Germany was absolutely fantastic. We had a week to explore the areas we were in and it wasn’t near enough time and we will definitely be going back.
Frankfurt
When people think of Frankfurt, the first thing that generally comes to mind is the city’s banking high-rises. The fact is, Frankfurt has much more to offer than its skyscrapers. Frankfurt is a wonderful blend of new and modern and Old and historical. City visitors should make sure to include a stroll through Frankfurt’s “old town” in their itinerary. Nestled between Emperors’ Cathedral and Römer City Hall, they’ll find a faithfully reconstructed old town featuring small shops, cozy cafés, wonderful restaurants and magnificent museums just waiting to be discovered. Stroll through the “new” quarter’s winding laneways, where you’ll get to enjoy a leisurely river cruise while sailing past the city’s imposing skyline with grand views of the Saint Bartholomew Frankfurt Cathedral.
Frankfurt’s smallest district Old Town, with its idyllic location on the River Main is a visual delight. Old Town is a center of attraction for one and all. Locals and visitors from all over the world meet here for coffee, visit the numerous museums and independent shops and enjoy the Old Town flair in the heart of the Main metropolis.
This successful blend is a reminder of Frankfurt’s eventful history as a European metropolis. At the Archaeological Gardens, one can marvel at the traces of the ancient Roman settlement and the Carolingian imperial palace, explained by way of an exciting video animation, or, alternatively, follow in the footsteps of kings and emperors on their way to their coronation along the Coronation Path.
Frankfurt’s Roman Catholic Gothic church is officially known as the Cathedral of Saint Bartholomew (Kaiserdom Sankt Bartholomaus) or aka Frankfurt Cathedral (Frankfurter Dom). Its impressive 95 meter tower and spire dominate the city skyline, and it is considered the largest religious building in Frankfurt. Despite its title, Kaiserdom has never been the seat of a bishop and is therefore not officially a cathedral.
Kaiserdom has traditionally been considered a symbol for national unity in Germany and hosted many historical events such as the crowing of medieval German emperors. The current building is the third church to be built on the plot. Building on the first church began in 1356, although it was only completed in 1793. After a fire in 1867, the cathedral was rebuilt, while Allied bombings in 1944 destroyed the entire interior and left a shell. The cathedral was thus rebuilt for the third time after World War II.
Today, Kaiserdom is a splendid Gothic structure with a symmetrical, cross-shaped floor plan. One of the more interesting features of the cathedral is the Gothic retable from the 15th Century which depicts the life of Jesus Christ. You can also view the superb 1434 Maria Schlaf Altar, as well as the 14th Century choir stalls. The Wahlkapelle is where 16 out of 23 German emperors were elected and it is worth a stopover. Visitors have access to the cathedral’s Gothic tower through a door to the right of the building.
The 328-step climb is definitely worth the effort, to enjoy a superb view over the city. Watch out for the beautifully illuminated Kaiserdom dome at night.
This city walk through the old town center (Römerberg) focuses on various aspects of Frankfurt’s colorful history, including its role as electoral site of German kings and host city for the coronation ceremonies of Holy Roman emperors. Frankfurt’s role as a free trade city and site of Germany’s first national assembly, held right here at St Paul’s Church in 1848, is also highlighted. Since 2018 the New Frankfurt Old Town is another important place of interest in the heart of the historical town center. Here you’ll find numerous architectonic eras and styles standing harmoniously side by side. The successful blend of old and new.
Our next stop was…
Schwangau
Schwangau is a small village in Bavaria, in southern Germany. It’s a gateway to the grand Neuschwanstein Castle, a 19th-century hilltop palace built for King Ludwig II. Nearby, Hohenschwangau Castle features ornately furnished state rooms. A cable car runs up Tegelberg, a mountain offering ski slopes and views over the surrounding countryside. To the north, Forggensee is a huge lake popular for boating, fishing and swimming. -Google
Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the world’s most famous castles. This castle inspired Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle as well as Cinderellas Castle. The Bavarian castle’s “dainty turrets and romantic views,” as well as its “cylindrical towers” and Romanesque style made it the perfect architectural model for both Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty.
Sitting high atop Schwangau village is Hohenschwangau Castle, it is a smaller castle also in Schwangau, Germany, that’s less well known than the famous Neuschwanstein Castle but is still a beautiful and historic castle to visit.
