The Most Popular Landmark in Germany: Ranking the Nation's Beloved Historic Site

Voting rules: Choose the landmark you think is the most popular!

Updated on Sep 21, 2023 09:37

Discover the heart of Germany's cultural and historical treasures by participating in our exclusive ranking of the most popular landmarks in the country. From the enchanting Neuschwanstein Castle to the iconic Brandenburg Gate, StrawPoll invites you to cast your vote and have your say in shaping the ultimate list of Germany's must-see attractions. Unleash your inner explorer and embark on a virtual journey with fellow travel enthusiasts, while uncovering captivating stories behind each landmark. Don't see your favorite German marvel on our list? Fret not, as you can suggest a missing gem and rally support for it. Join us now and celebrate the architectural wonders and timeless charm of Germany's most beloved landmarks!

What Is the Most Popular Landmark in Germany? (September 2023)

1

64
votes
Drrcs15 · CC BY-SA 3.0

Brandenburg Gate

Carl Gotthard Langhans

The Brandenburg Gate is an iconic monument and symbol of Berlin and Germany's reunification. It was built in the late 18th century and has since become a significant cultural and historical landmark.
Description

The Brandenburg Gate is an iconic neoclassical monument located in Berlin, Germany. It is a symbol of the city and a significant historical landmark in the country. The gate serves as a symbol of peace and unity.

Location: Pariser Platz, Berlin

Architectural Style: Neoclassicism

Height: 26 meters

Width: 65.5 meters

Construction Period: 1788-1791
2

43
votes
Thomas Wolf, www.foto-tw.de · CC BY-SA 3.0 de

Neuschwanstein Castle

King Ludwig II of Bavaria

Neuschwanstein Castle is a fairy-tale castle that was built in the 19th century. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Germany and has appeared in numerous films and TV shows.
Description

Neuschwanstein Castle is a stunning 19th-century palace located in the picturesque Bavarian Alps, near the town of Füssen in Germany. Often regarded as one of the most beautiful castles in the world, it captivates visitors with its fairytale-like charm and breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Originally built as a personal refuge for the reclusive King Ludwig II of Bavaria, it now stands as an iconic symbol of German Romanticism and attracts millions of tourists every year.

Construction Period: 1869-1886

Architect: Eduard Riedel initially, later Georg von Dollmann and Julius Hofmann

Style: Romanesque Revival

Height: 65 meters (213 feet)

Visitors per year: Around 1.5 million
Neuschwanstein Castle in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular castle
- Position 1 of 10 in Most beautiful place in Germany
- Position 1 of 10 in Most beautiful castle in Germany
- Position 6 of 10 in Most beautiful area in Germany
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23
votes
MathKnight · CC BY-SA 2.5

Cologne Cathedral

Cologne Cathedral is a stunning Gothic cathedral that was built in the 13th century. It is Germany's most visited landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Description

The Cologne Cathedral, also known as Kölner Dom, is a breathtaking Gothic masterpiece located in the city of Cologne, Germany. It is a world-renowned landmark and one of the most visited tourist attractions in the country. The cathedral stands tall as a symbol of German Catholicism and an architectural marvel.

Architectural Style: Gothic

Height: 157 meters (515 feet)

Length: 144 meters (472 feet)

Width: 86 meters (282 feet)

Construction Period: 1248 - 1880 (completed)
4

22
votes
The original uploader was Rainer Zenz at German Wikipedia. · Public domain

Reichstag Building

Paul Wallot

The Reichstag Building is a historic building that houses the German Parliament. It is a symbol of democracy and the reunification of Germany.
Description

The Reichstag Building is one of the most popular landmarks in Germany, located in Berlin. It serves as the meeting place for the German parliament, known as the Bundestag. The building holds historical significance as it witnessed key moments in German history, including the German Empire, the Weimar Republic, and the reunification of East and West Germany.

Architectural Style: Neoclassical

Construction Start Date: 1884

Completion Date: 1894

Height: 47 meters (154 ft)

Dome: Revamped glass dome added in 1999
5

15
votes
Edward Valachovic https://www.flickr.com/people/fauxaddress/ · CC BY-SA 2.0

Berlin Wall

The Berlin Wall was a symbol of the Cold War and the division of Germany. Today, only small sections of the wall remain, but they are still a significant landmark and reminder of Germany's history.
Description

The Berlin Wall was a concrete barrier that divided the city of Berlin, Germany, from 1961 to 1989. It was built by the German Democratic Republic (East Germany) to prevent East Germans from fleeing to West Germany.

Construction Start Date: 13th August 1961

Construction End Date: 9th November 1989

Length: 155 kilometers

Height: Concrete wall: 3.6 meters; Steel reinforcement: 1.2 meters

Guard Towers: Over 300
6

11
votes
Pumuckel42 (Reinhard Wolf) at de:Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0

Heidelberg Castle

Heidelberg Castle is a stunning castle that was built in the 14th century. It is a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of the city of Heidelberg.
Description

Heidelberg Castle, located in Heidelberg, Germany, is a classic example of Renaissance architecture. This majestic castle overlooks the city and the Neckar River, providing breathtaking views. It is one of the most beautiful and iconic castles in Germany.

