Have never been to Germany. Assuming I never go back - where should I absolutely go?

Well, we would need a little bit more information. What do you like to do? Do you prefer big cities or smaller towns? History and museums? Mountains and beautiful scenery?

Tracy

Post a map of Germany on your wall, close your eyes, throw a dart at it, and go wherever it hits.

It's a beautiful place and the freeway system makes travel easy so you can hardly go wrong.

All the best to you.

... and besides, once you go, you'll always want to go back!

Generally like art, architecture and big cities. Have been told I should go to Berlin and Dresden. What about Frankfurt, Heidelburg, etc?

Bavaria. Munich. Berlin.

your kidding?

I would suggest getting a couple of guide books as well as tour brochures and reading them. Then you will know which places YOU have to go to.

I don;t especially like Berlin (although there are things there that I think everyone should see). Don;t understand the current craze for Potsdam - it's OK - but not that special. I would definitely hit Munich and do a day trip to Bavariann castles. I also like the Black Forest, Koln and the area along the Rhine.

What time of the year are you planning to travel? If spring/summer, lots of outdoor and river activities. If winter, you might want to stick to more indoor activities.

To only see "big cities" in Germany is like just seeing Waikiki and saying you've been to Hawaii. There are many layers to Germany and if want to really experience it, then don't just limit yourself to big cities.

There are quite a few routes through Germany--the Romantic Road, for example, is one of them.
Two of the loveliest places in Germany are Baden-Baden in the west and Dresden in the east, but Berlin and Munich are also at the top of the list. The countryside is scenic and the cities are clean. You will have a most enjoyable time and find that you want to return!

I absolutely agree with bettyk. I haven't traveled around Germany as extensively as some, but of the areas I've been my favorite has been Bavaria. I love it! Munich itself is a terrific city, but its the beautiful scenery and small towns in Bavaria that captured my heart.

Tracy