Â鶹APP

By Thomas Wolf – Wikimedia

10 Most popular Icons and Landmarks to visit in Germany

When you think of landmarks and Icons, you think of structures either man-made or natural that are unique, striking and has historic relevance.

There are several striking buildings, monuments, heritage sites and parks to visit in Germany.

This country has a rich cultural heritage making it one of the most visited European countries. A visit to its museums will unveil the complicated history of the country.

The Berlin wall, beautiful medieval castles, lush mountain ranges, winding rivers are some of the top attractions in this country.

Here are our top 10 picks for the most popular Icons and Landmarks to visit in Germany.

1. The Berlin Wall, Berlin

No visit to Berlin is complete without seeing one of the world’s most famous walls. This wall was used to separate East Germany from West Germany from 1961 to 1990.

The wall was demolished in 1990 and completed in 1991. The remnants have been turned into artefacts for an open-air museum.

One of the well-known parts of the wall is the checkpoint Charlie near Ostbahnhof. Other parts of the wall have graffiti on them with political messages and symbols of peace.

The longest remaining section of the wall which is about 1.3km is known as the East Side Gallery.

There are artworks from 118 different artists from 21 countries.

2. The Bastei Bridge, Saxon Switzerland

By Thomas Wolf – Wikimedia

This is a rock formation rising 194 metres above the Elbe River in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains of Germany.

These jagged rocks were formed by water erosion over one million years ago. They are the major landmark of the Saxon Switzerland National Park.

These rocks have been a tourist attraction for over 200 years. A wooden bridge was constructed in 1824 to allow tourists to have access to both ends of the rocks.

Later in 1851, the wood was removed and was replaced with sandstone. The rock formation has been an inspiration to many artists such as Caspar David Friedrich.

Once on the bridge, you will get a picturesque view of the Elbe River valley on one side and the Elbe sandstone mountains on the other.

3. The Berlin TV Tower, Berlin

For a 360 view of Berlin city, head over to the Berlin TV Tower. This is one of the most popular icons in this German capital.

There are not many tall buildings in Berlin therefore this tower gives the best views of the city and beyond. This tower is one of the tallest structures in Europe.

It took four years to build this tower. The purpose of the tower was to represent East Germany’s communist strength.

You will find this tower near Alexanderplatz and the world clock. There are restaurants at the top with revolving decks.  

4. Cologne Cathedral, Cologne

By Velvet – Wikimedia

This cathedral is the epitome of High Gothic architecture. It is one of the main attractions and landmarks in the city of Cologne.

The cathedral is found on the banks of River Rhine and has 56 imposing spires.  The interior of the cathedral will leave you awestruck especially the stained-glass window.

This is one of the largest cathedrals in Europe that was founded in 1248. It was however not completed until 1880. The cathedral is currently a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

5. Heidelberg Castle, Heidelberg

This medieval castle is located in the university town of Heidelberg. Accessing this castle is easy since there is a good transport network made up of trains and buses.

This castle was built in the 16^th century and has adopted different architectural designs. Its façade has decorative carvings while there are also ruins like that of the Powder Tower.

One other attraction in this castle is the world’s largest wine cellar. This is a huge tun with steps and a top floor. The cellar was built in 1751 and can hold 220,000 litres of wine.

Other than the wine cellar, the castle has beautiful gardens and an apothecary museum.

6. Brandenburg Gate, Berlin

By Thomas Wolf – Wikimedia

The Brandenburg Gate is one of the most iconic monuments in Berlin and the whole of Germany.

It is considered to be a symbol of peace and unity. Previously, the gate was seen in a bad light as a symbol of oppression

This gate was built in 1791 to celebrate King Frederick William II. It was inspired by the Acropolis in Athens.

Famous global politicians such as Bill Clinton and Barack Obama. There are several walking and cycling tours offered around the Brandenburg gate.   

A night tour will leave you mesmerised by the beautiful yellow shining lights.

7. Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber, Northern Bavaria

By Berthold Werner – Wikimedia

This German town in northern Bavaria is known for its medieval architecture. There are several Half-timbered houses that line the cobblestone lanes of the old town.

The town walls are made up of many preserved gatehouses and towers with covered walkways.

St. Jakob’s Church in this town has a beautiful complex Gothic-styled altarpiece. Check out the tower are the medieval Town Hall for panoramic views of the town.

8. Olympia Park, Munich

The Olympia Park in Munich is an Olympic Park that was constructed for the 1972 Summer Olympics. It serves as a venue for cultural and social events.

This park has a variety of recreational facilities like lakes, bike paths, walk paths, football grounds and picnic grounds.

For a great place to relax and have fun with friends and family, this is the park to go to while in Munich.

9. Neuschwanstein Castle, Füssen

By Thomas Wolf – Wikimedia

This is one of the most photographed castles in Germany. It is a fairy-like castle that even inspired Walt Disney animation’s magic kingdom.

The castle is surrounded by extensive valleys, soaring mountains and scenic lakes. For the best views of the castle, head over to Mary’s bridge.

This castle was commissioned by King Ludwig II who died before the castle was completed.

10. The Rhine Valley

By King Felix Koenig – Wikimedia

The Rhine is Europe’s most beautiful waterway. It stretches for about 1,320 kilometres through Switzerland, Germany and the Netherlands.

This valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is very popular with tourists.  

There are several landmarks and icons along this valley. You will get to see medieval castles and towns or go for a cruise in the river.