Half-timbered Houses and Narrow Alleyways: The Middle Ages in Germany

Come and join us as we explore the Middle Ages! Germany has a lot to offer when it comes to this time period: Historic city gates, church towers and half-timbred houses. In German cities and towns, you'll find a lot of well-preserved Medieval architecture, much of it on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
From Lübeck in the North to Bamberg in the South – we show you seven cities and towns which will make you feel like you're in a fairytale.

00:00 Intro
00:30 Trier, Rhineland-Palatinate
01:24 Aachen, North-Rhine Westfalia
02:24 Quedlinburg, Saxony Anhalt
03:08 Erfurt, Thuringia
03:55 Lübeck, Schleswig-Holstein
04:49 Bamberg, Bavaria
05:40 Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Bavaria

CREDITS:
Report: Kerstin Schmidt
Editing: Cem Mete
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[noellewest]

This country is unbelievably beautiful. It's magical.

[SpanishEclectic]

We visited Trier, Aachen, and Rothenberg Au Der Tauber on a trip to Germany in 2007. So much wonderful history, and the food was fantastic. Also went into Austria, to Salzberg, and saw the places where Mozart lived. Only last year I discovered that my Great-great-great grandparents on my Mother's side were married in Trier in 1832. I wonder if they stood in the same spot I did and looked up at the Black Gate. This video could have been twice as long...

[abel]

Das vídeo war sehr interessant. Es gibt viele schöne Dorfen in Deutschland. Ich hoffe, ich kann Deutschland eines Tages besuchen. Herzliche Grüsse aus Peru (Südamerika)

[thekejofglory]

Stayed for nearly two weeks in Berlin last June, and I went to Spandau just to see half-timbered houses. I hope to go back to Germany to be able to visit towns with more half-timbered houses. DW Travel videos will always be gems.

[kinyuakariithi]

From Kenya Africa with lots of love, Hope one day I will visit Germany

[bambinaforever]

We were travelling from France to Travemunde to take ferry to go to Finland, had some time to spare, went to a town on the map called Fulda, did not expect much - what a gem it occurred. We have visited many many towns and cities in Germany on our way to Italy or France and back - all were very nice. Almost none of them were mentioned here, so u go to any town or city in Germany and will be pleasantly surprised. And food is almost always nice too

[PyFagoras]

Amazing that such a treasure trove of breathtakingly beautiful architecture was able to survive the last century, thankfully🙏🏽

[KitsuneHB]

I'm happy you showed at least one city from North Germany but we have even more places with old architecture here in the north, like the "Schnoor" in Bremen and our beautiful town hall, the "Speicherstadt" in Hamburg, Goslar and more. Sometimes you can find very old remains from the past like burial mounds or megalithic graves.

[ShikamaruXT]

We have a lot of great destinations, so i Limit myself to one i visit frequently: The Medieval Christmas market of Esslingen am Neckar. I often dress up in middle age clothing or even armor, adds to the atmosphere

[carlberg]

Bamberg I know. It's like walking through a fairytale. I look forward to discovering more of these medieval gems. I love visiting Germany, I find the people warm, friendly, and kind.

[huajieliu]

Love the half-timbered houses along the sides of the narrow alleyways. With cobblestone on the ground and flowers on the balconies, treading on the ways is an experience that could be hard to be described but only to be felt. The stone churches from the Roman and middle ages and located on the banks of the river are testments to the rich and long history of the nation. Definitely will visit the nation one day to try its sauages and beers. Cheers.

[stefanpuschel]

Even though maybe not as stunning as Rothenburg or Quedlinburg, Landshut in Bavaria is definetly worth a visit if you want to experience the medieval times. Especially in July 2023 when there is one of the largest medieval pageants held there (every 4 years), reinacting the wedding between the polish princess and the bavarian duke from 1475 with authentic costumes, sword fights, jousting and lots of medieval music and beer.

[opflug]

Living in Germany this year gave me a whole new perspective on how destructive the second World War was just from how many cities are lifeless and modern with only one or two rebuilt old structures. At least much of the old beauty still remains.

[tapovardhanraut]

Simply fantastic. The more and more you watch the Video you get stunned by the Beauty of the Ancient Cities and it's beautiful Architecture and the best preserved buildings and much more 👍

[Vinc]

These are probably the most noteworthy medieval towns in Germany, but also check out Goslar, Görlitz and Naumburg if you're in the area

[H.J.U.]

I always feel welcome in Germany. No matter if it is summer or winter, there is so much to see and beautiful cities to visit. A special Christmas city is close to my heart - Hamburg - with its Christmas market on the town hall square and romantic wooden stalls in several places around the city, from which Glüwein and various handicrafts, Christmas baubles and sweets are sold in long lanes!
Good hotels and nice places to eat, not forgetting their lovely beer. Definitely worth a visit!

[claiborneeastjr]

Absolutely stunning and charming architecture. It is nice to see so much of it so well preserved and appreciated! It is remarkable that so much survived WW II. That is amazing and a wonderful tribute to German heritage and culture. I love the half-timbered buildings with their ornate facades. So expressive and delightful!

[stephenallange]

We spent nearly a week in Dinkelsbuhl this past August. Was absolutely beautiful.

[waqarapcd]

I have visited Trier, Bamberg, and Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Bavaria. My favorite is Bamberg. Also there are so many other beautiful cites, churches, towers and houses in Germany. Thank you DW to show us amazing parts of Germany.

[Otakupandaofficial]

I would like to add Nuremberg to that list. It is kind of a "all of the above" town. It has the famous Kaiserburg, which was seat of government for some of Germanys Kaisers. Also it was pretty accuratly rebuild after being destroyed in WWII, thanks to Albrecht Dürers precise drawings of the city. Also Lebkuchen (Gingerbread) was invented there, and there are delicious local specialities like 3 im Weggla (3 Bratwurst in a Bun) or Schäuferla (Pigs Shoulder).
No, I don't work for the city, but I live here and it's beautyful :)