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In its long history, Germany has rarely been united. For most of the two millenia that Central Europe has been inhabited by German-speaking peoples, such as the Eastern Franks, the area now called Germany was divided into hundreds of states, many quite small alo, including duchies, principalities, free cities, and ecclesiastical states. Not even the Romans united what is now known as Germany under one government; they managed to occupy only its southern and western portions. In A.D. 800 Charlemagne, who had been crowned Holy Roman emperor by Pope Leo III, ruled over a territory that encompassed much of present day Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Switzerland, but within a generation its existence was more symbolic than real.We were nearing the end of a longnight of drinking at Germany's annual Dachau Volkfest, a more intimate version of Munich's Oktoberfest that also happens to take place just outside of one of Europe's most notorious concentration camps. All around us, Bavarians were clanking glasses and singing obviously. Though it remains far less well known or understood by foreigners than some other European countries, since reunification Germany has gained a higher profile as a travel destination. The most popular destination is Berlin, one of the most fascinating capitals in Europe. Many of Germany's other major cities have proud histories as independent city states or as capitals of kingdoms in their own right. But the tourist attractions in Germany are by no means limited to the cities and many other great attractions can be found in every part of the country. The best Sights & Attractions in Germany are
Neuschwanstein, Bavaria:
The world's most famous castle, Neushwanstein, is nestled in the Alps, and it seems to come straight out of a fairy tale; Walt disney drew inspiration from it for his classic, Sleeping beauty. Neuschwanstein is the most photographed building in Germany.
Brandenburg Gate, Berlin:
More than any other landmark, the Brandenburg Gate is the national symbol for Germany. Built in 1791, the gate was a symbol of peace. It is crowned with the winged goddess of victory, riding a four-horsed chariot.
The City of Weimar:
Weimar is a city in Thuringia, in the East of Germany. To visit Weimar is to get at the heart of German culture. The list of former residents reads like the "who's who" of German literature, music, art, and philosophy: Johann Sebastian Bach, Richard Wagner, Friedrich Schiller, Walter Gropius, Wassily Kandinsky, and Friedrich Nietzsche are only a few of the many luminaries that lived and worked here. Weimar is the also the birthplace of the Bauhaus movement, which created a revolution in design, art, and architecture in the early 20th century.
The Romantic Road:
The Romantic Road is one of Germany's best scenic routes, leading you through a region that boasts quintessential German scenery and culture; charming medieval towns surrounded by walls and towers, half-timbered houses, historic hotels, castles,and restaurants that offer hearty food and great beer. Highlights along the Romantic Road: the picturesque Rothenburg ob der Tauber, the best-preserved medieval town in Germany, and the castle Neuschwanstein.
The Cathedral of Cologne:
The Cathedral of Cologne is one of Germany's most important architectural monuments and the third tallest cathedral in the world. It took over 600 years to construct this gothic masterpiece, and when it was finished in 1880, it was still true to the original plans from 1248.