10 Prettiest Small Towns In Germany Out Of A Fairytale

Are you trying to find the best German towns for your upcoming visit? Well here is a list of the best small towns in Germany! All known for their incredible histories and stunning architecture, any of these small towns in Germany that you visit will make you feel like you have stepped into a fairytale. There are so many different options for places to visit in Germany, but luckily for you, this list gives you all you need to know to make the best decisions! While some towns are quiet and peaceful, others are bustling with tourists and locals alike. While there are small towns in Germany that are perfect for exploring many natural wonders, there are others perfect for those who want to spend their time admiring museums. Each of these small towns in Germany will be such a unique experience as they are all incredibly different from each other.  

Also included in this list of small towns in Germany, are rough estimations of how long it should take you to get to the town from three of Germany’s main cities: Frankfurt, Munich, and Berlin. Whether or not you are planning on driving, flying, or taking a train, this list will tell you how long you should plan for the journey to take. No matter what you are looking for though, Germany has you covered!

Read Next: Castles In Germany That You Must See and The Prettiest Small Towns In Italy

10 Prettiest Small Towns In Germany Out Of A Fairytale 

Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber

Rothenburg is probably one of the most famous small towns in Germany. Rothenburg is known for the wall that surrounds the town and it is considered to be Germany’s best-preserved walled town. Every year 2.5 million tourists journey to see this medieval city. When planning which small towns in Germany you want to see, you might be tempted to skip over Rothenburg because of the crowds. There’s a reason it’s popular though, and even with the crowds and overpriced souvenirs, no other walled city compares to Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Also, make sure that when you are planning your trip you are going to Rothenburg ob der Tauber. There are multiple Rothenburg’s, so make sure you are going to the right place!

Rothenburg is located in Bavaria and is very easy to get to from some popular cities in Germany. The closest big city is Frankfurt, which is around a 2.5-hour bus ride from Rothenburg. The Europabus ED190 travels daily from Frankfurt to Füssen and makes many stops along the Romantic Road, including Rothenburg. You can also drive which should take about 50 minutes, which is a shorter travel time. If you want to travel to Rothenburg from Munich, the drive will take around 2 hours. You can also take the train from Munich to Rothenburg which will be roughly 3 hours. Getting to Rothenburg from Berlin is also a manageable journey. The drive should take almost 5 hours, whereas the train ride should also roughly be 7 hours.

What To Do In Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber

A perk about this popular city is that there is so much to do! If you want to see some pretty spectacular views, climb to the top of the Town Hall tower so that you can gaze down on the town and surrounding countryside. If you want more views during your time in Rothenburg, walk the wall that makes this one of the most unique German towns. The stroll is 1.5 miles and is beautiful at sunset when the warm light covers the timbered houses.

If you are looking for some weird museums in small towns in Germany, look no further. In Rothenburg, you have the chance to see the town’s Medieval Crime and Punishment Museum. The museum is explained in English and is full of some pretty freaky instruments of torture. If you’re not big on torture, why not instead go to the German Christmas Museum? Located above a cute little ornament shop, this museum has exhibits for Christmas decorations throughout the ages.

If you are interested in seeing some magnificent art while exploring small towns in Germany, you must visit St. Jakob’s Church! It is the home of a 500-year-old alter piece created by Tilman Riemenschneider, a famous German woodcarver. Make sure to climb the stairs behind the organ in order to get a better view of the Biblical scenes carved into the wood.

Where To Stay In Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber

If you are looking for a convenient, affordable, and charming hotel to stay in during your time in Rothenburg, consider staying at Hotel Reichs-Küchenmeister. It is located in the medieval town center, making it easy to explore this beautiful German town. There are plenty of options for what size room to stay in, including suites. If you are looking for a more luxurious stay in Rothenburg, Burghotel is a great choice! The hotel has been built along the wall surrounding the city, and the rooms are uniquely and lavishly decorated. It is also very convenient and is only a five-minute walk from the center of the city.

Cochem

If you are looking for some small towns in Germany that are seriously fairytale-like, pack your bags and head to Cochem! Cochem is known most for the medieval toll castle that sits dramatically on top of a rock. Besides the castle, the is so much other history located in this town. The town itself rests on the slope of the Moselle Valley and is located next to a winding river. The city’s old town is also a wonderful place to stroll along while exploring the pretty shops and delicious restaurants. Cochem is definitely one of the prettiest small towns in Germany.

