5 villages in Germany you absolutely need to visit

After our tour of the best towns in Germany, it’s time to go even deeper into the German countryside and explore a few charming villages. Whether they’re hanging on steep rocks, sitting by calm water or with mountains in the background, they offer striking views and beautiful landscapes, especially if you enjoy hiking or biking. At their heart, they often boast quaint houses that play a big part in their charm. A castle or two may even bring a bit of history and culture. It’s no wonder some of these villages have been a source of inspiration for artists, both present and past. Follow their example and join us to discover five of the most fascinating villages in Germany.

1. Meersburg
2. Tüchersfeld
3. Holzhausen (Amt Wachsenburg)
4. Worpswede
5. Sieseby 

1. Meersburg

Sitting by Lake Constance and with the Alps in the background, Meersburg treats its visitors with stunning panoramic views. The small medieval town also features two castles. Towering on a hill, the Alte Burg (old castle) was built in the 7th century, which makes it one of the oldest castles in Germany. Younger in age, the Neues Schloss (new castle) dates back to the 18th century and is now home to several exhibitions. Also sitting at the top of a hill, it offers equally magnificent vistas over the lake. A little word of warning: the upper and lower towns can only be accessed by foot. It’s a small price to pay to admire the twisting alleys and the timber-framed houses.

2. Tüchersfeld

Hanging on several steep rock formations, Tüchersfeld makes for a stunning picture. Its half-timbered houses give the uncanny impression of having been glued to the rocks. The setup is so striking it was once featured on special stamps issued by the Deutsche Post (German Mail). The peaceful village used to be home to two castles. The upper castle was destroyed – supposedly during the Hussite wars in 1430 – so only a few wall ruins and a rock tower are still visible today. You can access the rock tower via a metal ladder to enjoy the view. The lower castle was also victim to the vicissitudes of history, but it was completely renovated in the early 1980s. Today, it’s home to the Franconian Switzerland Museum, which takes you through the history and natural wonders of the region.

3. Holzhausen (Amt Wachsenburg)

With fewer than a thousand inhabitants, Holzhausen is a tiny village, but it’s certainly not without its attractions. The town center is home to several half-timbered houses that have been lavishly restored. Sitting at the foot of the Thuringian Forest, Holzhausen is also a popular recreational area in the region. If you’re feeling active on a sunny day, you can go on foot or bike to reach the Wachsenburg Castle, which overlooks the village. Holzhausen is also home to the only museum in the world specifically dedicated to the bratwurst. 

4. Worpswede

Worpswede is mostly famous for the artists’ colony that was founded there at the end of the 19th century. To this day, the village continues to attract artists, no doubt inspired by the beautiful landscape of moorland. Worpswede hosts several galleries, museums and even cafés displaying the artistic works of its inhabitants. You can also go for a stroll to enjoy the peaceful green gardens and the remarkable buildings around. Among them, the Worpsweder Käseglocke (the Cheese Bell of Worpswede) owes its nickname to its resemblance to an igloo. Its garden, made of a mishmash of grotto buildings and wall fragments, is also well worth a tour.

5. Sieseby

Let’s finish our exploration of some of the best villages in Germany with Sieseby. Sitting on the Schlei, a branch of the Baltic Sea, the village owes its charm in large part to its thatched half-timbered houses. Most of them were built in the 19th century to lodge local fishermen and day laborers. With only one road and very little traffic, Sieseby is ideal if you’re looking for some peace and quiet. The beach trails are the perfect way to discover the local flora and fauna by foot or by bike.

Take a tour of five of the most beautiful villages in Germany

Of course, there are many more interesting villages in Germany. But the five we have picked for our list stood out for their peculiar features and offerings, making them definitely worth a visit. With striking or serene landscapes and charming houses or impressive castles, they are a feast for the eye, far away from the city jungle.

Anne-Lise Vassoille

Anne-Lise is a translator and copywriter working for various industries… Settled down in London, she cannot get enough of the exceptional cultural life in the English capital city, starting with theater, be it to see a new West End show or to roll up her sleeves with her amateur drama group. She is also interested in photography, as her Instagram profile shows. She indulges her passion for languages in a translation blog she writes with other linguist friends. Go to her Linkedin page to know more about her background and her professional experience.