As one of Europe’s cultural strongholds, Germany is home to no fewer than 52 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Whether castles and palaces, cultural and historical sites, nature and gardens, industrial culture, architecture, or churches and monasteries – from the island of Reichenau in Lake Constance to Stralsund in the far north, you are never far from one of these impressive sights on your journey through Germany. Eight routes have been put together to offer exciting experiences and surprising discoveries for young and old.

We have picked out a few highlights for you and hope that we can whet your appetite for great architecture, wild nature, or exciting history.

On the cultural route from Frankfurt to Quedlinburg in Saxony-Anhalt, no fewer than 10 castles, fortresses, and other cultural monuments are waiting to be discovered by you.

In the early 18th century, Johann Philipp Franz von Schönborn commissioned the imposing residence. A whole army of engineers, building directors, and craftsmen from all over Europe were involved in the construction, which was completed in 1754 after a good 30 years. The stucco work by the Italian master Antonio Bossi and the marble sculptures by the rococo sculptor Johann Wolfgang van der Auwera, some of which were destroyed during the Second World War and have been restored to their former glory, bear witness to the high level of craftsmanship.

And don’t miss them: The two paintings „The Fall of the Angels“ and „The Assumption of Mary“ by the Grand Master Giovanni Battista Tiepolo in the Hofkirche.

The Industrial Heritage Route from Stuttgart to Hamburg tells exciting and surprising stories about innovations from the Middle Ages to modern times.

Mining was carried out in Goslar for more than 1,000 years. Ore mining began as early as 968 and lasted an incredible 1,020 years until the Rammelsberg mine was shut down in 1988. During this long period, no less than 27 million tons of ore were mined.

Today, the Rammelsberg is a visitor mine with a fully preserved original tunnel. The tour through the imposing complex leads past original machines that were used to process the ore at the time, showcases with rare mineral finds, and the power station, where the energy for the mining operations was generated until 1906.

The active route is just the thing for people who like to be active.
Whether on foot, by boat or by bike.

There are no fewer than seven castles, gardens, and parks in the Middle Elbe Biosphere Reserve. For example, Mosigkau Castle – also known as the „little Sanssouci.“ A largely preserved rococo ensemble with a pleasure garden and the castle’s own labyrinth. Not forgetting the two orangeries, where potted plants, some of them centuries old, are nurtured and cared for.

Or Grosskühnau Palace, or Luisium Palace, the former country residence of Princess Louise von Anhalt-Dessau, or, or, or… Hop on a bike, drift along on a gondola on Lake Wörlitz, enjoy unique views on a walk – the Dessau-Wörlitz nature and art experience can be enjoyed in your own personal way.

On the trail of knights, mermaids and co. with the whole family. The family route makes it possible.

The fort on the border between the Roman Empire and the Germanic tribal areas was rebuilt in 1900. The living and working environment of the soldiers and the civilian population at the time was meticulously reconstructed, providing an in-depth insight into the history and culture of the Romans.

In addition, a new permanent exhibition on prehistory opened in 2016, showcasing archaeological finds from the Stone, Bronze, and Iron Ages around the Taunus. Entertaining guided tours bring this bygone world back to life for young and old alike.

Hanseatic cities, Wadden Sea, Vikings… on the coastal route everyone will find their happiness.

The national park on the Jasmund peninsula on the island of Rügen may be the smallest of the 16 in Germany, but it still has a lot to offer. The most famous attractions are probably the white chalk cliffs with the beech forests behind them and the breathtaking view of the Baltic Sea. Caspar David Friedrich sends his regards!

Since last year, the location has one more attraction: the Skywalk. A „floating“ viewing platform with a length of 185 meters, offering a stunning view of the Königsstuhl – the highest chalk cliff in Germany – is simply „wow.“ At the same time, the interactive exhibition in the National Park Center has been completely renovated, providing everything you need to know about the landscape and the island’s diverse habitats. An absolute must-see.

The best way to relax and unwind is on our feel-good route from Frankfurt to Füssen in Bavaria.

In 724, Saint Pirmin founded the monastery on the island in Lake Constance, which quickly became not only a religious but also an intellectual and cultural center of Europe. It was here, for example, that the plan for the monastery of St. Gallen was drawn up. On a tour of the monastery complex, don’t miss the Church of St. George: the impressive wall paintings date from over 1,000 years ago and are the only example of a complete nave painting north of the Alps from this period.

And if your stomach starts to growl after so much culture, the „three-course hike“ is the perfect option. It’s a leisurely circular walk with stops at a fish snack bar, a beach hotel, and then a café for dessert. A truly well-rounded experience.

Past, modernity, future – the time travel route takes you from the Stone Age to unknown distant times.

From the 8-meter-high Hercules statue over 12-meter-wide cascades, from the Steinhöfer waterfall through the Devil’s Bridge into the Hell’s Pond, and from the Roman aqueduct into the castle pond: the spectacle, in which 750 cubic meters of water are channeled over 2.3 kilometers during each performance, has fascinated audiences for 300 years. Water-spouting mythical figures, enchanted grottos, lovely lakes – and finally the 50-meter-high fountain. An unforgettable experience for the whole family.

Jewish life and the Christian Reformation: the religious route shows the interplay between culture and religion.

The oldest synagogue in Central Europe, dating from the late 11th century, has been a museum since 2009. The history of the first Jewish community in Erfurt, the history of the building, Hebrew manuscripts, old gravestones, and the treasure buried in 1349 are exhibited in the historic building. This treasure has a very special history: a Jewish merchant feared a pogrom – which actually occurred in 1349 – and therefore buried unique pieces of jewelry, such as a pure gold wedding ring, in the synagogue. The treasure was rediscovered by chance during construction work in 1998 and is now an important part of the museum. Let yourself be whisked away to the Middle Ages with history and stories from that time.