22 extraordinary travel destinations in Germany [with map].

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My top 10 most unusual travel destinations in Germany This is the view from the Hexentanzplatz Thale into the Bode Valley. Great, isn't it? We now show you the most unusual travel destinations in Germany

1. Saxon Switzerland

2. Chalk cliffs on Rügen

3. Königssee

4. Saar Loop

5. Moselle Loop

6. Eltz Castle

7. Trier

8. Externsteine in the Teutoburg Forest

9. Devil's Table

10. Eibsee

Map: Special Places in Germany

Our interactive map gives you an overview of the most unusual places in Germany:

1. the rocks of Saxon Switzerland

Mystical clouds of mist drift around rock formations. These rocks seem to have come from a distant world. If there were a temple somewhere, it would be clear: we have landed in Asia.

But far from it. These extraordinary rocks are in the middle of Germany and belong to Saxon Switzerland. Perhaps you have already heard the name. However, very few people we know have been there. Do you feel the same way?

If you're looking for a really unusual adventure in Germany, you should definitely plan a trip to Saxon Switzerland, which, by the way, is very close to Dresden.

By the way, here we reveal the top sights in Saxon Switzerland and here the most beautiful hikes in Saxon Switzerland. Have fun exploring this extraordinary landscape in the middle of Germany, which we consider one of the most beautiful places in the world.

2. the chalk cliffs on Rügen

The well-known chalk cl iffs on Rügen bear a certain resemblance to Ètretat in Normandy in France. There is a lot to discover here. Rügen is not only the largest of the Baltic Sea islands, but also one of the most popular travel destinations for Germans. No wonder, because a varied landscape awaits you on Rügen.

The beautiful beaches will quickly make you forget that you're really in Germany. And when you stand at the chalk cliffs, you will inevitably feel transported to faraway France.

3. the Königssee

A ship sails silently over the water. To the right and left, imposing rock faces rise into the sky. I feel transported directly to a mountain lake in Canada. The winter landscape and the view definitely lead to that conclusion.

But far from it, you are actually standing here in Germany. Lake Königssee is rightly one of the most beautiful lakes in Bavaria. But Lake Königssee is not only beautiful to look at. You can hike here with the whole family or take a boat across the mountain lake. Either way, a trip to Königssee is like a journey to a faraway land.

For comparison: this is Maligne Lake in Jasper National Park in Canada. 4 The Saar Loop

USA fans will know it: Horsehoe Bend in Arizona. The view from above of the beautiful loop of the Colorado River at a depth of 300 metres takes every visitor's breath away.

The "horseshoe" created by the Colorado River is one of the most fascinating places on this planet

Something similar actually exists here in Germany. The Saarschleife in Saarland is indeed similar to the Horseshoe Bend in the USA. You can get a great view of this natural wonder from the Saarschleife treetop path in Mettlach. You can also find an overview of the most beautiful treetop paths in Germany here.

The Saarschleife is one of the most extraordinary destinations in Germany. Did you know that we have such great landscapes? 5 The Moselle Loop near Bremm

But the Saarschleife is not the only river loop in Germany. What only very few people know: There are countless beautiful river bends in our country. Not quite as well known as the Saar Loop, but at least as impressive, is the Moselle Loop near Bremm.

The mild climate, the gentle slopes of the Moselle, the great half-timbered towns and, of course, the wine make the Moselle region one of the most beautiful travel regions in Germany.

The Moselle Loop near Bremm is absolutely stunning. Here, in the vineyards high above the Moselle, there is also a beautiful hiking trail. 6. 6 Eltz Castle

For me, Scotland is the land of castles. Green meadows, wide open spaces and rainy weather, plus a strong wind. And then a majestic castle that has survived the attacks and the tides. A particularly beautiful castle in Scotland is Eilean Donan Castle.

But Germany is also a land of castles. One of the most beautiful fortresses is the imposing Eltz Castle in Rhineland-Palatinate. Be sure to take a guided tour of the castle. You'll learn a lot about the castle and get a look inside. The view from the castle tower is also very beautiful.

Here we give you an overview of the most beautiful castles and palaces in Germany.

7 Trier

The city of Trier takes you straight to Italy, or more precisely to Rome. The tranquil little town on the Moselle enchants with Italian flair. Why is that? Well, Trier was founded by the Romans.

You can still see many Roman buildings in Trier today. One of these beautiful old monuments is the Porta Nigra. It is a huge gate. Next to it, you can still see the remains of Roman bathhouses in the city.

