Stretching from the Alps to the Baltic and North Seas, Germany makes for inspiring, fascinating and invigorating travel. Spend one day exploring half-timbered medieval towns and spectacular baroque palaces in Bavaria, and the next immersing yourself in fast-paced cosmopolitan cities. Metropolises such as Berlin provide a world of variety, with renowned historic attractions Brandenburg Gate and the Berlin wall right next to the top techno clubs on earth. Art and design explode in continual evolution, with Weimar providing the mecca for fans of Goethe, Schiller, and the Bauhaus Movement, and forward-thinking galleries dotted all over the country. Nature lovers have a paradise to explore, including pristine Alpine pistes, huge glimmering lakes, and thousands of miles of dense forest dotted with curative thermal springs. Culinary enthusiasts will delight in Germany's world-famous beer, sausage, and 'stollen'.
Munich, the lively capital of Bavaria and the third-largest city in Germany, lies on the banks of the River Isar. A modern hub complete with state-of-the-art skyscrapers and an exciting nightlife scene, the city revels simultaneously in its traditional customs and its sense of innovation. Some of the phenomenal historical attractions include spectacular Schloss Nymphenburg and the grand Residenz Museum, along with countless others. Nicknamed ‘city of art and beer’, Munich is strewn with impressive and diverse galleries (top choices include the Kunstareal Art Quarter and other-worldly Pinakothek der Moderne) and offers sublime beer-tasting opportunities in a variety of wonderful beer houses and gardens. Locals claim this is the culinary capital of the country - make sure to visit the Viktualienmarkt and dedicate some time to the metropolis’ restaurants. Gorgeous parks, jaw-dropping sports venues, and world-famous festivals (including legendary Octoberfest) complete the package.
Located just 45 minutes south of Munich in the district of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Murnau am Staffelsee is set in the Oberbayern region of Bavaria in Germany. Also known simply as ‘Murnau’, it boasts an idyllic setting on the edge of the Bavarian Alps. This magnificent destination offers visitors a buzzing metropolis featuring an array of attractions ranging from traditional charm to modern delights. Visitors can look forward to visiting the local market encircling the Murnau Castle, which has been running since the 12th century, soaking up breathtakingly beautiful views of the Alps from every aspect and enjoying the rich arts and culture scene with a variety of concerts, exhibitions and festivals to enjoy. Outdoor adventure enthusiasts will be in their element with excellent opportunities to hike, bike, hot air balloon and swim in the majestic mountain lakes.
Set near the German border, the famous city of Salzburg is one of the best-preserved city centres in Europe. Its winding cobblestone streets offer a treasure trove of Medieval and Baroque buildings, palaces, concert halls, and monasteries - all set against a picturesque backdrop of the magnificent snow-capped Alps. Visit the house where Mozart was born, and enjoy a packed lineup of operas, concerts and ballets in breathtaking historic halls and venues. The internationally renowned Salzburg Festival, which takes place every summer, provides the ultimate way to enjoy this scene. Fans of the Sound of Music can retrace the characters’ steps backed by stunning scenes and vistas. Make sure to stroll along the beautiful Salzach River, climb up to the spectacular Hohensalzburg fortress, and try the famous, delicious beer brewed at the Augustiner Braustubl, a monastery-run brewery operating since 1621.
Boasting impressive mountains towering above emerald-green Lake Königssee and the inviting charm of winding alpine streets lined with pastel houses, the town of Berchtesgaden is a destination that doesn’t lack scenery or heritage. In the Berchtesgadener Land region, visitors can tour the Nazi past at Dokumentation Obersalzberg or take in some majestic views standing atop the infamous Eagle’s Nest. Stroll through vibrant meadows and thick forests while traversing the Berchtesgaden National Park, or conquer the notorious Mount Watzmann as it towers above the valleys below. After all these adventures, encounter hospitality like no other as locals entertain visitors with Bavarian music and dance - making Berchtesgaden an unforgettable alpine experience.
Located in the spectacularly scenic German state of Bavaria, the municipality of Schonau am Konigssee is set in the district of Berchtesgadener Land. It sprawls out from the northern end of the emerald Konigssee Lake - Germany’s highest lake. This picturesque area features soaring peaks meeting forested hills dotted with little German houses. Photography enthusiasts will be able to capture a variety of breathtaking views. Visitors can browse the plentiful boutiques at the buzzing tourist village of Schonau, take a serene boat tour on the stunning lake to Echo Wall and to the charming chapel of St Bartholoma resting on its shores, or visit the Third-Reich-era Kehlsteinhaus - dubbed ‘The Eagle’s Nest’ - perched on a high peak and reached by a golden brass elevator. Other popular highlights include: the Berchtesgaden National Park and the massive Watzmann Mountain, popular with climbers and hikers.
