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The German Half-Timbered House Road. Between creaking beams and fairy-tale moments.

There are roads that lead from A to B. And then there is the German Half-Timbered House Road. It stretches over 3,900 kilometres and 100 towns, leading straight to the heart. In over 100 towns from the Elbe to Lake Constance, which sound like poetry, smell like apple pie and look like film sets. A road trip? More like a journey through time with coffee house breaks, mysterious house facades and spine-tingling moments. Since 1990, the German Half-Timbered House Road has connected lovingly restored old towns, regional craftsmanship and architectural witnesses from six centuries. You don't just travel through Germany. You travel through its stories.

 

Celle

Celle. The treasure trove of half-timbered houses in the north.

Celle is one of the most beautiful half-timbered towns in northern Germany and is almost like an open-air museum. Over 500 lovingly preserved half-timbered houses adorn the historic old town, many with intricate carvings, inscriptions and playful colours. Despite its history, Celle is anything but stuffy: boutiques, concept stores, galleries and a castle straight out of a Jane Austen novel. In the evening, you can stroll through the lantern light, ice cream in hand and a catchy tune in your head. Tip: The ‘Celler Schule’, a songwriter workshop that has produced stars such as Heinz Rudolf Kunze, shows that creativity also has half-timbered walls here.

HOTEL TIP:

Surrounded by greenery and a park-like garden, the Romantik® Hotel Köllner's Landhaus is a lovingly restored half-timbered house dating back to 1589 in Celle-Boye. Here, historic cosiness meets modern lightness: stylish, light-filled rooms, regional and Mediterranean cuisine. And plenty of peace and quiet to simply take a deep breath.

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Quedlinburg

Quedlinburg. World Heritage Site with fairy-tale charm.

When you step off the train or out of your car in Quedlinburg, you feel like you're walking through an open fairy tale book. Over 2,000 half-timbered houses line the winding streets, every corner full of patina and poetry. Here you'll find bold Renaissance gables, uneven cobblestones, small studios and crooked signs that invite you to dream. The collegiate church of St. Servatius watches over the town, and you can feel that a proud, quiet heart beats here. Insider tip: in the café ‘Zum Roland’, you can sit on antique chairs under stucco ceilings, with a view of the imperial era.

Teufelsmauer

The legendary Devil's Wall

Near Quedlinburg stands a natural monument that looks as if a giant had been playing with oversized slabs of rock: the Teufelsmauer (Devil's Wall). This bizarre rock formation made of hard sandstone stretches for kilometres along the northern edge of the Harz Mountains – like a jagged spine through the landscape. According to legend, the devil once wanted to claim the earth up to this point. But when the cock crowed too early, he had to leave his work unfinished. Today, the Devil's Wall is a paradise for hikers, photographers and fairy tale lovers. Our tip: a hike to the ‘Königsstein’ at sunrise, when fog hangs between the crevices, you almost believe that a dragon is about to emerge from the forest.

HOTEL TIP:

The Romantik® Hotel am Brühl is tucked away between the medieval town centre and the green Brühlpark. Outside, a restored ensemble of buildings meets a cosy courtyard, while inside, Mediterranean charm meets modern comfort: hand-painted walls, stylish furniture, regional cuisine and a cosy fireplace lounge where you can end the evening with a glass of wine.

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Goslar

Goslar. Half-timbered houses, ore & eternity.

Goslar is a monument with roof tiles. Between centuries-old half-timbered houses, the imposing Imperial Palace and cobbled streets lies the breath of German history. Here you can feel the wealth of the Middle Ages, born from the nearby Rammelsberg, where silver, copper and legends were once mined. Today, Goslar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, yet it remains unpretentious: in the evenings, children roam the alleys, the windows glow warmly, and the old town smells of brewer's malt and chocolate cake. Don't miss: an evening tour with the night watchman – followed by a ‘Goslarer Ziegenbock’ (a rare herbal liqueur).

HOTEL TIP:

Located in the heart of the old town, directly on the market square, the Romantik® Hotel Alte Münze tells of its glorious past as a mint. Today, guests sleep surrounded by centuries-old details, start the day with regional delicacies and indulge in fine Harz cuisine in the restaurant – before heading out again to discover the Harz region.

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Lauterbach

Lauterbach. With a knitted hat and heart.

