Last Updated: January 12, 2022
10 Hidden Gems In Germany
Germany just has to be one of Europe’s best holiday destinations – it’s home to vibrant cities, spectacular natural beauties, and more historical landmarks than you can shake a stick at. Unsurprisingly, the country receives roughly 40 million tourists a year, a number that is steadily growing… But don’t let the crowds put you off visiting this fascinating country.
As well as great cities to live in like Berlin and world-famous historical attractions like Neuschwanstein Castle, there are many hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. If you like to get away from the crowds, you’re going to love exploring the many magical yet hugely underrated sights that Germany has to offer.
Here, we’ve brought you a list of the best hidden gems in Germany, so you can explore all that the country has to offer without sticking to the well-trodden tourist trail. As you’re about to find out, there’s far more to Germany than first meets the eye!
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Lichtenstein Castle, Baden-Württemberg
When you think of German castles, it’s hard not to imagine fairytale castles surrounded by forests and mountains. Although many of Germany’s most famous castles fit this bill perfectly (take the Nesuscwanstein, for instance), they’re often packed with tourists, which can ruin the experience for some people.
Luckily, Germany is also home to many lesser-known castles that you can explore in peace while soaking up the tranquil scenery. Our favorite of Germany’s hidden castles is Lichtenstein Castle, located on the northwestern edge of the Swabian Jura mountain range in south Germany.
The castle is dramatically placed on the edge of a rocky outcrop and was constructed in the 1840s in a classic Gothic Revival style. The result is a hauntingly beautiful castle that seems to melt away into the rock itself, and it offers incredible views of the Echaz valley below.
Although constructed fairly recently (at least, in terms of castles), the castle was inspired by a former castle that stood in its place years ago. After being destroyed and rebuilt several times, and finally being converted into a hunting lodge, the original castle inspired the construction of the castle that stands there today.
The castle is accessed via a stone bridge, and you can take a guided tour around the interior of the castle – but be warned, the tours are only available in German (which might not be ideal if you don’t speak German, but at least it’s helped to keep international tourist numbers down!). Alternatively, you can purchase a ticket for the exterior only. Either way, you’ll be blown away by this underrated hidden gem of a castle!
Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Bavaria
Despite receiving over 2 million tourists each year, the charming town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber has somehow retained an incredibly laid-back vibe. This medieval old town is covered with timber houses and is one of just three towns in the whole of Germany with its original city walls still standing tall. The cobbled streets wind their way around incredibly well-preserved buildings, and it’s a particularly magical place to visit at Christmas time when the markets give the whole place an incredible old-fashioned atmosphere.
The town looks over the Tauber River, which adds a tranquil atmosphere to the entire area, and many of the houses on the riverbank feature classic red roofs. If you get peckish during your visit, make sure to grab one of the local Schneeballs, a crispy pie crust that’s beloved by locals in the area.
Basteibrücke (Bastion Bridge), Saxon Switzerland National Park
Saxon Switzerland National Park is somewhat of a hidden gem in its own right and receives far fewer visitors than many of the other national parks in the country. It’s located in the state of Saxony, close to the German-Czech border, and is known for its incredibly beautiful rock formations that are scattered among the luscious greenery. Part of the reason it receives less footfall than other parks is its location – the nearest major city is Dresden, which is the 12th most populated city in Germany. This means that, although it makes a great day trip from Dresden and other nearby towns and villages, it seemed to be less well-known by those further afield, despite its stunning raw beauty.
Although there are lots of things worth seeing within the park, no trip to Saxon Switzerland is complete with gazing in wonder at the Bastei. The term Bastei refers to a dramatic rock formation that stands over 300m above sea level and is hidden among the trees, and the Basteibrücke (or Bastei or Bastion Bridge) was constructed to lead visitors around the stones. As well as taking in the full glory of the jagged rocks, the bridge gives you the chance to soak up the panoramic views of the park and the Elbe river below.
Sylt, North Frisian Islands, Nordfriesland
Ilands? In Germany? Yup! Unknown to many tourists, there is a group of islands, known collectively as the North Frisian Islands, located off the coast of North Frisia. The largest and northernmost of these islands is Sylt, and it’s an awesome place to visit if you want to see a different side of Germany.
