12 Fairytale Villages & Small Towns In Germany

I just love the small towns in Germany.   They are all unique with incredible histories and stunning architecture. 

My favorites include Cochem, Monschau, Wernigerode and Trier but there are so many more. From the German countryside towns to the beautiful small cities in Germany I have included them all.

So grab a drink get comfy and let me guide you through some small German villages that I feel you must visit.

12 Fairytale Villages & Small Towns In Germany

Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber

I think that Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber is one of the most beautiful places in Germany.

Rothenburg is known for the wall that surrounds the town and it is considered to be Germany’s best-preserved walled town. I found this medieval city simply charming.  

Located in Bavaria and is very easy to get to from some popular cities in Germany. The closest big city is Frankfurt, which is around a 2.5-hour bus ride from Rothenburg and 50 minutes in car.

Things I love to do here are climb to the top of the Town Hall tower for great views and walk along the walls. There are also some strange museums here like the Medieval Crime and Punishment Museum and German Christmas Museum. I also love St. Jakob’s Church, the wood carvings here are very impressive. 

This is one of the  small towns in Germany to visit as there is so much to do and it’s easy to get to. 

Where To Stay In Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber

If you are looking for a convenient, affordable, and charming hotel to stay in during your time in Rothenburg, consider staying at Hotel Reichs-Küchenmeister. It is located in the medieval town center, making it easy to explore this beautiful German town. 

Burghotel is a great choice! The hotel has been built along the wall surrounding the city, and the rooms are uniquely and lavishly decorated. It is also very convenient and is only a five-minute walk from the center of the city.

Cochem

I’m not sure cute German towns come more beautiful than Cochem. This seriously has all the fairytale vibes you could possibly wish for. 

The town is overlook by a medieval castle which sits dramatically on top of a rock. The town itself rests on the slope of the Moselle Valley and is located next to a winding river. It couldn’t get more picturesque if it tried. 

Cochem is located in the district of Cochem-Zell. If you want to get to Cochem from Frankfurt, you can either drive, which will take you around 3 hours, or take the train which will take about 5 hours. 

My favorite thing to do here is of coarse visit the castle known as Reichsburg Cochem. There is a great 40 minute tour where you get to see most of what this 12th century gem has to offer. 

Cochem’s old town is also a wonderful place to explore. Part of the 14th-century wall that still remains, as well as some of the gates that used to be the entrances to this town.

If you are visiting Cochem from mid-March to November take the Cochem Sesselbahn, a gondola chairlift from the lower station in Endert Valley to the Pinnerkreuz lookout point. The views are incredible. 

I also highly recommend a river cruise I absolutely loved it. 

Where To Stay In Cochem

If you are looking for a more budget-friendly option, you should definitely consider Hotel Villa Vinum Cochem! It is right by the river, and the old town is only a five-minute walk away!

Rottach-Egern

This is one of the quaint towns in Germany for those that love the great outdoors. At the edge of Lake Tegernsee it is known for the hiking trails and scenery. 

While I’m not particularly an outdoor person I’m told the mountain biking is also great here. What I do love about Rottach-Egern is it’s closeness to  some other of the best small German towns such as Tegernsee, Bad Wiessee and Kreuth. 

Rottach-Egern is located in the upper part of Bavaria, and it is a little more out of the way than some of the other towns on this list. It is about a 3 hour drive fro  Franfurt or you can get a train to Tegernsee and then a ferry. 

If hiking, skiing of biking isn’t your thing take the cable car to the top of Wallberg Mountain, the views of spectacular. There is also a chapel to explore while there. 

Rottach-Egern also has the largest freshwater aquariums in Bavaria, It holds 20 different local species and about 60,000 liters of water.

Where To Stay In Rottach-Egern

If you are wanting to stay in luxury while in Rottach-Egern, than consider booking your accommodation at Althoff Seehotel Überfahrt. 

A more affordable option is Seehotel Waltershof. This is a beautiful hotel, which also offers some pretty amazing views. Each of the rooms at this hotel offer a balcony with a garden view.

Monschau

Every small towns in Germany list should have the picturesque town of Monschau on it.  In the Eifel region of Germany and offers amazing cultural and natural experiences. 

It is known for its romantic streets, timbered houses, and the medieval walls. It also sits on the river which makes it extra special. 

