If you’re planning a trip to Germany, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with Germany’s most famous tourist attractions. This will make it easier for you to choose your preferred destination once you’re there.
German cities offer a plethora of tourist attractions, whether you’re coming from abroad or within the country. These attractions range from modern museums to historically preserved sites untouched by war.
Famous Religious Landmarks in Germany
Cologne Cathedral, “The Dom”
The Cologne Cathedral holds the top spot on the list of Germany’s most important and famous tourist attractions. Over six million visitors flock to this cathedral overlooking the Rhine River annually.
The renowned Cologne Cathedral is an awe-inspiring architectural and religious masterpiece that draws the largest percentage of tourists in Germany. UNESCO has rightfully designated this Gothic marvel as a World Heritage Site.
No matter where you go in Cologne, the fourth-largest and one of the oldest cities in Germany, you will find “The Dom” Cathedral towering before you. Its twin spires majestically reach 157 meters into the sky, an architectural marvel that captivates the senses. This colossal structure is the true symbol of Cologne and one of the most iconic historical buildings globally. Many consider Cologne as a city without a soul if not for the presence of “The Dom” Cathedral. Recognizing its unparalleled significance, UNESCO, the organization tasked with safeguarding and nurturing world cultural heritage, included it on the World Heritage List in 1996.
The idea of establishing this grand church was conceived in 1164 when the Archbishop of Cologne, Cardinal Rainald of Dassel, brought the relics of the Three Magi from Milan to Cologne as a gift from Emperor Barbarossa, who had captured Milan in the same year. This valuable gift convinced the church authorities of the necessity of inaugurating a one-of-a-kind cathedral befitting the Three Magi’s relics. According to historical accounts, the Three Magi were the ones who prophesied the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ, and it appears that their relics were transported from the Jerusalem region during the Crusades.
The current design of Cologne Cathedral was inspired by its old structure, which was consecrated in 873 AD and later became a model emulated in church design and construction throughout Europe. In 1248, the construction engineers and church officials agreed to demolish the old building and construct a new church in the Gothic style inspired by French architecture. During the demolition process, a fire broke out in the eastern part of the cathedral, prompting the workers at the time to only renovate the western part to allow for religious ceremonies. In the same year, construction began on the current cathedral building.
Although the foundation stone for Cologne Cathedral was laid in 1248 by Archbishop Konrad von Hochstaden, the construction of this colossal Gothic building lasted for approximately 300 years. Inside, the Cologne Cathedral houses one of the largest treasures of the Catholic Church – the relics of the Three Holy Kings, preserved in a magnificent shrine subject to strict security and theological control. Additionally, it conceals within its walls priceless ancient artworks dating back to the fourteenth century.
The city of Cologne endured heavy aerial bombardment from Allied aircraft during World War II, and miraculously, despite the effects of 14 bombs hitting its peripheral areas, the cathedral did not sustain significant damage. Since then, restoration work has continued, and it seems that it may never end, prompting the residents of Cologne to say, ‘The day restoration work on the cathedral is completed will be the eve of the end of the world.’
Surrounding the cathedral is a large open square, where musical concerts and cultural events are held. This square leads to Cologne’s largest shopping street. From here, you can also witness the famous Cologne Carnival parade, which passes beneath the cathedral’s base. While this commercial environment may not fully reflect the historical vitality of the cathedral, it endows it with an aura of sublime sanctity, celebrating both the divine and human life.
The Church of Our Lady in Dresden
Many regard the Church of Our Lady in the city of Dresden as a symbol of the destruction caused by World War II. However, after its reopening in 2005, this church transformed into an important tourist attraction.
The Church of Our Lady in Dresden stood as a memorial to the horrors of war for a long time. It underwent a transformation, with several countries, led by Britain, participating in its reconstruction. It has now become a symbol of reconciliation and peace.
Dresden hosted a grand celebration, attended by hundreds of thousands, to mark the reopening of the Church of Our Lady. The church’s ruins had stood for nearly five decades, reminding the German people and all visitors of the negative effects and devastation caused by the war. Over eleven years after the reconstruction efforts began, 1700 prominent figures attended the celebration, in addition to the hundreds of thousands who followed the event on giant screens set up in the streets and city squares. Both the President of the Federal Republic of Germany, Horst Köhler, and the Bishop of Saxony, Jochen Bohl, expressed their optimism that the reconstruction of this religious monument would serve as a symbol of hope and reconciliation. The church’s doors were open until the early hours of Monday, allowing thousands who lined up to witness its interior.
