10 Must-See Places in Germany – A Traveler’s Guide
02.08.2025Germany is a country of contrasts – bustling modern cities, charming medieval towns, fairytale castles, and breathtaking landscapes. With its excellent autobahn network and Flex To Go car rental locations, you can easily reach some of the country’s most iconic destinations. Here’s a list of 10 places you shouldn’t miss when exploring Germany by car.
1. Berlin – The Heart of German History and Culture
The German capital is a must-see. Start your sightseeing with the Brandenburg Gate, a symbol of unity, then visit remnants of the Berlin Wall and Checkpoint Charlie. The Reichstag offers panoramic views from its modern glass dome, while Museum Island is a paradise for art lovers.
Berlin is also known for its creative vibe – in neighborhoods like Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain, you’ll experience vibrant street art and a lively cultural scene. With a car rental in Berlin, you can also take a short drive to Potsdam, home to UNESCO-listed palaces and gardens.
2. Munich – Bavarian Tradition and Alpine Adventures
Munich combines rich culture with easy access to nature. Stroll through Marienplatz, relax in the Englischer Garten, or explore the futuristic BMW Welt. Renting a car at Munich Airport lets you reach the fairytale Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau castles in under two hours.
Nearby, you can discover Tegernsee and Chiemsee lakes, or head south to the Bavarian Alps for mountain hikes and stunning views. Bavaria is also famous for its beer gardens and the world-renowned Oktoberfest.
3. Moselle Valley – Vineyards and Medieval Towns
Flying into Frankfurt-Hahn Airport puts you right at the gateway to the beautiful Moselle Valley. Known for its vineyards, romantic villages, and spectacular castles, this region is perfect for a road trip.
Don’t miss Cochem, with its Gothic castle and charming alleys, or take a boat cruise along the Moselle River for unforgettable views. The highlight is Burg Eltz, a medieval hilltop castle often called one of Germany’s most beautiful.
4. Rhine Valley – Castles, River Cruises, and the Lorelei Legend
The Rhine Valley is another must-visit region. From Frankfurt-Hahn or Cologne, you can quickly reach towns like Boppard, once a Roman settlement, Koblenz, located at the confluence of the Moselle and Rhine, or Rüdesheim, known for its wine and charming architecture.
A Rhine River cruise is a magical experience – passing dozens of hilltop castles and the legendary Lorelei Rock. This UNESCO-listed region enchants visitors year-round.
5. Stuttgart and the Black Forest – Nature and Automotive Heritage
Stuttgart is a dream destination for car enthusiasts, home to the Mercedes-Benz Museum and Porsche Museum. Beyond the city, nature lovers will enjoy the Black Forest (Schwarzwald) – a region of scenic trails, waterfalls like Triberg Falls, serene lakes such as Titisee, and traditional villages.
This area is also famous for its cuckoo clocks and the indulgent Black Forest cake (Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte). With a rental car in Stuttgart, exploring this region becomes effortless.
6. Cologne – Gothic Cathedral and Riverside Charm
Cologne combines rich history with modern flair. Its iconic Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Germany’s most visited landmarks.
Stroll along the Rhine Promenade, cross the Hohenzollern Bridge adorned with love locks, and visit the Chocolate Museum. With Flex To Go locations in Cologne/Bonn and Düsseldorf, it’s easy to explore the entire Rhineland region by car.
7. Nuremberg – A Medieval Gem
Nuremberg captivates visitors with its medieval charm. The Imperial Castle towers over a historic old town filled with Gothic churches and colorful half-timbered houses.
The city is famous for its Christmas markets and traditional Lebkuchen gingerbread. With a car rental in Nuremberg, you can also embark on a scenic journey along the Romantic Road (Romantische Straße), visiting picturesque Bavarian towns.
8. Hamburg – Northern Port City with Modern Vibes
Hamburg, one of Europe’s largest ports, is known for its modern architecture and dynamic cultural scene.
Explore the historic Speicherstadt warehouse district (a UNESCO site), visit the striking Elbphilharmonie concert hall, or take a boat tour along the Elbe River. Hamburg also offers easy access to the North Sea coast and scenic islands of the Wadden Sea.
9. Dresden and Saxon Switzerland – Baroque Elegance and Nature
Dresden is a baroque jewel with landmarks like the Frauenkirche and the stunning Zwinger Palace. Walk along the Elbe River for scenic views of the city’s skyline.
Just outside Dresden lies Saxon Switzerland National Park, renowned for its dramatic sandstone cliffs and hiking trails overlooking the Elbe Valley – a must for nature enthusiasts.
10. Memmingen – Gateway to the Alps and Bavaria
The charming town of Memmingen features colorful historic buildings and serves as an ideal base for exploring southern Germany.
With a rental car from Memmingen, you can easily reach the Alps, visit Munich, or start a journey along the Romantic Road. It’s perfect for a short city break or as a starting point for a longer Bavarian adventure.
Travel Tips for Driving in Germany
Flex To Go rental locations are available in Munich, Frankfurt-Hahn, Stuttgart, Düsseldorf, Cologne/Bonn, Nuremberg, and Memmingen.
German autobahns are toll-free for passenger cars and are well maintained for fast, comfortable travel.
Plan your route ahead of time to maximize sightseeing opportunities and make the most of your road trip.
Discover Germany with Flex To Go
Germany offers endless attractions – from lively cities to tranquil valleys and storybook castles. Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore destinations often inaccessible by public transport.
Plan your trip, pick up your car at one of our convenient Flex To Go locations, and discover Germany at your own pace – comfortably and without compromise. Book online or via the Flex To Go mobile app for an even smoother experience. Join the FlexUp Loyalty Club to get 30% off your first rental, with rewards that grow with every journey.
