Best Places to Visit in Germany That Aren’t Berlin or Munich

Heidelberg: a romantic riverside fairytale

Who it’s for: History lovers, poets, wanderers
Is there an airport? No, but Frankfurt Airport is an hour away

Heidelberg is a medium-sized city in the southwestern part of Germany. Built along the river, the views are as incredible as the activities that Heidelberg offers.

With famous castle ruins, a historic old town, and beautiful walks (like a trail called the Philosopher's Way), whether you love inside activities are getting some fresh air, exploring Heidelberg will meet your needs.

You may have heard of Heidelberg University, Germany's oldest university, founded in 1386!

Heidelberg's climate is mild, with warm summers and cool, damp winters. As in many places in Western Europe, the late spring through early fall is the best time to visit, but also the most crowded as summer is the peak of tourist season.

Fun fact: Mark Twain spent time writing in Heidelberg!

Eltz Castle: grandeur in the German forests

Who it’s for: Fairytale seekers, history buffs, and castle enthusiasts
Is there an airport? No, but Frankfurt and Cologne airports are both within a two-hour drive

Eltz Castle is hidden deep in the hills of western Germany, between the Rhine and Moselle rivers. While not a city, of course, it had to make the list.

Unlike many other castles in Europe, Eltz has never been destroyed, meaning it has survived centuries of war and conflict. In fact, it has remained in the hands of the same family for more than 900 years!

Tickets are required to visit this enchanting place, giving you access to medieval rooms, original armor and artifacts, and nearby walking trails.

The climate is cool and misty - many photos you see will have a mesmerizing fog, or even snow depending on the time of year they were taken. The summer months are the best time to visit, as far as the weather goes, but that also makes it the busiest.

Fun fact: Before Germany switched to the euro, Eltz Castle appeared on the German 500-mark banknote!

Bacharach: A lush medieval wonder

Who it’s for: Wine lovers and medieval history fans
Is there an airport? No, but Frankfurt Airport is about an hour away

Nestled along the Rhine River in western Germany, Bacharach is a small medieval town known for its half-timbered houses and vineyards. In fact, the name of the town even comes from Bacchus: the Roman god of wine, agriculture, and fertility.

Some of the top things to do in Bacharach include exploring the town walls, visiting the 12th-century Stahleck Castle (which is now a hostel), and seeing the Werner Chapel ruins.

The summers in Bacharach are warm and the winters cool. While the best time to visit is in the summer, grape harvest season is also a special time if visiting vineyards is on your to-do list.

Fun fact: Bacharach was a favorite stop for Romantic-era poets and painters, even inspiring works by Victor Hugo and Heinrich Heine!

Mainz: Germany's wine & printing capital

Who it’s for: Wine connoisseurs and book lovers
Is there an airport? No, but Frankfurt Airport is just 30 minutes away

Mainz is a medium-sized city in western Germany. Built along the Rhine River, there's a little bit of everything when it comes to things to see and do.

Perhaps the most famous landmark of Mainz is the Mainz Cathedral. However, there's also the old town to explore, and the Gutenberg Museum (which is home to one of the first printing presses!).

Like Bacharach, Mainz is also a major wine region, famous for its Rieslings.

When it comes to weather, the best time to visit is May through October.

Fun fact: Johannes Gutenberg, the inventor of the printing press, was born here, revolutionizing the world of books and communication.

Cologne: the fun-loving city on the Rhine

Who it’s for: Nightlife enthusiasts and architecture fans
Is there an airport? Yes, the Cologne Bonn Airport

In western Germany, Cologne is a large city known for its stunning Gothic cathedral and lively atmosphere. The cathedral (Cologne Cathedral) has earned UNESCO World Heritage status, making it a must-visit when you travel to Western Germany.

Other attractions include the Hohenzollern Bridge and the famous old town area, where you'll find delicious local cuisine and drinks, including Kölsch beer, which Cologne is famous for.

