The Well of Justice, or Gerechtigkeitsbrunnen, was built in Frankfurt's central square of Romweberg in 1541. About 70 years later the wells received stone interiors and the Statue of Justice watched over them. In 1612, when Kaiser Matthias was crowned, it was not water, but wine that flowed freely from the stone lions' mouths. In 1887, the wells were renovated and the stone figures copied. The original sandstone statues were moved to the Museum of Local History.

Römerberg, Frankfurt

The Eschenheimer Turm is one of the few remaining towers of the medieval fortifications that encircled the city of Frankfurt. The 154-foot high (47m) gothic tower was built as part of the medieval wall which encircled the city in the 15th century when approximately 60 towers surrounded the city. Citizens used to build high walls and watchtowers to protect Frankfurt from danger. Now a popular tourist attraction in Frankfurt, there is a restaurant and bar at the base of the Eschenheimer Turm that offers a good place to people-watch in the busy plaza surrounding the tower.

Eschenheimer Tor 1

(069) 292 244

The impressive and symbolic Brandenburg Gate that lay forlorn for so long in the no man's land behind the Berlin Wall, is now once again renovated and accessible, along with the newly reconstructed Pariser Platz that links the gate to the beautiful Unter den Linden Boulevard. The gate is Berlin's only remaining city gate, built of sandstone between 1788 and 1791 with 12 Doric columns according to a design by C.G. Langhans. Six columns support a 36-foot (11m) transverse beam, similar to the propylaeum of the Acropolis in Athens; the massive gate is topped with a stunning statue of the Goddess of Victory facing east towards the city centre (this was added in 1794). The gate is closed to traffic, as is the adjacent Pariser Platz, a gracious square that was once surrounded with beautiful buildings sadly destroyed in the Second World War. Since the fall of the Berlin Wall new buildings have been built, however, to designs closely following those of the originals.

The infamous border crossing point in the wall dividing West and East Berlin has now become a shrine to the wall's memory with the addition of a museum, Haus am Checkpoint Charlie. For nearly three decades between 1961 and 1990, Checkpoint Charlie in the Friedrichstrasse was the only crossing point between East and West Berlin. While the original metal shed is now on display at the Allied Museum, the soldier's post can be visited, and tourists can be photographed under the border sign. The Checkpoint Charlie Museum houses temporary exhibits, and hosts lectures and movies; check the website for schedules.

Friedrichstraße 43-45

(030) 253 725-0

www.mauermuseum.de

The remains of the infamous Berlin Wall have now become the largest open-air art gallery in the world. The longest section of the wall, which has been preserved, stretches from Ostbahnhof station to the Oberbaumbrucke, and has been given over to graffiti artists from around the world. A total of 118 artists from 21 countries have exerted their skills on the 4,318-foot (1,316m) long section of the wall, and this collection has become a Berlin landmark and a tourist attraction. Best known paintings are Dimitri Vrubel's Brotherly Kissand Gunther Shaefer's Fatherland. The gallery is billed as an international memorial for freedom.

Mühlenstraße

eastsidegallery@eastsidegallery.com

www.eastsidegallery.com

Since opening in 2001, the Berlin Jewish Museum in Lindenstrasse has already gained an international reputation for its significant architecture and unique exhibitions that bring history alive. The bulk of the museum is housed in a windowless and doorless steel-clad, silver building, designed by Daniel Libeskind, sited alongside the yellow Baroque edifice of the Berlin Museum. Visitors enter the Jewish Museum through the Berlin Museum to explore the exhibition rooms, which are clustered around a main axis void, designed to signify the empty and invisible aspects of Jewish history.

Lindenstraße 9-14

(0)30 2599 3300

info@jmberlin.de

www.juedisches-museum-berlin.de

One of the most popular art galleries in Berlin is housed in a former train station. The historic Hamburger Bahnhof, built in 1846 at the Tiergarten, was badly damaged during World War II, but has been restored and reopened with some modern elements added to the architecture as an exhibition venue for an extensive contemporary art collection. The former station now offers 107,639 square feet (10,000 sq metres) of space filled with works by the likes of Andy Warhol, Josephy Beuys and Roy Lichtenstein. The basis of the exhibition is the Marx private collection, but there are changing exhibitions and good examples of the Italian Transavanguardia and minimalist art on show too.

Invalidenstraße 50- 51

(0)30 397834-11

hbf@smb.spk-berlin.de

www.hamburgerbahnhof.de

This vibrant square at Potsdamer Platz is the heart and soul of the 'New Berlin', which has emerged since the fall of the wall in 1989. The original square was once one of the busiest junctions in Europe with a major train station sited on it. However after damage during the Second World War and being cut through by the divisive wall, it became a decayed wasteland. Since the fall of the wall, however, a building boom has been taking place around the Potsdamer Platz, which now boasts an exciting mix of restaurants, shopping centres, hotels, a casino, theatres and cinemas that draws both Berliners and tourists seeking good food and recreation. Focus of the square is the 22-storey Debis Haus, designed by Renzo Piano, featuring an atrium with cathedral-like dimensions, and its neighbouring Potsdamer Platz Arkaden, a shopping mall with an Imax cinema. The Sony Centre is the most recent addition, consisting of seven buildings around a light-flooded arena, which also houses Berlin's popular Film Museum. The Kollhoff building features a panorama platform, reached by Europe's fastest express elevator, which offers views of the city.

www.potsdamerplatz.de

The Marienplatz is the heart of Munich and the site of its most important historic buildings. The square is dominated by the Neo-Gothic Town Hall featuring its famous Glockenspiel, both built in the 19th century. The Glockenspiel delights visitors when it chimes the hours every day at 11am, 12pm and 5pm with its 43 bells, accompanied by moving clockwork figures that display vignettes from Munich's history. The Town Hall has a tower that can be accessed by a lift. The centre of the square, once a vibrant farmer's market, features a statue of the Virgin Mary after which Marienplatz was named. Visitors can also explore a toy museum in the Old Town Hall on the square, and the Frauenkirche, Munich's cathedral, dating from the 15th century.

Munich's massive Olympic Park complex was constructed for the 20th Olympic Games in 1972, but remains a marvel of modern engineering. Its main stadium is a like a massive tent, which can seat close on 70,000 spectators, topped by the largest roof in the world, extending for 720,000 square feet (66,890 sq metres) and made of tinted acrylic glass. The roof collects rainwater which is used to fill the adjacent Olympic lake. Tent roof tours (with or without an abseiling option) are on offer. Visitors to the site can enjoy a spectacular view from the revolving restaurant and observation terrace which tops the 950-foot (290m) high Olympic Tower. Near the tower is the BMW Museum, which displays the history of Germany's famous automobile manufacturer. Far from being a remarkable 'white elephant', the park is still in constant use as a lively leisure and recreational centre for the city; on more than 200 days of the year it is the venue for rock and pop concerts, sports events, exhibitions and trade fairs.