Destruction of the Church of Our Lady
In 1743, the Church of Our Lady was constructed, five years after the death of its designer, George Bähr. This church was distinguished by its concave stone dome, resembling a bell, earning it the name “Stone Bell.” This unique domed church was one of the most famous churches in the world. It also featured an acoustical design for sound distribution that was unparalleled, inspiring the great composer Johann Sebastian Bach after he performed there. It became a center for musical concerts. At the end of World War II, on February 15, 1945, the Allies conducted air raids on the city of Dresden, setting its center ablaze. Two days later, the church’s structure collapsed due to the fires, and the church remained in its ruined state throughout the period of Germany’s division. The reason for leaving the church’s ruins was not solely due to a lack of funds, but rather a lack of political will to restore it. The ruins were left as a reminder of the devastation caused by wars, representing the suffering of the people due to World War II.
The “Dresden Call” Initiative
On February 13, 1990, after 45 years of the city’s destruction, Pastor Karl-Ludwig Hoch, along with musician Ludwig Güttler, wrote a letter inviting the reconstruction of the church, initiating the “Dresden Call” movement that engaged many of the city’s residents. Their call was not directed solely to the people of Dresden, but to all who sought peace, especially the Allies who participated in the city’s destruction. This symbol, which was left to express the tragedies of war, was transformed into a house of peace and reconciliation. Their call was heard, as over half a million people from all over the world donated for the Church of Dresden. Associations encouraging this project spread to France, Switzerland, and Britain. The American doctor of German descent, Gunter Blobel, and Nobel laureate, contributed a significant portion of his prize money to the “Friends of Dresden” association. Donations also came from Denmark, Austria, the Netherlands, Brazil, and even from Nazi victims. The donations reached 100 million euros, covering more than half of the reconstruction costs, which amounted to 180 million euros. The reconstruction project began in 1992, with about 7000 old stones extracted from the church’s rubble. Through a precise computer program, these stones were reused in the same old-fashioned way, using modern techniques to rebuild the church according to the design of the engineer George Bähr.
Reconstruction as a Symbol of Reconciliation
Bishop Jochen Bohl of Saxony emphasized in his sermon his belief that the construction of this church is a step towards reconciliation. Britain, which participated in its destruction during World War II, supported and participated in its reconstruction. This is the strongest evidence that reconciliation and peace are possible if there are positive steps to rectify past injustices and restore the effects of violence and aggression. He stated, ‘The Church of Our Lady is a gift from God, made by people for people. They transcended nationalities and denominations, uniting to fulfill the mission of building the church, thus building bridges between nations, expressing hope for a better future.’ German President Köhler also expressed his optimism, saying that this church brought Germans together for one project. The donations used in the reconstruction were contributed by citizens from all over Germany equally. Therefore, the German President praised the citizens who initiated the idea of rebuilding and commended their strong determination, stating, ‘1989 made it clear, especially to us Germans, that people need freedom like they need air to breathe. At the same time, freedom is incompatible with selfishness and self-love. It achieves its fulfillment with others, and this common responsibility with freedom is what creates a strong bond and unity. This is what makes people aspire to noble goals and strive to change the world around them into a better world.’ Köhler also praised the countless personal initiatives and donations that made the church’s reconstruction possible.
Practical Apology
Today, a seven-meter tall cross, made in Britain, rises above the church’s dome. This cross, a gift from Britain, whose warplanes once destroyed the church, symbolizes reconciliation between the two peoples. This massive cross was crafted by the blacksmith Alan Smith. Alan Smith is the son of one of the pilots who brought death and destruction to the city of Dresden. He fashioned the cross in the likeness of the one that was destroyed, attempting to participate in the church’s reconstruction. The British royal family was also present at the celebration. Duke Kent attended Dresden and had received the Order of Merit from the German President in appreciation of his efforts in rebuilding the church. With its reconstruction, the Church of Our Lady, which stood for a long time as a symbol of the destruction of World War II, has become a symbol of reconciliation between the German and English peoples.
Aachen Cathedral
Aachen Cathedral is the first German site to be included on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1878. Almost all coronation ceremonies of the German emperors took place in this cathedral until 1531.
Aachen Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church in the city of Aachen, and it is considered one of the oldest cathedrals in Northern Europe. It was commissioned by Emperor Charlemagne and served as the coronation church for about 30 kings and twelve queens.
