While major cities like Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt and Cologne attract major tourists, Germany boasts some of the most charming medieval towns in Europe. Below is a list of the prettiest German cities that must be on your itinerary.
- Cochem
- Meissen
- Quedlinburg
- Dinkelsbuehl
- Goslar
- Ruedesheim
- Michelstadt
- Miltenberg
- Bamberg
- Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Cochem is a small riverside town famous for its towering, romantic castle dating back to the 11th century. The city offers stunning views from whatever side you look at.
Nearest major city: Cologne
Located just 25 kilometers north of Dresden, the romantic little Meissen is built on the banks of the Elbe River. It is famous for its porcelain, a medieval castle that looks down over the city and the surrounding vineyards.
Nearest major city: Dresden
Could anything be more charming than Quedlinbur? This tiny city is located north of the Harz Mountains, which still resemble medieval times. Quedlinburg fortunately survived the war and is one of the best-preserved medieval Renaissance cities in Germany and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This city has an impressive political history as it was ruled by aristocratic women for 800 years as a semi-independent state. Unusual streets, countless red roofs of wooden houses - a great place to get lost during the day.
Nearest major city: Hannover
Dinkelsbühl is located in Bavaria and is the least popular tourist destination, unlike some of the other German cities on the list. Immaculately preserved, this quaint little town dates back to the 8th century. A survivor of World War II, Dinkelsbühl has retained its authenticity and charm.
Nearest major city: Nuremberg
Goslar is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located in Lower Saxony, which is a popular tourist destination among the Germans themselves. Goslar, founded in 922, is famous for its magnificent gates and old city walls, wooden houses, the medieval Imperial Palace and Romanesque churches.
Nearest major city: Hannover
This rather small town is located in the Rhine gorge and is famous for its winemaking. Like many cities on the list, Ruedesheim am Rhein is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The stunning landscape around the city is reason enough to visit and sample the region's excellent wines.
Nearest major city: Frankfurt
It is one of the most ancient cities in the region, which has preserved impressive medieval structures, including the castle and the historic town hall, which is known throughout the world as the iconic image of Germany.
Nearest major city: Frankfurt
Miltenberg has long claimed to be the most beautiful city in Bavaria. It is famous for its beautiful violins and is called the "Village of a Thousand Violins". This small town boasts one of the most charming architecture in the country. Its market square is featured in many feature films.
Nearest major city: Frankfurt
If you are in Bavaria, you should by no means miss a trip to one of the most beautiful cities in the region. Bamberg's architecture is unmatched and the city is generally regarded as one of the most attractive in Germany. Ten breweries scattered throughout the city make you taste the famous smoked beer.
Nearest major city: Nuremberg
A fabulous, beautiful, small town strongly resembles a fairy tale. Rothenberg ob der Tauber is located in Bavaria, west of Nuremberg, and is considered the best-preserved medieval walled city in Germany. The sight of this charming city will leave you speechless. Narrow towers, imposing winding alleys will add romance to your walk.
Nearest major city: Nuremberg
