Small town idyll: View of 4 idyllic half-timbered houses standing in a row. Red geraniums bloom in the foreground. The sky is blue.

Most Beautiful Towns in Baden-WürttembergSmall Towns with Grand History

Small-Town Gems

Authentic Charm in Every Corner

Germany’s largest marketplace in Freudenstadt. The Odenwald town of Mosbach, filled with pristine half-timbered houses. Waldkirch, a town known for its organs and Carnival tradition. Open-air theaters, castle ruins, and magnificent royal residences. And never far away: a charming café where the owner stands behind the counter. Nothing here is a backdrop – everything is genuine, some of it even from the Middle Ages. Our small towns in Baden-Württemberg are classics because gems never go out of style.
Many house facades with half-timbered houses in a morning atmosphere.
Enchanting small towns
Our selected small town pearls have a very special lustre.

Short Trips to Small Town Gems

At a Glance

1

20 Unique Originals

They are definitely among the most beautiful cities in Baden-Württemberg: Half-timbered houses, narrow alleys, and cobblestone marketplaces abound, along with boutiques,lovely spots to dine and picturesque old towns – these certified small-town gems carry a rich history while feeling wonderfully contemporary.

2

Unwind and Disconnect

Instead of rush hour and hectic pace, our small towns let you stroll through weekly markets, relax in thermal baths, or start a hike to castles or lakes right from the hotel door. Wonderful destinations, places close to nature.

3

Travel, Collect and Win

If you are in one of our small town pearls, you can get a stamp with the collectible postcard or digitally with the Zeigmal app and secure the chance to win a trip.

Vacation with familiar Atmosphere
Our Small-Town Gems in Baden-Württemberg

Small Town Gems

They are not large and are often surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes. Our selected small town gems have a very special sparkle.