Historical Overview of Aachen Cathedral
Charlemagne began the construction of the Palatine Chapel around 796, alongside the rest of the palace structure. The construction is attributed to Odo of Metz, and the exact completion date is not known. However, a letter from Alcuin in 798 mentions that the cathedral was nearing completion. In 805, Pope Leo III consecrated the final prayer hall. A foundry was brought to Aachen at the end of the eighth century and was used to cast bronze parts for doors, gates, bear statues, and horse statues. Charlemagne was buried in the small church in 814. The church suffered significant damage in a Viking raid in 881 and was restored in 983. After Frederick Barbarossa restored Charlemagne’s brick church in 1165, the church became a pilgrimage site. To accommodate the massive influx of pilgrims in the Gothic period, a choir was built in 1355, along with two smaller glass churches consecrated in the six-hundredth anniversary of Charlemagne’s death. In later years, a dome, tower, and additional chapels were constructed.
Location of Aachen Cathedral
The cathedral is located at 1 Domhof in the city of Aachen, Germany.
Architectural Style of Aachen Cathedral
Distinct architectural styles blend in the construction of the cathedral, with a touch of a third style. The first style is the Carolingian Roman, evident in the essence of the Palatine Prayer Hall, which was similar to San Vitale in Ravenna, though smaller in comparison to later additions. Secondly, a Gothic choir was constructed. Finally, there are parts that exhibit Ottonian style, such as the area around the throne. The octagonal nave was constructed in the center of the cathedral, named the Palatine Chapel, between 796 and 805, following the contemporary Byzantine buildings like the San Vitale in Ravenna and the Hagia Sophia in Constantinople. The original design for the interior was an octagonal room surrounded by 16 outer walls. The Palatine Prayer Hall consists of a tall octagonal room with a two-story gallery. The inner octagon has a diameter of 14.46 meters and is supported by strong pillars, which also support the crypt vault that covers the central room. Another story rises above the room, known as the Upper Church.
Opening Hours of Aachen Cathedral
The cathedral is open to visitors daily from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Famous Tourist Landmarks in Germany: Castles
Heidelberg Castle
The name of the city Heidelberg, located on the banks of the Neckar River, is closely associated with this ancient castle, one of the oldest ruins in Germany, dating back to the 13th century.
When visiting Germany, you can enjoy the beauty of Heidelberg Castle, which stands as a symbol of the country’s history, nestled in the Neckar Valley. You can also appreciate the historical structure as a perennial source of inspiration for writers or artists. Heidelberg Castle is among the most significant Renaissance structures in the Alps. Visitors from all over the world come to visit Heidelberg Castle each year, not only to witness the beautiful structures and sculptures but also to learn about its rich history.
The castle was first established by Prince-Elector Ruprecht III between the years 1398-1410. Originally, the building was designed as a fortress. The Prince-Elector, who ruled in the 16th and into the 17th century, transformed the castle by adding two similar buildings within the complex.
The castle has stood for about 600 years, despite some damage. There is a wall of red brick that fell down but went unpunished. Even the gateway to the castle courtyard remains standing and robust. The wall was built quickly and completed before his wife’s memorial.
Things to Enjoy at Heidelberg Castle
Castle Gardens
One must see the gardens when visiting Heidelberg Castle. Visitors can spend a few hours in the garden, enjoying its hidden beauty. In the garden, many large caves are located on the upper terrace, with small seats to contemplate their history along with many beautiful statues and fountains. The most prominent statue is the Father Rhine, symbolizing the most important river in Germany. This statue stands on a stone bed, surrounded by water.
The Spectacular View
The terrace offers a grand panoramic view of Heidelberg Castle. From here, visitors can see all the rooftops of the old town of Heidelberg, with its cobblestone-paved streets, churches, and the Neckar River with the old bridge.
Elizabeth Gate
You can go to the triumphal arch known as Elizabeth Gate, located near the entrance. The gate was built in one night by Prince-Elector Friedrich V in 1615 as a birthday gift for his English princess, Elizabeth Stuart. The charming little gate was partially restored in 1949.
You can only visit the interior areas of the castle as part of guided tours. English tours are also available every day.
Sanssouci Palace
Sanssouci Palace in Potsdam, near Berlin, shines a light on the personal life of Prussian King Frederick the Great. Rich in treasures and historical insights, it’s a worthwhile visit when in Berlin.
