The Famous Monuments You Should Know Germany

From the iconic Brandenburg Gate in Berlin to the infamous Eagle’s Nest high up in the mountains, Germany is a country full of historic and interesting landmarks and monuments. Visiting these places is a terrific way to learn more about the country’s past, uncover its striking architecture and discover its rich culture. How many of these famous monuments in Germany have you visited?

If you are planning a trip to Germany, or simply intrigued about the country, here are the 7 famous monuments

1. Brandenburg Gate

The Brandenburg Gate is Berlin’s most famous monument. Constructed between 1788 and 1791, the Brandenburg Gate was a symbol for the divided city. People would come and climb on top of the monument’s viewing platform to get a glimpse of life behind the Iron Curtain. When the Berlin Wall fell, the Brandenburg Gate became a symbol of unity and it opened to traffic in 1989. Nowadays, people walk under the glorious twelve-column neo-classical monument to enter Berlin’s historic Mitte district.

2. Bastei Bridge

The Bastei Bridge is one of the most popular highlights of the Saxon Switzerland National Park area. The name might be confusing, as this park is in Germany, not Switzerland. The Bastei are giant towers of sandstone rock formations and they are connected by an impressive stone bridge, which seems to go nowhere. The rock formations rise over the Elbe River and you can get a magnificent view from the rock bridge panoramic restaurant.

3. Cologne Cathedral

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, Cologne Cathedral is the largest Gothic church in northern Europe. Its most striking features are the 515-feet (157 metres) tall twin towers that sore into the sky. In fact, it was once the world’s tallest building. Inside is just as impressive, especially the massive gold Shrine of the Three Kings, which is a masterpiece of medieval goldwork.

4. Berlin Tower

The Berliner Fernsehturm is the iconic TV Tower in Alexanderplatz, which is a large square in Berlin’s historic Mitte district. Berlin’s TV Tower is one of the most visited tourist spots in the city. It is also the tallest building in the city. Inside there is a restaurant and bar as well as a viewing deck. From here you’ll get a sensational 360-degree panorama of the sprawling city.

5. Eagle’s Nest (Kehlsteinhaus)

Perched on a rocky outcrop above the Obersalzberg mountains near Berchtesgaden in Bavaria is the Eagle’s Nest. This infamous monument was once a hideaway for Adolf Hitler and members of the Nazi Party. The road to the Eagle’s Nest was blasted out of the solid rock. To reach the top you can hike up the road or get a bus. Alternatively, you can take an elevator, which is buried in the mountain. At the top is a restaurant and wonderful views of the Bavarian Alps.

6. Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein Castle sits spectacularly on a rugged hill above the village of Hohenschwangau in southwest Bavaria. The palace was commissioned by King Ludwig II of Bavaria and is a homage to the composer Richard Wagner. The 19th-century castle looks like something straight out of a fairytale. In fact, after visiting here, Walt Disney was inspired to create the Magic Kingdom. Neuschwanstein Castle is open to the public and the tour of the rooms and grounds is fantastic. It’s no wonder that this is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe.

7. Walhalla Hall of Fame

The Walhalla Hall of Fame in Donaustauf looks like a Greek Temple. The Parthenon-like building features busts and inscriptions honouring illustrious Germans. Walhalla takes its name from Valhöll, the resting place of fallen soldiers in Norse mythology. A wide range of people are honoured in the Walhalla Hall of Fame, for instance, kings and other nobles. There are military leaders, scientists, artists, and poets too. The views of the Danube Valley from the monument are splendid. As a result, this is a lovely place to spend a few hours soaking up the scenery.