Nymphenburg is a European masterpiece, a story book of Bavarian history and an example of architecture and landscape design in seldom-seen harmony.

Has there ever been a more beautiful new baby gift? The Bavarian Elector Ferdinand Maria was so delighted at the birth of a much longed-for heir to his throne that he gave his wife Adelaide von Savoyen a piece of land. That was in 1663, and the Wittelsbach Electress Henriette Adelaide von Savoyen built herself a "borgo de la ninfe", a small summer villa with a garden. This was the predecessor of Nymphenburg Palace. At the start of the 18th century the building was extended on both sides, with residential pavilions connected by galleries being added. The exterior was remodelled in the French style and the modest palace transformed into a large, elegant summer residence. Visiting Nymphenburg Palace today is like taking a walk through a book of Bavarian history. The Kings and Electors of Bavaria left their traces here over a period of almost two hundred years. The first heated indoor pool of the modern age and the silver-blue Amalienburg hunting lodge from the rococo period are elements of a perfect baroque palace and offer an extravagant yet delicate richness of detail in a rare splendour. In the north wing of Nymphenburg Palace is the Museum of Man and Nature, which takes you on a journey back in time through the history of the Earth and mankind. Nearby attractions: Hofgarten Park Munich is one of the largest Renaissance gardens north of the Alps. In the north-east of the garden, there is a path that takes visitors straight to the English Garden. To the north of Munich, Lustheim House in the grounds of Schleissheim Palace contains a famous collection of historical Meissen porcelain. South of Munich is Am Schachen House, which was used by King Ludwig II as a private retreat during his stays in the mountains. A botanical Alpine garden was laid out in front of the house in 1900.

The Pinakothek der Moderne not only brings together four museums under one roof – Sammlung Moderne Kunst, Staatliche Graphische Sammlung München, Technische Universität Architecture Museum and Neue Sammlung – it's also part of an even larger group of museums: the Munich Art Quarter, which in addition to the Pinakothek der Moderne includes the Alte Pinakothek, Neue Pinakothek, Museum Brandhorst, Antikensammlungen, Glyptothek and Städtische Galerie im Lenbachhaus.

All modern art movements are represented in the Sammlung Moderne Kunst, for instance Expressionism, Fauvism, Cubism, New Objectivity, Bauhaus, Surrealism, Pop Art and Minimal Art. Works by Henri Matisse, Oskar Kokoschka, Max Beckmann, Pablo Picasso, Otto Dix, Lyonel Feininger, Joan Miró, René Magritte, Salvador Dalí and others are on display, as are examples by Brücke and Blue Rider artists. The Staatliche Graphische Sammlung has approx. 400,000 items covering every development in the history of drawing and prints, whilst the collection at the Technische Universität Architecture Museum, the faculty's collective memory, runs to around 500,000 drawings and plans by almost 700 architects, over 100,000 photographers, as well as mock-ups and archives – from Balthasar Neumann to Le Corbusier, and from Leo von Klenze to Peter Zumthor. Founded around a century ago, the Neue Sammlung is the world's oldest design museum. The approx. 80,000 objects in the industrial design, applied art and graphic design departments together make up the biggest design collection in the world.

This small, atmospheric town in a beautifully scenic location in southern Germany offers charming hotels, magnificent green spaces and a variety of health-focused options.

Baden-Baden's tradition as a spa resort dates back over 2,000 years. The Romans, who were the first to appreciate the health benefits and healing powers of its hot springs, established the first baths here as long ago as AD 69. There are a total of twelve thermal springs in Baden-Baden with therapeutic powers that remain undiminished today. The water bubbles up from 2,000 metres below ground and contains minerals such as lithium, caesium, silicic acid, boric acid, manganese and magnesium plus traces of cobalt, zinc and copper. Spa visitors bathe in the restorative water to alleviate a variety of illnesses including cardiovascular, rheumatic and joint disorders, although metabolic ailments and respiratory conditions also reap lasting benefits. During the belle époque Baden-Baden enjoyed a reputation as Europe's summer capital and its international renown continues to this day. Baden-Baden water is used in a variety of bathing, drinking and inhalation therapies. and two other thermal pools – the modern Caracalla Therme and the historical Roman-Irish Friedrichsbad – offer relaxation and invigoration. Baden-Baden is a quality-certified spa resort and has won awards for the quality of its drinking water. Whether it's a spa clinic, spa hotel or wellness hotel – all offer a wide range of exclusive treatments tailored to individual needs.