Sanssouci Palace was the summer residence of King Frederick the Second of Prussia, who sought a place of tranquility. It’s a small palace nestled amidst vineyards, comprising 12 Rococo-style rooms from the 18th century. The palace highlights the harmony between art and nature, built based on the king’s own designs. In 1990, the palace and its surrounding gardens were added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
King Frederick named it “Sanssouci,” which translates to ‘carefree’ in French. The palace was a sanctuary for his leisure, where he enjoyed music, art, and entertained guests, far from the taxing affairs of state.
The palace’s interior decor features marble statues, gilt-framed paintings, and sparkling chandeliers hanging from the ceilings. King Frederick personally participated in designing and coordinating his palace, contributing to a substyle of Rococo known as ‘Frederician Rococo’ in his honor.
King Frederick the Great desired to be buried on the vineyard terraces at his beloved Sanssouci Palace. However, his successor had him interred in the Garrison Church in Potsdam, alongside his father. But more than two centuries later, his wish was fulfilled on the 205th anniversary of his death in 1991 when his remains were transferred and reburied in the location he had longed for. Now, the spirit of Frederick the Great rests in peace atop the palace’s highest terrace.
Famous Tourist Landmarks in Germany: Castles
Neuschwanstein Castle
King Ludwig II commissioned the construction of Neuschwanstein Castle as an escape from the noise of life. This castle was opened to visitors shortly after King Ludwig’s death in 1886.
Construction of the castle began in 1869, designed by Christian Jank and executed by builders Edward Riedel and Georg von Dollmann. The king lived in the castle for only a few months and died before its completion.
Neuschwanstein Castle is known as the ‘Sleeping Beauty Castle’ and was built between 1869-1886 by order of King Ludwig II of Bavaria, who earned the moniker ‘King of Fairy Tales.’
The designs of the castle were inspired by ancient legends, turning this building into an icon in Disney films. It is located near the villages of Hohenschwangau and Füssen in Bavaria, southern Germany.
Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the most famous landmarks of Ludwig and one of the most renowned tourist attractions in Germany. Approximately 1.5 million tourists visit the castle annually. Often referred to as a fairytale castle, Neuschwanstein is open to visitors around the clock. The architectural and interior design is influenced by the romanticism of the 19th century. Three of Ludwig’s castles, Neuschwanstein, Linderhof, and Herrenchiemsee, have been added to UNESCO’s list of heritage sites.
Wartburg Castle
Located in the state of Thuringia, Wartburg Castle was the refuge where Martin Luther sought to translate the New Testament in the early 16th century, heralding the birth of the Protestant Church in Germany.
Built around 1000 years ago, Wartburg has been the stage for many pivotal moments in German history. Situated in northeastern Germany in Thuringia, near the city of Eisenach, it stands at an elevation of over 440 meters above sea level. It is considered by Germans themselves as profoundly Germanic and steeped in numerous legends.
In Germany, Wartburg Castle is seen as a symbol of unity and integration, making it one of the most important tourist destinations in Germany, as well as a historical and cultural heritage site. It has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
History of Wartburg Castle
The castle was founded in 1073 by Count Ludwig I of Thuringia. Its main structure, a stone palace, has stood to this day, constructed by Landgrave Louis II in 1155. Moreover, the palace was unique for its time – no stone palaces were built during that period.
Wartburg Castle: Germany’s Poetic Center
The 18th century also marked Wartburg as Germany’s poetic center, hosting the legendary minstrel contest (Sängerkrieg) – a contest where the loser faced death.
The Black Gate “Porta Nigra” Castle
The Porta Nigra, or Black Gate Castle, in the city of Trier is one of the oldest archaeological landmarks in the world. This Roman castle was used as a church for nearly a thousand years until 1802.
The name “Porta Nigra,” which means Black Gate in Latin, was built in 180 AD to serve as the northern entrance to the city of Augusta Treverorum, now known as Trier in the Federal Republic of Germany.
The history of the “Black Gate” dates back to the Middle Ages. Its name was coined due to the blackish hue the sandstone acquired over time due to weathering. It is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1986, a distinctive landmark of Trier, located in Porta Nigra Square.
Interestingly, it was never completed. It is believed by archaeologists that it was not built for defensive purposes as originally thought, but rather for architectural grandeur and ownership.
The Black Gate remains one of the oldest defensive structures in Germany. Built in the 2nd century AD as part of the rock wall surrounding the city of Trier, which was one of the major Roman colonies in the 1st century AD and a significant center of trade in the 2nd century AD, earning it the moniker “Second Rome” at the time.
