7 Best Towns to Visit for a 3-Day Stay in Germany
That Germany is a popular travel destination for North Americans is clear. Each year, over three million US citizens and countless others from places like Canada pack their bags and head for this Western European country, drawn by the promise of its rich history, its vibrant cultural scene (Oktoberfest included!), as well as its often-spectacular scenery.
Most of these travellers will spend at least a little time in larger urban areas like Munich and Frankfurt, both of which benefit from direct flights from major North American cities, before venturing out and exploring areas like Bavaria, Saxony, and the Rhineland. But knowing where to go to enjoy as authentic a German travel experience as possible can be a little daunting.
To help you plan your adventure, consider these destinations in our list of the best towns to visit in Germany for a 3-day stay.
Lindau, Bavaria
A scenic two-hour train ride from Munich, Lindau is one of the best-preserved and most picture-perfect Medieval towns in Bavaria, if not all of Germany. Located on a small island on the eastern side of Lake Constance (Bodensee), a lake that Germany shares with both Switzerland and Austria, Lindau emerged in the 9th century as a free imperial city, which significantly influenced its architectural and cultural heritage.
Exploring Lindau’s Old Town (Altstadt) on foot is a lot of fun and given it’s an island you’ll never get lost. Just allow curiosity to lead you along the cobblestone streets and eventually, you’ll find key attractions like the Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus) with its striking façade, as well as the town’s spectacular harbor. Famous for its Bavarian lion statue and lighthouse, here you can watch the ferries and tour boats head out onto Lake Constance or; better still, hop aboard one yourself.
For accommodations, we recommend Hotel Alte Schule Lindau/Bodensee. Set in a 15th-century former schoolhouse, this first-rate family-run hotel offers an excellent buffet breakfast and a comfortable, quiet sleep, all just steps away from the best things to do in Lindau.
Baden-Baden, Baden-Württemberg
Located on the edge of the Black Forest in southwestern Germany and less than a 90-minute train ride from Frankfurt Airport, Baden-Baden is known the world over as one of Europe’s top spa and hot spring destinations. The town’s thermal springs were in fact popular as far back as Roman times, and down the centuries have been a huge draw for nobility and, more recently, tourists seeking to benefit from their therapeutic properties.
The Friedrichsbad and Caracalla Spa are two of the most famous bathhouses here. Each boasts an intoxicating mix of traditional Roman bathing culture and modern wellness treatments, including a 17-step bathing ritual that combines steam baths, showers, and pools of varying temperatures. Baden-Baden is also celebrated for its cultural offerings, with highlights including the Festspielhaus, built in 1904 and one of Europe's largest historic opera houses.
With so much fun stuff to do in Baden-Baden, you’ll certainly want to spend at least two nights / three days here to get the most out of your visit. Popular accommodation options include the magnificent Brenners Park Hotel & Spa and Hotel "Belle Epoque," both of which offer an authentic and luxurious Baden-Baden vacation experience.
Rothenburg-ob-der-Tauber, Bavaria
Perhaps Germany's most recognizable Medieval-era town, Rothenburg ob der Tauber deserves to be the subject of at least a three-day stay. Usually referred to simply as “Rothenburg,” it’s located in Bavaria mid-way between Munich and Frankfurt and dates back to the late 12th century when it flourished due to its strategic location at the intersection of major trade routes.
Today, Rothenburg's rich history is evident in its charming cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses, and fortified walls, all of it adding up to an unforgettable getaway. Historic highlights include the famous Plönlein, a picturesque spot where two streets converge in front of a small fountain. Framed by a tower and half-timbered buildings, it’s one the most photographed spots in all of Germany.
Rothenburg is also a beautiful spot to visit in winter for its superb Christmas market. But regardless of the time of year you visit, try to book a stay as close to the town center as possible. Popular choices include the affordable Hotel Spitzweg and the plush Romantik Hotel & Restaurant Markusturm.
Ravensburg, Baden-Württemberg
Although not always included on people’s German travel itineraries, the southern town of Ravensburg should be. Located in the state of Baden-Württemberg, Ravensburg should be instantly recognizable to anyone who has ever played Chinese Checkers or done a puzzle as it’s the hometown of the iconic Ravensburger company, one of the world’s leading game and puzzle publishers. You’ll want to visit Museum Ravensburger for its fascinating displays related to the company’s history. Travelling with kids? Take the short ride to turn them loose in Ravensburger Spieleland, a family-oriented theme park.
