Germany is home to an abundance of history that makes for fascinating exploration. Many major cities offer free walking tours that give a comprehensive view without breaking the bank, and purchasing a city transportation day pass can save even more money.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber is renowned for its medieval-era walls and Tower Trail. Get to know its rich history while walking this charming medieval town!
Berlin
From the neoclassical Brandenburg Gate to medieval Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany’s historic landmarks tell its captivating tale. Boasting Roman and Celtic influences as well as Prussian, French, and other influences – many of its most important landmarks boast rich histories that span generations and cultures.
Germany’s old towns offer an abundance of historical charm. Rothenburg ob der Tauber stands out as a prime example, boasting historic city fortifications and luxurious buildings to explore.
The Berlin Wall, an 87-mile concrete barrier that once divided the city until its collapse in November 1989, is well worth visiting. Also nearby is the Holocaust Memorial: 2711 rectangular blocks that grow deeper and darker as you walk among them – creating an eerie feeling of isolation and unease as you make your way through them. Not to be missed is also The Topography of Terror – former Nazi headquarters now housing exhibition spaces and air raid shelters which makes for one of the most haunting visits in Germany.
Cologne
Cologne boasts a rich heritage dating back to Roman times. Visitors can discover this legacy by exploring Romanesque churches such as St. Gereon’s Basilica with its distinctive decagonal dome; medieval ruins at Praetorium Cologne; or discovering its Jewish past from medieval times at Rathausplatz archaeological excavation site.
Cologne Cathedral stands as one of its signature landmarks, standing as one of the tallest twin-spired cathedrals worldwide with over 600 years of construction under its belt and boasting rich art collections including 13th-century Virgin on the Throne and 14th-century Plague Crucifixion Crucifixes.
Visit Cologne’s historic gates is another essential must for visitors. Heumarkt, one of seven medieval town gates in Cologne, hosts cultural festivals like Carnival and Pride; plus it provides access to traditional pubs – providing visitors with an insight into local culture.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Rothenburg ob der Tauber is one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval towns and a popular stop along Bavaria’s Romantic Road. Renowned for its picturesque, well-kept old town and surrounding walls – Rothenburg served as an imperial city from late Middle Ages until 1803.
History buffs will delight in wandering the cobblestoned streets filled with half-timbered houses and towers. Plonlein Town Square should not be missed and is frequently featured on German travel brochures; its 42 towers and six gates make this square truly one-of-a-kind!
Take a stroll along the city walls. They remain completely intact and open to the public; after reconstruction after WWII they feature many names of donors on plaques. A highlight is Roedertor tower from 1360, once used as a lookout post over Infirmary quarter.
Dachau
Few countries in Europe boast such an enchanting and complex history as Germany. Ancient fortifications, medieval lanes and ornate palaces give a glimpse into Germany’s glorious past.
However, it’s also essential to recall Germany’s darker side – one of its infamous concentration camps was located there – so remember to visit Dachau memorial site freely and explore its museum exhibits, documentary films, and more at your own pace.
Munich to Dachau can be reached in just 25 minutes by train. Take the S-Bahn train toward Petershausen and exit at Dachau station; follow signs for KZ-Gedenkstatte (the local name for Dachau Concentration Camp) – here, visitors will witness an SS shooting range and walk along its Path of Remembrance; it can be an eye-opening and profoundly sobering experience which helps shape our understanding of what happened here.