The Porta Nigra is one of four gates that once encircled the city, and it’s the only one that remains. The others were demolished and plundered for their valuable wood and metals. The gate remained, as it was used as a humble dwelling for a monk named Simeon for seven years (1028-1035), and he was buried at the gate upon his death, transforming it into a two-story church named after Saint Simeon in 1040.
After nearly seven and a half centuries, it was destroyed by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1803, leaving only the Roman part, which was once again modified to resemble its medieval appearance.
Description of the Black Gate
Even after 1700 years since its construction, the Black Gate still maintains its original height of 118 feet (about 36 meters), with a width of 70.5 feet (21 meters), and a height of 90 feet (27 meters). It was entirely constructed without the use of mortar, with massive sandstone rocks interlocked using iron clamps. Some of these stones weigh up to 6 tons each.
Two small gates lead into the structure, where a small inner courtyard is located. Attackers or raiders could be trapped inside the gate and boiling pitch could be poured on them for defense. Above, there are two levels of galleries adorned with wide pointed arch windows. These galleries are flanked on both sides by towers; the western tower consists of four small floors, while the incomplete eastern tower has three.
Inside, in the east, remains of a church structure and some images of church fathers like (Irenaeus), (Ambrose), and (Jerome) can be found, evoking the time when the gate was used as a church.
Adjacent to the gate is the remains of the Church of Simeon, which was attached to the gate. It was added in the 11th century as a small cathedral annex, allowing access to the hermitage, as well as a visit to the main cathedral building, which houses a museum displaying important artifacts narrating the city’s history, both religious and secular.
Important Visit Information
Wartburg celebrates the feast of St. Simeon annually, with a festival held on June 1st every year. As for visiting hours, from April to September, visits are allowed daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and from October to February, visits are permitted daily from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Famous Diverse Tourist Attractions in Germany
Brandenburg Gate
The capital, Berlin, is a magnet for tourists visiting Germany, and they certainly don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Brandenburg Gate, which has become a symbol of German unity.
The Brandenburg Gate is an emblem of Berlin and also a symbol of Germany. It is the most famous structure representing the divided and torn history of Germany. Everyone knows it, but few know the story behind this gate.
To some extent, the Brandenburg Gate constitutes the political center of Germany: it stands in the heart of Berlin and serves as a stage for political interactions. It is a symbol of the divided history of the country and its unity as well, but its history goes even further back.
The Brandenburg Gate was constructed in 1793, and it didn’t receive much attention initially until Napoleon entered the city victoriously through the gate after his victory over Prussia in 1806. He took the Quadriga’s horses to Paris as war loot. However, after the Quadriga’s chariot was returned to Berlin in 1814, the importance of the Brandenburg Gate gradually grew to become a symbol of Germany.
After World War II, the gate stood between two systems facing each other, each one watching the other warily. With the construction of the Berlin Wall in 1961, the German Democratic Republic turned this landmark into a gate of peace and a symbol of securing the state borders against what they called “Western arrogance” until 1989. When the Wall fell and East and West Germans met at the Brandenburg Gate, they embraced beneath it. Since then, the Brandenburg Gate has become a venue for various events and celebrations since the 1990s.
Museum Island
Surrounded by the River Spree, Museum Island is one of Berlin’s important landmarks. Five significant museums were established here, housing numerous historical artifacts, including the famous bust of Nefertiti.
Information about Museum Island
Museum Island refers to the northern part of an island in the Spree River in central Berlin, Germany. It acquired this name because it used to house five world-famous museums: the Pergamon Museum, the Bode Museum, the New Museum, the Old National Gallery, and finally, the Old Museum. A sixth museum, the Humboldt Forum, was added and opened in 2019. Berlin’s Museum Island is the world’s largest concentration of art exhibitions and was added to UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites in 1999. These museums on the island possess a heritage spanning successive generations and eras, with over 6,000 years of history. One of the most famous exhibits in the Berlin Museum is the statue of Nefertiti.
The Old Town of Lübeck
The Old Town of Lübeck, overlooking the Baltic Sea, transports its visitors to ancient times through its old architectural heritage, most of which is listed as a UNESCO cultural heritage.
The Old Town of Lübeck, the northern German city, might be less famous than its neighbors Hamburg and Bremen. However, it is a historic city known for its magnificent old-style buildings and delicious local sweets. Additionally, three of its residents have received Nobel Prizes.
