Discover Germany: Iconic Landmarks, Historic Towns & Natural Wonders

The Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburger Tor) is a resplendent 18th-century Neo-classical monument in the western part of Berlin’s city center in the neighborhood of Mitte, and it is one of Germany’s most iconic landmarks. Built on the site of what was once the city gate that marked the beginning of the road from Berlin to Brandenburg an der Havel, the Brandenburg Gate stands as a grand entry to Unter den Linden, the famous boulevard lined with Linden trees that led directly to the royal City Palace of the Prussian Monarchs.

The Brandenburg Gate has been used as a site for major historical events throughout its existence and is considered today as both a symbol of the turbulent history of Europe and Germany, as well as one of peace and unity in Europe.

Address: Brandenburg Gate, Pariser Platz, 10117 Berlin, Germany

Tucked into the forest-covered Königstuhl hillside above the city of Heidelberg, Heidelberg Castle (Schloss Heidelberger) is a breathtakingly beautiful castle with a history almost as old as the city itself.

Comprised of several buildings surrounding an inner courtyard, with each building highlighting a different period of German architecture, Heidelberg Castle was the residence for most of the Prince Electors until lightning permanently destroyed it in 1764. Among the most important Renaissance structures north of the Alps, Heidelberg Castle stands today as an iconic symbol of the city and boasts spectacular views of the Neckar River, the city of Heidelberg, and the Neckar Valley far into the Rhine plain.

Address: Heidelberg Castle, Schlosshof 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany, Phone: +49-62-21-65-88-80, Heidelberg Castle Video

Insel Mainau is an island on the south shore of the Überlinger See (Lake Constance) near the city of Konstanz in Baden-Württemberg. Owned by the Lennart Bernadotte-Stiftung, which was established by Prince Lennart Bernadotte, the Count of Wisborg, the island is maintained as a garden island, and it is a model of excellent environmental practices.

The island is home to exquisitely manicured flowering gardens, a greenhouse with tropical climate and thousands of butterflies, and beautiful park landscapes with glorious lake views. Mainau Bay is also the location of the university sailing club. Insel Mainau is one of Lake Constance’s most popular tourist attractions.

Address: Insel Mainau, Schönau am Königssee, Bavaria

Rugen is a German island located off the Pomeranian coast in the Baltic Sea and a popular holiday spot. Forming part of the Jasmund National Park, which is famous for its white-tailed eagles and primeval beech forests, Rügen is renowned for its beautiful beaches and white chalk cliffs, including the viewing platform known as the King's Chair on the Jasmund peninsula.

In addition to the miles of white sandy beaches, Rügen is also home to several national parks, the popular white cliffs, sleepy fishing villages, and magnificent countryside and coastline that can be explored by hiking, bicycling, or sailing.

Address: The Island of Rugen, Pomeranian coast, Baltic Sea

The Konigssee is a natural lake within the Berchtesgaden National Park in the southeast Berchtesgadener Land district in Bavaria, and it is also Germany's third deepest lake. Situated within the Berchtesgaden Alps, just south of Berchtesgaden, the Königssee (literally translated as “king’s lake”) was formed by glaciers during the last Ice Age and is nearly five miles long and one mile wide.

Similar to a fjord and surrounded by magnificent 8,900-foot mountains, the Königssee is renowned for its picturesque setting, beautiful surroundings, and clear and clean water, which attracts hundreds of outdoor enthusiasts, adventurers, and tourists. Swimming in the Königssee is permitted except in the lock area at Seelände.

Address: Konigssee, Schönau am Königssee, Bavaria

Mannheim Residential Palace is a Baroque palace in Mannheim, Baden-Württemberg. Once the principal residence of the Prince-electors of the Electorate of the Palatinate of the House of Wittelsbach and designed to highlight their importance in the Holy Roman Empire, Mannheim Palace is one of the largest palaces in Europe. Boasting five Baroque-style wings, a beautiful 400-meter façade fronting a vast courtyard, and a total floor area of six hectares surrounded by the Mannheimer Quadrate, or Mannheim squares that echo the layout of Mannheim’s city center, the palace has been described as one of the wonders of European architecture.

Visitors can explore the palace on guided tours of the reconstructed and restored Baroque palace, which features period furnishings, large tapestries, artworks, and silverware.

Address: Mannheim Residential Palace, Bismarckstraße, 68161 Mannheim, Germany, Phone: +49-62-12-92-28-91

The Mercedes-Benz Museum documents the history of one of the world’s most famous automobiles, displaying over 130 years of auto industry history. Spanning nine levels throughout a floor space of over 16,500 square meters, the museum is home to more than 1,500 exhibits with 160 vehicles, ranging from the SLK to the E-Class Coupé.

The museum offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of Germany's most modern car factories and witnesses the production of the SL, SLK, C-Class, E-Class Coupé and the GLK cars close at hand. A variety of guided tours through the various sections of the factory are also offered, including automobile, architectural, and electronic guided tours.

Address: Mercedes-Benz Factory Plant Tour, Mercedes-Benz Kundenzentrum, Mercedesstrasse 1 28190 Bremen, Phone: +49-71-11-73-00

Hailed as one of the most beautiful valleys in Germany, the Moselle Valley (Moseltal) is a tripartite region in south-western Germany, north-eastern France, and eastern Luxembourg with the Moselle River Valley at its center. Bordering three countries, the Moselle Valley is a world-renowned white-wine-producing region, having produced high-quality Moselle wine since the 19th century and forming the heart of the Luxembourg wine industry.

Boasting a reputation as a rural idyll and a world-class Riesling producing region, the Moselle Valley has a healthy tourism industry and attracts thousands of visitors every year who want to experience the natural beauty of the area, which includes a myriad of castles towering over romantic wine villages, and outstanding wines of the region.