Germany Travelers Recommend

Once it played host to some of Hitler’s largest Nazi rallies, Nuremberg found a significant role in proceedings throughout World War II. The modern city is littered with war monuments. Visitors can tour the former Nazi Party Rally Grounds; learn more about the city’s wartime role at the Rally Grounds Documentation Centre. While there are a number of concentration camps preserved around Germany, Dachau is one of the most visited and is now a poignant memorial and museum. Take a Day Tour from Munich to Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial and explore the notorious camp, one of the first to be built and known as the blueprint for many other camps. Perched on a mountain peak in the Bavarian Alps, the towering Adlerhorst, or ‘Eagle’s Nest’, is one of the most elaborate of Hitler’s houses, designed as a gift for his 50th birthday. Serving throughout the war as the southern Nazi headquarters and a safe retreat for Hitler himself.

Day 1: Sport, spires and shopping in Munich Orientate yourself by riding the hop on hop off bus, pedaling around on a bicycle, or walking on foot. Walking is recommended to appreciate the amazing architecture. Find the Nationaltheater in Max-Joseph-Platz, check out the gargoyles and climb to the top of neo-Gothic Neues Rathaus or St. Peterskirche towers for a bird's eye view of the city. Day 2: Munich Museums and Bavarian Beer! Go behind the scenes at the BMW museum, and see the factory’s assembly line in action. The Deutsches Museum is a wonderful place to get lost with models of atoms, miniature gas refineries, and electricity-generating bikes. Day 3: Castles, Lakes and Mountains The shimmering white towers of Castle Neuschwanstein are instantly recognizable, as Bavaria's fairytale King Ludwig II built his dream castles in the mountains.

The inspiration for Sleeping Beauty's castle at Disneyland, Neuschwanstein was built by King Ludwig II in the 19th century. Capture the grandeur of this architecture and picturesque mountain scenery on a visit to these extraordinary castles, the legacy of Bavaria's fairytale King. Hidden in the seclusion of the Bavarian mountains, King Ludwig II built two of his dream castles, Neuschwanstein and Linderhof. Elegant Linderhof, King Ludwig's favorite and the smallest of three royal castles, is built in French Rococo style with a fantastic grotto and Moorish pavilion. On approaching Castle Neuschwanstein, it quickly becomes clear why this magnificent neo-Romanesque style castle is the most famous in the world. The shimmering white towers of the castle among the clouds are instantly recognizable, evoking memories of magical fairytale lands.

The city of Munich offers travelers plenty of ways to capitalize on sunshine with numerous cultural, historical and sightseeing options. While city walking tours are always an option, travelers who are tight on time can explore the streets of Munich by bike or Segway. These two-wheel alternatives to foot exploration mean it’s possible to see more in less time. And once visitors have worked up a thirst (and an appetite), they can opt for a Bavarian beer and food tour or behind-the-scenes look at the famous Paulaner Brewery. Munich is also home to some top World War II landmarks, making it an ideal place for history lovers. Visitors can join a tour that highlights Hitler’s impact and includes a look at sites associated with the Third Reich. For travelers who want to venture further afield, Munich’s proximity to other destinations makes it an ideal starting point for day trips to Salzburg, the royal castles of Neuschwanstein and the Dachau Concentration Camp.

Oktoberfest is by far the largest beer festival in the world, attracting around six million visitors to Munich to enjoy the liquid gold. Every year the Wiesn ("the meadow") is turned into a sparkling temporary city of vast tents, fairground attractions, music, Gemütlichkeit, and millions of liters of specially brewed beer, served in 1litre Masskrüge. The Bavarian Purity Requirements of the 16th century guarantee the highest quality Bavarian beer. Only the major “Big Six” Munich breweries (Augustiner, Löwenbräu, Paulaner, Spaten, Hofbräu and Hacker-Pschorr) may serve beer at Oktoberfest, and each has its own tent.