Explore Old Town Ravensburg (Ravensburg Altstadt) on foot and you’ll see why this charming town is known as the "City of Towers and Gates." Some of these old structures can still be climbed, including the Blaserturm. Standing nearly 170 feet tall, this symbol of historic Ravensburg offers spectacular views over the Old Town. Another landmark, the Mehlsack Tower, is even older and was built in 1425.
Other fun things to do in Ravensburg include exploring Museum Humpis-Quartier with its historic old homes dating from the town’s earliest days; Kunstmuseum Ravensburg, showcasing modern and contemporary art; and the Marienplatz, the central square of the Old Town, and where you’ll find the useful Ravensburg Tourist Information Center. Come bedtime, we loved staying in the lovely Hotel Kaiserhof Ravensburg, just steps away from the top attractions in Ravensburg and its train station.
Wittenberg, Saxony-Anhalt
Located on the banks of the Elbe River, Wittenberg holds a special place in history as the birthplace of the Protestant Reformation and is most famous for its association with Martin Luther, the theologian who initiated the Reformation in the 16th century. Now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Wittenberg’s an easy 40-minute train ride from Berlin making it an ideal place for a 3-day alternative to the country’s capital.
Wittenberg’s most iconic landmark is the Schlosskirche (Castle Church), where Martin Luther is said to have nailed his 95 Theses to the door in 1517, challenging the Catholic Church's practices. This pivotal moment in religious history led to significant changes in the Christian Church and European society. Other related sightseeing opportunities s include the Lutherhaus, formerly Luther's residence and now a museum dedicated to his life and work; and the Stadtkirche (Town Church), where Luther frequently preached.
As for places to stay in Wittenberg, the Luther-Hotel and the Hotel & Restaurant Brauhaus Wittenberg are both centrally located and make walking tours of this attractive town easy.
Friedrichshafen, Baden-Württemberg
Reminders that Friedrichshafen is the hometown of Germany’s famous Zeppelin airships are everywhere. From Zeppelin-themed playgrounds to museums dedicated to these remarkable 100-plus-year-old machines, as well as numerous statues and monuments dedicated to its founder, Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin, it’s evident that Friedrichshafen is proud of this heritage. And justifiably so.
Start your three-day adventure with a visit to the Zeppelin Museum. Housed in the former harbor railway station and overlooking Lake Constance, you’ll find full-scale, partial reconstructions of the famous Hindenburg airship along with displays dealing with its disastrous crash in New Jersey in 1937. The museum's also the perfect warm-up for the highlight of your stay in Friedrichshafen: a ride in a real, modern-day (and safe!) Zeppelin. Operating out of Friedrichshafen Airport, these thrilling sightseeing tours offer numerous daily flights, all of which provide breathtaking views over Lake Constance and even into Bregenz in Austria.
After your flight relax at the elegant, modern Lukullum Hotel. Its rooftop views are stupendous, and the food and beverages, including locally brewed beers and wines, are top-notch.
Weimar, Thuringia Land
The eastern German city of Weimar is a cultural hotbed steeped in European intellectual history. Renowned as the cradle of German classicism, Weimar is forever linked with some of the greatest names in German literature, philosophy, and art, most notably Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. The city's association with the literary giant is evident in the Goethe National Museum and Goethe's Residence, where the poet lived for almost 50 years.
It was also here that the Bauhaus movement was founded in 1919, a fact you can explore in the Bauhaus Museum with its in-depth look at the school's history and its revolutionary approach to art, design, and architecture. In fact, so much of Weimar is of architectural significance that much of the city has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.
To get the most out of a visit, spend at least two nights and three days exploring all there is to do in Weimar. For accommodations, consider staying at the Hotel Elephant Weimar, an Autograph Collection property, Hotel Am Frauenplan, or Hotel Schillerhof.
The Final Word
Germany’s rich history, diverse landscapes, and vibrant culture make it an ideal European destination for travellers seeking a memorable vacation. To truly experience all that this dynamic country has to offer the curious traveller, consider these best towns to visit in Germany for a 3-day stay when planning your adventure. Also, be sure to visit the country’s tourism website for more ideas and inspiration.
