Regions Of Germany

From the romance of the Rhine to the shores of the North Sea and the Baltic Sea: Starting in Frankfurt, follow the gentle vineyards and romantic castles of the Rhine Valley to historic Cologne, with its magnificent cathedral. On to sophisticated Düsseldorf and the historic splendors of Münster, Osnabrück and Hanseatic city of Bremen. Continue to our beautiful Baltic cities and beaches, and to our capital Berlin. Then swing southwest, back to Frankfurt.

Frankfurt: Known as Europe's center of international business and finance (and home of Germany's largest airport), Frankfurt is also charming, quaint and historic. See the cathedral where German emperors were crowned, see Goethe's birthplace and visit art galleries, dozens of world-class museums, and the Römer (city hall). Don't miss the opera, the bars and restaurants of Sachsenhausen and a glass of "Ebbelwoi" (local apple wine) at a pub.

Rhine Valley (Rheintal): The valley's unique beauty unfolds as you cruise the legendary River Rhine, or drive along its shores. Enjoy a day excursion, or an evening cruise, complete with music and dancing.

Cologne (Köln): More than 2,000 years old, Cologne is colorful and lively. It's also the birthplace of Eau de Cologne! See how the magnificent Cologne cathedral dominates the Rhine panorama, and Old Quarter. Visit Romanesque churches, and browse through sensational shops, museums and galleries.

Düsseldorf: This is a chic and swinging metropolis. Home of international-standard stores and cafes, the Königsallee (the Kö), with its mid-boulevard canal, connects the city's heart with the lanes and pubs of the lively old town. Culture abounds in galleries, museums, at the opera, ballet and symphony performances. It all adds up to a city full of zest and vivacity, big business and lots of charm.

Münster: One of Germany's most historic cities, Münster is rich in churches and historic buildings. See the "Prinzipalmarkt" with its double row of arcaded houses, as well as the Gothic city hall.

Osnabrück: A city with a long and rich history. The Neumarkt is its center from which the main shopping artery leads to the millennium-old cathedral, well-preserved 16th-century houses, the old city wall, the university housed in a former bishop's palace and the new Felix Nussbaum museum, designed by famed U.S. architect, Daniel Libeskind. 

Bremen: This Hanseatic city is Germany's second largest port. See its town hall, cathedral, Roland Statue, art galleries and impressive marketplace. For the rest of your trip, click on Germany's Magical North and follow the tour back to Frankfurt. 

North Germany

Fairy-tale country: From the tranquility of Baltic beaches to the excitement of bustling Berlin. Follow the famous Fairy tale road to the Northern Plains and the charm of 13th-century Hanseatic towns. See white-sand beaches, cliffs, hamlets, resorts and seaports. And discover the excitement and splendor of our capital, Berlin.

Weser Valley (Weserbergland): Take a leisurely, romantic boat trip on the River Weser, past majestic woods, mountains, dreamy towns, ancient monasteries and churches.

Bremen: This Hanseatic city is Germany's second largest port. See its town hall, cathedral, Roland Statue, art galleries and impressive marketplace.

Hamburg: This international port is Germany's #1 ocean gateway to the world. Lake Alster is right in the heart of the city. See chic shops, elegant hotels, office towers, great museums, and silhouettes of church spires reaching into the sky.

Lübeck: Don't miss the jewels of this old Hanseatic seaport. See Gothic and half-timbered houses line the old town streets, exquisite churches, St. Annen Museum and the home of author, Thomas Mann.

Baltic Sea (Ostsee): The 240 mile (384 km) Baltic coastline offers gently lapping waves, white-sandy beaches, coastal cliffs, fjord inlets, serene bays, mighty ports and quiet backwaters.

Schwerin: Visit the huge castle, the historic old town, market square and the 500-year-old Gothic cathedral.

Berlin: Our capital is our largest city, one of the world's true mega-cities, rich in culture, atmosphere, history and fascination. Don't miss the historic Brandenburg Gate, the restored Reichstag (parliament), world-famous museums, opera houses, theaters and concert halls, and magnificent edifices recalling Berlin's Prussian past. Stroll in the Tiergarten park and past the cafes of the Kurfürstendamm. And don't miss the new "post-Wall" Berlin, including dynamic Potsdamer Platz, the Jewish Museum, newly retro-chic Prenzlauerberg, Oranienburgerstrasse and the boutiqes of Friedrichstrasse and the Hackesche Höfe.

Spreewald: A boat excursion is a great way to see the waterways, woods and valleys of Berlin's "private" countryside.

Harz Mountains (Harz): Follow the winding roads and hiking trails (or take a narrow-gauge railroad ride) to enjoy the unique legends, folklore and forests of this magical landscape.