Location: Heidelberg, Germany

Architectural Style: Renaissance

Construction Period: 1214 - 1650

Height: 80 meters (262 feet)

Area: Over 11,000 square meters (118,403 square feet)
Heidelberg Castle in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most beautiful castle in Germany
7

0
votes
Heinrich Stürzl · CC BY-SA 3.0

Zugspitze

Zugspitze is the highest mountain in Germany and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. It is a popular destination for hiking and skiing.
Description

The Zugspitze is the highest peak in Germany, located in the Wetterstein Mountains of the Bavarian Alps. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy.

Elevation: 2,962 meters (9,718 feet)

Mountain Range: Wetterstein Mountains

Location: Bavarian Alps, Germany

Coordinates: 47°25′03″N 10°59′32″E

First Ascent: 27 August 1820 by Josef Naus and surveyors Johann Georg Tauschl and surveyor Maier
8

4
votes
The original uploader was AlterVista at German Wikipedia. · CC BY-SA 3.0

Nuremberg Castle

Nuremberg Castle is a medieval castle that was built in the 11th century. It is a significant landmark and a symbol of the city of Nuremberg.
Description

Nuremberg Castle, also known as Kaiserburg, is a medieval fortress located in Nuremberg, Bavaria, Germany. It is considered one of the most important landmarks in the city and attracts numerous visitors each year. The castle played a significant role throughout history, serving as a symbol of imperial power and a residence for German kings and emperors. Today, it stands as a prominent testament to the architectural and historical heritage of Germany.

Location: Grosser Burgberg, Nuremberg, Bavaria, Germany

Construction Period: 11th - 15th century

Architectural Style: Medieval, Romanesque, Gothic

Height: 47 meters (154 feet)

Area: Approximately 3 hectares (7.4 acres)
9

4
votes
Patrick Six · CC BY-SA 3.0

Ulm Minster

Ulrich Ensingen

Ulm Minster is a stunning Gothic cathedral that was built in the 15th century. It is the tallest church in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Description

The Ulm Minster is a Gothic-style cathedral located in Ulm, Germany. It is one of the most popular landmarks in the country with its impressive size and intricate architectural details.

Height: 161.53 meters (530 feet)

Width of the façade: 48 meters (157.5 feet)

Length: 123.56 meters (405.7 feet)

Number of steps to the top: 768

Nave height: 41.6 meters (136.5 feet)
10

7
votes
WiNG · CC BY-SA 3.0

Marienplatz

Arnold Zenetti

Marienplatz is a central square in Munich and a popular tourist destination. It is home to the famous Glockenspiel, a clock tower with moving figures that perform twice daily.
Description

Marienplatz is a historic square located in the heart of Munich, Germany. It is one of the city's most famous landmarks and serves as the central square of the city. Originally built in 1158, Marienplatz has witnessed significant architectural transformations over the centuries, blending various architectural styles.

Location: Munich, Germany

Date of construction: 1158

Architectural Style: Various (blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque)

Size: Approximately 1.85 hectares

Main buildings: New Town Hall, Old Town Hall, Fischbrunnen (Fish Fountain)

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Ranking factors for popular landmark

Historical significance

The landmark's role in Germany's history and its connection to important historical events or figures.
Cultural importance

The contribution of the landmark to Germany's cultural heritage, traditions, and identity.
Architectural uniqueness

Distinctive design or architectural features of the landmark that make it stand out among others.
Popularity among tourists

The number of visitors the landmark attracts each year, as well as its recognition and popularity in travel guides and media.
Accessibility

The ease with which the landmark can be reached by tourists, including public transport options, parking, and nearby accommodations.
Educational value

The availability of information about the landmark, such as guided tours or visitor centers, that help visitors learn more about its historical, cultural, and architectural significance.
Photogenic appeal

The visual appeal of the landmark, making it a popular spot for photography and social media sharing.
Surrounding attractions

Nearby attractions, amenities, and activities that can complement a visit to the landmark and make it more appealing to tourists.
Safety and maintenance

The overall condition of the landmark and the efforts taken to ensure its preservation and the safety of its visitors.
Local and international recognition

The landmark's recognition and reputation among both local residents and international audiences.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular landmark in Germany. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or your favorite landmark is missing from the list, feel free to help us improve the ranking.

Statistics

1598 views
193 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each landmark once every 24 hours. The rank of each landmark is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular landmark in germany

Germany is home to some of the most iconic landmarks in the world. From grand castles to historic monuments, the country has a rich cultural heritage that is reflected in its architecture and landmarks. The popularity of these landmarks can be seen through the thousands of tourists who visit Germany each year. One of the most popular landmarks in Germany is the Neuschwanstein Castle. This fairytale-like castle was built by King Ludwig II in the 19th century and has since become a symbol of Germany's romanticism. Another popular landmark is the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, which has stood since the 18th century and has played a significant role in Germany's history. Other notable landmarks in Germany include the Cologne Cathedral, the Reichstag Building, and the Berlin Wall Memorial. Each of these landmarks has a unique story to tell and contributes to the rich cultural heritage of Germany. With so many iconic landmarks to choose from, it can be challenging to determine the most popular landmark in Germany. However, through online polls and rankings, it is possible to gain insights into the preferences and opinions of people from all over the world.

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