20 Best Reasons To Visit Germany: Why You Need to Go

Germany is a vibrant country that has so much to offer visitors. This European destination is a remarkable place with great outdoors and rich history. It will take you back to medieval times while you explore its modern cities. Besides the attractions and festivities, the diverse destination promises so much more than you expect.

The destination has established itself as one of the favorites for travelers across the globe. The multitude of regional identities offers unique and distinct experiences for all kinds of travelers and it suits all possible tastes.

You will witness a lot more of Germany when you visit.  It is one destination that attracts tourists from around the world and one trip is never enough to this beautiful place.

It will leave you planning for another trip in no time.  No matter what you are looking for fun festivals, outstanding architecture, or breathtaking scenery, Germany has all of it and much more.

From the fast-paced city life to the slow, beautiful towns and villages, Germany will take you on a ride like no other.

If you are wondering whether you should plan a trip to Germany, here are reasons why you should visit Germany.

Top Reasons to Visit Germany

Top 10 Places to Visit in Germany - Travel Guide [4K]

Watch this video on YouTube.

1. Rich historical attractions 

Germany is popular for its rich history and World War II. There is so much to learn and explore about German history and if you are a history buff, this is the place to be. Germany has more than 42 UNESCO World Heritage sites.

It makes the country a major tourist attraction and you can feast your eyes on these attractions. There are treasure troves across the country right from the German castles to the well-preserved architecture that dates back to the medieval era.

The castles are Germany’s most visited landmark. Germany’s capital city offers you a glimpse of the history and the remnants of the Berlin Wall.

If you want a more conservative feel, simply head to the Munich province and experience the traditions in Bavaria. You can see the old town halls that date back to the 16th century.

If this is your first visit, Germany will ensure that you come back for the historical attractions it has to offer. 

See Related: What are the States of Germany?

2. Festivals

In order to experience the traditional festivals in Germany, you should plan well in advance and mark the calendar for annual celebrations.

A popular festival is the Oktoberfest which is held in Munich. It is a two-week folk festival that is celebrated from the end of September to the first week of October. It is one of the top 20 reasons to visit Germany.

Here you can enjoy the traditional food, consume a large amount of beer and let loose at the amusement parks. Oktoberfest has become extremely popular across the world and tourists plan their visit during this period.

Another festival is the pumpkin festival which is unique and very popular. This festival is the largest pumpkin festival in the world and takes place in the gardens at Schloss Ludwigsburg. It is a celebration of fall across Germany and you have to see it to believe it. The festival is colorful and so much fun.

There are different characters created out of pumpkins and you will be surrounded by the sweet smell of pumpkins at all times. You can explore the beautiful gardens and soak in the fun and bright environment. 

Oktoberfest is one festival that you should attend at least once in your lifetime. It is fun and is an experience of a lifetime. People from across the world travel to Munich to enjoy this festival and the atmosphere here is cheerful in the extreme. 

See Related: Best Breweries in Düsseldorf

3. Cultural Diversity

Germany paints a beautiful picture of a diverse society and more than 80 million people living there including immigrants from other countries.

In 2014, Germany was voted the world’s most popular place to visit, under a survey conducted by BBC World Service.

When in Germany, you can experience different languages, cultures, and religions from the Turkish, Polish, Tunisia, and Nigerian roots. Get a taste of their way of life which has changed the perception of society which is enriched by immigrants.

Germany has grown with time and it has become a popular destination for professionals from across the globe.

There are many professionals who have shifted base to Germany. You will notice the diverse culture when you walk through the cities and towns.

Germany accepts all with open arms and you can see it in the people, culture, and way of life. 

See Related: Best Things to do in Landshut, Germany

4. Breathtaking scenery

Germany lies in the heart of Europe which is known as the seventh-largest country in Europe.

It is an ideal location to start the European tour as Germany is surrounded by 9 borders and you can choose from the 9 options to jump into after you visit Germany.

If you want to enjoy nature and hiking, Germany will not disappoint you. It is known for a variety of landscapes right from sheer mountains to rolling plains and thick forests.

You can explore the best local spots to enjoy the beauty of the country. Each region you visit from the North to East will offer a great deal of amusement and excitement.

A lot of visitors are attracted to the natural beauty, rich culture, and history of Germany. All of this makes it a perfect place for travel.  

See Related: Best Day Trips from Strasbourg, France

5. Friendly, warm people

The people make a place and if you want to understand Germany better, there is no better way to know more about the place than its people.

Germany is a very friendly country in the world and you can learn a lot about their social life when you interact with people.

You will be surprised to know how genuine they are. A lot of locals are efficient, highly disciplined, and very organized.

They have strong beliefs and uphold their traditions which is why they celebrate exciting and funfairs through the towns.

The best time to know more about the locals and their traditions is during the fairs and Oktoberfest is one of the most popular festivals where you can meet tourists and locals. 

See Related: Fun Facts About Germany to Know

6. The cities are chic

If you think that New York is hyped and London is played out, head to Berlin for your next holiday. It is one of the top cities to visit in Germany. The cultural hotbed is home to the trendiest inhabitants in the world.

