We Ranked the 10 Most Beautiful Towns in Bavaria
Last Updated on October 26, 2025 by Ingrid & Alex
If you’re dreaming of exploring some of the most beautiful towns in Bavaria, we’ve ranked them for you! So you don’t have to waste your time doing research, or even worse, end up in a less-than-perfect place.
We were so lucky to have spent two months exploring the south and the north of Bavaria, and we’ve seen every single one of these places. Plus many more, of course.
Of course, we loved every single place we’ve ever been to – so much so that we even considered moving there. However, while life took us on another route (hello, Tuscany!), we would go back to Bavaria anytime.
Before we start, let’s get some things straight. We chose the word “town” in general, but you will find towns of all sizes and villages on the list.
Also, we leave out Munich. Because, of course, you’ll see Bavaria’s capital either way.
Thus, if you are visiting Bavaria soon, here are the most beautiful towns we think you should visit.
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Table of Contents
The 10 Most Beautiful Towns in Bavaria
Berchtesgaden
We start the top with this alpine town located close to the border with Austria.
The charming mountain resort town was once popular with the Bavarian royal family and with many artists who came to the area for inspiration.
Later on, Berchtesgaden became the favorite place for Hitler (who bought a home here) and other prominent Third Reich figures.
Today, Berchtesgaden is a peaceful, colorful small town popular with tourists from all over the world. It is easily reached from Munich; thus, there are plenty of day trips to choose from.
We visited during the spring, when the cherry trees were in bloom and the weather was just perfect.
Rosenheim
The third-largest city in Upper Bavaria, Rosenheim, was more charming than we expected. Even though it is large, it is not very popular among international travelers, so you will feel like you’ve gone off the beaten path.
The main street in the city’s historical center is lined with shops, cafes, and local restaurants serving delicious food.
We loved coming to the Max-Josefs-Platz to enjoy a cup of coffee at the vibrant Cafe Bergmeister.
Augsburg
It’s got this perfect mix of history, charm, and a laid-back vibe. You can wander through narrow cobblestone streets, see amazing Renaissance buildings, and even visit the world’s oldest social housing complex, the Fuggerei.
The fountains and canals make the whole place feel almost like a smaller, calmer Venice.
Plus, it’s not as crowded as Munich, so you can really enjoy the atmosphere.
Regensburg
Another gem – Regensburg is one of those places where you can actually feel the history around you.
The old town is full of colorful medieval buildings, narrow alleys, and cozy cafés by the Danube.
The big stone bridge and the Gothic cathedral are just stunning, especially when the sun hits them. What’s great is that everything’s close together, so you can stroll around and take it all in.
It’s lively and beautiful, with a warm, welcoming feel that makes you want to stay longer.
Burghausen
I bet you won’t find this place on any other list! That’s because this small Bavarian village is such a hidden gem that even we discovered it by chance.
Located on the Salzach River, Burhausen is right on the border with Austria, which makes it even more interesting.
The Burghausen Castle catches your attention mainly because of its position at the top of the mountain, but also because of its architecture. The lake below the castle, Wöhrsee, has a beautiful turquoise color, and you can even swim in it at the Wöhrseebad.
Coburg
During our month in northern Bavaria, we lived between Coburg and Bamberg, two towns that stole our hearts.
Queen Victoria said of Coburg: “If I were not who I am, this would have been my real home, but I shall always consider it my second one.” If this place were good for a queen, I think anyone would fall in love with it.
Apart from a beautiful pedestrian old town, Coburg features the Coburg Castle (Veste Coburg), set in a lovely park.
Wurzburg
What started as a Celtic refuge castle and later a Roman fort, Wurzburg is now the third-largest city in Franconia. Even though we had never heard of it before our visit, after spending one day exploring it, we fell irremediably in love.
Würzburg is home to the oldest pizzeria in Germany, Bier- und Speisewirtschaft Capri, and to the beautiful Residenz, a UNESCO World Heritage Site founded in 1720.
As you approach the river, Festung Marienberg caught your eye. Most current structures date to the Renaissance and Baroque periods, but the chapel’s foundations go back to the 8th century.
Last, but certainly not least, Wurzburg is home to amazing wine. The Würzburger Stein vineyard just outside the city is one of Germany’s oldest and largest vineyards.
Wasserburg am Inn
This was by far our favorite Bavarian small town. We loved it so much that we even considered moving here! And if you get to visit it, you’ll understand why.
The historic center lies on a peninsula shaped by the winding River Inn. Numerous medieval buildings have been preserved, giving the city a distinctive character.
It is among the most historic towns of Old Bavaria, slightly older than Munich, and was long contested by the Bavarian nobility. Until the 16th century, it stood on equal footing with the region’s larger cities.
Wasserburg is always charming, even during the rain. Thanks to its great coffee shops, weekend local markets, and river promenades, you’ll leave the city refreshed.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber
I’m sure there’s no surprise that the fairytale-like Rothenburg ob der Tauber made the top of our list. We visited during the summer, but the medieval village becomes even more popular in winter, thanks to its Christmas Market.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber is one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval towns, nestled along the Romantic Road in Bavaria.
Once a Free Imperial City during the Middle Ages, it flourished as a center of trade and craftsmanship.
Today, its cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses, and intact city walls create the feeling of stepping back in time.
The town exudes a fairy-tale charm, especially at sunset or during its famous Christmas market, capturing the essence of old-world Germany in every corner.
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