Full of history, Augsburg was an important Renaissance trading hub that birthed a collection of grand architectural works. Take a stroll through the Maximilianstraße, an iconic boulevard that is replete with magnificent fountains and architecture, from Renaissance to Rococo. Renowned for its long tradition of beer brewing, Augsburg was the first German city to pass beer purity laws, all the way back in the 12th century, meaning that a sip of Augsburg beer is the taste of hundreds of years of tradition.

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With one of the most well-preserved medieval centers in Europe, Erfurt is one of Germany’s best-kept secrets! One of its most iconic sights is the Merchant’s Bridge, one of the few bridges in the world that has inhabited buildings. History buffs might recall that Martin Luther himself studied to become a monk in Erfurt. As the capital of Thuringia, Erfurt is a great place to sample the iconic and flavorful Thuringian Sausage — but be warned, it is considered gauche to eat it with any condiment other than Errfurt’s very own Born mustard!

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On the banks of Neckar River is the romantic city of Heidelberg. Famous for its picturesque Old Town, the grand Old Bridge, and the mighty half-ruined castle overlooking the city — Heidelberg has inspired countless artists, from Mark Twain to Goethe. Heidelberg’s penchant for romanticism is obvious from all angles but the city’s passionate nature is on full display when tasting a Student’s Kiss Chocolate, which have been produced in the city for over a century — share a chocolate (and perhaps a kiss) with a loved one!

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Once the capital of the powerful Hanseatic League, Lübeck’s monumental architecture is a reflection of the city’s historic importance. The city’s old town, set entirely upon an island in the Trave River, is graced with impressive churches and quaint courtyards, making every step in Lübeck feel like a step back in time. Emblematic of Lübeck’s history as a trade hub is the city’s tradition of Lübeck Marzipan which can be traced back to the pioneering Johann Georg Niederegger, whose family still makes marzipan and runs the Marzipan Museum — a great place where visitors can get a little taste of Lübeck and its history.

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Little-known Osnabrück is the only major German city located in a national park. Stop by one of the city’s many bakeries and sample the fresh, crackle-crust Springbrötchen rolls that originate here. With its status as the City of Peace — it was the venue of the Thirty Year’s War peace agreement — and its unique architecture that features brick buildings rather than the norm of half-timbered houses, Osnabrück stands out among historic cities.

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Regensburg has stayed true to its Medieval charm throughout the years and the city’s Old Town remains perfectly preserved to this day. Stroll through the narrow streets and winding alleyways to track down the regional specialty of grilled sausage with sweet mustard. There is plenty of history to be found here as the city’s bright yellow Town Hall once hosted the powerful men of the Perpetual Imperial Diet.

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As Germany’s oldest city, Trier boasts a variety of historic sites from well-preserved Roman monuments like the Porta Nigra gate and Constantine’s throne room to Trier Cathedral, the oldest cathedral in Germany. Despite an abundance of antiquity, Trier is a young city thanks to its two universities and active cultural scene, and enjoys a thriving wine culture thanks to its proximity to Germany’s oldest wine-growing region, Mosel.

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Wiesbaden’s mineral springs have been harnessed since Roman times, making it one of the oldest spa towns in Europe. Take in panoramic views of the city from Neroberg mountain with a trip up the water-powered funicular railway — the only one left of its kind in Germany. Wiesbaden is often referred to as the “Gate to the Rheingau” wine region and lives up to this title with an abundance of wine tasting stalls and specialty wine shops in the city.

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