German wines are internationally renowned, and the scenery of wine towns and villages is idyllic: quaint half-timbered houses, fairytale castles, historic palaces and villages, and delicious local wines are all fascinating.
Strolling through Germany's vineyards and old towns and enjoying the scenery while sipping wine is probably the most popular way for wine lovers to travel. Here are 8 of Germany's most charming wine towns that are worth a visit whether you're a wine lover or not.
01. Bingen
This picturesque town is located on the banks of the Rhine and is surrounded by forests, vineyards and hills. It is the highest latitude in the world, known as the "golden mile" for growing grapes, and is a sacred place for German winemakers.
People here are naturally cheerful and enthusiastic, so they love to celebrate. The city has numerous festivals throughout the year and delicious wines can be tasted all year round, and in September, when the grapes are ripe, the Bingen Wine Festival, which lasts for 11 days, is the longest wine festival on the Rhine.
The Rhine meanders and is lined with vineyards. In the old town of Bingen, there are old buildings that have been preserved, and here you can feel the precipitation of time. High up in the town is Klopp Castle, which is the town's landmark. Once you ascend the castle, you can enjoy an unobstructed view of the entire city and the surrounding area. There are also a variety of cafes and restaurants in the old town where you can indulge in local cuisine.
02. Freiburg
Freiburg in Breisgau is Germany's warmest and sunniest wine-growing region, producing wines comparable to those of the Loire Valley or Alsace in France. The quality and diversity of the soils provide ideal growing conditions, making it one of the best wine-growing regions in Europe.
Freiburg is located on the southwestern border of Germany, close to France and Switzerland, and enjoys the pleasant scenery of southern Germany. While you're here, don't forget to take a stroll around the old town, which still retains its original architectural style. Freiburg Cathedral is not as famous as Cologne Cathedral, but it is not far behind in terms of size and architecture.
In particular, a group of sculptures of biblical characters above the entrance to the church gate are even more lifelike. Cobbled sidewalks are decorated with patterns, and balconies are filled with flowers. Coming here, you will also fall in love with her vibe.
03. Fort Mels
Situated on Lake Constance on the border between Germany and Switzerland, the picturesque Meyersburg is an unforgettable drive past vineyards and orchards and one of the most beautiful lakes and mountains in Europe. Melsburg has few tourists, its pristine streets and buildings have been preserved, and it has not been overly commercially developed, so the prices are pleasant, only half the level of Switzerland opposite!
Meersburg is considered a masterpiece of nature, with a hill of quaint half-timbered houses, a view of Lake Constance with flocks of waterfowl and the majestic Alps on the other side.
04. Bad Dickheim
The people of the Palatinate love food and their own wines, and this is especially evident in Bad Dilheim: this town on the edge of the Palatinate Forest hosts the world's largest wine festival every year, and although it is called a sausage market, this great folk festival has less to do with sausages and is more famous for its wines.
The first wine festival was held here in 1417, and today the town attracts around 600,000 visitors a year. During the festival, more than 150 wines from more than 50 regions in the vicinity of the region are offered, including Riesling, ice wine and sparkling wine. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings on long wooden tables in large tents or sip in front of various taverns.
05. Forca
Located in Bavaria, Forka is a very romantic wine town and one of the seven major wine regions in Germany. The Main River runs from west to east, and the sunny slopes of the river and the valleys of its tributaries are filled with vineyards of all sizes.
The beautiful old town of Forca, with its medieval walls, Gothic churches and magnificent Renaissance town hall, is a popular destination. The Volkatz Wine Festival takes place every August, bringing together the region's winegrowers and bustling with activity.
06. Cochem
Picturesque Cochem is one of the most popular towns along the Moselle and a great place to travel along the Moselle, with narrow alleys and beautifully restored half-timbered houses adding to the charm of this old town.
The most iconic attraction in Cochem is Reichsburg, one of the masterpieces of German Gothic architecture. Its elongated spires, stained-glass windows, and stained glass windows depicting Bible stories make an impression of the scene. This medieval castle perched on a hill is the perfect place to see the town, from the top of the castle to the mountains and rivers, and the alleys of the old houses.
The Cochem Wine Festival is one of the largest and most beautiful festivals on the Moselle and attracts many visitors to the town. Traditionally, at the end of August, the Moselle region hosts a wine festival with a large fireworks display.
07. Belstein
Before 1900, Baelstein, nicknamed the "Sleeping Beauty of the Moselle", was admired for its beauty, and the aroma of the wine was of course another reason for its appeal. One of the more distinctive things about this place is that you have to take a boat to get there. The coiss-crossed cobblestone paths, colourful half-timbered houses and cobbled riverside paths all reflect the town's charming medieval feel.
It is one of the most quaint of all the Moselle Valley towns, with a strong medieval European feel. Coming here is like stepping back in time. Especially at night, the town loses the hustle and bustle of the day, and becomes more silent, so it shows its simplicity and quietness.
The Meternich Castle in the town of Berstein is perched on the highest rock above the village, and you can look out over the natural beauty of the town and its surroundings. Cycling and boat riding are the best ways to get around Belstein, you can sit back and enjoy the scenery on both sides of the river, or rent a bicycle and ride along the river.
08. Baharach
Walking through the ancient vicissitudes of the city gate and stepping on the stone-paved path is like walking through a time tunnel and entering a long time forgotten by time and space. The small buildings of different styles in the city seem to have remained unchanged for thousands of years, and they seem to have just been painted, and the rich original style contains a simple and elegant atmosphere.
The ruins of the castle and the ruins of the church on the top of the hill are only ruins that flicker in the clouds and mist, and they still have a beautiful and shocking charm after centuries. The colourful trussed wooden houses are covered with green vines and create a unique atmosphere of the Rhine wine country, which immediately reminds people of the vineyards of the mountains, and the whole town is filled with the aroma of wine.
A visit is recommended at the local "Mail Train" tavern, where the only Bajarach "fiery wine" was handmade back in the Middle Ages. Inside the medieval gates of the tavern is a fine dining room offering sumptuous dishes and regional wines. In addition to the taverns in town, there are also many wineries around that are worth visiting.
Germany's famous wine regions are also beautiful towns, each with its own unique character, located by a forest or nestled by a river. Whether you're a wine lover, a lover of old towns, or just want to enjoy the beautiful countryside of Germany, these places are perfect for you.
Editorial Department of Planning/Worry-Free Line
Written by Tong Fei
Editor/Han Xiaokai
Design / Wang Zhe