The 7 most beautiful small towns in Germany right on the water

Anyone who wants to travel to the water in Germany probably first thinks of the holiday resorts on the North Sea and the Baltic Sea or port cities such as Hamburg or Rostock .

But there are also many impressive waterfront towns that are less well-known but worth every vacation. We present you seven particularly beautiful ones.

Monschau, with a population of around 12,000, is located in the Rureifel region of North Rhine-Westphalia . The Rur River flows through this medieval town near the Belgian border. Monschau Castle towers over the historic town center with its half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets.

Not far from here is the Eifel National Park, with its breathtakingly beautiful hiking trails. Either way, the trip into the countryside is worthwhile, as unique natural wonders await you in North Rhine-Westphalia .

Monschau in North Rhine-Westphalia is known for its half-timbered houses.

Source: imago images/PantherMedia/Miroslawa Drozdowski

Just 24,000 people live in Hann. Münden, located in the southernmost tip of Lower Saxony. The picturesque townscape is primarily characterized by water. Hann. Münden is also known as the "City of Three Rivers" because the Weser rises there from the confluence of the Werra and Fulda rivers.

Sports enthusiasts can explore the city by canoe or bike. Well-developed trails lead through the Weser Uplands to Bremen .

The townscape of Hannoversch Münden is characterized by its wooded surroundings and water.

Source: imago images/Peter Schickert

The coast cannot be completely avoided in a list of the most beautiful small waterfront towns, as Wismar in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania simply cannot be left out. The Hanseatic city, with approximately 44,000 inhabitants, is located on the Baltic Sea coast in the Bay of Wismar. Wismar is known above all for its well-preserved medieval town center.

At the Old Harbor, you can watch the cutters and sailboats gently rocking on the waves in a dreamy atmosphere. Travel reporter Nicole shares tips for a perfect weekend in Wismar.

Old ships that tell impressive stories often dock in the port of Wismar.

Source: imago images/Roland Hartig

There are many beautiful towns and cities along the Moselle, including Bernkastel-Kues. Situated on both banks of the Moselle, this small town with approximately 7,100 inhabitants invites visitors to explore over 2,000 years of history.

The magnificent half-timbered houses, the early Gothic St. Michael's Church, and the Renaissance town hall on the historic market square are just a few of the highlights. The city can also be explored on four signposted "city walks" through winding alleys, past shops, and along the famous steep Riesling vineyards.

The Landshut Castle ruins tower high above the city. A barrier-free circular path with numerous information panels leads around the castle.

From Landshut Castle you have a great view of the small town of Bernkastel-Kues and the Moselle Valley.

Source: imago images/Shotshop

In the Moselle region, there are numerous hiking trails where you can explore Germany's oldest wine-growing region. These lead you through river valleys and gorges, then high up into the vineyards. Riesling accounts for over half of the vineyard area—no wonder, then, that Moselle winemakers are considered Riesling specialists.

Vast vineyards and picture-perfect castles complete the idyllic Rhine Valley. Right in the heart of it all lies the small town of Bingen on the banks of the Rhine, with a population of around 25,000. Those who want to explore the area around this half-timbered gem can do so on a Rhine cruise. There are also great hiking trails for a truly immersive experience of Rheinhessen, the land of a thousand hills.

The Mouse Tower is THE sight of the city of Bingen am Rhein.

Source: imago images/CHROMORANGE

Lindau in Bavaria is located directly on Lake Constance, not far from the Austrian border. The small town has fewer than 25,000 inhabitants and is known for its idyllic old town island. A city tour awaits you with charming alleys and historic buildings set against a stunning backdrop at the foot of the Alps.

At the eastern end of Lake Constance, water sports fans will also get their money's worth.

In the port of Lindau, next to a statue of the Bavarian lion, there is also a stone lighthouse with a view of Lake Constance and the mountains.

Source: imago images/Rainer Weisflog

Medieval Pirna in Saxony has a lot to offer: a world-famous market square, beautiful little shops, cafés and restaurants, a vibrant cultural scene—and, of course, water. The sandstone town is surrounded by the wide Elbe River. Visitors can explore the Elbe and the foothills of Saxon Switzerland from the water on a steamboat.

Pirna on the Elbe is considered the gateway to Saxon Switzerland.

Source: imago images/Sylvio Dittrich

Pirna is surrounded by vineyards and castles. Furthermore, the city, with approximately 39,000 inhabitants, is just a stone's throw from Dresden and the Saxon-Bohemian Switzerland region. The Saxon Wine Route , which begins in Pirna, takes hikers to spectacular viewpoints.

Looking for more inspiration? You can find tips for all the top travel destinations at reisereporter , and the best travel deals on our deals page .