Aachen (Aix la Chapelle)
It is known as the city of Charlemagne and heart of the Frankish Empire of the 8th & 9th centuries. The Cathedral (Dom) consists of octagonal central structure built around 800 AD and burial place of Charlemagne. In the gallery is Charlegagne’s marble throne. The Domschantzkammer (Treasury) is one of Germany’s richest Church treasuries. The hot spring of Bad Aachen is a spa of long standing. The Elisenbrunnen is an emblem of Aachen's role as a spa and has a drinking well.
Berchtesgaden
This old Alpine village has ancient winding streets. Hitler's Eagle's Nest is nearby at Obersaltzberg. The Konigsee is the clearest and deepest lake in Germany. The salt mines are a fun tour for kids.
Berlin
Again the capital of Germany since the country reunified in 1993, this historic, formerly divided city is known for its lively cosmopolitan atmosphere and cultural life. This is a great place to shop.
Bernkastel
Bernkastel is an international town charged with romanticism and a destination of all Mosel and wine enthusiasts throughout the year. The Bernkastel Market square, built during the Middle Ages, scenically reflects its rich 400 years of history.
Black Forest
Beautiful little villages throughout the area are rich in cultural traditions. This is a good place for cross country skiing and hiking. This is also the place to buy German clocks.
Bonn
The former capital of West Germany until reunification in 1993, Bonn lies on both banks of the Rhine River and was of the earliest Roman forts on the Rhine. This city is also the birthplace of composer Ludwig von Beethoven. The old town Marktplatz was built from 1737 to 1738. The Bundeshaus, where Parliament and the Federal Council both sit, offers guided tours weekdays at noon when plenary sessions are not in progress (passports are required). Nearby is Bruhl Schloss Augustusburg which is built in Rococo architecture from the 17th century.
Burg Satzvey
A medieval festival is held in spring along with medieval vendors and jousting matches. It is fun for the entire family.
Dusseldorf
This city is the capital of North Rhineland Westphalia. It is a university city along with being a fashion center and hosts many trade fairs. The Konigsallee is an elegant shopping street and promenade lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes. Jagerhof Castle is the former hunting lodge of the Electors. The Hetjens Museum (Deutsches Keramikmuseum) has a collection of 10,000 ceramic objects from all over the world.
Fairy-Tale Road
Follow this route from Hanau, where the Brothers Grimm were born, to Bremen. Stop in Hameln to see the town of the Pied Piper, and in Sababurg to see the castle Sleeping Beauty’s castle was based on.
Frankfurt
This city is home to the largest airport in Europe. It is a modern, sophisticated city on the Main river. The Freegasse (Food Street) has a vast selection of cafes, restaurants, and food shops.
Garmisch Partenkirchen
This top Alpine resort town is near the Austrian border. It is also near famous castles such as Linderhof and Neuschwanstein. An Armed Forces Recreation Center (AFRC) ) is located here. You can ride a cable car up the Zugspitze, the highest mountain in Germany.
Geilenkirchen
St. Marien Church is in a classical style. Patrician houses date from the 17th & 18th centuries. Trips Castle is moated and was built from the 15th 17th centuries. Leerodt Castle is from the 17th century. There is a County museum of local history and culture. Marked walking routes follow the Wurm River. Teverner Heide has moorlands, marshes and woods.
Heidelberg
This is an ancient university town. The ruined castle dates from the 15th to 17th centuries and has a graceful courtyard.
Heinsberg
Castle ruins are from the 12th 16th centuries. Remains of the town fortifications are from the 15th 16th centuries. There is a County museum of local history in the "Arch House". Randerath Castle is from the 18th century. There are wooded surroundings with nature park at Mass Schwalm Nette Tal. There are also routes for walking and bike riding along the valley of the Rur and Wurm.
Koln (Cologne)
This is the capital of the Rhineland and is one of largest cities in Germany. It lies on the left bank of Rhine River and was founded by Romans in 38 BC. Many of the Roman ruins still stand. The Dom (Cathedral) in full Gothic style is a must to see. The Roman Germanic Museum is located next to Cathedral and houses many invaluable archaeological treasures from the Roman period. There is also a Zoo and Botanical Garden. This is the departure point for many Rhine River cruises. There is a great shopping and pedestrian area.
Munchen (Munich)
This lovely city is in the heart of Bavaria. It is famous for Octoberfest and the BMW museum.
Nurnberg (Nuremberg)
This city is famous for its Christmas market. It was also the site of grand Nazi rallies and later, Allied war trials.
Rhine and Mosel River Cruises
Approximately 200 years ago, when the British discovered the Rhine as a travel destination, the concept of the romantic Rhine was formed. Today, its fame spans the globe. The vineyards crowned by castles and castle ruins, the picturesque wine towns, the narrow river valley between Koblenz and Bingen flanked by rocks, the great historic cultural centers of Cologne, Bonn, Koblenz and Mainz will leave indelible impressions on you.
The cruise ships of the "Koln-Dusseldorfer" take you down the Rhine on a grand tour from the Dutch city of Rotterdam to Basel in Switzerland. Cruises on the attractive stretches between Cologne and Mainz/Wiesbaden, as well as on the Mosel known as the lovely "Daughter of the Rhine", are also offered. There are evening cruises with music and dancing. You can interrupt your river cruise to get to know the world-famous wine towns of Konigswinter, Bacharach, Assmannshausen and Rudesheim. You can also transfer to the German Railroad, which runs along the Rhine and Mosel Rivers.
Romantic Road
This scenic 180 mile stretch of road between Weinzberg and Fussen is in the foothills of the Alps.
Rothenberg ob de Tauber
This quaint walled city is the best-preserved medieval city in Germany and a must-see. The town is full of shops and restaurants. St Jakob’s Church holds the Holy Blood alter with a crystal capsule said to contain Christ’s blood.
Trier
This is Germany's oldest city and is located on the Mosel River. It is also famous for its Roman ruins.
Wassenberg
The Castle with watch tower date from 1420. The town wall has fortified towers. The densely wooded surroundings are routed for walking and biking.