Germany’s Underrated Towns, Attractions, Historical Treasures You Need To Visit
Germany is best known for its castles, its Oktoberfest, and its big cities such as Berlin and München. Yet, beneath some of these famous landmarks, lies a wealth of lesser-known towns and hidden gems which are often missed. They are historic and rich in history, landscape beauty, and a cultural legacy, giving travelers the real and true feel of the places they visit.
There are cobblestone streets that tell tales of the past, there are natural wonders that implore exploration, and there’s something for the culturally curious or adventurous in Germany’s less traveled spots. It’s not about avoiding the crowds but finding places where history, nature, and culture thrive. Check out this guide for some of the country’s best-kept secrets.
Quedlinburg
Quedlinburg is like stepping into a medieval storybook. This UNESCO World Heritage town in Saxony-Anhalt is full of half-timber houses, some dating back to the 14th century. There are winding alleys and serene courtyards which have remained unchanged. In the center of Quedlinburg stands the castle and collegiate church of St Servatius and its treasures from the Ottonian period. On the Harz Mountains, visitors can soak in panoramic views of the town’s quaint charm.
Regensburg
A huge confluence of Roman history and Bavarian culture, Regensburg sits perched along the Danube River in Bavaria. Its 12th-century Stone Bridge is a fine example of medieval engineering. Regensburg’s historic Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, houses more than 1,000 historic buildings such as the breathtaking St. Peter’s Cathedral. Today the Historic Wurstkuchl, a sausage kitchen over 500 years old, offers travelers a meal.
Lüneburg
The prosperity of Lüneburg, in Lower Saxony, was built on the “white gold” it once mined—salt. It is easy to see the town’s wealth in its grand Gothic churches and ornate brick buildings. During late summer, the Lüneburg Heath, a sprawling natural reserve nearby, blooms into a sea of purple, creating a postcard-perfect scene. Make sure to visit the German Salt Museum to learn about the industry that formed the history of this cute little town.
Bamberg
Another UNESCO World Heritage site, Bamberg, is a city built on seven hills, all topped by a church. Medieval and baroque architecture has survived centuries remarkably intact. The Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) is situated on a bridge over the Regnitz River and one can imagine a view here rivaling that of Venice. Beer lovers will also find a haven in Bamberg, as local breweries are creating smoked beer, a specialty you won’t find anywhere else.
The Wadden Sea
The Wadden Sea is a natural wonder located along Germany’s northern coast and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the world’s largest tidal flats, it is home to a unique ecosystem teeming with wildlife. Visitors are given the opportunity to explore this fascinating environment by guided mudflat walks at low tide. Birdwatching is also a hot point here, with migratory species coming to an impressive show while in the area all year round.
Görlitz
Görlitz has long been known as one of Europe’s best-preserved towns, tucked away on the German-Polish border. The city, famed for its historic buildings in Gothic, Renaissance, and Art Nouveau styles and the backdrop for films like “The Grand Budapest Hotel,” was founded 30 years before the emergence of Switzerland as a nation. Wander its streets to see the architectural gems such as the Görlitz Department Store, or simply walk across the Neisse River into Poland for a two-country adventure in just one afternoon.
Meissen
European porcelain has its birthplace in Meissen near Dresden. Since 1710, the country has been manufacturing intricate ceramics at its Meissen Porcelain Manufactory. The town is also known for its hilltop castle, Albrechtsburg, and its majestic Meissen Cathedral. It is also a beautiful spot for wine lovers, thanks to the vineyards planted all around the surrounding hills, and it enjoys a position over the Elbe River.
Monschau
Monschau is a picture postcard town nestled in the Eifel Mountains, Germany. Cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses hug the Rur River and its waters, harking back to another time. Some of the life of wealthy textile merchants who once prospered here is revealed at the Red House Museum. Foodies can taste local mustard, a regional favorite, and outdoor enthusiasts can walk nearby hiking trails.
Eisenach
Steeped in history, Eisenach is most famously the town of Martin Luther and Johann Sebastian Bach. Wartburg Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which looms over the town is where Luther translated the New Testament into German. Beyond its history, Eisenach is an entry point to the pleasant Thuringian Forest, a great place for nature lovers.
Berchtesgaden
Berchtesgaden is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts surrounded by the Bavarian Alps. Kehlsteinhaus, or Eagle’s Nest, a mountaintop retreat with sweeping views of Germany and Austria, is famous in the town. A stone’s throw away is the perfect Königssee, a glacial lake with emerald green waters and the ideal site for boat tours on its unruffled waters. The Dokumentation Obersalzberg offers history buffs a glimpse into its complex role during the Second World War.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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