The 3 Most Charming Towns in Germany (That You’ve Never Heard of)

You’ve heard of Berlin, with its grand old buildings contrasted with cutting-edge art and architecture. You probably have heard of Cologne with its spectacular Gothic cathedral, and maybe even the castle-strewn Rhine Valley.

But there are scores of charming towns off Germany’s beaten tourist path that are more than worth a visit. Some of my favorites are scattered throughout the Harz Mountains; with quaint half-timbered houses and medieval cobblestone streets, these historic towns seem like they were transported straight out of a German fairytale! 

Here are my top three “under the radar” German towns that simply ooze charm:

1. Goslar

I was lucky enough to live in Goslar during a business internship, and the delightful half-timbered homes and cobblestone streets definitely stole my heart. Nestled on the edge of the Harz Mountains, the town was spared bombing during WWII, so the medieval architecture has remained remarkably intact. Don’t miss the mining figures swirling around 4 times a day in the Glockenspiel of the old town treasury building or the fountain in the market square—a fixture since 1230! Keep an eye out, too, for the impolite “Dukatenmännchen,” a tiny sculpture adorning the corner of the Town Hall that features a man, um, defecating gold coins.

Once you’ve strolled the quaint town streets, be sure to check out the Imperial Palace (Kaiserpfalz), which dates back to the year 1025 in the days of the Holy Roman Empire. Another Roman artifact not to miss: the nearby lead, copper, and silver mines that have provided the town with wealth for centuries (in fact, the old town shares its UNESCO World Heritage designation with the Rammelsberg mine). A creaking mine train takes you deep into the mountain–-or you can grab a mining lamp and enter the underground world of 12th century medieval mining on foot.  Then, take a ride up the inclined elevator for an unparalleled view over the mining landscape!

2. Quedlinburg

Another UNESCO World Heritage gem of the Harz Mountains, Quedlinburg boasts over 1,300 half-timbered homes—including one of the oldest in Germany, dating back nearly 1,100 years! While Goslar and Quedlinburg share a similar medieval charm, I was captivated by Quedlinburg’s Romanesque Abbesses’ Palace and the Collegiate Church of St. Servatius, which overlook the town from a perch high upon a hill. Quedlinburg is compact and perfect for strolling; as you wander the cobblestone streets, you’ll enjoy colorful half-timbered architecture, with some homes covered in ivy and window boxes overflowing with flowers.

3. Wernigerode

Wernigerode, the last of my favorite, under-the-radar charming Harz towns, also boasts an abundance of half-timbered architecture. Take in the resplendent—and very orange—town hall, adorned with its dark gothic spires. Wander down the long, pedestrian-only Breite Strasse to discover more of Wernigerode’s 14th-century architectural wonders, such as the Krummelsches House. Then, ascend Schlossberg Hill to explore the majestic Wernigerode Castle, offering panoramic views of the town below. On clear days, you might even catch a glimpse of the Brocken, the highest peak in the Harz Mountains.

Want to make a trip to visit multiple Harz Mountain towns that look like they came straight out of a storybook? Then hop aboard the vintage steam train that connects many of the towns; the train stops in Wernigerode, and the station is just a five-minute stroll from the center of town!

Ready to start planning your very own fairytale trip through Germany? I would love to help design your effortless European adventure! Sign up for a complimentary consultation call with me to get started.