Whether you're backpacking through Berlin or downing steins at the Oktoberfest, Germany has its fair share of vibrant cities with their exciting activities to enjoy. However, what about the lesser known beauty spots? The hamlets dotted around the Alps, or the colourful façades adorning the streets of medieval towns? If you've never ventured off the beaten track, fear not, because our team of well-travelled experts has and these are what we believe are the prettiest small towns and villages in the country.
Our ranking is, of course, subjective, but read on to see what we regard as the winner...
A very charming riverside town, situated in the Lüchow-Dannenberg district in the Lüneburg Heath region of North Germany. Hitzacker is a place where nature combines with history to play a delightful, harmonious symphony. This is a place to come and find solace, and activities are of the outdoorsy type – hiking, fishing, and historic rambles to name the most popular. The archaeological museum, showcasing life from the Bronze Age over 4,000 years ago, is worth a trip. Every summer, there are various festivals to enjoy, including the impressive Japanese lantern festival.
A small piece of Germany surrounded entirely by Switzerland? Indeed, this beautiful small town of 1,500 people is both an enclave and an exclave; territory surrounded by or separated from the main entity. We won't get into the politics but rather recommend the 'Exclave Trail' – an 11 stop route with stations that both educate and arouse the curiosity surrounding this unusual case.
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In southern Germany, this lively hub is a typical example of a central European town: medieval routes with subsequent development yet retaining its strong traditions. Built on even hills, each with its own highlights, Bamberg really is a modern-meets-medieval fusion. And it works. Tourists flock to 'Little Venice' and also the bustling shopping district before, of course, sampling the most important thing when visiting Germany, the beer. Here, the famous 'smoked' variety seems to be the way forward.
This is a place with both a mainland and an island. On the shores of the amazing Lake Constance, at the meeting point of the German, Swiss, and Austrian borders, lies the popular harbour town of Lindau. The old town on the island protrudes its charms of yesteryear and is marked with Lindau's most iconic landmarks, the lighthouse and the lion. There's plenty to do here: cruises with stunning views of the Alps, multiple museums, and as you'd expect of a waterside town, plenty of outdoor cafés and restaurants.
In Rüdesheim, situated on the north bank of the Rhine, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Cuisine, relaxation, nature, thrill-seeking – you'll definitely want to include this gem on your cultural itinerary. Then there's the grapes, and there's nothing like a vineyard that fuses together both the cultured and playful sides of our psyche. In this wonderful wine-making town, you can embrace this by learning, tasting, and then even taking a cable car over the grape-graced fields afterwards. In the town itself, amongst every nook and cranny, there's a quaint restaurant or timber-framed tavern in which to enjoy the culinary delights. For the more adventurous, there is even a theme park and a hiking trail with a toboggan run.
With serene views over the Baltic, Ahrenshoop is certainly off the beaten path when it comes to fathoming out any Germanic excursions. This isn't necessarily about the sights, although the coastline produces some sparkling views. In the town centre, with only just over 700 inhabitants, there are many local treats and hand-made delicacies to enjoy. Also, once you take a stroll over the dunes down to the sea, you'll understand why this place once became a settlement for many artists.
Black Forest gateux, waterfalls and cuckoo clocks – these are the three main reasons people come to this village in the heart of the Central Black Forest. All of the 'to-do' activities can be ticked off within a day, so this is very much a destination for day-trippers. The waterfall overlooking Triberg is one of Germany's highest, rising to 534 feet (163m).
If nature and outdoor adventures are your thing, then this village should be high on your wish list. Located in the Black Forest, on the Kinzig River, Schiltach offers a feeling of life from yesteryear. With its lush vegetation and timber houses lining the streets, it is one of the more enchanting villages one might come across. As well as the outdoor activities – rafting, hiking and pleasant river strolls – there are even four museums.