King Ludwig II spent his childhood in Hohenschwangau Castle, and the Bavarian royal family used it as a summer and hunting residence. The neo-Gothic castle has four corner towers and battlemented walls, and its design is in the Biedermeier style. The castle contains more than 90 murals painted by Moritz von Schwind and Ludwig Lindenschmit.
Both castles are available for touring. Check prices and times before you go as they can get very busy during peak season.
Rothenburg ob de Tauber
Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a German town in northern Bavaria known for its medieval architecture. Half-timbered houses line the cobblestone lanes of its old town. The town walls include many preserved gate houses and towers, plus a covered walkway on top. St. Jakob’s Church houses an intricate, late Gothic altarpiece by woodcarver Tilman Riemenschneider. The medieval Town Hall has a tower with panoramic views. -Google
We found Rothenburg to be a beautiful, charming little village with bright colored buildings and cobblestone streets. As you traverse through the small colorful streets of shops, cafes and museums, you can stop at the world famous Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas Village where the child in you will come alive to the sights and sounds of Christmas year around.
There are buildings that date back to the middle ages, beautiful churches such as St. James’ Church, which has a beautiful stone carving depicting Christ and the sleeping apostles. Also special is the beautifully decorated St. Wolfgang’s Church at the Klingentor gate. Bask in exploring museums, monuments, abbeys and fountains where history is all around you in this quiet tranquil charming village. Rothenburg is a tantalizing delight to your senses. Enjoy!
Heidelberg-Alstadt
When I visited Germany, I wanted to go to castles. Growing up my aunt and uncle lived in Germany for a period, and when they moved back to the U.S., she had this little book of castles. I always enjoyed looking at that little book, I wonder if the family still has that book?? Anyways, so from the time I was a young girl it was a dream of mine to go to Germany and see the castles. So of course the next obvious choice was to visit Heidelberg Castle.
This beautiful ruin in Germany and landmark of Heidelberg is a must see in your travels through Germany. The castle ruins are among the most important Renaissance structures north of the Alps.
The earliest castle structure was built before 1214 and later expanded into two castles circa 1294; however, in 1537, a lightning bolt destroyed the upper castle. The present structures had been expanded by 1650, before damage by later wars and fires. In 1764, another lightning bolt caused a fire which destroyed some rebuilt sections. – Wikipedia
Even the setting of the castle ruins, overgrown with ivy, is a nod to the grandeur of the former residents, the Wittelsbach dynasty. Built as a fortified castle with towers, casemates and moats the site developed over 400 years to become the feudal flagship of the Palatinate Electors. There is no doubt that it’s the special blend of the past with the present that gives Heidelberg Castle its special charm.
The best-preserved building is the Friedrich Wing, which is home to the Electors’ ancestral portrait gallery. The castle church can be found on the ground floor with the residential rooms above it. The magnificent pleasure garden is a fascinating concept as a man-made earthly paradise. For a long time, the Hortus Palatinus garden was considered to be the eighth wonder of the world, despite never being finished.
Opposite the visitors’ center, to the left of the main castle entrance, you’ll see the Elizabeth Gate, that overnight monument to Friedrich V’s love for his English princess. Surrounded by trees, the triumphal archway is definitely photo worthy.
Beyond the Elizabeth Gate you’ll come to the terrace with my favorite views from the castle. You can not only see the Old Town, with its beautiful buildings and the Heiliggeist Church, the Neckar River, and the Philosopher’s Way.
You can also visit the Heidelberger Tun, the world’s largest wine barrel and its guardian, little Perkeo.
Baden-Baden
Discover the good life in this beautiful oasis in the European Capital of the art of living.
Baden-Baden also known as the great spa town due to its thermal springs that were discovered over 2000 years ago is a sweet and wonderful experience captivating you from the moment you arrive.
It is a splendor of the past centuries amidst unique and natural surroundings, history blending in perfectly with modern shops, dining and art. Located in the southwest of Germany nestled between gentle hills of the Black Forest and the beautiful, picturesque vineyards of the region. Just a 20 minute drive to Rhine and the French border. Baden-Baden is also the sunshine capital of Germany receiving more days of sunshine per year than any other place in Germany.
It proudly boasts a wonderful mix of nature, thermal baths, culture and culinary delights. It is the perfect place to relax and take in the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of the region.
Since 2021 Baden-Baden has been included in the Unesco World Heritage list as part of the great spa towns of Europe also known as the Summer Capital of Europe.
Our time here was way too short and we plan on returning to this beautiful city and spending more time exploring this region.
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