Wernigerode: En route back to Frankfurt, see this picturesque medieval town's city-hall, half-timbered houses and restored castle.

South Germany

From the beauty of the Black Forest to the dazzling allure of the Alps: this is the Germany most American visitors visualize: half-timbered houses with flower-filled window boxes, fairy-tale castles, bustling cities and modern autobahns, medieval villages and ancient walled cities, dense and tranquil woods scented with pine.

Heidelberg: A quaint university town south of Frankfurt, Heidelberg is nestled in a green river valley and is synonymous with German romanticism. Germany's most famous castle ruins stand guard high above the medieval town centre, university and Baroque Old Bridge across the River Neckar.

Baden-Baden: This is Germany's most elegant health spa, known worldwide. In addition to the spa facilities, attend a concert, try your luck at the casino.

Freudenstadt: Located at the meeting place of the high and low roads through the Black Forest, Freudenstadt's vast market square is magical.

Triberg: A famous high-altitude health resort and winter sport center near Germany's highest waterfall. Stroll through a museum or buy a cuckoo clock for someone back home.

Freiburg: The capital of the southern Black Forest where Germany, France and Switzerland meet. See the Gothic cathedral surrounded by the old town, and Freiburg's cultural richness in theaters, concerts, museums and galleries.

Titisee: Don't miss this picturesque Upper Black Forest resort and lake.

Meersburg: You'll find this town nestled among vineyards on the steep banks of Lake Constance, Germany's largest.

Lindau: A medieval town on an island on Lake Constance, known for its beautiful harbour, boat excursions and gambling casinos. On your way to Oberammergau, be sure to visit "mad" King Ludwig II's Neuschwanstein Castle and rococo-style Linderhof Castle.

Munich (München): Bavaria's charming capital is one of Germany's most sophisticated and beautiful cities. Its famous Oktoberfest attracts millions of visitors each year. But Munich offers more than merrymaking and beer. It has 48 theaters, two opera houses and 49 museums, as well as vast collections which display works from the 14th century to modern art. Not to mention some of Germany's finest stores!

Dinkelsbühl: Located along the legendary Romantic Road. Today, the city wall fully encloses the old town and one of the south's most impressive late Gothic churches. It is a haven for artists and also famous for concerts.

Rothenburg-ob-der-Tauber: Within the walls of this city lies a 13th-century town with cobblestone streets and perfectly preserved architecture. Take a guided tour or a carriage ride. A walk on the walls is a must! Here you will find Europe's largest selection of Christmas ornaments!

Eastern Germany

Explore Berlin, Dresden, Leipzig and all the delights of Saxony, Brandenburg and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Starting in Berlin, our capital, discover extraordinary landscapes, castles, cities and cultural magnificence galore.

Berlin: Our capital is our largest city, one of the world's true mega-cities, rich in culture, atmosphere, history and fascination. Don't miss the historic Brandenburg Gate, the restored Reichstag (parliament), world-famous museums, opera houses, theatres and concert halls, and magnificent edifices recalling Berlin's Prussian past. Stroll in the Tiergarten park and past the cafes of the Kurfürstendamm. And don't miss the new "post-Wall" Berlin, including dynamic Potsdamer Platz, the Jewish Museum, newly retro-chic Prenzlauerberg, Oranienburgerstrasse and the boutiqes of Friedrichstrasse and the Hackesche Höfe.

Spreewald: A boat excursion is a great way to see the waterways, woods and valleys of Berlin's "private" countryside.

Potsdam: The former residence of Prussian royalty, Potsdam, capital of Brandenburg, ringed by the Havel Lakes and magnificent royal gardens, including Frederick the Great's exquisite Sans Souci Palace. And don't miss the St. Nicholas Church, Cecilienhof and Dutch Quarter.

Dresden: Sometimes called "Florence on the River Elbe", Saxony's capital is famous for beautiful Baroque palaces, countless art treasures and Europe's first porcelain factory (Meissen). See Zwinger Palace with its vast collection of china and ceramics, the beautiful reconstructed Semper Opera House, the theater palace, court chapel and the Frauenkirche under reconstruction.

Leipzig: This major city has a strong musical pedigree, from Bach and Mendelschen-Bartholdy, who lived and died here, to the birthplace of Wagner. Händel was born in nearby Halle. It is home of the world's oldest orchestra, the Gewandhaus Orchestra. It is also a vastly important trading center that has hosted Europe's oldest trade fair (Die Leipziger Messe) every year since 1165. See the historic city hall and market square, the Old Stock Exchange, St. Thomas Church, Auerbach's Cellar and Grassi Museum.

Elbe cruise: A cruise along the Elbe provides breathtaking vistas of mighty mountains and bizarre rock formations to the south of Dresden.

