Touring Germany: Interesting activities and places to visit in Germany’s most famous cities!

Planning on taking on a tour of Germany in a motorhome or campervan? Germany is a country full of rich culture and history just waiting to be explored. From the lively nightlife of Berlin to the regal and picturesque Baroque palace in Stuttgart, Germany is a diverse and vibrant country that offers something for everyone!

If you’re a football fanatic, you may even consider touring in your motorhome or campervan alongside the UEFA Euros taking place in Germany this summer, if so check out our blog of tips and advice here!

So, pack up your van, brush up on your German phrases and get ready to say ‘guten tag’ to Germany with our interesting list of things to do in Germany’s most famous cities!

Berlin

 

Take a splash in one of Berlin’s many lakes

With a total of around 3000 lakes, the most inland bodies of water in Germany, Berlin and the surrounding state of Brandenburg is lake central! So, when travelling in Berlin why not take a dip in one of Berlin’s various lakes, many of these lakes are accompanied by a sandy shore perfect for relaxing and sunbathing in the hot summer sun!

The most popular lake in Berlin is Wannsee, famous for its 1920’s architecture and white sandy beaches!

 

Checkout Berlin’s world-famous night life scene

When in Berlin, hit the clubs! Berlin is renowned for its huge party scene, most notably the infamous and exclusive techno club Berghain, a club where people queue for hours with the chance of facing rejection at the front of the line! Do you think you have what it takes to make it in?

But if Berghain isn’t for you there are plenty of interesting clubs and bars to explore! There’s Madame Claud the upside-down bar where the ceiling is the floor; the Fairytale Bar, a quirky bar with a magical and dark atmosphere; and one of the strangest bars in Berlin, Klo, a toilet-themed bar full of mischief, pranks and odd décor.

 

Cologne

 

Take a tasty trip to the Schokoladen Museum

If you have a sweet tooth and a love for history this next place is for you. When taking a tour of the Schokoladen Museum, you’ll learn the rich 5000 years of chocolate, view both the manual and mechanised steps of the chocolate crafting process in the glass chocolate factory, and of course try some samples along the way!

 

Experience the Flora and Botanical Garden

Home to around 12,000 plant species from all over the world the Cologne Botanical Garden is an enchanting green oasis. It features tranquil waterfalls, ponds, springs and a fountain creating a serene environment you’ll want to get lost in.

The great garden contains a huge list of plant types and variations including: “an Alpinum, an arboretum, a Rhine farm garden, an iris garden, a lily garden, a sensory garden, a magnolia patch, a hemp garden, an old-growth green tunnel, a palm tree alley, an English landscape garden, an Italian Renaissance garden, and a French Baroque garden.”

After exploring all the wonders the botanical garden has to offer Flora’s Garden café or restaurant is the perfect place to wind down and grab a bite to eat!

 

Munich

 

Ride waves at the river surfing capital of the world

Munich is the river surfing capital of the world, with the Eisbach River being the birthplace of river surfing. The Eisbach wave is a stationary, human-made wave which was accidentally created in the 1970s after German engineers placed concrete blocks in the river in an attempt to slow down the flow. Instead, this action had the opposite effect and created a more rapid water flow. From then on Eisbach became a popular ground for surfers at points seeing waves up to 3 to 4 feet high!

But please note to surf at Eisbach you must be an experienced surfer. There are however other rivers, such as the E2 River and Floßlände River which are more suitable for intermediate and beginner surfers to check out.

 

Visit the Pinakothek der Moderne Futuro House

Source: JO.SCHZ/CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 

In the 1960’s, Finnish architect Matti Suuronen designed UFO-flying saucer-like houses called Futuro houses or Futuro Pods. These houses are extremely rare with less than 100 being built between the 1960s and 1970s. The idea of the piece was to be a universally transportable home that could be mass-replicated and situated in almost any environment. But unfortunately, due to its obscure and avant-garde design Futuro houses did not catch on.

One of these rare and interesting homes is located on the lawn of the Pinakothek of Modern Art in Munich (a must-visit museum!) The exterior of the futuristic house has been restored to all its former glory, so if you want a futuristic taste of the past this is the perfect location to visit.

 

Frankfurt

 

Take a tour of the city on the Ebbelwei-Express

Explore the sights of Frankfurt in the vibrant and vintage tram the Ebbelwei-Express! Sip on a bottle of complimentary apple wine as the tram takes you across 29 major landmarks. Don’t forget to download the podcast for the full guided tour (it’s available in English as well as German) so you can learn more about each of the culturally rich landmarks you pass.

 

Take a charming river tour on Main River

Take a cruise down Main River in Frankfurt and experience the city in a completely unique way. You’ll be in awe of the stunning Frankfurt skyline made up of a juxtaposing blend of vast modern skyscrapers and charming historic architecture!

 

Hamburg

 

Visit the famous fairground Hamburger Dom 

Drawing in more than 10 million visitors annually, Hamburger Dom stands as Germany’s largest public festival! Hamburger Dom is a huge fair that takes place in Heiligengeistfeld Fairground and offers a vibrant and lively atmosphere full of thrilling rides, exciting games, and tasty food. And don’t miss out on the thrilling fireworks display that lights up the city that is held each Friday during Hamburger Dom!

This event happens 3 times a year: in the winter, spring and summer and lasts for a month each time. Hamburger Dom 2024 starts at the end of July, so if you’re planning on sticking around to do some touring after the Euros finale this is a must-visit location!

 

Explore Hamburg’s Art Mile

If you’re looking for culture and can’t get enough of the arts the Kunstmeile(art mile) is for you! Consisting of 6 top-tier museums in central Hamburg, the museums are all within convenient walking distance of each other and available to access through the Kunstmeile Pass. The Hamburg Kunstmeile offers a rich cultural experience where you can view a diverse range of artefacts, paintings, photographs, and sculptures!

