8 Fairy-Tale Small Towns In Germany
Home to over 20,000 castles, bewitching forests, well-preserved medieval towns, and magical Christmas markets, Germany naturally exudes a storybook atmosphere. Grab a camera and a desire for curiosity as you roam this wondrous country. Take a river cruise down the legendary Rhine River by Bacharach, head to Füssen for the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle, or simply hike through the alpine scenery in Garmisch-Partenkirchen for an immersive experience in fairytale Germany. Every corner of the country comes alive as a living canvas, filled with adventures for all ages.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Step back in time to medieval Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a well-preserved town that looks straight out of a storybook and beautifully retains its historic character. Arguably one of the most photographed streets in the entire country, Plönlein is a must-see. Famous for good reason, the combination of cobblestone streets, colourful half-timbered houses, and medieval architecture creates an unmistakably postcard-worthy scene. Just a quick 5-minute walk from Plönlein, Burggarten is equally as dreamy. Although only a nearby memorial remains of the former Stauferburg castle, the gardens offer a serene walk lined with flowerbeds. Visitors are rewarded with panoramic views of the town and the surrounding rolling countryside.
One of the ultimate ways to really soak in the fantasy of Rothenburg ob der Tauber is with a Night Watchman Tour. Available in English or German, the hour-long walk is guided by Hans Georg Baumgartner. Wearing traditional night watchman attire, Hans takes the group on an engaging tour, complete with fascinating town history and captivating stories.
Füssen
Romantic and enchanting, Füssen sits in a prime spot at the base of the Bavarian Alps and in proximity to Austria. Many flock to the town for the nearby Neuschwanstein Castle, one of the most famous in the world. Serving as the inspiration for Disney's Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella castles, it is alluring at every angle, especially during golden hour. Take a tour of this fairytale come to life and marvel at the 19th-century furnishings and decor. After, head to the Alpsee, minutes away from Neuschwanstein Castle. Pack a lunch to have an intimate picnic and admire the sparkling waters. The trails by Alpsee are a phenomenal way to get some exercise while basking in Germany’s natural surroundings.
It is not a true trip to Germany without experiencing one of the iconic and world-famous Christmas Markets. Small but mighty, the Füssen Advent Market is a cozy gathering in the courtyard of the St. Mang Monastery. The outdoor gathering is complete with twinkling lights, festive cheer, and crisp alpine air all around. Browse the stalls and shop for hand-carved decorations, and do not forget to have a glass of the beloved glühwein to warm up.
Cochem
Perched along a bend of the Mosel River, with Reichsburg Castle rising above vineyard-covered hills, Cochem is a textbook example of a German fairytale town. One of the finest ways to capture all the sights is with a river cruise. Choose from a variety of options, ranging from simple one-hour boat trips to full-day excursions with castle and wine tours. Visitors wishing to immerse themselves in Cochem’s wine culture can spend some time at Koll & Cie. In operation since 1898, you can (and should!) sample some of the world-renowned Koll Wines in their tasting room. Both inside and out, the winery boasts an old-world charm that fits in nicely with Cochem’s magical atmosphere.
Finish off the night by savoring a meal at Zom Stüffje, dating back to 1642. Here, you can rejuvenate with a traditional German meal in the historic, cozy, and rustic interior. Chat with friends over a nice warm bowl of goulash soup or try the jägerschnitzel, flammkuchen, or bratwurst for an authentic German experience.
Bad Wimpfen
Along the banks of the Neckar River, Bad Wimpfen is a striking and enchanting historic spa town in Germany. The timeless village is idyllic, with a medieval character, gentle hills, and a town square bordered by half-timbered buildings and cobblestone streets. Towering above the town, the Blauer Turm adds a sense of wonder to the town. Although it has undergone restorations over the years, the observation tower was originally built around 1170. The ascent is steep, but the top of the tower provides sweeping views over the Neckar Valley and Bad Wimpfen’s old town.
Next, fill up the camera roll and embark on a journey along some or all of the Neckarsteig Trail. The path takes travelers between Heidelberg and Bad Wimpfen, covering approximately 128 kilometers (80 miles). From lush forests to open meadows and the glimmering waters of the Neckar River, the long-distance hike is a whimsical and ethereal way to discover the Neckar Valley. As an added layer of mystique, visitors can retrace the same footsteps as renowned American writer Mark Twain, who previously explored the Neckar River by raft.
Built in the 15th century, Cornelienkirche feels like a scene from a dreamy tale. While the interior is only open for special events, the surrounding grounds are mesmerizing. With its steeply pitched roof, weathered stone walls, Gothic-style windows, and commanding bell tower, the church provides a fantastic backdrop for photographs.
