10 Suggested Itineraries for Germany + Top Destinations

Categorized as Germany
10 Suggested Itineraries for Germany + Top Destinations

Germany is a country with spectacular scenery, castles, lakes, rivers, mountains. It offers a variety of itinerary possibilities and, to help you plan your trip, check out the 10 suggested itineraries below.

At the end of the article, you will also find information on + 50 destinations and tips for planning an itinerary according to your interests.

Suggested Itineraries for Germany

1. Frankfurt + Romantic Road + Munich

Itineraries for GermanyItineraries for Germany – Rothenburg ob der Tauber – Photo Credit: Roman Kraft

Frankfurt is home to the largest airport in Germany, and it is an excellent starting point to combine an itinerary with the Romantic Road and Munich.

In total 29 cities are part of the Romantic Road, and to get to know the bigger cities and visit their main attractions, it is necessary for at least 4 to 5 days.

Unmissable destinations to visit on the Romantic Road include Würzburg, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Dinkelsbühl, Augsburg and Füssen / Schwangau. These larger cities can be connected by train, and during the hot months (from April to October – on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays), there is a bus company that connects the cities. But renting a car is ideal for exploring the region.

Munich is one of the most beautiful big cities in Germany, home to numerous interesting attractions, museums, parks, and beer gardens.

2. Frankfurt + Heidelberg + the Black Forest

Itineraries for GermanyItineraries for Germany – Black Forest – Photo Credit: Max Böttinger

From Frankfurt, it is interesting to combine an itinerary with Heidelberg and the Black Forest.

The cities of Baden-Baden, Offenburg, and Freiburg are the main entrances to the Black Forest.

And Germany’s largest amusement park – the second largest in Europe (after Disney Paris) – is located in the Black Forest and is one of the reasons to visit the region.

3. Frankfurt + Bonn + Cologne + Düsseldorf + Essen + Dortmund

Itineraries for GermanyItineraries for Germany – Cologne – Photo Credit: RAVI TRIPATHI

The cities of Bonn, Cologne, Düsseldorf, Essen and, Dortmund – located in Germany’s most populous state, North Rhine-Westphalia, can be easily combined into a travel itinerary with the city of Frankfurt.

The Cologne Cathedral, the Poppelsdorf Palace, the Beethoven-Haus Bonn, the Schloss Benrath, the UNESCO-Welterbe Zollverein complex and the LWL-Industriemuseum Zeche Zollern museum are some of the highlights to visit in the cities.

4. Frankfurt + Mannheim + Heidelberg + Baden-Baden

Itineraries for GermanyItineraries for Germany – Heidelberg – Photo Credit: Mateo Krössler

The cities of Mannheim, Heidelberg, and Baden-Baden are also popular to combine with an itinerary from Frankfurt. Mannheim is a city located on the banks of the Rhine and Neckar, known for housing an 18th-century Baroque palace and for its “Quadrate” center. Heidelberg is a charming city known for its castle. And Baden-Baden is a beautiful city located in the Black Forest.

5. Frankfurt + Rhine + Koblenz + Cochem

Itineraries for GermanyItineraries for Germany – Cochem – Photo Credit: Viktoria M

The Rhine region with medieval castles, vineyards, charming cities is one of the most beautiful regions in Germany.

The cities of Bingen, Rüdesheim am Rhein, Bacharach, Kaub, Sankt Goarshausen, Boppard, and Braubach are popular destinations in the region and can be combined in a travel itinerary with Koblenz, located at the junction of the Rhine and Moselle rivers, and also with the city of Cochem, located on the banks of the Moselle, known for its castle, the Reichsburg Cochem.

The city of Bingen is located approximately 50 minutes by train from Frankfurt.

6. Berlin + Leipzig + Dresden + Munich

Itineraries for GermanyItineraries for Germany – Dresden – Photo Credit: Datingscout

Leipzig and Dresden are located between Berlin and Munich, providing a great itinerary option.

Berlin, the capital of Germany and the country’s largest city, offers numerous attractions including museums, parks and also offers great possibilities for day trips.

Leipzig is home to interesting attractions, and its best-known monument is the Monument to the Battle of the Nations.

Dresden, located on the banks of the Elbe, has a beautiful old town and attractions such as the famous Baroque Zwinger building and Dresden’s Frauenkirche.

