Germany can be an incredible place to live. Trains run on time. The autobahn is a phenomenal experience. In any given village, you can find bakeries, butcher shops, florists, ice cream shops and at least one good Gasthaus that serves phenomenal schnitzel.

For those who live here, Germany is also an amazing place to be a tourist. It’s packed with history, culture and wonderful day trip opportunities. Even more, it possesses a number of world-class forests, mountains, museums, castles, vineyards and monuments that attract visitors from all over the world.

But if you can’t travel, you can try the next best thing: virtual tours! Here are five classic German destinations that offer top-notch virtual experiences. And once you’re able to get out there, put these places at the top of your In-Real-Life list.

Brandenburg Gate

Brandenburg GateThe Brandenburg Gate is an enduring symbol of Germany’s struggle for unity, which stretches back from the 19th century to modern times. But it is also a testament to the peace that can be achieved through unity. Located in the heart of Berlin, near the German parliament building, the Brandenburg Gate is an elegant, classic and beautiful monument. The virtual tour does it justice.

Take the virtual tour:
https://cyark.org/projects/brandenburg-gate/virtual-tour

Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Located near the border between the German states of Bavaria and Baden-Württemburg, Rothenburg is a postcard dream. Famous the world over for cute streets, adorable buildings, outstand- ing Christmas market and medieval city walls, this village is often at the top of tourist lists. Get a great taste of what it’s like to be there by using the 360-degree controls in the virtual tour video.

Take the virtual tour:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDACgH19z6Y

Deutsches Museum, Munich

Deutsches MuseumIn all honesty, it’s probably best to take the vir- tual tour first. Because the Deutsches Museum is so massive that it can get overwhelming quickly. But as one of the best science and technology museums in the world, it also offers a testament to the power of innovation, engineering and invention. Discover all sorts of awesome stuff that ranges from old school (transportation) to cutting edge (nanotechnology) to downright cool (cryptography).

Take the virtual tour:
https://virtualtour.deutsches-museum.de/
(change to EN in the left menu)

Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein CastleKing Ludwig’s very expensive castle on the hill is one of the most famous monuments in the world. When you visit Neuschwanstein in person, one of the highlights is walking upward toward the massive place. Virtual tourists get a wonderfully different perspective, however: a bird’s eye view of the castle and the surrounding area.

Take the virtual tour:
https://www.airpano.com/360photo/Neuschwanstein-Germany-Virtual-Tour/

Berchtesgaden

BerchtesgadenIn person, Berchtesgaden is fantastic. Located in the German Alps near the Austrian border, it is home to a national park, thick forests, towering granite peaks and tons of natural playgrounds for visitors of all ages. Incredibly, however, the virtual tour offers something that you won’t find by visiting in real life. You’ll feel like you’re standing on the tallest peak there, and have the power to fly like an eagle to see something at close range. You definitely have to try it.

Take the virtual tour:
https://pano.berchtesgaden360.de/

Bonus: Black Forest Motorcycle Tour

Even if you’re not a motorcyclist, it’s a pretty excellent experience to feel like you’re cruising narrow Black Forest roads. Watch at least the first two minutes of this strangely calming video. You’ll get a great taste for what it’s like to drive through Germany’s most famous forest. And it may just bring inspire dreams of open roads.

Watch the video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uI-pgaPNK_M

Featured image credit: Naumenko Aleksandr