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Kleinstadtperlen
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CitiesSmall town gems
Ellwangen
A large castle and Baroque pilgrimage church dominate the town of Ellwangen. This is a place with a special history. Evidence of this is found in the large marketplace and the many Baroque buildings i...
Swabian Alb
Staatlich anerkannte Prädikate für Orte
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CitiesSmall town gems
Donaueschingen
Donaueschingen - Birthplace of the river DanubeAnyone with an interest in the Danube will love Donaueschingen, the birthplace of the river. The residential city in the Southern Black Forest Nature Par...
Black Forest
Staatlich anerkannte Prädikate für Orte
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CitiesSmall town gems
Bad Säckingen
"The Trumpeter of Säckingen", a work by Joseph Victor von Scheffel, has made the town on the High Rhine famous far and wide. Today, you can follow in his footsteps and walk across the longest covered...
Black Forest
For diversity & tolerance
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Industrial park H.A.U. with car and watch museum ErfinderZeiten
CitiesSmall town gems
Schramberg
Schramberg is situated in an incredible location: naturally immersed in the fascinating Black Forest region between beautiful meadow valleys, woodlands and little high plateaus, Schramberg is a very p...
Black Forest
KONUS-Gästekarte
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CitiesSmall town gems
Waldkirch
Waldkirch is called the organ town. This traditional handicraft is one of the attractions in this southern Black Forest town. The stunning natural surroundings are just as delightful. Hausberg Kandel...
Black Forest
For diversity & tolerance
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CitiesSmall town gems
Calw
Calw is a small town in the Black Forest region with plenty of history. There was a famous monastery here. And it was home to one of the world's most famous authors, Hermann Hesse. You can even meet...
Black Forest
For diversity & tolerance
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Freudenstadt
At the heart of this Black Forest town is the beautiful and extensive marketplace, which is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll or to take a break. From here it is just a short distance into the...
SchwarzwaldCard & SchwarzwaldCard 365
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Oberkirch
Located in the midst of a sun-drenched landscape of orchards and vineyards, the wine town of Oberkirch forms the gateway to the Rench valley on the Baden Wine Route. The historic old town, with its pi...
Weinsüden Weinort
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Endingen am Kaiserstuhl
The small town gem of Endingen has the best preserved historic old town in Kaiserstuhl. It offers various tourist highlights and all sorts of independent businesses in the town centre. Wine tasting...
Black Forest
For diversity & tolerance
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CitiesSmall town gems
Nagold
Town, country, river ... Nagold offers delightful variety Wonderful municipal charm with a historic backdrop, all surrounded by a diverse natural landscape, that's what you will find in Nagold. Attra...
Black Forest
For diversity & tolerance
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CitiesSmall town gems
Bretten
Philipp Melanchthon was one of the most important Reformation figures alongside Martin Luther. He was born in Bretten, in the region of Kraichgau. The Melanchthonhaus attracts visitors here from all o...
Black Forest
Staatlich anerkannte Prädikate für Orte
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CitiesSmall town gems
Bad Mergentheim
In the middle of the lovely Tauber Valley and directly on the Romantic Road, the health town of Bad Mergentheim welcomes you. Get your own impression of Bad Mergentheim: blooming meadows along the Ta...
Kleinstadtperlen
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A white flowering bush in the foreground, the ruins of Windeck Castle can be seen blurred in the background.
CitiesSmall town gems
Weinheim at the Bergstrasse
Between Heidelberg and Darmstadt you will find Weinheim, the town of two castles, with its historic old town, Mediterranean marketplace, and exceptional parks and gardens. Every year, Weinheim attract...
Weinheim
Oberschwäbische Barockstraße
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CitiesSmall town gems
Ehingen (Danube)
The regional centre of Ehingen (Danube) occupies a picturesque location at the foot of the Swabian Alb, with a fantastic view over the Danube valley in Upper Swabia. The town has a resident population...
Swabian Alb
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CitiesSmall town gems
Tettnang
Beer, Baroque and views of the Bodensee This former seat of the Counts of Montfort boasts three castles, hop gardens in the surrounding area, and electrical engineering for the global market. The Coun...
Lake Constance
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Old town Mosbach
CitiesSmall town gems
Mosbach
Located in the beautiful Neckartal-Odenwald Nature Park, on the Burgenstrasse and the German Half-timbered Road, which stretch along the romantic Neckar Valley, lies the idyllic small town pearl of M...
Odenwald Forest
Kleinstadtperlen
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Schwäbisch Hall
Schwäbisch Hall is a town that is like something out of a storybook. The beautifully preserved historic centre offers an ideal ambience for art and culture.
Weinsüden Weinort
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CitiesSmall town gems
Rottenburg am Neckar
Rottenburg, the picturesque cathedral town on the river Neckar, is located between the Swabian Alb and the Black Forest. The town's origins go back to the Romans. The Neckar Valley Cycle Route is the...
Swabian Alb
BODENSEECARD WEST
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CitiesSmall town gems
Radolfzell am Bodensee
Surrounded by lake scenery and nature reserves with marshes and woodland – and in the centre, a vibrant town with a long history.
Lake Constance
For diversity & tolerance
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A steam locomotive stands in the foreground at Münsingen station. It is surrounded by steam clouds. In the background is the historic station building of Münsingen.
CitiesSmall town gems
Münsingen
This historic town is located in the Swabian Alb. It is the perfect place for trips into the surrounding Biosphärengebiet Schwäbische Alb. This can be explored via lots of different cycling and e-bike...
Swabian Alb
App for Your City Trip

Prefer Exploring on Your Own? ZEIGMAL Shows You the City!

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Motorhome Parking Spots

Van-Friendly!

If you’re traveling by motorhome, you can spend the night by a river or lake. Or wake up next to a castle or park. For that first coffee, it’s just a few steps to the café on the medieval marketplace. Then it’s time to explore the narrow alleys of the old town. Ready for a road trip to discover the most beautiful cities of Baden-Württemberg? The 20 small-town gems across the various regions of Baden-Württemberg connect beautifully, and you’re almost always in the heart of things.

Tip for Van Travellers

You can find out exactly where the best car parks are via the respective city entries.

Travel Tips for Groups

For Groups & Buses – Guided Tours, Attractions, Restaurants, and Hotels

To the BaWü group travel portal

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