Spiridon-Louis-Ring 21

(0)89 30 67-0

www.olympiapark-muenchen.de

About five miles (8km) from the city centre, accessible by tram and bus, is the interesting Schloss Nymphenburg, originally a summer home for the Munich aristocracy. The palace has been expanded, altered and fitted with various eccentricities by succeeding owners over the centuries since building began on it in 1664. Today it is a delight for tourists who revel in exploring the villa and grounds. Inside there are some interesting frescoes in the main hall. An arcaded gallery features a collection of 36 provocative paintings ordered by King Ludwig I showing the most beautiful women of his day. The surrounding park has some surprises too, with some interesting pavilions hidden among the English-style gardens. There are also collections of Ludwig's elaborate coaches on display, and a porcelain museum.

Eingang 19

(0)89 179 08-0

www.schloesser.bayern.de/englisch/palace/index.htm

Munich's art museum houses one of the most important collections in Europe on two floors of a large neo-classical building. Roughly 700 paintings are on display featuring the work of the greatest European artists from the 14th to the 18th centuries. Highlights include works by Dutch and Flemish masters, as well as the Italian masters such as Botticelli, Raphael and Titian. The gallery is massive, consisting of dozens of rooms, and requires a great deal of time to explore thoroughly.

Barerstrasse 27

(0)89 23805 216

www.pinakothek.de

The fairytale castle built by King Ludwig II (known as 'Mad King Ludwig' until his death in 1886) has become the trademark of the German state of Bavaria, with its Gothic wedding-cake tiers and towers. Day tours to the castle are available from Munich, or self drive via Garmisch. From the parking lot there is a steep half-mile (one km) climb to the castle, but one can ride in a horse-drawn carriage. The interior of the castle is as extravagant as its outer aspect, particularly the King's apartments, which are decorated entirely with hand-embroidered silk, elaborate wall and ceiling paintings, and carvings.

Neuschwanstein Castle is near the Forggensee in the Allgäu, very close to Schwangau. Ticket Centre: Alpseestrasse 12, Hohenschwangau

(0)83 629 3988-0

svneuschwanstein@bsv.bayern.de

www.neuschwanstein.com

The name Berchtesgaden is most closely associated with Adolf Hitler's country house, but it is in fact a delightful Bavarian alpine village with ancient winding streets and a medieval marketplace, popular as a side trip from Munich. Hitler's holiday house, the Berghof, is actually at Obersalzberg about half a mile (2km) up the Kehlstein Mountain. Afternoon bus tours to the Fuhrer's playground can be undertaken from the tourist office in the village, but there is little to see besides some underground bunkers which are open to the public.Most tourists, however, do delight in visiting the Kehlsteinhaus (or Eagle's Nest), a remarkable building perched precariously atop the mountain, originally commissioned by Martin Bormann as a 50th birthday present for Hitler. (The notorious Nazi leader seldom visited it because of his fear of heights.) Today it is the site of an excellent Bavarian restaurant and provides breathtaking views at the end of a stunning winding mountain road. The town of Berchtesgaden itself has some interesting attractions, besides its 16th-century architecture and enticing inns. There is a small wood-carving museum at Schloss Aldelsheim which can be viewed on a guided tour offered on weekdays at 10am and 3pm. Wood sculptures, Renaissance furniture and some art works are worth seeing at the Konigliches Schloss, which was originally an Augustinian monastery.The most fun to be had, however, is in the salt mines to the east of the town, which offers guided tours. Visitors wear protective clothing and ride on wagons to the mine, then explore the mine on foot and ride miner's slides, finishing with a trip on the salt lake ferry. The tours run daily, all year round. The mine has been in operation since 1517. Berchtesgarten also boasts a world-class ice-skating rink, the Eisstadion, which is sought after by winter sports enthusiasts in the winter months, along with the skiing opportunities in the surrounding area.

www.berchtesgaden.com

About 10 miles (16km) to the northwest of Munich on the Stuttgart Autobahn is the town of Dachau, once a quiet artists' community that became the site of the first notorious Nazi 'death camp', where thousands of perceived enemies of the Third Reich were imprisoned, starved, and killed between 1933 and 1945. The camp has now been turned into a memorial museum to the prisoners (67,000 were liberated alive by the US Army on April 28, 1945). The museum contains three memorial chapels. The Lagerstrasse, the main camp road, still exists lined with poplar trees but only two of the original 32 barracks that lined it remain, having been rebuilt to illustrate the conditions endured by the prisoners. The original kitchen, laundry and shower block is now a museum containing exhibits, photographs and documents depicting the persecution of Jews and other prisoners. The memorial is a sobering experience, and may not be suitable for very young children.

Alte Römerstraße 75, Dachau

(0)8131 66 99 70

www.kz-gedenkstaette-dachau.de

One of the most beautiful lakes in the Bavarian Alps, Chiemsee boasts two islands and is lined with resorts. A popular weekend excursion in Germany, it can be reached by train from Munich in an hour, or by road via the A8 Autobahn. Visitors can take a steamer cruise around the lake from Prien on the west shore to explore the islands in the lake.Frauenchiemsee is the smaller island, site of a quaint fishing village with some colourful traditional customs, and a Benedictine nunnery known for its liqueur. The larger island, Herrenchiemsee, bears one of King Ludwig's famous fairytale castles. This one was never completed, but was intended to be a replica of the palace of Versailles. The centre of the palace still stands, complete with a splendid hall of mirrors and surrounded by gardens and woodland. It is an extremely popular tourist attraction with its gaudy splendour.

www.chiemsee.de

To experience the best of medieval Germany, hundreds of visitors drive, bus or cycle their way along the Romantic Road, a 180-mile (290km) route between Munich and Frankfurt that links together a string of quaint, well-preserved walled towns dating back a thousand years or more. The towns en route have banded together to market their attractions and ensure Romantic Road travellers are well informed and accommodated. Bicycles can be rented at any train station along the road, and tourist offices along the route provide maps and information. Best known of the towns on the Romantic Road is Rothenburg in the Tauber River Valley. Other favourites among the cute towns are Dinkelsbuhl and Nordlingen.

www.romantischestrasse.de

The house where Johan Wolfgang von Goethe, Germany's world-famous poet and writer, was born in 1749 is now a shrine to his memory, preserved as an example of how the well-to-do lived in Frankfurt in the late Baroque era. The house, which is a reconstruction because the original was destroyed during the Second World War, consists of two neighbouring half-timbered houses in Grosser Hirschgraben, and is sited next to the Goethe Museum, which contains a huge library of books, documents and graphics relating to the poet.