Offering around 73,000 square metres of exhibition space, the German Museum is one of the world's biggest museums of science and technology.

Its systematically arranged permanent exhibitions cover most areas of technology and the most important areas of the natural sciences, from mining to astrophysics. In addition to original historical exhibits, including unique items such as the Magdeburg hemispheres and the first diesel engine, the museum features models, experiments and demonstrations that visitors can activate by hand or by pressing a button. All this is complemented by temporary exhibitions exploring current themes.

Covering an area of more than four square kilometres on the western banks of the river Isar, the English Garden is one of the largest inner city parks in the world. This delightful attraction holds a spellbinding appeal during the summer, but is also not without its charms in winter. One of the main attractions of the park is the Chinese pagoda with its famous beer garden. Visitors can even enjoy surfing on the Eisbach rapids or see a classical play at the tucked-away little amphitheatre.

A combined venue for new car handovers, interactive museum exhibitions and events, BMW Welt is in a class of its own. The neighbouring BMW Museum provides an insight into the history of the company stretching back more than 90 years.

Housed in a spectacular complex of buildings, BMW Welt is designed to be experienced with all five senses. At the Technology and Design Atelier, for example, you can see, hear and feel BMW technology and design. The BMW Welt plaza is a car enthusiast's dream: an exhibition of motor cars, currently more than 120 metres in length, features a wide variety of models from the BMW product range. At the Junior Campus, seven to thirteen year olds are taught about technology in a child-friendly way, while being encouraged to be curious and use their imagination. Throughout the year, a variety of music, arts, political and business events are also held in the remarkable surroundings of BMW Welt. The BMW Museum, not far from BMW Welt, covers all facets of more than 90 years of BMW's history. Key aspects that are typical of BMW are grouped into seven themed areas, which is reflected in the layout of the BMW Museum's new low-rise extension: each themed area is contained within its own 'house'. Gain insights into the history of the BMW brand and find out more about BMW's innovative technology and its fascinating designs. Other themes include motor sports and motorcycles, with special exhibitions rounding off the experience. Discover the ultimate driving machine, made in Bavaria – visit BMW in Munich!

A truly unmissable Bavarian experience awaits at the famous Hofbräuhaus beer hall at Am Platzl in the old quarter. Originally a brewery, today it is an internationally acclaimed 'beer temple'. Locals can be seen dressed in traditional costume, drinking Munich beer from the famous Mass, a one-litre tankard, and enjoying traditional hearty specialities served up with a good dose of Bavarian hospitality. Probably the largest beer hall in the world serving some 30,000 guests every day, it is always noisy and full of beer-fuelled cheer.

  here have been churches on the site of Cologne Cathedral since the 4th century. However, it was not until 1248 that this city on the Rhine became home to one of the foremost cathedrals in the Christian world – a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. When it was completed in 1880, it was the tallest building in the world.

This new style, which was referred to only much later as 'Gothic', originated from France where people were marvelling at magnificent churches such as Notre Dame. The people of Cologne wanted to have their own version; but, of course, it had to be even grander, taller and more beautiful.
Attracting more than six million visitors every year, Cologne Cathedral is one of Germany's most popular tourist attractions. The two mighty towers are the tallest dual spires in the world and offer fantastic views of Cologne and the surrounding region. The cathedral is dedicated to St. Peter and St. Mary rather than the Three Kings, whose relics were transferred to Cologne from Milan in the 12th century and have since been kept in a golden shrine that made the cathedral an important pilgrimage site. The cathedral treasury also contains priceless artefacts including St. Peter's reliquary and chain, and the Gero Cross, the oldest intact life-size crucifix in the western world. Other attractions include the stained glass windows, carved choir stalls and 14th century paintings. A number of cultural events are held in and around the cathedral, including the organ recitals that take place every Tuesday in summer, and the choir performances held once a month from September to June in front of the shrine housing the relics of the Three Kings. A rather more secular feature of Cologne is its famous carnival – a time of year when the people of the city really let their hair down!