Museums included:

• The Bucerius Kunst Forum
• The Deichtorhallen Hamburg
• The Hamburger Kunsthalle
• The Kunstverein in Hamburg
• The Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe
• The Kunsthaus Hamburg

 

Dortmund

 

Take a trip to Dortmund Zoo

Dortmund Zoo offers a variety of activities for the perfect family day out, including guided tours, feeding events, a petting zoo, and much more! Visitors of Dortmund Zoo can look forward to a fun-filled day surrounded by fascinating wildlife as they explore the zoo containing over 1600 animals and 173 different species! The zoo provides a wonderful opportunity to see a huge variety of animals up close and learn about them and their natural habitat, from native farm animals, all the way to exotic species in the Himalayas and far into Southeast Asia and Australia.

 

Voyage through football history at the German Football Museum

Source: https://www.fussballmuseum.de/en/start

This next location is a perfect stop-off if you’re touring this year’s Euros and one of the most visited museums in the Ruhr area! Immerse yourself in 140 years German Football, where history to life through interactive exhibits, memorabilia, and engaging 3D cinema displays. With over 1600 captivating exhibits and a state-of-the-art 3D cinema experience, you’ll find yourself transported through time to learn about Germany’s rich football heritage, evolution, and triumphs!

 

Leipzig

 

Take a paddle through Leipzig

Take part in a canoeing tourist tradition dating back over 150 years! The tourist waterway network is a unique way to discover Leipzig by canoe or kayak and works through connecting the flowing waters with the surrounding region’s abundant lakes.

It’s the perfect tranquil activity for a summer’s day, so grab a paddle and immerse yourself and go on a journey through the scenic waters of Leipzig!

 

Travel to Wildlife Park Leipzig

Source: https://www.leipzig.travel/en/poi/wildlife-park-leipzig

Take part in a fun-filled and informative day out at the Wildlife Park in Leipzig. Since 1904, the centre has been dedicated to the conservation of endangered native wildlife species, as well as serving as a hub for recreation and research! The park is home to around 25 animal species and up to 250 wild animals, offering a great opportunity to observe and learn all about the different animals. Visitors have lots of options of things to do including guided tours, excursions, lessons in the countryside, hiking days, exhibitions and more!

 

Gelsenkirchen

 

Scavenge your way to victory at the Stairway to Heaven

Venture out to the Stairway to Heaven, an interesting sculpture made up of stacked concrete blocks, where a thrilling activity takes place! Around this location you can take part in a scavenger hunt! You’ll be taking part in numerous puzzles, deciphering a series of clues, and playing fun mini-games!

 

Enjoy a show at Musiktheater im Revier

Source: https://www.ruhrbuehnen.de/en/theatres/musiktheater-im-revier-gelsenkirchen/

Gelsenkirchen is known as “the city of music” so if you’re visiting why not catch a show at the stunning Musiktheater im Revier. With stunning architecture and design of a cubic glass outer shell with a circular auditorium inside and high-class performances, this venue is a cultural gem you won’t want to miss!

Displaying a variety of performances, including opera and operetta, musical theatre and musicals, large-scale ballets, and concerts and orchestras, you’ll have a wide choice of options to choose from!

 

 

Stuttgart

 

Experience the legacy of one the most renowned vehicle brands in the world at the Mercedes Benz Museum

The Mercedes Benz Museum is not just a museum dedicated to cars; it is a journey through time and innovation! With over 160 vehicles on display, you can witness the story and evolution of the iconic Mercedes-Benz brand right before your eyes as you explore the varied collection of vehicles ranging from some of the oldest automobiles ever built, to legendary racing cars, to futuristic research and concepts for vehicles.

 

Take a tour of the Ludwigsburg Residential Palace

Boasting 452 rooms and 18 buildings, Ludwigsburg Residential Palace is one of of Europe’s largest original Baroque complexes and definitely a site to behold. Experience the grandeur and sense of royalty as you explore grand ballrooms, chapels, and even a theatre! A place where each room tells a story of its own, with ornate ceilings, exquisite historical furnishings and intricate details of the period.

Whether you are a history enthusiast, have an eye for architecture, or are simply someone looking to immerse themselves in a past time, Ludwigsburg Residential Palace promises a truly unforgettable experience!

 

Düsseldorf

Visit Düsseldorfer Altstadt – the world’s longest bar

Düsseldorf’s Altstadt is named ‘the longest bar in the world’ as within the space of half a square kilometre there are around 260 pubs, restaurants, and bars. Each establishment in this lively, bustling area has its own unique personality and charm, inviting you to experience a wide variety of food, drinks, and entertainment options!

Explore Little Tokyo, Germany’s Japan Quater (Japanviertel)

Experience the culture of Japan in Germany! Japanviertel also known as Little Tokyo is home to the largest Japanese community in Germany, and after London and Paris, it’s the third largest Japanese community in Europe! Within Japanviertel you’ll have the opportunity to indulge in the authentic flavours of Japan at restaurants, cafes, and bakeries, explore Asian supermarkets, and enjoy a night out a sushi and karaoke bars!

For a traditional taste of Japan, you can also visit EKŌ-Haus a unique Japanese-inspired location made up of a Buddhist temple, a traditional Japanese house, a serene Japanese garden, and a tearoom!

 

Protect your motorhome during your German motorhome or campervan adventures!

Whether you’re embarking on a weekend away or planning on taking an expansive tour of Germany having the right insurance for your motorhome or campervan is essential for your peace of mind. Our comprehensive cover, including cover for Europe, means that you can travel rest assured you’re protected on your travels!

It’s easy to get a quote with Comfort, get a quote online or give a member of our team a call today on 0208 984 0666!