Germany's top 10 sites to behold at dusk

No other city in Germany has a more recognizable skyline than Frankfurt, which boasts the country's tallest buildings. The Messeturm trade fair tower was once the tallest office building in Europe. This is the European Central Bank's new building in the central market area, with the city's glittering skyline in the background.

This U is the crowning finish on the tower of the former Dortmund Union brewery. The listed fermentation and storage high-rise was transformed into a center for art and culture in 2007. The building's real eye-catcher are the animated installations by director Adolf Winkelmann. LED screens are installed around the top of the tower showing video art appropriate to the day and the time of day.

Buildings that are interesting enough during the day can become magical sights when night falls. This is how Cologne cathedral and city hall look from below the Deutzer Bridge at the level of the River Rhine. Cologne is the biggest city in North Rhine-Westphalia and the cathedral is its most famous landmark.

Hamburg harbor: this place is the very definition of a wanderlust caused by the many cargo and cruise ships that sail in and out. At dusk, this collection of industrial buildings on the River Elbe becomes a place of yearning.

One of Germany's most attractive squares is in the center of Munich. It's reputed Mediterranean flair is probably down to the Theatine Church, built in the Italian high-Baroque style. In the vicinity there is the Feldherrenhalle and the Munich Residenz with its court gardens und palais. An evening at one of the many cafes at the Odeonsplatz is like skipping into Italy.

High above the River Elbe lies the city of Meissen and its Albrechtsburg. Built in the 15th century, the city's landmark is regarded as the oldest surviving castle in Germany. Meissen is best known for its porcelain, while the best view of the city is from the opposite shore of the Elbe.

This is a typical example of Baltic coastal architecture, and also the landmark of the island of Rügen. The pier is 400 meters long, was built in 1906, and was severely damaged and eventually destroyed by ice drifts and fires. In 1998, after six years of reconstruction work, Sellin had its famous landmark restored. Now it is a tourist attraction once again.

Magdeburg cathedral has been the landmark of the city for more than 800 years. It was constructed in the 13th century, making it the oldest Gothic cathedral in Germany - even older than Cologne cathedral. It also houses the grave of Otto the Great, first emperor of the Holy Roman Empire.

Dresden shows itself at its best from the opposite bank of the Elbe. The Saxon city doesn't glitter with high-rises, but with the splendor of centuries-old architecture. The cityscape is dominated by the dome of the famous Frauenkirche.

The facade of the Bavarian fairytale castle of Neuschwanstein shimmers white in the evening light. This is the realization in stone of King Ludwig II's dream - his vision of a medieval knight's castle, playful with towers and battlements. It is the most famous of his castles and the most photographed tourist site in Germany.