The 15 Best Places in Germany for History Lovers

Rearing mightily above its forest surroundings, Wartburg Castle is, as UNESCO notes, ‘the ideal castle’, blending lovely aesthetics with cultural value. It’s perhaps most famous as Martin Luther’s residence and place of work during his exile, where he translated the New Testament into German.

Located on the western edge of the Black Forest, Baden-Baden is one of the Great Spa Towns of Europe inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, renowned as the supreme example of the German gaming spa. Thermal springs in the old town spa district source the monumental bathing temple Friedrichsbad, where you can experience centuries-old bathing traditions under a magnificent dome. Spa history can be explored at the 2,000-year-old Roman Bath ruins and at Casino Baden-Baden. For a hiking fix, head up the Panorama Trail, rated as one of Germany’s most beautiful hiking trails, or take the funicular railway up Merkur Mountain to Baden-Baden’s highest point for breathtaking views.

Find original installations of coking plants, railway lines and miners’ housing at this exceptional industrial monument, which embodies Germany’s economic boom between the two World Wars. The plant has outstanding architectural merit, and was the largest and most modern hard-coal-mining plant in the world during its operation from 1851 to 1986.

These Medieval towns boast an abundance of history – first as major trading centres of the Hanseatic League, then under Swedish rule in the 17th and 18th centuries. This is illustrated through their numerous outstanding monuments, which bear influence from the Gothic and Baroque periods.

Echoes of exceptional military architecture and construction in the Roman Empire can be discovered at the remains of the Roman Limes – a 5,000-kilometre border line that spanned the European continent and, today, comprises walls, ditches, forts, watchtowers and settlements.

Follow in the footsteps of Martin Luther and his fellow reformer Philipp Melanchthon in these places that housed significant events in Germany’s Reformation. From Luther’s birthplace to the church where he posted his famous ‘95 Theses’, the sites are of outstanding importance for the political, cultural and spiritual life of the Western world far beyond German borders.

Bad Kissingen, ‘the Great Bavarian Spa’, is nestled along the River Saale in Bavaria. Part of the Great Spa Towns of Europe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bad Kissingen is famous for its seven mineral- rich healing springs, world-class spa treatments and architectural wonders by Max Littmann. Key attractions include the Wandelhalle, Europe’s largest drinking spa hall, and the Brunnenhalle, where healing waters have been served as ‘the drinking cure’ since 1911, accompanied by spa orchestras. Visitors can experience the town’s living spa traditions at the KissSalis Therme, featuring an intensive saltwater pool, and open-air inhalation at the Gradierwerk tower. The historic Postkutsche stagecoach and the Dampferle steamboat, operating since 1877, offer unique ways to explore Bad Kissingen’s therapeutic spa landscapes, including the Kurgarten, Rosengarten and Luitpold Park, home to the 19th-century Luitpoldbad spa building.

Situated close to the French border, the Völklingen Ironworks dominate the city of the same name, covering around six hectares. Though it’s recently gone out of production, the iron-making complex is the first monument ensemble from the heyday of high industrialisation in the world – and it’s the only intact example in the whole of Western Europe and North America.

The former capital and Queen City of the Hanseatic League, Lübeck is an extraordinary symbol of the power and historical significance of the former federation of merchants’ cities in Northwestern and Central Europe. Stroll through the famous Holstentor brick gate and explore an island of 15th- and 16th-century residences, stopping for world-class marzipan before you leave.

A network of canals, water towers, monumental fountains and hydroelectric power stations features in this pioneering water-management system, hailing from the 14th century. As a bastion of sustainable energy – in continuous use even today – the system has produced significant technological innovations, putting Augsburg at the forefront of hydraulic engineering.

Located on the outskirts of Höxter is the only structure still standing that dates back to the Carolingian era of the ninth century. Featuring domed ceilings and ornate columns, the Westwork uniquely illustrates one of the most important Carolingian architectural expressions. Its abbey was one of the most important mediators of Christian culture in the Middle Ages.

Germany’s oldest city opens an extraordinary window onto Roman civilization. Trier dates back to the first century, and it soon became known as the ‘second Rome’ in its recognition of Christianity as the state religion of the Roman Empire. Its numerous surviving monuments stand wonderfully preserved – a fine testament to the quality of Roman architecture of the second century.

This UNESCO site perfectly symbolises the reciprocal influences between mining and water management from the Middle Ages to the modern age. Its complex but coherent system of artificial ponds, small channels, tunnels and underground drains makes it a major site for mining innovation in the Western world – and these are the only mines in the world to have been in continuous operation for over a thousand years.

Bad Ems has a spectacular location on the banks of the River Lahn. Part of the Great Spa Towns of Europe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bad Ems is a true paradise of healing springs. The most famous is Emser Krähnchen, which you can try free of charge in the historical fountain hall. Other key spa attractions include the Robert-Kampe Sprudel, a fountain of artesian water bubbles reaching 8 metres high, and the modern wellness spa Emser Therme. Bad Ems mineral water has a long bottling history, and its salts are still used in the famous Emser pastilles. Architectural gems include the magnificent Marble Hall, the Baroque Bathhouse and the Römerquelle temple. The main spa quarter is surrounded by picturesque gardens, while those in search of some wilder nature can hike up the 200-year-old paths to the Concordia tower for panoramic views.

One of the centres of the Holy Roman Empire, this old town on the Danube River is considered an exceptional example of an intact Medieval trading town. Dark and narrow lanes wind between the town’s many Romanesque and Gothic buildings, which are enclosed by strong fortifications that are remarkably well preserved.