Linderhof was the only castle out of three that Ludwig completed in his lifetime. His intended to spruce up the already existing lodge, but ended with a scaled down version of Versailles Palace. Of special interest are the Hall of Mirrors and the Peacock Bedroom. He lived in seclusion in this palace hideaway for much of his life. In honor of Wagner, Ludwig built a fantasy grotto partway up the mountain behind the palace based upon Wagner’s opera, Tannhäuser.

Europa-Park in Rust – Germany's number 1 theme park

If you haven't already been to Europa-Park in Rust, then what are you waiting for! Located in south-west Germany between Freiburg and Offenburg, Europa-Park is the biggest theme park in the German-speaking countries and one of the few that is open in winter.

If you come to Europa-Park looking for fun, excitement and adventure, you won't be disappointed! There are all kinds of exciting things going on at the 90-hectare site. A giant among theme parks and a top family attraction for many years, Europa-Park has everything you could wish for and more. With a sensational mix of high-adrenaline rides, cleverly conceived themed areas, beautiful parks, plus around a dozen fantastic shows including children's theatre, ice revues and variety, the resort ticks all the right boxes when it comes to fun and entertainment. A statue of Euro Mouse, the park mascot, greets you as you arrive. Inside, the resort is divided into European-themed areas packed with over 100 attractions and events that will surpass even the highest expectations. The breathtaking Silver Star rollercoaster, the largest in Europe and visible from miles around, the gargantuan wooden Wodan-Timbur Coaster that hurtles along at over 100 km/h, the wildwater rapids, the water rollercoaster and loop-the-loop rollercoaster promise lots of fun and white-knuckle excitement. No less thrilling are the flight simulator, 4D cinema and other interactive attractions. Eating at one of the park's themed restaurants is also part of the experience. If high-octane rollercoasters are not your thing, you can enjoy a nostalgic driving experience behind the wheel of a vintage car. From late November until early January, the park is transformed into a winter wonderland with a whole host of magical attractions for Christmas and New Year's Eve. Europa-Park in Rust – Germany's number one theme park and a one-stop shop for thrills, spills and fun – you'll want to return time and time again!

This medieval town is one of the stops on the Romantic Road, which is a trail that features a number of interesting places to visit. It is approximately at the half-way point between Frankfurt and Munich. Rothenburg is a walled town that has remained intact down through the years. It is famous for being the most German town in Germany. During World War II the Nazi leaders habitually took people on day trips to show them this model village. It is also famous for the stores that carry Christmas items all year round and for having an outstanding Christmas market each December.

The Eagle’s Nest was Hitler’s retreat. Martin Bormann had it built, and gave it to Hitler for his 50th birthday. In spite of that, Hitler did not spend a great deal of time there. That fact may have saved it from Allied bombing at the end of World War II. A charitable trust has custody of The Eagles nest now, which has been transformed into a restaurant. Together with the nearby town of Berchtesgaden it is a popular destination among Munich day trips.

King Ludwig II had three passions. They were solitude, Versailles and Wagner. He planned the Herrenchiemsee Palace to reflect the glory of Louis XIV, the Sun King of France. Ludwig succeeded by trying to duplicate Versailles Palace. He personalized his version by building it on an island in the Chiemsee. It was about one-third finished when he died, but is a worthwhile place to visit for the landscaping and formal gardens.

At the far end northern end of the Danube River, a fortification was built for the Roman emperor, Marcus Aurelias, in 179. It was called “Castra Regina” and corresponds to what is today the core of Regensburg’s Altstadt (“Old City”). Tourists can meander through this medieval city and absorb the rich history of architecture and art. The city sustained little damage from the bombings at the end of World War II, and offers visitors the unique opportunity to study the unbroken past of this town.