Germany is more than just Oktoberfest and Berlin. Off the beaten path, you’ll come across Roman ruins, medieval villages, and Baroque city centers. It’s difficult to know where to start, so we’ve chosen the most beautiful towns in the country for you. Take your time, and don’t forget to bring your camera.
Heidelberg
Heidelberg sets the standard for charm. The city, which is located directly on the Neckar River, has been inhabited for many centuries. Heidelberg was a significant European metropolis by the late Middle Ages and had a significant impact on the Reformation. Due to its modest size and remote location, it was spared Allied bombing during World War II; as a result, the city you see when you arrive is what evolved naturally over the years. Just two must-see features are the baroque city center and the castle.
Schwerin
The state of Mecklenburg’s capital, Vorpommern’s Schwerin, is a historic city totally encircled by lakes. The architecture simply serves to enhance the stunning landscape. The parliament is located at Schwerin Castle, an opulent stronghold with its own island. The Old Town, which sustained very little damage during WWII, is another attraction of the city. The State Museum features a fantastic collection of artworks and artifacts that culture enthusiasts won’t want to miss.
Leipzig
The Leipzig skyline is a stunning illustration of how beautiful it can be when old and modern come together. Leipzig has consistently maintained its position at the forefront of growth while preserving local heritage. It was formerly a significant station on trade routes in the Holy Roman Empire and is today a significant economic hub. Despite the fact that it was severely damaged during the war, many of the monuments and structures were either reconstructed or kept. Therefore, features like the historic town plaza and several churches with different architectural styles are still visible.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Fairytales are based on the town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. As you stroll through the old city’s winding lanes, full of wonderfully maintained medieval structures, you’ll find yourself transported into the world of the Brothers Grimm. Filmmakers have found it particularly alluring because of its distinctive appearance; you may recognize the town from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Parts 1 and 2 (2010). (2011).
Nuremberg
The first thing that came to mind was, I assume, the Nuremberg Trials. A wounded post-World War II Germany was formed by the trials of Nazi war criminals, but this city is more than that. Nuremberg is the ideal destination for history aficionados of all sorts because a sizable number of medieval structures still stand there.
Trier
Germany’s oldest city is Trier. Augustus, the Roman emperor, erected it more than 2,000 years ago, and the Church regarded it highly during the Middle Ages. The assemblage of medieval and Roman structures, including the Cathedral of St. Peter and the Church of Our Lady, is largely responsible for its inclusion on the Unesco World Heritage List. Trier is situated in the heart of the Moselle wine region as if all of that weren’t enough.
