Since being back to Germany I have completed a full circle of the four seasons. From Winter to Autumn. While I have visited many countries in Europe this year I have also visited a lot of cities here in Germany. I call them the ‚little‘ towns of Germany. From Heidelberg to Freiburg and Bamberg, those are the cute hidden germs here. Then there is of course Berlin and Nürnberg. Both unique and both full of history.
I have been to Hamburg already and Munich used to be my home, so I go back there as a local and therefore don’t really have any photos. Maybe one day! And don’t forget Dresden. It is such a gorgeous city! But first let’s talk about the ones I have been to recently.
Berlin
Ok, not so little either and rather a huge town I have been to Berlin earlier in the year while it was still freezing cold. It is certainly no fun walking the Berlin streets when an icy wind is blowing. Or maybe I wasn‘t acclimatised yet?
Berlin is a very busy and hectic city but you can‘t really visit Germany without seeing Berlin. From the Second World War memorials to the Berlin Wall History, it is all quite captivating. As the capital city of Germany and with a metropolitan population of close to 6 Million be prepared for lots of people.
Personally I find Berlin too big however, very interesting with all the history. You are probably waiting for me to say I will go back there in Summer but I doubt it. Maybe Potsdam as an alternative? We shall see.
Nürnberg
Nürnberg is the second largest city in Bavaria (after Munich). I have been to Nürnberg a few times already as my sister and her family live there. And although I have more family photos than photos from the enchanting historical city, let be assured, Nürnberg should be on your ‚must see’ list. It is the second cutest from the little towns of Germany. (I think Bamberg is almost first.. see below).
That said, from the Kaiserburg (castle) to the historical old town, Nürnberg has a special charm and attractiveness.
Not to mention the famous Nürnberg Christmas markets and the famous ‘Nürnberger Würstchen’ (sausages). However my personal food tradition is without question the Falafel wrap from one of the ‘imbiss’ stands in the inner city. I get one every time and am due for one again this weekend. It hs become a tradition. Try it for yourself next time you are in town. Super delicious!
Bamberg
Living less than two hours away from Bamberg I can’t believe I have never visitited this adorable little town. Until now! Bamberg extends over seven hills, each crowned by a beautiful church. Bamberg is one of the few cities in Germany that hasn’t been bombed by the allies during WWII. MaybeI it was too small to be noted?
Due to this, the historical town from the 11th to 19th centuries still has the original and preserved structures. It is so cute! No surprise then that it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993. It is a very very appealing town to see. You won‘t be disappointed!
The prettiest one of the little towns in Germany!
Heidelberg
I stopped in Heidelberg before my hike in France earlier this month. It as a university town and sits in the south-west part of Germany in Baden-Württemberg. Heidelberg is known as a ‚romantic‘ small city and is very popular as a tourist destination within Germany. Luckily it wasn‘t too busy when I was there. I have been here twice now I would come back again. It is a gorgeous and pretty little town. And there is a castle!
The red-sandstone ruins of the Heidelberg Castle stand on the Königstuhl hill and seem to be visible from every angle. Trust me when I say, there are lots of stairs to get up there. But it was worth it. The view is stunning!
Otherwise the old town has lots of little shops, restaurants and spots to have an ice cream at (there are always lots of people eating ice cream in Europe). In addition the Neckar river certainly adds to the charm of the city. Heidelberg is attractive in every aspect.
And so the little towns of Germany trip continues… from Heidelberg to Freiburg!
Freiburg
Freiburg im Breisgau is another little town in Baden-Württemberg. It was my stop on the way back from my hike in France. It is called the ‚Jewel of the Black Forest’ (Schwarzwald) with plenty of great hikes and walks surrounding the city. Any other day I would have hiked the Schlossberg hill just behind the old city, however I just finished my 300km hike, so walking hills wasn’t on my agenda that day.
The Freiburg Münster Cathedral stands rather grand in the central square. In overall, I must admit I was expecting a little bit more of the old historical town and Freiburg itself. Although it was colourful and alluring it was noticeably new and rebuilt. Almost too perfect in my opinion. Unfortunately, most of the old town characteristics seemed to have disappeared.
Apparently Freiburg enjoys one of the sunniest and warmest climates among German cities but unfortunately I didn’t get to experience it. Maybe my overall disappointment of the city was due to the weather and the rather cold day? Who knows. Nevertheless it was perfect for a nice stroll before driving a further 5 hours, back home, to the other side of Germany.
Love the narrow streets 
