Top 10 Must-See German Tourist Attractions

#10: BMW Museum

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If you’re a car aficionado, a visit to the BMW Museum in Munich is a must. On permanent display are vehicles that represent almost a century-worth of the Ultimate Driving Machine’s history, including over 120 of the most attractive and powerful automobiles, motorcycles and engines created by BMW. You can also visit the special and temporary exhibitions, including the BMW Art Car Collection, the Roadsters, and many others. The museum is a true testament to the brand’s long-lasting success, to Germany’s overall innovative spirit and to world-renowned engineering.

Described as a “pinnacle of bad taste” by Kaiser Wilhelm II, Berlin’s Reichstag building, the current building in which German Parliament meets, has had a pretty turbulent history. In 1933, its chamber, dome and the majority of the building were damaged in a mysterious fire, which the Nazis used as a pretext to persecute political opponents. Allied attacks then severely damaged the building further in 1945, completely destroying its dome. Today, the rebuilt Reichstag is a blend of old and new, of history, culture and politics. Its spectacular glass dome has become a Berlin landmark and offers amazing views of the city and a taste of history.

#8: Romantic Rhine

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The portion of the Rhine River from Bingen to Bonn is a testament to Germany’s rich history and culture. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002, this famous section of the river was originally a major trade route into Central Europe. Today, the Romantic Rhine allows visitors to go on a cruise through gorgeous medieval towns, past castles right out of a fairy-tale, and into Germany’s wine region. In stark contrast to the country’s more industrial side, this is Deutschland at its most picturesque.

For any history buff, a trip to one of Germany’s oldest towns is a definite must. Located at the foot of the Harz Mountains in Saxony, Goslar along with the nearby Mines of Rammelsberg is listed as a World Heritage Site. Dubbed the “Rome of the North,” its skyline is dotted by the spires of 47 churches, chapels and monasteries. That’s one reason why a trip through the perfectly preserved medieval town centre is a trip back in time. Here, churches, timber-framed houses, and the impressive Imperial Palace line the charming cobblestone streets for a real old-world feel.

The Dachau Concentration Camp is not for the faint of heart but is definitely worth a trip. A visible way to honor the thousands of lives that were lost at Germany’s first concentration camp, a visit to the memorial is a solemn lesson in history and a reminder of the atrocities human beings can inflict on one another. Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site, which was erected in 1965 at the former site of the camp, honors the more than 32,000 who perished within the walls of the camp and is a grim look back at a horrible period in history.

Dresden’s Frauenkirche or Church of Our Lady is a baroque-style Lutheran church constructed in the 18th century. Featuring one of Europe’s largest domes, the Frauenkirche was a symbol of the Protestant Reformation. In 1945, allied bombing completely destroyed the church and its crumbled remains were left as a war memorial. After German reunification, plans were made to reconstruct the building according to its original 1720 grandeur. Since its reconsecration in 2005, the church has attracted thousands of tourists each year, including President Obama, who visited in 2009.

No trip to Bavaria is complete without visiting Munich’s most famous brewery and beer hall. A state administered brewery, the world-famous Hofbräuhaus can attract up to 30,000 guests per day. With an always-festive atmosphere, copious amounts of beer served, delicious Bavarian fare like Weisswürst und Knödel, and the glorious songs of the Oom Pah Pah band in the background, this is the ultimate Bavarian experience!

One of Germany’s most visited landmarks and Cologne’s most famous, the Cologne Cathedral or Kölner Dom is a gorgeous example of gothic architecture. Dating back to 1248, the cathedral took over 600 years to complete and is the seat of the Archbishop of Cologne. Its impressive size makes it the largest gothic cathedral in Northern Europe, and has secured it a spot as a UNESCO’s World Heritage Site. Dedicated to Saints Peter and Mary, this mighty building also houses an impressive art collection.

If you’re traveling down Germany’s world famous Romantic Road, there is no better place to stop than Neuschwanstein Castle, perhaps the most fairy tale like place in all of Germany. The inspiration for Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle at Disneyland, Neuschwanstein is beautifully nestled in the Bavarian Alps. Commissioned by the slightly mad King Ludwig II of Bavaria, this dream castle was designed not by an architect but by a theater set designer, and construction began in 1869. Today it is the most photographed building in Germany, and visitors can tour its lavish Minstrels’ hall, grotto and throne room. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. - Old City and Castle, Heidelberg - Berlin Wall, Berlin - Englischer Garten, Munich - Zwinger Palace, Dresden - Autobahn - Christmas Market, Nuremberg

And finally in our top spot is one of the most famous landmarks in Europe. The Brandenburg Gate was built in the 18th century as a symbol of peace. Topped with the winged goddess of peace riding a chariot, the Gate stood as an entryway to the linden tree lined boulevard that led to the palace of the Prussian monarchs. During the Cold War, it marked the dividing line between East and West, and symbolically represented a divided city. When the Wall finally came down in 1989, the Brandenburg Gate became a symbol of German reunification and today remains one of the country’s most famous landmarks. Do you agree with our list? What are your favorite German landmarks? For more historical and cultural top 10s published daily, join MsMojo.