Culture, history, and natural beauty that redefine your perception of this captivating country.
Content
- Starting Point: The Rugged North
- The Heartland: Madrid and Nature Trails
- The Enchanting South: From Sierra to Sea
- The Island Escape
- FAQ
Lesser-known treasures that reveal a side of Germany you’ve never experienced before.
- Rothenburg ob der Tauber – A Fairytale Town Frozen in Time
- Bamberg – Beer, Beauty, and Baroque
- Erfurt – The capital of Medieval Charm
Germany isn’t just about the big-name cities stealing the limelight. Sure, Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg have their charms, but let’s dive into a realm of adventure beyond the touristy hotspots.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber – A Fairytale Town Frozen in Time
Rothenburg ob der Tauber offers olde world charm with its half-timbered houses on cobbled streets. Surrounded by ancient city walls dating back to the 1200s, the town, despite wartime damage, has been beautifully restored. Its compact size makes it ideal for exploring on foot. You can lose yourself in the labyrinth of streets, imagining scenes from Pinocchio, which is said to have drawn inspiration from this enchanting town.
The Plönlein
Renowned as the most famous and picturesque photo spot in Rothenburg, stands as a landmark in the historic town. At the heart of this iconic location is a yellow timber-frame house, often associated with the term “Plönlein,” translating to a “small square” or a “small square at a fountain.” The ensemble includes not only the tilted, crooked house but also features a fountain in front of it and two towers flanking its sides. The Siebersturm on the left leads to the Spital quarter, while on the right, the tower for the Kobolzeller Tor from 1360 opens towards the Tauber Valley.
Plönlein is a scene straight out of a storybook: two half-timbered houses stand on a narrow cobbled street, their colorful facades adding a bright touch to the quaint setting. The area served as a gateway to the town. Both towers framing Plönlein are impressive examples of medieval architecture with their high walls and narrow windows designed for defense against invaders.
Location: u. Schmiedgasse, 91541 Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Adjacent to the enchanting Plönlein, visitors can savor a delightful breakfast experience at Cafe Einzigartig. This welcoming and friendly cafe, also housing a charming gift shop, is known for its popularity. During peak times, it’s advisable to make reservations to secure a spot. With affordable prices, you can enjoy a scrumptious selection of cakes, bakes, and panini.
Location: Galgengasse 33, 91541 Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Toppler Castle
Nestled below Rothenburg, the Toppler Castle stands as a testament to history, believed to be one of the oldest surviving weekend houses. Constructed in 1388, this water castle served as both a residence and a defensive tower for Heinrich Toppler, the legendary mayor of Rothenburg. Situated in the lush meadowland near the Fox Mill, it was designed as a feasts house or pond house.
Remarkably preserved, the Toppler Castle is a medieval marvel, resembling a tower with intact furniture and furnishings dating from the 16th to the 19th century. Encircled by a garden strategically designed to be flooded for protection, the castle has been in the possession of the Boaz family since 1861. Over the years, the castle has served as a holiday home, offering a unique glimpse into the past.
To reach the Toppler Castle in the Tauber Valley, one can take either the double bridge or the Barbarossa Bridge, embarking on a scenic 30-minute walk from the castle garden. The castle is open to visitors on Fridays through Sundays from 13:00 to 16:00, excluding the month of November when it remains closed.
Location: Taubertalweg 100, 91541 Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
For aficionados of crime novels and dramas, the Medieval Crime Museum in Rothenburg promises a captivating journey through the evolution of the German and European judicial systems. With a rich collection of artifacts on display, this museum offers an exploration of legal history spanning over 1,000 years. Boasting an impressive collection of around 50,000 items, it stands as one of the country’s foremost institutions dedicated to the history of law.
The Medieval Crime Museum invites exploration every day, with opening times from April to 4 November set at 10 am to 6 pm, and from 5 November to March at 1 pm to 4 pm. Entrance fee for adults cost around $10. Delve into the enthralling narratives and artifacts that unravel the complex tapestry of legal history at this unique museum in Rothenburg.
Location: Burggasse 3-5, 91541 Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Bamberg – Beer, Beauty, and Baroque
Bamberg stands as a captivating destination that seamlessly intertwines the essence of beer, beauty, and baroque charm. At the forefront of Bamberg’s allure is its reputation as a beer lover’s haven. A UNESCO World Heritage Site The city boasts a unique beer culture that dates back over a thousand years. With numerous breweries scattered across its cobbled streets, Bamberg is home to some of the finest and most diverse beers in the world.
Beer scene
When it comes to Bamberg’s unique beer scene, Schlenkerla takes center stage. Even if you’re not a die-hard beer enthusiast, this place is a must-visit, like a living museum of pubs. Schlenkerla is famous for its smoked beer, and even if you’re not usually a fan of smoky flavors, you’ve got to give it a try.
