Germany has some cultural and natural treasures that seem to come straight out of a fairy tale. We take a look at the dreamlike castles, enchanted forests, myth-enshrouded landscapes and mystical rock formations to bring you the 10 most magical places to visit in Germany.
Burg Eltz
This medieval castle from the 11th century sits atop a 70-metre (230-foot) rock and is shrouded by the giant trees of the surrounding forest. It has survived more than 850 turbulent years of war and intrigue, and a visit to Burg Eltz catapults you straight into the times of knights and damsels, jousting and grand romantic gestures.
Saalfelder Feengrotten
The name itself (‘Fairies’ Grotto’) could be the title of a fairy tale. Stalactites in all shades of beige, brown, red and grey cover the ceiling of this abandoned mine. Fairy hunters can step through the surreal underground and water-filled caves and try to spot the rock formations that gave rise to the name.
Kromlau
The Rakotzbrücke (‘Devil’s Bridge’) in Kromlau Park was constructed from basalt boulders and spans the tree-lined lake of the same name. On a bright day, the reflections of the bridge in the water below create a full circle.
Lüneburg Heath
Vast meadows dotted with bushy trees and overgrown with purple and lilac heather are the signature landscape of the Lüneburg Heath between Hamburg, Hannover and Bremen. You can’t help but imagine mythical creatures ranging over these rolling hills.
Schwerin Castle
Schwerin Castle is the palace Cinderella would have dreamed of. It was reconstructed and expanded over a period of more than 1,000 years and its appearance was heavily influenced by the French castles of the renaissance period. The beautiful building sits on an island in the city of Schwerin and is surrounded by beautiful parks and gardens.
Eibsee
The crystal-clear turquoise waters of the Eibsee and Germany’s Alps as a backdrop make for jaw-dropping views. Right at the foot of Germany’s highest mountain, the Zugspitze, the Eibsee can be explored by boat or by following the 7-kilometre (4-mile) walking path that encircles the lake.
Partnachklamm
Huge, rugged walls of shell limestone that was deposited 240 million years ago, when the area was still covered by an ocean, dominate this beautiful canyon. In the warmer months, glacier water trickles down the walls and runs through the gorge; in winter everything grows stiff with ice, creating a magical winter wonderland.
Teufelsmauer Harz
The surreal rock formations of the Teufelsmauer could easily be the home of Pjörnrachzarck, the good-hearted rock biter from the film The NeverEnding Story (1984). A 30-kilometre (19-mile) hiking trail leads through the bizarre landscape.
Spreewald
Halfway between Berlin and Dresden, the branches of the Spree River have created an idyllic moor and pasture landscape. This biospheric reserve can be explored on a rustic wooden barge or paddle boat. It’s worth staying longer and booking yourself into one of the waterside guesthouses.
Blautopf
Depending on the light, the water of this small myth-enshrouded river head can appear to be many colours, from dark blue to a light turquoise. Legend has it that the water is bottomless and that the colour stems from a barrel of ink that was once poured into it. A mermaid is said to have spoiled every attempt to measure the depth of the water.
Source: theculturetrip.com