Munich also offers numerous attractions, including world-class museums, parks, palaces, and is located 460 km (286 miles) from Dresden, completing the tour.

7. Berlin + Rostock + Schwerin + Lübeck + Hamburg

Itineraries for GermanyItineraries for Germany – Schwerin – Photo Credit: Karl Werner

The cities of Rostock, Schwerin and Lübeck are located between Berlin and Hamburg.

Rostock is located on the north coast of Germany, has a beach (Warnemünde Strand) and a charming center with typical buildings.

Schwerin is known for its castle, Schwerin Castle. And Lübeck, the former medieval capital of the Hanseatic League, has a beautiful historic center with many interesting attractions.

Berlin and Hamburg are the two largest cities in Germany and are home to numerous interesting attractions, excellent options for restaurants, cafes, and hotels.

8. Berlin + Hamburg + Bremen + Hannover + Kassel

Itineraries for GermanyItineraries for Germany – Hamburg – Photo Credit:  Amelie & Niklas Ohlrogge

The direct train from Berlin to Hamburg takes approximately 1 hour and 43 minutes, making it a great route.

Bremen is 56 minutes by train from Hamburg and 59 minutes from Hannover.

Kassel is another interesting destination in Germany, known as the capital of the German Fairy Tales Route, it was home to the Brothers Grimm, a place that helped to inspire their stories.

Berlin, Hamburg, Bremen, Hannover, and Kassel offer several interesting attractions.

9. Munich + Regensburg + Nuremberg + Bamberg

Itineraries for GermanyItineraries for Germany – Nuremberg – Photo Credit: Ram Lanka

Regensburg, Nuremberg, and Bamberg are 3 beautiful cities located less than 2 hours by train from Munich, providing a great itinerary option.

Highlights on this itinerary include the Marienplatz in Munich, the Altes Rathaus city hall building and the Bamberg breweries, the Nuremberg Castle, and the Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds Museum, and Regensburg is known for its well-preserved medieval core.

10. Munich + Passau + Regensburg + Nuremberg + Würzburg

Itineraries for GermanyItineraries for Germany – Würzburg – Photo Credit: Mateo Krössler

In addition to Regensburg and Nuremberg, the city of Passau and Würzburg can be easily accessed from Munich.

Passau is known for being located at the junction of 3 rivers on the Austrian border, Regensburg for its medieval center, Nuremberg for its castle, and Würzburg is one of the 29 cities on the Romantic Road, and is home to many interesting attractions.

How to Plan an Itinerary for Germany

Germany has incredible destinations and to plan a trip according to your interests, we recommend simulating train routes with tools such as the Omio website, according to your travel dates.

To help you and inspire your itinerary, below you will find a list of some of the most popular destinations to travel to in Germany.

Suggested Itinerary by Cities

  1. Aachen Germany: 1-day Itinerary
  2. Augsburg Germany: 1-day Itinerary
  3. Baden-Baden Germany: 2-day Itinerary
  4. Bamberg Germany: 1-day Itinerary
  5. Berlin Germany: 3-day Itinerary
  6. Bonn Germany: 1-day Itinerary
  7. Braunschweig Germany: 1-day Itinerary
  8. Bremen Germany: 2-day Itinerary
  9. Cologne Germany: 2-day Itinerary
  10. Darmstadt Germany: 1-day Itinerary
  11. Dortmund Germany: 1-day Itinerary
  12. Dresden Germany: 2-day Itinerary
  13. Düsseldorf Germany: 2-day Itinerary
  14. Erfurt Germany: 1-day Itinerary
  15. Essen Germany: 1-day Itinerary
  16. Esslingen am Neckar Germany: 1-day Itinerary
  17. Frankfurt Germany: 3-day Itinerary
  18. Garmisch-Partenkirchen Germany: 1-day Itinerary
  19. Hamburg Germany: 2-day Itinerary
  20. Hannover Germany: 2-day Itinerary
  21. Heidelberg Germany: 1-day Itinerary
  22. Kassel Germany: 1-day Itinerary
  23. Koblenz Germany: 2-day Itinerary
  24. Konstanz Germany: 1-day Itinerary
  25. Leipzig Germany: 1-day Itinerary
  26. Lübeck Germany: 1-day Itinerary
  27. Mainz Germany: 1-day Itinerary
  28. Mannheim Germany: 1-day Itinerary
  29. Munich Germany: 4-day Itinerary
  30. Nuremberg Germany: 2-day Itinerary
  31. Potsdam Germany: 1-day Itinerary
  32. Regensburg Germany: 1-day Itinerary
  33. Rothenburg ob der Tauber Germany: 1-day Itinerary
  34. Schwerin Germany: 1-day Itinerary
  35. Stuttgart Germany: 2-day Itinerary
  36. Trier Germany: 2-day Itinerary
  37. Ulm Germany: 1-day Itinerary
  38. Weimar Germany: 1-day Itinerary
  39. Wiesbaden Germany: 1-day Itinerary
  40. Wittenberg Germany: 1-day Itinerary
  41. Würzburg Germany: 1-day Itinerary