When you think of German villages the first things that spring to mind will probably not be wind-swept cliffs, lighthouses and the Baltic coast. The small village of Putgarten is located on the northern tip of the island of Rügen and offers arguably the most beautiful beaches in all of Germany. Activities are as you'd expect from such a place – kayaking, hiking, cycling or simply enjoying the expansive, idyllic panoramic views.
A north German gem, and one with UNESCO World Heritage status to boot, Quedlinburg takes its origins as a castle village with separate settlements, and is the perfect example of medieval development. A high proportion of timber-framed buildings adorn the streets, making it the quintessential medieval European town. For the art enthusiasts, there is a wide range of galleries and exhibitions all year round.
Marktbreit is a romantic Bavarian town with its memorials, market, museums and Malerwinkel (famous old trading house). Not forgetting the village walls with their protruding towers – walking these is a quaint and quirky way to while away an afternoon. Marktbreit is perhaps most famous as being the birthplace of Alois Alzheimer, who first discovered the disease.
Nestled high in the Eifel Mountains, the small and serene village of Nürburg is a must for motorsport enthusiasts. Indeed, racing and Formula One in particular put this town on the map. Enjoy the mountainous geography, the stunning old castle, many restaurants and old German culture, and while it is true that life revolves around the racetrack, it is worth coming here to enjoy the wilderness.
Set on the shores of Lake Constance, in view of the Alps and surrounded by vineyards, Meersburg is worth a couple of days of your itinerary. Comprised of two towns, the upper and lower sections can be accessed by stairs or the steep street. There is plenty to do in the area, the inevitable castle visits (old and new), and if you're into medieval trinkets and souvenir swords, there are many shopping opportunities. Make sure to take a cruise around the lake, essential to any visit to these shores.
This is a remarkably unique town, by virtue of the fact the houses all have the same design. In the small centre, the cluster of identical white wooden timber-framed houses is an incredible spectacle, especially during the winter. Close to the Dutch border on the north Rhine, Freudenberg is a pretty popular destination. There are ample eateries, and we recommend a little walk up to the Kurpark, the town's main vantage point.
An attractive town to the south of Munich, Bad Tölz is the gateway to the Alps. It has two distinct sections. There's the old town to the east of the Isar River and the newer section to the west, which has become a hotspot for spas and leisure facilities. Much of the town can be seen in an afternoon and often serves as a portal to the higher lake towns of the Tegernsee.
Like many German towns, Monschau retains its charms of the past and has been well preserved. Located in the Eifel region and only one mile (2km) from the Belgian border, Monschau is dedicated to tourism. There are many culinary treats from the region, and as this place is famous for mustard, expect dishes to be inspired by the yellow stuff. Monschau is abundant in nature and is also on the route of one of the longest cycle paths in Europe, the Vennbahn Radweg – a 77-mile (125km) ride on unused railway tracks.
On the Romantic Road, at the junction of the Main and Tauber rivers, sits Wertheim. This endearing town also forms the centre of what is known as the 'Route of Delights' – a six-section haven in and around the area for lovers of sweets and treats, fine wines and liquors, and skilled craftsmanship for shoes and such like. Yes, of course there is a castle, and the once-mighty fortress here dominates the skyline. As you would expect of a recreational town enveloped by lush forests, there are hiking trails and cycle routes to enjoy.
Around 30 miles (48km) from Munich, overlooking the fabulous emerald green waters of Lake Tegernsee, sits the small town of Rottach-Egern. In fact, this beautiful settlement is made up of numerous smaller villages and hamlets. Towering 5,650 feet (1,722m) above is the impressive Mount Wallberg. If you're adventurous enough to climb (it's not too strenuous), then you might also want to check out the mountain's toboggan run, which is one of the longest in Germany. Or you could cheat, take the cable car, enjoy the panorama, and still come down for a top-notch Bavarian beer.
A town of around 2,000 inhabitants, Bacharach is nestled in the upper middle Rhine Valley. Its name comes from 'Bacchus', meaning 'God of wine', which is very apt as the hills around here are alive with the sound of Riesling. Yes, you can taste it too (a speciality in these parts), and a traipse through the vineyards up to the tower also offers the best views of this gorgeous town.