Großer Hirschgraben 23-25

(0)69 138 80-0

www.goethehaus-frankfurt.de

The well-ordered and interesting Botanical Garden in Frankfurt is administered by the University. The gardens are designed to take visitors on a journey through different areas of the plant kingdom, from the hardwood forests of North America to the barren savannah of Africa. The gardens cover more than eight hectares (20 acres) and contain more than 6,000 different botanical species, from exotic rainforest flowers to European weeds. Aside from admiring thr flora, there are fun family activities like miniature golf and boat hire, as well as a gift shop and cafe.

Siesmayerstrasse 61

(0)69 2123 3939

www.palmengarten-frankfurt.de

The St Bartholomeus Cathedral, or Dom Sankt Bartholomäus, dominates the Frankfurt skyline with its imposing 311-foot (95m) spire, contrasting sharply with the modern skyscrapers in the downtown area. The Cathedral was built in the 14th and 15th centuries, and has seen the crowning of kings and emperors in this time. St Bartholomeus has been rebuilt several times, once in 1867 after a fire, and again in the 1950s following damage suffered in World War II. There is a small museum and shop inside.

Domplatz 14

60311

0 69 29 70 32 0

pfarrbuero@dom-frankfurt.de

www.dom-frankfurt.de

A taste of ancient Rome is a popular tourist attraction in the German city of Trier, 120 miles (193km) south west of Frankfurt. Trier was founded as a colonial capital under Roman Emperor Augustus in 16 BC, making it Germany's oldest city. The city became an important political and cultural centre, and many Roman buildings and monuments remain to be explored by visitors. The city is also a good starting point for trips into the Mosel Valley, and cruises on the scenic Mosel River, which is Germany's main wine-producing region.

Tourist Information: (0)651 978080

www.trier.de

The historic university town of Heidelberg, about 55 miles (89km) south of Frankfurt, is billed as a city of music and romance. It is one of the few German cities that escaped relatively unscathed from air raids during World War II, and still has numerous buildings from the Middle Ages and Renaissance to explore, especially some beautiful historical churches. The university was established in 1386, and features some picturesque buildings on its campuses. A good way to enjoy scenic views of Heidelberg is along the Philosopher's Walk, a path alongside the Heiligenberg. (The path is so named because university professors would walk along the path when they needed to think).The city is built along the banks of the Neckar River, and has a colourful atmosphere lent by its large student population, particularly in the student quarter with its narrow streets and lively inns. The modern part of the city around the Bismarckplatz has some good hotels and restaurants, and enticing shopping plazas. The weather in Heidelberg is famously sunny and warm compared to much of Germany, and this is a major draw for the nearly 3.5 million tourists who visit each year.

www.heidelberg.de

It may be billed as a fish market, but there is just about anything and everything on sale at this lively, colourful Hamburg market that takes place early on Sunday mornings, and has done continuously since 1703. There is a restaurant in the historic Fish Auction Hall, along with some live musical entertainment, to rejuvenate tired shoppers.

The market is between Hexenberg and Grosse Elbstrasse

(0)40 38012-0

info@fischmarkt-hamburg.de

www.fischmarkt-hamburg.de

The world's oldest warehouse complex, built of red brick with gables and turrets, is a century old and still in use for storing exotic goods from around the world. Known as the Speicherstadt in German, this historic section of the Free Port between the Deichtorhallen and Baumwall has been turned into a tourist attraction by the addition of an open air theatre, spice museum, miniature exhibition and an old Russian submarine open for exploration. Another attraction is the 'Hamburg Dungeon', an interactive experience showcasing the more unpleasant and gory aspects of the city's history. The Speicherstadt is illuminated at night, creating an enchanting spectacle, particularly viewed from a boat on a harbour night tour.

Hamburg's premier art gallery offers the chance to view works across the time spectrum from the Middle Ages through to the present day. The Kunsthalle's main aim is to educate about art, rather than showcase particular art treasures, and exhibitions are constantly changing to introduce new forms of art. There are several cafes in the gallery, including a bistro with a nice view of the Binnenalster.

Glockengießerwall

(0)40 428 131 200

www.hamburger-kunsthalle.de

This quaint town on the steep Elbe hillside was once a fishing village favoured by retired ship captains. Today it has become popular with locals as a weekend excursion from Hamburg, and visitors also throng the narrow alleys and stairways between picturesque houses packed together on the cliffside. The village offers an abundance of cafes and restaurants where patrons can relax and watch ships steaming in and out of the harbour, and there are more than half a dozen pretty parks in which to spend a few hours on a nice day.There is a ferry service to Blankenese from St Pauli-Landungsbrucken in Hamburg's Free Port.

The Hamburg Museum gives a detailed description of the city of Hamburg from the 8th through to the 20th centuries. Scale models have been used to illustrate the changing shape of the city's famous harbour. Exhibits also include reconstructions of various typical rooms, such as the hall of a 17th-century merchant's home to an air raid shelter from World War II.

Holstenwall 24

(0)40 428 132 2380

info@hamburgmuseum.de

www.hamburgmuseum.de

Hamburg's notorious red light district to the east of the city centre in the St Pauli zone has become its second-greatest tourist attraction, according to the city management. The Reeperbahn (Rope Street) is where rope used to be produced for the ships in the harbour. It is now a half-mile long street which, along with its cross-streets, is filled with bright lights and flirtatious prostitutes, crammed with bars and establishments offering erotic entertainment. The Reeperbahn became the neighbourhood where sailors of old were encouraged to seek entertainment after they were banned from invading the city's more respectable areas in the 19th century. The district also boasts an Erotic Art Museum (at Nobistor 10A), which is privately owned and restricted to persons over 16.

The island of Sylt is Germany's most northern point, lying off the northwestern coast in the North Sea. The island boasts some lovely sandy beaches and stunning views, and its main town, Westerland, has become a popular seaside resort. The island also has miles of bicycle paths meandering through pine forests. The island offers plenty of entertainment for tourists, including shops, spas and exclusive restaurants. Trains arrive several times a day from Hamburg. The island is connected to the mainland by the six-mile (10km) long Hindenburgdamm bridge.

