The most beautiful small cities and towns in Germany

by | Apr 13, 2018 | Germany | 5 comments

Updated April 2019

Most beautiful Towns and Small cities in Germany Traveling Europe with Nomadicchica.com

Germany is one of the most visited countries in Europe but most travelers miss part of the beauty of the country visiting only major cities such as Berlin, Munich or Frankfurt.

It’s a country that is not centralized only in a big city, so small towns are part of a network that interweaves them with the big cities.
They are an important part of life and culture, being very different and characteristic depending on the region in which they are, organizing festivals and local festivals, in them, you can witness the different dialects and foods characteristic of each area.

During your trip to Germany, don’t forget to visit at least one of these small cities where you can get a little deeper into the varied German culture.

If you want to take the perfect tour in Germany BOOK HERE and check prices and availability

Una publicación compartida de Gloria Apara | Nomadic Chica (@nomadic_chica) el

Wanting to visit the beautiful towns in Germany?
Don’t forget to check them out during Christmas season when they turn even more beautiful and colorful! One of my favorites is Esslingen, very close to Stuttgart featuring a Medieval Christmas Market!
 Check more about Christmas Markets in Germany

The most beautiful small cities, towns, and villages in Germany

Most beautiful Towns and Small cities in Germany Nomadicchica

We ask several travelers to share with us their favorite town in Germany, you can find inspiration for your next trip and explore Germany at its best!

 


By Nicola from All about Rosalilla
Michelstadt

While on a recent trip to Frankfurt I was lucky enough to come across Michelstadt. About 45 minutes outside of Frankfurt, Michelstadt is a town so chocolate-box and perfect it almost doesn’t seem real.  Walking into the main square is like stepping back in time. In the middle stands the most picturesque Rathaus I have ever seen that dates back to 1484 and is still standing with its original timber facade. It is surrounded by historic half-timbered houses and in front is a fountain straight out of a fairytale.

This ornate Marktbrunnen (market fountain) was erected in 1575 and a statue of the archangel Michael stands on a column above the fountain.

Whilst this village is pretty small it is filled with quaint shops and your choice of gorgeous cafes to sit and while away a few hours. The town also has its own brewery and a hotel where the famous German actress Jessica Schwarz grew up. There is plenty to do and if I had more time here I would certainly be signing up for the Labsal cooking school.

Michelstadt is one of the oldest settlements in the inner Odenwald. Its castle grew out of a Frankish baronial estate which was then built into a refuge for the local inhabitants.  Michelstadt is a town housed within city walls that still stand to this day. In the 17th century, the first houses were built outside the protective walls and a large farming community was established. The completion of a railway to Darmstadt brought a strong economic boom for Michelstadt but still, this town has never lost its original charm.

For the best Hotels in Michelstadt, CHECK HERE to get the best prices and availability
By Liza Skripka from Tripsget
Bad Reichenhall
The name of Bad Reichenhall might not ring a bell, however, it’s a really beautiful town in Southern Germany that is perfect for a visit any time of the year. In winter, Bad Reichenhall is usually covered by a thick layer of snow and since it’s located in the German Alps, it’s possible to ski a few km away from Bad Reichenhall.
In summer, it’s a perfect hiking and cycling destination and the most scenic routes are probably the Almbach Gorge and the picturesque road to Salzburg, Austria. Depending on the weather, it’s actually possible to hike there all year long (I was hiking even in winter – but you need special equipment for that).
Bad Reichenhall is full of beautiful painted Bavarian-style buildings, churches, and traditional beer restaurants. It also has fabulous open-air thermal baths that are great for relaxing after a day full of hiking.
If you want to take the perfect tour in the Bavarian Alps BOOK HERE and check prices and availability

By Lorelei from CaliforniaGlobetrotter

Idstein

If you’re looking for the cutest day trip from Frankfurt, look no further than Idstein, a picturesque half-timbered town in the heart of the Taunus region in Hesse. Trade in the busy cement jungle of Frankfurt for peaceful, cobble-stoned alleys lined with charming half-timbered houses in a variety of colors, decorated with welcoming floral décor.