Lauterbach is perhaps the most charming surprise on the route: small, cheerful, steeped in tradition and home to what is probably Germany's best-known fashion accessory: the Lauterbach knitted hat. The old town is a patchwork of lovingly crooked half-timbered houses, small workshops and old courtyards. You can feel it immediately: genuine craftsmanship and genuine hospitality still thrive here. It is no coincidence that the famous folk song ‘In Lauterbach hab' ich mein Strumpf verlor'n’ (I lost my stocking in Lauterbach) originated here. Special feature: the stocking museum with its spinning wheel, song history and tongue-in-cheek humour is a place that shows how serious it can be to stay cheerful.

HOTEL TIP:

On the northern slope of the Vogelsberg and on the edge of the historic old town, the traditional Romantik® Hotel Schubert blends harmoniously into the townscape. Individually designed themed rooms and excellent cuisine, offering everything from modern to rustic, make it the perfect place for connoisseurs.

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Culinary insider tip: Schwälmer bread skewers with green sauce in Hesse

Half-timbered houses, folklore and a culinary rarity that you can only find here. In the Schwalm-Eder district of northern Hesse, near the small half-timbered town of Ziegenhain, there is a regional speciality that almost no one outside Hesse knows about and even there it is only served in selected inns: Schwälmer bread skewers – thick slices of dark sourdough bread, roasted on wooden skewers, then served with homemade green sauce, radishes and egg. It sounds rustic – and is a real treat for the taste buds. The taste of the bread, the slightly spicy aroma of the herbs, the creamy sauce – everything comes together to create a taste experience that can only be found here, because the bread comes from traditional clay ovens, the green sauce is made according to an old Schwälmer family recipe, and the whole thing is served in a restaurant that looks like it came straight out of a fairy tale. Insider tip: At the Zum Stern inn in Ziegenhain, the landlady only serves this speciality if you order it in advance. It's best to call ahead and ask for the ‘Original Brotspieß mit Soß’ (original bread skewer with sauce).

Meersburg

Meersburg. Where the beams breathe wine.

Half-timbered balconies hang over the sparkling Lake Constance, vines climb the slopes, and the old town echoes with the clinking of wine glasses and the sound of waves. The castle, Germany's oldest inhabited fortress, towers above it all, while below, cafés nestled between gables and walls invite you to linger. Here, even your morning coffee tastes like a holiday. And the wine? Like sunshine, steep slopes and southerly winds. Insider tip: a glass of Müller-Thurgau in the winegrower's café directly beneath the vines, with a view of the Alpine panorama. Yes, it really does exist.

HOTEL TIP:

Located directly on the waterfront promenade, the family-run Romantik® Hotel Residenz am See in Meersburg offers a fantastic view across Lake Constance to the Swiss Alps. Two restaurants – serving everything from regional classics to creative Michelin-starred cuisine – and warm hospitality make every stay unforgettable.

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The stages of the German Half-Timbered House Road. A journey in seven acts.

1. From the Elbe to the Harz Mountains – half-timbered houses between brick and castles

The stage starts in the far north, more precisely on the Elbe. In Stade, Buxtehude or Lüneburg. Here, northern German serenity mixes with Hanseatic brick Gothic and quaint half-timbered alleys. The further south you travel, the denser the fairy-tale forest becomes. And suddenly, the Harz Mountains appear on the horizon. With towns such as Quedlinburg, Wernigerode and Goslar, the architecture becomes more sloping, steeper and more fairy-tale-like. A perfect start for explorers who want to combine half-timbered houses with fresh sea breezes and romantic rock formations.

2. Harz to Thuringian Forest – Legendarily beautiful

In this stage, the journey begins with Harz mysticism (including a view of the Brocken) and leads through the southern Harz Mountains to the half-timbered towns of Thuringia. Places such as Stolberg, Nordhausen, Mühlhausen and Arnstadt shine with a wealth of history, old city walls and a touch of Goethe romance. Between dark forests, half-timbered gables and quiet alleys, you will find a rhythm that slows you down – without any digital detox.

3. From the Weserbergland via North Hesse to the Vogelsberg – romance meets fairy tale road

This stage touches on two iconic routes: the German Half-Timbered House Road and the German Fairy Tale Road. Hann. Münden is located here, with over 700 half-timbered houses – perhaps the town with the highest concentration of half-timbered houses anywhere. The route continues via Einbeck, Fritzlar and Alsfeld to Lauterbach. Little Red Riding Hood, Frau Holle, Puss in Boots: they could all have lived here. Or still do.