Hameln, the famous town of the Pied Piper tale told to children around the world, is a popular tourist destination in Lower Saxony, northern Germany, lying beside the River Weser. The old town centre has been reconstructed with several Renaissance buildings, and some wood-frame historic buildings, all adding to the fairytale atmosphere that brings alive the legend of the piper who offered to rid the town of rats, and ended up stealing all the children. A short musical version of the story is performed each Wednesday in the old town between May and September at 4:30pm, and the Pied Piper himself conducts tours around the town! Most of the tourist attractions in Hameln are close together, so it's easy to see everything on foot, then enjoy a meal at one of the town's cafes and beergardens. Hameln also hosts a popular Christmas market from late November through December.

www.hameln.de

Lübeck lies 41 miles (66km) north east of Hamburg, close to the Baltic coast. Not only is this historic town the home of a couple of noted Nobel Prize winners, but as a living monument to the wealthy Hanseatic merchants of the 13th century, it sports some architectural treasures that have ensured its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town's famous sons were Willy Brandt, the West German chancellor who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1971, and Thomas Mann, whose novel Buddenbrookswon the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1929. As far as the architecture goes, the town is known for its steeples and spires, high-gabled houses, strong towers and massive gates. The town is also billed as the world capital of marzipan, having been the spot where this delightful confection was first devised (there is a legend attached, of course). Samples of marzipan are freely available in Lübeck, along with tastes of wine from the region.

www.luebeck-tourism.de

The Legoland Discovery Centre is the first indoor Legoland in the world and provides an interactive journey through a land of colour, creativity, learning and play. Kids will love themed areas like Dragon Quest, Jungle Adventure, Princess Palace and Pirates Splash Battle. There is a fun factory where real Lego bricks are made, a 4-D cinema show, opportunities for visitors to make their own creations, Miniland Berlin, a themed ride, and much more all under one roof.

Sony Centre, 4 Potsdamer Platz

(0)30 30 1040-10

www.legolanddiscoverycentre.de

Black Forest cake and cuckoo clocks are what most visitors travel to Freiburg for, but the beautiful city has far more to offer than the expected. The recommended way to explore the town and environs is by bicycle (there are plenty for hire) along more than 93 miles (150km) of bicycle paths. What one will find is a wealth of ancient history, some delicious food and wine, and breathtaking natural beauty. The city (really a large town) is known for its university, magnificent cathedral and medieval treasures, and a somewhat bohemian vibe with its street musicians and pavement artists.The Altstadt (Old City) is picturesque, featuring canals and dozens of historic buildings. A cable car carries passengers on scenic trips up the Schauinsland Mountain from the Stadtgarten to enjoy the view from the mountaintop restaurant. Visitors very much enjoy the local Black Forest cuisine on offer at Freiburg's restaurants, and the local wines produced in the region surrounding the city. The weather in Freiburg is renowned as sunny and warm compared to other parts of Germany, and the city takes full advantage of this to host several festivals throughout the year, including a music festival in mid-June each year, followed by a wine festival at the end of June and a wine-tasting festival in mid-August.

One of Berlin's most popular attractions, this unusual exhibition recounts the history of the German capital city from its foundation until the fall of the Wall. The Story of Berlin is divided into 25 themed rooms and pays attention to the feelings, thoughts and living conditions of common Berliners. One of its main attractions is the nuclear bunker that was built during the Cold War in the 1970s. Guided tours are available every hour.

Kurfürstendamm 207-208

(0)30 887 20 100

www.story-of-berlin.de

Founded by the Romans as a mercantile centre on the northern edge of the Black Forest, Pforzheim, at the confluence of the Wurm, Enz and Nagold Rivers, is today the centre for traditional jewellery and clock-making. The town features a fascinating Technisches Museum to commemorate the important role time-keeping has played in Pforzheim's history. The museum features a reconstruction of a clock-making studio in the 19th century. Jewellery is also important in the town and the Schmuckmuseum collection features pieces dating from the 3rd century BC through to modern times. Pforzheim also has an interesting Alpine Garden which has 100,000 or more varieties of high-altitude plants growing in a natural setting beside the Wurm River.

The true spirit of the Black Forest is brought to life in the Schwarzwald-Museum of Triberg, which documents the old traditions and lifestyle of this unique region, with displays of costumes, handcrafts (including clocks) and furnishings. It also boasts Europe's biggest barrel organ collection. Nearby Gutach contains original Black Forest homes up to four centuries old at the Freilchtmuseum Schwarzwalder. An exceptional waterfall at Gutach drops down the mountainside in seven stages, accessible by a walking trail. South of Triberg a huge variety of elaborate Black Forest clocks is on display at the German Clock Museum, to be found at Gerwigstrasse in the village of Furtwangen.

Said to be one of the most beautiful squares in Europe, the Gendarmenmarkt is certainly one of Berlin's most impressive squares that was created as a market place in the 17th century. During World War II most of the buildings were destroyed, but have since been returned to their former glory. The square is dominated by the beautiful Konzerthaus (concert house), which is home to the Berlin Symphony Orchestra, as well as the twin churches of Deutscher Dom and Franzosischer Dom, the identical German and French Cathedrals. The square stays busy even in winter, when Gendarmenmarkt is host to Berlin's best Christmas market and various concerts. Surrounding the plaza are a number of cafes and restaurants where visitors can rest their feet and get a good view of passersby.

Schloss Charlottenburg is the largest and oldest palace in Berlin, an 18th-century Baroque structure that was originally constructed as the summer home for Sophie Charlotte, the wife of Elector Frederick III who became the first Prussian king. The splendid interiors are festooned with art masterpieces, while the surrounding gardens contain a mausoleum, pavilion and the Belvedere, which houses the porcelain museum. Like many attractions in Berlin, the Charlottenburg Palace was badly damaged in World War II but has since been reconstructed.

Spandauer Damm 10-22

(0)3 319 694 200

www.spsg.de

The Berlin Cathedral was built between 1895 and 1905 and is a magnificent basilica that stands on the site of several earlier structures. Inside, the crypt contains over 80 sarcophagi of Prussian royals, while other areas of interest are the pulpit, the organ, and the stained glass windows. Visitors can climb the dome, which is decorated with intricate mosaics. The cathedral has a gift shop with books, CDs, and other souvenirs available, open 11am to 6pm Monday to Saturday.

