Cochem, Rhineland-Palatinate
Population: 4,998
Introduction
Walking through small towns in Germany is a bit like flipping through the pages of a storybook—think perfectly preserved half-timbered homes, painted churches, and cobblestone streets lined with wrought-iron signs and potted plants. But these places are very much real, and very much worth renting a car (or rail pass) for. Who needs those big cities anyway?
Story
Whether you want to experience the country’s famous Christmas markets or simply spend a few days sipping beer and snapping photos, now’s the time to start planning your trip to this fairy tale corner of Europe. In no particular order, here are nine of the most charming small towns in Germany.
