Germany is one of the most beautiful and greatest countries in the world. Everyone who has been there or is just going there must know that the most beautiful and fascinating cities are the capitals and simply large cities of the country. If you pay attention to the towns located 70–100 km from large cities, you can get a lot of fun. Each country has its own secluded corners, where not many tourists have visited. If you want to get a lot of discoveries, then you should trust your imagination and intuition.

No matter how strange it may sound, it is the smallest cities in Germany that carry the historical past of the people of Germany. Small towns have preserved many castles and attractions until modern times.

The smallest city is Arnis.The total population is 280 people. The residents of the town probably know each other by sight and spend the biggest holidays as one big family.

Everyone knows the Treasury of the German Empire. The town of Nuremberg. This is a city with an unusual history. Although it is considered historical, it is also very modern. It has a large number of monuments and architecture that reflect the modernity and historical heritage of Germany.

Nuremberg

You can improve your health at the resorts of Bad Kreuznach. This city is famous for its mineral springs. Interesting fairs and colorful festivals will help brighten up your treatment and improve your mood.

Bad Kreuznach

The city of Bad Homburg is considered one of the most picturesque. Dostoevsky and many other writers, as well as their muses, loved to visit this city. There are many in the city healing springs, many of which are considered potable.

Bad Homburg

The small German town of Saalfeld is fragrant and thriving. Despite its small territory, the city is famous for its large amount of ore and minerals. People are friendly and always smile, no matter the reason or not. The prices are good and you can spend a great holiday here. It became famous thanks to the Thuringian forest and mountains.

Saalfeld

Bamberg is a small city, but very cozy. One day may be enough to walk around the city and visit all the sights. The town stands on 7 hills. The main attraction of Bamberg is the Rose Garden. In summer and autumn, the garden smells of a wonderful aroma of roses. In winter, it offers beautiful views of the city. Smoked beer is sold in Bamberg, it’s worth a try, because you can only find it here.

Unlike Bamberg, the small town of Quedlinburg was practically destroyed. Cathedrals and churches amaze with their massiveness and beauty, and the inside of them is famous for its unusual beauty and amazing stained glass windows. The city has many museums with magnificent collections. One of the monastery churches, the Stiftskirche, was restored many times after destruction. Unfortunately, convent St. Mary's has never reached our time; only ruins remain. The highlight of the city is the half-timbered houses.

Quedlinburg

German city of Neuruppin demonstrates a love of order and cleanliness. The city is divided into two parts - new and old. It is separated by Lake Ruppiner. Neuruppin is a city of flowers, this is what tourists come here for.

Today's architectural structure, the miraculous Cathedral of St. Mary, is rightfully considered a landmark city ​​of Fürstenwalde. The city began to take shape after the end of World War II. Guests of the city should definitely visit the zoo with more than 300 species of animals, especially children will be delighted.

In Oranienburg one of the first concentration camps was created, which was located almost in the center of the city. Currently, there is a monument to the victims of the fascists there. The city is famous for its engineering and food industries.

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Germany is the birthplace of pork sausages and beer, funny shorts with suspenders and autobahns. However, these are only the first associations. For example, Berlin is one of the most stunning cities on the continent since it got rid of the wall. Stunning and unforgettable landscapes, magical panoramas of jagged and snow-capped peaks towering above the flowering meadows of the Bavarian Alps, rushing rivers flowing through cities, lakes with forested shores, islands blown from all sides, bizarre rock formations, fields of ripe wheat - all this is part of patchwork quilt called "Nature of Germany". The country's architectural treasures range from well-preserved Roman ruins to the latest in modern construction. Exquisite food and wine will satisfy any gourmet's needs

Top 10 attractions in Germany

1. Europa-Park

Located in southwest Germany, between the cities of Freiburg and Offenburg, Europa Park is the largest theme park in the German-speaking countries, and one of the few that is open in winter. Europa Park is the second most visited park in Europe after Disneyland Paris. It contains more than 100 attractions on an area of ​​90 hectares, divided into 16 thematic zones. The most popular attraction in the park is the roller coaster.

2. Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein is known throughout the world as a symbol of idealized romantic architecture and the tragic history of its owner. After losing sovereignty in his own kingdom, Ludwig II retreated into his own world of myths, legends and fairy tales. Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the most visited castles in Germany and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. Every year 1.5 million people visit the Fairy Tale King's Castle.

3. Cologne Cathedral

A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, one of the leading temples of the Christian world. When completed in 1880, it was the tallest building in the world.

4. Heidelberg Castle and old quarter

One of Germany's most famous attractions, the romantic ruins of Heidelberg Castle have attracted tourists since the 19th century. Heidelberg is a city in southwest Germany that lies on the banks of the Neckar River near the Odenwald mountain range. Although it is a relatively small town it does not suffer from a lack of tourists and is considered the most visited small town in Germany.

The old quarter of Heidelberg is home to picturesque alleys, quiet pubs, antique shops hidden in back streets, small galleries and, of course, the aforementioned castle. Crooked streets, Baroque and Renaissance facades and cozy squares form appearance to the Old Quarter.

5. Brandenburg Gate

Germany's most famous monument and one of Berlin's main attractions is the Brandenburg Gate, built between 1789 and 1791 on Pariser Platz in the city center. The gate is supported by six Doric columns, creating five walkways with a pedestrian area. On the gate there is a sculpture of the famous quadriga, with the goddess of victory, Victoria.

6. Old town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a small town with a big reputation. Nowhere else will you find such a wealth of original buildings dating back to the Middle Ages. Rothenburg is known for its well-preserved medieval old town, a magnet for tourists from all over the world. The city is part of another German attraction, the popular tourist Romantic Road through southern Germany. The city has preserved in excellent condition more than 42 gates and towers dating back to the Middle Ages.

7. Lake Constance

Lake Constance is the area where Germany borders Austria and Switzerland. The most popular excursion on the lake is the island of flowers Mainau, famous for its magnificent park and Baroque gardens surrounding the palace of Count Bernadotte's family. Discover an oasis of natural beauty, harmony and relaxation.

8. Mount Zugspitze

Mount Zugspitze is one of the most famous mountain peaks in the Alps and one of the main natural attractions of Germany. The height of the mountain is 2,962 meters and it is not only the highest peak in Germany, but also one of the most popular destinations for tourists from all over the world.

9. The Berlin Wall

From 1961 to 1989, the Berlin Wall divided the city into two parts. Much of the wall has since been demolished, but fragments remain as a symbol of Berlin's division.

10. Romantic Road

The Romantic Road is a tour through Germany, approximately 400 km long. from the city of Wurzburg to Fussen. Along the way you will pass magnificent stately medieval houses, opulent palaces and romantic old half-timbered houses.

The oldest cities in what is now Germany were founded by the ancient Romans. Many of them have already celebrated their 2000th anniversary.

• Criteria and signs



Ancient Rome



Main candidates



In alphabet order



Andernach



Augsburg



Bonn



Worms





Kempten



Koblenz



Xanthene



Mainz



Noyce



Trier



Speyer



P.S.

• Criteria and signs

  Which city is the oldest in Germany? Historians cannot give an unambiguous answer to this question, since it depends on many criteria - whether to take them into account or not, archaeological finds and other facts. In any case, such cities had to have a centralized structure and power, provide themselves with everything they needed - food and water, and also have clear territorial boundaries.



Ancient Rome

It is believed that the oldest cities that still exist in what is now Germany arose during Ancient Rome, that is, they were founded as Roman military camps or civilian settlements on the territory of the local Roman provinces - on the former lands of the Celtic and Germanic tribes along the Moselle, Danube and Rhine. In the photo - the Capitoline wolf in Cologne.



Main candidates

Trier is often called the oldest German city. In any case, it was the largest and most important among them - a kind of “Northern Rome”, in which up to 70 thousand people lived. However, Worms also claims this right. It is he who, by decision of the federal government, represents Germany in the Working Group of the Oldest Cities in Europe. The three main contenders also include Bavarian Kempten.