Located along the Deutsches Fackwerkstrasse (German Half-timber Framed Road), the idyllically small town is probably best known for the notorious 17th-century witch trials that took place here, condemning 35 women and 8 men of witchcraft before being sent to their deaths. One of the main attraction, though named “Witches’ Tower” actually has nothing to do with the trial, but be sure to ask for the key to the tower should you so desire to climb higher!

Despite the town’s infamous past, a bewitching spell will come over you as you wander the streets, keeping an eye out for “Fright Heads” to ward off evil spirits or being absolutely charmed by “Das Schiefes Haus” (The Leaning House) with its dark blue, black and orange façade next to the Red Town Hall. Hang out in the main square, König-Adolf-Platz and admire the Killingerhaus, one of Germany’s most important half-timber framed houses, or simply enjoy an ice cream!

If you want to take the perfect tour in Frankfurt and surroundings BOOK HERE and check prices and availability

 

 Kylie Gibbon from Our Overseas Adventures
 Oberammergau
Oberammergau is a gorgeous little town in the Bavarian Alps, that’s famous for its beautifully decorated buildings, intricate wood carving and the famous Passion Play that has been performed once every 10 years since the 1600s.
Wandering through the streets of Oberammergau is like walking into a fairytale storybook as you admire the stunning hand-painted murals and frescoes on many of the buildings known as Lüftlmalerei. Oberammergau is also known for wood carving and is home to the Bavarian State Woodcarving School. Many of the cute little shops sell intricate wood carvings ranging from religious icons to children’s toys.
However, the Passion Play is what Oberammergau is widely known for. It was first performed in 1634 as a vow the villagers made with God to perform a play depicting the life of Jesus every 10 years if they were spared the effects of the bubonic plague. It apparently worked, and since then on every year ending in a zero, the play is performed. Over 2,000 actors, singers and musicians take part in the play with many of them residing in Oberammergau.
Oberammergau makes a wonderful day trip from Munich – you can reach the town by train or hire a car which has the advantage of experiencing a drive through the stunning Bavarian mountains.
There are lovely Hotels and Guest Houses in Oberammergau, BOOK HERE to get the best prices and availability
By Caroline from Pack The Suitcases

LandsbergamLech Landsberg am Lech is a small town in Bavaria, southern Germany. It could be straight from a fairytale. When you arrive, you’ll see that it’s on a river, surrounded by old walls. Walking inside, you’ll find warrens of cobbled streets to wander through. The beautiful pastel-colored buildings within are typical of Bavaria.

In its main square, Landsberg has a bustling market and plenty of shops to browse as well as the Schöner Turm (beautiful tower) and the exceptionally ornate Rathaus (town hall) to admire. You can also enjoy the town’s selection of cozy inns and cafés to break up your exploring with some traditional Bavarian food… or there’s always the tradition of Kaffee und kuchen (coffee and cake) if Bavarian food gets too stodgy for you!

Despite its picture-perfect scenery, Landsberg is known for a darker past. Its prison is where Hitler was incarcerated in 1924, during which time he wrote Mein Kampf. The town has had a brighter history since, being made part of Bavaria’s famous ‘Romantic Road’. This is a themed drive around small towns and villages that were marketed in the 1950s for tourists and became hugely popular to this day. But you don’t need to drive to get there: Landsberg is well-linked by train to the nearby cities of Munich or Ausberg. You can reach it from either of them in under an hour and enjoy a very scenic journey.
If you want to take the perfect tour in Bavaria BOOK HERE and get the best prices and availability

 

By Sherrie from Travel by a Sherrie Affair

baden badenLocated in the spectacular Black Forest in southwestern Germany resides a little city called Baden Baden.  The word Baden translates in English to Bath and Baden Baden is famous for their healing baths.  In fact, Baden Baden is known internationally for their spas.  Surrounding the city is the Lichtenaler Allee, a park that is tree filled with paths to walk along the Oos River.  There are walking bridges that you can cross to enjoy both sides of the park.

 Baden Baden began as a state of the Holy Roman Empire in the 12th century.  It became a foundering state of the German Empire in 1871.  From 1806-1918 it was recognized as a kingdom but after the first World War, the monarchy came to an end.  There are two castles that still stand today; Hohenbaden Castle built in 1102, known as Altes Schloss (Old Castle) and Neues Schloss (New Castle) is a private castle built in the 15th century.  Baden Baden is now part of the German State of Baden-Württemberg.