Top Destinations in Germany

1. Aachen

Aachen Germany PhotoItineraries for Germany – Aachen – Photo Credit:  Jennifer Latuperisa-Andresen

Located near the border with Belgium and the Netherlands, Aachen is a city in Germany known mainly for its cathedral.

The city can be combined with a travel itinerary from Cologne or Düsseldorf. It is also a great stop for travelers who want to travel by train from Germany to the Netherlands or Belgium, as it is an hour and 14 minutes by train (direct) from Brussels and 54 minutes by train (direct) from Maastricht, Netherlands.

2. Augsburg

Augsburg PhotoItineraries for Germany – Augsburg – Photo Credit: hoch3media

Augsburg is one of the oldest cities in Germany and is part of the Romantic Road.

The city can be easily accessed by train from Munich, but for travelers who want to explore the Romantic Road, it is recommended to start the itinerary from Frankfurt, passing through Würzburg and going to the last city, Füssen.

Augsburg’s highlights include the Augsburg Town Hall, the Perlach Tower, the Fuggerei, the Schaezlerpalais and Maximilianstraße Street.

3. Baden-Baden

Baden-Baden PhotoItineraries for Germany – Baden-Baden – Photo Credit: Fabian Wiktor

Baden-Baden is a spa town located in the Black Forest in Germany.

It is a great starting point for exploring France from Germany, as it is located 26 minutes by train (direct) from Strasbourg.

Baden-Baden’s outstanding attractions include the Caracalla Spa, the Museum Frieder Burda, the Lichtentaler Allee, and the ruins of the Hohenbaden Castle for spectacular views of the Black Forest and the city.

The city is also home to one of Germany’s most charming Christmas Markets.

4. Bamberg

Bamberg PhotoBamberg – Photo Credit: Bernd M. Schell

Bamberg is a city located in northern Bavaria, known for its Altes Rathaus building and museum on an island accessed by bridges, its breweries, and its area known as Little Venice (Klein Venedig).

Other prominent attractions in the city include the cathedral, the Neue Residenz Bamberg palace, the Alte Hofhaltung, the Kloster Michaelsberg and the Schlenkerla, die historische Rauchbierbrauerei (the most famous brewery in the city center).

5. Bautzen

Bautzen PhotoItineraries for Germany – Bautzen – Photo Credit: Alexander Henke

Located approximately 47 minutes by train (direct) from Dresden, Bautzen is a city known for its medieval towers.

In addition to its towers, other prominent attractions include the Cathedral of St Peter and the Bautzen Museum.

6. Berlin

Berlin PhotoItineraries for Germany – Berlin – Photo Credit: Florian Wehde

Berlin, the capital and largest city in Germany, is one of the most popular destinations to visit in the country.

The city has numerous attractions, museums, parks, and offers excellent restaurants, cafes, and first-class hotels.

For history lovers, a visit to the Berlin Wall Memorial, Checkpoint Charlie, the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe are a must.

From Berlin, it is possible to combine excellent day trips, including Potsdam.

7. Bremen

Top Destinations in Germany - BremenTop Destinations in Germany – Bremen

Located 56 minutes by train (direct) from Hamburg, Bremen is a city in northern Germany known for its role in maritime trade.