In alphabet order

Since scientists do not give a definite answer to the question, we bring to your attention a list of the 12 oldest German cities, compiled in alphabetical order. Many of them have already celebrated their 2000th anniversary. Let us also note that after the collapse of the Roman Empire, new cities in the territory of present-day Germany began to appear only several centuries later - at the beginning of the 8th century.



Andernach

This city on the left bank of the Rhine dates back to the 12th year BC. e. The Romans established a camp here to guard the river crossing on the border with the Germanic tribes. The site was chosen near the Celtic settlement of Antunnacum. During excavations in Andernach, remains of Roman fortifications and baths were discovered, as well as gold jewelry and coins.



Augsburg

The founders of the German city of Augsburg were Drusus the Elder and Tiberius. In the 15th year BC. e. They arrived here to establish a military camp at the behest of their adoptive father, the Roman Emperor Octavian Augustus. It later became the second largest Roman settlement north of the Alps after Trier, and at the end of the first century it even became the capital of the province of Raetia. The photo shows a find made in Augsburg.



Bonn

The former capital of Germany, Bonn, also owes its appearance on maps and the left bank of the Rhine to the ancient Romans, or rather to the same stepson of Octavian Augustus - Drusus the Elder. In the 11th year BC. e. Drusus founded a military camp on these lands of the Germanic Eburon tribe in order to explore new territories from here. In the 9th year A.D. e. the camp became a Roman castrum - a large fortified garrison.



Worms

The oldest evidence of the Roman presence in Worms also dates back to the reign of Octavian Augustus. Not many of them have been found, but this is enough for it to lay claim to the title of the oldest city in Germany. Under Emperor Tiberius, the construction of a military garrison began here, and a civilian settlement was founded, which later became the center of the semi-autonomous district of Civitas Vangionum.



Numerous archaeological finds made on the territory of Cologne can be seen in the Roman-German Museum. The fortified settlement Oppidum Ubiorum was founded here in 38 BC. e. In the middle of the 1st century it received the status of a colony - Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium. This happened at the behest of the wife of Emperor Claudius, Agrippina, who was born here and is therefore considered the founder of the city.



Kempten

In the list of the most ancient German cities, Kempten occupies a special place, since it was the first of them mentioned in the chronicles. The entry is dated 18 AD. e. About 30 years earlier, Roman troops occupied the local Celtic territories, where the settlement of Cambodunum was located. There is an archaeological park in the city. Its creation was preceded by excavations that lasted a century and a half.



Koblenz

This city arose in a strategic location - where the Moselle flows into the Rhine. The Roman castrum was founded in 9 BC. e. to protect the waterway from Mainz to Xanten. The advantageous position led to the rapid growth of the settlement. Remains of an ancient Roman temple have been discovered in Koblenz. To cross the Rhine, the Romans built a 350-meter wooden bridge, about 50 pillars of which have survived to this day.



Xanthene

Xanten on the Lower Rhine is home to one of Germany's most famous archaeological parks. The museum is located on the excavation site of the city of Colonia Ulpia Traiana. The first military camp was founded here by order of Drusus the Elder in the 12th year AD. e. About a hundred years later, the settlement received the status of a Roman colony. It was one of the one and a half hundred cities of the empire that had such supreme rights.



Mainz

Today this city is the capital of the federal state of Rhineland-Palatinate, and during the times of the ancient Romans it was the center of their province of Upper Germany. Roman troops conquered these lands from the Celts in 12 BC. e. Today in Mainz you can see the remains of a Roman water conduit. Also in this place was the largest Roman theater north of the Alps, which could accommodate up to 10 thousand spectators.



Noyce

On the territory of Neuss, located on the left bank of the Rhine opposite Düsseldorf, there was one of the most important garrisons for operations in the lands of the German tribes - Castrum Novaesium. The camp was founded in 16 BC. e. A large civilian settlement soon arose around it for families of legionnaires, merchants and inns. The picture from 1630 shows the battle of the Romans and the Germans near Neuss.



