51km (32 miles) SE of Würzburg

One of Europe’s best-preserved medieval gems just doesn’t quit serving up a heady dose of romantic, fairytale Germany, with tall timbered houses that lean over cobbled lanes enclosed within ramparts and towers. Not surprisingly, almost everyone who comes to southern Germany follows the well-beaten path to Rothenburg to take in the scene, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t join their ranks. Or, come off-season, between September and May, or simply linger in the evening after the day trippers leave and life in this enchanting place resumes its normal pace.