The city is home to several interesting attractions and sights such as St. Petri Dom Bremen, the Bremen Roland statue, the Böttcherstraße, and the unmissable picturesque area of Schnoor.

8. Braunschweig

Braunschweig - Brunswick PhotoTop Destinations in Germany – Braunschweig

Braunschweig (Brunswick) is a city in Germany located between Hannover and Magdeburg, 1 hour and 22 minutes by train (direct) from Berlin.

Highlights of a visit to Braunschweig include the Dankwarderode Castle, the Brunswick Palace, the Brunswick Cathedral, the Braunschweigisches Landesmuseum, and the Herzog Anton Ulrich Museum.

9. Chemnitz

Chemnitz PhotoChemnitz – Photo Credit: Maximilian Scheffler 

Chemnitz is a city in Germany located 1 hour by train (direct) from Dresden and 1 hour and 5 minutes by train from Leipzig.

Chemnitz’s highlights and sights include the Altes Rathaus, the Roter Turm, the Karl-Marx-Monument, the Kunstsammlungen Chemnitz art museum, the Museum of Saxon vehicles, and the Rabenstein Castle.

10. Cochem

Cochem PhotoItineraries for Germany – Cochem – Photo Credit: Miguel Ángel Sanz

Located on the banks of the Moselle, Cochem is a charming city known mainly for its castle, the Reichsburg Cochem.

Highlights of a visit include the Historische Senfmühle Dehren for mustard tasting, the Skagerrak-Brücke bridge, its historic center, and the Cochemer Sesselbahn cable car.

11. Cologne

Cologne PhotoTop Destinations in Germany – Cologne

Cologne is the largest city along the Rhine in Germany and the fourth most populous city in the country.

The Cologne Cathedral is the most recognized attraction in the city, but it houses other interesting attractions such as the Chocolate Museum, the Roman-Germanic Museum, and the Ludwig Museum.

From Cologne, it is possible to combine excellent itinerary options including cities such as Bonn, Düsseldorf, Koblenz, Aachen, and also a visit to the beautiful Burg Eltz castle.

12. Dortmund

Dortmund PhotoDortmund – Photo Credit: Jonas Von Werne

Dortmund is the most populous city in the Ruhr region in Germany.

The city can be combined in a travel itinerary with cities in the region such as Essen, Duisburg, and Bochum.

Düsseldorf is also an excellent destination option to combine with Dortmund, as it is 47 minutes away by train.

Dortmund is famous for its soccer team, Borussia Dortmund, and Westfalen Park, the Florian Tower, the LWL Industrial Museum Zollern, the Dortmund U-Tower, and the Phoenix-See lake are other highlights of the city.

13. Dresden

Dresden PhotoItineraries for Germany – Dresden – Photo Credit: Oliver Guhr

Dresden, the capital of the state of Saxony, is located on the banks of the Elbe.

The city has beautiful architecture and is home to many interesting attractions such as the Frauenkirche church, the Zwinger complex, the Dresden Castle, the Brühl’s Terrace, and the Pillnitz Castle.

From Dresden, it is possible to combine excellent day trips such as Meissen, Moritzburg.

Also popular in the region is the Saxony wine route, which is approximately 60 km. From Diesbar-Seußlitz to Pirna.

14. Düsseldorf

Düsseldorf  PhotoDüsseldorf – Photo Credit: Deniz Fuchidzhiev

Düsseldorf is a city in Germany divided by the Rhine.

The city is known for its fashion industry with the elegant Königsallee street full of luxury shops.

The city has a charming historic center, and its must-see attractions include the area along the river called the Rheinpromenade, the Rhine Tower, the Museum Kunstpalast art museum, and the Schloss Benrath.

Düsseldorf is located 33 minutes by train from Cologne, and can be an excellent starting point for travelers who want to combine a travel itinerary with the Netherlands, as the city of Amsterdam can be reached in 2 hours and 17 minutes with the (direct) Deutsche Bahn train.

15. Essen

Essen PhotoTop Destinations in Germany – Essen

Essen is a city in Germany located in the Ruhr region between Duisburg and Dortmund.

The historic UNESCO-Welterbe Zollverein, the Museum Folkwang, the Villa Hügel, the Baldeneysee Lake, and the charming area of Kettwig are some of the attractions of the city.