Summertime visitors can enjoy mild temperatures, while winter is rather rainy. However, February can be a really fun time to visit because of Cologne's colorful Carnival.

Fun fact: Cologne’s 4711 Eau de Cologne created in the 18th century, gave birth to the term “cologne” that is now used for perfumes worldwide.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber: a storybook town frozen in time

Who it’s for: Christmas lovers and history buffs
Is there an airport? No, but Nuremberg and Frankfurt airports are nearby

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a small medieval town in Southeastern Germany. The medieval streets and walls surrounding the village are still preserved, giving visitors the feeling of stepping back in time.

If the city looks a tad familiar to you, it might be because its aesthetic was the inspiration for Disney’s Pinocchio and scenes in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

Any time of year is great to travel to Rothenburg ob der Tauber; it just depends on what you're looking for. The summers are mild and the winters are snowy, making it a magical setting for its famous Christmas markets.

Fun fact: There's even a Christmas museum!

Bamberg: the Venice of Franconia

Who it’s for: Beer lovers and architecture fans
Is there an airport? No, but Nuremberg Airport is about an hour away

Bamberg is a medium-sized town known for its seven hills and walkable old town. In fact, Bamberg's old town is a UNESCO-listed sight!

With half-timbered buildings, a remarkable cathedral, and picturesque waterways, every stop will inspire you to pull out your camera. After all, it is sometimes called The Venice of Franconia (a region).

Like many other cities in Germany, the summers are warm and the winters are cool. If you're a beer aficionado, summer might be the ideal time to visit as the outdoor beer gardens are open. The city is famous for rauchbier (smoked beer), which some people say tastes like bacon.

Fun fact: Bamberg was once the seat of the Holy Roman Empire which influenced European politics for centuries!

Freiburg: Germany's sunniest city

Who it’s for: Nature lovers and sun-worshippers
Is there an airport? No, but Basel Airport (Switzerland) is nearby

The sunniest city in Germany lies in the southwest, not far from the border of France. Freiburg is medium-sized and tucked against the neighboring Black Forest.

Top sights in Freiburg include the medieval old town and Schlossberg (a tree-covered hill you can hike). Because it's sunny and mild, any time of year is good to visit, though the warmer temperatures are from late spring to early autumn.

Fun fact: Freiburg is known for its Bächle, small water channels that run through the streets. Legend says that if you accidentally step in one, you'll marry a local 😉

Cochem: quaint, colorful, and quintessential

Who it’s for: Wine lovers and castle explorers
Is there an airport? No, but Frankfurt-Hahn Airport is close

Quaint and colorful Cochem is perched along the Moselle River in western Germany. This small town boasts lush foliage, incredible castle views, and Rieslings perfected through time.

The Reichsburg Castle should be at the top of your to-do list if you're heading to Cochem. Once destroyed (by the French), it was later restored in a Neo-Gothic style. A boat tour is also a fun way to take in the region's beauty, offering a once-in-a-lifetime view of the city.

Cochem's climate is mild and winters are cool. You may have already guessed, but the summer months to early fall are the best times to visit - especially if you want to explore the nearby vineyards.

Fun fact: Reichsburg Castle puts on medieval reenactments for those looking for a unique experience!

Dresden: the "Silicon Valley" of Germany

Who it’s for: Art lovers, tech buffs, and history enthusiasts
Is there an airport? Yes, Dresden Airport

Located in eastern Germany, Dresden is a large city in the Saxony region, which is sometimes referred to as "Silicon Saxony". It earned this name with its large tech University and dynamic economy.

Dresden is a town of rebirth, having suffered a lot of devastation in WWII. The famous Zwinger Palace, the Frauenkirche (a church), and the Semper Opera House are must-sees, some having been rebuilt or restored after the war.

Dresden has a moderate climate with warm summers and chilly winters. The best time to visit is spring through fall, but for those who love the holiday season, its Christmas markets are among some of the best.