Trier

Before the arrival of the Romans, the Celtic tribe of Treveri lived in this place on the Moselle. In 30 BC. e. The first Roman camp was founded here, and the city of Augusta Treverorum, named after Emperor Octavian Augustus, was founded around 16 BC. e. It reached its greatest prosperity at the end of the second century. Today the ancient Roman monuments of Trier are included in the list World Heritage UNESCO.



Speyer

The Roman military camp, which marked the beginning of the history of Speyer, was founded in the 10th year BC. e. The number of its garrison was 500 soldiers. In the year 150, the city, which arose on the site of a military camp, was put on the world map by the Greek scientist Claudius Ptolemy under the Celtic name Noviomagus. Archaeological finds from this period of its history are exhibited in the Regional History Museum of the Palatinate.



P.S.

After the collapse of the Roman Empire, the first information about the emergence of new cities in the territory of what is now Germany dates back to the beginning of the 8th century, most in Thuringia and Hesse, some in Bavaria. Among them are Arnstadt (704), considered the oldest city in the GDR, as well as Freising (724), Bad Hersfeld (736), Erfurt (742, photo) and Fulda (744), founded during the Christianization of these lands.

Unexplored Germany: TOP 7 interesting towns

Germany is full of cities, each of which can rightfully be called the pearl of this country. TripMyDream has compiled a mini-guide for you to the most interesting of them, and today we will tell you which German towns are worth visiting first.

1. Trier

Do you want to see a city that is more than a thousand years older than Rome? Then go to Trier, because it was at one time the capital of the Western Roman Empire. And although the empire no longer exists, today the imperial baths, the amphitheater, the oldest Roman bridge in the country and the monumental Black Gate remind of its former glory and greatness. Well, after traveling to the times of the ancient Romans, why not remember your childhood at the Toy Museum or take a walk to the Gillenbach and Sirzenischerbach waterfalls?

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Housing: average cost hotel room in Trier is€ 48-80 per night per person.

In hotels with a higher star rating, the price fluctuates within€72-112 per night.

How to get there: The nearest major airport to Trier is in Luxembourg. From there you can get to the city by bus or train. You can check the train schedule and buy a ticket .

If medieval romance is close to you, be sure to visit Rothenburg ob der Tauber. This city is famous for the fact that local authorities (as well as the townspeople themselves) zealously preserve its model appearance XVII century. Here you will not find any modern neighborhoods, office buildings or highways. But there are quiet streets and half-timbered houses, so similar to those in the fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm, and every evening the city guard with a lantern and a halberd goes around Old city, so that later on the Market Square they can regal the guests of Rothenburg with ancient urban legends.

You can experience the fully preserved medieval attributes of the city by selecting. The name speaks for itself: you will immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the city of eternal Christmas, try airy “snowballs” with a cup of coffee and visit the famous Museum of the Nativity.

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If you are in Rothenburg, be sure to go up to the Town Hall, from the observation deck of which you can see a beautiful view of the city. And the town hall building itself deserves attention, as it combines elements of different architectural styles. And in the courtyard you can find out what measures of weight and length the Rottenburgers used in the Middle Ages. Take a look at the Christmas Museum (where else can you immerse yourself in the atmosphere of your favorite holiday at any time of the year?!), and in the Old Rotenburg House (built in 1270, by the way) you can learn about the life of city artisans of those times.

Housing: in Rothenburg everyone will find an apartment to suit their taste and budget. The price for a 3-star hotel room per night (per guest) ranges from€52 to € 95, for a room in a 4-star hotel you will have to pay a little more (on average from€80 to € 130). But if you wish, of course, you can find more budget options - from€ 36 per day per person.

How to get there: The nearest airport is in Nuremberg, and from there you can get to Rothenburg by train or bus in 1.5-2 hours.