16. Esslingen-am-Neckar

Esslingen-am-Neckar PhotoEsslingen-am-Neckar – Photo Credit: Tobias Schmücker

Esslingen-am-Neckar is a city located on the banks of the Neckar River approximately 16.7 km (10.3 miles) from Stuttgart, making it an excellent destination for a day trip.

The city is known for its vineyards, old town, and beautiful Esslinger Burg castle.

17. Frankfurt

Frankfurt PhotoTop Destinations in Germany – Frankfurt

Frankfurt is home to Germany’s largest airport, and because of its location, it offers excellent possibilities for itineraries and day trips.

Römerberg is the central square of the city and a must-see attraction. The city is also home to excellent options of museums, restaurants, cafes, and Biergarten.

During your visit, don’t forget to try the famous green sauce (Frankfurter Grüne Soße) and the Apfelwein cider.

18. Freiburg

Freiburg PhotoTop Destinations in Germany – Freiburg

Freiburg is one of the main destinations in the Black Forest.

The city has a beautiful reconstructed medieval center crisscrossed by picturesque brooks (Bächle) and houses attractions and sights such as the Freiburger Münster (Freiburg Cathedral), the Schwabentor (one of the symbols of the city), the Augustiner Museum, and the Schlossbergbahn cable car.

The city is located 1 hour and 50 minutes by train (direct) from Stuttgart and 42 minutes by train (direct) from Baden-Baden.

19. Füssen

Neuschwanstein Castle PhotoNeuschwanstein Castle – Photo Credit: Simon Maisch

Füssen is known as the gateway for visitors who want to visit Germany’s most famous castle, the beautiful Neuschwanstein Castle, and also the Hohenschwangau Castle.

The city is commonly visited on a day trip from Munich, but for visitors who have more time to explore the country, it is worth staying for at least one night in Füssen.

Some must-see attractions in and around Füssen include the High Castle of Füssen, the Museum of the Bavarian Kings, and the Forggensee and Alpsee lakes.

20. Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Garmisch-Partenkirchen PhotoItineraries for Germany – Garmisch-Partenkirchen – Photo Credit: Daniel Seßler

Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a town located 1 hour and 22 minutes by train (direct) from Munich.

The city is known as a winter resort and is home to Germany’s highest mountain peak, the Zugspitze.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen also houses great options for cafes, restaurants, shops, and hotels.

21. Hamburg

Hamburg PhotoHamburg – Photo Credit: Moritz Kindler

Located in northern Germany, Hamburg is the country’s second-largest city, known for its port area (connected to the North Sea by the Elbe River).

The city is home to numerous interesting attractions such as the Townhall building, the St. Nikolai Memorial, the St. Peter’s Church, the Elbphilharmonie Hamburg, museums such as the Miniatur Wunderland and the Hamburger Kunsthalle, and also houses excellent options for restaurants, cafes, hotels, and places for shopping.

The city is an excellent starting point for visitors who want to explore Northern European countries, as it is 4 hours and 34 minutes by train (direct) from the city of Copenhagen, Denmark.

22. Hechingen

Hohenzollern CastleHohenzollern Castle – Photo Credit: Sandra Ahn Mode

Hechingen is the gateway for visitors who want to visit Hohenzollern Castle, it is located 1 hour and 4 minutes by train (direct) from Stuttgart. And from the Hechingen train station, there is a bus to the castle.

The castle is one of the most beautiful in Germany.

23. Heidelberg

Heidelberg PhotoHeidelberg – Photo Credit: Brina Blum

Heidelberg, known mainly for its castle, is one of the most charming cities in Germany.

The city has a beautiful historic center and is home to attractions such as the Old Bridge Heidelberg, the Heiliggeistkirche church, the Philosophenweg, and offers excellent options for restaurants and cafes, shops, and hotels.

The city is located 54 minutes by train (direct) from Frankfurt and 2 hours and 58 minutes by train (direct) from Munich.

24. Ingolstadt

Ingolstadt PhotoTop Destinations in Germany – Ingolstadt

Ingolstadt is a city located 38 minutes by train (direct) from Munich.

The city is home to attractions such as the Audi Forum Ingolstadt, the Bavarian Army Museum – New Castle, the Stadtmuseum Ingolstadt, the Kreuztor, and also one of Germany’s best outlets, the Ingolstadt Village.

