The best way to learn German is of course, to go to Germany. Here, we will discuss our favorite places that you can go to when you visit Germany. The more you enjoy the places you stay in, the longer will enjoy staying there, and the more German you will pick up! Here we will list our favorite places to visit in Germany.

Neuschwanstein Castle

If you have been to Disneyland, you have probably seen the famous Sleeping Beauty Castle. Well, the Sleeping Beauty Castle's design was likely inspired by Neuschwanstein Castle. It is rumored that when Walt Disney took a trip to Europe with his wife, he had stopped at Neuschwanstein and was inspired by the design of the castle. King Ludwig II commissioned the castle in 1869 and the castle was built using the most advance technologies at that time (even by today's standards, the castle's design and structure is very remarkable). The castle is located near the town of Füssen in the Bavarian Alps and even today, it is one of the most popular attractions not only in Germany, but in all of Europe. You can see the Alps in the background and it provides a very picturesque view, almost a fairy tale view that probably interested Walt Disney himself!

While Neuschwanstein Castle is located near Füssen, you need to go to the village of Hohenschwangau for tickets to the castle. Some of the most picturesque scenes of Neuschwanstein Castle is during the fall because at that time, the colors of the trees during autumn provide a very beautiful and stunning background to the castle itself. About 14 rooms were finished for the castle but 200 rooms were originally planned for the castle before funding was cut. You can view a few of these rooms in their splendor and magnificence.

Rugen Island

Rugen Island is located in the Baltic Sea. It is the largest island in Germany and it is connected to mainland Germany by the Rugen Bridge and causeway. The above picture is from the Sea bridge of Sellin which is a popular destination in Rugen Island. In Rugen Island, you probably also want to visit Jasmund National Park because there are very beautiful white chalk cliffs in Jasmund National Park. The white chalk cliffs there rise up to 528 feet (161 meters) over the sea! In 2011, Jasmund National Park was designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Rugen Island is also known for its resorts and nice sandy beaches. Find a resort that fits your needs and just relax and enjoy the resort and the beach.

Cologne

Cologne is the 4th most populous city in Germany and it is the largest city on the Rhine. One of its most famous attractions is the Cologne Cathedral, with its twin towers pointing towards the sky. The Cologne Cathedral is one of Germany's most popular attractions because of its history and because of its design and architecture. The construction of Cologne Cathedral started in 1248 but because there wasn't a lack of interest and funding, it was only completed in 1880, 632 years later, with help from King Friedrich Wilhelm IV. The Cologne Cathedral was hit by aerial bombs 14 times and fire bombs 70 times during World War 2 but by some miracle, it did not collapse. The Cathedral also houses the largest swinging church bell in the world; the St Peter's bell at the cathedral weighs 24 tonnes and is the largest in its category.

Cologne was one of the most heavily bombed cities during World War 2 so it is amazing that Germany has managed to restore Cologne to the city that it is today. Other attractions that are recommended if you visit Cologne include the Cologne Zoological Gardens, Augustusburg and Falkenlust Palaces, Cologne's Old Town, the Botanical Garden, the Chocolate Museum, cruises on the Rhine river, and St. Gereon's Church. In general, there are 30 museums and hundreds of galleries in Cologne so take your time to tour the city and enjoy all the history and attractions that Cologne has to offer.

Frankfurt

Frankfurt is the financial captal of Germany. Here, you will find the European Central Bank, Deutsche Bank headquarters, and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. Frankfurt International Airport is also the biggest airport in Germany and it serves passengers from around the world. Frankfurt's history dates back to the Holy Roman Empire and it was even one of the most important cities in the Holy Roman Empire. If you're in Frankfurt, you will want to visit the The Römerberg, which is Frankfurt's old town center. The Römerberg is a very picturesque public square and you will want to take many pictures and visit the stores located in the square. Next, you want to visit the Museum District which contains the Museum of World Cultures, the Museum of Ancient Sculpture, the German Architectural Museum, the Film Museum, the Museum of Applied Art, and the Städel Art Museum. While you are in Frankfurt, also checkout the The Palm Garden, the Senckenberg Natural History Museum, and St. Bartholomew's Cathedral. Finally, don't forget to visit the Hauptwache, Goethe House and Museum, Kleine Markthalle, and Zoo Frankfurt.

Berlin

The capital of Germany and the center of government in Germany, Berlin. This is where the final days of World War 2 in Europe was fought. This was also the front line of the Cold War between the west and the USSR, leading to the building of the famous Berlin wall. Today, you can still see parts of the Berlin wall as it has been left in tact for visitors to visit. There is also "Checkpoint Charlie," a famous checkpoint between East and West Berlin during the days of the Cold War. But the history of Berlin goes further than the 19th century. The earliest settlements in Berlin date back to the 11th century so Berlin has a lot of history to the city.

You probably want to visit the Brandenburg Gate, built in 1791 on the orders of Prussian king Frederick William II. The Brandenburg Gate is a famous symbol in Berlin and tourists worldwide will recognize this remarkable monument. Then you may want to visit the Reichstag, which is now the location where the government of Germany meets. The Reichstag was opened in 1894 but was set on fire before World War 2. After East and West Germany were unified, the Reichstag was rebuilt and then the government of Germany moved to the Reichstag. While you are in Berlin, you also want to check out the Berlin Television Tower and the Berlin Cathedral. Of course, don't forget to visit the Berlin Wall and Checkpoint Charlie. Also spend time to visit the Charlottenburg Palace and the Jewish Museum Berlin. And last but not least, make sure to drop by Potsdamer Platz and the Sony Center that inhabits Potsdamer Platz.

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