Off for a stroll:

The most beautiful small towns around the Ländle

Schaffhausen on the beautiful Rhine

(Bild: Kanton Schaffhausen)

It doesn't always have to be Munich or Zurich! There are many small towns around Vorarlberg that are well worth a visit, and the southern German region in particular is rich in historical gems. We have selected five insider tips for you. The ideal leisure program for an autumn day!

Schaffhausen
Schaffhausen in Switzerland is best known for its Rhine Falls. But many people don't know this: Schaffhausen's old town is one of the most beautiful in Switzerland - both in terms of location and architecture. In addition to the former All Saints' Monastery and the medieval fortifications, the "Haus zum Ritter", which is decorated with paintings, is particularly spectacular. Be sure to take a leisurely stroll around Fronwagplatz!

The historic center of Biberach

(Bild: Stadt Biberach)

Biberach an der Riß
A good hour's drive from Bregenz lies a small-town gem: Biberach. The market square, surrounded by magnificent patrician houses, is well worth a visit. The town's parish church of St. Martin tells a very special story: after the Thirty Years' War, Biberach became a so-called parity imperial town, meaning Catholics and Protestants had equal rights - and the church is still used by both denominations today.

The town center of Wangen is a paradise for strollers

(Bild: Wangen tourismus)

Wangen in the Allgäu
Wangen is quite rightly regarded as the medieval gem of the Allgäu. The townscape, which was created around 1000 years ago, has been preserved to this day as a cohesive ensemble - no gaps, no architectural sins. Wangen is also known as the town of fountains: Around 25 fountains, some of them extremely artistically designed, adorn the streets and squares. The absolute highlight is the always lively market square with the Pfaffenturm tower, town hall and the magnificent St. Martin's Church.

Kaufbeuren has a lot to offer architecturally

(Bild: Metropolregion München)

Kaufbeuren
Idyllic alleyways, magnificent town houses and a town wall that has been preserved at least in part - the Bavarian town of Kaufbeuren is an extremely worthwhile excursion destination. Once a free imperial city, Kaufbeuren has been able to develop continuously - which also explains its extremely varied architecture: today, Gothic stepped gables alternate with Renaissance buildings and Baroque façades. A wonderful potpourri!

Landsberg am Lech impresses with its location alone

(Bild: Landsberg am Lech)

Landsberg on the Lech
The Lech, rushing over several cascades, with the old town towering above it - Landsberg is a feast for the eyes in terms of its topography alone. No wonder the town has been a popular subject for painters of all eras. The town's early wealth is directly linked to the medieval salt route: Customs duties were once collected at the bridge over the Lech, which filled the town's coffers to bursting.