This is the famous Colosseum in Rome. If you are interested in the ancient Romans, you should definitely visit Trier. The Porta Nigra is one of the landmarks of the beautiful city of Trier and one of the top sights in Germany.

The amphitheatre almost in the city centre is reminiscent of the imposing Colosseum in Rome. There is also a stone bridge over the Moselle. It also dates back to Roman times. As you can see, you can also enjoy Italian flair in Germany.

8 The Externsteine in the Teutoburg Forest The Externsteine are definitely an exceptional destination

These wacky stone formations are not located in Asia, but in North Rhine-Westphalia. More precisely, in the legendary Teutoburg Forest. The Externsteine are a well-known tourist attraction. Especially for photographers, the winding rocks are a great photo motif.

The Wiembecke pond is located right next to the rocks. In the morning, when the stones are reflected in the smooth water of the pond and the sun rises, you are guaranteed not to feel like you are in Germany, but far away.

The Externsteine were probably formed 110 million years ago. Over the millennia, the weather has shaped the Externsteine.

You can also climb steps to this natural wonder. The view from the Externsteine is truly breathtaking,

9. the devil's table

The famous Devil 's Table in the Palatinate Forest should not be missing from our list of unusual travel destinations in Germany. If you don't know any better, you might think of the giant red rock in the southwest of the USA. But you really don't have to get on a plane to see such impressive landscapes here at home.

Lake Eibsee

Turquoise water, islands and white sand: that sounds just like the Caribbean, doesn't it? When I think back to my stay in the Bahamas, it looked almost exactly the same from the air.

Caribbean feeling in Bavaria: Yes, this place really is in Germany

Only this huge mountain massif seems a little out of place. Of course, this beautiful place is also in Bavaria. Here you can see the Eibsee - the Bavarian Caribbean - with the brilliant view of the Zugspitze. By the way, the Eibsee is also one of our top photo spots in Bavaria.

For us, the Eibsee is one of the most beautiful places in Germany. 11. the ahr valley

Winding hill formations with lots of green. In between, aisles with watercourses. This is what Madeira looks like. The island belongs to Portugal. But there are landscapes like this in Germany, too. Just take a look at the beautiful Ahr Valley in Rhineland-Palatinate. There is a lot to discover in this unique region in the middle of Germany.

Among other things, the Ahrsteig as a premium hiking trail (certified and suitable for all ages) leads through the beautiful valley. Here, everyone will find the right stage and a view that will make you dream of a distant island.

12. Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the most famous destinations in Germany - and one of the most impressive. Countless turrets and oriels. A castle that could only have come out of a Disney film? Not quite, because Neuschwanstein Castle even served as the model for the "Sleeping Beauty Castle" at Disneyland in California.

This is the view of Neuschwanstein Castle from the Marienbrücke bridge.

By the way, the fairytale castle has already served as a backdrop in various films. Ludwig II, King of Bavaria, had Neuschwanstein Castle built in 1869. Ludwig II fancied the knight's castles from the Middle Ages, which served in spirit as a model for the imposing building. The Golden Hall is particularly worth seeing. Unfortunately, you are not allowed to take photos inside. But here's my tip: the view from the balcony of the castle is magnificent.

The view of Neuschwanstein Castle in the evening. On the right you can also see Hohenschwangau Castle. 13. 13. the Ammergau Alps

Rocks rise into the sky. In the valley basin everything shimmers in deep green tones. The view of the striking rock faces and mountain massifs in the Ammergau Alps near Munich immediately makes us think of the Dolomites in South Tyrol.

The Ammergau Alps offer hikers a paradise of beautiful, craggy and offbeat rock formations. In addition, there are some hikes here, for example on the Hasentalkopf or on the Kienjoch, which are less frequented and are reminiscent of the solitude in the Dolomites.

14 The Samba Festival in Coburg Rio de Janeiro? Far from it! This photo was taken in Coburg at the International Samba Festival. As you can see, you don't have to travel far to experience extraordinary things.

There's one festival that makes Coburg in Franconia go wild: the International Samba Festival. Then the city becomes colourful, it gets loud and above all you have the feeling that you are in a completely different country. Namely in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil for the carnival.

But no, you're in tranquil Franconia and can swing your hips to Brazilian rhythms. Doesn't that sound brilliant? Every year on the second weekend in July, over 200,000 visitors and more than 100 samba groups from all over the world travel to the festival.

Find out what else you can do in Coburg in our article on the most beautiful sights in Coburg.

