1 Schloss Neuschwanstein.  

Mad King Ludwig’s maddest creation combines Wagnerian inspiration with a superbly dramatic alpine site to create a romantic fantasy from the age of chivalry. 

2 Pinakothek der Moderne, Munich. 

This iconic white building is a temple to modernism, from the classics of modern art to masterpieces of furniture and automotive design. 

3 Visiting a spa. 

Soak, sweat and rejuvenate in one of Germany’s many saunas and spas. 

4 Long-distance cycling.

Almost every major German river – including the Mosel – has a long-distance cycle path alongside.  

5 Christmas markets. 

Christmas cheer the way it’s been for centuries. 

6 The Romantic Rhine.

Rhine-side castles and vineyards in the Germany of tourist brochures. 

7 Oktoberfest, Munich. 

The world’s biggest excuse for a beer – and it comes in big measures, too. 

8 Ostalgie.

Revel in the Eastern Bloc nostalgia fondly known as Ostalgie. 

9 The Zwinger, Dresden. 

The most extravagant alfresco ballroom Germany ever built. 

10 Fairytale villages on the Romantic Road. 

A Disney-like Bavarian road-trip where the steep roofs and ancient towers are real. 

11 Bavarian Baroque.

Bavaria’s heavenly church interiors pair élan with excess. For more information, see The Wieskirche.  

12 Rügen’s Cliffs. 

Edged by white cliffs, Germany’s largest island remains a gentle, pastoral place where it’s easy to escape the crowds. 

13 Hiking in the Allgäu, Bavaria. 

Alpine scenery, clean air and challenging hikes in Bavaria’s beautiful south.  

14 Skiing.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Soak up the views from high-altitude pistes, or brave the fearsome Kandahar World Cup Run.