Germany is a wonderful country that has a little bit of everything. From big city charm to small beautiful towns, a wide variety of art and culture, harvest festivals, and the vast spectacular dark forests, delightful castles, wine and beer. Located in the heart of Europe, Germany has had an impact on continental history. No other nation has molded Europe the way Germany has, for better or worse. The country is abundant with many attractive views that are good for relaxation after a long harsh work week. Even for a person who is traveling to Germany for the first time, you will find yourself falling in love with Germany and all it has to offer. This country is rich with historical and attractive scenery of vast beauty; such as museums, castles, and more. The list of things to do and see is literally endless, and that’s the reason Germany will instill an unending craving in travelers to explore it to its ends.

The Neuschwabstein Castle is one of the most popular castles in the country. The architecture is something straight out of a fairytale and unsurprisingly this is the castle on which “Sleeping Beauty” was based on.

The Romantic Road is a wonderful blend of nature, culture and hospitality. Germany’s most famous and popular tourist route runs for 350 km across a rich and a carried cultural landscape along the river Main and through the Fraconian wine country to the Alps. This wonderful travel-way between Wurzburg and Fussen gives tourists a chance to experience historic older towns that have unique buildings and historical places of interest that still maintain their charm and originality. The roadway goes through the Tauber Valley and the Nordlinger Ries which is located in the center of a large crater. It also runs through the beautiful Lechfeld plain, where farmers and the dwellings of artists as well as monks in the Upper Bavarian Alps-foot hills can be found. King Ludwig’s castle is the final destination. The very name of the Romantic Road expresses the sentiment that many visitors, both from Germany and abroad, feel when they first feast on this spectacular backdrop of riches, art, and western history.

Beautiful surroundings and delicious foods are not the only option for those that choose to travel the route of the Romantic Road. People with an interest in geology will be right at home in the Nordlinger Ries. A visit to Augusburg will give a person the opportunity to experience some of what is left of the Romans and Fuggerei, a 16th century welfare housing project. Pfaffenwinkel is where the Wieskirche Pilgrimage Church can be found. It is a UNESCO world heritage site and is considered to be one of the more famous works of art that was produced in the Rococo period. The home of the fairytale castles of King Ludwig, set against the nature conservation area in the Ammer Mountains, and encased by four lakes, Neuschwanstein Castle rests at the base of these mountains along with Hohenschwangau Castle. These two wonderful castles were built long ago in the 19th century. When you find yourself facing these two castles it means you have reached the end of the Romantic Road and are in the Bavarian Alps foothills.

Right on the edge of the Alps, on the border with the Tyrol is Füssen, Bavaria’s highest town (800-1200m above sea level). The amazing town center has been completely preserved as a reminder of medieval times. It is also a place where one can view art architecture. Formerly the summer retreat of the prince bishops of Augsburg high above the town can be found a church, the monastery of St.Mang and Hohes Scholss Castle. While you’re here try to slot in a trip to Zugspitze: at 2,964 meters, this is Germany’s highest mountain. Once you reach the peak, you are rewarded with a panoramic view of the Alps that stretches from Germany and Austria as far as Italy and Switzerland. But one of the better ways to see just about everything is to take the Romantic Road Cycling Route (one can get maps of cycling paths as well as cycling packages). All the way along this route from the Amin to the Alps, there are inns serving delicious food and drinks where you can stop for a bite before setting out again on your way. A fascinating journey of discovery along the Romantic Road is ideal for those who are driving or who are on a coach tour. There is a little bit of everything as well, for those who enjoy cycling, camping, and connoisseurs of fine foods. An interesting reminder of long past feudal times, the castles, romantic palaces and wonderful monasteries are not only great to visit, but they sometimes serve as the cozy settings for a variety of events that includes concerts, various festivals, cultural events, and other activities that one can participate in year round..

The Cologne Cathedral is something of a must see for someone visiting Germany. Long before you reach the center of Cologne, its two mighty spires pre-dominate the city skyline. They were added to the World Heritage list by UNESCO in 1996. It’s one of Europe’s most spectacular cathedrals and holds the record for the biggest church façade in the world. At one time it was the tallest building in the world before it lost the title to the Washington monument in 1884. Nevertheless, it’s still the biggest Gothic architecture in the world and houses a wealth of important works the likes of a Gero cross of monumental size, the shrine housing the relics of the Three Kings, and the splendid stained glass that floods the cathedral with an ethereal glow. Once you’re in Cologne and are thinking of a nice day trip, it’s good to idea visit another World Heritage site: The Augustusburg Castle and park in Brühl. It’s a worthwhile destination just 15km away from the tourist crowds of Cologne.