Cochem is located in the district of Cochem-Zell. If you want to get to Cochem from Frankfurt, you can either drive, which will take you around 3 hours, or take public transportation. Taking the train should take around 5 hours. If you are planning on traveling from Munich, this will definitely be a longer ride, but it is still very possible. If you choose to drive, it will be around 5.5 hours. It is also possible to fly to Cochem from Munich though. Then there is the train ride, which will take around 6 hours. It will not take too much longer if you are travelling from Berlin. It will be around a 6-hour drive, though you also have the option of flying. If you choose to take the train, then it will be anywhere around 6-7 hours. 

What To Do In Cochem

No list of what to do in Cochem would be complete without Reichsburg Cochem! The castle can almost always be seen from the town down below, and it offers some pretty spectacular sights. This castle’s history goes all the way back to the  12th century, though it was remodeled in the 1870s when it got its fairytale characteristics. If you wish to explore the castle, you can take a 40-minute long tour. On the tour, you will be able to see tapestries, fine wood paneling, Louis XIV-style furniture, Baroque paintings, stained glass windows, and armor. You must see this castle while exploring German towns!

Once you have seen Reichsburg Cochem, spend time wandering the streets of Cochem’s old town. Full of picturesque houses and centuries worth of history, it is a wonderful place to explore! You will be able to see the parts of the city’s 14th-century wall that still remains, as well as some of the gates that used to be the entrances to this town.

If you are visiting Cochem from mid-March to November, then you have the opportunity to take the Cochem Sesselbahn, a gondola chairlift from the lower station in Endert Valley to the Pinnerkreuz lookout point. From here you will be able to see some of the Moselle, including the river loop, which is a rather spectacular view. Once you have taken the chairlift up, you can either relax at the cafe or if you are feeling adventurous, hike through some of the vineyards that Cochem is known so well for.

Finally, gaze upon Cochem from the river by booking a river cruise. This is a great way to see Cochem and will offer some unique views of the town. From here you can see not only the town but the castle that is perched above it. You will also travel down the Moselle River to see the scenic valley surrounding Cochem.

Where To Stay In Cochem

There are plenty of wonderful hotels to stay in during your time in Cochem, no matter what your budget is. If you are looking for a more budget-friendly option, you should definitely consider Hotel Villa Vinum Cochem! It is right by the river, and the old town is only a five-minute walk away! Cochem is one of the best small German towns to stay in for budget travelers, as both of these elegant and comfortable hotels are rather affordable.

Rottach-Egern

If you are looking for small towns in Germany that are perfect for exploring the outdoors, you should consider staying at Rottach-Egern. It is a town that is known for its many hikes and location at the edge of Lake Tegernsee. Here you can also go mountain biking, swimming, and sailing. It also a great spot to explore some of Lake Tegernsee’s other towns like Tegernsee, Bad Wiessee and Kreuth. The town offers many festivals and folk performances that are lots of fun for any age!

Rottach-Egern is located in the upper part of Bavaria, and it is a little more out of the way than some of the other small towns in Germany that are on this list. You have two options for getting to Rottach-Egern from Frankfurt. The first is driving, which will probably take you around 3 hours. Your other option is taking a train to the town of Tegernsee, and then taking the ferry to Rottach-Egern. This should take about 5 hours, though it depends on how long your transfers are. Rottach-Egern is very close to Munich, so this is the best city to travel from. The drive from Munich to Rottach-Egern is around 45 minutes, and the train ride is about an hour long. The train will take you to Tegernsee, and from there you can take the ferry that comes every hour. The journey from Berlin is going to be much longer, but still manageable. The drive should take 6 hours, and the train and ferry should take around 7 hours.

What To Do In Rottach-Egern

Most of the activities in Rottach-Egern are geared towards lovers of the outdoors. There are dozens of hikes that you can walk, and the lake is perfect for different types of water activities. If you visit Rottach-Egern in the winter, you could also have the opportunity to participate in some winter sports.

