The Best Football Stadiums in Germany - Ranked

Nobody loves a football match more than the Germans.

Not only do they make incredible football players, but the Germans seem to do everything else right around the matchday experience too. Safe standing is a regular fixture, beer comes in ridiculously big steins and each clubs' fans provide some of the most unrelenting, passionate support one will ever witness.

Recent knock-on effects of the coronavirus pandemic has seen spectators viewing from home far too often and stadiums stood empty for long enough. That's starting to change as fans slowly return to grounds throughout Europe, but it's given us time to reflect on just how imperative a live crowd is to the game.

It's also allowed us to marvel at just how impressive some stadiums are, too. Here's 10 of the best in Germany.

10. Stadion der Freundschaft (Energie Cottbus)

The 22,500-capacity home to FC Energie Cottbus, the first entry in our list comes from the fourth-tier of German football.

It's not the most modern piece of architecture in the world (in fact it was originally opened nearly 100 years ago), but there's something about the stadium that's intimidating. Probably the fact that away sides have to come and play in the middle of a forest.

Their fans create a big atmosphere which wraps around the ground well enough with one stand-alone main stand and three smaller terraces.

9. Millerntor-Stadion (St Pauli)

Located in Hamburg, the 30,000-capacity Millerntor-Stadion is home to FC St. Pauli.

St. Pauli are well known for having one of Europe's fiercest atmospheres and are seen as one of Germany's 'cult' clubs, for which credit must, at least in part, go to the stadium. It looks one-of-a-kind on the outside with its use of dark bricks, and is complete with three connected stands where the fans do the business.

Not the biggest, but definitely unique.

8. Waldstadion/Deutsche Bank Park (Eintracht Frankfurt)

Known currently as Deutsche Bank Park for sponsorship reasons, Eintracht Frankfurt play their football in a mammoth ground.

It's beginning to look a tad dated for some on the outside compared to newer, renovated grounds, but it's still a spectacle with it's 51,500 capacity.

It's one of the ten largest stadiums in Germany and host of the 2011 Women's World Cup final, while it (usually) packs out every week with rabid support for Frankfurt.

It's also got a retractable roof, which is immediately better than most stadiums.

7. Olympiastadion (Hertha BSC)

Home to Hertha BSC, the Olympiastadion was built for the 1936 Olympic games and is absolutely massive. Properly massive.

It boasts a capacity of 74,475 and is a piece of architecture that you could simply stand and stare at for hours without getting bored. The fact that a mid-table Bundesliga side play in this is astonishing, but no complaints.

One complaint, actually... The running track. Ban running tracks immediately.

6. Stadion An der Alten Försterei (Union Berlin)

Not exactly one that rolls off the tongue for non-German speakers, but Sadion An der Alten Försterei is the home of Bundesliga side Union Berlin.

It holds a capacity of just 22,012 for football games but, truth be told, smaller grounds are endlessly fun. Union are one of Europe's 'cult' clubs and are known for their incredibly passionate fanbase, which is what makes the stadium even more electrifying despite the size.

It also looks vastly different to just about every other Bundesliga stadium. Added points for creativity.

5. Fritz-Walter-Stadion (Kaiserslautern)

A perhaps surprisingly high entry, the Fritz-Walter-Stadion creeps into the top five.

Home to 3.Liga side Kaiserslautern, the stadium is named after club hero and World Cup winner Fritz Walter. It holds close to 50,000 people in club matches despite the club now being in the third tier. It is also truly one of a kind.

Modern stadiums are beginning to look worryingly similar, but this one stands out completely, with a unique exterior and huge stands.

4. Borussia-Park (Borussia Monchengladbach)

In full flow, Borussia-Park is a magnificent stadium.

Home to Borussia Monchengladbach, it holds 54,057 fans and is home to one of the strongest atmospheres in Europe. The noise bounces around the oval stadium when full, and it also boasts safe standing terrace sections.

Complete with exterior green lighting, this it the ultimate blend of modern and classic.

3. VELTINS-Arena/Arena AufSchalke (Schalke 04)

Schalke aren't enjoying the greatest run of football in their history during recent times and have fallen off somewhat, but their stadium remains fit for a European elite no matter what.

The Arena AufSchalke - named VELTINS-Arena for sponsorship purposes - holds just over 62,000 and hosted the 2004 Champions League final. It looks incredible and has the coolest retractable roof of all, as well as a retractable pitch.

Shame the squad can't do it any justice at the moment.

2. Allianz Arena

They've dominated the German top flight for years, but Bayern Munich narrowly finish second best in this one.

The Allianz Arena is breathtaking and the pinnacle of modern football stadia. It looks fearsome on a big Champions League night when glowing in red on the outside, and the 75,024 capacity on the inside is equally as impressive.

Perfect for the champions of Europe.

1. Signal Iduna Park/Westfalenstadion

Westfalenstadion tops the list. Obviously.

Borussia Dortmund haven't quite hit the heights that their fans and the stadium deserves in recent times, but don't let that take away from the architecture. Signal Iduna Park holds over 81,000 fans and is the largest stadium in the country.

It's also home to the infamous Südtribüne (South Bank) stand which hosts the ever-intimidating 'Yellow Wall'. The stand has a capacity of 24,454 alone and will strike fear into any opposition.