By Vicky · Published Jun. 8th, 2024 · Updated Aug. 1st, 2025
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Discover the top ten best small towns to visit in Bavaria to find historic castles, half-timbered houses, cobbled lanes and hidden gems.
Page Contents:
Best Small Towns to Visit in Bavaria Map
Best Small Towns to Visit in Bavaria List
- Rothenburg-ob-der Tauber – a wonderfully charming town
- Lindau – on the shores of Lake Constance
- Nördlingen – with perfect Medieval walls
- Füssen – nested at the foot of the Alps
- Dinkelsbühl – walls, moats and towers
- Wertheim – a cute centre and romantic ruined castle
- Straubing – peaceful cobbled streets and a Roman Museum
- Donauwörth – a charming town in the countryside
- Landsberg am Lech – colourful houses and scenery
- Neuburg an der Donau – grandeur on the Danube
1. Rothenburg-ob-der Tauber
This super cute, Medieval town is one of the best small towns to visit in Bavaria, if not the entirety of Germany. It’s a very popular day trip from Munich (roughly 3 hours on the train, 2hr40 drive), though staying overnight means you can avoid the crowds in the early morning or late evening, during which time the town is very atmospheric.
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Best Tour: This bus tour from Munich to Rothenburg-ob-der-Tauber* stops off at the dramatic Harburg Castle, and saves the hassle of the many train connections.
2. Lindau
Lindau is on the shores of Lake Constance, opposite Switzerland and the Alps. There are naturally beautiful views over the lake to the mountains, as well as a rather charming old town to explore. It’s a great place to relax and taste the wine and apples grown nearby.
Best Tour: A boat ride is the best way to explore the shores of Lindau and Lake Constance beyond.
3. Nördlingen
Nördlingen is famous for its almost perfectly preserved circular town walls, which run 4 km around the historic centre. You can walk all the way along them, from which you can see many Medieval buildings and pass defensive towers. The lovely town is also located in the centre of a meteorite crater, which struck roughly 15 million years ago. You can learn about this in the well-done Rieskrater museum in town, and climb the church tower for additional town views.
4. Füssen
Füssen is at the southern end of the Romantic Road, in the foothills of the Alps. It’s very close to Schloss Neuschwanstein but the town’s also worth walking around in its own right for the historic buildings, views and Alpine vibe.
Best Tour: If you just want to see the famous castle, a day trip from Munich* is one of the easiest options.
5. Dinkelsbühl
Dinkelsbühl is a lovely town surrounded by fairly complete Medieval walls and a moat. This combined with the charming little historical centre and not so many tourists makes it one of the best towns to visit in Bavaria.
6. Wertheim
Wertheim is a cute town near the start of the Romantic Road, a tourist route through Bavaria. The historic centre has lots of little alleyways and is at the junction of two rivers – the Main and the Tauber. Above the town is a semi-ruined romantic castle, from which you get great views.
7. Straubing
Straubing, not far from Regensburg, is a peaceful little town on the banks of the Danube with cobbled streets, parks and old buildings. The Gäubodenmuseum houses an important collection of Roman artefacts found nearby, reflecting the importance of Straubing as a river port in Roman times.
8. Donauwörth
Donauwörth is a lovely town on the banks of the Danube (Donau in German) and Wörnitz Rivers. There’s a historic centre, a huge monastery and plenty greenery surrounding the town. It makes for a very pleasant halfday, and there are also several nice walks and cycles starting from the town.
9. Landsberg am Lech
Landsberg am Lech is a picturesque town with colorful houses, cobblestone streets, and the scenic River Lech that flows through its center. It’s surrounded by some nice countryside, so makes a good base for easy hikes or bike rides nearby.
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10. Neuburg an der Donau
Neuburg an der Donau, between Donauwörth and Ingolstadt, is famous for its large castle that dominates the town. Next to the castle is the old part where you’ll find historic buildings and square, and small cobbled streets. You can also walk along the banks of the Donau (Danube) River.
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Guidebooks to explore more of Germany
For more places to visit, check out the Best Cities to Visit in Bavaria, the Romantic Road, or discover our Germany Hiking Page for more great travel and hiking ideas.
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