The shape of the island has shifted over time and will continue into the future, as a result of winds, currents, and sediment shifts. These unusual conditions have led to a unique set of flora and fauna adapting to life here, especially on the eastern side where you’ll find plenty of species that are on the IUCN Red List. You’ll also notice a vibrant pink rose all over the island. Although it’s actually an invasive species (previously imported here from Serbia), the rose has become an iconic symbol of the island.
In 1927, a causeway was built connecting Sylt to the mainland, and it’s become a popular destination for nature lovers, with plenty of eco and wellness retreats in the area. The grassy meadows, thatched rooves, and protected areas certainly do create a calming vibe, and many Hamberg residents head here when they’re in need of a break. There are plenty of luxurious shops, fancy bars, and spas n the area too, and don’t be surprised if you spot the odd celeb while you’re there!
Quedlinburg, Saxony-Anhalt
Quedlinburg is a town in the north of Germany, just three hours’ drive from Berlin, yet this quaint medieval town couldn’t be more different from the country’s thriving capital. Quedlinburg features some remarkably well-preserved structures, and its incredible castle, city walls, and church earned it a destination as a UNESCO World Heritage Site back in 1994.
Although the town is firmly rooted on the Romanesque Road, it receives far less attention than it deserves from most holiday goers. The humble town, with its medieval buildings lined with fabulous flowers and awesome museums, has a way of capturing your imagination and sending you back to years gone by.
The marketplace is a great place to sit back and admire the half-timbered buildings while you sip a coffee and snack on a pretzel, and don’t forget to head on over to Park Brühl if you want to wander around some greenery in peace and quiet. Although Quedlinburg makes an enchanting place to visit around Christmas time, be warned that things get a little busier around this time of year so, if you want to avoid the crowds, ew recommend avoiding this time of year.
In general, though, despite its close proximity to Berlin, Hanover, and Leipzig, the town is far quieter than you’d expect. Plus, its central location makes it one of Germany’s most accessible hidden gems – so there really is no excuse not to visit!
Gorlitz, Saxony
Gorlitz is the furthermost east city in the whole of Germany, so it’s a great place to visit if you’re looking to get off the tourist map.
Over the course of history, the town has experienced German, Polish, Hungarian, and Czech rulers, and it’s subsequently become a melting pot of various cultures. Even now, Gorlitz, along with the Polish city Zgorzelec (which used to be part of Gorlitz itself), are together referred to as the German-Polish Euro City of Görlitz-Zgorzelec. You can day trip here from Berlin or Dresden but, be warned, you might struggle to see everything in one day Plus, if you choose to stay nearby, you can always hop over the border for a cheeky visit to Poland!
Fortunately, despite its colorful history, the town escaped the destruction caused by WW2 elsewhere in Germany, and it’s home to many exquisite buildings constructed many years ago. Despite being incredibly picturesque and oozing with history, far more people have seen this town on TV than they have in real life – it’s the setting for many famous movies, including Wes Anderson’s Grand Budapest Hotel as well as Inglorious Bastards, The Book Theif, and many more!
Rakotzbrücke, Saxony
Although the city of Gorlitz itself is one of our favorite locations in the Gorlitz district, if you head to the town of Kromlau, you’ll find another one of our favorite hidden gems in Germany, the Rakotzbrücke (also known as the Devil’s Bridge).
This small yet exquisite bridge crosses the Rakotz lake and is just 35m in length. It was commissioned in 1860 and constructed from artificial basalt columns. Bringing these rocks here from various quarries was no easy feat, and neither was the craftsmanship that went into the construction of the bridge. It was carefully designed so that its arc would form a perfect circle when combined with its own reflection in the water, and to really appreciate the beauty you’ll have to stand a little downstream. Despite renovations over the last few years, the structure is not in operation as a bridge and is instead intended to be appreciated for the masterpiece that it is.