15 The Black Forest

Water pours down a rock. The waterfall roars. The green, damp plants have a light of their own. Are we even in a jungle in the Caribbean? Dominica is the greenest island in the Caribbean. A very special gem.

But this waterfall and the little path that goes with it belong in the Black Forest in Baden-Württemberg. If you like, you can discover this waterfall on the Albsteig. Of course, there are many more beautiful places to explore in the Black Forest.

16 The New Herrenchiemsee Castle The New Palace of Herrenchiemsee is intentionally reminiscent of the original in Versailles.

The New Palace of Herren chiemsee on the island of Herrenchiemsee in Lake Chiemsee is absolutely remarkable. Again, it is King Ludwig II of Bavaria to whom we owe this extraordinary destination (as well as Neuschwanstein Castle).

The New Herrenchiemsee Palace is strikingly similar to the Château de Versailles in France near Paris. This is, of course, intentional. King Ludwig II wanted a palace that was on a par with the original in France. A visit to the island of Herrenchiemsee is very worthwhile. Even the trip on the steamer is a real experience.

Here you will find all the important sights at Lake Chiemsee and the best excursion destinations.

17 The Sylvenstein Reservoir This beautiful place is also in the middle of Germany

The view of the bridge from above is unique. It reminds me of places in the USA. Of the rolling hills of the Great Smokey Montains National Park in North Carolina and Tennessee.

But far from it: this striking bridge with its turquoise water and stone beach is in Bavaria. We are looking here at the Sylvenstein Reservoir. Built for flood protection, it is now a great excursion destination near the municipality of Lenggries.

18 The Bruchhaus Stones

Striking rocks that rise into the sky. Mountainous terrain, but still with a Mediterranean feel. Lots of greenery and a special landscape. That's what the French Mediterranean island of Corsica offers you.

This photo was taken on a hike in the Aiguilles de Bavella on Corsica.

If you don't want to go far away, why not take a trip to the beautiful Sauerland region? More precisely, to the Bruchhauser Steinen in the Hochsauerland district of North Rhine-Westphalia. The rocks in the area are a national geotope.

The Bruchhauser Stones immediately reminded us of the beautiful Mediterranean island of Corsica. 19 The Hexentanzplatz Thale with the Bode Valley

Have you ever heard of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in Colorado ? The Black Canyon is one of the most impressive natural wonders in the world. When we first stood at Hexentanzplatz in Saxony-Anhalt and looked down into the Bode Valley in the Harz Mountains, we immediately remembered its counterpart in the USA.

The Black Canyon of the Dunnison National Park is one of the most impressive natural wonders in the world.

From Berlin, you can reach the beautiful Bode Valley in only about two and a half hours. And although this magical place is in the middle of Germany, only very few people know about it. Crazy, isn't it?

The Hexentanzplatz Thale is a place of power. The Bode Valley, into which you are gazing, is also called the Grand Canyon of the Harz and, with its dark rocks, reminds us of the Black Canyon in Colorado. 20 The Old Castle Rocks

On the hike along the Old Castle Rock s we inevitably felt transported to the USA. We knew such rock formations from Bryce Canyon in Utah, for example, but not from our home country. The whimsical rocks in the most beautiful hues are definitely an extraordinary place that you would hardly expect to find in Germany.

21 The Russian Memorial Church in Leipzig The Russian Memorial Church in Leipzig is a great photo motif for photographers

The Russian Memorial Church in Leipzig is a real gem. The impressive building is strongly reminiscent of the Kolomenskoye Church of the Resurrection in Moscow, Russia. The St. Alexis Church in Leipzig in the Reudnitz district was built to commemorate the Russian victims of the Battle of the Nations in Leipzig.

With a height of 55 metres, the golden tower can be seen from afar. A special spectacle is offered when the low sun illuminates the golden roof.

By the way, you can find all the sights in Leipzig here.

22 The Devil's Gorge in the Eifel

The Teufelsschlucht (Devil's Gorge) is one of the most beautiful sights in the Eifel and a totally awesome destination in Germany. A six-kilometre-long circular trail leads through the Teufelsschlucht. In some places, the rock walls seem to rise up to the sky. Wicked!

The Devil's Gulch in the Eifel reminds us a lot of the slot canyons in the southwest of the USA, such as Buckskin Gulch or the Joint Trail, both in Utah.

Well, is Germany really as boring as you think? Don't you want to explore our home country now? How many of the places I've shown you do you already know? Holidays in Germany are simply incomparably beautiful. And there are definitely some places you've never seen before.