Earthly Treasures and Architecture – Germany’s UNESCO Routes

You might have read my earlier blog on Germany’s Visionaries and Pioneering Thinkers Route, but if not, then don’t worry because we’ve got another new route for you.

Germany is naturally a very beautiful country, home to steep, dramatic cliffs and gorgeous verdant forests and meadows. It’s easy to see where the Brothers Grimm got their inspiration from for their fairytale landscapes, all they had to do was describe their surroundings!

These days, however, Germany is just as famous for its spectacular architecture. Despite the ravages of World War 2 on the country, there are still old buildings which survived or were rebuilt and which maintain the elegant charm of the baroque era, or even older!

Areas such as the Old Town of Quedlinburg are testament to this. Classically European, but also distinctively German, the timber-framed houses in this quaint medieval old town will instantly have you nostalgic for Disney movies and children’s books. Visit the castle, the church and the town hall for the full medieval experience, or visit at Christmas for the town’s Christmas market.

Areas which remind visitors of Germany’s old industrial heritage also still exist across the country, and the Mines of Rammelsberg, in the historic town of Goslar are among the most famous. The mines document almost 1000 years of mining heritage and tradition, while Goslar’s old town, dominated by its magnificent Romanesque Palace, is a beautiful place to lose a day.

It’s not all old news, though, you can also find jaw-dropping modern architecture to rival anywhere else in the world across Germany’s larger cities.

Many believe the world’s first ever modernist building is Germany’s Fagus Factory, built in 1911 by Adolf Meyer. The factory’s design is elegant, yet functional, with a style befitting of its purpose.

Perhaps Germany’s most cutting-edge city is Hannover, which includes the largest exhibition hall in the world. You can almost guarantee that any new trends in industry and technology were seen here first, at one of the city’s world-famous trade fairs. Visit EXPO 2000, or either of the city’s town halls for an idea of the scale of these flagship, industry-wide tradeshows.

Frankfurt is another German city which defines itself as a city of modernity and business. However, Frankfurt has much more hidden depth to it than many believe, and its museum scene is almost unrivalled in the world. Visit the Museum of Truth Beauty and Virtue and the museum embankment on the south side of the river and prepare to be blown away by the range of exhibitions on display.