4. From the Westerwald via the Lahn Valley and Taunus to the Main – between turrets and grape juice

Vineyards, river valleys, rolling hills and enchanted old towns: this route sounds like a song in a major key. Towns such as Limburg an der Lahn, Idstein, Eppstein, Höchst im Odenwald and romantic Miltenberg am Main combine half-timbered houses with wine tasting, viewpoints and stories from the Middle Ages. Ideal for connoisseurs who want to garnish their road trip with regional wine and half-timbered flair.

5. From Wetterau to Odenwald and Neckartal – between apple wine and philosophy

This stage leads from Butzbach and Büdingen through the Hessian apple wine belt to the mystical, mild Odenwald. Places such as Mosbach, Eberbach and Bad Wimpfen are dotted with half-timbered architecture and romantic castles. And for those who long for depth, a detour to Heidelberg is a must – here, half-timbered houses meet philosophy.

6. From the Neckar to the Swabian Alb – beams with mountain views

Im Süden wird's bergiger, wilder und... irgendwie dramatischer. Diese Etappe durchzieht das Herz Baden-Württembergs: Blaubeuren, Esslingen, Tübingen oder Bad Urach bezaubern mit viel Holz, Hanglage und Herzlichkeit. Ein Geheimtipp für alle, die das Lebendige im Historischen suchen: kleine Läden, kreative Szene, urige Gasthöfe und überall Balken mit Charakter.

7. From Lake Constance through the Allgäu to Upper Swabia – the southernmost half-timbered delight

The final stage. Towns such as Meersburg, Ravensburg, Wangen im Allgäu and Biberach an der Riß bask in the southern sunshine. Nestled between hills, onion domes and colourful half-timbered houses, you can immerse yourself in a different pace of life. And on the horizon: the Alps. This is where the German Half-Timbered House Road ends. But your journey through pictures, stories and the magic of timber framing may only just be beginning.

Discover Romantik® Hotels along the German Half-Timbered House Road.

Germany

Romantik Hotel
Braunschweiger Hof

Germany
DE_Harz Mountains

Romantik Hotel
Köllner's Landhaus

Germany
DE_Lüneburg Heath
Niemeyers Außenansicht
Restaurant
Terrasse

Niemeyer's Romantik
Posthotel

Germany
DE_Lüneburg Heath

PEARLS by Romantik
Hotel & Spa Suiten FreiWerk

Germany
DE_Harz Mountains

Romantik Hotel
am Brühl

Germany
DE_Harz Mountains

Romantik Hotel
Alte Münze

Germany
DE_Harz Mountains

Romantik Hotel
Schubert

Germany
DE - Vogelsberg

FAQ Frequently asked Questions and Answers

The German Half-Timbered House Road is one of the most beautiful holiday routes in Germany and, at the same time, a declaration of love for traditional craftsmanship, regional architecture and the cultural wealth of the country. Covering around 3,900 kilometres, it connects over 100 historic towns and villages known for their lovingly preserved half-timbered houses. From the far north on the Elbe to the sunny south on Lake Constance.

Approximately 3,900 kilometres, from the Elbe to Lake Constance.

Lower Saxony, Hesse, Saxony-Anhalt, Thuringia, Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg.

Yes, it is divided into seven regional routes, but you can combine them flexibly.

No, not necessarily. Many towns are easily accessible by train. There are also great cycling and hiking trails along the German Half-Timbered House Route.

Over 100, ranging from small villages to well-known cities.

Yes! Many hotels and guesthouses are housed in lovingly restored buildings. The Romantik® hotels along the route also consist of half-timbered ensembles or have grown historically.

Spring and autumn are ideal: fewer tourists, mild weather, warm colours.

Partly, yes. There are sections with well-developed cycle paths.

Yes, many places have museums, guided tours or hands-on activities for families.

Definitely: From tarte flambée to apple wine, from herbal liqueur to regional cheese. Every region has its own unique flavour that is worth discovering.

The supporting wooden framework is visible, often richly decorated and adorned with symbols.

Many half-timbered houses are centuries old and settle over time. This makes them unique and is part of their special charm.

Yes, almost every city offers guided tours or themed trails.

Either go with the flow or browse the official website in advance: www.deutsche-fachwerkstrasse.de

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