Baden Baden is a short easy drive, about an hour and a half, from the Frankfurt airport.  As you exit the tunnel you soon enter the old part of the city.  The streets are mostly cobblestone as you stroll through the shopping district.  They have a great selection of shops, from designer to local artisans.

A wide variety of restaurants and cafes with seating outside to enjoy the lovely days and beautiful views.  The world re-known Royal Casino is a must-visit even if you just take a peek inside at its opulence. There are plenty of museums and theatres to enjoy too, including a privately-owned Fabergé Museum with a remarkable display.

 

Baden-Baden is the place of several Luxury Hotels, some of them even including a Spa!  BOOK HERE and get the best prices and availability
By Eric from Penguin and Pia

Coburg is a small town in the north of Bavaria. While it was originally part of the state Thuringia, it officially joined Bavaria in 1920. Before that  – and up to 1918 – it was part of the Duchy of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha. This is one of the reasons why you’ll be able to find quite a few castles in the surrounding area.

Coburg is the birthplace of Prince Albert, husband to Queen Victoria of England – a key reason why Coburg is quite popular among those interested in royal families! Interestingly enough, the district of Coburg was right by the former border that divided East and West Germany. This meant that people living there could never just head north without going west first.

Even though it is a small town, it is quite easy to reach by train and bus from cities such as Munich or Frankfurt. The main attraction of this lesser-known destination is the Veste Coburg that sits atop the hill overlooking the city. Heading up the hill through the castle gardens makes for a beautiful walk and the view from the top is definitely worth it. Some parts of the castle date back to the 13th century making the Veste a must-see!

That being said, you literally can’t miss it since you can see the castle from a lot of places in the surrounding city. So if you are interested in castles, colorful houses, and other centuries-old architecture, then “Coburg is the perfect place for a day or two”.

 

If you want to find the perfect hotel in Coburg you can  BOOK HERE and find the best prices and availability
By Sarah and Justin from Travel Breathe Repeat

Sankt Goar is a small town located on the Rhine River in Germany. Having sparked our interest as we passed it on a scenic train ride through the area, we decided to return for a proper visit, this time by boat. Our ferry trip took us from Mainz to Sankt Goar one sunny day in July.

Though you can take a longer cruise, Sankt Goar is a popular stop. Its location is particularly picturesque, surrounded by craggy hills (including the famous Loreley) and castles. Rheinfels Castle (or what remains of it) stands above the town. It’s the biggest castle overlooking the Rhine, and actually once covered five times its current area.

You can get to it by walking (or driving) up to a pretty big hill. The rest of the town of Sankt Goar is quite lovely, although small. We spent about an hour walking through it and admiring the view around us from the banks of the river. Sankt Goar also offers great shopping and is particularly well-known for its selection of traditional cuckoo clocks and beer steins.

There are a few places to eat in Sankt Goar, and most cater to the day-trip tourists stopping by on ferry or cruise tours. We enjoyed a tasty, inexpensive pizza lunch at Pizzeria Alla Fontana. It’s on a quiet street and if the weather is cooperating, we’d recommend trying to snag a table outside where you can enjoy your peaceful, small-town German surroundings.

 

You can take the perfect river cruise in Sankt Goar BOOK HERE and check prices and availability to enjoy a full day at the romantic Rhin and Moselle rivers
By Arzo from Arzo Travels 
Rothenburg ob der Tauber will amaze you – this is for sure. Though I am a city girl this beautiful town blew me away.
Located in the southern part of Germany, in Bavaria to be more precise, it is quite small with about 10,000 inhabitants but thanks to Instagram it seems to have become incredibly popular recently.
It has one of the best-preserved medieval old towns in Germany (the history of Rothenburg dates back more than 1000 years) and it feels like you enter a fairy-tale theme park once you pass the town wall. Pass the buildings of the old town and do not forget to take many photos along the way – it is an extremely picturesque and lovely town and probably one of the most beautiful ones in Germany
Most interesting sights in Rothenburg ob der Tauber are the town wall, which you can stroll while having beautiful views, the Rathaus (town hall) and Plönlien, a half-timbered building with a small fountain in front of it. Since the old town is quite small you could easily see these places within a few hours but I recommend planning in at least a day, or better two, to wander around.
 You can either get there by train, car (there are paid parking options in the old town) or you can do guided tours from Frankfurt or Munich.
Find the perfect lovely hotel for your stay in Rothenburg ob der Tauber BOOK HERE and check prices and availability

By Michael Turtle from Time Travel Turtle

The small town of Maulbronn is defined by the monastery that has existed here for almost 900 years. Back when it was founded in 1147 – and for many centuries afterward – Maulbronn Monastery WAS the town.

