Germany

Beautiful Places

Berlin

Berlin’s not exactly known for being beautiful, perhaps because street art and derelict buildings are something of an acquired taste, and decades of division, wars, and David Hasselhoff concerts have left their scars. But dig a little deeper, and you'll find that within this city's diverse streets lie some truly astonishing sights. Here are some of the most downright, unforgettably beautiful.



Reichsburg Coemch

Cochem, with its old castle looming high above, is considered one of the most attractive towns in the Mosel Valley. Highlights of a walking tour around the old part of town include St. Martin's Church, constructed in the 15th century and rebuilt in 1736. And be sure to spend time in the quaint old Marketplace (Marktplatz) where you'll find the majestic old Town Hall built in 1739, as well as a number of historic old heritage homes. The big draw, however, is Reichsburg Cochem, a massive hilltop imperial castle - the largest in the Mosel Valley - that once guarded this stretch of the river. Built in 1020 and later destroyed by the French in 1689, much of the castle was restored in the 19th century in the Neo-Gothic architectural style. Guided tours and events, as well as fun themed tours are also available, and an on-site restaurant offers themed meal packages for kids.

Address: Schlossstraße 36, 56812 Cochem

Accommodation: Where to Stay in Cochem - TripAdvisor.com

Traben-Trarbach and the Middle Mosel Museum

Straddling the Mosel River halfway along the Mosel Valley is the quaint little town of Traben-Trarbach, famous for its many old half-timbered buildings and handsome aristocratic homes. One of the most important of these old mansions is the 18th-century Baroque Böcking House, once visited by the likes of Goethe and the Prussian kings and now home to the Middle Mosel Museum. Much of the building's old furnishings and décor have been preserved and are incorporated into the museum's displays spread across more than 20 rooms. Notable features include a collection of paintings by local artists including Ernst Willen Spies, archaeological artifacts from the Roman and Franconian eras, and a model of Grevenburg Castle.

Address: Casinostrasse 2, 56841 Traben-Trarbach

Accommodation:Where to Stay in Traben-Trarbach - TripAdvisor.co