Am Lustgarten, Museum Island

(0)30 20269 119

www.berlinerdom.de

The huge Pergamon Museum has three main departments, the Antiquity Collection, Islamic Art Museum and the Middle East Museum, that house parts of reconstructed monumental buildings transported from original excavation sites from ancient lands. The Antiquity Collection contains the Pergamon Altar from the second century BC, as well as the Market Gate of Miletus from Roman antiquity. The main attraction in the Islamic Art Museum is the Mshatta façade originating from a Jordanian desert palace, while the Middle East Museum boasts the Ishtar Gare and the Procession Way of Babylon, as well as the throne room façade of Nebuchadnezzar II.

Am Kupfergraben 5, Museum Island

(0)30 2090 5577

www.smb.spk-berlin.de

Situated on the south bank of the river Main, the Liebieghaus was built in 1896 for Czech Baron Heinrich Liebieg, but today is the home of Frankfurt's Museum of Sculpture. Exhibits include sculptures from ancient times, such as Sumeria, Egypt, Greece and Rome to more modern Baroque, Rococo and Renaissance examples. A range of Egyptian and Asian pieces also feature in the range as well as a few works of some world-renowned artists.

Schaumainkai 71

(0)69 650049-0

www.liebieghaus.de

One of Germany's finest film museums, the Deutsches Filmmuseum shows old films from its collections continuously. These can be viewed on the second floor of the museum while the downstairs rooms tell the story of Germany's filmmaking history while exhibits are also on display, including models illustrating how special effects are shot as well as Emile Reynaud's 1882 Praxinoscope and Edison's Kinetoscope from 1889. Free guided tours are conducted Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm.

Schaumainkai 41

(0)69 961 220 220

www.deutschesfilmmuseum.de (Germany only)

The Historical Museum (Historisches Museum) has many permanent exhibitions on display featuring objects and works of art ranging from the Middle Ages to present day. The museum's changing exhibitions covers a range of themes such as cultural history, art history and general history. Collections feature examples of gold and silver crockery and jewellery; pottery and porcelain; paintings, photographs; and scaled-down models of the Altstadt at various periods of its development. The Children's Museum, which lies adjacent to the Historical Museum, features a variety of special offers and exhibitions for youngsters of all ages. The museum is currently closed for renovations, and will re-open in early 2012.

Saalgasse 19

(0)69 212 355 99

Frankfurt's most important art gallery is the Städel Gallery, containing a fantastic collection of most European schools of painting. The first floor features the works of German painters of the 19th and 20th centuries, as well as famous French Impressionists such as Renoir and Monet. The second floor offers visitors the pleasure of viewing an outstanding collection of Flemish primitives, 17th-century Dutch artists, and 16th-century German masters such as Dürer, Grünewald, Memling, Elsheimer, and many others with one of the most impressive paintings being Jan van Eyck's Madonna(1433). The gallery is closed through October 6th, 2011.

Schaumainkai 63

(0)69 605 0980

www.staedelmuseum.de

The Frankfurt Zoo, located in Ostend, was nearly totally destroyed in World War II, with only 20 animals surviving. It was rebuilt in the early 1950s and since then has grown to include several innovative new sections such as the highly popular Big Cat Jungle; and the Exotarium which houses fish, insects, reptiles and penguins, all kept in their natural surroundings. The Frankfurt Zoo is home to over 3,200 different animals across 600 species and is renowned for keeping them in environments that most closely resemble their own natural habitats. It has a reputation as one of the most attractive, pleasant and popular zoos in Europe. Away from the fauna there are two restaurants as well as a terrace to enjoy in the summer months. A major draw card for the zoo and one of its most unique features is Grzimek House which is home to nocturnal animals who think it's night-time during the day.

Alfred-Brehm-Platz 16

(0)69 212 33735

www.zoo-frankfurt.de

The symbolic heart of Stuttgart, the Schlossplatz or Palace Square, is a popular meeting point for locals and travellers alike, the beautifully baroque New Palace providing a majestic backdrop. The former residence of kings, the New Palace was built between 1746 and 1806 and is now a base for the state government of Baden- Wurttemberg. If the New Palace feels a bit French it's because the Duke Carl Eugen of Wurttembergwanted to create a Versailles in Stuttgart. The König Wilhelm Jubilee Column, rising in the fore, was erected in 1841 in honour of King Wilhelm's silver jubilee (25 years of reign), and the statue of Concordia, the Roman goddess of harmony at the pinnacle, added in 1863. The two fountains were built at the same time, the eight cherubs each representing one of Württemberg's rivers.

Built between 1838 and 1843 under King Wilhelm I of Wuerttemberg, the Old State Gallery in Stuttgart features a presitigous range of paintings, drawings, sculptures, watercolours and prints from the 14th to the 19th centuries, with Jerg Ratgeb, Canaletto, Memling and Rembrandt taking centre stage. Connected to the Old State Gallery on the same level is the New State Gallery, dedicated to the art of the 20th century. Looking at important schools within various art movements like the Fauvism, German Expressionism, Die Brucke and Cubism, works by masters such as Picasso, Beckmann, Schlemmer, Beuys, Kiefer and Klee, can be found here.

30-32 Konrad-Adenauer Street

711 470 40250

www.staatsgalerie.de

Centrally located, Kunstmuseum Stuttgart is a work of art in itself. Its modern cuboid design transforms from a glass hexahedron during the day to reveal a colourful skeletal interior when lit up at night. Opened in 2005, the Kunstmuseum Stuttgart is renowned for its prestigious collection of work by Otto Dix, the renowned German artist remembered for his realistic depictions of Weimar society and the brutality of war. The colourful and abstract art of Willi Baumeister and the mixed media work of contemporary artist Dieter Roth are also on display at the Kunstmuseum Stuttgart, along with ever-changing international exhibitions. Don't miss the museum shop and bookshop, or have a light snack at the onsite restaurant.

Kleiner Schlossplatz 1

711 216 2188

info@kunstmuseum-stuttgart.de

www.kunstmuseum-stuttgart.de

Opened shortly before the start of the Football World Cup in Germany, the impressive Mercedes-Benz Museum is housed in a slick, contemporary building, an icon of modern architecture. With an exhibition space of almost 182,986 square feet (17,000 m/sq) filling seven levels, the museum takes visitors on a chronological journey through the history of the Mercedes automobile. Combining world events occurring at the same time as Benz breakthroughs and displaying over 160 different vehicles from racing cars and concept cars to the pope mobile and airplane engines, there is much for the automobile aficionado to see.

