Charming European Towns Germany

Burghausen in Upper Bavaria is notable for its enormous hilltop stronghold. The town is located next to the Salzach River, close to the Austrian border. Every spring the town hosts International Jazz Week.

The Old Town stretches along the riverbed beneath the fortress.

Burghausen Castle is situated around one kilometer along a ridge. It is the world’s longest castle complex. Amazing views over the town and river from its walls.

Cochem is situated beside the Moselle River, which frames the hills behind the town as it winds past. The quaint Old Town has small squares and narrow roads lined with timber-framed houses.

The skyline is dominated by Reichsburg Castle. The valley and river can be seen from its walls and towers. There are expansive views of the surrounding vineyards from the top of the castle.

See the impressive Enderttor Gate.

Take a leisurely stroll along the paved promenade along the riverfront.

Franconia is home to Dinkelsbuhl, which is still surrounded by old defensive walls. Former guard locations around the perimeter are indicated by towers and gates. Inside, you can see brightly colored facades or timber-framed houses.

The primary meeting place is the central square where you’ll find the Gothic architecture of St. George’s Minster rising above the square.

Another prominent structure is the elaborate Deutsches Hause. The margins are filled with craft shops and cafes.

The lovely town is located along Germany’s Romantic Road.

Gegenback is situated at the edge of the Black Forest. The quaint streets are lined with cafes, bakeries, craft shops, and beautiful timber-framed houses. Open squares provide a place to sit and observe people.

Visit the Haus Fürstenberg, a renovated merchant house with puppet and design exhibits.

See the Narrenmuseum, housed in the old Niggelturm Tower, for amazing views over the town.

The Kinzig River Trail is waiting to be explored.

Kelheim is located in Bavaria at the confluence of the Danube and the Altmühl Rivers.

Befreiungshalle, a huge circular monument above the town, is the primary landmark. It commemorates German unity efforts and successes over Napoleon. The inside is lined by a row of marble Victory figurines.

Enjoy a stroll along the riverfront.

Visit the Weltenburg Abbey. The Benedictine compound is located next to a tiny river beach and cliffs. It operates one of the world’s oldest monastery breweries. In the garden area you can sample Bavarian cuisine and the black beer.

Mittenwald is situated near the Austrian border in the Bavarian Alps. Due to its lengthy history of producing violins, the town is referred to as “Violin Village." Many of the homes in the center have colorful wall murals depicting religious tales and regional mythology. Between the painted structures are shops and cafes.

Visit the Violin Making Museum with exhibits describing workshop techniques, wood selections, and tools.

Enjoy a view of the surrounding mountains by taking the Karwendel cable car.

For a closer look at the roaring stream, take the metal walkway over the Leutasch Gorge.

Monschau is located close to the Belgian border in the Eifel area. The town is surrounded by forested hills. Narrow cobblestone streets are closely lined with homes.

The Rur River is lined by timber-framed homes on both sides and connected by little bridges.

Discover the town’s weaving history at the Rotes House Museum with Louis XVI, Empire, and Rococo styles on display.

The historic, hilltop stronghold, Monshau Castle, consists of the Upper Castle (Oberburgh) and the Lower Castle (Unterburg). The castle hosts events like the Monshau Festival featuring musical acts on its picturesque grounds.

Located beside the Rhine River, Rudesheim am Rhein is a town whose identity was shaped by its wine culture. Above the river, terraced vineyards ascend the slopes. Riesling grapes are grown here.

Stroll down Drosselgasse, the well-known lane in town lined with wine bars and taverns. The path is lined with floral displays and timber-framed homes.

See the Niederwald Monument above town. It commemorates the unification of Germany following the Franco-Prussian War. It symbolizes the establishment of the German Empire and is situated within the Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can hike up or take the cable car. The platform offers amazing views of rivers and valleys. You can explore the surrounding forest trails and vineyard paths.

Wetheim is located in southwest Germany at the confluence of the Main and Tauber Rivers. The streets are lined with painted facades, and cafes are dispersed across tiny plazas. Due to the numerous outlets and designer shops in the area, the town also draws shoppers.

Above the village, Wertheim Castle has towering remnants and walls.

The Glass Museum explains the science and art of glassmaking.