King Ludwig II's world-famous castles stand proudly against the spectacular backdrop of the Alps. Neuschwanstein, his fairytale castle, is the most-visited building in Germany, and was designed to resemble a medieval German knight's castle.

No other landmark better symbolises German history than Berlin's signature attraction. When the Berlin Wall fell in 1989, thousands of East and West Germans celebrated the opening of the borders and reunification of Germany in its shadow. The Brandenburg Gate has a magical appeal for all visitors to Berlin, from heads of state to tourists.

Seat of the German parliament and a firm favourite with visitors. The Reichstag building with its publicly accessible glass dome by leading architect Sir Norman Foster symbolises Berlin's role as the new capital of a reunified Germany.

A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, Cologne Cathedral is one of the finest church buildings in the Christian world. Gargantuan proportions and craftsmanship of unparalled quality have made the cathedral a defining example of the Gothic style.

Over a period of more than three centuries, the rulers of Brandenburg and Prussia commissioned the finest artists of the age to create a stunning ensemble of palaces and parks for the royal city of Potsdam. Sanssouci Palace and Park are the best-known and most beautiful of these.

Dresden's most famous attraction is a masterpiece of baroque architecture. The destruction and rebuilding of the Church of Our Lady symbolises the history of the city like no other building.

This impressive castle sits in splendour on a sheer and narrow rocky outcrop overlooking the town. One of the most famous and most popular of Germany's castles, it is closely associated with the Reformation - this is where Martin Luther translated the New Testament into German.

The 20th century's most influential art and architecture school had a major impact on the global perception of architecture and design. Renowned artists such as Paul Klee, Wassily Kandinsky and Oskar Schlemmer taught at the school and lived in the master houses.

Herrenhausen Gardens comprise the most important styles of garden design, including a baroque garden in the French style, an English landscaped garden and a botanical garden.

The Reeperbahn runs right through the heart of St. Pauli, the city's entertainment quarter and red light district. Much more than just sex shops, strip shows and streetwalking – this area of bars, pubs, cafés and clubs is where visitors and locals come to let their hair down.