Dinkelsbühl

Step back in time to Dinkelsbühl, on the Wörnitz River in Bavaria, one of Germany’s best-preserved cities where immaculate medieval buildings meet cobbled streets and cathedrals, churches and museums are clasped by old city walls. Found near the northern part of the old Roman road which was created into a scenic route through Bavaria called the Romantic Road, Dinkelsbühl was once an imperial city as part of the Holy Roman Empire.

Walking through the chunky city walls, the preserved patrician houses such as ‘Hezelhof’ and ‘German House’ and Deutsches Haus, the former residence of the Counts of Drechsel-Deufstetten, stand out for their meticulous condition – lending that time-warp feel that makes Dinkelsbühl’s ambience so atmospheric. The cathedral of St George, built in the 15th century is characterised by Gothic architecture; inside the hall is one of the largest in the country and the landmark tower of Segringer Tor is a beacon of Baroque architecture after it was rebuilt by the Swedes in 1658. The Museum of History shows artefacts from the city’s history including reconstructions of some of the older houses.

In summer the city comes to life to fulfil all tastes from ‘Summer Breeze’, a heavy metal festival, to the historic ‘Open Air Games’ and ‘Open Monument Day’ which allows access to some of the hidden towers and buildings of this heritage-rich city. In winter, authentic Christmas markets lure visitors and locals alike in the twinkling courtyard of the Holy Spirit Hospital.