Visitors to the Old Town in Lübeck feel as if they have suddenly traveled back in time to the Middle Ages. Its cobbled streets and alleys, its historic red-brick buildings, and its churches that seem to touch the sky with their towers all contribute to this atmosphere. All the streets lead to small lanes and passageways, and exploring them is an exciting and enjoyable experience in itself.
Lübeck, the city overlooking the Baltic Sea, was the beacon of the northern German cities and was one of the foremost ancient capitals of global trade. This city was built in the early second half of the thirteenth century, and despite the damage it suffered during World War II, it remains one of the German states most committed to its old architectural heritage.
The historic city gate, known as the “Holstentor,” remains one of the most famous historic buildings in Germany. For all these reasons, the Old Town in Lübeck was included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1987, alongside Versailles, the pyramids of Egypt, the ancient cities of Aleppo and Damascus, and other historic landmarks.
The Queen City of the Hanseatic League
International trade has a rich and long history in this venerable city, which joined the economic union of 150 cities in 1358, known as the “Hanseatic League,” alongside Kiel, Hamburg, and Bremen. Once this union was declared, Lübeck took the lead, earning it the title of the “Queen City of the Hanseatic League.” This economic union controlled trade in the Baltic and North Seas for more than a century and a half, making Lübeck one of the most important northern cities.
The City of Literature and Nobel Prizes
In addition to the architectural and commercial importance of the Old Town of Lübeck, the city takes pride in its literary heritage. It is the birthplace or residence of several writers and thinkers. In the aristocratic Lübeck family house “Buddenbrook,” the famous German novelist Thomas Mann was born in 1875. He later wrote his masterpiece, “Buddenbrooks,” which includes significant events set in this house. This novel led Thomas Mann to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1929.
Thomas’s brother, Heinrich Mann, who was born in the same house in 1871, can be discovered by the visitor at first glance when wandering through the historic city between the old red-brick houses, which attract a large number of tourists today, especially after it was turned into a museum commemorating the lives and literary works of the Mann brothers.
If one walks a few minutes on foot from Thomas Mann’s birthplace, they will find themselves in front of another house, the residence of the famous German writer Günter Grass. The novelist, poet, and visual artist was born in 1927 in the Polish city of Gdansk and came to Lübeck as a child with his family. After his first novel, “The Tin Drum,” turned into a successful film, his valuable novels continued, earning him the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1999. Grass still lives near Lübeck today. As for the family house in the Old Town, where the writer grew up, it has been transformed into a permanent exhibition showcasing his drawings, sculptures, and literary works.
Near Grass’s house is the former residence of the former German Chancellor Willy Brandt, who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1971 in recognition of his wise and open peaceful policy towards Eastern Europe at the time. This house, where the globally charismatic socialist politician was born in 1913, also turned into a permanent exhibition commemorating his life after his death.
The Famous Almond Sugar Paste “Marzipan”
After strolling through the city of Lübeck, the tourist will find themselves drawn to visit one of its old and numerous cafés. They will likely be captivated by a type of sweet that Lübeck is famous for, a sweet that has surpassed the city’s borders and gained fame throughout Germany and beyond. The famous Lübeck sweet is made of almond paste, sugar, and rosewater, known as “Marzipan” in German. In the Levant region, it is known as “Masbana.” There are many stories and legends about the origin of this sweet. One story tells that during a famine that struck the city one day, the flour was lost, which prompted the bakery owners to use almond flour in breadmaking. To avoid its bitter taste, they added sugar and rosewater.
Marienplatz Square
Marienplatz Square is located in the heart of Munich and is known for being bustling with visitors most of the time. Here, pedestrians enjoy the sounds of bells coming from the nearby City Hall building.
Marienplatz Square is one of the most famous tourist spots in Germany. It is close to Arab Street and also to the famous Karlsplatz Square. Marienplatz Square is known for its large markets and grand events that take place there. It was named after the Mariensäule, which is the famous monument erected in the center in 1638 to celebrate the end of the Swedish occupation of the city.
Location of Marienplatz Square in Munich
Marienplatz Square is located near the Hauptbahnhof train station, abbreviated as Munich Hpf. Across the square, you’ll find the Sofitel Hotel and the Meridien Hotel. Also nearby is the intersection of two streets: Landwehrstrasse and Schwanthalerstrasse. This intersection is famous for its many Arab grocery stores, which is why it is also known as Arab Street in Munich. There is also a very well-known market called Viktualienmarkt.
In conclusion, we hope that you have gained insight and learned about some of the famous tourist attractions in Germany. We wish you an enjoyable time during your visit to Germany.