Even if you are not interested in the cutting edge, there are cities like Hamburg, Munich, and Stuttgart that are the most welcoming in Europe.

Every city in Germany has interesting cultural precincts and outstanding restaurants. You can enjoy delicious food, breathtaking scenery, and extravagant nightlife. 

You need to set aside time to explore the city of Berlin. It is everything you have heard about and so much more. There is never a shortage of events taking place in Berlin and this itself is a reason to visit.

The exposure to creativity in the bustling city cannot be compared to anything else. It has an alternative art scene, wild parties, and an underground culture which is a stimulating experience.

Make the most of the beautiful city and do not forget to enjoy the nightlife. Check out these best hotels in Berlin to make the most of your stay.

See Related: Vienna vs Munich

7. The East is worth exploring 

Since 2005, the eastern states of Germany are well and bouncing back. Industrial Leipzig is the largest city in the East but Dresden remains the best small town to visit in Germany. Places where you can enjoy a Leipzig canal sightseeing tour and Dresden hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour.

Besides these major cities, towns like Meissen, Görlitz, and Quedlinburg also attract visitors to their timbered houses, medieval squares, and the open countryside.

The East has remained unexplored for a long time but it is worth exploring and has attracted many tourists over the years. 

See Related: Copy This 3 Days in Berlin Itinerary

8. Natural Attractions

Head to the darkest reaches of the Black Forest or the many mountains in Germany and you will feel like you have entered a different world.

Germany is a land of fairytales and the Black Forest is not the only natural wonder in the beautiful destination.

There are outstanding beaches on the Baltic Coast and mesmerizing peaks of the Bavarian Alps. There are countless rivers that crisscross the country and attract a constant stream of visitors who are keen to appreciate the abundant natural beauty of Germany. 

9. Cultural Juggernaut

image by Avi1111  is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

You do not need to embark on the guided tour of Beethoven Haus and Bonn city bus tour to learn more about German culture. The cultural institutions around you will give you a glimpse of the rich culture of the destination.

Right from the opera houses of Bayreuth to the museums in Berlin and the beer halls of Munich, there is so much to explore in each major town.

Germany is home to one of the best football leagues in Europe and has clubs that draw huge capacity crowds every week. 

See Related: Best Party Cities in Europe

10. Convenient to get around

A popular fact about Germany is that the trains do indeed run on time and it is very easy to get around. Germany has a vast rail network and it is unsurpassed. You can purchase a German rail pass which is good for three days to fifteen days of travel in a month.

If you have planned a longer stay in Germany, the pass will give good value. It has an interconnected web of rail lines that reach every corner of the land and if the rail connections are not adequate, you can take a river cruise down the Rhine, or drive on the Romantic Road.

Alternatively, you can take one of the flights that traverse the skies over Germany daily. 

If you intend to spend a majority of your time in the cities, consider renting a car as it will help you on your journey. However, you will have to follow the parking rules and pay for hotel parking. There are scenic byways and highways that you can enjoy. 

See Related: Germany Currency: Everything You Need to Know

11. Explore Medieval Germany

The medieval history of Germany is evident in the castles, churches, and houses found across the countryside.

The main destination for medieval Germany is Rothenburg ob der Tauber in Bavaria and it attracts tourists from across the globe but you can also learn more about the history and heritage of the villages, cities, and towns.

There are abundant castles along the Rhine River which adds another aspect to visiting Germany. You can sit back and take in the beauty of the German countryside on the river cruise along the Rhine river.

The main waterways of Germany will allow you to see the country from a different perspective and you can also gain an insight into the important role of the main rivers in the development of the urban centers in the country.

The stretch of the river is dotted with stunning castles and the Lorelei rock which are enjoyable aspects of the cruise. 

See Related: Best Castles in Germany to Visit

12. Learn more about Art History 

Germany is often overshadowed by the personalities and events in Paris but it has produced many art movements and cultural centers in the first half of the 20th century.

The best evidence can be seen in Bauhaus School which is located in Berlin. There are several cultural achievements of Germany during this era that have been displayed in art institutions across the country.

If you are someone who enjoyed the old masters from the Gothic and Renaissance era, you should check out the major collections that are scattered across the country. Check out the old master’s galleries in Berlin and Dresden where you will notice the large oil paintings that can be studied without the major lines that are usually found across Europe.

Enjoy the fine arts in Dresden Opera House or the Kunsthalle Hamburg art museum which displays seven centuries of art.

You can also explore the Weimar culture that rose in the 20th century and made movies like Cabaret which feature Liza Minnelli. The art scene in Germany is a massive board of ideas that yearns for exploration. 

Like Berlin? Check out our full 3 days in Berlin itinerary to build a trip and make the most of your trip.

See Related: Best Single Day Trips from Dresden, Germany

13. See Firsthand the Destruction caused by the Second World War

One of the most destructive events for Europe was World War II and it caused the maximum damage and loss in Germany. It was a relatively recent war and the monuments, memorials, and museums dot the nation in testimony to the destruction.

The best way to start your Germany tour is to witness the damage that the war caused.

