Germany is one of Europe’s most diverse destinations and does a great job of welcoming tourists, but one of the problems facing would-be visitors is that the choices of what to see and do can be overwhelming. In fact, there’s no way to see and do it all with just one visit, so you’re best to stick to a particular region and explore all that it has to offer. From north to south, here are seven places to consider for your German getaway:

Berlin

As one of the country’s most popular tourist draws, the German capital needs no introduction, but it is a city that is in a constant state of transformation so there’s always something new to experience when you visit. This year marks the 35th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall which will be commemorated with panels along the length of where the wall once stood that show photos of what it looked like then and what it looks like now. Another anniversary that is approaching is the 200th birthday of Museum Island, a stunning UNESCO site in the heart of the city that hosts an array of incredible museums and galleries. The newest is the Humboldt Forum, a former palace that has been updated with ultra-modern elements to become a special space for arts, culture and science.

Potsdam

Just a 25-minute train ride from Berlin, Potsdam is often overshadowed by its famous neighbour, but this lovely city is worth exploring, just for the sheer volume of history you will encounter. Known as having more castles per capita than any other place in Germany, the city’s inventory of castles and parks has been collectively designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Places like Babelsburg Palace, Orangery Palace and Belvedere Pfingstberg are among the sites that are protected, but none are as spectacular as Sansoucci Palace with its famous terraced gardens. It once served as the summer residence for Frederick the Great and was his favourite. It’s easy to see why.

Dresden

The city that was razed to the ground by Allied fire-bombing raids during the Second World War has raised itself from the ashes like a phoenix to be bigger and better than it was before. One of its must-visit landmarks is the exquisitely restored Frauenkirche, It is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its reconstruction next year and has become a symbol of reconciliation between Germany and its former enemies. The cross that tops its soaring dome was forged by a British blacksmith who was the son of a Royal Air Force pilot who bombed the city during the war. As the capital of Saxony, Dresden is the perfect place to base your explorations of one of Germany’s most fascinating states.

Rothenburg

This picturesque town is nowhere near the size of any of the others on this list, but it is worth noting because it is among the best-preserved Medieval towns in all Europe. A walk through its narrow, cobblestoned streets is the closest thing there is to taking a trip in a time machine. A popular spot with Germans and international visitors alike, Rothenburg has plenty of accommodation and dining options, but what is special about them is they are all locally-owned so you won’t find any big international chains operating here. One of the highlights of a visit is to walk atop the old walls that still encircle the city which is also famous for its Christmas market.

Stuttgart

In the southwestern corner of Germany, in the state of Baden-Württemberg, you’ll find Stuttgart a vibrant city that offers no shortage of delights for the visitor. While many German cities boast about how good their beer is, Stuttgart is more famous for the many vineyards that surround it and the outstanding wines that they produce. The city is also famous for being the headquarters for two automotive behemoths, Porsche and Mercedes-Benz, each of which has fascinating museums dedicated to their histories.

Bayreuth

While this city’s name sounds like it should be in Lebanon, it’s actually in the heart of northern Bavaria. It is home to some of the most incredible palaces in all of Germany, if not all of Europe. Among them are the Palace Fantasie, which is often used for location shooting of movies, the stunning 18th-century Hermitage and the unparalleled Sans Pareil in its lush park-like setting. While those are all incredible sites, none of them top the breathtaking Margravial Opera House. This baroque masterpiece has to be seen to be believed.

Lindau

At the end of beautiful Lake Constance where the borders of Germany, Austria, Switzerland and tiny Lichtenstein intersect, you’ll find the unforgettable town of Lindau. It’s the perfect place to explore the lake and the surrounding mountain landscape. Some of its most unique attractions are its puppet opera, the annual Nobel laureate meetings that it hosts and its role as the starting point for the panoramic Alpine Road that ends in Bertechsgarden. You’ll want to see the lake from one of the many boats that ply its waters, but if you’re looking for a truly unique perspective, there is also the opportunity to fly over it in an airship!