The best mediaeval villages in Bavaria

Germany

Bavaria is Germany's most popular region, known for cities like Munich, Nuremberg, Regensburg, and Bamberg, which often steal the spotlight. However, if you're willing to venture beyond these major cities, Bavaria hides beautiful mediaeval villages that are often overlooked by tourists. Get ready to discover some of the region's best-kept secrets. CarJet presents the best mediaeval villages in Bavaria.

Füssen

Nestled in the Bavarian Alps, Füssen is one of Germany’s most popular villages, thanks in part to its proximity to Neuschwanstein Castle, just a seven-minute drive from the centre. This castle is one of the most iconic in Europe and famously inspired Walt Disney’s logo and the castle in Sleeping Beauty.

Stroll through Füssen’s historic centre, known as Altstadt, where you'll find charming traditional Bavarian houses. Key attractions include St. Mang's Abbey and the Hohes Schloss. Be sure to walk along the Lech River, which runs through the town, or drive a few kilometres to Lake Forggensee, where you can take in stunning mountain views and breathe in the fresh alpine air while exploring the scenic trails.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Just 60 kilometres from Füssen lies Garmisch-Partenkirchen, commonly known as Garmisch. Most tourists visit Garmisch for its reputation as Germany’s top ski destination, offering perfect conditions for mountain sports.

While many come for skiing, they often discover a hidden gem. Ludwigstraße, with its traditional Bavarian houses, and Marienplatz, lined with cafés, restaurants, and shops, are sure to impress. Just a few kilometres from the centre is the Partnachklamm Gorge, perfect for hiking and taking in these incredible views.

Above all, Garmisch is a paradise for ski lovers. Its slopes are divided into two main areas: Garmisch-Classic and Zugspitze, Germany's highest mountain at nearly 10,000 feet. With the Top Snow Card, you’ll have access to these slopes as well as those in Mittenwald and Tiroler Zugspitz-Arena in Austria, all connected by a train that passes through the ski resort—offering over 210 kilometres of ski slopes to enjoy!

Berchtesgaden

Berchtesgaden, located two hours from Munich near the Austrian border, is one of Germany’s most beautiful villages. Explore its churches, both in the centre and the surrounding areas, such as the Wallfahrtskirche Maria Gern, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the mountain ranges.

Surrounded by the Bavarian Alps, one mountain stands out above all others: the Watzmann, whose distinctive shape serves as a backdrop to the village. Don't miss the chance to climb Kehlsteinhaus (Eagle's Nest), what was supposed to be Hitler's retirement home, now serves as a tourist attraction to learn about the Second World War and enjoy a restaurant with stunning views of the Bavarian Alps. If you love nature, Lake Königssee, just 5 kilometres from Berchtesgaden, will make you feel like you're in the Norwegian Fjords or New Zealand. The views are simply spectacular: crystal clear water, mountains surrounding you, St. Bartholomew's Church and lots of greenery.

Berchtesgaden, a 2 horas de Munich y en la frontera con Austria, es uno de los pueblos más bonitos de toda Alemania. Visita sus bonitas iglesias, tanto en el centro como en los alrededores, como la Wallfahrtskirche Maria Gern, desde donde podrás disfrutar de vistas de las cordilleras.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Strolling through the streets of Rothenburg ob der Tauber feels like stepping into a fairytale. Rothenburg is one of the best-preserved towns in Europe, experiencing its heyday in the 15th century and retaining its mediaeval charm ever since. The most iconic—and probably most photographed—spot is Plönlein, an area with traditional half-timbered Bavarian houses, cobbled streets, and two mediaeval towers in the background.

If you're visiting Rothenburg in winter, don’t miss its famous Christmas Market, held from late November to late December in the Marktplatz (Market Square). This square, the heart of the town since the 13th century, is home to Rothenburg’s town hall and is surrounded by colourful facades, perfect for enjoying a warm drink.

Nördlingen

Nördlingen holds the title of being the only town in Germany with a wall that you can walk along entirely. Stroll along the Nördlingen town wall, from where you can see the whole town with its characteristic orange-roofed houses. Be sure to pass through the wall’s main gates: Löpsingen, Reimlingen, and Berger.

Within the city walls, you can explore a charming, colourful, and well-preserved historic centre. At the heart of the town stands St. George’s Church, whose tower is visible from every corner of the city and offers incredible views if you climb it.

Hire a car and discover Bavaria

The best way to explore Bavaria is by rental car. If you want to truly connect with the essence of this region and leave the big cities behind to discover its charming villages, hiring a car is your best option.

Road trip through Bavaria

With a rental car, you'll have the freedom to explore Bavaria at your own pace. Visit iconic cities like Munich, Nuremberg, or Augsburg, discover some (or all) of the villages mentioned above, and lose yourself in their landscapes. If you need help planning your road trip, check out our blog on how to make the most of Google Maps when organising your trip.

Can you cross into another country with a rental car?

If you’re exploring Bavaria with a rental car, it’s natural to wonder whether you can cross into another country. After all, Bavaria shares its southern border with Austria and its eastern border with the Czech Republic. When you’re near the border, it’s tempting to cross and explore a new country, but first, you should be aware of your rental car's terms and conditions.

CarJet works with the best car hire companies in the region, offering a wide variety of vehicles from different providers. Since each company has its own policies, there's no single answer. Some companies may charge an extra fee, others may allow cross-border travel freely, and some might forbid it altogether. We recommend checking the specific terms of your rental car before crossing any borders. For more information, read this article.

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