Lubeck is interesting not only for its famous red-brick Gothic buildings, included in the UNESCO Historical Heritage List, but also because this city is the recognized capital of German marzipan. Sweet tooths, take note! The first thing you should do is visit Old Lübeck, a historical district located on the island. Visit its majestic cathedrals and churches, the ancient Holstein Gate, the Town Hall and, of course, the Marzipan Museum and the Puppet Museum. And finally, go up to the observation deck of St. Peter's Church to admire the panorama of the city from above.

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Housing: You can rent accommodation in Lübeck at very reasonable prices: a single room in a 3-star hotel costs on average€ 53-75, in 4-star - from€62 to € 139 per night. You can also find more budget options in 2-star hotels - from€ 51.

How to get there: The most profitable way to get from Ukraine to Lubeck is through Hamburg.

Bamberg is another small German “miracle”, and not only thanks to the architectural beauties that survived the Second World War. This town on the Regnitz River captivates with its homely atmosphere and comfort. The Little Venice area, the old Town Hall, which houses a rich collection of antique porcelain within its walls, a magnificent rose garden, majestic cathedrals and the real Altenburg fortress, captivates the soul at first sight.

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Housing. In terms of housing, the city is very convenient. Here you can find an inexpensive room in a mid-range hotel (€ 49-89 per night for one person), as well as more respectable accommodation options in “star” hotels (such a pleasure will cost you on average€ 96-185). True, sometimes you can find quite budget prices even for apartments in 4-star hotels, depending on your luck.

How to get there: You can get here by plane, but you will have to fly not to Bamberg itself (the city airport accepts only charter flights), but to neighboring Memmingen, Nuremberg or Frankfurt. And from there you can easily get to Bamberg by train. Usually the cheapest tickets to Memmingen are with Wizz Air.

This small German town on Lake Constance will charm you at first sight. Ancient streets and buildings in the historical part of the city, the Old Castle and the New Palace will take you back in time, and various museums (winemaking, urban history, airships and carpet weaving) will introduce you to the rich history of Meersburg and open it from different, sometimes unexpected sides.

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But the city still has a lot of pleasant surprises! For example, in October you should definitely visit the Medieval Market, and at the end of November or beginning of December - the Christmas Market. If you are lucky enough to be in Meersburg between February and March, you can witness the local carnival, which takes place 6 weeks before Lent. At the beginning of May, townspeople celebrate the Fish Festival, and from May to September, several times a week the city orchestra plays for free for city guests in Lower Meersburg. In June, Palace Square turns into a stage for open-air rock and opera concerts, and in early September, Meersburg residents have fun at the Wine Festival. So you won’t be bored, believe me!

Housing: in Meersburg you can rent a single room in a 3-4 star hotel at a price from€65 to € 100 per night. In more luxurious hotels, the cost of apartments ranges from€115 to €140.

How to get there: The most convenient way to get here is by plane (the nearest airport is Friedrichshafen, FDH , 23 km from the city center). Another air gate nearby (39 km from the city) is Altenrhein Airport (ACH) in Switzerland. If there are good tickets, we recommend flying to Zurich.

Görlitz is a difficult city, because it is located in two states at the same time. You say it can’t be? But it can! The eastern part of the city separated after World War II and became part of Poland, where it remains today under the name Zgorzelec. But the western one remained in Germany - to the delight of the Germans and guests of the city.

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But even though the city is small, there is plenty to do here. First, you should visit the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul and listen to the local organ - the sound is simply amazing! Be sure to take a walk around historical center. The buildings and the entire appearance of ancient Görlitz have been preserved here as they were back in the 1500s. Gothic, Renaissance, Art Nouveau - a motley mixture of styles and eras gives a unique flavor, immersing you in a magical atmosphere. You can see the city at a glance by climbing to the observation deck of the hill Landeskrone , and be sure to try the best beer from the local brewery Landskronbrauerei and stop by the oldest museum in Germany - the Silesian Museum, where you can learn a lot of interesting things about the history of Silesia.

