Germany remains such an underrated travel destination in Europe, and we’re here to change that. Between the vast natural beauty of the country and all the Hunger Games filming locations there’s so much to see and do! But today we’re focusing on the cutest German towns which are not only historic but also steeped in fairytale vibes. Seriously, keep your wits about you or else you’ll be totally and utterly charmed by this country and never want to leave!
1. Dinkelsbühl
Located in southern Germany, Dinkelsbühl is an adorable historic town filled with colourful houses (this will become a theme) and plenty of beautiful landmarks. You can discover it with Contiki on our European Discovery while you’re on your way to Munich from the Rhine Valley.
Explore the medieval town by visiting the Gothic Church of St. George and its impressive Romanesque tower, the castle of the Teutonic Order (because no German town is complete without a castle), and the Deutsche Haus – a 14th century mansion which will compel you with its Renaissance beauty.
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2. Bonn
Straddling the Rhine river, Bonn is famous as the birthplace for Beethoven which attracts many tourists each year. You can visit the composer’s house-turned-museum which honors his life and legacy. But more than that, Bonn is one of the cutest German towns and located right by the city of Cologne.
With plenty of museums to occupy your time, you can spend a few happy days in Bonn. A trip in spring is especially enchanting as Bonn is also known for ‘Blossom Street’ which is lined in pink cherry blossom trees.
3. Quedlinburg
Quedlinburg is pure fairytale. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is filled with pastel and half-timber houses, cobblestone streets, café terraces, and a castle high up above it all. It’s one of the best preserved towns and it feels like stepping into the cosy days of old.
The City Hall is draped in ivy and blossoming flowers, the Old Town is colourful and quaint, and the castle gardens are gorgeous. If you’re curious about Germany’s iconic architecture, you can visit the Timberframe Museum, or you can visit the Cathedral which is glorious in ivory and gold. The Christmas Markets here are also adorable!
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4. Cochem
Located right along the banks of the Moselle river, Cochem is truly magical. There are rolling forested hills all around, and a castle atop a hill right in the center. It feels like a town out of a fantasy world, and on autumn days when the mist blankets it all, Cochem gains a mystical air.
You can visit the medieval Reichsburg Cochem castle as well as the vineyards all around. This region of Germany is famous for its production of Riesling grapes, producing crisp white wines. You can also take a gondola ride up the river to soak in the incredible views.
5. Lübeck
Lübeck was a prosperous trading centre in Northern Germany, and many of the old merchant houses and storage buildings are intact to this day! This is hands down one of the cutest German towns and it’s another UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to all the medieval architecture. The famous red-brick gate of Holstentor is one of the biggest attractions and it’s surrounded by verdant parks with other verdigris spires jutting over the tree-line. What makes Lübeck even more special is that it’s surrounded by water!
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6. Marburg
History and art lovers will enjoy Marburg as it is home to Landgrafenschloss, a hilltop castle which exhibits sacred art collections and offers learnings on regional history. Beyond that, Marburg is filled with half-timbered houses of all colours and partly located on a river bank. Moreover, Marburg is the university town of Hesse, and it is here that the Brothers Grimm studied and drew inspiration for some tales. In fact, many homages have been raised around town like a sculpture of the Frog King reading a book and another of Cinderella’s slippers at the base of the castle.
7. Bamberg
With all the bridges and stepped gable houses, you may think you’re in Belgium’s famous Bruges, making Bamberg a perfect hidden gem option! Located in the northern parts of Bavaria, this town is often called the Franconian Rome and it even resembles Venice as well with the winding canals and arched bridges – plenty of enticing similarities so far!
Bamberg is filled with architecture that has been preserved since the 11th century. Some areas of note are Altes Rathaus which is located on a small island, and the Neue Residenz with painted ceilings and rococo architecture and decor.
Image source:Contiki
8. Putgarten
Fun fact, Germany has islands! One of which is Rügen, the biggest island in the country, and here you can find lots of adorable little villages. Putgarten is one such village on the very north of the island and it’s made up of adorable colourful cottages with thatched roofs and many cobblestone streets to traipse down. With cliffs nearby, you’ll be treated to Baltic seaside air and you can watch the tall hollyhocks dance in the breeze.
9. Lübbenau
Not only one of the cutest German towns but also a serene nature escape, Lübbenau is located in the Upper Spree Forest area of Germany and is connected by rivers and canals and lush green spaces. Hands down one of the most beautiful places in Germany, you can float down the canals under the shade of trees and enjoy some local breweries in the sun. You’ll find peace and quiet here and perhaps a new favourite holiday destination.
Image source:Pratik Agrawal / unsplash
10. Augsburg
One of the oldest towns in Germany, Augsburg is bright and yellow and beautiful! It’s in Bavaria, located on Germany’s Romantic Road – which already sounds pretty promising – and the architecture is sure to stun. Between the onion-domed town hall, the 11th-century St. Mary’s cathedral, and the rococo interiors of Schaezlerpalais which may remind you of Versailles, beautiful doesn’t begin to describe it.
Fuggerei – a housing complex comprised of turmeric-colored buildings which glow in the sun – is beautiful to walk around as are the Botanical gardens and many museums.
