From Medieval Castles to Sandy Beaches, Here’s Your Guide to Germany’s Must-See World Heritage Sites

Here’s a question: What does a medieval castle where Martin Luther translated the Bible, a water supply from a city as old as the Holy Roman Empire, and a massive seabed that you can walk across all have in common? Answer: They’re all German UNESCO World Heritage sites. 

Wartburg castle rises proudly from the forests of Thuringia, most famous for housing Martin Luther, a central figure of the Reformation. In the second, 15th-century watercourses still rush past the world’s oldest social housing project, the Fuggerei, in the city of Augsburg. And when the tide goes out, the Wadden Sea allows you to walk six miles across the seabed while exploring 10,000 different species of flora and fauna.

These are just some of the amazing 52 Germany UNESCO World Heritage sites. Each with it's own story to tell, and it's own reasons to visit. From spas and museums, discover the best itineraries for your trip to Germany!

For travelers looking for rest and relaxation, there’s the Wellness Route. Starting in Frankfurt, it sets off south to highlight Baden-Baden and the traditional spa towns around the Black Forest before ending up in the foothills of the Alps. The route’s nine UNESCO World Heritage sites include the 1,000-year-old Speyer Cathedral, one of the most magnificent Romanesque buildings in Germany, set amongst the vineyards of the Rhineland Palatinate.

From Speyer, the Wellness Route heads to the shores of beautiful Lake Constance.  Shared between four countries, the lake's German side is lined with winemakers and spa hotels. The UNESCO World Heritage site on Lake Constance is the monastic island of Mainau, which boasts three Romanesque churches. 

The journey ends in the town of Füssen, just down from the Pilgrimage Church of Wies, which features a breathtaking interior and beautiful ceiling frescos. Füssen also happens to be the main hub for the magnificent Neuschwanstein Castle, the model for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle and a must-see for anyone visiting this part of Germany.