Mecklenburg Lakes (Mecklenburgische Seenplatte): Before returning to Berlin, discover this northern region of more than 1,000 lakes, picturesque landscapes and charming villages: a paradise for hiking, cycling and camping.

Bavarian Wine region

Discover the beautiful wine regions of the east: From Frankfurt, drive through Franconia, Lower Bavaria and Thuringia and circle back to Frankfurt. Good wine and good food, beautiful medieval towns and castles and colorful, welcoming people.

Würzburg: Starting at Frankfurt, drive first to Würzburg, center of the Mainfranken region.

Nuremberg (Nürnberg): Capitol of Franconia. Next stop is this great medieval centre.

Bamberg: Located on a major inland shipping artery, Bamberg is our best preserved Baroque city. See its Grüner Markt, Little Venice, the old town hall and the millennium-old Cathedral.

Bayreuth: Reached by a scenic route through Franconia, Bayreuth is renowned for its annual Wagner festivals. See the New Palace, the Margravial Opera House, the Festival Theater and Wahnfried, Richard Wagner's home.

Kulmbach: This Bavarian town is famous for its strong beers. Visit Plassenburg Castle with its Renaissance courtyard and decorated tiered galleries.

Coburg: The fortress - visible miles around - is central to this historic city. See the half-timbered Princes' Palace where Martin Luther stayed in the 16th century, as well as the home-museum of the poet, Schiller. Another attraction is Ehrenburg Castle where Prince Albert, husband of Britain's Queen Victoria, spent his childhood.

Weimar and Erfurt: Be sure to visit these historic cities in the new state of Thuringia before returning to Frankfurt.

Tour the beautiful Rhine and Moselle valleys:
This wine-lover's journey through five of the most beautiful wine-growing regions in Germany, is rich in cultural and artistic heritage. See the castles and palaces of the romantic Rhine Valley and, from Koblenz, journey through the half-timbered villages of the Moselle Valley to Trier, oldest city in Germany. Your return to Frankfurt leads through the wine-growing regions of the River Nahe and Rhine-Hesse.

Wiesbaden: Nestled at the foot of wooded slopes near the Rhine, Wiesbaden, capital of Hesse, is noted for its spas, curative hot springs, casino, concert halls, horse-racing, theater and opera.

Rüdesheim: Oenophiles are lured to this tourist town at the start of the Rhine Gorge to visit vineyards, distilleries and wine cellars - or to stroll the Drosselgasse, a lively, picturesque lane dotted with wine bars. Be sure to visit Brömserburg, once a fortified castle, now a fascinating wine museum.

Koblenz: This historic city is located at the confluence of the Moselle and Rhine rivers. Attend an open-air concert, relax in one of the taverns in "wine-village," stroll the scenic river promenade and take part in the summer festival which ends with the Rhine being set ablaze with floating torches. Visit the Middle Rhine Museum and see the panorama from nearby Ehrenbreitstein Citadel.

Cochem: On the bank of the Moselle, distinguished by the castle crowning a hill carpeted with lush, green vineyards. Cochem is a major wine-tasting center. Be sure to take the chairlift ride for a fantastic view of the town and surrounding valley.

Bernkastel-Kues: These two towns on the Moselle comprise Germany's largest single vineyard, but be sure also to sample the other local specialty, Moselle smoked trout. The marketplace is a small sloping square, surrounded by pastel-colored half-timbered houses, a 17th-century fountain at its center. Don't miss nearby fortress, Burg Eltz, one of Germanys finest castles. Enjoy the great expanse of beautiful vineyards, ranging from very gentle to abrupt slopes.

Trier: According to legend, Trier goes back 4,000 years! Re-live ancient history at the Romans' awesome Porta Nigra, the Hauptmarkt, the Rhineland Museum, the Imperial Baths - among the largest in the Roman Empire - and the pools, flower gardens and Baroque statues in the Palace Gardens.

ldar-Oberstein: This centre of Germany's gemstone industry is in a unique gorge carved through layers of volcanic rock by the River Nahe. See the Diamond and Precious Stone Exchange and visit the castle ruins above the Oberstein side of town.

Bad Kreuznach: See this lovely spa-town's park, old town and famous thermal springs.

Oppenheim: Here, where the Rhine winds through the vineyard-covered slopes of the Rhine-Hesse Hills, is the charming town of Oppenheim. Visit the 14th-century St. Catherine's Church, with its beautifully carved stonework.

Mainz: The capital of the Rhineland-Palatinate is the largest wine market in Germany and home of a famous winter carnival. The native hero is Johannes Gutenberg, father of printing. The Cathedral Quarter includes the Gutenberg Museum, complete with Gutenberg's original hand press and the Gutenberg Bible printed in the mid-15th century. Stroll through the old town's picturesque Kirschgarten square lined with half-timbered houses and restored Baroque mansions