If you are wanting to see a beautiful view, but don’t really want to hike, then take the cable car to the top of Wallberg Mountain. The ride takes about 10-15 minutes, and during it, you will see some of the region’s most beautiful views. Once you make it to the top (which has an altitude of 1,620 m) you have a few options of what to do before taking the cable car back down the mountain. There is a chapel at the top of the mountain, which is over 100 years old. There is also a restaurant from which you can look out the 270-degree curved glass facade over the mountains. You can also choose to simply take in the majestic views that Wallberg Mountain offers.

There are also activities for those who would rather not be outside. One of these is the Auquadome, which is the largest freshwater aquarium in Bavaria, Germany. It holds 20 different local species and about 60,000 liters of water. It can be a fun way to spend time in Rottach-Egern.

Where To Stay In Rottach-Egern

Hotels in this area are more expensive than some of the other small towns in Germany that are on this list, as this area is pretty popular for outdoor activities. If you are wanting to stay in luxury while in Rottach-Egern, than consider booking your accommodation at Althoff Seehotel Überfahrt. This 5-star hotel is located on the banks of Lake Tegernsee and offers spectacular views of the lake, Rottach-Egern, and the surrounding mountains. This is the perfect place to spend a relaxing vacation. It offers 3 pools (2 indoors, and 1 outdoor), 7 different saunas, and rooms with private balconies. A more affordable option is Seehotel Waltershof. This is a beautiful hotel, which also offers some pretty amazing views. Each of the rooms at this hotel offer a balcony with a garden view.

Monschau

When looking for the most picturesque small towns in Germany, Monschau must be on your list of where to visit! Monschau is in the Eifel region of Germany and offers amazing cultural and natural experiences. It is known for its romantic streets, timbered houses, and the medieval walls, and is one of the best small towns in Germany for strolling. The city is also along the Rur river, so visitors can take boat rides. Whether or not you are hoping to see some beautiful architecture, you want to get out and explore the surrounding nature, or you want to do a little of both, Monschau is the perfect place for you to visit!

Monschau is located in the Aachen district of Germany. The journey from Frankfurt will take you about 4 hours to drive, or a roughly 5-hour train ride depending on the transfers. It is going to take a little bit longer if you are starting in Munich. The drive should be around 6 hours, and taking the train will take you around 7 hours. It is also going to be a rather long trip from Berlin, as the drive should be about 6.5 hours, and the train ride should be roughly 7 hours. However, this small town is nestled up against the Belgium border, making it very easy to get to if you are in Belgium. 

What To Do In Monschau

Finding things to do in Monschau will not be difficult. One of the things that this German town is well known for is its beautiful architecture. One piece of architecture that you should see while in Monschau is Rotes Haus (translated to Red House). This house once belonged to a wealthy textile-industrialist family but is now a museum which visitors are able to explore. The red brick that covers the exterior of this house makes it stand out from the traditional half-timbered buildings in Monshcau, but the real splendor is the luxurious pieces that decorate the interior.

Whether you want to spend your time in Monschau shopping or not, there is one store that deserves a visit. Senfmühle Monschau is a 120-year-old family-run mustard mill that is known for creating 19 different types of mustard. While there you can also try jams, chutneys, liquors, and even mustard chocolates. This is certainly going to be a unique stop while exploring small towns in Germany!

A visit to Monschau would not be complete without exploring the Altstadt (old town). Made up of charming timber-framed houses with flower boxes in the windows, cute tucked away shops, and delicious cafes, this old town looks like it belongs in your favorite fairytale. Spending the day here is a wonderful way to relax and enjoy the offerings of Monschau.

Monschau is also a great location for attempting some of the Eifel region’s 240 km of hiking trails. There are trails for every level of hiker, and some of the sites that you can expect to see are volcanic crater lakes, forests, and moorlands. These trails are an amazing way to explore the area surrounding Monschau, and they will give you a different experience of the town.

Where To Stay In Monschau

There are so many great places to stay in while in Monschau! An affordable option is Haus Stehlings. Not only s great for your wallet, but it offers views of the old town, which is only a quick walk away. This is the perfect place for exploring the town. Located only 5 minutes away from the old town is Michel & Friends Hotel Monschau, which is a nice place to stay, especially if you are looking for accommodations with a pool and sauna. The hotel has a restaurant and is also surrounded by hiking and biking trails.

