The 10 most beautiful small towns in NRW for a trip
Cologne , Düsseldorf, Essen – everyone knows the big cities in North Rhine-Westphalia . But even in Germany's most populous state, there are numerous small-town gems waiting to be discovered.
Anyone who likes half-timbered houses will love them. But history buffs, outdoor enthusiasts, culture lovers, and photography fans will also find something to their liking in NRW. We'll show you the most beautiful small town gems in NRW.
Half-timbered houses, a small river, stone bridges, and narrow alleys. Monschau in the Eifel region seems like something out of a fairytale in many places. And yet, you can also visit the small town near the Belgian border in real life!
The best place to start is at the Red House. It's home to the Scheibler Foundation, which has established a museum there. Inside, you'll learn about bourgeois life in the 18th and 19th centuries. The historic mustard mill and Monschau Castle also open their doors to visitors.
In the Eifel village of Monschau, the houses nestle close to the river.
Source: imago images/Peter Schickert
If your mind can absorb even more fascinating information, a visit to the Weiss Printing Museum and the Monschau Glassworks is also worthwhile. Glassblowers will let you witness their craftsmanship every day.
Those traveling to Monschau in good weather can also enjoy other highlights of the Eifel region, such as a hike through the dense forest or a refreshing swim in the nearby Rursee.
Detmold is a place of sophistication. Opposite the venerable theater in the city center is the Residenzschloss (Residenzschloss). On a guided tour, you'll learn about the history of this special building. Weather permitting, a stroll through the castle grounds and from there, continuing through the picturesque city center is also worthwhile.
In the heart of Detmold, the Residenzschloss awaits the curious. The surrounding old town is a sight to be explored.
Source: imago images/Werner Otto
But one thing is surprising: At the castle stands a gigantic foot. This unusual statue is attributed to the Cheruscan prince Hermann. A larger-than-life monument is dedicated to him in the nearby Teutoburg Forest. This life-size foot gives an idea of how high the original 27-meter-tall statue towers into the sky.
The Hermann Monument is located not far from Detmold's city center, so you can see it for yourself on a short hike. The LWL Open Air Museum is also worth a visit. Outdoor enthusiasts should also add the Externsteine to their bucket list. A visit to this rock formation can be easily combined with a hike.
A stroll through tranquil Königswinter is worthwhile at any time of year. But especially in good weather, tourists head first to the nearby Drachenfels (Dragon Rock). Those who hike to the top are rewarded with magnificent views over the Rhineland.
If that's too strenuous for you, you can enjoy the ride up on the Drachenfelsbahn (dragon rock railway). The ride continues to the Dragon's Cave and from there to the imposing Drachenburg Castle.
The imposing Drachenburg Castle towers above Königswinter on the Rhine.
Source: imago images/McPHOTO
Then the route leads back to Königswinter. Explore the alleys of this small town gem on the Rhine, where you can see the development of the old town through its many listed buildings: the Middle Ages, the Baroque period, the Wilhelminian period, and the modern era have all left their mark.
Enough exercise? Then the Königswinter tram will show you the most beautiful spots in town. You can also put your feet up with a boat trip on the Rhine.
An idyllic little town in the middle of the Ruhr region? There is one, and it's Hattingen. Here, half-timbered houses are lined up one after the other, separated by thick, old stone walls. In between, there are green trees, small shops, and the old town hall, where the town also housed prisoners centuries ago. The heavy cell doors on the wall still bear witness to this. Towering over all this is St. George's Church, which sits enthroned on the cozy church square in the middle of town.
Typical sight in Hattingen: half-timbered houses in the old town of the town in North Rhine-Westphalia.
Source: imago images/imagebroker
But Hattingen also boasts the industrial heritage typical of the Ruhr region. The blast furnace and chimney of the Henrichshütte steelworks are a reminder of this from afar. Although industrial steel production hasn't been taking place there for some time, a small-scale demonstration foundry provides visitors with a glimpse into how large-scale work was carried out back then.
Hattingen is the center of half-timbered houses in the Ruhr region, but industrial monuments such as the Henrichshütte also characterize the city. Here, dandelions bloom in abundance in front of the former industrial complex.
Source: imago images/Peter Schickert
Those who are not afraid of the steps up to the platform on the blast furnace can enjoy panoramic views of the Ruhr area from a height of 55 meters.
Quaint half-timbered houses characterize the town center of Tecklenburg. The oldest of them date back to the 16th century. Even older is the castle that gave the town its name: Tecklenburg. It was first mentioned in the 12th century, and its remains can still be admired today. Instead of serving as a shelter during battles, it is now considered a cultural center: Open-air plays are regularly held here.
