Germany's Prettiest Small Towns Most Tourists Never Visit

Germany has a particular genius for the small medieval town — half-timbered buildings, cobblestone market squares, ancient town walls, and church spires that have stood for 800 years. The most famous of these, Rothenburg ob der Tauber on the Romantic Road, is beautiful but extremely well-visited. There are others that are just as magical and see a fraction of the tourist traffic.

Quedlinburg in Saxony-Anhalt is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 1,300 half-timbered buildings — more than almost anywhere in Germany — and relatively few international visitors. Cochem on the Moselle River has a spectacular castle, steep vineyard slopes, and a gentle riverside atmosphere. Dinkelsbühl is arguably more beautiful than Rothenburg and far quieter.

This guide covers seven small German towns that reward the effort of getting off the main tourist circuit, with practical information about how to reach each one and the best things to do when you arrive.

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