Wernigerode

Wernigerode, also commonly referred to as the pearl of Harz, is one of the quaintest small towns in Germany. Full of charming steam trains, wonderful architecture, and some stunning greenery, this is a great place to visit! The town boasts a medieval castle that stands on a hill overlooking the surrounding area, and it is positively charming! There are also plenty of opportunities to take a train ride through the mountains. One of these options is taking the train up to the peak of Brocken, the highest mountain of the Harz Mountains. Don’t forget to visit the town hall during your visit to Wernigerode! It is set in the market square, and is absolutely beautiful!

Wernigerode is located in the Harz district of central Germany. If you are traveling to Wernigerode from Frankfurt then you are in for a bit of a long journey. The drive will take you around 4 hours, and if you take the train, then it will be about 5.5 hours. If you are coming from Munich, then get ready for a 5-hour drive or train ride. There is also the option of taking a plane, but you will still need to take a short train ride to get to Wernigerode. It is a shorter journey if you are traveling from Berlin though. It will be around a 2.5-hour drive or a 3.5-hour train ride. Don’t let the travel time discourage you though, as this is one of the top must-see small towns in Germany!

What To Do In Wernigerode

There are so many options for what to do in Wernigerode, so your only problem will be deciding what to cut while visiting this German town! If you want to see some pretty spectacular architecture and history, then you must visit Wernigerode Castle! It is set upon a hill that overlooks Wernigerode, and though it is not one of the most popular castles in Germany, it is a beautiful fairytale castle that will leave you breathless! You can either walk through the enchanting forest to get there, or you can ride on the little train that leaves the city center every 30 minutes. Once there, you can choose to just admire the view, or you can take a guided tour of the castle to see the 40 originally furnished rooms.

One thing that most visitors agree is the highlight of any trip to Wernigerode is taking a train ride to the peak of Brocken, the highest of the Harz Mountains. Even if you don’t go up the mountain, there are over 87 miles of railway that connect towns, both small and large, in the Harz region. 

If you want to visit some of the museums in the area, you will not be disappointed, as there is something for everyone! Museum für Luftfahrt und Technik is an aviation museum that houses almost 45 aircraft and over 1,000 different exhibits. There is also Miniaturenpark Kleiner Harz im Burgerpark Wernigerode, which holds miniature models of Harz mountain landmarks. Then there is Kleinstes Haus which is the smallest house in Wernigerode. It is squished into a 10-foot gap between two normal-sized houses. It was built in 1792 and is only 13 feet tall. The doorway is only 5.6 feet high, so you might have to duck when you go in to visit the museum that is now located here.

Another popular sight in Wernigerode is the town hall, which is also known as Rathaus. It was built in 1420 and is one of the most impressive things to see while touring small towns in Germany. If you are not content just gazing upon the outside, guided tours are available!

Where To Stay In Wernigerode

You are probably going to stay at some pretty amazing hotels while exploring small towns in Germany, and the Hotels at Wernigerode will be some of them! Fürstenhof Wernigerode is a beautiful hotel that is located in a historic building. From the hotel, you will be able to see both Wernigerode Castle and the Mühltal Valley. This is a great base for seeing the town and for hiking or cycling in the Harz Mountains. If you want to be in the city of the town, then you should definitely stay at Ringhotel Weißer Hirsch. It is located across the square from the town hall and is super convenient for touring the town.

Trier

When planning which small towns in Germany to visit, you should definitely consider Trier! Trier is the oldest town in Germany and boasts 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sights. Despite the city’s beauty and history, it’s actually not one of the most popular small towns in Germany, and most people decide to skip it. This is a huge mistake though! The city was actually established by Romans and contains tons of Roman monuments, and it has been termed the ‘Rome of the north”. It also offers a medieval town center that is pretty magnificent. You can also visit the oldest Cathedral in Germany while in Trier. Packed full of history, wonderful architecture, and some spectacular views of the river, Trier definitely deserves a visit!