Mercedesstrasse 100

711 173 0000

www.museum-mercedes-benz.com

Europe's only combined zoological and botanical garden, the Wilhelma Zoo never fails to leave a lasting impression on the hearts and minds of all who explore her confines. Initially built as a Moorish garden for King Wilhelm I in the 19th century, the beautiful botanical garden is extraordinary all year round. Countless exotic plants, a range of climatic biospheres in magnificent greenhouses, a petting zoo, insect exhibit, aquarium with crocodile hall, modern ape house, bear facilities, walk-in bird flight facility and wild animal enclosures are some of the exhilarhating sights to be enjoyed. Ideal for children and adults, there are a host of ice cream stands, cafeterias and playgrounds to keep the whole family entertained for the entire day. The Wilhema Zoo is home to 8,000 animals, including polar bears and elephants, and 5,000 different species of plants.

Neckartalstrasse Road

711 54020

www.wilhelma.de

Sitting on one of the largest mineral water reserves in Europe, the inhabitants of Stuttgart have been enjoying its liquid vitality for more than two millennia and the famous mineral baths of Stuttgart are a major tourist attraction for the city; relaxing in a hot, steamy mineral bath is a good way to spend some of your down time. Das Leuze, Mineralbad Cannstatt and Mineral Bath Berg all feature hot and cold mineral baths, saunas, hot tubs and swimming pools. Das Leuze is geared toward families with its playground, childrens pool and bright colours, while Mineralbad Cannstatt caters more for adults looking for a haven of relaxation. Mineral Bath Berg is a 1950s gem, its iron-rich waters recognised by the state as a 'heilbad' for its medicinal properties.

Just like their cars, the 'small but good' Porsche Museum in Stuttgart is a retrospective of more than 75 years of Porsche engineering and memorabilia. The 20 or so exhibits from the first Porsche-branded car to series cars and the Formula 1 champions of the mid 1980s; the various Porsche models are switched several times a year. Following in the footsteps of other automobile titans, the Porsche Museum is turning over a new leaf with construction on a 60,277 square feet (5,600 square meters) architectural landmark to house some of its 300 strong collection. The new museum will be inaugurated toward the end of 2008, boasting the latest in automobile exhibition technology and quadrupling the number of pristine Porsches on display.

Porscheplatz 1

(0)711 911 20911

info.museum@porsche.de

www.porsche.com/international/aboutporsche/porschemuseum/

The world's largest inner-city park, and housing both the parliamentary and governmental institutions, Tiergarten combines the attractions of the Berlin's largest park with its zoo. The residence of the German President and the Carillon are also located in the park. Tiergarten is also a great place for families to enjoy and relax under the shade of a tree with a picnic, or throw a frisbee. And when the little ones get bored of that, head off to the Berlin Zoo for the afternoon.

Boasting over 30 million objects throughout its geological, palaeontological and zoological collections, the Museum of Nature in Berlin is the biggest of its kind in Germany and one of the five largest in the world. Children of all ages will enjoy discovering the dinosaurs and learning while they wander around the exhibition halls, which take up a massive 6,600 square metres (71,000 square feet).

Invalidenstr. 43

(0)30 209 38591

info@mfn-berlin.de

www.naturkundemuseum-berlin.de

This open-air museum is a must for lovers of farmyard animals. The facility is dedicated to agriculture and food culture, with a focus on green tecniques. That may sound a bit dry, but children will love visiting this working farm and learning while enjoying playing with piglets and kids (of the baby goat variety). On Saturdays the farm features an organic market and parents can even relax in the beer garden sipping on a pint of their favourite brew while the children run around or take a tractor ride. A restored stable also houses a historic grocery store and butcher shop, as well as a food laboratory of the Imperial Health Office.

Königin-Luise-Straße 49

(0)30 666 3000

kontakt@domaene-dahlem.de

www.domaene-dahlem.de

Children and families love nothing more than trips to the zoo or the aquarium, and Berlin's stunning Zoo-Aquarium combines both! The facility is the most popular zoo in Europe, entertaining more than three million visitors each year. It offers visitors the opportunity to marvel at some spectacular animals, and with immense biodiversity children of all ages will love getting a close look at everything from rhinoceros to sharks to monkeys to penguins. Feedings take place daily at half-hour intervals between 10:30am and 4pm. You can also take specialised thematic tours like Architecture, South America, Asia, Africa, and Animals of the Bible.

32 Budapester Street

(0)30 254 010

www.aquarium-berlin.de

The renowned and respected Grips-Theater is a fantastic place to take the kids while on holiday in Berlin. Children will enjoy the spectacular shows and dancing and entertainment. Located in the Hansaplatz, the theatre encourages children to think critically about life. The educational aims of the shows are always presented in a fun way throughout performance season, which includes four new plays per year with more than 300 performances. The theatre now produces a few shows for adults as well, but keep in mind that performances are in German.

Altonaerstrasse 22

(0)30 397 474 77

www.grips-theater.de

This spectacular garden in Frankfurt was opened to the public in 1871 and features 50 acres (20 hectares) of flora from rain forest and mangrove, to savannah and thorn forest vegetation. During the summer months, families can rent rowboats on the pond, tour the post-war reconstructed greenhouses, stop and smell the roses in the rose garden, and on warm summer evenings, head to the bandstand to enjoy some live music or dancing. Children will love Palmengarten as there's plenty to see and loads of space to run around and let off some steam. Guided tours of the gardens are available in English, French and Spanish.

Siesmayerstraße 63

069 212 33391

info.palmengarten@stadt-frankfurt.de

www.palmengarten.frankfurt.de

The Children's Museum of Frankfurt gives provides an interactive and exciting glimpse of what life is like under the streets of Frankfurt. Exhibitions take in the various geology, biology and archaeology of the city. The museum emphasises a hands-on experience so kids can feel like they're a part of local culture and history.

An der Hauptwache 15 – Mezzanine

069 2123 5154

info.kindermuseum@stadt-frankfurt.de

kindermuseum.frankfurt.de

One of the biggest natural history museums in Germany and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Senckenberg Museum of Natural History in Frankfurt features exhibits of recent biodiversity of life and evolution of organisms as well as the Earth. A popular attraction of the museum is the fascinating paleontology exhibit which features fossils that date back over 50-million years. Children of all ages will love exploring this fascinating museum and learning about the evolution of not only world, but also mammals and other life.

Senckenberganlage 25

069 7542 0

www.senckenberg.de

The Struwwelpeter Museum features memorabilia of the children's books, Struwwelpeter (' Slovenly Peter'), which were written and illustrated in the early 19th century by Dr. Heinrich Hoffman. These tales reflect the draconian parenting style of this bygone age, although today modern kids are more likely to be amused by the macabre morality of stories like the boy who played with scissors and cut off all his fingers! The museum has a children's theatre where kids can enjoy watching a performance of stories such as 'The little dog Schnuffel' or 'The Little Elephant' or children can dress up in costumes and play in the playroom.

