Laced with tributaries of the Rhine, northwestern Germany is a scenic region that once sat at the center of European power — home to Charlemagne’s empire and the signing of the Peace of Westphalia. As you travel through valleys lined with poplar trees, stop in cozy taverns for Töttchen (a hearty traditional stew) and Eierlikör (a boozy version of eggnog) to get a taste of the area.

Traveling from the edge of the Black Forest through southern Bavaria's verdant terrain is a culinary tour de force. Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg have long served as a bridge between Germany and the Mediterranean, acting as an important trade route that has infused southern Germany’s cuisine and culture with a cosmopolitan flair. On the scenic train ride or along winding country roads, gaze out the window at family-owned farms and rustic hamlets, and dream about hearty plates of Maultaschen (meat-filled pasta, similar to ravioli) and buttery Spätzle (small egg noodles).

Follow the curves of the Rhine and Moselle through four of Germany's 13 wine-growing regions, where vineyard-covered hillsides meet riverfront towns steeped in history. Romans planted the first vines here more than 2,000 years ago, laying the groundwork for the crisp, mostly dry Rieslings that wine lovers around the world seek out today. Along the way, visit family-run wineries, ride cable cars and funiculars to panoramic viewpoints, and end the day alongside locals in sun-dappled squares or cozy wine bars.

This route winds through the legacies of northern Germany’s maritime might and monarchical ambition — where Baroque palaces, red-brick guild halls, and fortified harbors tell stories of power and prosperity. The region was once the heart of the Hanseatic League, a network of cities that controlled the flow of goods and ideas across the Baltic and North Seas. Trade flourished, as did the arts, with wealth from seafaring commerce and princely courts funding universities, theaters, and architectural masterpieces. Proximity to the Baltic also enriches the local cuisine — think delicacies like smoked herring and eel, along with crisp Pilsners to complement seafood-centric local dishes.

The heritage cities of Thuringia and Bavaria feel plucked from the pages of a fairy tale. Medieval town squares, half-timbered houses, and castle-topped hills set the stage in Thuringia, while Bavaria contributes its Alpine villages and ornate Baroque churches. The local cuisine in this region is archetypically German — think roast pork with crackling skin, dumplings in gravy, and sauerkraut. In Thuringia, specialties like Rostbratwurst (regional sausage) showcase the region’s rustic flavors. At the same time, Franconian viticulture is best known for Silvaner, a white wine characterized by notes of stone fruit, apple, and minerality. Here, the Historic Highlights of Germany host traditional beer festivals starting in the spring and continuing through summer into fall. Join the festive crowds of locals wearing dirndls and lederhosen (traditional attire) and enjoy seasonal fest beers, hearty fare including vegetarian and vegan options, live music, and ample cheer.