Introduction
Dinkelsbühl is a charming medieval walled town located on the Romantic Road in southern Germany. With its winding cobblestone streets, towers, turrets, and red-tiled houses, Dinkelsbühl transports visitors back in time. The town has managed to preserve its medieval charm exceptionally well. Inside the walls, Dinkelsbühl is filled with many delightful squares, churches, museums, palaces, and houses to explore.
Here are 12 of the best things to see and do in Dinkelsbühl:
Things to See
1. Altstadt (Old Town)
Dinkelsbühl’s Altstadt is the main highlight of a visit. The romantic medieval center is filled with over 800 historic buildings and is exceptionally well preserved. Spend time wandering the narrow cobblestone lanes and discover highlights such as:
- Former Ratstinstube – A 17th-century guesthouse that once hosted Kings and Emperors
- Hezelhof – A magnificent 16th-century half-timbered patrician house
- Weinmarkt – A long rectangular square lined with the grandest Renaissance houses
2. St.-Georgs-Kirche
Dinkelsbühl’s impressive cathedral dominates the skyline. The Gothic hall church dates back to the 15th century and features exquisite stone carvings, paintings, and altars. For a small fee, you can climb the 13th-century tower for lovely views.
3. Haus der Geschichte
The “House of History” museum is housed inside the old town hall and brings the city’s 800+ years of history to life through portraits, artifacts, sculpture,s and more.
Things to Do
4. Climb the city gates
Several medieval city gates still stand watch over Dinkelsbühl. Climb the gothic Rothenburger Tor tower for views over the countryside or explore the child-friendly 3D museum inside Nördlinger Tor.
5. Stroll through Stadtpark
The “City Park” makes for a pleasant stroll alongside flowerbeds, fountains, and ponds. On Sundays from May-September, free concerts are performed at the park’s music pavilion.
6. See the Deutschordensschloss
The baroque Deutschordensschloss palace looks unexpectedly grand amidst Dinkelsbühl’s gabled houses. The highlight is the exuberant Rococo chapel.
7. Visit the Spitalanlage
Dinkelsbühl’s beautiful medieval almshouse (Spitalanlage) holds a delightful inner courtyard, frescoed Gothic church, and exhibits. Concerts are often held here.
8. Experience the Kinderzeche Festival
Dinkelsbühl’s Kinderzeche Festival each July celebrates how the town was saved from destruction in 1632 by a touching plea from its children. Hundreds of costumed children recreate the legendary tale during days of celebration.
Eat & Shop
9. Browse the Wochenmarkt
On Wednesdays and Saturdays, Dinkelsbühl’s small central market square comes alive with bustling market stalls overflowing with flowers, meats, breads, cheeses and more local goods.
10. Drink wine at historic taverns
Unwind like medieval townsfolk once did at centuries-old wine taverns. Sip local Franconian wines inside atmospheric taverns like Zum Goldenen Rad and D‘Oemige Housle.
11. Shop for souvenirs
Dinkelsbühl overflows with delightful boutiques and shops offering traditional crafts, toys, cuckoo clocks, and treats like gingerbread hearts with quirky messages. The Romantic Road experience wouldn’t be complete without picking up a souvenir here.
12. Dine on Franconian cuisine
Tuck into hearty Franconian dishes like Schäufele (roasted pork shoulder)1 or Maultaschen (filled pasta) for a taste of local flavors. Cozy restaurants abound like the charming medieval Keller restaurant Die 3 Kannen.
Conclusion
With its romantic ambience, wealth of medieval architecture, towers, festivals, shops, eateries and more, Dinkelsbühl truly captures the essence of Germany’s famous Romantic Road. Wandering this exceptionally preserved medieval town transports visitors beautifully back in time.