Munich
Munich is Germany's third largest city located just north of the Bavarian Alps and is one of Europe's most prosperous and memorable places to visit.  Founded in 1158 Munich, which is pronounced München in German, means "Monks". This translation gives insight into the founders of this beautiful city, from back when the area was within the boundaries of the Holy Roman Empire.  Today Munich is a city where travellers of all budgets can spend days and even weeks exploring the many palaces, museums, churches, and infamous beer halls.  A Bavarian and Munich specialty not to be missed is the extremely tasty Weißwürste, which is a white sausage served with sweet mustard, and a freshly baked pretzel washed down with a smooth local wheat beer.  Munich is a city worth visiting multiple times.  Sitting in the city centre in a beautiful square with a large 1L beer stein in your hand and the tantalizing smell of bratwurst in the air will have you finding it hard to leave.  Munich is one of my top 10 cities in Europe.

Füssen
Füssen is a beautiful Bavarian town in southern Germany.  Situated at the base of the Alps, about 5 km from the Austrian border, this quaint little town has been a settlement since Roman times.  Today the town boasts a 9th century Benedictine monastery, a small castle and some of the warmest hospitality on offer in Germany.  Visitors flock to this area to see the famous castles of Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau which are a mere 45 min walk away.  Neuschwanstein castle was built by the eccentric King Ludwig II who envisioned building his masterpiece in the authentic style of an old German knight's castle.  Started in 1869, the castle remained unfinished due to King Ludwig continuously changing his mind and having finished sections torn down and rebuilt.  By 1886, the King was declared insane by the state and mysteriously died only days later leaving many of the interior rooms undecorated; only 14 rooms were finished before Ludwig's death.  Neuschwanstein is the most photographed building in Germany and is Germany's most visited tourist site.  For the keen photographer, climbing the ridge above the castle offers stunning views and no crowds to enjoy lunch.  Although crowds here can get very congested at all times of the year, don't miss this unique fairytale experience.

Berlin
Berlin is Germany's capital city and a city that has seen it all in its turbulent history.  Located in northeastern Germany about 70km from the Polish border, Berlin is the country's largest city at 3.4 million people and the second most populous city in the European Union.  First documented in the 13th century, Berlin is a city that has gone through intense change in the last 60 years with more positive developments following the reunification of Germany in 1990.  Berlin was a city divided between east and west during the height of the cold war, not just by ideologies but also by the oppressive Berlin Wall.  These divisions are still noticeable to this day with the previous eastern block areas undergoing some major regeneration to erase the scars left by decades of communism.  Berlin now offers visitors a vast array of different looks, from the Reichstag and iconic Brandenburg Gate, to the ultra modern structures built over the site of the Berlin wall at Potsdammer Platz, and the new amazingly efficient Berlin Bahnhof (main train station).  Berlin is a proud German city that is building itself back up to being one of Europe's best capital cities while still dealing with its difficult past.  Give Berlin a week and by the end you will probably want more.  Berlin is one of my top 10 cities in Europe.

Rhine River
The Rhine River is located in Western Germany and is one of the longest and most important rivers in Europe.  Starting in the Swiss Alps, the river flows through the West of Germany up through the Netherlands before emptying into the North Sea.  From a trickling stream in the Alps, the Rhine grows into a huge river that is 300 meters across at its widest point.  Since the days of the Roman Empire, when the Rhine was a dangerous northern frontier, the river has been a vital waterway for trade bringing goods deep inland.  The many castles and fortifications along the Rhine, which number over 40, are proof of its importance as a trading waterway.  In the north of the country the Rhine is at its widest supporting the large cities of Cologne and Düsseldorf.  Further south, between the cities of Bonn and Bingen, travellers can expect picturesque small villages and towns hugging narrow winding gorges that snake north often with a stunning castle to explore.  Whether traveling by train, car, or ferry don't miss this beautiful part of Germany, its one of the best in Europe.

Dresden
Dresden is a beautiful city in Eastern Germany that has seen prosperity as well as utter destruction in its long history.  Located on the river Elbe, not far from the border with the Czech Republic, Dresden was the capital and royal residence of the Kings of Saxony for centuries.  During these prosperous times, Dresden became a key centre for art and culture, which was funded by the wealthy kings, and for a time was known as the Florence of the north.  More recently, the city was the site of one of the more controversial Allied actions of World War II when it was completely destroyed by firebombing by the US and Britain in February of 1945.  Serious comprehensive reconstruction has been underway to rebuild Dresden and now the city is one of the more successful stories to emerge from decades of communism.  The city offers enchanting art galleries with some of the finest works commissioned during Dresden's golden era.  There is a sobering exhibition on its destruction and rebirth, stunning churches, theatre, and numerous day trips around the local area.  Be sure to take time to sit back on the banks of the Elbe and have a drink or two while absorbing the view of a city that has risen from rubble and repression to reclaim most of its former beauty.

Burg Eltz
Burg Eltz is a medieval castle nestled in the hills above the Moselle River between Koblenz and Trier in southwest Germany.  This area of Germany is rich in medieval fortifications and if you have time to only see one don't miss Burg Eltz. First mentioned in 1157, the castle was a so-called Glanerbenburg (castle belonging to a community of joint heirs), and is still owned by one of the original families who built the castle in the 12th century, 33 generations ago.  Burg Eltz is one of only a handful of medieval castles in Central Europe that escaped destruction over its long history.  Due to its fortunate preservation, travelers will be rewarded with a unique example of medieval architecture that has remained unchanged for centuries.  After taking time to appreciate the castle, relax on the stone ramparts overlooking the surrounding hills and enjoy a tasty Weissbier, a perfect end to one of Germany's finest castles.