25. Karlsruhe

Karlsruhe PhotoTop Destinations in Germany – Karlsruhe

Located 39 minutes by train (direct) from Stuttgart and 1 hour and 5 minutes by train (direct) from Frankfurt, Karlsruhe is home to attractions such as the Karlsruhe Palace, the Staatliche Kunsthalle Karlsruhe, the State Museum of Natural History Karlsruhe, and also offers good options for restaurants, cafes, and hotels.

It can be an excellent stop to combine an itinerary with the Black Forest, it is 20 minutes by train (direct) from Baden-Baden.

26. Kassel

Kassel PhotoTop Destinations in Germany – Kassel

Kassel is a city located in central Germany, 1 hour and 28 minutes by train (direct) from Frankfurt and 54 minutes by train (direct) from Hannover.

The city was once home to the Brothers Grimm and is home to interesting attractions such as the GRIMMWELT Kassel museum, the Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe, and its famous Hercules Monument and the Fridericianum.

27. Kiel

Kiel PhotoTop Destinations in Germany – Kiel

Kiel is a port city located 57 minutes by train (direct) from Hamburg.

Saint Nikolai Church, the GEOMAR Aquarium, and the Kunsthalle zu Kiel museum are some of the city’s highlights.

It is located close to the sea and the beaches along the Kiel Fjord, such as Strande, Kiel-Schilksee, Mönkeberg, and Laboe, are popular places to visit in spring and summer.

28. Koblenz

Koblenz PhotoTop Destinations in Germany – Koblenz

Koblenz is located 1 hour and 29 minutes by train (direct) from Frankfurt and 53 minutes from Cologne.

The city’s highlights include the Deutsches Eck (which marks the junction of the two rivers – Rhine and Moselle), the Seilbahn Koblenz cable car, the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, the Schloss Koblenz and the Stolzenfels Castle.

The city also offers good options for restaurants, cafes, shops, and hotels.

29. Konstanz

Konstanz PhotoKonstanz – Photo Credit: Sven Masuhr

Konstanz is a city located in southern Germany on Lake Constance, 2 hours and 30 minutes by train (direct) from Stuttgart and can be a great stop for travelers who want to combine a travel itinerary with Switzerland, as it is 1 hour and 16 minutes by train from Zurich.

The city has a charming historic center and is home to attractions such as the Konstanz Cathedral, the SEA LIFE Konstanz, the Konstanz Port, and the unmissable Island Mainau.

30. Leipzig

Leipzig PhotoTop Destinations in Germany – Leipzig

Leipzig is the most populous city in the state of Saxony, located 1 hour and 12 minutes by train from Berlin and 1 hour and 6 minutes from Dresden.

The city’s top attractions include the Monument to the Battle of the Nations, the St. Thomas Church, the Museum of fine arts, the Gohlis Palace, and the New Town Hall building (Neues Rathaus).

31. Lichtenstein

Lichtenstein Castle is one of the most beautiful castles in GermanyLichtenstein Castle – Photo Credit: Luca Florio

Located in the state of Baden-Württemberg 57.6 km (35.8 miles) from Stuttgart, Lichtenstein Castle is one of the most beautiful castles in Germany.

The castle has neo-Gothic architecture constructed on the historical foundation walls of a medieval knights’ castle.

32. Lindau

Lindau PhotoLindau – Photo Credit: Markus Winkler

Lindau is a city in Germany located on Lake Constance (Bodensee) 2 hours and 23 minutes by train (direct) from Munich and 11 minutes by train from the city of Bregenz in Austria.

The city is home to attractions and sights such as Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Altes Rathaus – Lindau am Bodensee, the Mangturm Tower, the Gartendenkmal Lindenhof Park, and also offers excellent hotel options.

33. Lübeck

Lübeck PhotoLübeck – Photo Credit: Leonie Krickhuhn

Located in northern Germany, Lübeck has a charming old town and offers interesting attractions.

The city is located 38 minutes by train from Hamburg and 1 hour and 27 minutes from Kiel.

The Holstentor, the Marienkirche, and the St. Peter’s Church are some of the city’s must-see attractions. And Café Niederegger is the most traditional place to try the famous marzipan.

