10. Garmisch-Partenkirchen
9. Linderhof Palace
Linderhof is the only Schloss out of three that King Ludwig II of Bavaria completed in his lifetime. His intended to spruce up the already existing lodge but ended with a scaled down version of Versailles Palace. Of special interest are the Hall of Mirrors and the Peacock Bedroom. He lived in seclusion in this palace hideaway for much of his life. In honor of Wagner, Ludwig built a fantasy grotto partway up the mountain behind the palace based upon Wagner’s opera, Tannhäuser.
8. Lake Constance
7. Wurzburg
This Bavarian city was an important royal home for many centuries of prince-bishops. The Baroque palace, Wurzburger Residence, is one of Europe’s most ornate examples of this style of architecture, and has been considered one of the continent’s finest royal homes. Of special note are the fresco paintings and elaborate staircase inside the palace. Also of note in town is the church, which is one of Germany’s oldest, and built directly atop an eighth century pagan temple. Finally, some of the wineries here have been in business since Roman times. It is worth spending time on the property, or at least buying a bottle.
6. Black Forest
Grimm’s fairy tales come to life in this region known for its legends. This small mountain range is known for its timepieces, both watches and cuckoo clocks, and has a number of craftsmen who have built them for generations. The hilly terrain, lovely lakes and wooded trails of the Black Forest are great for hiking and mountain biking in the summer, and for excellent ski slopes during the wintertime.
5. Bamberg
Bamberg is known for its lovely architecture, especially in the old center of town. Two attractions of note are the old sculpture known as Dom, which depicts a young unknown rider. The second is the Altes Rathaus, which is a building that sits in the middle of the river with rooms hanging above the water. Of special note is the six day folk festival known as Sandkerwa. Several hundred thousand visitors descend upon Bamberg each August for the food, wine, beer, and local sports like fish jousting.
4. Munich
This Bavarian capital is the most populous city in Southern Germany. Located at the river Isar in Southern Bavaria, Munich is best known for its beautiful architecture, fine culture, and the annual Oktoberfest beer festival. Though the modern city has grown quite large, the original walled city, or Alstrading can be seen in the center, with remaining pieces of the walls and is worth a walking tour. Of special note are the 1972 Olympic village, the opera house, English Garden, and the nightlife in Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt.
3. Rothenburg ob der Tauber
2. Heidelberg
With historic treasures like the medieval Old Bridge, the Heidelberg Castle, the Church of the Holy Spirit and the Knight St. George House, it is no wonder that Heidelberg is one of the top tourist destinations in Germany. The picturesque city suffered little damage during World War II, with its baroque town center remaining intact. Home to Germany’s oldest university, Heidelberg’s long academic history can be retraced along the Philosopher’s Walk, a scenic footpath often walked by many earlier philosophers and professors.
1. Fussen
Nestled at the foot of the Alps, the small village of Füssen is the southern climax of the Romantic Road, with the nearby castles of Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau the highlight of many a southern Germany trip. The town itself is home to the enchanting Hohes Schloss, or “high castle.” This medieval building has a lovely Trompe l’oeil (optical illusion) facade on the outside and a stunning clock tower among its most famed features. The village also has a former Benedictine monastery called St Mang. Many lakes and beautiful trails are nearby if you would like to venture out of the village. Though most of the highlights can be seen in a day or two, the charming ambiance here is worth taking time to soak in and explore.
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