West Germany comprises the regions and states of Rhineland, Ruhr, North Rhine-Westphalia, Hesse, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Saarland. With such a fabulous combination of regions it becomes quite a task to pick the best sights and attractions to visit.
In the West German area, you simply can’t miss the Rhine with its fabulous cruises and on shore entertainments. This is a great venue for simply chilling out amidst the fabulous scenery or check out some wonderful German cuisine when you’ve had your fill of the local culture.
Some important cities in the western region would be Bonn, which used to be the capital of the erstwhile West Germany before the reunification, Cologne with its famous Cathedral, Dortmund with its breweries, the modern city of Düsseldorf, Mainz with its Mater Magna, Worms with its famous Cathedral of the Virgin, and many others.
The West German region of Rhineland is where you find the famous vineyards wrapped around picturesque hills and sloping gently down to the rivers that flow by.
In the distance would be the famed castles you simply have to visit. The Imperial Cathedral in Aachen in North Rhine-Westphalia is a major attraction being the oldest in Europe besides preserving the remains of Charlemagne himself.
North Rhine-Westphalia is where you’ll find such UNESCO World Heritage sites as the Falkenlust and Augustburg palaces.
In the Rhineland-Palatinate region you’ll be surrounded by the beauty of the River Rhine, the golden sunshine, and of course, the grand architecture and historicity of the medieval age reflected in the imposing cathedrals and palaces. Feast on authentic German dishes and feel that Riesling work its magic on you.
Or what about the Eltz Castle that sits atop a hill in the Eltzbach valley in the Eifel region, presenting a perfect façade for your photograph. An epitome of medieval architecture its painstakingly constructed minarets and towers are perfect down to the last detail and is an impressive sight to behold. And the Genovevaburg Castle with its maze of mines underground will add that bit of adventure to your trip.
The state of Hesse — actually part of Central Germany — comes with its own share of legends and fairy tales that certainly adds to its charm. History comes alive in town squares and courtyards with their fountains and sculptures luring you gently into a period that used to be once upon a time.
Saarland in the deep west of West Germany shares its boundary with France. It has a distinct French flavor that makes for quite a heady experience of culture.
The region is replete with woods and untouched wilderness that’s perfect for an outdoor experience, especially since the region is one of the sunniest in Germany.
The capital Saarbrücken has a thousand year old history which promises to enchant you with its mesmerizing art, architecture, myth, and legends. Visit the Saarbrücken Palace and the Ludwigkirche for a feel of the place. The St. Johannes Markt Square is perfect for you to stroll around and acquaint yourself with the fabulous local culture.
