Germany: Quedlinburg – Half-timbered Houses Galore

Just when you think you’ve seen the prettiest town in Germany – the next one comes in and blows the previous one away. Quedlinburg has the highest concentration of timber-framed houses in the country and the oldest one from the 1400s is here. In the heart of the town is a hill with – naturally – a massive castle and church blended into one humongous stone structure from then Middle Ages, with panoramic views of the tile-roofed houses below. When you descend down into the lower town – it’s one twisted street after another of funky houses – there are 1327 half-timbered houses in here! The Markplatz square with its beautiful Rathaus is also worth a look and a drink. Of course, the entire town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.