Major cities in Germany

Thriving metropolises and charming ancient German cities

The Top 6 major cities in Germany

• Berlin
Size: 891 km²     Population: 3,416,000

The history of Germany's capital has been full of changes during the centuries. Berlin was capital of the Kingdom of Prussia (1701-1918), the German Empire (1871-1918), the Weimar Republik (1919-1933) and the Third Reich (1933-1945).

After World War II East Berlin became capital of East Germany. West Berlin, well, it was an enclave of West Germany (but not the capital), surrounded by the Berlin Wall.
Since the German reunification in 1990 Berlin has been the capital of Germany again, although it took until 1999 that the German government moved from Bonn to Berlin.

One third of Berlin's area is covered by forests, lakes, gardens and rivers. It is easy to escape the hustle and bustle of the city centre and relax in the beautiful environments around Berlin.





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• Hamburg
Size: 755 km²     Population: 1,770,000





Old storehouses - Speicherstadt, Hamburg

Hamburg, Germany's second largest city is also our "harbour to the world".
Although the harbour on the river Elbe is about 110 km inland from the North Sea, Hamburg's harbour is influenced by the tides. The flood disaster of 1962 with a death toll of 315 in Hamburg actually caused more damage in the city than along the coastline.

The harbour is one of the biggest attractions in Hamburg. During the 19th & early 20th century, the famous "Landungsbrücken" have seen millions of emigrants leaving Germany to make a fortune in the "new world" of America.
The old store house district (Speicherstadt), the Reeperbahn (red light district) and the Binnenalster are famous places to visit.


Top of major cities in Germany



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• Munich - München

Size: 310 km²     Population: 1,311,000





Famous Frauenkirche in Munich

Well-known for the "Hofbräuhaus" and the "Octoberfest" around the world, Munich is a popular tourist destination.
Most highlights of Munich are within the old city centre, between the Karlstor and Isartor. The "Frauenkirche" is the best known sight.
Munich's heart is the Marienplatz with the new townhall in neo-gothic style.







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• Cologne - Köln

Size: 405 km²     Population: 995,000





Panorama of Cologne - Köln

Cologne's landmark is the huge cathedral, the largest gothic church north of the alps. The twin towers are 157m high. Enjoy stunning views over Koeln from a viewing platform on the southern tower. Stroll around the old town, and relax in one of the typical taverns over a local "Koelsch" beer.
The cracy days of Kölner Karneval (carnival in Cologne) start on the Thursday before Ash Wednesday every year. Fancy dressed people party in public, street parades, and pubs that won't close for six days, carnival in Koeln is one big party. If you don't want to take part in the fun, you better avoid Koeln during this week.


Top of major cities in Germany



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• Frankfurt

Size: 248 km²     Population: 659,000





River Main and Skyline of Frankfurt

Frankfurt's importance as a trade centre dates back to the 12th century. Today it is the seat of the main national and European bank headquarters.
The annual book fare (Buchmesse) is the largest in the world.
Frankfurt offers a lot to its visitors. Find the top sights on my Frankfurt attractions page.







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• Stuttgart

Size: 207 km²     Population: 597,000





New palace in Stuttgart

The Schwabenmetropole (Swabia metropolis) is home of Daimler and Porsche, and a major industrial region. However, Stuttgart's location in a valley, surrounded by hills, vineyards and forests, gives the city a green and lush appearance. Stuttgart offers a lot of charme to its visitors.

The palace place with the new palace is the central meeting place in Stuttgart, while the Koenigstrasse (King Street) is the long pedestrian mall and shopping paradise.


Top of major cities in Germany

My favourite cities of Germany



• Aachen

Size: 160 km²     Population: 259,000





Charlemagne's coffin in the cathedral of Aachen

Germany's westernmost city is close to the Belgian and Netherland borders. Aachen is an ancient spa city, and an important place in German history.

Aachen was the favourite place of Charlemagne (Karl dem Grossen) who built a palatine chapel in 792. The chapel was part of Charlemagne's residence at that time. It is now part of the Kaiserdom (cathedral).
For 600 years the chapel was the church of coronation for German kings. Aachen is place steeped in fascinating history.



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• Freiburg

Size: 153 km²     Population: 219,000




Freiburg im Breisgau is Germany's most sunniest city, located in the southwest on the foothills of the black forest.

Freiburg has one of the oldest universities, a lovely old city centre, and several malls. Freiburg is known as an eco-city. You'll see more bicycles than cars in the city centre. Stroll around this relaxed city, enjoy the outdoor eateries and the sunny weather. If I could choose, I would live in Freiburg.

Read more about Freiburg Germany.


Top of major cities in Germany



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• Heidelberg

Size: 108 km²     Population: 145,000





Beautiful view over Heidelberg from the castle

With its castle, the old town, and the beautiful location on the river Neckar, Heidelberg has been the epitome of German romanticism for centuries.
Heidelberg's university is the oldest in Germany, founded in 1386.
Explore Heidelberg's # 1 attraction, Heidelberg castle.


Top of major cities in Germany



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• Bamberg

Size: 54 km²     Population: 69,800





Bamberg: New Residence, rosegarden & Kloster St. Michael

Like Rome, Bamberg has been built on seven hills which are part of the Steigerwald mountains. Bamberg is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list for its authentic medieval appearance.
Discover an ancient city full of flair. Take a boat tour on the river Regnitz to appreciate Klein-Venedig (Little Venice), a picturesque row of restored fisher houses along the river.
Try the local specialty Rauchbier (smoked beer) in the Schlenkerla tavern where the beer is brewed. Discover Bamberg, the perl of old cities in Germany.