It isn’t just a single building, it is an entire complex. As well as the main church and the residential area for the monks, over the years dozens of buildings were added like barns, workshops, entertainment halls and offices. Between the buildings was farmland with crops and animals.

Around all of this is a fortified wall with turrets. The Middle Ages were dangerous times and Maulbronn Monastery would come under attack so the idea was to make it defendable and self-sufficient.

All of this has been preserved and these days it’s open to the public. Maulbronn Monastery has been declared a World Heritage Site because of how important it was and how well it has been looked after.

Although there’s not much else to see in Maulbronn, it can take a while to explore everything in the monastery complex. There are also restaurants and places to relax within the compound so it’s more than just a historical site. For other dining options, there are a few restaurants and cafes in the center of town, less than 10 minutes’ walk away.

Getting there by public transport is relatively easy. The best way is to catch the train to Mühlacker and then take bus number 700 to the site, which takes about 20 minutes.

 

If you want to stay in the perfect hotel for you in Maulbronn BOOK HERE and check prices and availability
By Grace from  The Idyll

The German town of Tegernsee is almost too pretty to be real. Set in the Bavarian Alps, Tegernsee is best known for its crystal clear lake and mountain trails.

Although the town is just an hour by train from Munich, it’s an escape from everything urban. In summer, stroll through lush meadows or take a sailing course on Tegernsee Lake. In winter, you can hike through snow-covered forests and warm up in one of the mountain restaurants. A Christmas market lights up the southern end of the lake in December, while Tegernsee Valley Mountain Bike Festival comes to the area each June.

Tegernsee originated around the Benedictine Abbey of Tegernsee, which was constructed in 746. But today, this Bavarian town is an idyllic wellness destination. Luxury hotels dot the lakeshore and all of them have impressive spa facilities. You can book day spa passes, beauty treatments, and organize consultations with health professionals.

If luxury hotels aren’t for you, consider an authentic farmhouse stay in the valley. Staying in a farmhouse is a wonderful way
to experience Bavaria’s outdoorsy way of life. But no matter where you stay, you can expect to breathe crisp, mountain air, eat farm-fresh food, and relax in comfort.

 

There are some lovely hotels in Tegernsee BOOK HERE and check prices and availability

By Corinne Vail from Reflections Enroute

Eisenach, located in the state of Thuringia in central Germany, is a small town that packs a lot of punch. Known worldwide for its role in Reformation history because Martin Luther was forced into confinement there and translated much of the New Testament into German during that time. He lived in Wartburg castle at the top of the hill overlooking the town for almost one year.

The castle also holds the title of the first one in Germany to receive world heritage status from UNESCO in 1999. It is open all year round with an English tour offered at 1:30 each day.

The area around Eisenach is popular with hikers and outdoor adventure enthusiasts, with many people heading to the dramatic Dragon Gorge. With such grand scenery, it’s easy to skip the man-made sights nearby, but this would be a mistake. The town of Eisenach itself is well worth a stop, with it’s gated entry and classic mix of medieval, Gothic, and Baroque architecture.

Visits to the Luther and Bach museums can keep you busy most of the day. While you’re there, however, be sure and try out the famous Thuringer Rostbratwurst, or sausages. These deliciously flavored wursts are the perfect accompaniment to a cold winter day shopping at the towns charming little Christmas market.

If you want to take the perfect hotel or guesthouse in Eisenach BOOK HERE and check prices and availability

Hannah & Adam Lukaszewicz GettingStamped

Füssen is most well known for being home to the most famous castle in Germany The Neuschwanstein Castle sits up on the hill perched high above the village of Fussen with mountains in the background. It is said that Walt Disney made Cinderella’s castle after Neuschwanstein. You can really see the resemblance.