The journey from Frankfurt will take you about 4 hours to drive, or a roughly 5-hour train ride depending on the transfers. This small town is nestled up against the Belgium border, making it very easy to get to if you are in Belgium. 

While here I recommend you go visit Rotes Haus (translated to Red House). This house once belonged to a wealthy textile-industrialist family but is now a museum which visitors are able to explore. I also found  Senfmühle Monschau 120-year-old family-run mustard mill fascinating. 

Rhe Altstadt or old town is what most come here for and it’s so charming. Timber-framed houses with flower boxes in the windows, cute tucked away shops, and delicious cafes, a totally dream. 

This location is also well known for its  240 km of hiking trails so make sure to bring comfortable shoes. 

Where To Stay In Monschau

An affordable option is Haus Stehlings. Not only is it great for your wallet, but it offers views of the old town, Located only 5 minutes away from the old town is Michel & Friends Hotel Monschau, which is a nice place to stay, especially if you are looking for accommodations with a pool and sauna.

Wernigerode

Wernigerode is one of my favorite small towns in Germany to visit. It is referred to as the pearl of Harz and it is a gem. 

It’s another one of the cute German towns dominated by a castle looking down on it. And you all know how much I love German castles and this one is worth a visit. 

The architecture here is wonderful and the addition of steam trains makes it even more idyllic. A train ride through the mountains is a must. I so recommend a visit to the town hall and square.  The aviation and miniature museum are on my must see list too. 

Located in the Harz district of central Germany this town is closer to Berlin around a 2.5 hour drive or a 3.5 hour train ride.   

Where To Stay In Wernigerode

Fürstenhof Wernigerode is a beautiful hotel that is located in a historic building. From the hotel, you will be able to see both Wernigerode Castle and the Mühltal Valley. 

 If you want to be in the center of the town, then stay at Ringhotel Weißer Hirsch. It is located across the square from the town hall.

Trier

Trier is the oldest town in Germany and boasts 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sights. However it is one of the  best small German towns for me because it isn’t that popular. I love the quieter places.

Skipping here is a huge mistake. The city contains  tons of Roman monuments, and it has been termed the ‘Rome of the north”. It also offers a medieval town center and has the the oldest Cathedral in Germany. 

Located in the Moselle region, which is the southwestern part of Germany, Trier is a wonderful town full of history. It’s about a 2 hour drive from Frankfurt and a 3.5 train ride. 

Where To Stay In Trier

If you are looking to stay in luxury and comfort while in Trier then you should book your accommodation at Hotel Eurener Hof. A more affordable option in Trier is B&B Hotel Trier. This accommodation is stylish, and the perfect spot for families.

Quedlinburg

This is one of the quaint villages in Germany that is awash with half-timbered townhouses in fact there are 1,300 f the,.Fachwerkmuseum im Ständerbau is one of the oldest half-timbered houses

The first king of Germany was crowned in Quedlinburg in 919 AD, and the town was also ruled by only women for around 800 years. Its history has also made this entire town a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Some of my things to see here include the Marktkirche St. Benedikti (Market Church), the Burgberg (Castle Mountain), where the Abbess’s Palace and Stiftkirche St. Servatius church are located and of coarse the old town.  

If you can I strongly advise taking the Harzer Schmalspurbahnen, which connects Quedlinburg with Wernigerode, Nordhausen. It is considered to be one of the most scenic train routes in Germany. 

Quedlinburg is closest to Berlin with the drive been about 2 hours and the train about 3 hours journey. 

Where To Stay In Quedlinburg

 Hotel Domschatz is a family-run hotel that is housed in an over 200-year-old timber-framed house. If you want to up the wow-factor, consider staying at Schlosshotel Markgrafen, where you can sleep in a romantic castle.

Lindau

Lindau is one of the small villages in Germany that is at the border between Germany and Switzerland. I would go as far as to say it’s one of the most beautiful places in Germany. 

It boasts the beautiful blue lake, the soaring heights of the Alps, as well as a charming town full of cobblestone passageways. 

Things I recommend here include a trip to Lindau’s lighthouse, exploring the historic town center and make sure you visit Haus zum Cavazzen. This house holds many glass and art exhibits.

Lindau is located in Bavaria about a 2 hours drive from Munich.  

Where To Stay In Lindau

Hotel Adara is a charming boutique hotel that is conveniently located. Another option for where to stay is Hotel Seerose. This hotel is family-run and is a more affordable option.

