Dinkelsbühl in Germany is often mentioned alongside Rothenburg ob der Tauber as one of the most beautiful and best-preserved medieval old towns along the famous Romantic Road. The atmosphere feels like stepping back in time: narrow alleys, half-timbered houses, city walls and centuries-old gates. It’s a wonderful place to visit, whether as a stopover on your way to a southern holiday destination or as part of a trip through southern Germany. In this article, I’ll take you through Dinkelsbühl’s fascinating history and share the places you shouldn’t miss while exploring this charming town.
Read this article in DutchHistory of Dinkelsbühl
Dinkelsbühl originated near a shallow ford in the Wörnitz River, where people and carts could cross the water. The town was first mentioned in 1188 in a charter in which Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa granted the castle of Dinkelsbühl (then called Burgum Tinkelspuhel) to his son Conrad of Rothenburg. In the centuries that followed, Dinkelsbühl grew into an important trading centre. In 1305 it received town rights from Ulm and in 1351 it became a Free Imperial City, meaning it could govern itself.
From 1387 onwards, craftsmen began to gain more influence in the city’s administration alongside the wealthy citizens. During the Reformation, Dinkelsbühl became a so-called parity town, a city where Catholics and Protestants were treated equally and jointly governed. This balance of power was officially established in 1649 after the Thirty Years’ War.
During Napoleon’s time, Dinkelsbühl lost its independence and became part of the Kingdom of Bavaria in 1806. Fortunately, King Ludwig I decided to preserve the city walls and gates, which helped maintain its medieval character. Dinkelsbühl continued to be lucky in the centuries that followed: even during World War II, its historic centre remained virtually undamaged. Today, this is one of the key reasons why Dinkelsbühl is still considered one of the best-preserved medieval town centres in all of Germany.
Half-timbered houses in Dinkelsbühl
One of the first things you’ll notice when visiting Dinkelsbühl is the impressive number of well-preserved half-timbered houses. It’s estimated that around 780 buildings stand within the historic old town, many dating back to the late Middle Ages, the Renaissance and the Baroque period. More than half of all houses were built before 1500. Around the old Altrathausplatz, you’ll find perhaps the finest concentration of these buildings, with the characteristic Löwenbrunnen (Lion Fountain) at its centre.
Another remarkable spot in Dinkelsbühl is the Weinmarkt, surrounded by elegant guild and bourgeois houses. Here you’ll also find the striking Deutsches Haus, an exceptionally detailed half-timbered mansion that once belonged to a wealthy merchant. Next to the Deutsches Haus stands the former Ratstrinkstube, where the town’s distinguished guests were received in earlier times.
City wall of Dinkelsbühl
One of Dinkelsbühl’s most remarkable features is its city wall, which stretches for about 2.5 kilometres. Dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries, the wall remains largely intact. Although its height and thickness vary along the way, in many sections it still stands just below the original defensive walkway. There is strong evidence that Dinkelsbühl’s fortification system was once much larger than what can be seen today. Originally, the town had around 20 towers and 4 main gates. Beyond the existing city wall, additional defensive rings once surrounded the town, complete with towers, bastions and smaller gates. Historical records mention as many as 60 towers, bastions and gates in total.
Towers and gates
All four of Dinkelsbühl’s old city gates are still intact and of the original twenty towers, about fourteen can still be admired today. The Rothenburger Tor is a well-known entrance on the southwestern side of the old town. In its passageway, you can still see traces of old defensive mechanisms, such as openings through which boiling liquids could be poured on intruders. One of the older gates is the Wörnitzer Tor, while the Nördlinger Tor is connected to an old city mill structure that once also served a defensive purpose. The Segringer Tor is perhaps the most ornate of all; its colourful decorations were added in 1655 after the gate had suffered significant damage.
In addition to these gates, several towers stand out. The Bäuerlinsturm is a distinctive watchtower often depicted as a symbol of the city. The Henkersturm (Executioner’s Tower) is another eye-catching structure. You’ll also find several Gangstürme, towers with passages built into the city wall, once used as secret routes for guards patrolling the town’s defences.
