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.

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.

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.

One of the most important cultural monuments in Germany towers high above the town of Heidelberg on a terrace jutting out from Mount Königstuhl. Ever since the 19th century, these castle ruins have been the epitome of German Romanticism and the subject of countless poems and paintings.

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, caf�s and clubs is where visitors and locals come to let their hair down.

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.

These two islands are surrounded by the emerald-green waters of Lake Constance. Reichenau Island is well-known for its abbey of the same name, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Mainau's reputation as an "island of flowers" is due to its stunning range of parks and gardens.

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.