Germany is not only one of the most developed countries in the world in scientific and technical terms, it is a country with the richest historical and cultural heritage. Each of its cities is individual and has its own centuries-old history, customs and traditions that are different from other cities. This is understandable, because Germany for a long time was fragmented into a number of independent states, each of which developed in its own way. In this article we will talk about the most beautiful cities in Germany, their culture, attractions, nature, and also try to answer the question of why they deserve to be here. So, the most beautiful cities in Germany.

1. Munich

We begin our review of the most picturesque German cities with Munich. This city, located in southern Germany, on the banks of the Isar River, is the capital of Bavaria. The first mentions of it date back to the mid-12th century. The city has a large number of museums and art galleries, which contain masterpieces of the greatest painters: Rembrandt, Leonardo da Vinci, Durer, Rubens. In the 19th century, King Louis I of Bavaria, who sought to make Munich the second Athens, founded the most beautiful museums here - the old and new Pinakothek and the Glyptothek. The city has a Higher School of Music and hosts various music festivals.

The symbol of Munich is the 16th century Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary, built in a strict Gothic style, almost 100 meters high, as well as St. Peter's Church, which is the oldest church in the city.

The most interesting natural attraction of Munich is the English Garden, located in the city center, with shady trees and many ponds. This place is perfect for everyone who loves leisure, including surfing enthusiasts, as one of the reservoirs in the park creates a wave that is ideal for fans of this sport.

2. Quedlinburg

This is an ancient and very beautiful city in Saxony-Anhalt, in the Bode River valley. Quedlinburg has been mentioned in chronicles since the 10th century; its founder was the first German king, Henry I.

Quedlinburg is a very romantic city, a trip to which is compared to a trip to a fairy tale. Nowhere in the world is half-timbered construction represented on such a scale as here. More than 1,500 houses in the city are considered architectural monuments. The oldest half-timbered house in East Germany, built in the 14th century, is also located in Quedlinburg. Now it houses the Half-Timbered Museum.

The city has many luxurious 19th-century villas built during the period of greatest economic prosperity. Other famous attractions in Quedlinburg include the statue of Roland, the stone giant with which the city's history is closely linked, and the Grünhagen House, built in the Baroque style in 1701.

3. Hamburg

Hamburg is the second largest city in Germany, located on the Elbe River. The main attraction of the city is the Port of Hamburg, the largest port in Germany and the third largest in Europe. It is called "Germany's Gateway to Peace". The city has about 2,500 bridges, and this is much more than in Venice! Not by chance local residents gave Hamburg the name “Venice of the North”.

Another popular attraction and at the same time the pride of Hamburg is Lake Alster, which stretches over a vast area of ​​more than 150 hectares and is surrounded on all sides by trees, shady alleys and beautiful parks. Thanks to the efforts of the city authorities, the lake still remains untouched by civilization.

Another natural attraction of Hamburg is the magnificent Botanical Garden, the history of which began in the 19th century from an ordinary apothecary’s garden. Over time, the garden grew and was filled with exotic plants from different parts of the world. Now it occupies a huge area of ​​24 hectares! All these places have turned Hamburg into one of the most beautiful cities in Germany.

4. Stuttgart

Stuttgart is a stunningly beautiful German city, surrounded by hills and located in a picturesque valley, on the banks of the Neckar River, with numerous orchards and parks, as well as its own vineyards. Stuttgart is also considered one of the most musical cities in all of Europe. Various music festivals are often held here, and the Bach Academy, Philharmonic, chamber and symphony orchestras are located here.

In the center of the city there is a whole museum complex “Old Castle”, Fruchkasten with a huge number of different musical instruments, and “New Castle”.

Not only architecture connoisseurs, but also ordinary tourists will appreciate the majestic and luxurious palaces of the city. Thus, the New Palace is located on Palace Square; in former times it was the residence of the rulers of Württemberg. The palace was built in the neoclassical style, and its magnificent facade is decorated in the Baroque style.

5. Bremen

The beautiful port city of Bremen, located on the Weser River, is one of the oldest state formations in Germany - it was founded in the 8th century by Charlemagne. Bremen's Old Town is home to the famous Market Square with its 15th-century Town Hall. Directly opposite the City Hall stands a 10-meter stone statue of Roland, depicting a knight from epic tales and being the symbol of Bremen. Next to the Town Hall there is another sculpture that arouses great interest among many guests of the city. It is dedicated to the famous “four” Bremen musicians.

