Germany is a mixture of natural wonders, tech innovations, old traditions, and delicious beer all at the same time. No surprise Germany is one of the most visited destinations in Europe - a history lover’s dream come true!
Berlin and Munich are two of Germany’s most influential centers. These two cities, however, are often considered rivals. As the fairy beauty of beer-loving Munich, Bavaria, and the cosmopolitan vibe of Berlin, the capital of Germany, is contrasting, many first-time visitors find it hard to choose between Munich and Berlin.
No need to wonder anymore, though. Visit both! Explore Munich and the magic of the Bavarian Alps and its castles, and get lost in the historically rich Berlin and its troubled past. The German train system is one of the best functioning systems in the world and there are many discounted tickets and group offers that will help you explore the whole of Germany.
So, here's how to get from Munich to Berlin, and 10 must-see historic sites along the way.
9 Visiting Dachau Is An Overwhelming But Important Experience
While Bavaria’s timber-framed houses and landscapes are like a fairy tale, we shouldn’t forget that, sadly, Hitler was fond of the whole region. In fact, the first Nazi concentration camp was opened in 1933 in Dachau. Visiting Dachau is one of the most overwhelming but meaningful experiences when in Munich. Getting to the town of Dachau is easy; just take a train (S-Bahn) to Dachau Station and then a bus to the Concentration Camp Memorial.
8 Visit Nuremberg - One Of The Major Cities In Bavaria - And Learn More About The Nuremberg Trials
Nuremberg is one of the most beautiful and historically rich cities in puzzling Germany. Interestingly, Nuremberg was the unofficial capital of the Holy Roman Empire, as per The Crazy Tourist. The Old Town of Nuremberg is a beautiful mixture of medieval architecture, timber-framed houses, and artsy places. Nuremberg is also where the Nuremberg Rallies took place. To travel from Munich to Nuremberg, or any other place in Bavaria, you can get a regional day ticket for the whole of Bavaria for only $27.
7 Make A Romantic Stop In The Wine City Of Wurzburg
If you are interested in wine and history, then visit the romantic city of Wurzburg. Surrounded by vineyards and green fields, Wurzburg is one of the most scenic towns in Franconia, Bavaria. We should note that the distance between Munich and Wurzburg is around 150 miles. Wurzburg is also the northern end of the famous Romantic Road that connects Franconia with the Bavarian Alps and the stunning Neuschwanstein Castle.
6 Wander Around Magical Rothenburg
Visiting Rothenburg ob der Tauber is like entering a fairy tale. Rothenburg is the best-preserved wall town in Germany, as per Rick Steves. Only 37 miles away from Wurzburg, the Old Town of Rothenburg is a colorful maze of old buildings, medieval walls, and incredible beauty. In fact, the picturesque Plonlein (Little Square) in Rothenburg is one of the most photographed places in the whole world.
5 Put Bamberg, The Rome Of Franconia, On Your Bucket List
History lovers will fall in love with Bamberg. The city is one of the most significant places in Upper Franconia, often referred to as the Franconian Rome. The city is one of the biggest medieval towns in Germany - a city that spreads across seven beautiful hills. On top of that, Bamberg has a long tradition in beer brewing and is full of artsy pubs.
4 Enjoy Leipzig And Its Intellectual Vibe
Do not hesitate to make a stop in artsy Leipzig, the most populous place in Saxony. Leipzig is a historically rich city; full of galleries, museums, sculptures, and art venues. Interestingly, the iconic German writer Goethe called this beautiful place "a little Paris," as per Medium. Here we should note that one can travel through Germany with economy day tickets, such as Quer-Durchs-Land-Ticket, previously known as Schönes-Wochenende-Ticket.
3 Visit Stunning Dresden, One Of The Most Heavily Bombed Cities During WWII
Dresden is another historically-rich place; a beautiful mixture of old buildings, galleries, and gardens. Sadly, the city was the most heavily bombed place during WWII; according to BBC, more than 4,000 tons of bombs were dropped on Dresden. Note that the ruins of the glorious Frauenkirche church were left for decades as a memorial to the victims of the attack; the reconstruction of the church was completed in 2005.
2 Enjoy The Royal Beauty Of Potsdam, The Summer Home Of Frederick The Great
There’s no doubt that cosmopolitan Berlin is rich in history. If you ever get bored of the capital of Germany, though, visit Potsdam. Potsdam borders Berlin and is accessible by public transport. History lovers will fall in love with the city and its palaces. One of its gems is the beautiful Sanssouci Palace - the summer home of Frederick the Great, one of the most significant rulers of Prussia. Interestingly, this palace was one of the main tourist attractions in East Germany.
1 Explore The Canals Of Hamburg And Its Economic Power
When in Berlin, do not hesitate to make a detour and visit Hamburg, one of the most important economic centers and ports in Germany and the whole of Europe. The distance between Berlin and Hamburg is around 180 miles. Note that Intercity Express trains (ICE) take around only 1.5 hours, and when booked in advance, one can save a lot. With its impressive canals, Hamburg is often referred to as the Venice of the North.