Schubertstr. 20

069 747 969

info@struwwelpeter-museum.de

www.struwwelpeter-museum.de (German only)

A visit to the Rebstock pool on a hot summer's day in Frankfurt is a must for children of all ages. It features a huge 394-foot (120m) water slide, wave pool, hot tubs, saunas and even an Olympic lap pool. For parents looking to relax and make use of some of the other facilities such as massage or steam bath, there are child care facilities, children's playground and volleyball court, so parents can relax and enjoy themselves while the kids let off some steam.

BäderBetriebe Frankfurt GmbH

069 271 089 1111

info@bbf-frankfurt.de

www.rebstockbad-frankfurt.de (German only)

The capital of the Rhineland, Mainz is a bustling city with a curious mixture of medieval architecture and gleaming office blocks. The Dom und Diözesanmuseum dominates the skyline in the centre of town, and St Stephen's Church, with its original Chagall stained-glass windows, is a popular attraction in the Old Town, as is the Schillerplatz square. The Kaiserstraße boasts an attractive pedestrian boulevard and church. The city is compact enough to enjoy walking tours around town or along the Rhine. Mainz is also the birthplace of Johannes Gutenberg, inventor of the printing press. Close enough to Frankfurt for a quick day trip,

Bonn is dominated by the Rheinische Friedrich Wilhem University, with a student population of over 24,000. The city has several beautiful churches, including the Kreuzbergkirche, Doppelkirche, and Das Bonner Münster basilica, and other interesting buildings ranging from medieval to modern. Bonn also has many museums, including art museums, history museums, and a zoological museum. On nice days, visitors can enjoy spending a few hours in the Arboretum or Botanical Garden, or any of the other pleasant parks in Bonn; there is also an extinct volcano on the south end on the border with Wachtberg and Rhineland-Palatinate. The city is small enough to see on foot, but there is an excellent public transport system.Despite these pleasant and worthwhile attractions, Bonn is most widely known as the birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven, and there are many attractions in Bonn relating to the famous composer. The Beethoven House, located at Bonngasse 20 in the house he was born in, has the world's largest collection of Beethoven artefacts and memorabilia, including several of his pianos and a collection of busts. Nearby is the chamber music hall ( Kammermusiksaal), where there are regular performances of Beethoven's works.

Cologne (or Köln) is one of the largest cities in Germany, and a bustling hub of media and business on the Rhine. The dramatic Kölner Dom can be seen from miles away, and a number of other beautiful Gothic and Romanesque churches dot the city. There are also museums dedicated to Roman history, modern and religious art, ethnology, sports, and even chocolate. Several pedestrian streets, called Hohe Strasse and Schildergasse, offer interesting shops, cafes and street music. Cologne has a vibrant and colourful cultural life, with its locally-brewed Kölsch beer and other gastronomic specialties, and is known as the gay capital of Germany with a large Gay Pride event held every year.

Düsseldorf is one of Germany's economic hubs, with a densely populated city centre housing over 10 million people. The city is lively, with a love of music and culture that is hard to resist. Streets like Bolkerstraße, Ratinger Straße and Kurze Straße are alive with nightlife in the evenings, and those looking for a quiet drink can sample the locally-produced Altbier (meaning old-style beer) for which Düsseldorf is known.Because much of Düsseldorf was destroyed in World War II, the city is not as scenic as others in Germany; modern architecture enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy, however, in Frank Gehry buildings and the colourful Colorium, all clustered in the media harbour. There are several pedestrian malls to stroll and plenty of museums and parks to enjoy, and you'll be hard-pressed to find a cleaner and more elegant city in Germany.

The Deutches Museum is a perfect activity for kids in Munich, giving them plenty to explore and interact with whether the weather is nice or not. It is the world's largest technology and science museum, with roughly 28,000 artefacts on display in exhibits dedicated to themes like Energy, Transport, Natural Science, Communications, Musical Instruments and New Technologies. The museum is located on a small island in the Isar River, with additional facilities outside of Munich and in Bonn.

Museumsinsel 1, Munich

80538

+49 (0)89 / 2179-1

informationdeutsches-museum.de

www.deutsches-museum.de

Occupying an abandoned movie theatre, the Allied Museum is located on the former U.S. Army Europe's Berlin Brigade headquarters, and houses exhibits and displays detailing the history of the Allied forces in Germany in World War II and up until 1994. The museum's collections include military memorabilia, weapons, photos and other artefacts, including the original Checkpoint Charlie shed. The museum also organises periodic events and special exhibitions - check the website for specific dates.

Clayallee 135 - Outpost

14195

+49 / (0)30 / 81 81 99 -0

info@AlliiertenMuseum.de

www.alliiertenmuseum.de

The Reichstag is one of Berlin's most famous buildings. The seat of Germany's parliament since 1894, the building has had a volatile history, being damaged in World War II, wrapped in a sheet by conceptual artist Christo in 1995, and being massively reconstructed in the late 1990s. The reconstruction saw the building gutted, leaving only the facade, and the addition of a glass-domed atrium that provides panoramic views of Berlin. Note that the rooftop terrace and dome of the Reichstag are closed to visitors without pre-booking.

Platz der Republik 1

10557

030 22 73 21 52

The magnificent castle at Hohenzollern is perched on a hilltop 31 miles (50km) outside of Stuttgart. Built in the 15th century, the structure's fairy-tale visage is set against spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding countryside of the Black Forest, and the castle hosts a number of attractions and events, including an open-air cinema, museum, and seasonal Christmas market, .

Verwaltung Burg Hohenzollern

D-72379

+49 (0) 7471-920 787

info@burg-hohenzollern.com

www.preussen.de/en/today/burg_hohenzollern.html

Although you may find yourself inundated by cuckoo clocks everywhere you look in the Black Forest, the German Clock Museum's large collection of timepieces is the most comprehensive of its kind, and offers over 8,000 examples of clocks going back 150 years. Cuckoo clocks have been made in the Black Forest region since the early 18th century, and much of their development occurred there. Tours are conducted at 11am by appointment, and there are free English guidebooks available.