All tourists who come to this beautiful city should definitely visit the ancient Schnor quarter with its narrow streets winding among brick and half-timbered houses. Its main attraction is the house of bells. Every day at certain times you can hear magical melodies created by 30 porcelain bells.

The Bremen Theater, located in a snow-white building with tall columns, offers its guests a multifaceted repertoire: opera and ballet, musicals, dramas and jazz concerts. In autumn, Bremen hosts Germany's largest festival, the Bremen Freimarkt.

6. Heidelberg

The city of Heidelberg is located along the banks of the Neckar River; it has been known in history since the end of the 12th century. It was in Heidelberg that the oldest university in Germany, named after Karl-Ruprecht 1, was founded in 1386, and continues to operate today.

Heidelberg is one of the most picturesque cities in Germany. Guests of the city will not be left indifferent by the beautiful squares, cozy streets, luxuriously decorated buildings of the Renaissance, numerous sculptural compositions, and the majestic churches of Heidelberg, the largest and most significant of which is the ancient Gothic temple - the Church of the Holy Spirit, built in 1398 from Neckar red sandstone.

Since Heidelberg is located in one of the warmest areas of the country, trees grow here that are not usually found in Central Europe: date, almond and even olive. Among the representatives of the fauna in these places live amusing necklace parrots, as well as a rare population of sukhenos.

7. Dresden

Dresden is a beautiful city in Germany, located in Saxony and has another name - Florence on the Elbe. He is also considered cultural capital Germany, and the history of the city begins in the 13th century.

Almost 2/3 of Dresden's territory is occupied by forests. The city has 3 nature reserves, 11 landscape reserves, numerous parks and public gardens. The landscape of the surrounding area of ​​Dresden is reminiscent of Alpine countries, and it is not for nothing that these places received the name Saxon Switzerland.

The city is famous for its numerous monuments, attracting tourists from all over the world. One of its main attractions is the 18th century Zwinger palace complex, which is an excellent example of Saxon Baroque. The palace houses the famous Dresden Gallery. Here are paintings by the greatest painters: Raphael, Michelangelo, Titian, Rembrandt and other famous artists. The highlight of this stunning collection is Raphael's Sistine Madonna.

Another attraction and at the same time a symbol of Dresden is the Semperoper, known for its magnificent architecture and stunning acoustics. Dresden has many beautiful cathedrals and churches, among which the Hofkirche, Kreizkirche and Frauenkirche churches stand out. Favorite destination for tourists from different countries is the Brühl Terrace - a city embankment that offers a delightful view of the opposite bank of the Elbe River.

8. Marburg

If you dream of taking a trip into a fairy tale, you should visit the beautiful German city of Marburg. The famous brothers Grimm, who studied at the University of Marburg, wrote their fairy tales here. Many small houses in the city can serve as beautiful illustrations for their fairy tales.

The main architectural monument of the city is Marburg Castle, built in the 11th century and located on a hill at an altitude of almost 300 meters. The great hall, one of the most beautiful Gothic halls in Central Europe, is a particular delight in this castle. Concerts, theatrical performances and fairs, stylized as the Middle Ages, take place on the territory of the castle.

Another significant attraction is the beautiful Church of St. Elisabeth, built in a strict Gothic style and which served as a model for Cologne Cathedral and St. Paul's Church in Strasbourg. Both church towers reach 80 meters in height and are visible from all points of the city. On the top of one of them there is a star, the other - a knight.

On the market square of the city is the Town Hall, built in the late Gothic style in the first half of the 16th century. On the spire of the Town Hall there is a bronze cockerel, which has been crowing hourly for several centuries.

9. Lubeck

Lubeck is an ancient and incredibly beautiful city in Germany on the Trave River. In the old town of Lübeck you can see narrow streets and unusual houses with red brick walls and pointed roofs, built from baked bricks.

