BERLIN, July 16 — Germany may not be top of mind for European-destined travellers, but with images of jubilant Germans celebrating their World Cup victory and giving their football team a hero’s welcome in Berlin yesterday, there’s perhaps no better time to cast a closer look at the country as a travel destination.

Not only is the country basking in the halo of football glory, but 2014 is also set to be a banner year for the country as Berlin will mark the 25th anniversary of the fall of the wall.

Germany will no doubt try to capitalise on its turn in the international spotlight by promoting the country as a travel destination.

Recently, the tourism board released the latest results of the top 100 landmarks, sites and destinations in Germany, as voted by 11,000 visitors.

Topping the list is Neuschwanstein castle in Bavaria, the inspiration that served as a model for Walt Disney World’s Sleeping Beauty castle.

The palace also tops hotel comparison site Trivago's recently released list of top German destinations.

Built for King Ludwig II, the private retreat was never completed and stands as it was left following the king’s mysterious death in 1886.

Coming in at second place on the German tourist board’s list of top 100 destinations is Europa-Park in Rust, the largest theme park in the country, followed by a site in Cologne, which ranks in second place on Trivago’s list.

Not only is it renowned for the Cologne Cathedral — which attracts 6 million tourists annually — but the city also boasts bragging rights to having more pubs per capita than any other German city, and being the birthplace of eau de cologne.

Here are a few of the most popular destinations in Germany according to the 11,000 visitors polled between August 2013 and April 2014:

1. Neuschwanstein Castle

2. Europa-Park

3. Cologne Cathedral

4. Brandenburg Gate

5. Berlin Wall

6. Lorelay Rock in Upper Middle Rhine Valley

7. Black Forest

8. Heidelberg Castle

9. Lake Constance Region

10. Berlin Museum Island

Top destinations as selected by Trivago:

1. Neuschwanstein

2. Cologne

3. Heidelberg

4. Nuremberg (Christmas markets)

5. Moselle River Valley (wine)

6. Berlin

7. Sylt (island getaway)

8. Dresden

9. Munich

10. Hamburg — AFP-Relaxnews