The great church: Münster St. Georg
As you stroll through the streets of Dinkelsbühl, you’ll often see the tower of Münster St. Georg rising above the rooftops. This impressive late Gothic hall church, built between 1448 and 1499, is dedicated to Saint George, the dragon slayer and is one of the town’s architectural highlights. Inside, the finely carved Sakramentshäuschen and several richly decorated altars immediately catch the eye. On the exterior, you’ll find another remarkable feature, the oldest sundial in Germany. The church’s western tower still contains parts of an earlier Romanesque structure.
Fountains and squares
In the old town centre, you’ll come across several fountains that add to the town’s almost fairytale-like charm. The most famous is the Löwenbrunnen (Lion Fountain) on Altrathausplatz, where water flows from the mouth of a stone lion. Around the main market square, you’ll also find elegant fountains and historic water basins that beautifully complement Dinkelsbühl’s medieval atmosphere.
Park warden houses
If you walk beyond the city walls towards the Rothenburger Weiher, you’ll reach a park-like area with walking paths and small cottages that were once home to the park wardens. These charming Parkwächterhäuser are a reminder of the time when guards watched over the ponds and the surrounding greenery.
Alte Promenade
Just outside the city walls lies a park often referred to as the Alte Promenade, a green strip with a long, tree-lined avenue that instantly transports you to another world. Along this avenue, you’ll find various memorials and monumental structures, some of which commemorate the turbulent centuries of war and peace. It’s a peaceful oasis just beyond the lively streets within the city walls.
Old shops, craftsmanship and atmosphere
Shopping in Dinkelsbühl is not a modern retail experience. It’s about discovering small, atmospheric shops, studios and souvenir boutiques where you’ll often find local crafts and regional specialties. You’ll come across antiques, handmade art, glassware and delicious delicacies from the area. It’s the perfect place to wander at a relaxed pace, step into a few shops and occasionally settle at a terrace for a coffee or a sweet treat.
Local specialties and treats
You’ll see them in many places throughout this part of Germany: Schneeballen, deep-fried pastry balls coated in sugar or chocolate. Be sure to try one when visiting Dinkelsbühl! And of course, an ice cream is always a good idea, especially on warm days. Recommended spots are Alberto Codognotto Eis Boutique and Cristallo, both located right next to the great church.
Other sights and museums
In addition to its many historic streets and squares, Dinkelsbühl also offers several interesting museums and remarkable buildings worth visiting. In the Zeughaus, the town’s former armoury, you’ll find an exhibition held during the annual Kinderzeche festival, featuring old weapons, uniforms and costumes that reflect Dinkelsbühl’s rich history.
If you want to learn more about the town’s past, visit the Haus der Geschichte, housed in medieval buildings from the 14th to 16th centuries. The museum focuses on themes such as war, peace and religious tolerance. For a completely different experience, head to the Museum der Dritten Dimension, located in the old city mill, where optical illusions, holograms and visual experiments take centre stage.
Just outside the centre lies the Baroque Palace of the Teutonic Order, with a Rococo chapel renowned for its intricate details. Also worth visiting is St. Paul’s Church, a 19th-century building in a historicist style, constructed on the site of a former Carmelite monastery.
What to see around Dinkelsbühl and along the Romantic Road
Dinkelsbühl lies along the famous Romantic Road, one of Germany’s most scenic driving routes. This 400-kilometre trail runs from Würzburg to Füssen, connecting a series of historic towns and castles, including Nördlingen, Harburg and the fairytale-like Neuschwanstein Castle.
The area surrounding Dinkelsbühl is dotted with charming towns worth exploring. Nearby Rothenburg ob der Tauber, for example, shares the same enchanting atmosphere and perfectly preserved medieval centre as Dinkelsbühl. The landscapes between these towns, with forests, lakes and beautiful walking trails, offer a refreshing contrast after a day spent in the city.
If you’re travelling towards destinations further south, it’s well worth planning a stop in one or more of these towns along the way. Driving along the Romantic Road truly feels like travelling through centuries of history: from medieval city walls and half-timbered houses to Baroque churches and romantic castles. All surrounded by the stunning scenery of southern Germany.
