Last time I wrote about some of my favourite spots in Northern Germany so it seemed like a natural fit to follow it up with my thoughts on some of the most spectacular small towns in the South. In a country with such a rich cultural heritage, you would need months to discover it all so I’ve compiled a list of the best spots in southern Germany.
1. Bamberg
Altes Rathaus over the Regnitz River, Bamberg (HL)
One of the most beautiful towns in Germany, Bamberg‘s entire Old Town is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built on seven hills in the Franken region of northern Bavaria, the city has earned itself the nickname of Franconian Rome. Stroll along the Regnitz to Klein Venedig to admire the little timbered houses once occupied by fishermen, or head towards the tiny artificial island in the centre to admire the gorgeous old City Hall. From there, climb the famed hills and hit the Dom, the former imperial Neue Residenz, and Michaelsberg, the gorgeous Benedictine monastery. Bamberg isn’t huge, so in great weather it’s easy to see all the main sites or if you need to relax, sit outside in a Biergarten, with one of the many delicious local beers. Their smoked beers are a personal favourite.
2. Freiburg
Biking home at Augustinerplatz, Freiburg im Breisgau (HL)
Tucked away in the southwest corner of Germany, Freiburg is the country’s warmest and sunniest city and it’s no surprise that residents are content living at the foot of the Black Forest. Dating back to the 13th century, the Münster Cathedral’s spires and gargoyles are a sight to behold. But make sure you don’t just admire them from the outside, head up the tower for a stunning view over the city and its surroundings. Then grab something to eat at the farmers’ market in the square, before wandering to the Gewerbekanal to admire the picturesque homes and shops along Gerberau and Fischerau. Small streams carrying fresh water (Bächle to the locals) cross the pavements throughout the Old Town, and legend has it that if you step in one, you’ll marry a woman from Freiburg. Guess I should head back and find out if legends are true.
3. Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Loisach river valley, near Garmisch-Partenkirchen (HL)
Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a delightful resort town nestled in the Bavarian mountains. To the west, Garmisch is a modern town well-versed in history, having lived through two Winter Olympics. And from cosy beer taverns boasting hearty local cuisine, Lüftlmalerei home murals and balconies overflowing with colourful flowers, Partenkirchen to the east will satisfy your desire for Bavarian traditions. Get to know the beautiful city by taking a leisurely walk along the Loisach river valley towards Grainau and beyond to Eibsee or hike into the Partnachklamm or Höllentalklamm gorges, ascending slowly to the ridges below Zugspitze. The cogwheel railway atop the Zugspitze summit is well worth a ride and the glacier is great to explore. Hop on a train for a day trip to Mittenwald and the Karwendel mountains, or beyond to Reutte or Innsbruck in neighbouring Austria.
4. Heidelberg
Night view of the Old Bridge and the Old Town, Heidelberg (HL)
Heidelberg is one of Germany’s most well-loved cities playing host to over three million visitors yearly. It lies at the foot of Burgenstrasse, a road of castles that stretches deep into the Neckar river valley. The lovely old town is relatively small and most of its attractions are easily navigable on foot and if you want to get away, the hills are always nearby. Escape to Königstuhl with the stunning ruins on the south bank of the Neckar, and Heiligenberg on the north bank. Day trips from the area can also make for a beautiful getaway. Take advantage of the warm summer breeze by boating along the Neckar, deep into the river valley. Also worth the trek are the historical town of Ladenburg, the wine region near Weinheim, Schwetzingen Palace, and the cathedral town of Speyer.
5. Passau
Where the Ilz and Danube meet, Passau (HL)
With its feet firmly planted in both Germany and Austria, Passau seems always to have been defined by water. A compact Bavarian town, it sits on a small peninsula at the intersection of the Inn, the Ilz and the Danube which flooded the city with commerce and affluence early in its history, especially with the emergence of nearby salt mines. Today, the convergence of these three rivers means visitors aplenty, by boat, train, car, or bike. The sights in the Old Town are easy to cover by foot and walking along the water’s edge will take you all the way to Dreiflusseck. To get away from it all, head to nearby Veste Oberhaus for a sweeping view of the Passau area and a peak into Austria
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