Germany’s Greatest Landmarks: Castles, Cliffs, and Bucket List Tips

Eran Fulson

By: Eran Fulson / Writer, Traveler, Explorer of Good Food & Historic Streets / For 15+ years, I’ve lived in Canada and Wales, road-tripped across North America, and trekked through Europe’s mountains, cities, and coastlines. Now, I help travelers uncover hidden gems and culture-rich destinations in Germany with firsthand insights and practical tips.

Published: March 18, 2025

Germany is packed with landmarks—some grand, some quirky, and some that seem like they exist purely to challenge your leg muscles. From castles that inspired Disney to mysterious rock formations that look like a giant’s discarded playthings, here’s your essential guide to Germany’s most impressive (and occasionally odd) landmarks.

Collage of famous landmarks in Germany

Types of Landmarks in Germany

  • Historic Landmarks—Castles, cathedrals, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites that prove Germany has been around for a while.
  • Natural Landmarks—Rock formations, lakes, and mountains that somehow haven’t been turned into beer gardens yet.
  • Modern Landmarks—Architectural feats and cultural hotspots that remind you Germany isn’t all fairy tales and medieval history.

Most Famous Landmarks in Germany

Neuschwanstein Castle (Bavaria)

  • The over-the-top castle that inspired Disney's iconic logo.
  • Best visited in autumn for stunning foliage or winter for peak “magical kingdom” vibes.
Aerial view of Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany, surrounded by lush green forests and distant mountains under a clear blue sky.

Cologne Cathedral (Cologne)

  • A Gothic masterpiece that took over 600 years to build—because apparently, no one was in a hurry.
  • Offers breathtaking views from the top (if you’re up for the 533-step stair climb to prove your fitness).
View of Cologne Cathedral and Hohenzollern Bridge in Cologne, Germany, with city lights reflecting on the Rhine River during twilight.

Rakotzbrücke (Devil’s Bridge) (Saxony)

  • A bridge so perfect it looks like it was designed by an obsessive-compulsive wizard.
  • Located in Kromlau’s Rhododendron Park, best visited in autumn when it really commits to the whole fantasy aesthetic.
Ancient stone bridge over a calm river, surrounded by autumn trees. The bridge’s reflection creates a full circle with the water, under a partly cloudy sky.

Bastei Bridge (Saxon Switzerland National Park)

  • A jaw-dropping rock formation with a scenic bridge that makes you feel like you’re in a medieval epic.
  • Ideal for hikers and photographers who enjoy cliffs with a side of existential vertigo.
A stone bridge spans between tall, rocky formations surrounded by lush greenery at sunrise. Mist lingers in the distant valley, with hills silhouetted against the sky.

Black Forest & Triberg Waterfalls

  • Home to Germany’s most famous cuckoo clocks (because what is time, really?) and some of its most scenic hiking trails.
  • Visit in winter for Christmas market magic or summer for an endless supply of fresh air.
A cascading waterfall flows through moss-covered rocks and lush greenery, with a wooden bridge above.

Brandenburg Gate (Berlin)

  • The ultimate Berlin landmark and a favorite backdrop for tourists wielding selfie sticks like an acupuncture gauntlet.
  • Best seen at sunset when it looks extra dramatic.
The Brandenburg Gate in Berlin is illuminated at night, with its reflection visible in the water of a nearby fountain.

Hidden Gem Landmarks in Germany

Not every great landmark is in a guidebook—though, ironically, here we are. If you like your sightseeing with fewer crowds and more “why haven’t I heard of this before?” moments, check these out: 

Eltz Castle (Rhineland-Palatinate)

  • A medieval castle still owned by the same family after 850 years (talk about commitment).
  • Nestled in a valley that looks straight out of a fantasy novel, perfect for those who like their history with fewer tourists.
A medieval-style castle surrounded by dense, colorful autumn foliage, with a walkway leading to its entrance.

Externsteine (North Rhine-Westphalia)

  • A bunch of enormous rocks that make Stonehenge look like Bauhaus minimalism.
  • Climb to the top for breathtaking views, if you don’t mind steep staircases and questioning your life choices halfway up.
Rock formations rise near a calm body of water, with greenery surrounding them, under a softly lit sky.

Blautopf (Blue Pot) (Baden-Württemberg)

  • A shockingly blue karst spring with legends about mermaids and secret caves.
  • Located in Blaubeuren, a town as charming as its name is hard to pronounce.
Clear turquoise pond surrounded by autumn trees and a wooden fence in the background.

Rügen’s Chalk Cliffs (Jasmund National Park)

  • Germany’s version of the White Cliffs of Dover, only with more foliage.
  • Best visited in spring or summer unless you enjoy standing on cliffs while being aggressively windswept.
View of the Chalk Cliffs at Jasmund National Park, Germany, with green trees, turquoise water, and a partly cloudy sky.

Wernigerode Castle (Harz Mountains)

  • A ridiculously picturesque castle overlooking a half-timbered medieval town.
  • Feels like stepping into a Brothers Grimm story—minus the occasional horrifying ending.
Castle with multiple towers in a hilly landscape at sunset. The sky is orange, and a sun sets behind distant hills. Trees and a small town are visible in the background.

Plan Your Trip

  • Best Time to Visit: Generally spring and autumn, when the weather is nice and crowds are tolerable.
  • How to Get Around: Germany’s public transport is great, but you may find that a rental car is your best bet for getting to remote spots.
  • What to do Nearby: You've turned up and snapped your pic; now what? There's usually more than the main attraction to help round out your day.

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Planning a trip to Germany? Bookmark this guide and impress your family and friends with your superior knowledge of landmarks—because you can't spell school without cool. That was so painful to write, I'm leaving it in there.

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