Photo Story: Beautiful Germany

I can't believe I've been living in Germany for five years and I've never shared a German photo story! Well, the time has come to fix that oversight! Here are some of my favourite scenes from around this very large European country!

Heidelberg

This historic city is home to one of the oldest universities in Germany, where poets and artists would come to take inspiration from the stunning views over the Neckar river. This city really does have everything you could possibly want: great hikes with even greater views, beautiful houses, Gothic architecture and a castle on a hill.

Saxony

This eastern state is best known as the home of Dresden, but the nearby town of Meissen and Moritzburg Castle are just as stunning.

Bacharach

A picture-perfect town that sits above the Rhine in the Rheinland-Palatinate, about an hour south of Cologne. You can spend the entire day there, exploring the historic streets with their half-timbered houses, or hiking up through the vineyards for views over the valley in all directions.

Konigswinter

This city in Nordrhein-Westfalia is home to the mighty Drachenfells, a tall hill that translates as 'Dragon Rock', and the castle that sits atop it, Schloss Drachenburg. It's a Gothic delight that is just as stunning inside as it is on the outside. The surrounding tree-covered valleys and views over the Rhine make the steep hike up the hill completely worth it.

Dusseldorf

This city in Nordrhein-Westfalia is best known for its ground-breaking architecture, many of the buildings designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry. The area by the harbour is vibrant, and the view over the city from the top of the 140m high Rhine Tower is a winner, especially at sunset.

Monschau

A town in the Eifel region, Monschau is full of half-timbered houses stacked on top of each other beside a bubbling steam, quaint squares to make you linger, and fairytale vibes.

Beilstein

One of several beautiful towns in the Mosel Valley, staying the night is advised so that you can take advantage of plenty of the famous Mosel wines while sitting in one of many picturesque squares.

Bernkastel-Kues Another of the Mosel Valley's gems, this town really does make you feel like one of the townsfolk from 'Beauty and the Beast'!

Cochem

A larger town in the Mosel Valley, this is often a first port of call for wine lovers, and the hike up to the castle on the hill offers spectacular views over the valley.

Burg

Not the most inventively named - this town simply translates as 'Castle', it is the gateway for many hikes through the Mosel Valley. It also sits at the famous horseshoe bend in the river, and a view of it can be hiked up to through the vineyards.