last edited Jan 9, 2020
Regions of Germany
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Hamburg and the North
This is the coastal region with long beaches and a few islands, between the Baltic and the North Sea, home to former Hanseatic cities like Bremen and Lübeck, which still reflect past wealth. While Hamburg offers a glimpse of one of Europe’s leading ports and Germany’s second-largest urban area, the region also boasts countryside, heathlands, and forests perfect for walks and peaceful holidays.
Cologne and the West
Traditionally known for its industry—home to the Ruhr—western Germany isn’t typically seen as a holiday destination. Yet beyond a niche "industrial tourism" scene, the region also features charming cities (Aachen, Bonn, Cologne, Trier...) and two major hubs for river cruises (and wine-growing): the Middle Upper Rhine Valley, also called the "Romantic Rhine," and the Moselle Valley.
Berlin and the East
At the heart of what was once East Germany, Berlin (and its stunning neighbor Potsdam, often overlooked) is by far the main draw of this region bordering Poland. However, you’ll also find beautiful castles and fortresses (Königstein, Moritzburg, Pillnitz...), towns and villages worth a stop (including Quedlinburg and Görlitz for their historic charm), or the natural beauty of the Saxon Switzerland.
Frankfurt and the Center
The heart of the country isn’t its most touristy area but rather a transit zone—including for air travel, with Frankfurt serving as Lufthansa’s main hub. Still, you can visit a few abbeys (like Eberbach), castles (Wartburg, a UNESCO site, being the most notable), and towns with preserved medieval heritage (Marburg, Rüdesheim...).
Bavaria and the South
With its mountains, lakes, forests, and "famous" cities (Bayreuth, Munich, Heidelberg...), not to mention its stunning romantic castles from the time of Ludwig II—most notably Neuschwanstein—Bavaria (and to a lesser extent neighboring Baden-Württemberg) remains the top German destination for many foreign visitors.