To take the perfect tour to visit Neuschwanstein Castle and surroundings BOOK HERE and check prices and availability to go from Fussen, Munich, and Frankfurt

If you are driving the Romantic Road in Germany you can’t miss Fussen it’s one of the main highlights on the route. Visiting the castle is the main attraction as it will take up a good portion of the day, ticket lines and ticket times can take time and do sell out. Every year over 1.4 million people visit the castle with up to 6,000 a day in high season where tickets are known to sell out before noon. We suggest visiting in May, September, or October for a few crowds.

We suggest staying the night, Fussen is a super cute traditional German village. There are tons of little local shops, Bavarian resorts, and traditional style guesthouses. The village sits just under a mile from the Austrian border. If you stay a few days consider doing a road trip to Austria, Switzerland, or Liechtenstein they are all within driving distance.

 

Planning your trip to Germany?

Find here the best offers to book your trip at the best rates


You can find the cheapest flight to Madrid with Skyscanner (There are non-stop flights to Frankfurt starting at $370 from New York or $89 from London)


Find the best rates and make online reservations on Booking.com before arriving. 

Find the best deal, compare prices, and read what other travelers have to say at TripAdvisor


Don’t forget to travel with Health Insurance. Check HERE the best plan at a monthly payment.


Find here the best tours online in English, German, Spanish or French at the best rates.

 

 

Have you ever visited one of these beautiful towns in Germany?

 

Gloria Apara

Gloria Apara

Writer | Digital Content Creator

I’m Gloria, the creator of Nomadic Chica, with a passion for Travel, Coffee, and Asian food.

Growing up in Santiago Chile and dreaming of travel and international exploration. I have set out my life to make my dreams come true.

Having traveled through Asia, Europe, and South America, for the last 20 years, I have a wealth of travel knowledge and experience to share. NomadicChica.com was created to inspire others to travel and empower solo female travels with knowledge.

5 Comments

  1. A little poem about my hometown Altenburg, town of Skat.
    You ought to visit this wonderful place in the green Thuringia.

    ALTENBURG – TOWN AND COUNTY

    Altenburg, old and beautiful City,
    Where life is easy, women are pretty.
    The market is a place to take a rest,
    The town hall is a building of the best.

    Churches and museums are inviting,
    You go for a walk and keep surprising.
    The old castle at a rock on a hill
    You absolutely have to view still.

    The lake Großer Teich with its island
    Offers Zoo, boat hire besides silence.
    On your way you see wonderful trees,
    The air is clean, within birds and bees.

    Altenburg County, land of woods and lakes,
    This fine region has quite got what it takes.
    Where the rivers Pleiße and Sprotte flow,
    By the Gerstenbach coloured flowers grow.

    Animals and plants you can admire,
    The nature lifts you higher and higher.
    You’ll find friendly people day and night,
    I hope, your visit will be alright.

    Rainer Kirmse , Altenburg

    With kind regards

    Reply
    • Hello Dear Gloria,
      I send You still a little poem about my home region in Germany:

      THURINGIA on a trip

      Thuringia, beautiful land of green,
      wonderful places, you must have seen.
      A land of high culture and fine art,
      buildings so pretty, people so smart.
      Old castles and churches on your way,
      cities and small towns invite to stay.
      Nice villages right and left the road,
      on rivers you take a ride with boat.
      Goethe and Schiller loved this region,
      Thuringia hope you to welcome soon.

      Rainer Kirmse , Altenburg

      With kind regards

      Reply
  2. HI, I’m traveling from Berlin to Amsterdam and I’m having difficulty finding a charming, quaint town to break up the travel between the two cities. I understand this is for Germany, but could you recommend a town/city for us to travel to by train in between Berlin and Amsterdam? I appreciate your help!

    Thank you!

    Reply
  3. Thanks so much of hosting this collab! So glad I was able to share Idstein! It’s an amazingly adorable town few have heard of!

    Reply

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Hi! I’m Gloria, a serious travel addicted from Chile, passionate about going out of my comfort zone, trying delicious food, beautiful destinations and Luxury Places.

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