Located in the Moselle region, which is the southwestern part of Germany, Trier is a wonderful town full of history. As with most other towns in Germany, you can get to Trier by driving, or by public transportation from any of the three main cities in Germany. If you choose to drive, then it should take you about 2 hours to get from Frankfurt to Trier. If you decide to take the train then be prepared for a trip that is roughly 3.5 hours long. The trip will be longer if you are starting in Munich. The drive should take you about 5 hours, or taking the train will take almost 7 hours. Even farther away is Berlin, which will be a 6.5-hour long drive or a 7.5-hour train ride.

What To Do In Trier

Trier has accurately been nicknamed “Rome of the north”, and you will immediately see why when you visit! This town was established around 17 BC and eventually became a Roman metropolis. Trier has the most well-preserved Roman monuments anywhere north of the Alps, so get ready for lots of exploring!

Roman monuments help make up Trier’s eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Some of the most popular of the sites are the Porta Nigra gate, Constantine’s throne room, the imperial bathhouses, and the Roman bridge. Trier is also known for its 13th-century church called the Church of our Lady. This is Germany’s oldest Gothic church.

Even after you have seen all of the Roman monuments and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, you are nowhere near done seeing all of the history that Trier has to offer. Trier’s medieval town center is a site that you have to see to believe! Townhouses of different styles and time periods surround Hauptmarkt, Trier’s largest market square. The square also boasts St. Gangolf’s church, which is a red 15th-century Steipe building.

Where To Stay In Trier

If you are looking to stay in luxury and comfort while in Trier then you should book your accommodation at Hotel Eurener Hof. The rooms have been beautifully designed, and the hotel offers an indoor swimming pool and a spa. A more affordable option in Trier is B&B Hotel Trier. This accommodation is stylish, and the perfect spot for families. It is also conveniently located by many of Trier’s popular sites.

Quedlinburg

When looking for charming small towns in Germany, Quedlinburg should definitely be on your radar. Some of the town’s character comes from the 1,300 half-timbered townhouses that line the town’s cobblestone streets. It is a very unique town, boasting a history unlike other small towns in Germany. The first king of Germany was crowned in Quedlinburg in 919 AD, and this was the first time that Germany had been ruled as a single entity. The town was also ruled by only women for around 800 years. These women lived in a convent for aristocratic women, and one of them would rule as the Abbess. Its history has also made this entire town a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Located in Northen Germany, Quedlinburg is definitely one of the small towns in Germany that you should visit. If you are traveling from Frankfurt to Quedlinburg, then you should be prepared for either a 3-hour drive or a 5-hour train ride. The journey from Munich is going to be a little bit longer. The drive will be roughly 4.5 hours, and if you take the train, it should be around 5 hours. Berlin is going to be the closest of these cities to Quedlinburg, so you will have the shortest travel time. The drive will be around 2 hours, and the train should take about 3 hours.

What To Do In Quedlinburg

There is no shortage of history to explore and learn about while in Quedlinburg. One great site that Quedlinburg has to offer is Marktkirche St. Benedikti (Market Church). It is estimated that was built sometime in the early 13th-century, but it could date back even farther than that. Not only is this church a beautiful piece of architecture, but it houses some extraordinary artwork as well.

A great spot to find some of Quedlinburg’s history is the Burgberg (Castle Mountain), where the Abbess’s Palace and Stiftkirche St. Servatius church are located. Inside the Abbess’s Palace is the Schloss Museum which displays artifacts from the Ice Age and Bronze Age. The St. Servatius church is one of the best-preserved 12th-century buildings in Germany. All of the Abbesses are buried in the crypt underneath the church. The church also houses some incredible artifacts that are referred to as the treasure of Quedlinburg. This treasure has an interesting history after World War II, where it eventually was found in Texas, where it was sent back to Quedlinburg.

The old town in Quedlinburg is something pretty extraordinary. The 1,300 timbered houses have been incredibly well preserved over 8 centuries and make this old town one of the best examples of medieval German towns. It kind of makes you feel like you are walking through a fairy tale.

Even though this town is known for its half-timbered houses, there is one in particular that you should visit. Fachwerkmuseum im Ständerbau is one of the oldest half-timbered houses in the entire country and is definitely the oldest in Quedlinburg. It is assumed that construction of the house started in 1310, and today serves as a museum about the history of half-timbered houses. 

