Topic Favourites
Philipp J. Conrad

Our five favourite German cities of 2022

Reading Time: 4 minutes

In 2022, we explored more enchanting cities across Germany, each with its unique charm and history. Here are our five favourites from that year.

  • 1/5

    The town hall of Lüneburg with its baroque facade in Lower Saxony, Germany.

    Lüneburg

    Lüneburg is a town on the Ilmenau River in Lower Saxony. It got extremely rich during the Hanseatic period thanks to its salt monopoly. Today, Lüneburg has an undestroyed historic town centre with more than 1300 listed brick buildings, including the largest medieval town hall in northern Germany.

    Lüneburg: The Salt City

    Lüneburg, located in Lower Saxony, is historically known for its salt trade and was a crucial member of the Hanseatic League. The town's well-preserved old town and rich history make it a delightful destination. 

    Highlights:

    • „Auf dem Meere“: One of Lüneburg's oldest and most picturesque streets, lined with charming medieval houses and unique architectural details.
    • Lüneburg Salt Museum: Learn about the town's salt production history and its significance in shaping the region's economy and culture.
    • Lüneburg's Old Town: Wander through the charming streets of Lüneburg's old town, with its well-preserved medieval buildings and picturesque squares.

    Why visit?

    Lüneburg's blend of history, architecture, and charming old town make it a captivating destination. Its unique attractions and rich cultural heritage provide a diverse and enriching experience.

  • 2/5

    The Holsten Gate (Holstentor) in the historic old centre of the Hanseatic city of Lübeck, Germany.

    Lübeck

    Lübeck (formerly Lubeca) is a Hanseatic city on the shores of the Baltic Sea. From the 13th century on it was the most important trading city in Northern Europe and from the 14th century on the third-largest city of the Holy Roman Empire. The old town of Lübeck has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987.

    Lübeck: The Queen of the Hanseatic League

    Lübeck, located on the Baltic Sea coast, is a historic Hanseatic city known for its beautiful medieval architecture and maritime heritage. Its old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

    Highlights:

    • Holstentor: The iconic city gate of Lübeck, a symbol of the city's rich history and architectural beauty.
    • The Gothic Churches of Lübeck: Lübeck is home to five stunning Gothic churches, each with unique architectural features and rich histories.
    • Lübeck's Old Town: Wander through the charming streets of Lübeck's old town, with its well-preserved medieval buildings and picturesque squares.

    Why visit?

    Lübeck's blend of medieval architecture, maritime heritage, and charming old town make it a captivating destination. Its UNESCO-listed old town and unique attractions provide a rich cultural experience.

  • 3/5

    The statue of young Johann Sebastian Bach in front of the magnificent town hall of Arnstadt, Thuringia.

    Arnstadt

    Arnstadt, located centrally in Thuringia, is among the oldest towns in Germany. From the 14th to the 18th century, it was the residence town of the Counts of Schwarzenburg. In the 17th and 18th centuries, members of the Bach family were court and church musicians in Arnstadt, including Johann Sebastian Bach.

    Arnstadt: Gateway to Thuringia

    Arnstadt, located in Thuringia, is a historic town known for its beautiful architecture and rich cultural heritage. The town's well-preserved old town and scenic surroundings make it a delightful destination. 

    Highlights:

    • Bach Church: A historic church where Johann Sebastian Bach once served as organist, offering beautiful architecture and a rich musical heritage.
    • Schlossmuseum Arnstadt: A fascinating museum showcasing the town's history and cultural heritage, located in a beautiful baroque palace.
    • Arnstadt's Old Town: Wander through the charming streets of Arnstadt's old town, with its well-preserved medieval buildings and picturesque squares.

    Why visit?

    Arnstadt's blend of history, architecture, and charming old town make it a captivating destination. Its unique attractions and rich cultural heritage provide a diverse and enriching experience.

  • 4/5

    Merseburg Castle, a former royal palace, bishop's seat and ducal residence, in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany.

    Merseburg

    Merseburg in Saxony-Anhalt is one of the oldest towns in central Germany. It was an early Königspfalz and later the capital of the Duchy of Saxe-Merseburg. It is well known for its palace with an attached cathedral and the Merseburg charms, two medieval magic spells written in Old High German.

    Merseburg: Cathedral City 

    Merseburg, located in Saxony-Anhalt, is a historic town known for its beautiful cathedral and rich cultural heritage. The town's well-preserved old town and scenic surroundings make it a delightful destination. 

    Highlights:

    • Merseburg Cathedral: A stunning Gothic cathedral with beautiful architecture and a rich history, offering beautiful views of the town from its towers.
    • Ständehaus Merseburg: A historic building that houses a museum and cultural center, showcasing the region's history and art.
    • Merseburg's Old Town: Wander through the charming streets of Merseburg's old town, with its well-preserved medieval buildings and picturesque squares.

    Why visit?

    Merseburg's blend of history, architecture, and charming old town make it a captivating destination. Its unique attractions and rich cultural heritage provide a diverse and enriching experience.

  • 5/5

    The magnificent town hall at the market square of Markgröningen in Baden-Württemberg.

    Markgröningen

    Markgröningen is a former imperial town in Baden-Württem­berg that was called Grüningen until the 18th century. It was a crown estate in the Holy Roman Empire and served as an important fief alongside the imperial storm banner. Today, the town is best known for its beautiful half-timbered town hall.

    Markgröningen: Charming Town

    Markgröningen, located in Baden-Württemberg, is a charming town known for its beautiful half-timbered houses and rich cultural heritage. The town's well-preserved old town and scenic surroundings make it a delightful destination. 

    Highlights:

    • Schäferlauf: An annual shepherd festival with historic traditions, colorful parades, and lively celebrations.
    • Wimpelinhof: A historic building showcasing the town's rich cultural heritage, offering insights into the region's history and traditions.
    • Markgröningen's Old Town: Wander through the charming streets of Markgröningen's old town, with its well-preserved half-timbered houses and picturesque squares.

    Why visit?

    Markgröningen's blend of history, architecture, and charming old town make it a captivating destination. Its unique attractions and rich cultural heritage provide a diverse and enriching experience.

Our journey through Germany in 2022 was filled with enchanting cities, each offering unique cultural and historical experiences. From the Hanseatic beauty of Lübeck to the charming town of Markgröningen, these cities left a lasting impression on us.

Narrowing this list down to just five of our favourite cities was no easy task, so here are five honourable mentions:

A map showing our five favourite German cities we have been to in 2022.

Discover all the places we have been to in 2022.

2022

The year our daughter was born.