city of Cologne! Visit the Cologne Cathedral, one of those most impressive UNESCO World Heritage sites in Germany. Delight in the artistic masterpieces that show off the enduring strength of the European Christian community back in the ‘80s and take a peek into the special culture of Cologne. Nothing sounds better than a fun history lesson with a beer in a traditional and rustic German brewhouse, right?
Book Tours : Cologne Cathedral and Old Town Tour with 1 Kölsch
2. Hanseatic City of Lübeck
It’s not a trip without a visit to the first German UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Hanseatic City of Lübeck! Also known as the City of Seven Spires or the Gateway to the North, Lübeck is widely admired by travelers because of its medieval character. Only here will you find unparalleled architecture and its unique skyline. As part of the walking tour, you’ll also hear interesting stories about the history of the Old Town.
Book Tours : Lübeck: Classic Tour of the Hanseatic City
3. Museum Island
While you’re in Germany, go museum hopping at this UNESCO site - Museum Island! Join the tour and visit all five museum buildings in Berlin: the Altes Museum, the Neues Museum, the Alte Nationalgalerie, the Bode Museum, and the Pergamon Museum. You’ll also get to experience the diversity of Berlin’s museum landscape while enjoying a quick history and architecture lesson from your tour guide. Generally, Museum Island sees over five million visitors from all over the world each year, which tells you that it’s a site worth visiting!
4. Classic Weimar
If you love history, Weimar Classicism, and the need-to-know info on the relationship between the classical artists, put on your classicist’s hat and go visit the city of Weimar! Located in the federal state of Thuringia, Germany, the city of Weimar is known to be the birthplace of Weimar Classicism, a humanistic cultural movement. Book a private walking tour, so you won’t miss seeing its Market Square, Democracy Square, Anna Amalia’s Library, Park an der Ilm, Goethe’s House on Frauenplan, and Friedrich Schiller’s House and be sure to take a lot of pictures while you’re at it!
5. Margravial Opera House in Bayreuth
Located in the town of Bayreuth, Germany, the Margravial Opera House is a must-see for modern art lovers! What makes this Baroque opera house so special was that it was built between 1744 and 1748 and it has survived since then, making it one of Europe’s few surviving theatres today. Although it has been extensively restored and was just opened for viewing in 2018, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2012.
6. Town of Bamberg
There’s magic in the World Heritage town of Bamberg. From the cathedral to the Old Court and the New Residenz to the Rose Garden, Bamberg was not named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993 for nothing. Located in Upper Franconia, Germany, this old town is home to the preserved structures of churches, monasteries, and Baroque facades. Join this two-hour walking tour, so you won’t miss a picturesque and artistic corner this beautiful historic city has to offer.
Book Tours : Bamberg: Guided Walking Tour
7. The Rhine
Take a romantic boat ride and revel in the beauty of the Rhine. Stay in the comfort of your warm seat on the boat and witness the old snow-covered castles on the hills and many other architectural monuments along the riverbank. You’ll also hear stories of ancient customs, fairytales, myths, and legends of the Rhine from your guide themselves. To top it all off, end your trip with a visit to the world-famous Rüdesheim Christmas Market, where you have to try the glühwein and cookies.
8. Palaces and parks of Potsdam and Berlin
If you love lakes and picturesque scenery, you’re in for a real treat. Go explore the breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage region between Potsdam and Berlin on a three-hour cruise! Travelers in for the ride will get to explore one of the most beautiful regions of the country while having a rich history lesson provided by the tour guide. Go back in time and relive history as you learn more about these two regions and the famous personalities that make the place historically important.
Book Tours : Berlin: 3-Hour World Heritage Cruise to Potsdam
9. City Hall and Roland in Bremen Market Square
Explore the festive part of Germany and make sure to stop by the city of Bremen! This holiday season, experience the Christmas spirit and visit the City Hall and Roland in Bremen Market Square. Wander the streets of the lovely city and go see the famous statue of the Bremen Town Musicians and the town hall. While you’re at it, go through more than 200 decorated market stalls selling traditional Christmas decorations, like hand-painted glass baubles, crafted woodwork, nostalgic paper prints, and other products from distant lands.
Book Tours : Bremen: 1-Hour Tour of the Christmas Market
10. Speicherstadt and Elbphilharmonie
Start your German cultural experience by visiting the Speicherstadt district, next to the Kontorhausviertel district. These two districts are located close to each other and are both UNESCO sites. You can then head to Elbphilharmonie before sunset to catch the view of the city from the Plaza. If that’s not enough, you can also visit the HafenCity and be in awe of its futuristic buildings.
Travel back in time with Germany's UNESCO sites
It’s not hard to fall in love with Germany with all the UNESCO sites around the country. Whether you’re looking left or right, there’s always an interesting history lesson or a breathtaking ensemble of architecture waiting for you. Get to know Germany for something else other than its beer, sausages, and artisans, and be sure to stop by one, two or many of these UNESCO sites in Germany.
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