Start from the Holocaust Documentation which is the best WWII place to visit in Germany and the Education Center in Nuremberg where the trials took place.

You will come across many battle sites and remnants of bombed-out buildings that still serve as reminders of the devastation caused by the war. 

14. Lounge around the Biergartens

Germany is known for enjoying food and drink and the best way to experience it is in their Biergartens. There are many scattered across the country and they share outstanding surroundings and exceptional eats and beers.

There are many for you to choose from. Imagine sitting in a huge outdoor dining room with hundreds of patrons and enjoying your day. You will find one near the main square of the city or the nearest brewery. Once you have found a gathering of tables, you will have to look for a spot because there are no waiters to escort you.

You can choose to socialize if you want to. Most biergartens have a rental beer pouring station where you pay and get your German food and drinks. There are rooftop views of lakeside lounging, the biergartens are a top reason to visit the charming country.

15. Soak in the multifaceted history

Germany has the most popular and interesting history of all time. It ranges from the evils of Nazi Germany to the raise of the railway empire. Their history dates all the way back to Julius Caesar and it weaves through the wars, political unrest, religious impositions, and industrial revolutions.

The history is worth exploring and there are several places that share it. If you are studying history or love to know more about the past of a country, Germany is the place to be.

Walk through the powerful world of Birkenau and Auschwitz and check out the railway history at the train museums. 

16. Enjoy scenic drives

Considering the colorful history of Germany, you can only imagine the architecture and the mesmerizing landscapes that are a part of the wonderful country. You can enjoy a scenic drive around the countryside on the romantic road that passes through forests, mountains, and towns of Bavaria.

It is a 350 km route which is a must-visit. Another popular drive is the Black Forest which was an inspiration for Brother Grimm Tales.

Another must-do is the 19th-century home of Ludwig II which is a Roman structure that has stood the test of time. Not only that, Germany has some of the best transportation and you can easily buy regional passes in Germany to take in the sights without having to worry about a car.

See Related: Interesting Facts About the Berlin Wall

17. Christmas Markets

The best time to visit Germany is during Christmas, you will have the time of your life. They are fun, festive, and very delicious.

The markets keep the traditional alive and vary region by region. You will see women dressed as Frau Holle shaking out a pillowcase which symbolizes the snow falling at the Christmas Market.

You can book a tour of Munich Christmas Markets and Christmas Village 2-Hour Tour one of Germany’s Christmas Market and enjoy

You can meet locals, be a part of the procession, and learn about the traditions and culture while you enjoy delicious food and drinks. There is a traditional market in Cologne with a beautiful light display at Kolner Dom and there is a Japanese Christmas market in Berlin.

There is also a chocolate market for those with a sweet tooth! If you are visiting during Christmas, make sure you have enough time to explore the different markets.

Visiting one market is never enough and you will have the time of your life exploring the different markets on foot. Each market is unique and has its own charm. You can make the most of your time at this beautiful destination during Christmas. 

18. The Black Forest

I have already mentioned this above but the Black Forest is so special that it needs a separate mention. It is magical and mystical. Take a Black Forest day tour and you will be blown away by the beauty its beauty.

You can walk through the forest and admire the snow-covered pine trees. There are various slopes and rinks for hiking, snowboarding, and skiing. Besides driving on the Panoramic route, you should stop in the small towns along the way. 

See Related: Best Hotels in Vienna, Austria

19. Drink Bananenweizen and Glühwein 

Drink Glühwein during winter and Bananenweizen throughout the year. This is how you are supposed to drink it. Bananenweizen is a German invention that is made from banana juice and wheat beer while Glühwein is very popular in Switzerland and Austria but it is a must-try.

You can never visit Germany and not have their popular beer. It is a must-do here. 

See Related: Famous Historical Landmarks in Austria

20. Head to the castles of Mad King Ludwig

There was once a young German king who was very passionate about beauty or about spending money.

He built fairytale castles across Germany and spent the money ruining the country’s economy. King Ludwig is remembered even today.

He was declared insane and he drowned under mysterious circumstances. However, his beautiful projects still live on and have become the top tourist attractions in Germany. His most famous castle is Neuschwanstein and Herrenchiemsee Palace. They are a must-visit when in Germany. 

These are only a few reasons to visit Germany on your next trip. However, there is so much to this stunning destination that you will be asking for more. One trip to Germany is never enough to explore the history, culture, and stunning sights.

If you are planning a visit to Germany but are not sure about it, here are only a few reasons for you to book the tickets right away. Germany has something for every type of traveler personality and you will never get bored here. Whether you are into arts, history, shopping, culture, or food, you can have it all here.

Plan your trip well in advance so you can cover all the top spots of the destination and if you are traveling during Christmas, try to visit as many Christmas markets as you possibly can. Germany will leave you asking for more time and planning another visit. 

Related Product Guides

• Best Travel Purses
• 9 TSA Approved Luggage Locks
• 18 Best Travel Totes

Related Resources

• 30 Cheap Places to Travel
• Top Websites to Book Tours
• Travel Hacking 101