From Berlin to Bavaria – What Tourists Want to See

Germany is made up of 16 federal states, all of which are well worth visiting. There are large states like Baden-Württemberg and small ones like Thuringia. All are truly unique, with distinct attractions and highlights. From the Alps of southern Germany to the coastlines of the North and Baltic Sea. But which states are most popular with foreign tourists? Let's check it out! We're starting in 16th place with the Saarland, one of Germany's smallest states. Visitors shouldn't miss out on the Saarschleife and former industrial sites like the Vöcklingen Ironworks. Next up is Thuringia, the state capital Erfurt, and its unique Kremmerbrücke, or merchant's bridge, are must-sees. The city of Weimar, once home to famous writers Goethe and Schiller, is also well worth a visit. Saxony-Anhalt takes 14th place. State capital Magdeburg should be on your bucket list, along with UNESCO World Heritage sites like Nuremberg Cathedral. Also check out Wittenberg, where Martin Luther kick-started the Protestant Reformation. Bremen comes in at 13th place. It's a city-state, making it one of Germany's smallest and least populous. Bremen's magnificent town hall and Roland statue have UNESCO cultural heritage status. Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is the 12th most populous state among foreign tourists. Its fabulous Baltic Sea coast is not to be missed, and neither are the city of Rostock and Germany's largest island, Rügen. If you're into nature, be sure to visit Brandenburg, ranked in 11th place. With some 3,000 lakes and the picturesque capital of Potsdam, this state should also be on your bucket list. So, what do you think? Which states are in the top 10? Saxony is the 10th most visited state in the country, according to Germany's statistical office. We really recommend visiting the state capital Dresden if you're short on time. Its old town is breathtaking. Next up in 9th place is Schleswig-Holstein, boasting kilometers of North Sea coastline, lovely cities like Lübeck and stunning islands like Sult. This state shouldn't be unvisited. That brings us to Hamburg in 8th place. The city-state might be smallish, but has much to offer. It's home to Germany's largest seaport and most stylish concert venue, the Elbphilharmonie. Hamburg's also famed for its cosmopolitan atmosphere. The state of Lower Saxony comes in 7th place, with about one and a half million visitors. It has plenty to offer, from the state capital Hanover, to the imperial palace of Goslar, to the Wadden Sea, a unique coastal ecosystem under World Heritage Protection. The state of Rhineland-Palatinate takes 6th place. Its picturesque state capital Mainz is another must-see. The Upper Middle Rhine Valley was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. It has inspired painters and writers for centuries. What, then, are the top five most popular states in Germany? Let's find out. Germany's fifth most popular state is Hesse. Many foreign tourists visit Frankfurt, as it's also home to one of Germany's biggest international airports. A little tip from us. Make time to explore historic sites, like Wilhelmshore Palace in Kassel. Fourth place might come as a surprise. It's the capital Berlin. Germany's largest city-state slipped down the ranking from third to fourth place compared to previous years. But it's certainly worth seeing. With historic sites like the Brandenburg Gate, world-class museums and the East Side Gallery, the capital is never boring. There are even some lakes dotted across the city if you fancy relaxing in nature. And that brings us to the top three most visited states in Germany. Third place goes to Germany's most popular state, North Rhine-Westphalia, with a population of more than 18 million people. It's a major tourist destination. With vibrant cities like Cologne and Düsseldorf that are well worth exploring. Baden-Württemberg, Germany's third largest state, is, as in previous years, Germany's second most visited. It is home to some of the country's best-known car brands, but also the iconic cuckoo clock. It shares a long border with France and boasts a rich history and plenty of culture. From old university towns like Heidelberg and its iconic Castle Ruin, to the state capital Stuttgart, the Black Forest and Lake Constance, there's something for everyone. And that brings us to the tourist favorite in all of Germany. Bavaria is by far the most popular state with holidaymakers. A total of 39 million domestic and foreign tourists visited the southern state. What makes it so appealing? Bavarian cuisine and beer? Yes, but not only. Bavaria offers a diverse mix of culture and nature. Its stunning state capital Munich is a must-see, and so are Nuremberg, Augsburg and Regensburg. The Bavarian Alps are an absolute highlight too. Then there are Kind Ludwig II's charming castles, which are total crowd-pullers. Don't miss out on Linderhof Palace and Neuschwanstein Castle. And Bavaria is chock-full of beautiful beer gardens, perfect for indulging in a cold brew and a tasty snack.