Robert-Gerwig-Platz 1 D-78120 Furtwangen, Baden-Wurttemberg

+49 7723 920 117

In the middle of Hamburg is an oasis of green lawns and trees, with colourful flowers and fountains providing a lovely backdrop to relax in. You can stroll around the Japanese garden and enjoy the tropical flower collections and teahouse, and children will enjoy the range of attractions including playgrounds, pony rides, miniature golf, and a roller rink and ice skating rink. There are also concerts and theatrical performances on a regular basis.

Park Information 040 42823-2150; Events 040 42854-4723

plantenunblomen.hamburg.de

St. Michaelis began as a humble church, which was extended in 1600. In 1647 construction began on the grand building that stands today. Like many important buildings in Germany, the church suffered major damage in World War II. Michaeliskircheoffers tours of the 270-foot (82m) tower; the crypt, which contains the bodies of Johann Mattheson and Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach; and there is also an interesting presentation on the history of Hamburg.

Englische Planke 1a

20459

(040) 376 78-0

info@st-michaelis.de

www.st-michaelis.de

Train enthusiasts will love Miniature Wonderland in Hamburg. With over 4,000 square metres of floorspace, there is much to see with tiny models of various regions, both local and international. The largest of its kind, there are 900 trains with 12,000 carriages; 300,000 lights, 200,000 trees and 200,000 human figures. Sections include Southern Germany and the Austrian Alps, Hamburg and the Coast, America, Scandinavia, and Switzerland. Construction has begun on an expansion that will add five new sections, including France, Italy and the UK, by 2014.

Kehrwieder 4 Block D

20457

+49 (0)40 300 6 800

www.miniatur-wunderland.com

The Royal Gardens at Herrenhausen exemplify the manicured French Baroque style of landscaping. Sculpted topiaries dot the symmetrical lawns of the Great Garden, which also contains the famous Grotto featuring colourful mosaics by artist Niki de Saint Phalle. The Berggarten houses exotic plants and a conservatory, and the Welfgarten surrounds the impressive Welfenschloss Castle.

Herrenhäuser Strasse 4

30419

+49 (0)511 1684 4543

www.hannover.de/herrenhausen

Located in the Anderten district of Hanover is the European Cheese Centre, which is the only 'Cheese Experience' in Europe. There are eight areas, each representing a cheese-producing region of Europe, and a central marketplace, where you can enjoy cheese and wine tastings. Audio guides are available by appointment for EUR3 per person.

Hägenstrasse 13

30559

+49 - 511 58666 26

info@cheesecenter.de

www.cheesecenter.de

The largest city in the Black Forest region of Germany, Freudenstadt is a great place to start a holiday in the Black Forest. The town is known for its sunny, warm weather, meaning visitors can enjoy its many outdoor attractions like the central town square, which is home to the largest marketplace in Germany. Most buildings in Freudenstadt were flattened in World War II, however there are still several interesting sites, including the Stadtkirche, which dates back to the 17th century.While a holiday in Freudenstadt is worthwhile, most visitors come to enjoy the surrounding region, which boasts some of the best skiing, hiking and camping in the Black Forest. The Parkwald, Germany's largest nature reserve, is nearby, and has many miles of hiking trails. Fruedenstadt is conveniently situated on the Schwarzwald Hochstrasse highway, which stretches to Baden-Baden and meanders past many quaint shops and cafes, as well as popular ski slopes.

The Fairy Tale Road follows a meandering 370-mile (595km) route that traces the path of famous storytellers the Brothers Grimm. Many people don't realise that the Brothers Grimm didn't simply invent their famous stories, but recorded and collected local legends and folk tales from their homeland near Frankfurt. Between charming villages and well-preserved medieval towns, Germany's Fairy Tale Road wanders through lush forests and Gingerbread houses that were the original homes of well-loved characters like Sleeping Beauty, Little Red Riding Hood and Hansel and Gretel.Starting in the town of Hanau, where Jakob and Wilhelm Grimm were born, visitors can explore attractions like the Brothers Grimm monument in the town square, the Puppet Museum at Williamsbad, the Marienkirche where Jakob was married, and the Phillippsruhe Palace, which hosts performances of the fairy tales (though mostly in German).The next town on the journey is Steinau, where the brothers spent their youth; and Marburg, a university town where they began to research local legends for their collection. Further on the town of Kassel is home to the Brothers Grimm Museum; nearby Baunatal was the home of Dorothea Viehmann, who told the Brothers Grimm many stories, and visitors can have a beer in the Knallhüt brewery, which occupies the building she was born in.From there the Fairy Tale Road follows the Weser River to Hameln, the famous town of the Pied Piper; in nearby Bad Oeynhausen is the Fairy Tale Museum. The road ends in the town of Bremen, home of both the mythical Little Nienburg Girl and the very real Rathaus, a vibrant marketplace filled with town musicians and the famous Ratskeller Restaurant.

The popular starting point for the Romantic Road, Würzburg is a lovely and lively town. The former comes from its picturesque location in the heart of the Franconian wine region, with rolling hills, pretty vineyards, and many beautiful buildings. The town is famous for its '100 churches', and the Residential Palace (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Far from being a sleepy historical town however, Würzburg is home to some 50,000 students who keep the nightlife jumping. A number of excellent German restaurants and colourful wine festivals add to the appeal. Located at the very northern tip of Bavaria on the Main River, Würzburg is linked to cities like Frankfurt, Hamburg and Munich by train and makes an excellent excursion or weekend trip, even if you don't take the Romantic Road south.

Known as the best-preserved medieval town in Germany, Rothenburg ob der Tauber (or just Rothenburg) is an absolute must-see for anyone travelling on the Romantic Road. The 13th-century fortified walls are undamaged, and encircle a quaint city centre with a number of interesting buildings and museums. For the best view of the city, head to the top of the tower at the historic Town Hall. Rothenburg's only negative is its popularity, which sees it often completely overrun by Romantic Road tourists.

A less-crowded alternative to Rothenburg, Dinkelsbühl is another scenic medieval town on the Romantic Road. Surrounded by 16 towers along its fortified 10th-century walls, the town centre is lined with 16th-century houses and churches and a few good historical museums. A good way to see the city is on an evening tour led by the town's night watchman. No visit to Dinkelsbühl is complete without sampling the locally-made gingerbread, a town specialty.

The largest town along the Romantic Road, Augsburg is also among the oldest cities in Germany with a history stretching back 2,000 years. Established as a Roman trading post, the city has been an important site for religion, politics and the military throughout its life. The city has many interesting buildings, including several ornately decorated churches and baroque houses. Augsburg is also known for its traditional German restaurants, and is a popular stop both on the Romantic Road and on journeys to the Bavarian Alps in the south.