– This post was written by Mick Murray –
Tiqets’ annual tourism awards series, the Remarkable Venue Awards, shines a spotlight on museums and attractions that are moving the industry forward and providing incredible visitor experiences.
The winners are decided based on real reviews by over 1.1 million customers, as well as a panel of local industry experts, including Jean-Marc Göttert, Editor-in-chief at TRVL Counter, and Prof. Dr. Harald Zeiss, Managing Director at the Institute for Sustainable Tourism GmbH.
Read on to find out more about this year’s German winners across seven different categories, and what makes the best museums and attractions in Germany truly remarkable.
Best Hidden Gem: Augustusburg Castle
“A spectacular UNESCO-listed gem in the middle of nowhere! The castle itself is full of rococo art, and the gardens and forest nearby are like something out of a fairy tale.”
– Guilherme, Brazil
Augustusburg Castle has a rich history dating all the way back to 1568, when construction started on this true hidden gem. Known as the “Crown of the Ore Mountains”, it may not have the instant name recognition of some of its more famous counterparts, but it is indisputably one of the most beautiful Renaissance castles in Central Europe.
Visitors to this imposing castle will instantly understand why it’s considered one of the best attractions in Germany despite its relatively rural location (bonus points to anyone who can point Brühl out on a map); with 16th-century murals, a museum devoted to animals and birds, historical weapons and furniture, and an authentic dungeon, Augustusburg Castle provides an invaluable insight into the lives of the aristocracy throughout German history.
Speaking of hidden and unexpected gems, the castle also has a surprisingly comprehensive motorcycle museum!
Most Innovative Venue: Studio of Wonders
“Very interactive and engaging! You can go with more than one outfit and change in a dressing room. Also suitable for teenagers!”
– Alessia, Italy
Berlin may be famous for its traditional museums, but do any of the established cultural powerhouses on Museum Island give you the chance to cradle a giant marshmallow in your arms? No? That’s where Studio of Wonders comes in.
Absolutely packed with pop-up art installations and selfie spots, visitors to this innovative space are encouraged to unleash their inner child across more than 20 unique sets and backdrops. From sugar-coated candy lands to spectacular mirrored rooms and optical illusions, a visit to this up-and-coming venue is a great way to add a modern twist (and some great photos) to your Berlin experience.
Reviews on Tiqets praise the venue for its fun and innovative visitor experience, as well as its suitability for people of all ages.
Most Remarkable Venue: Alte Nationalgalerie
“Breathtaking architecture with stunning art.”
– Nathan, United Kingdom
Every year, the Most Remarkable Venue award goes to the venue that is the most popular and top-rated with visitors, based on customer reviews on Tiqets.com.
From the outside, Berlin’s iconic Alte Nationalgalerie looks like a church, a temple, and a theatre all combined into one spectacular building. It’s considered one of the true highlights of the German capital’s Museum Island, and rightly so.
As well as unmissable works by German artists across the centuries (including Caspar David Friedrich and Adolph Menzel), the museum also contains masterpieces by Manet, Monet, Cézanne, and others.
With a near-unanimous five-star rating on Tiqets.com (the lowest review of the Alte Nationalgalerie is four stars), it’s a truly remarkable destination that every art lover needs to add to their to-do list.
Best Museum: Dialoghaus Hamburg
“Interesting and humbling – you ‘see’ things from a completely different perspective.”
– Laura, Australia
The Best Museum award recognises the best museum or art gallery in the country, based on customer reviews on Tiqets.com.
Dialoghaus Hamburg is a special kind of museum, which challenges its visitors to open their minds and expand their perspective. It offers a sensory experience and exhibition designed to make the public more aware of the challenges faced by the blind, deaf, and non-verbal communities.
Blind and deaf hosts lead you through a series of everyday obstacles and challenges, from a walk in the park to crossing a busy street during the day. Located in the UNESCO-listed Hamburg Speicherstadt, this unique museum breaks down barriers and makes for an unforgettable visit.
Best Attraction: TimeRide Cologne
“Great, great atmosphere. The tram ride through Cologne in the 1920s was an absolute highlight. Highly recommended!”
– Klaus Dieter, Germany
The Best Attraction award honours the best attraction, from theme parks and zoos to guided visits of cultural locations. It recognises venues that stand out for their appeal to all types of visitors.
While Cologne (also known as Köln in German) is still a popular city today, it has a rich history dating back as far as the Roman Empire. TimeRide Cologne has recreated the city’s past through fascinating films, photos, and an incredible VR experience.
What makes this attraction so special is its appeal to all demographics; international visitors and locals alike leave rave reviews, praising the authentic atmosphere, friendly staff, and – especially – the virtual-reality tram ride.
Best Landmark: Neuschwanstein Castle
“I’ve been to a lot of places in the world before, but this was one of the most amazing.”
– Judit, Hungary
The Best Landmark category recognises venues such as cathedrals, churches (or any place of worship), castles, natural landmarks, historical or iconic buildings, and observation decks.
In terms of romantic landmarks, it doesn’t get more special than the beautiful Neuschwanstein Castle. Imposingly perched on top of a green, tree-covered hill in Bavaria, this castle was commissioned by King Ludwig II – also known as the ‘Swan King’ and ‘Fairy Tale King’ due to his passion for extravagant artistic and architectural projects.
Inspired by the works of Richard Wagner and German fairytales, this iconic architectural landmark has gone on to inspire generations of visitors and artists; Walt Disney created Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland after being struck by the beauty of Neuschwanstein.
Best Onsite Experience: Museum für Fotografie / Helmut Newton Foundation
“A must-see if you are into photography! Helmut Newton produced a lot of iconic images and the location is magnificent.”
– Bjorn, Belgium
This category is focused on recognising the venue that offers a truly remarkable onsite experience for its visitors. The selection for this award is based on customer reviews on Tiqets.com relating to the onsite experience, including staff interaction and information available at the venue.
With 2,000 square metres of exhibition space showcasing photography from the 19th to the 21st century, the Helmut Newton Foundation provides a remarkable service for photography lovers. It’s an incredible look into the history of the art form, with world-class images and authentic artefacts on display.
Reviews for the museum on Tiqets.com praise the amazing care and attention to detail put into presenting the collection, as well as the great and friendly service by staff members. We can see why this is recognised as being one of the best museums in Germany.
