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The 10 most beautiful towns in Germany

Looking for a nice destination for a city break in Germany? While Berlin is well known, there are so many more beautiful cities in Germany you can discover. The authentic atmosphere, culture and friendliness are best experienced during a visit to one of the German villages. Beautiful sights can be found not only in the large, famous cities but also in the small and historic towns. Each place has its unique story to tell. Get to know historic buildings, cozy shopping streets, typical German delicacies and much more. Read all about Germany's 10 most beautiful cities and towns in this article.

Leipzig

Leipzig, one of Germany's fastest-growing cities, sees its population increase by at least 10,000 people annually. Attracting students and Berliners seeking more affordable living, Leipzig has evolved and is becoming Germany's hottest city.



Once described as "little Berlin," this title understates Leipzig's unique character. With its entrepreneurial spirit, musical heritage, and numerous art nouveau buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Leipzig is something you want to experience.

Quedlinburg

Visiting Quedlinburg, a town just north of the Harz Mountains in Germany's Saxony-Anhalt region, is like stepping back in time. Its narrow streets are paved with cobblestones, and the town features more than 1,300 half-timbered houses, almost all original. This is unique in Germany, where many medieval houses were changed beyond recognition during World War I and after World War II.



The largely car-free center makes Quedlinburg nice to walk around. Contrary to what you might expect, the town isn't very touristy. It has several restaurants and funny stores with a high kitsch level. Most of the houses are still ordinary homes.


Bonn

Former German capital Bonn remains relatively unknown despite its historical significance. Situated near Cologne, it offers a unique experience on its own.



Home to almost half of Germany's civil servants, the city developed around a Roman fort. Bonn's 18th-century Baroque architecture, numerous museums, and connection to composer Ludwig von Beethoven, notably through the pink Beethoven Haus in downtown Bonn, are key highlights.

Freiburg

Officially Freiburg im Breisgau, this city in southwestern Germany is perfect for a long weekend getaway. Known as the Black Forest's capital, Freiburg is in Baden-Württemberg, near the Black Forest, Swiss, and French borders. Its sunny climate benefits local wine cultivation.



The esteemed University of Freiburg also contributes to the city's vibrant atmosphere.

Bremen

Bremen, an ancient German commercial city, may not match the modernity of Berlin or Hamburg, but it excels in its picturesque, cozy Hanseatic charm.



The city is suitable for a quick visit or a weekend stay. It is home to three UNESCO sites including the Rathaus, Markplatz, and Roland Statue, offers various attractions and is easily accessible.

Trier

Trier, near Luxembourg and the Moselle vineyards, is Germany's oldest city. With an old center, shopping streets, numerous cafes, bars, and restaurants, it's a sweet destination.



The best-preserved and largest Roman gate in Europe, the Porta Nigra, is a key attraction. Other sights worth visiting are the Cathedral, amphitheater, and imperial thermal baths. At the end of the day, enjoy a terrace on the Mosel or the Hauptmarkt. Don't miss the beautiful store of the porcelain factory Villeroy & Boch.

Miltenberg

The Churfranken region in northwestern Bavaria, not very well known to the larger public, has nice small towns and beautiful nature. Churfranken consists of 25 small towns and villages along the Main River, with Miltenberg being one of them. This town is known as the "Pearl on the Main" and stands out with its beautiful architecture and nature. The most photographed spot is the Marktplatz, with an old fountain, beautiful half-timbered houses, and the parish church of St. Jakobus.

Picture by: wikipedia

Key sites include the Schwarzviertel and the Staffelbrunsbrunnen statue. The best view of Miltenberg is from the Mildenburg, a castle that has been the city's symbol since the 12th century.


Flensburg

A vacation in Flensburg is the perfect opportunity for a break from everyday life.  Flensburg is located south of the Danish-German border and offers you the opportunity for a family vacation or wellness stay, a weekend getaway or a short trip.  The city lies on the Flensburg Fjord, which contributes to the city's very special charm. 



The city's history is characterized by its German-Danish past. You therefore have many opportunities to get to know this special cultural life.

Monschau

The small medieval town is picturesquely nestled between the mountain slopes of the High Fens-Eifel Nature Park. Restored half-timbered houses are lined up in the network of alleyways in Monschau's old town, creating a cinematic backdrop. The so-called Red House, the former ancestral home of the Scheibler textile dynasty, and the Monschau mustard mill are particularly worth seeing.



Once you are here, you should take some time to enjoy the surrounding nature, which can be experienced wonderfully on one of the signposted hiking trails or by bike. Both the Vennbahn cycle path and the Rurufer cycle path lead through Monschau's old town


Beilstein

Often called “the Sleeping Beauty of the Moselle,” Beilstein is a picturesque village with an authentic atmosphere. Close to Cochem in less than 15 minutes, Beilstein is also easily reachable from Rhineland-Palatinate. Driving along the Mosel and seeing all the vines is a treat, but various towns along the Mosel, including Beilstein, are worth a stop.



Beilstein, the romantic town on the Moselle, is compact, and you might drive right past it. But don't, because the picturesque center is worth a visit. It has has been the setting for several historical films, often shot around the market square and the famous staircase entrance to Burg Metternich.

This article was last updated on January 11, 2024.