Germany has a rich but fragmented tapestry of history, in part due to political events, geographical fluctuations and, of course, seismic world events. The country is full of museums, theatres, monuments and much more making Germany a fantastic choice for campers interested in history, science, art and politics.

Dotted throughout the landscape are stunning castles with their own histories, which are well worth seeking out. With a third of the country covered by trees, camping in or near Germany's diverse range of forests is a great way to stretch your legs.

Berlin

Where better to start than Berlin, Germany's capital city. A metropolis full of historical monuments, contemporary architecture and a thriving cultural scene. Once the fastest-growing city in Europe, the city has a wealth of things to see and do to immerse yourself.

The division of the city during the Cold War and the eventual fall of the Berlin Wall led to the rise of the currywurst! This humble sausage dates back to an unknown British soldier who sold curry powder on the black market in the late 1940s. With a growing population and poor food supply, residents used curry powder to mask the poor flavour in their sausages. After the wall fell in 1989, a new breed of young people came to the area and popularised the currywurst. Seek out a traditional currywurst vendor for a tasty snack on your way around the city.

Things to do:

• Visit the Brandenburg Gate and Reichstag building.
• Stroll along the East Side Gallery, a unique open-air gallery showcasing murals of the Berlin Wall.
• Explore Museum Island, a group of five museums on an island in the River Spree, including the Pergamon Museum and Alte Nationalgalerie.
• Take a look at the Berlin Wall Memorial, which offers a glimpse into the history of the wall and its impact on the city.
• Take a stroll in Prenzlauer Berg, a trendy neighbourhood with plenty of restaurants, cafes, and shops.

Hamburg

Hamburg is a major port city in northern Germany, known for its harbour and canals, rich maritime history, and thriving cultural scene, making it a popular tourist destination.

Its reputation as the "Gateway to the World" is a testament to its rich history as a leading city in the Hanseatic League during the Middle Ages.

As Germany's second-largest city and largest port, Hamburg has maintained its position as a hub for international trade and remains one of the wealthiest cities in the country.

The maritime spirit of Hamburg permeates throughout the city, from the sounds of seagulls to the diverse neighbourhoods dotted with multicultural dining options and maritime-inspired architecture.

Things to do:

• Visit the Miniatur Wunderland, the world's largest model railway.
• Explore the Speicherstadt, a historic warehouse district in the harbour now home to museums and shops.
• Take a walk along Alster Lake, a popular spot for boating
• Visit the Elbphilharmonie concert hall, a modern architectural marvel overlooking the harbour.

Munich

Bavaria's third largest city after Berlin and Hamburg, Munich, lies 30 miles north of the Alps. A fantastic city for shopping, such as Ludwigstrasse, Munich has a relaxed, cosmopolitan atmosphere. With plenty of open spaces to visit, such as the English Garden, you can be sure to find something here to satisfy everyone.

Home to several art museums such as:

• Neue Pinakothek - showcasing 18th and 19th century European art
• Pinakothek der Moderne - an extensive collection of modern and contemporary European art 
• Lenbachhaus Museum - large collection of works by the Blue Rider movement
• Museum Brandhorst - small gallery with works by Andy Warhol, Damien Hirst, Joan Miró and Pablo Picasso

The city also boasts the BMW Museum, which showcases the city's automotive history and the largest science and technology museum in the world, the Alte Pinakothek.

Things to do:

• Visit Marienplatz, the central square in Munich, to see the Glockenspiel, a famous clock tower with moving figures.
• Explore the Nymphenburg Palace, a former royal residence in a large park outside the city centre.
• Visit the Deutsches Museum, the world's largest science and technology museum.
• Take a stroll through the Englischer Garten (English Garden), a large public park in the centre of Munich.
• Visit the Viktualienmarkt, a large daily market with food, flowers, and other goods.

Frankfurt

Frankfurt is a unique city known for its role as a financial centre, transportation hub, and small metropolis. This city brings together a unique blend of global appeal and local warmth, with museums, towering high-rise architecture, and local specialities such as Grüne Soße, Ebbelwei (apple wine), and Frankfurter sausages. To top it off, the financial hub is also surprisingly green with plenty of outside spaces making it a well-rounded city that combines urban and natural beauty.

Things to do:

• Visit the Main Tower, which offers excellent views of the city.
• Explore the Städel Museum, one of the leading art museums in Germany.
• Walk along the Main River and visit the Frankfurt Cathedral, a historic church with a colourful history.
• Stop by the Goethe House, the birthplace of famous German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.
• Visit the Museum of Modern Art, which has an extensive collection of contemporary art.

With over 400 campsites in Germany, with over 40 available to book online, you're bound to find a campsite near a city you wish to visit.

Peter Stannett

Content Writer

Peter is our content writer and SEO specialist, helping keep our content current and monitoring website traffic. 

His content covers all four corners of the globe, across topics like activities, advice, food, culture and history.

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