Although one of the larger towns on the list, we decided to include this renowned university town for its charm, its variety of culture and its entertainment. The castle and the old bridge are the more romantic settings and are among the country's most impressive man-made landmarks. In fact, the castle houses the world's largest wine barrel, capable of holding 221,726 litres. With fountains, boutiques, churches, old-style student bars, and Germany's oldest university, it's easy to see why scholars flock to study here in their droves.
A town on the Elbe River in East Germany, Meissen is the place to visit if you want a quiet getaway. Located quite near Dresden, Meissen is on the Saxon Wine Route, actually one of Germany's smallest wine regions. What this place is really famous for however is the ceramics, so if you're potty about porcelain, then a visit to the many museums and the main factory itself will give your excursion a different slant. What German town is complete without a castle? The one built here, the Albrechtsburg, is Germany's first residential one.
With its multicoloured town centre, Dinkelsbühl, another stop on Germany's Romantic Road, is one of the most aesthetically striking places on our list. Indeed, it wouldn't look out of place on the front of an advent calendar. With the meandering streets lined with flower-boxed houses and quaint cafés, a wander around here will provide the ambience of a typical 15th- to 17th-century German town. An amble over to the old town shouldn't be missed either, with the magnificent St George's Minster a major highlight.
While you'll most certainly want to marvel at many of Germany's beautiful castles, the ruins can be equally as magnificent. In Sankt Goar, a town of around 3,000 residents on the west banks of the Middle Rhine, lies Rheinfels Castle. This set of extensive 13th-century ruins has a tower, a giant cellar and even a museum to explore. Considered one of the best places to access the Rhine Valley, a visit to Sankt Goar's sister town on the other side of the river is also highly recommended.
Another charming, Bavarian fairytale village, yet what Ettal lacks in restaurants and hotels, it more than makes up for with beauty. Situated high in the Bavarian hills, this adorable little hideaway boasts an exquisite basilica, the Ettal Monastery. Here you can marvel at the impressive interior and then even sample homemade brews and liquids, made locally by the monks.
A two-for-one deal in a German ski resort. Not literally money-wise, but when the two towns of Garmisch and Partenkirchen combined in 1935, they created a mecca for winter sports. Located in Bavaria, in the vicinity of Zugspitze, Germany's highest mountain at 9,718 feet (2,962m), this twin town caters to nature lovers, snow enthusiasts and visitors who simply want amazing scenery.
This town has a long history of crafting instruments, notably violins. Mittenwald, on the Austrian border, is as picture-postcard worthy as any other town in the region, and one might feel like they're walking through the set of an old musical. A couple of miles away (3.2km), but very accessible, is the Leutaschklamm, one of the steepest gorges in the Alps. While rambles, hikes and even skiing will entice the more adventurous, a visit to Mittenwald needn't be any more complicated than sauntering around on its pretty cobbled streets.
Surrounded by the imposing peaks, this place is perhaps most famous for King Ludwig ll's Neuschwanstein Castle, an architectural masterpiece. While this spectacular castle is one of the most popular sites in all of Germany, and a visit here is imperative, there's more to life here than elegant buildings and stunning scenery. This lovely little village is known for its health spas, excellent air quality and, as it's at the foot of the Alps, outdoor activities such as hiking.
In Germany's Franconian heartland stands one of its most beautiful treasures, the medieval town of Rothenburg. The well-preserved walled town, with its charming architecture, cobbled streets and winding alleys, make it seem like the place has come straight from the pages of a fairytale. It is very easy to navigate too; you can walk from one end to the other in a matter of minutes. If you're wondering about the best time to come, it's got to be the festive season. If there's one thing the Germans do better than others, apart from football penalty shootouts and castles, it is Christmas markets, and the annual bazaar in Rothenburg perhaps tops the lot.