Tecklenburg is a cozy town for fans of half-timbered houses. Here, the sun bathes a farmhouse in warm light.
Source: imago/blickwinkel
Tecklenburg is also a great base for outdoor enthusiasts. The town is located on the Hermannshöhen long-distance hiking trail, which also passes the nearby Dörenther Cliffs. This unusual rock formation rises up to 40 meters from the ground.
Anyone with a bit of stamina can get up there even without climbing experience – and enjoy the fantastic panoramic view of the green nature.
Xanten lies near the Dutch border. This small town, with a population of 22,000, is famous primarily for its Roman Park, which, in good weather, transports visitors mentally to the Italian capital. Similar to the Roman Forum, the stone monuments of the ancient Romans are lined up here. Amphitheaters, temples, and city walls—all are represented.
The Xanten amphitheater no longer hosts battles. It now serves as a concert venue, lending the town a touch of Italian flair.
Source: imago/Westend61
But modern-day Xanten is also worth a stroll, although the buildings here are less reminiscent of Italy. The best way to enter the old town is through the large, dark brick gate. A windmill and several other historic buildings in this style also greet you. Xanten Cathedral stands out. The striking pointed arch arcades were built around 1445.
On the southeastern edge of North Rhine-Westphalia, the Hanseatic city of Warburg nestles into the hillside. Perched on a gentle hill, the medieval old town boasts many historic stone watchtowers, standing tall among the half-timbered houses. The tallest of these is the Sackturm (Sack Tower), dating from 1443. Even older, but smaller, is the Chattenturm (Chatten Tower), dating from the 13th century. The easiest way to explore them is to walk along the old city walls.
The medieval Warburg invites you to take a relaxing stroll.
Source: imago/blickwinkel
You'll pass charming alleys, old stone gates, and enjoy the view of the valley from time to time. For a little break, you'll find lovely cafés in Warburg where you can enjoy a slice of cake in peace.
By the way: The historic city center is a model project for accessibility. Exploring the old town with a wheelchair, walker, stroller, etc. is therefore easy.
From a distance, Freudenberg in the Siegerland region presents an unusual sight. The half-timbered houses are lined up in rows. All are roughly the same size, painted white, with dark wooden beams and similar slate roofs.
The reason for this is sad: In 1666, a fire destroyed the medieval town. During reconstruction, the people of Freudenberg placed particular emphasis on maintaining a meticulous city.
The half-timbered houses of Freudenberg are lined up in rows.
Source: imago images / imagebroker
However, if you look more closely, you'll notice charming, individual details in each of these buildings. The Local History and Technology Museum tells you more about their history. You can even stay overnight in some of these buildings—making Freudenberg the perfect base for a trip through the green Siegerland region.
A trip to Sassenberg is especially worthwhile in spring, as this small town in Münsterland is also known as the asparagus capital. The reason: Around 20 asparagus farms call the Sassenberg district of Füchtorf their home. During harvest time, local restaurants delight in serving the exquisite vegetable.
The asparagus metropolis of Sassenberg-Füchtorf is also known for Harkotten Castle.
Source: imago images/blickwinkel
Even outside of the asparagus season, a trip to the former residence of the Prince-Bishops of Münster is worthwhile, for example, to see the Hartkotten double palace complex. It dates back to a castle complex dating back to the early 14th century. Those looking for a more leisurely experience can book a covered wagon ride through the beautiful Münsterland parkland surrounding Sassenberg.
Nature lovers can then hike through the fields, while water lovers can head to Feldmarksee, where sailing, surfing, pedal boating, or fishing are all on the agenda.
There's probably no other place like the Junkerhaus in Lemgo in Germany . It was created by the carpenter and artist Karl Junker. He worked on this house for 20 years and apparently left no inch untouched. Specifically, he intricately carved nearly every small wooden detail. The dark wood and the many tiny, colorful details create a whimsical, almost mystical appearance.
The whole creepy thing is already a thing in Lemgo. The town is known as a "witch town," as it was a center of witch hunts in the Middle Ages. An exhibition in the Witch Mayor's House tells the story of this sad chapter.
On Lemgo’s market square, tourists marvel at the Weser Renaissance-style houses.
Source: imago/blickwinkel
Fortunately, those days are over, so visitors can now enjoy the magnificent Weser Renaissance-style facades of the old town. The market square is particularly beautiful, where the gables and church towers provide the perfect backdrop for a coffee break.
Looking for more inspiration? Find tips for all the top travel destinations at reisereporter.
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