8 of the most beautiful cities in Germany
From romantic university towns to baroque splendor - Germany's most beautiful cities offer something for every taste. We present eight cities that are well worth a visit.
Heidelberg: Romantic university town on the Neckar
Heidelberg, located directly on the Neckar River, combines historic architecture with lively student life. Landmarks of this beautiful German city include Heidelberg Castle and the Karl Theodor Bridge - better known as the Old Bridge - with its striking towers.
One thing that makes Heidelberg special is its well-preserved baroque old town. The city is also home to Germany's oldest university, which was founded in 1386. The student charm can be experienced particularly well on the Neckar meadow at the foot of the Heiligenberg. The Philosophenweg on the other side of the Neckar offers a view of the old town and the castle - a beautiful photo motif at any time of day.
Good to know: As it is flat and there are many beautiful cycle paths along the Neckar, you can cycle particularly well in Heidelberg.
Dresden: Baroque splendor on the Elbe
Dresden, also known as the "Florence on the Elbe", is one of the most beautiful cities in Germany and impresses with its baroque architecture and cultural treasures. After being destroyed in the Second World War and rebuilt, the city now shines in new splendor. The old town is home to architecturally impressive buildings such as the Frauenkirche, the Zwinger and the Semper Opera House. On a walk along the Brühl's Terrace, the "Balcony of Europe", you will always have the Elbe in view.
Dresden's Neustadt district on the other side of the river is modern and lively with numerous cafés, bars and art galleries. The contrast between baroque splendor and contemporary flair makes Dresden one of the most diverse and beautiful cities in Germany.
Must-do: A visit to the Frauenkirche - just for the accessible dome and the panoramic view over the city.
Lübeck: Hanseatic city with medieval charm
The Hanseatic city of Lübeck in northern Germany has a beautiful old town surrounded by water, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. The famous Holsten Gate, the city's landmark, has been collapsing for years. The reason for this is its unstable foundations; the imposing structure was built on swampy ground.
Strolling through the city center of Lübeck with its small colorful houses, narrow alleys and hidden backyards, you will quickly forget that you are in a big city. The narrow alleyways and idyllic courtyards give Lübeck a special character. In addition, numerous historic churches characterize the cityscape of Lübeck, the "City of Seven Towers".
Must-do: Try Lübeck's famous marzipan in the numerous cafés and confectionery stores in the Old Town.
Bamberg: Franconian world heritage with character
The Upper Franconian city of Bamberg is historically well-preserved, is one of the most beautiful cities in Germany - and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993. More than 2,400 listed buildings make the old town an impressive ensemble of medieval and baroque architecture.
Particularly worth seeing is "Little Venice", the former fishermen's settlement with its pretty houses directly on the Regnitz. Situated on an island in the river, the Old Town Hall with its artistically painted façade is a very unusual building of its kind. Bamberg is also famous for its brewing tradition and its special smoked beer, which has been brewed here using traditional methods for centuries.
Good to know: The rock cellar system under the city is a labyrinth of more than 80 historic beer cellars, some of which have existed since the 15th century and function like a secret underground brewery empire.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber: Bavarian town with medieval flair
Rothenburg ob der Tauber brings the past to life in a vivid way - especially thanks to the medieval old town. The almost completely preserved and accessible town wall encloses one of the best-preserved and most beautiful medieval towns in Germany and Europe. Among other things, the half-timbered houses, towers and gates are well worth seeing.
The town's most famous landmark is the Plönlein, a small square with a fountain, a crooked yellow half-timbered house and two town towers in the background. Another special feature is the Christmas village in the Haus Käthe Wohlfahrt, where the Christmas spirit reigns all year round. You should try the so-called Schneeballen, a local pastry made from shortcrust pastry, which is offered in the traditional bakeries in Rothenburg.
Good to know: You should definitely visit Rothenburg ob der Tauber, and not just at Christmas. It's best to book your trip there with a credit card , as well as your trips to other of Germany's most beautiful cities. The American Express Platinum Card, for example, gives you attractive benefits.
Freiburg: City of sunshine in the Black Forest
Freiburg im Breisgau is the sunniest city in Germany with more than 1,700 hours of sunshine per year. In the pretty city on the edge of the Black Forest, you can enjoy the Mediterranean flair in the numerous street cafés and on the city's lively squares.
Freiburg is also known for its environmental awareness - as a "Green City", it focuses on renewable energies and sustainable urban planning. Freiburg Minster dominates the city skyline with its imposing 116-meter-high tower, and the Schlossberg offers a panoramic view of Freiburg and the surrounding region.
Must-do: Discover the so-called Bächle, small streams that run through the entire old town. According to local superstition, anyone who accidentally steps into a stream will marry someone from Freiburg.
Trier: Experience Roman history up close
As the oldest city in Germany, Trier can look back on over 2,000 years of history. Founded in 17 BC under the name "Augusta Treverorum", the city on the Moselle is home to numerous well-preserved Roman buildings, which are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In addition to the Roman sights, Trier is one of the most beautiful cities in Germany with an old town lined with pretty squares and dreamy alleyways. Its location in the Moselle valley with its vineyards adds to the city's charm.
Good to know: Trier's most famous landmark is the Porta Nigra, the best-preserved city gate from Roman times north of the Alps. Other contemporary witnesses include the amphitheatre, the Imperial Baths and the Basilica of Constantine.
Weimar: cultural city of poets and thinkers
Weimar was the place where Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Friedrich Schiller worked. In this important cultural city in Germany, Weimar Classicism (1786 to 1832) experienced its heyday, one of the most important eras of German literature and culture.
In the Thuringian city, you can learn more about the life and work of the poets: for example, visit Goethe's home and his garden house in the park on the Ilm. The Bauhaus, founded in 1919, also has its roots in Weimar and is represented in the Bauhaus Museum with many exhibits from the art school.
Good to know: The numerous parks and green spaces such as the Park an der Ilm invite you to linger and convey a feeling of tranquillity that Goethe and Schiller already appreciated.
Discover Germany's most beautiful cities and their diversity
Whether it's the romantic atmosphere of Heidelberg, the baroque splendor of Dresden's buildings, the Hanseatic charm of Lübeck or the medieval flair of Rothenburg - each of Germany's most beautiful cities has its own history and identity. In Germany you will find a mixture of historic old towns, cultural treasures and scenic beauty.
Tip: Discover the most beautiful cities in Germany with the Platinum Card from American Express, which gives you first-class benefits during your stay, for example with hotels or excursions in a hire car.
Frequently asked questions and answers
As we all know, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. However, Heidelberg with its picturesque old town and castle, Dresden with its baroque splendor and Bamberg with its UNESCO World Heritage old town are often cited as particularly beautiful German cities.
According to various rankings and surveys, the following cities are among the top 10 most beautiful cities in Germany: Hamburg, Dresden, Munich, Lübeck, Freiburg, Bamberg, Weimar, Trier, Heidelberg and Rothenburg ob der Tauber. These cities are characterized by beautiful architecture, historic old town centers, cultural offerings and a special location by water or in the countryside.
If atmosphere, cultural diversity, youthful flair and innovation are factors for "cool", Heidelberg can be described as one of the coolest cities in Germany. It boasts an impressive old town backdrop on the Neckar and at the same time offers a young, creative atmosphere thanks to its many students - ideal for a short trip on vacation.
