Germany you won't find in guidebooks: 7 amazing towns for true getaway

Quedlinburg – a medieval gem that guides are silent about

Quedlinburg is a town in the federal state of Saxony-Anhalt that has preserved its medieval appearance almost unchanged. Its history begins in the 10th century, when the first German king, Henry I, was crowned here.

The old town is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, and for good reason – there are over 1300 half-timbered houses representing nine centuries of architectural history.

The most interesting thing is to slowly wander through the narrow streets, visit the castle hill with the Romanesque Church of Saint Servatius, and the museum complex where royal relics are kept. Quedlinburg is perfect for those seeking a fairy-tale atmosphere without the crowds.

The Mecklenburg Lake Plateau – the largest lake system in Central Europe

This region in northern Germany is not promoted as a tourist brand, which is exactly why it has retained its authenticity. There are over 1000 lakes surrounded by pine forests, marshes, and picturesque villages.

The region is hardly developed in terms of mass tourism, but that’s a plus: you can stay in a cottage on the water, go kayaking, or simply disappear from the internet for a few days.

The main city of the region, Waren, is great for cycling, and Müritz National Park offers access to wild landscapes and rare birds. A place for solitude, meditation, and a complete detox from the noise of big cities.

Bamberg in Germany (photo: Getty Images)

Bamberg – where beer has its history

Bamberg is a town in Bavaria often called the "Bavarian Venice" because of its many canals. Founded back in the 9th century, it survived World War II, so nearly the entire center consists of original medieval buildings. The town’s special pride is smoked beer (Rauchbier), brewed here using a unique method.

Highlights include the imperial cathedral, the old town hall located right on a bridge, and "Little Venice" – the fishermen’s quarter. Bamberg is an ideal place to combine history, gastronomy, and leisurely walks.

Harz – mythical mountains and a narrow-gauge railway in the clouds

Harz is a mountain range in central Germany surrounded by legends of witches, ghosts, and mystical creatures. The highest point is Mount Brocken, where witches supposedly gathered for sabbaths according to folklore. Even Goethe mentioned this area in "Faust".

Germans often come here to hike, cycle, or ride the historic Harzer Schmalspurbahnen steam train, which still runs through forests and climbs to the summit of Brocken.

Besides nature, it’s worth visiting the towns of Wernigerode and Goslar, where medieval castles and the true spirit of old Europe have been preserved.

Trier – a Roman city everyone forgot

Trier is the oldest city in Germany, founded by the Romans in 16 BCE. It is home to the Porta Nigra – the best-preserved Roman gate north of the Alps. This city was once an imperial residence and practically the second capital of the Roman Empire.

Today in Trier, you can see the ruins of Roman baths, an amphitheater, Constantine’s Basilica, and a unique ensemble of ancient architecture. Located in the Moselle Valley, it is also famous for winemaking – tasting Riesling here is a must.

There are many places in Germany that will amaze even the most experienced and picky tourist (photo: freepik.com)

Lüneburg Heath – purple silence

This is a unique landscape in northern Germany – a region of heath fields that bloom in a purple carpet in August and September. The area is practically free of car traffic – only horse-drawn carriages, bicycles, or hiking are allowed.

It is a perfect zone for eco-tourism, birdwatching, photography, and silence. It is recommended to stay in the villages of Waldstadt or Schneverdingen, where you can find small guesthouses. Here you’ll see a Germany not mentioned in guidebooks or textbooks.

Augustusburg – a castle, motorcycles, and panoramas

Augustusburg is a small town in Saxony with an impressive castle towering above the valley. Built in the 16th century, the castle is a prime example of Renaissance architecture and once served as a hunting residence for Saxon electors. Today, it houses the Motorcycle Museum, which contains a collection of over 150 models.

The ascent to the castle is already an adventure, especially if you take the funicular. From the top, there is a panoramic view of the Ore Mountains – a mountain range that borders the Czech Republic. This location is especially suitable for family trips or combining culture with nature.

Earlier, we wrote about 10 cities with the most beautiful houses in the world, which you’ll want to see

Sources: germany.travel, Lonely Planet Germany Guide, blog Wanderingermany.com