34. Mainz

Mainz PhotoMainz – Photo Credit: Nour Rbati

Mainz, the capital of the state of Rhineland-Palatinate along the Rhine, offers attractions such as the Gutenberg Museum, the Landesmuseum Mainz, the Mainz Cathedral, and the St. Stephan’s Church.

The city is located between Wiesbaden and Mannheim, making it a good stop for a tour with these cities, following to Baden-Baden and even to Strasbourg, France.

35. Mannheim

Mannheim PhotoMannheim – Photo Credit: Recorder MA

Located on the banks of the Rhine, Mannheim is known for its “Square” center and Baroque palace.

The city is located 43 minutes by train (direct) from Baden-Baden and 46 minutes by train from Frankfurt.

36. Munich

Munich PhotoMunich – Photo Credit: Sergey Mind

Munich, the capital of Bavaria, is one of the most popular destinations in Germany.

The city is home to numerous interesting attractions, a charming historic center, highlighting the Marienplatz Square and the Frauenkirche, and also offers world-class museums, palaces, old gates, parks, excellent restaurants, cafes, and hotels.

From Munich, it is possible to visit numerous charming cities on a day trip.

37. Nuremberg

Nuremberg PhotoNuremberg – Photo Credit: Kadir Celep

Nuremberg, the second-largest city in Bavaria, has a beautiful historic center with medieval architecture.

The Nuremberg Castle, the Nuremberg Frauenkirche, the Germanisches Nationalmuseum and the Dokumentationszentrum Reichsparteitagsgelände are the main attractions of the city.

Nuremberg is located 1 hour and 7 minutes by train from Munich.

38. Passau

Passau Photo Passau – Photo Credit: ruddy.media

Passau is a city located at the junction of three rivers (Danube, Inn, and Ilz) close to the Austrian border.

Passau’s must-see attractions include the scenic junction of the rivers, the St. Stephan’s Cathedral, and its charming old town.

39. Regensburg

Regensburg PhotoRegensburg – Photo Credit: Thomas Winkler

Regensburg is located 1 hour and 23 minutes by train (direct) from Munich and 1 hour and 12 minutes by train (direct) from Nuremberg, making it a great stop on an itinerary that includes both cities.

The Steinerne Brücke over the Danube, the Regensburg Cathedral, and its old center are the highlights of Regensburg.

40. Rostock

Rostock PhotoRostock – Photo Credit: Andrea Anastasakis

Rostock is a city located on the north coast of Germany 1 hour and 59 minutes by train from Berlin and 1 hour and 50 minutes by train from Hamburg.

The city has a beach, the Warnemünde Strand, and a charming center with good options for museums, restaurants, cafes, and hotels.

41. Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Rothenburg ob der Tauber PhotoRothenburg ob der Tauber – Photo Credit: Hendrik Kespohl

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a charming city on the Romantic Road, Germany.

The city has several towers, shops, restaurants, and cafés, with the Plönlein area being the most recognized and photographed tourist spot in Rothenburg ob der Tauber.

42. Rottach-Egern

Rottach-Egern PhotoRottach-Egern – Photo Credit: Dimitry Anikin

Rottach-Egern is a town located on Tegernsee Lake 51 minutes by train from Munich.

The city is charming and has attractions such as the Wallbergbahn cable car for spectacular views of the region and the lake, the St. Laurentius church, as well as good options for restaurants, cafes, and first-class hotels.

43. Rüdesheim am Rhein

Rüdesheim am Rhein PhotoRüdesheim am Rhein – Photo Credit: Tjaard Krusch

Rüdesheim am Rhein is a beautiful city located along the Rhine, 64.5 km (40 miles) from Frankfurt.

The Ehrenfels Castle, the Niederwald in Rudesheim hiking trail, and the Abtei St. Hildegard are some of the attractions of the city.

44. Rügen Island

Rügen Island PhotoBinz, Rügen Island – Photo Credit: Philipp

Rügen is an island in northern Germany located 3 hours and 51 minutes by train from Berlin and 1 hour and 41 minutes by train from Rostock.

The island has white sandy Baltic beaches and first-class hotels and resorts. It is one of the top destinations to enjoy the German summer.