Despite being located far away from the usual tourist crowds, the bridge is within the boundaries of the Kromlau Azalea and Rhododendron Park, so a trip will be well worth the visit. The park is a great example of a classic English landscaped garden and it is entirely free to enter. As you wander around, you’ll pass ponds, lakes, and, of course, thousands of rhododendrons. Although generally quiet, make sure that you avoid Pentecost if you really hate crowds – at this time of year, over 30,000 visitors typically arrive for the annual flower festival.
Lake Schrecksee, Bavaria
If there’s one natural feature that Germany’s famous for, it’s its lakes. But if you’re sick and tired of jostling for space on the banks, and bumping into fellow swimmers in the water (like you’ll get at the Königssee), then you should definitely check out Lake Schrecksee, one of Germany’s natural hidden gems.
Schrecksee translates to Green Lake and, although the lake itself is in fact blue, it’s surrounded by vegetation that’s as green as a certain ogre that we’ve all come to know and love. The lake is located in the Alps and is almost 6,000 feet above sea level (which is probably why it receives so few visitors!), making it the tallest alpine lake in the whole of Germany.
There are various hikes in the area and most are fairly challenging, but those who make the effort will be rewarded with spectacular views of the nearby mountains and glimpses of Austria in the distance (there’s a saddle officially marking the border). If you’re looking forward to a dip in this majestic lake, then we definitely recommend hiking during the warmer months of the year – but make sure you take plenty of water with you too!
Triberg Waterfall, Triberg, Baden-Württemberg
The town of Triberg itself (or Triberg im Schwarzwald in full) is super small and way off the beaten tourist track. Located in the Black Forest, the town doesn’t receive many visitors, but those who do visit Triberg are rewarded with a chance to marvel at one of the highest waterfalls in Germany. The multi-tiered falls plunge over 160 meters down the Gutach River and are set with a backdrop of moss-covered rocks and towering trees.
You can reach the main ticket office on foot from Triberg, and there are various entrances to the falls themselves. Wear decent shoes and expect to cross several footbridges and walk up lots of steps (although the lower cascades are much easier to reach than the higher ones). One thing that we love about these falls is that they’re lit up when night falls, offering a truly mesmerizing experience – there’s nothing quite like listening to the roar of the water and watching it sparkle under the lights.
The falls typically receive more visitors in summer, but they’re actually more impressive in the cooler months when there’s more rain about – the extra water only adds to the magic of the falls. there are tonnes of awesome hikes in the area too, and don’t forget to check out the world’s largest cuckoo clock as you pass through Triberg!
Blautopf, Blaubeuren, Baden-Württemberg
Although the small town of Blaubeuren has plenty to offer visiting tourists, its star attraction is hands-down the Blautopf, a majestic natural spring that captivates all who cast eyes on it.
The spring is actually part of a karst environment, which means it’s part of a huge network of caves that are linked by the subterrane movement of water through the surrounding limestones rocks. The water itself is highly saturated with limestones particles, which causes a unique scattering of light. The result is an incredibly vibrant body of water, with incredibly rich turquoise and emerald hues. Set within a green wooded area, the Blautopf really is an astonishing sight to behold.
In the summer months, visitors often hop in the spring for a refreshing dip, while in the cooler months people often sit back and admire the beauty with a warm cup of mulled wine. And in case you’re wondering whether it’s possible to dive in the magical lagoon… it’s not. Although a few dive professionals have been granted access to the caves, it’s generally forbidden as a recreational activity. But if you’re keen to learn more about the caves of the Blautopf while staying on dry land, then we recommend checking out the nearby hammermill. Not only is it a fine example of traditional German architecture, but it also plays a documentary about the caves next door.
Despite its obvious appeal, the Blautopf receives far fewer visitors than you’d expect, and it really is one of the best hidden gems in Germany we’ve come across.
Summing Up
So, there you have it, the lesser-known delights that Germany has to offer. With attractions ranging from secluded islands to overlooked medieval towns to far-out spectacular alpine lakes, there really is something for everyone!
About the Author Roger Timbrook
Roger is a little obsessed with travel. He has been to over 40 countries, broken 3 suitcases and owned over 10 backpacks in 12 months. What he doesn't know about travel, ain't worth knowing!