While you are in Quedlinburg, consider taking the Harzer Schmalspurbahnen, which connects Quedlinburg with Wernigerode, Nordhausen, and many other towns. It will also take you up to Brocken’s peak, which is the highest peak of all of the Harz Mountains. This is considered to be one of the most scenic train routes in Germany and is certain to be one of the highlights of your visit.

Where To Stay In Quedlinburg

Hotels in Quedlinburg can be a great opportunity to experience the history and beauty of this German town. Hotel Domschatz is a family-run hotel that is housed in an over 200-year-old timber-framed house. The location is awesome, and each guest receives a HATIX that allows free use of the town’s buses. If you want to up the wow-factor, consider staying at Schlosshotel Markgrafen, where you can sleep in a romantic castle. As if that isn’t enough, it is also conveniently located and offers a sauna and solarium.

Lindau

Located at the stunning landscapes at the border between Germany and Switzerland, Linday is one of the most fairytale-like small towns in Germany. It boasts the beautiful blue lake, Lake Bodensee, and the soaring heights of the Alps, as well as a charming town full of cobblestone passageways. The entire town is picturesque and gives you the opportunity to see some amazing natural sights, as well as some pretty spectacular architectural sights. You will find no shortage of ways to spend your time while in one of the prettiest small towns in Germany.

Lindau, set on the edge of Lake Constance (or Bodensee), is located in Bavaria, Germany. Getting to Lindau from Frankfurt is rather simple, but it might take you a while. It is around a 4-hour drive, but you also have the option of taking the train or flying. Taking the train will probably take you about 5 hours. The flight from Frankfurt to Friedrichshafen is only about 50 minutes, so this will be your quickest option if traveling from Frankfurt. It will also likely be the most expensive option though. If you are coming from Munich, then you will be in for a shorter journey. The drive is around 2 hours, and taking the train will take you about 2.5 hours. Traveling from Berlin is definitely going to be one of the longer trips on this list of small towns in Germany. The drive will probably take around 7 hours, and the train will also take about 7 hours. The flight between the two cities is around 3 hours.

What To Do In Lindau

While in Lindau, you need to see the town’s lighthouse. Unlike other popular lighthouses in Germany, Lindau’s lighthouse is relatively new. Construction of the lighthouse finished only in 1856. It is a beautiful site to see.

If you are looking for picturesque small towns in Germany, than Lindau’s historic town center will be the selling point of this beautiful town. Here you can walk down narrow cobblestone streets and admire the medieval merchant houses that are vividly colored. The most beautiful of these houses is considered to be Haus zum Cavazzen. This house now holds many exhibits of glass and art and is definitely worth a visit while in Lindau.

The town is not the only thing that you can explore in Lindau though. Don’t forget to adventure to Lake Constance where you can take a ferry and see some pretty spectacular views. From the lake, you will be able to see Lindau, but also the snow-topped mountains in Switzerland.

Where To Stay In Lindau

Lindau has plenty of beautiful hotels, both affordable and luxurious. Hotel Adara is a charming boutique hotel that is conveniently located. It is the perfect spot for exploring the surrounding town, and for easy access to the lake. Another option for where to stay is Hotel Seerose. This hotel is family-run and is a more affordable option. It is only a two-minute walk away from Lindau’s port and the city center, and it is also very close to the train station.

Würzburg

When searching for charming small towns in Germany, Würzburg should definitely be on your list! It is surrounded by one of Germany’s largest wine-producing areas and is a great place to start a tour of the Romantic Road. Sound familiar? Another town in Bavaria, Rothenburg, is also on this list of German towns. Touring the Romantic Road is a great way to see some small towns in Germany. This town is also known for its two palaces located across the river from each other, one of which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With wine, history, and some spectacular views, a trip to Würzburg will be anything but boring!

Frankfurt will be the closest to Würzburg of these three cities in Germany, with the drive only being around 40 minutes. If you are taking public transportation, then the mix of taking the bus and train should take just over an hour. The short travel time makes Würzburg a great day trip from Frankfurt! Even the trip from Munich isn’t too long, with the drive lasting roughly 2.5 hours and the train ride being around 2 hours. The drive from Berlin is definitely longer, as it should take around 4.5 hours. The train ride should be about 4 hours. Still, it is very manageable to travel from any of these cities to Würzburg.