45. Saarbrücken

Saarbrücken PhotoSaarbrücken – Photo Credit: Kevin Mueller

Saarbrücken is the capital and largest city in the state of Saarland, Germany.

The city is located close to the border with France, 1 hour and 1 minute by train from Metz and 1 hour and 51 minutes by train (direct) from Paris, making it an excellent stop to combine a tour between the two countries.

46. Schwerin

Schwerin PhotoSchwerin – Photo Credit: Karl Werner

Schwerin is the capital of the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, known mainly for its castle, Schwerin Castle.

The city is located 2 hours and 36 minutes by train from Berlin and 1 hour and 18 minutes by train from Hamburg.

47. Stuttgart

Stuttgart PhotoStuttgart – Photo Credit: Marcel Knupfer

Stuttgart is the capital of the state of Baden-Württemberg, known for its museums and the headquarters of Mercedes-Benz and Porsche.

The city is home to other interesting attractions such as the Castle Solitude, the New Palace and offers good opportunities for day trips.

48. Trier

Trier PhotoTrier – Photo Credit: Ryan Grady

Trier is located near the border with Luxembourg in the Moselle wine region 1 hour and 55 minutes from Koblenz and 49 minutes by train from Cochem.

The city has a charming old center and is home to attractions such as the Porta Nigra, the Kaiserthermen, the Karl Marx House and, the Roman Bridge.

49. Ulm

Ulm PhotoUlm – Photo Credit: Luis Fernando Felipe Alves

Located 58 minutes by train from Stuttgart, Ulm is a city along the Danube founded in medieval times.

The city is home to attractions such as the beautiful cathedral, the Ulmer Münster, the Metzgerturm, and the charming Fischerviertel-Blau area.

50. Weimar

Weimar PhotoWeimar – Photo Credit: Dana Ward

Weimar is a city in Germany located in the center of the country, 1 hour and 19 minutes by train from Leipzig.

The city is known for hosting attractions such as the Goethe’s House, the Bauhaus-Museum Weimar, the Schiller-Museum, and the St. Peter und Paul, Weimar.

It is a mandatory stop for travelers who want to find out about the Weimar Classicism, a German literary and cultural movement.

51. Wierschem

Burg Eltz PhotoWierschem – Photo Credit: ruben daems

Wierschem is known for its castle, the beautiful Burg Eltz.

The city is located 33.8 km (31 miles) from Koblenz.

It is an excellent stop for travelers who want to combine a tour with Koblenz, Burg Eltz, and Cochem.

52. Wiesbaden

Wiesbaden PhotoWiesbaden – Photo Credit: Beth Macdonald

Wiesbaden is a city in Germany located along the Rhine, 45 minutes by train from Frankfurt.

The city is home to attractions such as the Biebrich Palace, the Museum Wiesbaden, the Evangelical Market church Wiesbaden, and the beautiful Kurpark park.

Wiesbaden also offers easy access to other destinations along the Rhine, as it is 32 minutes by train from Rüdesheim am Rhein and 10 minutes from Mainz.

53. Würzburg

Würzburg PhotoWürzburg – Photo Credit: Daniel Seßler

Würzburg is one of the cities on the Romantic Road. It is the first destination on the route for travelers who start their itinerary from Frankfurt.

Must-see attractions in the city include the Würzburg Residence, the Hofgarten, the Marienberg Fortress, and the Alte Mainbrücke bridge.

Würzburg is just 1 hour and 7 minutes by train (direct) from Frankfurt.

Featured Photo Credit: Mateo Krössler

Book Your Trip

Book Your Accommodation

Book your hotel with Booking.com as they consistently provide the cheapest and lowest rates.

Book Your Flight

Find cheap flights to Germany by using Momondo. Momondo is a flight search engine that searches a lot of different airlines, including many of the budget carriers.

Book a Train Ticket

Check the train routes and schedules with Omio. Omio is an authorized Deutsche Bahn ticket seller, which compares and combines transport options for complete flexibility.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, and cancellations. It’s a protection in case anything goes wrong. You can book your travel insurance with Travelexinsurance.com.

See also

Outlets & Department Stores in Germany: Shopping Guide

10 Best Palace & Castle Hotels on Rhine River Germany

40 Popular Train Routes in Germany

German States Map

German States and Regions