May 8, 2026, 1:11 pm | Read time: 7 minutes
Narrow alleys, uneven cobblestones, and medieval half-timbered houses: Baden-Württemberg boasts numerous beautiful old towns. TRAVELBOOK presents six of the most charming old towns in detail.
The old town forms the historical core of a city and often dates back to the Middle Ages. Historically, the old buildings have much to offer. Often, the historic marketplace is still preserved, and there are numerous half-timbered houses now under monument protection. All these “old” remnants give the city a unique charm. There are several such towns in Baden-Württemberg–TRAVELBOOK showcases particularly beautiful old towns in the state (without claiming completeness).
Schwäbisch Hall
One of the most beautiful historic old towns in southern Germany is located in Schwäbisch Hall. It consists of a partially preserved city wall, numerous towers, a covered wooden bridge, medieval alleys, and a variety of staircases. The alleys are almost unchanged, providing a unique charm.
The typical marketplace for old towns is also still present, surrounded by half-timbered houses and buildings from the Renaissance and Baroque periods. A special highlight is the Romanesque-Gothic St. Michael’s Church and the town hall built in the style of a Baroque noble palace.
The church features a 70-meter-wide open staircase with 53 steps. Since 1925, this has been the stage for the Schwäbisch Hall open-air plays every summer. Also located at the marketplace is the market fountain, called Fischbrunnen. According to the city’s website, it got its name because fish were sold there in a fish box in earlier times. The fountain was built in 1509.
Next to the market fountain is the Gothic pillory from the 16th century. Minor offenses were punished there, and wrongdoers were put on public display.
Fortunately, only the remnants of this remain today. Instead, vibrant activity prevails in the beautiful old town of Schwäbisch Hall in Baden-Württemberg. To observe this, one should take a seat in a café or restaurant. A small city tour allows you to stroll through the old alleys and walk along the Kocher River.
Ravensburg
In Ravensburg, the old town is characterized by the still-existing city towers. There are a total of 17 medieval defense towers and city gates–the Mehlsack, a white tower, is considered the city’s landmark, as is the Obertor, the highest and oldest preserved city gate. The latter also marks the entrance to the historic old town.
The old town is marked by a history dating back to the 11th century. In the Middle Ages, it was a trading center for textiles and paper. The architecture of the buildings was significantly influenced by this.
Those who want to view the old buildings from above have several vantage points to choose from. There’s the 51-meter-high Mehlsack–the defense tower from 1425 is located at the highest point of the old town. Then there’s the Veitsburg, a medieval hilltop castle complex, offering a wonderful view over the rooftops of Ravensburg’s beautiful old town in Baden-Württemberg.
The Blaserturm, located in the historic center at Marienplatz, is also worth a visit. In good weather, you can see the entire city and even Lake Constance from the old watch and observation tower.
Freiburg
Freiburg’s old town is characterized by many small “Bächle,” the water channels whose water comes from the Dreisam River. The network of “Bächle” is kilometers long and supplied the city with utility water in the Middle Ages. It is believed, according to the city’s tourist information, that the crisscrossing water channels were laid out during the city’s founding in 1120. Today, the “Bächle” are mainly beautiful to look at; in summer, you can dangle your feet in them, and children let small boats float in them.
Also located in the old town are the Old and New Town Halls. In front of the latter is the monument-protected pavement made of Rhine pebbles, which shows, among other things, the year of Freiburg’s founding. The Freiburg Minster is also in the old town. With 116 meters, the cathedral’s west tower towers over all other buildings in the city and is thus unmistakable.
Not only charming alleys or cobblestones define the image of an old town, but especially the old buildings. This includes the Historical Merchants’ Hall with its red facade and strikingly designed bay windows. It was built in 1520 on the central Münsterplatz and long served as a warehouse for traveling merchants. Today, the halls and the historical room are used for events.
Heidelberg
Not a secret tip, but still worth mentioning is the beautiful old town of Heidelberg in Baden-Württemberg. It was first mentioned in documents in 1196 and forms the heart and historical center of Heidelberg. It is famous for its unique interplay of city, mountains, and river.
According to the city’s tourist information, the old town covers about 1,380 hectares–but less than 10 percent of it is built up. Particularly beautiful: The district also includes the forest area of the Königstuhl. At 564 meters, it is the highest mountain in the Odenwald.
Heidelberg’s old town not only offers beautiful half-timbered houses, Baroque old buildings, or narrow alleys inviting you to stroll, but it is also the founding site of Germany’s oldest university (founded in 1386).
High above the old town also sits Heidelberg Castle. From there, you have the perfect view over the rooftops of the old town.
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Bad Wimpfen
When it comes to the most beautiful old towns in Baden-Württemberg, one must not be missing: Bad Wimpfen’s old town. In 2025, it was awarded the TRAVELBOOK AWARD as the most beautiful old town in Germany. Bad Wimpfen is divided into three parts–in Bad Wimpfen am Berg are the Staufer Palace and the historic old town.
The old town is characterized by countless half-timbered houses and small alleys. The landmark is the Blue Tower. It was built in 1170 and is the tallest building in the old town. While it served as a watchtower back then, it can now be visited. From there, you have the perfect view over the rooftops of Bad Wimpfen, the Neckar Valley, and the Heilbronn region.
Learn more about Germany’s most beautiful old town in this article.
Meersburg
The city of Meersburg not only offers a unique view of Lake Constance and the Swiss Alps but also a particularly charming old town. The hillside location gives the city an almost Mediterranean flair. Strolling through the old alleys, you seem to land in a long-past era.
The old town is divided into two levels, which are connected by small alleys and narrow stairs. While the upper town mainly houses attractions and shops, the lower town is located directly by the water and is much quieter.
Particularly worth seeing is Meersburg Castle, the city’s landmark and the oldest still-inhabited castle in Germany. It is said to have been built around 630 AD and has been continuously inhabited since then. Previously by nobility or clergy, today partly by private individuals. Visitors are still welcome and can view 30 historical rooms up close, including the Knights’ Hall and the dungeon.