I have only been to Germany once, but I fell absolutely in love. There are so many small, hidden towns in Germany that are so incredibly beautiful, they look like they belong in a Disney Fairy-Tale book.
Some of the towns below are quite possibly the inspiration of the Brothers Grimm’s fairy tales, which include Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, and Sleeping Beauty. They will all give you the fairy-tale vibes with a lot of colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, and alluring alleyways.
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Heidelberg
I spent a couple of hours in Heidelberg, as it was on the way to Munich, and I wish I could have spent more time. This town is simply stunning! Its famous for its-14th Century University. Walking down these Cobblestone streets will take you back in time.
Heidelberg also has a fantastic castle that offers a great view of the town. During the summer months, there are fireworks over the castle that illuminate the entire town
Tubingen
Tubingen is considered one of Germany’s most photogenic cities. Although it has a small town center, this adorable town has a lot to offer including a stunning castle! Spend some time exploring the medieval university or sit and read at one of the many outdoor cafes.
Weltkulturerbe Quedlinburg
Weltkulturerbe Quedlinburg (or better known as simply Quedlinburg) is a small town in northern Germany. The town is best known for its distinct medieval streets lined with half-timbered houses. This has been a prosperous trading town since the Middle Ages and as you walk around you feel as you’ve gone back in time.
Quedlinburg is a perfect example of how medieval villages developed, originally a castle village and then spreading out to other settlements.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Rothenburg is likely Germany’s best-preserved walled town. During the Middle Ages, when Berlin and Munich were just specks, Rothenburg was the second-largest city in Germany.
Climb the Town Hall Tower to enjoy the best view of the city. Or perhaps, walk the wall that surrounds the town. The wall is 1.5 miles and, if walking at sunrise or sunset, offers a unique (almost glowing!) view of the town as if you’ve traveled back in time.
Also, Rothenburg is known to be one of the best shopping destinations in Germany. You can find many unique pieces from prints to wine glasses here.
Nuremberg
Nuremberg has been around from the early Roman Empires and has lived through many world-events.
The Old Town is still surrounded by walls and has the Kasierburg castle on the northern side looming over it. The Kasierburg castle is an absolute must-see, as it carried real power during the Holy Roman Empire.
Check out St. Sebaldus or St. Lorenz, both of which are 13th Century churches with Romanesque and early Gothic architecture.
Luneburg
A medieval old town with red Brick Gothic–style buildings in Northern Germany. To get the best view of the red-brick buildings, head to Am Sande, a slightly wobbly street and a square filled with personality. The eastern side of the square has the famous St. Johanniskirche, a 14-th Century church that all architecture lovers will love.
Goslar
Located in Germany’s Harz mountains, this small town is best known for its old town and half-timbered houses.
Goslar was a wealthy town for centuries and was even at the center of the Holy Roman Empire, thanks to mineral mining. The town’s wealth peaked in the 16th Century and a lot of the lovely homes you can see now were constructed in the era of abundance. The entire town looks like it’s built for a romantic movie.
Be sure to check out the Imperial Palace of Goslar, where the Holy Roman Emperors had their throne.
Bernkastel-Kues
Bernkastel-Kues is a popular wine-growing center in Germany with a remarkable Marketplace, Mittelalterlicher Marktplatz.
Spend the day tasting wine and looking at the colorful half-timbered buildings filled with flowers. Between the fountains and the buildings, you’ll feel like your walking through the market Belle was singing through.
Want More? Check Out These 10 Scottish Castles That Are Straight Out Of A Fairytale As Well