Meissen
From its cozy perch along the Elbe River, Meissen feels like a living painting with medieval streets, a soaring cathedral, and a majestic castle that gleams above the shimmering water. Take a peek inside Dom zu Meissen, a towering Gothic cathedral, and join a guided tour to uncover the rich history of this captivating landmark and get an exclusive glimpse behind the scenes. For a remarkable holiday extravaganza, come back on December 24th for Christmas in the Cathedral, where you can join Meissen locals for a night of organ music, a cathedral choir, and a bevy of twinkling lights.
The jaw-dropping collection at Porcelain Manufactory Meissen is eye-catching and luxurious. From figurines and fine art to jewelry and tableware, each piece is luminous and steeped in elegance. The high quality is prevalent in each piece, and you can even take home an exquisite and top-dollar souvenir. Taking place on the last weekend of September, the Wine Festival is a massive event that attracts thousands of people each year to wander around approximately 20 venues while sipping on German wines. Come early to the parade and enjoy the live music, featuring a diverse range of genres, including blues, folk, classical, jazz, and rock.
Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a German alpine beauty, surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks, snow-capped ridges, and misty valleys. Brightly painted buildings line the streets, splashing color throughout the fairytale town. Climb the Zugspitze via cable car for a surreal way to take in the lavish surroundings of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. As Germany’s highest mountain, Zugspitze offers otherworldly panoramic views of endless mountains, sweeping valleys, and alpine meadows. For on-the-ground excitement, Ludwigstraße is a true gem. With colourful buildings and vintage character, the picture-perfect street is a spectacular spot for a leisurely walk and a bit of shopping. Grab some energy at Die Kaffee Börse, an inviting cafe with coffee and espresso from a local roaster.
Königshaus am Schachen is a majestic retreat, framed by sweeping mountain vistas and a rich woodland. A marvel to behold, the residence seems plucked from the silver screen. Constructed by King Ludwig II and recently recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Königshaus am Schachen has stood watch over the area since the 19th century and welcomes visitors to marvel at the refined lifestyle of high society from a bygone era.
Bacharach
Like many whimsical German towns, Bacharach is another dreamy region that feels frozen in time. With towering castles overlooking the legendary Rhine River, Bacharach is a bucket-list destination. Originally constructed in 1289, Wernerkapelle stood the test of time and destruction. Today, the ruins stand tall over the town, offering a historically breathtaking view. Equally as mesmerizing, Das Alte Haus is another top-photographed spot in Bacharach. Distinguished by its striking red and white exterior, "The Old House" is a notable example of medieval half-timbered houses.
While the streets and castles are stunning, nothing beats gliding down the river by boat and taking in all the sights. Book a cruise and be spellbound by the Rhine’s timeless beauty. Sit back, relax, and admire Germany’s collection of castles, medieval towers, vineyards, and idyllic villages from a unique vantage point. If you stay a while in Bacharac, you will experience lodging as unique as the town itself. Book a few nights at the world-famous Bacharach Youth Hostel, housed in the 12th-century Burg Stahleck Castle. Marvel at the incredible scenery from on high while being at the heart of the town’s activity. Ideal for families, Bacharach Youth Hostel is equipped with a dining room, a playroom, board games, table tennis, and internet access.
Monschau
Monschau is a dream come true, with its well-preserved Altstadt (Old Town), colorful spring blooms, and rows of half-timbered houses gently hugging the Rur River as it flows through town. Adorable and historic, discover the flavors of history at the Senfmühle, where traditional German specialties have been made for generations. The local beloved mustard is crafted in a mill that has been running for over 100 years. Take home a jar of Old German, apple horseradish, ginger pineapple, tomato, currant, or green pepper mustard for a tasty, one-of-a-kind souvenir.
An underrated gem, the Monschau Christmas Market unfolds in a setting worthy of a Dickens novel. Warm up with hot chocolate and glühwein while shopping for handmade goods and knitted items, all while being surrounded by snowy skies and a castle on the hill. Sandskulpturen Monschau is an imaginative, joyful, and nostalgic experience for kids of all ages. At the world’s largest indoor sand sculpture exhibition, masterfully crafted works bring the Eiffel Tower, Rome’s Colosseum, historical icons, cityscapes, and trains to life in astonishing detail.
Bring Fairytales to Life in Germany
Step into a mystical land in Germany’s small towns, plucked straight from a movie or book. Bring a camera to capture some of the most photographed spots, such as Das Alte Haus in Bacharach and Rothenburg ob der Tauber’s Plönlein. Discover the area’s renowned castles, including Neuschwanstein and Reichsburg, or admire the breathtaking heights of cathedrals such as the Dom zu Meissen. Come back in the wintertime for the world-famous Christmas Markets, and prepare to be stunned as town squares light up with twinkling lights, vendors selling handmade masterpieces, and the scents of gingerbread fill the air. Germany is a fairytale that must be lived to be believed.
