The Most Picturesque Half-Timbered Towns in Germany

November 14, 2016 by California Globetrotter 85 Comments

Let’s be honest. When you think about Germany, everyone pictures Germans wearing Lederhosen, drinking beer and eating bratwurst, magnificent fairy tale castles perched high above the towns people and beautiful landscapes. While this is partially true, there is certainly much much more to this wonderful country.

There are three types of dwellings most Germans reside in: Big cities like Berlin, Munich or Frankfurt. Villages out in the countryside with endless fields of crops. And then there’s half-timbered storybook towns that we imagine all of Germany must look like.

Unfortunately, these are a dying breed and only make up a small fraction of Germany. There are dozens of amazing small towns, especially along the Deutsche Fachwerkstraße –  “German Half – Timbered Houses Route”, leading from the river Elbe in northern Germany to Lake Constance in the south. Along this route, 98 towns have united to protect these historic half-timbered towns!

Here are some of the most hidden, half – timbered towns throughout Germany, some not on the Half-Timbered route, all worth a visit if you’re looking to truly learn about the history and architecture of this amazing country. If you make it to the end of this post, you’ll find an interactive map showing the towns!

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State: Bavaria

Rothenburg ob der Tauber

One of the most well-known and beloved of all the towns is undoubtedly the amazing town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber for its plethora of half – timbered houses surrounded by its Medieval walls, one of three left in Bavaria. Located along the “Romantic Road”, there are endless lanes of cobbled-stoned allies and colorful buildings, offering an endless opportunity for picture perfect snaps! See for yourself!

Nördlingen

Not far from Rothenburg is the small town of Nördlingen, which is surprisingly built entirely inside of a massive crater, that was created some 14 million years ago when a meteorite struck the Earth, but it wasn’t until 1960 that two American scientists discovered that the town was in fact built inside of a crater! Today, it’s called the Nördlinger-Ries, or the Ries Crater. But while walking around inside the town, you can’t tell that the town was built inside of a crater. For that, you would need an aerial view. But you certainly don’t need an aerial view to walk around and admire all of the beautiful half-timbered houses in this town as well as walking along the Medieval walls which still surround the city, the second of three left in Bavaria.

Dinkelsbühl

Dinkelsbühl is located in Central Franconia and is definitely worth a visit. Luckily, the entire town escaped the Second World War completely unscathed, which means that it remains just as beautiful today as it did in the Medieval Ages. Although, the town claims it is “the most beautiful town in Germany”, which we feel is definitely ONE of the most beautiful, but far from being the MOST beautiful. The town is also the last of the three medieval-walled towns left in Bavaria!

State: Baden – Württemburg

Esslingen am Neckar

Probably one of Germany’s best kept secrets. Esslingen is located about 20 minutes outside of Stuttgart and is one of the few towns in Germany to survive the destruction of the war without any damage. Here, you’ll find Germany’s oldest lane of half – timbered houses as well as over 200 half – timbered houses throughout the entire town encompassed by steep hills full of lush grapevines.

State: Baden – Württemburg

Blaubeuren

Another hidden town off the beaten track from many tourists, and even from Germans is this small half – timbered town of Blaubeuren. Not only does the town lay along the German Half – Timbered Houses Route, but there is also the hidden gem of the Blautopf –  the iconic spring with crystal blue waters and an amazing wood framed house.

State: North-Rhine Westphalia

Monschau

Monschau is probably my favorite of of all the half – timbered towns we have visited is this small, almost forgotten town with over 300 historic wood framed houses virtually unchanged over the last 300 years. Located just 20 minutes away from Aachen, near the border to Belgium, this adorable little town was by far the most picturesque town yet, rivaling Rothenburg ob der Tauber for the title.

State: Rhineland – Palantine

Bacharach

What could possibly be better than half – timbered houses and wine? Bacharach! Located along the Rhine River, this picturesque town is surrounded by steep rolling hills of grapevines, topped with a castle turned youth hostel. How could a town possibly be any more delectable?

State: Hesse

Rüdesheim am Rhine

Not far from Bacharach, further down along the Rhine River, Rüdesheim am Rhine is an adorable town which offers the most picturesque alley in all of Germany. Drosselgasse is lined with several half – timbered houses, wine taverns and cafes to stop and sip on freshly produced Federweißer wine. Also found in the town is the old aristocratic residence of Brömser Hof.

While there are certainly a plethora of half – timbered houses throughout Germany, they are far and in between. Some take a little bit of extra effort to get to than others but they are well worth the visit, especially if you’re looking for an authentic and historic atmosphere of a time long gone.

Should you not be able to make it to any of these towns, there are plenty of other large cities which offer a few half – timbered houses, some of which had to be rebuilt to their original beauty after the war.

Other towns with half-timbered houses:

Nuremberg, Bavaria

While a huge portion of Nuremberg was destroyed during WWII, there is just but one picture perfect alley, reconstructed to its former glory – Weißgerbergasse. There are a few other tidbits of half – timbered houses in Nuremberg, including the Kaiserburg Castle.

Bamberg, Bavaria

Easily one of the most overlooked towns in Bavaria when compared to Rothenburg ob der Tauber and other amazing towns in Bavaria. But, Bamberg offers plenty of half – timbered houses to get you excited, including a Rathaus (City Hall) regally straddling the bridge over the Regnitzarm River. Plus it helps that the town is famous for it’s Smoked Beer.

Frankfurt am Main, Hesse

The most picturesque portion of Frankfurt is undoubtedly the row of houses commonly known as Ostzeile which date back to between the 15-18th centuries in the main square. The houses were practically completely destroyed during the war, but have been rebuilt to their former glory making for one of the most picturesque squares in Frankfurt.

Wondering where all of these towns are located in relation to one another?

If you’re incredibly motivated to visit all of these in one big go, then I congratulate you. While Germany is easy to drive to get from East to West, it will still take some time. However, if you can hit up a few places because they’re not far apart, then I highly recommend combining a few towns.

Here’s how I would combine multiple towns into one itinerary.

Bavaria

Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Dinkelsbühl

Nuremberg

Bamberg

Baden – Württemburg

Esslingen am Neckar

Blaubeuren

Rhineland – Palantine & Hesse

Frankfurt am Main

Rüdesheim am Rhine

Bacharach

and if you’re motivated or near Belgium squeeze in Monschau

If you’re interested in visiting Germany and are looking for more information, I highly recommend using the DK Eyewitness Travel Guide or the Lonely Plant Travel Guide! Without these guides, I would be lost! These are my travel Bibles!

 

 

 

 

 

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one and make a purchase, I might make a little extra spending money, at no extra cost to you. As always, all opinions are my own and these products/services have been found useful during our travels and come highly recommended to you from yours truly!

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