Have you already visited the main attractions that Europe has to offer? Or are you tired of the same major city destinations and want to find something new? Here are three great destinations in the heart of Europe for you to visit! We're all anxious to get out traveling again and visiting new and exciting places.

No matter where in Europe you start from, these cities could all be visited on a weekend trip from Friday to Sunday, or even Saturday to Sunday only if you're short on time but just want to get away somewhere. The cities are in three different countries, but a common denominator is that they're all German-speaking or, at least, have a significant German history.

Strasbourg, France

Rarely do you get so surprised at how much more you like a city compared to the expectations than what I was in Strasbourg. It is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful cities in Europe with the half-timbered houses and natural scenery where the city center is located on an island.

Major sights include Petite France with many great examples of half-timbered houses, and the Strasbourg Cathedral, once the tallest building in the world and often considered as one of the most beautiful examples of Gothic architecture. Wherever you go on Grand Île, the island on which the city center is located, you will find some beauty to look at!

Strasbourg is also home to the European Parliament of the European Union. Something that could create a picture of the city as being one of politics and bureaucracy rather than history and beauty. Which is completely false! The Parliament is located slightly outside of the city center and it is not something you should spend your time visiting. Spend your time in the old city center and visit quarters in Grand Île, Neustadt and Poincaré instead.

Lübeck, Germany

A favorite since I was a child, and a city I've returned to many times due to its location. If you start a European road trip from Stockholm, as I always do, then Lübeck is the first city you arrive in on the European mainland. I hope to be back again very soon as it is a city with an interesting history and pleasant atmosphere.

Lübeck was the center of the Hanseatic League, a heritage that is still visible throughout the city. The Old Town, located on an island in a river, is best explored on foot. On the western end of the island, on "An der Untertrave" you'll find lots of restaurants and bars. Many of them have views of the historic Holstentor and Salzspeicher. Two great examples of the renaissance brick architecture that are common in the city.

If you're not within driving distance the best option to get to Lübeck is to fly into Hamburg and go by rail or bus from there, which takes about one hour.

Basel, Switzerland

Just an hour away from Zürich, at the tri-border between France, Germany, and Switzerland is the city of Basel. The city has influences from both France and Germany. It is however mainly considered as a Germanic city and the language spoken is for the most part German. Basel has an old town that is worth checking out, but the true beauty of Basel lies in the views over the river Rhine from various spots of the city.

Basel is also known for housing many museums. A total of forty museums are found throughout the city, including the largest museum of art in Switzerland - the Kunstmuseum. Another sight of Basel is the Basler Minster. This red sandstone cathedral can trace its roots to the early years of last the millennium, the year 1019 to be exact. Don't forget to also visit the backside of the cathedral where you have yet another viewing point of the old town below!