What To Do In Würzburg

There is so much to do in Würzburg, that it is impossible to put it all in this list, but these are some of the best and most popular sites in Würzburg.

Let’s start with Würzburg Residence, which is one of Würzburg’s most popular attractions, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built during the 18th-century, Würzburg Residence is still considered to be one of Europe’s greatest Baroque palaces. When you climb the grand staircase of the palace you will be met with the largest fresco in the world. Painted by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, this fresco symbolizes the continents. The palace also holds the Martin von Wagner Museum, which boasts a collection of over 5,000 ancient Greek vases, one of the largest collections in the country.

Across the river, is Würzburg’s second palace. Marienburg Fortress stands high above the river, where it has been since the beginning of its history in the 13th-century. When you tour the palace you will be able to see period-appropriate furniture that will give you a sense of what life looked like when the Prince-Bishops resided there.

Though these two are Würzburg’s more famous palaces, there is still another one. Located just northwest of the town, Schloss Veitshöchheim was the summer residence of Prince-Bishops, and later on Kings of Bavaria. The palace is open for guided tours from April – October, so if you wish to explore the interior of the palace, you have only a window of opportunity.  What this palace is most known for though, is the Rococo Garden which holds over 300 sculptures.

If you would like to spend some time exploring museums than make sure to visit Museum für Franken. This museum is made up of 45 rooms filled with exhibits of archaeology, painting, sculpture and applied art. These rooms house some spectacular works of art. 

One of Würzburg’s most unique pieces of architecture is  Marienkapelle. This large Gothic chapel was built in the 14th-century and is distinguishable from the red statues that decorated the exterior.

Where To Stay In Würzburg

Würzburg offers many different accommodations for you to choose from while visiting, though most of them are going to be more expensive compared to other small towns in Germany that are on this list. Hotel Walfisch is a great hotel to stay at if you are looking for a place that is convenient. Located on the bank of the river, the hotel offers views of Marienberg fortress and the surrounding vineyards.

Dinkelsbühl

If you are on the hunt for some small towns in Germany that are still mostly undiscovered, then consider visiting Dinkelsbühl! Dinkelsbühl is another stop along the Romantic Road, but unlike the others, it is much less crowded. This is a great place to experience the charm of the Rothenburg without all of the crowds. It also has a fascinating history, being a town that accepted both Protestants and Catholics during the Reformation and most of the architecture in this town is from the 25th-26th century. This is the perfect German town to get lost exploring because there are so many hidden treasures. Plus, the wall surrounding the town makes it pretty easy to find your way again! 

Like the rest of the towns along the Romantic Road, Dinkelsbühl is located in Bavaria. If you are traveling to Dinkelsbühl from Frankfurt, then it should be either a 1-hour drive or a 3-hour train and bus ride. Public transportation takes so much longer because of the number of transfers, so although it is possible to get there by public transportation, this might be a journey that you want to drive. Getting to Dinkelsbühl from Munich is also very easy. It will either take 2 hours by driving or 4 hours by public transportation. The trip from Berlin is definitely longer, and would not work as well for a day trip. The drive is roughly 5 hours, and taking public transportation should take you around 6 hours.

What To Do In Dinkelsbühl

For those looking for the best churches in small towns in Germany, Dinkelsbühl offers a pretty beautiful one. St.-Georgs-Kirche, a Baroque church, was finished in the mid-15th-century. For only €1.50, you can climb to the top of the tower and view the town from above. If you would rather keep your feet planted firmly on the ground, then you can gaze upon the six different alters that are located in the church.

This town seems to love its towers, as besides the tower at St.-Georgs-Kirche, there are two other towers. One is Rothenberger Tor which has been standing at the north of this town for over 600 years. It once controlled what was a bustling highway in medieval times. The next tower is Segringer Tor and is in the southwest of the town. Its architecture is very different from other structures in Dinkelsbühl, and it is located in a less touristy section of town.

One of the best places to explore in Dinkelsbühl is Weinmarket. Buildings from the 1600s surround the square that is the setting of many festivals and celebrations. It also boasts many restaurants and cafes that will draw you in with their delicious scents.

