img#mv-trellis-img-1::before{padding-top:66.666666666667%; }img#mv-trellis-img-1{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-2::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-2{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-3::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-3{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-4::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-4{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-5::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-5{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-6::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-6{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-7::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-7{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-8::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-8{display:block;}The birthplace of the Grimm brothers, and a culturally rich country with centuries upon centuries of accumulated history, Germany is one of the most sought-after destinations for Americans heading across the pond.
The problem is, when they travel to places like Berlin, Frankfurt, or Munich, they’re often imagining Disney-like fairytale settings. Instead, they find S-Bahns, industrial architecture, late-stage libertarianism, and the buzz of big-city life.
For the medieval Deutschland, with the half-timbered houses and cobbled streets, you might want to skip the big cities and check out these 4 secret German destinations instead:
Schwerin
The compact capital of the northern German state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Schwerin is a historically significant city surrounded by over a dozen lakes, and best distinguished by its fairytale, Cinderella-esque Schwerin Castle:
Called the Neuschwanstein of the north, it occupies an island ringed by lush landscaped gardens and serene waters, and though it’s the official seat of the local government, its opulent chambers and inner courtyards are open to visitors for around $9.70.
Aside from the castle, which has recently become Germany’s newest UNESCO World Heritage Site, Schwerin’s Old Town has an unusually well-preserved medieval architecture that wasn’t significantly damaged in World War II.
Picture cobbled streets, half-timbered houses, and an imposing Schweriner Dom, the cathedral and main landmark in the Altstadt, that dates back to the 13th century. Most importantly, far fewer crowds, if any at all, and a more laid-back, lived-in feel.
Meissen
Straddling the river Elbe River in Saxony, Meissen is the textbook example of a German medieval settlement that has not been obliterated following the two World Wars, and it’s still perfectly-preserved—in stark contrast with Dresden, only half-an-hour drive away, that was largely rebuilt.
Its maze-like Altstadt, criss-crossed by narrow pathways, is dominated by the Albrechtsburg, a 15th-century castle sitting on a hill overlooking the Elbe. With a whitewashed exterior and soaring towers, it looks like a Walt Disney sketch brought to life.
Right beside the castle, sharing the same hilltop, there stands Meißner Dom, Meissen’s imposing Gothic cathedral, whose twin spires can be seen from afar, and where several Saxon kings and princes are interred.
Other than its architectural wealth, Meissen is known for its centuries-old porcelain manufacturing: the oldest porcelain factory in Europe was founded here in 1710, and don’t worry, there’s plenty of boutique shops around town where you can browse Rococo-inspired porcelain souvenirs.
Quedlinburg
Tucked away in the hinterlands of Saxony-Anhalt, Quedlinburg is, similarly to the other two, a rare example of a sleepy German town that was left untouched by the World War II devastation, and a UNESCO-listed gem comprising over 1,300 timbered dwellings.
In other words, at every corner you turn, down every winding alley, and in every public square, you’ll find gorgeous examples of medieval, crooked townhouses that look essentially frozen in time, all painted in vibrant colors.
Quedlinburg also has a castle, as customary, and we must add that it’s one of Germany’s most impressive, including the 10th-century tomb of notorious German king Henry I, as well as the Collegiate Church of St. Servatius, so old that it precedes the Middle Ages.
For the train lovers, staying 2 or 3 days would give you the opportunity to travel on the Selketalbahn, a heritage steam railway connecting Quedlinburg to Hasselfelde via the Harz Mountains. At your destination, epic mountain views and beautiful hikes await, and round-trip fares start from only $45.
Freiburg im Breisgau
Over in Western Germany, on the edge of the Black Forest, Freiburg im Breisgau is a picture-perfect city centered around a labyrinthine Old Town, made up of hidden passageways and cafe-bordered squares, and sprinkled with medieval monuments.
The most striking one is, without question, the Münster, or Freiburg Cathedral. It may have sustained significant damage in the last World War, but it’s now been fully renovated, and you can climb its 381-foot-tall bell tower for panoramic views of the iconic gabled roofs below.
Other must-sees include the Schwabentor and the Martinstor, two gates that survived the destruction of Freiburg’s once-impressive city walls. The coolest thing is that a modern tramway now passes through the gates, providing great photo spots.
We would normally advise you to watch your step in any cobble-paved European town, but in Freiburg, you should beware of the bächle: these 8 to 12-inch-wide channels are found all over the historic center, running along main thoroughfares and backstreets, carrying fresh water from the Dreisam River.
Why should you be careful? Well, according to local legend, if you accidentally trip over a bächle, you’re destined to marry a Freiburger.
Given how beautiful this city is, maybe being stuck here forever isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
Vinicius CostaVini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.
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