6 charming towns in central Germany

My favourite smaller spots with castles, cobblestones and character

I grew up in Thüringen (Thuringia), right in the middle of Germany and it’s fair to say I have a soft spot for this part of the country. It’s the Germany I know best even though I spent more than half of my life elsewhere. A land of winding lanes, centuries-old timber-framed houses and castles perched on hills. While most international travellers head straight for Berlin, Munich or the Rhine River Valley, I’m here to put in a word for the smaller charming towns in central Germany that are so often overlooked.

These are places I’ve either known for years or discovered on trips back home. Each one has its own personality and if you’re keen to see a slower, more atmospheric side of Germany, this list is for you.

Erfurt, Thuringia

If you only make it to one place on this list — make it Erfurt. It’s Thuringia’s capital and somehow still feels like a hidden gem. The old town is stunning, with the famous Krämerbrücke — a medieval bridge lined with houses and shops — and the impressive Domplatz with not one but two grand churches looking over it. The mix of Gothic and Baroque architecture, colourful squares and great dining options makes it one of the most charming and underrated towns in Germany.
The main square is lovely any time of year, but if you visit in summer, try to catch the Domplatzfestspiele — an open-air theatre festival with the cathedral as a dramatic backdrop.

Bamberg, Bavaria

A Franconian gem that feels like it belongs in a storybook. Bamberg is built on seven hills with canals winding between the old buildings — hence the nickname Franconian Rome. The Old Town Hall sits perched on a tiny island in the middle of the river (yes, really) and the entire old town is UNESCO-listed. Wander through the lanes and along the river and admire the mix of Baroque and medieval architecture.

Wernigerode, Saxony-Anhalt

Nicknamed the “colourful town in the Harz”, Wernigerode is a delight. The half-timbered houses are painted in every shade and the castle watching over the town gives it a cinematic backdrop. I also loved the Höhlenwohnungen — cliffside cave dwellings — in Langenstein (about 20min drive from Wernigerode) that were inhabited until the 20th century. Unexpected and quietly fascinating.

Mühlhausen, Thuringia

A little more low-key, but no less lovely. Mühlhausen is a place to slow down. It was once a Free Imperial City and played a role in the Reformation, but these days it’s better known for its peaceful vibe, city walls you can still walk, and unpolished charm. Not full of tourists, not trying to be anything it’s not — which is exactly why it’s worth a stop.

Quedlinburg, Saxony-Anhalt

This town has serious fairytale credentials. Quedlinburg is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 1,300 half-timbered buildings, a castle up on the hill, and winding streets that feel like they haven’t changed in centuries. It’s beautiful, no question and worth visiting outside peak season if you can. The entire place oozes history, but in that slightly magical, untouched way that makes you want to just… wander.

Weimar, Thuringia

Weimar was the heart of the German Enlightenment, later home to the Bauhaus movement and associated with literary heavyweights like Goethe and Schiller. There’s so much to see here: grand parks, elegant architecture and a sense of calm that makes you want to linger.

A special mention goes to the Herzogin Anna Amalia Bibliothek — one of the most beautiful libraries I’ve ever stepped foot in. It’s a jewel of Rococo design, all curved shelves, pastel tones and chandelier light. Even if you’re not a book lover, this place is pure magic.

Weimar is a town steeped in history and one that still hums with creativity — definitely one of the most charming towns in central Germany.

Why I keep going back

Germany is full of big-name cities and grand castles, but it’s these charming towns in central Germany that are my favourite. Maybe it’s the sense of place, the lived-in history, their walkability or the fact that none of them are trying too hard to impress. They just are — and that’s what makes them so easy to love.

If you’re ever in the area, take the detour. These are the places you’ll want to come back to.

Love small towns? Continue reading here:
Beyond the big names: 7 smaller European towns I’d go back to in a heartbeat