Cologne Cathedral
In the list of the most visited architectural attractions in Germany, Cologne Cathedral has long and firmly led, with six million people visiting it annually. Its two pointed 157-meter towers are visible from far approaches to the city. At the time of completion in 1880, it was the tallest building in the world. The cathedral is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Brandenburg Gate
The Brandenburg Gate was built in 1789-1791. After the fall of the Berlin Wall, this main symbol of the German capital also became a symbol of the country's reunification. The exact number of people who come to this landmark is difficult to count. For a New Year's Eve party alone, about one million people gather here, and Berlin itself is visited by 12 million tourists annually.
Reichstag
The Reichstag is the most visited parliamentary building in the world. It receives about 2.4 million people annually. An observation deck under the glass dome is open to them, and group tours are conducted by appointment. Participants can even listen to parliamentary debates from a special guest gallery.
Frauenkirche
The Frauenkirche was built in Dresden by the will of Elector of Saxony Augustus the Strong in 1726-1743. The Baroque building was destroyed during the bombing of the city at the end of World War II. In 2005, the consecration of the church, restored with donations from around the world and having become a symbol of reconciliation among peoples, took place. Now it receives about two million people annually.
Neuschwanstein Castle
Neuschwanstein is the German archetype of a fairy-tale castle in the Bavarian Alps. In 2015, about 1.52 million tourists visited it. It was built for himself by King Ludwig II, but he lived here in the still unfinished castle for only about 170 days. In love with Wagner's works, during walks in the surroundings he liked to imagine himself in the image of the mythical Swan Knight – Lohengrin.
Aachen Cathedral
An outstanding example of sacred architecture, Aachen Cathedral became the first German site to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list. It received this status in 1978. The central part of the Romanesque church consists of an octagon crowned with a dome. In the long history of Aachen Cathedral, more than 30 monarchs have been crowned there. It is visited by about 1.3 million people annually.
Berlin TV Tower
The TV tower at Alexanderplatz is the tallest structure in Germany and the fourth tallest in Europe (368 meters). It was put into operation in 1969. The distinctive silhouette of the tower has long become one of the architectural symbols of Berlin. The ascent to a height of 210 meters takes only 40 seconds. The annual number of visitors is about 1.2 million people.
Heidelberg Castle
The most photogenic ruins in Germany are especially popular among Japanese and Americans. The first mention of Heidelberg Castle dates back to 1225. It was heavily damaged during the Thirty Years' War and the War of the Palatine Succession in the 17th century. The castle ruins particularly impressed writers and artists of the Romantic era. Now this place is visited by about one million people annually.
Wartburg
Wartburg Castle in Eisenach, Thuringia, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is considered one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Germany. After being anathematized and placed under imperial ban, Martin Luther found refuge here. The room of the Father of the Reformation became a pilgrimage site for his followers almost immediately after his death. Now the castle receives more than 350,000 tourists annually.
Sanssouci
Sanssouci Palace in Potsdam near Berlin is visited by about 350,000 people annually. Prussian King Frederick the Great ordered the construction of this summer residence in 1745. It served as a refuge from everyday hustle and courtiers. 'Without cares' is how its name translates from French. In 1990, the palace received UNESCO World Heritage status.