Our five favourite German cities of 2021
In 2021, we continued our exploration of Germany, uncovering more fascinating cities with unique allure. Here are our five favourites from that year.
-
1/5
Stralsund
- Country Germany
- Region Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
- Year 2021
Stralsund is a former Hanseatic city in the north of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, located on the Strelasund. It is the oldest city in Pomerania and is home to the German Maritime Museum. Together with Wismar, the old town with many Gothic brick buildings forms a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Stralsund: A Medieval Masterpiece
Stralsund, located on the Baltic Sea coast, is a historic Hanseatic city known for its stunning architecture and maritime history. Its old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Highlights:
- Ozeaneum: A fascinating maritime museum showcasing the marine life of the Baltic Sea, North Sea, and Arctic Ocean.
- Stralsund Harbour: A picturesque harbor offering scenic views and a glimpse into the city's maritime heritage.
- Stralsund's Old Town: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its well-preserved medieval buildings and picturesque streets.
Why visit?
Stralsund's maritime history and stunning architecture make it a captivating destination. Its UNESCO-listed old town and engaging museums provide a rich cultural experience.
-
2/5
Bad Muskau
Bad Muskau is a town in Saxony on the banks of the Neisse river. It gained worldwide fame through its landscape park. Built by Prince Hermann von Pückler-Muskau, it is the largest English-style landscape park in Europe. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is divided between Germany and Poland.
Bad Muskau: Garden Paradise
Bad Muskau, located on the German-Polish border, is famous for its stunning Muskau Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is a masterpiece of landscape architecture, blending natural beauty with artistic design.
Highlights:
- Muskau Park: A beautiful landscape park designed by Prince Hermann von Pückler-Muskau, featuring picturesque gardens, lakes, and walking paths.
- New Palace: A stunning palace located within the park, offering beautiful views and a glimpse into the region's history.
- Waldeisenbahn Muskau: A historic narrow-gauge railway that provides scenic rides through beautiful landscapes from Kromlau Rhododendron Park to Muskau Park.
Why visit?
Bad Muskau's Muskau Park is a paradise for nature lovers and garden enthusiasts. The park's serene beauty and artistic design provide a tranquil and inspiring experience.
-
3/5
Hamburg
Hamburg is a State (Bundesland) as well as Germanys second-largest city, located at the river Elbe. The city is home to one of the largest ports in the world and the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea. The beautiful Hanseatic city is also among the cities with the highest quality of life in the world.
Hamburg: Germany’s Gateway to the World
Hamburg, Germany's second-largest city, is a bustling metropolis known for its vibrant cultural scene and historic port. The city's unique blend of old and new makes it an exciting and dynamic destination.
Highlights:
- Miniatur Wunderland: The world's largest model railway exhibition, offering a fascinating and intricate display of miniature landscapes and cities.
- Elbphilharmonie: A stunning concert hall with striking architecture and world-class acoustics, offering performances and breathtaking views of the city.
- Speicherstadt: A historic warehouse district and UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its beautiful brick architecture and charming canals.
Why visit?
Hamburg's vibrant cultural scene, historic port, and stunning architecture make it a must-visit destination. The city's unique attractions and dynamic atmosphere provide an unforgettable experience.
-
4/5
Oranienbaum-Wörlitz
- Country Germany
- Region Saxony-Anhalt
- Year 2021
Oranienbaum-Wörlitz is a city in Saxony-Anhalt that was created in 2011 from the merger of the cities of Oranienbaum and Wörlitz. It is located on the river Elbe and is home to the UNESCO World Heritage sites, Wörlitzer Park, the oldest landscape park on the European Continent, and Park Oranienbaum.
Oranienbaum-Wörlitz: Garden of Europe
Oranienbaum-Wörlitz, located in Saxony-Anhalt, is famous for its beautiful Wörlitz Park, part of the UNESCO-listed Dessau-Wörlitz Garden Realm. The park is one of the first and largest English landscape gardens in continental Europe.
Highlights:
- Wörlitz Park: A stunning landscape park featuring beautiful gardens, lakes, and classical architecture.
- Wörlitz Palace: A charming palace located within the park, offering insights into the region's history and architectural heritage.
- Schloss Oranienbaum: A beautiful baroque palace with stunning gardens, showcasing the town's rich cultural heritage.
Why visit?
Oranienbaum-Wörlitz's Wörlitz Park is a masterpiece of landscape architecture and a haven for nature lovers. The park's serene beauty and historical significance provide a tranquil and enriching experience.
-
5/5
Munich
Munich is the third largest and most densely populated city in Germany and the 11th-largest in the EU. It has been the capital of Bavaria since 1506 and was at times an imperial residence. Munich is known worldwide for the Oktoberfest and is home to the companies Allianz, BMW and Siemens and many more.
Munich: Bavarian Capital
Munich, the capital of Bavaria, is a city known for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant arts scene, and historic landmarks. The city's unique blend of tradition and modernity makes it a captivating destination.
Highlights:
- Marienplatz: The heart of Munich, featuring the iconic New Town Hall and the beautiful Glockenspiel.
- Nymphenburg Palace: A stunning Baroque palace with beautiful gardens and opulent interiors, offering a glimpse into Bavarian royalty.
- English Garden: One of the largest urban parks in the world, featuring beautiful landscapes, serene lakes, and charming beer gardens.
Why visit?
Munich's rich cultural heritage, vibrant arts scene, and historic landmarks make it a dynamic and engaging destination. The city's unique blend of tradition and modernity provides a diverse and enriching experience.
Our journey through Germany in 2021 was filled with diverse and captivating cities, each offering unique cultural and historical experiences. From the maritime heritage of Stralsund to the vibrant energy of Munich, these cities left a lasting impression on us.
Narrowing this list down to just five of our favourite cities was no easy task, so here are five honourable mentions:
A map showing our five favourite German cities we have been to in 2021.
Discover all the places we have been to in 2021.
2021
The year we survived a worldwide pandemic (again).