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Hidden Gems: 10 Places in Germany You Need to See

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Germany can do much more than urban high life in Berlin or dream beach idylls on the island of Sylt: these 10 places are must-sees for travelers.

1. bastei bridge

Lohmen, Saxon Switzerland

The Bastei Bridge in Saxon Switzerland scores with spectacular views. © Artists Eyes

The 76.5 meter long sandstone bridge, built in 1851, towers almost 200 meters above the Elbe. Here you walk between rocks and trees and enjoy the spectacular panoramic view over Saxon Switzerland.

2. saalfeld fairy caves

Saalfeld, Thuringia

The fairy grottos in Saalfeld are truly fabulous. © Shutterstock

Truly magical: The Saalfeld fairy caves hide in a former salt mine from the 16th century. Besides the fabulous multicolored stalactites, the fairy caves are also used as a healing gallery for speleotherapy or cave therapy.

3. Eltz Castle

Wierschem, Rhineland-Palatinate

Whether on gloomy days or in the most beautiful sunshine, Eltz Castle impresses. © Cederic Van den Berghe

Like an enchanted castle, Castle Eltz rises from the green valley of the Elz River: built in the 12th century, daily tours of the premises - from the Knights' Hall to the drawing room - take place between April 1 and November 1.

4. Blautopf

Blaubeuren, Baden-Wuerttemberg

In front of the rustic mill building lies the Blautopf, a radiant karst spring. © Denis Ba 

The evocative name Blautopf (blue pot) refers to a karst spring located in Blaubeuren, which shines in an almost unreal, intense aquamarine when the light falls on it properly. Responsible for this are lime particles of a few nanometers in size in the spring.

5. Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Bavaria

Like in a fairy tale: Rothenburg ob der Tauber. © Shutterstock

Germany at its most charming: Rothenburg ob der Tauber with its historic towers and gatehouses gives the impression of having walked straight into a Grimm's fairy tale.

6. Krämerbrücke

Erfurt, Thuringia

Krämerbrücke is the only inhabited bridge north of the Alps. © Shutterstock

The Krämerbrücke with its picturesque cottages, is the longest bridge in Europe that is continuously covered with buildings. It is also the only inhabited bridge north of the Alps. So a walk across this iconic old town bridge, which crosses the Breitstrom, is worthwhile. 

7. Rakotzbrücke

Gablenz, Saxony

Devil's Bridge is known for its unique reflection. © Shutterstock

Rakotzbrücke, also called Devil's Bridge, is one of the most magical places in Germany. It is located in the lush green Azalea and Rhododendron Park Kromlau - and is the ideal place for a leisurely afternoon in the fresh air. .

Related: 10 Mystical Places That Are Worth the Trip

8. heligoland

German bay

Small but mighty: Helgoland off the coast of Germany. © Shutterstock

Helgoland, which means "the land" in Frisian, is located about 50 kilometers from the mainland. Besides the colorful lobster stalls, there are numerous nature reserves, and the museums on the island's eventful past are also worth a detour.

9th Freudenberg

North Rhine-Westphalia

An impressive sight: the old half-timbered houses of Freudenberg. © Chris Weiher

Definitely worth an Instagram photo: Freudenberg's history dates back to the 11th century. In addition to the iconic half-timbered houses, most of which date back to the 17th century, travelers can also visit the small Freudenberg Castle here. 

10. monastery Wiblingen

Ulm, Baden-Wuerttemberg

Wiblingen Monastery impresses with magnificent architecture. © Shutterstock

Art lovers are at the right address at Kloster Wiblingen: The former Benedictine abbey was built in 1093 and secularized in 1806. The monastery is especially famous for its remarkable library in rococo style.

Christina M. Horn
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