Old Town Hall
But Bamberg is not just about beer – it’s also really pretty. The buildings in the old part of town are super old and charming. You’ll see houses with cool wooden frames, old squares made of bumpy stones, and cute bridges. The Old Town Hall is especially interesting because it sits on its own little island in the river, and you get a great view of the city.
What sets the Old Town Hall apart are its captivating frescoes that adorn the facades. These paintings create a mesmerizing three-dimensional effect through trompe l’oeil architecture. Amidst the artistic spectacle, there’s a whimsical detail that never fails to amuse tourists – a cherub’s leg protrudes from the wall as a sculpture, adding a playful touch to the structure. Entrance fees are typically around €5, ensuring a budget-friendly exploration.
Location: Ob. Brücke, 96047 Bamberg, Germany
Little Venice
Situated along the banks of the River Regnitz in Bamberg, Germany, lies “Little Venice,” a charming former fishing settlement dating back to the 17th century. This picturesque area, also known as the Island City, stands out as one of Bamberg’s most endearing neighborhoods.
The tightly packed, cute half-timbered buildings, harkening back to medieval times, have been tenderly preserved throughout the centuries. Strolling through this enchanting quarter, visitors can soak in the historic ambiance and appreciate the timeless beauty of these well-maintained structures that paint a vivid picture of Bamberg’s past.
Location: Am Leinritt 4, 96049 Bamberg, Germany.
Erfurt – The Capital of Medieval Charm
Erfurt, a city in the heart of Germany, captures the hearts of its visitors with a perfect blend of medieval charm and rich historical tapestry. Once mentioned as the “City of Towers,” its skyline showcases 25 churches and 15 abbeys with impressive spires, notably St. Mary’s Cathedral and the Church of St. Severus in a unique Gothic ensemble.
The historical center, adorned with restored timber-framed houses and Renaissance buildings, transports visitors to a bygone era.
Erfurt Cathedral
Erfurt Cathedral, also known as St Mary’s Cathedral, stands as the largest and oldest church in Erfurt, Germany. Situated on a hill overlooking the main town square, it serves as the episcopal seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Erfurt and forms an architectural ensemble with St Severus’ Church.
Rich in relics and treasures, the cathedral houses the tomb of Count von Gleichen, a stucco altar from around 1160, the Erfurter Wolfram bronze candelabra (Germany’s oldest free-standing cast work), and statues of the Wise and Foolish Virgins on the portal. The cathedral stands as a testament to Erfurt’s historical and cultural significance.
Location: Domstufen 1, 99084 Erfurt, Germany
Petersberg Citadel
Petersberg Citadel is simply one of the largest and best-preserved town fortresses in Europe. It stands as a symbol of strength, history, and architectural splendor. The fortress is known for its labyrinth of underground passages. Some of them were built during the Napoleonic era. After your walk, you can eat at the fortress bakery, opened in 1832. The two built-in ovens supplied the entire fortress with baked goods. In 1995, the fortress bakery was renovated and put back into operation.
The Petersberg Citadel boasts a rich and storied history that spans over a millennium. Originally constructed in the 8th century as a Benedictine monastery, the fortress evolved over the centuries into a formidable stronghold, playing a crucial role in defending Erfurt against invaders and serving as a military garrison for various rulers and armies.
Location: Petersberg 3, 99084 Erfurt, Germany
Egapark
Lastly, the final destination in Erfurt is Egapark. Egapark in Erfurt stands proudly as one of Germany’s most stunning parks, captivating visitors with its breathtaking array of flowers. With entrance fee being only 6 EUR, this expansive park is a haven for nature enthusiasts, featuring an educational nature trail, a viewing tower, an observatory, and a delightful children’s playground.
Location: Gothaer Str. 38, 99094 Erfurt, Germany
FAQ
How is The Transportation Within Germany?
Germany is renowned for its high-speed rail network, with services like the InterCity Express (ICE) connecting major cities at speeds of up to 300 km/h (186 mph). This makes travel between cities fast and convenient.
Does It Rain a Lot in Germany?
Rain is a common occurrence in Germany throughout the year, but it’s usually not excessive. Visitors should be prepared for the possibility of rain by carrying an umbrella or raincoat. Statistically, June has the highest amount of rainfall.
Do Germans Make Small Talk?
While it’s true that Germans may not engage in small talk as frequently or extensively as people from some other cultures, it doesn’t mean they don’t appreciate it at all. Small talk can still be a part of social interactions in Germany, especially in informal settings like social gatherings, cafes, or while waiting in line.
And here’s a travel tip to make your exploration of Germany even more convenient – consider using GetTransfer.com for hassle-free transfers. We offer the cheapest prices all across Germany:
Rotenburg Airport – Rotentburg center – 19 EUR
Bamberg Airport – Bamberg center – 18 EUR
Erfurt Airport – Erfurt center – 18 EUR
Streamline your travel logistics and focus on soaking in the beauty of these lesser-known destinations. Happy exploring!
