Discover secret city spots
Looking for something different from the usual city trip? Germany is home to countless smaller towns full of charm, history, and character, far from the bustle of its major cities. Bremen, Wuppertal, Erlangen, and Rostock are four such places, each offering a unique perspective from Hanseatic heritage and Baroque elegance to industrial innovation and maritime flair.
Get a fresh take on urban exploration: glide above the streets on Wuppertal’s suspension railway, stroll through Erlangen’s Baroque quarters, dive into interactive science in Bremen, or soak up the coastal atmosphere in Rostock.
Bremen, from fairy tales to space
With 1,200 years of history, Bremen combines Hanseatic heritage and a cosmopolitan spirit. The UNESCO-listed Weser Renaissance town hall and the Roland statue dominate the historic market square, alongside the beloved Town Musicians of Bremen from the Brothers Grimm fairytale. The city looks to the future: at Universum Bremen, botanika, and the Overseas Museum, science and culture come alive through interactive exhibits. At Airbus Defense and Space, explore how astronauts live and work in space.
Wuppertal’s flying icon
A name says a lot: Wuppertal lies in the valley of the Wupper River (Tal mean valley) Wuppertal’s most famous landmark, the world’s only suspended monorail, opened in 1901. It follows the course of the river for a few kilometers through the city center. The city’s dance company Tanztheater Pina Bausch also has a global reputation, while the Stadthalle on the Johannisberg mountain is one of Europe’s most beautiful concert and conference venues. Wuppertal has around 4,500 architectural monuments. Architecture of the 19th century is particularly well represented by a host of remarkable buildings.
Erlangen, where culture flows
Erlangen is a city of Huguenots, beer, and culture. Founded in the 17th century as a planned Baroque city for French Protestants, Erlangen is now one of the best-preserved Baroque cities in Europe. Its special charm lives on in open squares, lively markets, and year-round festivals.
The cultural scene is vibrant, with highlights like the renowned Comic Salon, the Kunstpalais, and the Margravial Theatre — the oldest Baroque theatre still in use in southern Germany. As the “City of Beer,” Erlangen also celebrates the famous Bergkirchweih, a traditional fair held under old chestnut trees.
Wander through the charming old town, discover creative cuisine, or relax in the beautiful palace gardens; Erlangen is full of reasons to stay a little longer.
Explore Rostock afloat
A white-tailed eagle in the city? An encounter with Europe’s largest eagle isn’t unusual on a guided kayak tour through Rostock harbor. Paddle a two-person kayak from meeting point to meeting point as a guide explains the milestones in the development of this Hanseatic city, starting with the first Slavic castle. If the white-tailed eagle is feeling shy, perhaps a kingfisher will fly in front of your camera lens instead!
