Germany: Things To Do

Berchtesgaden National Park The Alpine landscape offers all sorts of sports activities, winter or summer, from skiing to hang gliding. Visit ancient salt mines with underground lakes or the historical exhibition in Hitler’s famed “Eagle’s Nest” refuge high in the mountains. Bavaria; 011-49-8652-96-860; www.nationalpark-berchtesgaden.bayern.de
national park | history

Checkpoint Charlie The infamous former border crossing between East and West Berlin is a popular snapshot site. The nearby Mauermuseum documents Berlin Wall escape efforts. Friedrichstrasse 43-45; 011-49-30-253-7250; www.mauermuseum.de
museum | history

Cologne Cathedral This superlative, Gothic-style church is one of the largest religious buildings in Germany. The “Dom” is also the country’s most popular site. North Rhine-Westphalia; 011-49-221-1794-0100; www.koelner-dom.de
family | museum | art

Explore Lübeck Enter this Hanseatic city through the grand Holsten gate, walk the ancient streets where Thomas Mann spent his youth, sample the famous marzipan, and enjoy a meal at the medieval shippers’ guild headquarters, the “Schiffersgesellschaft.” Enelsgrube 1-17; 011-49-451-72345; www.schiffergesellschaft.de
family | architecture | art | dining

Friedrichsbad In the 19th century, Europe’s high society flocked to Baden-Baden for the mineral-rich waters, creating a city rich in culture and shopping. Culminate your stay with a visit to “Frederick’s Bath,” with its brush massages, steam rooms, and healing waters. Black Forest, Römerplatz 1; 011-49-221-275-920; www.bad-bad.de/thermen/friedbad.htm
luxury | spas | smart splurge

Neuschwanstein Castle Nothing will prepare you for the brilliant white folly of turrets and towers created by "Mad King" Ludwig II of Bavaria. It might remind you of Disney, but just remember – this is the original. Southern Bavaria; 011-49-8362-939-880; www.neuschwanstein.de
architecture | national park | history

The Rhine Travel the legendary Rheingau region by ship from Wiesbaden to the Loreley cliff, where a siren allegedly drew vessels onto the reefs. Visit the old fortresses on the way, sampling the local wines and hearty meals. Köln-Düsseldorfer Deutsche Rheinschiffahrt AG Frankenwerft 35; 011-49-221-208-8318; www.k-d.de
family | culture | outdoors | sailing

The Three Pinakotheks The Pinakotheks galleries cover seven centuries of art and design. See original tableaux by Rubens, Goyas, Caspar David Friedrich, and Moritz von Schwind. Afterward, rest up with a meal in the museum café. Barer Str. 27, 29 & 40; 011-49-89/23-805-216; www.muenchen.de
family | museum | art