The Holstein Gate with its two pointed towers is a symbol of the city and a surviving part of the city fortification. Not far from them is the Church of St. Peter, built in the Gothic style, from the observation deck of which an amazing panorama of the city opens.

With its five graceful turrets, Lübeck City Hall is the oldest existing town hall in Germany and one of the most beautiful. Its architectural appearance embodies elements of the Renaissance and Gothic.

10. Rothenburg ob der Tauber

- another ancient and fabulously beautiful German city, a trip to which can be compared to a trip to a fairy tale. Located in Bavaria. The name of the city translates as “fortress over the river.”

Travelers who find themselves in Rothenburg for the first time feel as if they have found themselves in the Middle Ages, this city has so well preserved its original appearance: narrow streets, quaint half-timbered houses with red roofs and neat facades, a powerful fortress wall.

On the Market Square there is the City Hall, built in the Middle Ages, 60 meters high. If you climb to the observation deck, you can admire stunning views of Rothenburg. When you look at the city from above, you get the impression that it rises above the Tauber River.

Another local attraction is the 14th century Church of St. James with a carved wooden altar and stunning stained glass windows that transform the interior of the temple into a masterpiece of art.

In Rottenburg there is a Christmas village that serves guests all year round, where you can always buy a Christmas tree, New Year's toys and a variety of decorations for the holiday. The atmosphere in the village is specially stylized for the Christmas holiday: in the middle there is a tall, festively decorated tree, surrounded by artificial snow, stars twinkle, and Christmas toys lie around, which gives the surrounding atmosphere an element of celebration and a fairy tale.

11. Baden-Baden

Few of us have not heard of the beautiful German city of Baden-Baden. The small town, located along the banks of the Os River, is very popular far beyond Germany. The reason lies in those here thermal springs. In the 19th century, Russian aristocrats spent a lot of time at this resort.

There are two preserved castles in Baden-Baden, called the old and the new. The old castle, Hohenbaden, was built in the 12th century at an altitude of 400 meters on the cliffs. From the tower of this castle there is a beautiful panorama of the entire city and its surroundings.

A natural attraction of Baden-Baden is the Lichtentaler alley, laid out in a picturesque park in which about 300 species of trees and shrubs grow.

The Kurhaus, translated from German as "spa house", is an entertainment center and a legend of the city. This luxurious building was built in the 20s of the 19th century, and since the mid-19th century, the casino was visited by many celebrities, rich people and noble people of Europe. The casino operates to this day and is located in one of the luxurious halls. The cultural life of the city is concentrated in the Kurhaus: numerous concerts, balls and parties are held.

12. Nuremberg

Nuremberg is not only one of the largest technological centers in Germany, but also a stunningly beautiful city with a rich history and traditions, located in Bavaria and which has managed to preserve the atmosphere of the Middle Ages. In history, Nuremberg was first mentioned in the 11th century, and its name is translated as “stone cliff”. It was in this city that the world famous graphic artist and painter of the Renaissance, Albrecht Durer, lived and created his masterpieces, in whose house, well preserved to this day, there is a museum.

Walking through the picturesque streets of the city with colorful houses, you will see a beautiful castle located on a small hill. It was once one of the main residences of the Holy Roman Emperor, and today it is the main historical landmark of the city. It was in this castle that the attributes of imperial power were previously kept: the crown, the emperor’s sword and the sacred spear. There is an observation deck in the castle's watchtower, which offers a magnificent view of Nuremberg and the surrounding area.

The Church of St. Lawrence is a 15th-century building built in the Gothic style, a magnificent monument of the Middle Ages and a decoration of Nuremberg, one of the first Lutheran churches. This church with two Gothic towers with sharp spiers is considered the most beautiful temple in the city.

The most beautiful cities in Germany also include Frankfurt, Dusseldorf, Cologne, Berlin, Potsdam, Bon, Weimar and others. After all, almost every city in this country, large or very small, has its own history and its own special cultural traditions, which it carefully preserves.