Würzburg

This is one of the small towns in Germany to visit if you love wine. Würzburg is surrounded by one of Germany’s largest wine-producing areas and is a great place to start a tour of the Romantic Road.

This town is also known for its two palaces located across the river from each other, one of which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the large Gothic chapel. 

It is one of the beautiful small cities in Germany that is easy to get to just a 40 minute drive from Frankfurt. 

While here I recommend you visit the Würzburg Residence, one of Europe’s greatest Baroque palaces. The inside here took my breath away on several occasions.  Marienburg Fortress across the river isn’t as grand but I loved the tour and found it interesting. 

Just northwest of the town you will also fin Schloss Veitshöchheim which was the summer residence of the Prince-Bishops and Kings. The Rococo Garden here was my favorite with over 300 statues and sculptures I adored it. 

I also suggest you checking out Museum für Franken. This museum is made up of 45 rooms filled with exhibits of archaeology, painting, sculpture and applied art. 

Where To Stay In Würzburg

Hotel Walfisch is a great hotel to stay at if you are looking for a place that is convenient. Located on the bank of the river, the hotel offers views of Marienberg fortress and the surrounding vineyards.

Dinkelsbühl

Dinkelsbühl is one of the small villages in Germany that feels like a bit of a hidden gem.  If you want to experience experience the charm of the Rothenburg without all of the crowds this is the place for you. 

It also has a fascinating history, being a town that accepted both Protestants and Catholics during the Reformation. It also remained intact during wars and many of the buildings and its 10th century walls still exist intact. 

I loved it here as the pace was much more my vibe I can find crowded places over stimulating but here I felt calm. Things I loved doing include St.-Georgs-Kirche, a Baroque church, visiting the many towers or Tors in the village and the Weinmarket where old buildings surround a square which is buzzing with so much to do.  

The town is about an hours drive form Frankfurt

Where To Stay In Dinkelsbühl

One of the great places to stay in Dinkelsbühl is Altstadtmittehotel. It is charming and convenient. 

Another great hotel in Dinkelsbühl is Hezelhof Hotel, which is housed in a renovated 17th-century patrician’s house. 

Görlitz

Of all the quaint villages in Germany, you will most likely recognize this one. It is somewhat of a Hollywood star appearing in The Reader, Inglourious Basterds, The Grand Budapest Hotel, and more.

I found the Gothic, Art Nouveau style of this place stunning and the streets are very walkable which I love. 

This is one of the  small towns in Germany that is a little out on a limb which makes it perfect for some and not for others. It the most easterly town in Germany just across the river from Poland. 

Here you will find 13th century churches, a 16th century town hall and lots of other historical monuments. While here I really wanted to so on a self guided film tour but I just didn’t have the time, if you can do this. 

I did however visit St. Peter and Paul’s Church which contains an incredible organ. And I loved walking around the historic old town its beautiful. 

The easiest way to get here is from Dresden which will take just over an hour to drive and there is a train that stops about 10 minutes walk from the old town. 

Where To Stay in Görlitz

Parkhotel Görlitz is located next to the city park and the bordering river Neisse, a 5-minute walk from the historic town of Görlitz.

Hotel Italia is set in a historic house from the Renaissance period and centrally located.

Füssen

Just north of the Austrian border Fussen is another stop on the Romatic Road Journey. This place has my heart it’s all pastel colored and is close to the amazing Neuschwanstein Castle. 

Framed by the alps as well as been picture perfect I found there was so much to do here. 

Minus a visit to the Neuschwanstein Castle walking around the old town is stunning. There is also the  Hohenschwangau Castle which you must visit. I mean what is better than one castle, has to be two right? 

I also recommend going to the Violin And Lute Museum I found it fascinating to learn about the towns musical history. The hiking and mountain biking are also great around this location. 

If you are looking to travel a bit further Linderhof Palace is easy to drive to and well worth a visit. 

The town is about an hour from Munich and there are some trains that do direct.

This town should be on your small towns in Germany list

Where To Stay in Füssen

Hotel Ludwigs is right in the town center and The castles of Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau are a 5-minute drive away from Hotel Sonne.

I just adore all of these small German villages and I know you will love them too. Whichever one you visit you are in for a treat 

From the German countryside towns to the beautiful small cities in Germany they all have something to offer that is unique and captivating. 

Please let me know which of these you vissit and what you do there I’d love to know.