4 Fun Places to See in Germany on Your Gambling Break

Germany is one of the most prosperous and most beautiful countries in Europe. The country combines the beauty of Old World architecture and modern luxuries that make it one of the ideal spots for international travel.

Not to mention, Germany is relatively less expensive than other European countries. And even though German is the primary language, most people speak English. So, getting around the country is especially easy for tourists.

On this page, we will talk about the four most fun places to see while you’re on your real money gambling vacation in Germany.

1 – Neuschwanstein Castle

This castle was the inspiration for Walt Disney’s design of the Sleeping Beauty castle in Disneyland.

Located a few hours outside of Munich, this castle is a remarkable feat of architecture and romanticism that was built in the 19^th century by Ludwig II of Bavaria in honor of German composer Richard Wagner.

Built in the Romanesque-style, and situated on a rocky mountain top above the village of Hohenschwangau, visitors will get tickets to see the castle in this village.

The castle’s construction began in 1868, but it wasn’t completed until 1892, many years after the death of Ludwig II. The palace was supposed to have over 200 rooms, but only about a dozen of the rooms were ever finished.

Ludwig II lost the Austro-Prussian War in 1866, and having lost power, Ludwig built the castle so he could live out an imagined life of royalty inside a fairytale-like setting. One of the highlights during the castle tour is a visit to the throne room. Still obsessed with being king, he built a majestic, two-story golden hall that is reminiscent of a Byzantine church.

After completing your tour of the castle, be sure to check out the surrounding trails that wind through the Bavarian Alps. There’s a bridge just outside the church that overlooks a waterfall and offers breathtaking views of the castle.

During the summer, there are about 6,000 visitors a day to the castle and every year, a total of 1.4 million people visit the site. If you want to avoid the lines, get to the ticket center early or plan your visit on a weekend or during the offseason.

An ideal time to visit might be during Oktoberfest. At this time of year, the surrounding forests are transformed into beautiful auburn colors, the summer rush is over, and the temperature is just right.

2 – Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate

Measuring at over 75 feet tall with six massive columns, this Neoclassical sandstone building is Berlin’s most iconic structure and the site where hundreds of thousands celebrated the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989.

The gate marked the separation from West and East Berlin since the end of WWII. But today, it is a symbol of cosmopolitanism, freedom, and tolerance.

The gate was commissioned in 1791 by Friedrich Wilhelm II and was modeled on the Propylaeum of Athens Acropolis. Atop the gate sits a magnificent statue of four-horse chariot carrying the goddess of victory.

In 1806, the chariot statue was stolen by Napoleon’s soldiers who took it back to France. But after Napoleon’s army had been defeated, the statue was returned to Berlin.

Former US President Ronald Reagan made a memorable speech at the Brandenburg Gate in 1987, where he implored the then leader of the Soviet Union, Mikhail Gorbachev, to open the border between West and East Berlin by saying, “Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!”

While traveling in Berlin, it might be a good thing to know the location of Brandenburg Gate in case you find you might have partied a little too much and gotten into trouble with local authorities. In which case, you might need to visit the US embassy, which is right next door to the gate.

3 – Cologne Cathedral

Located on the banks of the Rhine River, this towering monument is definitely the most impressive structure in the city of Cologne. The Cologne Cathedral is one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites, and people have been pilgrimaging here for the past 750 years.

This is one of the largest cathedrals in all of Europe and a quintessential example of Gothic architecture. Construction began on the cathedral in 1248, but it wasn’t finished until 1880, when the two largest spires were finally added.

People have been traveling to this site to visit the Shrine of the Three Kings inside the church. It is said to contain the remnants of the Three Wise Men from the New Testament.

The reason the cathedral was built was to protect the shrine that contained the bones of the Three Wise Men. Every January 6^th, on the Epiphany Holiday that celebrates the Wise Men visiting Jesus Christ, visitors are allowed to walk by the vessel that is said to contain them.

During WWII, Allied Forces bombed the cathedral over 14 times, but the resilient church remained standing. The damage was repaired in 1956, but some parts remained untouched as a memorial to the event.

The cathedral also features an impressive wooden sculpture of Mary and the Christ Child, which is called the Madonna of Milan. Created in 1290, this is another reason the church has attracted pilgrims since the Middle Ages for the gothic statue is said to be associated with miracles.

The Cologne Cathedral is visited by over 20,000 tourists a day.

4 – The Black Forest

For some outdoor activity, one of the most beautiful regions of Germany that attracts tourists throughout the year is the Black Forest. Located right next to the Baden-Baden Casino, the region’s mountainous area and extensive series of trails are a paradise for hiking enthusiasts.

There are a number of charming villages along this 100-mile stretch of forest. One such village is Titisee, which features beautiful creeks and a natural thermal springs spa.

If you want to spend the day hiking, all of its trails are well-marked, and you can acquire a trail map at one of the tourist centers close by.  There’s also mountain biking, motorcycling, and paragliding available for visitors.

During the winter, at the onset of the first snowfalls, you can find a mountain lodge where you’ll be able to ski and snowboard as well. After a day filled with physical activity, you’ll want to recharge, and this area’s towns are full of fantastic local German fare that is known for its hearty high-calorie content.

There are plenty of meat dishes and types of strudel to choose from and of course, they’ll be serving Black Forest Cake.

Casinos in Germany

Casino culture in Germany has been flourishing and expanding since 1990. But to enter one of Germany’s classy casinos, you can’t wear blue jeans or sneakers. Some casinos, like the historic Spielbank Baden-Baden, expect guests to be in formalwear.

All of Germany’s gambling establishments require that you show a passport, and some even charge visitors a small entrance fee. You might even be required to sign a form guaranteeing you will pay off any debts you incur while gambling.

Casinos in Germany also have nightclubs, bars, and restaurants. Here’s a short list of some of the best casinos in Germany.

• Baden-Baden Casino – This casino has been in operation for almost 200 years. Founded by Francois Blanc who also created the famous Monte Carlo casino, this palatial building features the luxurious interior and gaming atmosphere that can only be found in one of the world’s most famous casinos. There is a strict dress code and visitors must show a valid passport and be over 21 years old. The entrance fee is €1 for the slot machine area and €5 for general admission. There are two French Roulette tables, six American Roulette tables, five blackjack tables, and poker tables. There are also over 100 slot machines and the casino is open from 2 PM to 4 AM.
• Casino Berlin Potsdamer Platz – A smaller casino located in Berlin, this venue features 350 slot machines, which include electronic blackjack, multi-roulette, video poker, jackpot slots, and electronic roulette. They have daily poker tournaments and offer Texas Hold‘em, Omaha, and Seven-Card Stud. Other live table games include blackjack, American and French Roulette, and baccarat. Slot machines can be accessed from 11 AM to 5 AM and table games run from 5 PM to 3 AM.
• Casino WestSpiel Alexanderplatz – Also located in Berlin, this casino features over 190 slot machines, and live tables that include blackjack, and American-style roulette. For poker fans, you’ll find daily tournaments of Texas Hold‘em and Omaha from 8 PM to 3 AM. The entry fee into the casino is €1.

What are some of the other best spots to visit in Germany? Let me know what you think in the comments.