Where To Stay In Dinkelsbühl

One of the great places to stay in Dinkelsbühl is Altstadtmittehotel. The wooden beams in the rooms really add some charm to this hotel, and it is a convenient location in the town. Another great hotel in Dinkelsbühl is Hezelhof Hotel, which is housed in a renovated 17th-century patrician’s house. This hotel offers stylish rooms and a secluded courtyard. It is also in the center of the old town, making it the perfect place to get out and explore.

Packing Tips For Your Trip To Germany:

Here are some of our favorite items that you should consider packing for your trip to Germany! These are essential travel items that we use and love and you should make sure to consider for your travels. 

A concealed travel pouch may be one of the most important items you bring with you! This unisex RFID blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors. It has lots of organization to give you peace of mind. You can keep your most valuable documents safe and secure next to your body.

If you have a pouch already you may not want to or need to invest in a new one. If it does not come with the RFID protection, these RFID sleeves would be handy to prevent identity theft. This configuration comes with enough passport and credit card sleeves that the entire family would be protected. They are slim too, so they will easily fit into your current pouch or wallet. These are the kind our family uses not only when traveling but at home as well.

If you have a camera on your packing list, you need to add additional memory cards on your list as well. Unless you are packing a computer for your trip, you will not be able to upload photos and clear your existing memory card. Purchasing additional memory cards cost under $20 and take up no space in your luggage. Having a backup can have the potential to save you a lot of heartaches if something goes awry! There is nothing worse than coming across that perfect moment and then finding out you don’t have enough space to capture it on your camera!

Similarly, If you are planning to capture your trip on a smartphone, we beg you to bring some way to back up your memories. The best way to do this is with a portable smartphone flash drive. A flash drive is a small storage device that you can connect up to your smartphone and then safely and easily download the photos onto this device. 

If you are planning on taking a lot of pictures with your phone you will definitely want to consider an external charging battery. This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one we carry with us on all of my trips. It can be used on a variety of phones, not just an iPhone like we have. And wow is it fast! We like that it holds its charging capabilities for several uses so we do not have to worry about it while out and about. And if we forget to recharge it at night, it will still be good to go the next day.

My mom was never a fan of packing cubes until she tried them out! Now she am sold. These Bagail packing cubes are the exact ones she use whenever she travels and she travels a lot. She cannot believe how much more organized she is now! And she will never leave without them anymore.

We never leave home on a trip without our Bobble filtration bottle. The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for travel and it will fit nicely in the pocket of a backpack or your purse. Also when filled with water, it is not too heavy to carry. And the Bobble carbon filter ensures fresh clean water whenever and wherever you fill the Bobble. You can find filter replacements here. 

Perhaps you are traveling a long distance and packing space is a premium. Then this set of collapsible silicone foldable water bottles would work well for you. Would not take up much space in your suitcase at all. And you will be receiving a set of two.

You will want to bring a backpack or daypack with you to store snacks, your water bottle, phone, extra clothes, etc.. This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great. It is very affordable and is available in many color options for you to choose from. The fact that it folds down into a zippered pouch will make it easy to pack.

Perhaps you need a more substantial backpack for your international travel. This antitheft backpack has a charging port, is water-resistant and can comfortably carry up to a 15.6″ laptop. It comes in a range of colors to choose from and it is inexpensive as well. 

We all need to protect our eyes from the sun’s harmful UVA/UVB rays. These unisex polarized sunglasses come in a lot of lens colors and frame designs and are extremely affordable too.

If you are fond of the aviator-style of sunglasses these polarized aviators may interest you. We like polarized sunglasses because they remove the glare off the water and help you to see things more clearly. 

Don’t forget to bring along a universal power adapter if you are traveling abroad. This worldwide power plug is a great example and will charge your phone at the end of your busy days. And this world traveler adapter kit can charge several devices at the same time. This is what you will need when there are several people traveling in your group, or if you bring several electronic devices on your trip that require charging at the same time.

With half-timbered houses, enchanting architecture, and some stunning views, small towns in Germany are definitely worth a visit! There are so many options of areas to explore and sites to see, that even narrowing it down 10 of the best small towns in Germany is difficult. Here they are though, so hopefully, this list will help you decide where you want to go while exploring German towns. Do you have any small towns in Germany that you believe should be on this list?