Our five favourite German cities we have been to in 2023
In 2023, our travels took us to more wonderful German cities, each with its own unique charm and history. Here are our top five favorites from that year:
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1/5
Freiburg im Breisgau
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Country
Germany
- Region Baden-Württemberg
- Year 2023
Freiburg im Breisgau is a large city in Baden-Württemberg that is located in the tri-national Upper Rhine metropolitan region. It has been effectively promoting itself as a “Green City” for its environmental protection activities. The city is known for its over one square kilometre old town with its cathedral.
Freiburg im Breisgau: Green City
Freiburg im Breisgau, located in the Black Forest region, is known for its eco-friendly initiatives, beautiful medieval architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. The city's sunny climate and picturesque setting make it a delightful destination.
Highlights:
- Freiburg Minster: A stunning Gothic cathedral with a magnificent tower offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding region.
- Schwabentor: One of the city's historic gates, featuring beautiful medieval architecture and a fascinating museum.
- Schlossberg: A hill offering scenic hiking trails and stunning views of the city and the Black Forest.
Why visit?
Freiburg's blend of medieval architecture, eco-friendly initiatives, and vibrant cultural scene make it a captivating destination. Its picturesque setting and unique attractions provide a diverse and enriching experience.
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Country
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2/5
Xanten
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Country
Germany
- Region North Rhine-Westphalia
- Year 2023
Xanten is a town in North Rhine-Westphalia with a history of more than 2000 years. Its Archaeological Park, one of the world's largest archaeological open-air museums, exhibits the Roman settlement Colonia Ulpia Traiana. The medieval town centre with the St. Victor's Cathedral is also worth a visit.
Xanten: Roman Heritage
Xanten, located in North Rhine-Westphalia, is a historic town known for its well-preserved Roman ruins and beautiful medieval architecture. The town's rich history and charming old town make it a delightful destination.
Highlights:
- Archaeological Park Xanten: Explore the well-preserved Roman ruins and learn about the town's rich Roman history through fascinating exhibits and reconstructions.
- Xanten Cathedral: A stunning Gothic cathedral with beautiful architecture and a rich history, offering beautiful views of the town from its towers.
- Xanten's Old Town: Wander through the charming streets of Xanten's old town, with its well-preserved medieval buildings and picturesque squares.
Why visit?
Xanten's blend of Roman history, medieval architecture, and charming old town make it a captivating destination. Its unique attractions and rich cultural heritage provide a diverse and enriching experience.
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Country
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3/5
Osnabrück
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Country
Germany
- Region Lower Saxony
- Year 2023
Osnabrück is a city in Lower Saxony historically considered to be part of Westphalia. It is located at the northern end of the Teutoburg Forest. The city was a member of the Hanseatic League and is known as the „city of peace“ for its role in the negotations of the Peace of Westphalia after the Thirty Years‘ War.
Osnabrück: City of Peace
Osnabrück, located in Lower Saxony, is a historic city known for its role in the Peace of Westphalia and its beautiful architecture. The city's well-preserved old town and rich cultural heritage make it a delightful destination.
Highlights:
- Osnabrück Cathedral: A stunning Gothic cathedral with beautiful architecture and a rich history, offering beautiful views of the city from its towers.
- Town Hall of the Peace of Westphalia: A historic building where the Peace of Westphalia was signed, featuring beautiful architecture and fascinating exhibits.
- Osnabrück's Old Town: Wander through the charming streets of Osnabrück's old town, with its well-preserved medieval buildings and picturesque squares.
Why visit?
Osnabrück'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.
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Country
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4/5
Mühlhausen
Mühlhausen is a town in Thüringen at the river Unstrut. It was a major free imperial city and part of the “Thüringer Dreistädtebund”. After the Great Peasants' War, Thomas Müntzer was executed outside the city gates. The “Mühlhausener Kirmes” claims to be the biggest parish fair in Germany.
Mühlhausen: Historic and Picturesque
Mühlhausen, located in Thuringia, is a historic town known for its beautiful medieval architecture and rich cultural heritage. The town's well-preserved old town and scenic surroundings make it a delightful destination.
Highlights:
- Mühlhausen City Wall: Explore the well-preserved city wall and enjoy beautiful views of the town and surrounding countryside.
- Bauernkriegsmuseum Kornmarktkirche: A museum dedicated to the history of the Peasants' War, located in a beautifully restored church.
- Mühlhausen's Old Town: Wander through the charming streets of Mühlhausen's old town, with its well-preserved medieval buildings and picturesque squares.
Why visit?
Mühlhausen'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.
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5/5
Coburg
Coburg is a city in Upper Franconia bordering the state of Thüringen. Coburg was the capital of the principalities “Saxe-Coburg”, “Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld”, and “Saxe-Coburg-Gotha”. Situated at the top of the hill, the Veste Coburg dominates the valley, while the “Ehrenburg Palace” dominates the city.
Coburg: Royal Heritage
Coburg, located in Bavaria, is a historic town known for its beautiful architecture and rich royal heritage. The town's well-preserved old town and scenic surroundings make it a delightful destination.
Highlights:
- Veste Coburg: A stunning fortress offering panoramic views of the town and surrounding countryside, with fascinating exhibits on the region's history.
- Ehrenburg Palace: A beautiful palace with stunning architecture and opulent interiors, offering a glimpse into the town's rich royal heritage.
- Coburg's Old Town: Wander through the charming streets of Coburg's old town, with its well-preserved medieval buildings and picturesque squares.
Why visit?
Coburg'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 2023 was filled with wonderful cities, each offering unique cultural and historical experiences. From the green city of Freiburg to the royal heritage of Coburg, 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 2023.
Discover all the places we have been to in 2023.
2023
The first full year as a family of three.