Fun fact: Dresden's “Green Vault” museum has one of the world’s largest gem collections, including a 41-carat green diamond.

Würzburg: a Baroque beauty

Who it’s for: Architecture enthusiasts, old city explorers
Is there an airport? No, but Frankfurt Airport is 1.5 hours away

In northern Bavaria, Würzburg is a medium-sized city with plenty of attractions to see and do.

Its top attraction is Würzburg Residence, a masterpiece of Baroque architecture and a notable UNESCO-listed sight. Additionally, the local fortress (Marianberg) will give you a stunning view of the city.

When it comes to visiting, the weather is the best from spring through early fall. As previously mentioned for the other places on the list, summer can be a bit crowded because its the peak of tourist season.

Fun fact: The Würzburg Residence ceiling fresco is the largest in the world, painted by Venetian artist Tiepolo.

Monschau: an untouched gem

Who it’s for: Hikers and romantic getaway seekers
Is there an airport? No, but Cologne and Düsseldorf airports are nearby

Monschau, a tiny village in western Germany, sits in the Eifel region. During the wars, Monschau was left mostly unscathed, meaning it has some of the most well-preserved towns in all of Germany.

Some of the top attractions include the 18th-century Red House Museum which shows the life of luxury throughout history. For the outdoor inclined, High Fens Nature Reserve is nearby and has great trails for walking or hiking.

Both summer and winter are great times to visit Monschau, though the weather is typically cool and misty.

Fun Fact: Monschau's Christmas market is very charming, making a winter trip tempting.

Nuremberg: where history meets innovation

Who it’s for: History buffs and foodies
Is there an airport? Yes, Nuremberg Airport

Another must-visit place in Bavaria, Nuremberg is a large city with history, delicious food, and beautiful landscapes at every turn.

Some of the must-see places include Nuremberg's medieval castle and picture-perfect old town. Depending on when you visit, their world-famous Christmas market is an absolute must, with traditional chalets and local artisanal gifts.

Those with an interest in WWII history may recognize Nuremberg for the Nuremberg Trials, where members of the Nazi party were prosecuted for their war crimes.

Summers are warm and winters are cold, making the city an ideal summer getaway or Christmas holiday.

Fun fact: Make sure you try Nuremberg’s local cuisine. They're famous for Bratwurst and Lebkuchen (gingerbread)!

Rostock: a maritime treasure of the Baltic

Who it’s for: Beachgoers and history buffs
Is there an airport? Yes, Rostock-Laage Airport

The coastal town of Rostock offers a lot of sights for explorers of all types. From its historic city center and medieval gates to seaside resorts, there's plenty to do and see.

In Rostock's old town, you'll be able to get a view of St. Mary's Church and its astronomical clock. Walking along the port will energize you with its salty Baltic air.

Winters get pretty chilly in Rostock and summers are mild and popular.

Fun Fact: Rostock hosts one of the largest sailing events in the world. Each August, the Hanse Sail Festival takes place. Hundreds of ships decorate the harbor, including traditional sailing ships, historic vessels, and even tall ships!

Neuschwanstein Castle: Cinderella vibes

Who it’s for: Dreamers, Disney lovers, and history aficionados
Is there an airport? No, but Munich Airport is the closest major option

One of the most recognized (and photographed!) castles in the world, Neuschwanstein Castle is tucked into the Bavarian Alps (southern Germany). Surrounded by unbelievable mountains and lakes, this landmark makes for a dreamy getaway.

Commissioned by King Ludwig II in the 19th century, rumor has it that Neuschwanstein castle was the original inspiration for Cinderella's castle. Visits to the castle require a ticket.

The region has a cool alpine climate, with summer being the most popular time to visit, though winter does offer a magical snowy backdrop.

Fun fact: Ludwig II loved fantasy and even had a man-made grotto built inside the castle, complete with fake stalactites, mood lighting, and even a waterfall!