The charm of small towns takes on extra allure when they’re set within the enchanting landscape of Southwest Germany. Twenty picturesque hamlets and villages — many backdropped by a fairytale castle — offer ideal options for leisurely walking tours, shopping in street markets and indulging in authentic culinary adventures. Many of the castles and gardens decorating these areas have been beautifully restored by The State Palaces and Garden of Baden-Württemberg, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into the past.

Already dreaming up an itinerary? Here are a few choice locations to add to your plans:

© Tobias Ackermann

Waldkirch

Waldkirch, known as “the organ town” for its collection of mechanical organs and history as a center for their creation, is the site of Elz Valley Museum. Here, you can learn all about this musical instrument and other mechanical musical devices like the cuckoo clock. Waldkirch is the location of the ruins of Kastelburg. Built by the Lords of Schwarzenberg in approximately 1280, the castle ruins are reached by the Ritterweg path, guarded by full-sized statues of knights. Around the town’s marketplace are cafés and restaurants where you can take a break from shopping to enjoy a coffee or meal while soaking in the magical surroundings.

Mosbach

Mosbach in the Odenwald is a great choice any day, but especially if you enjoy outdoor pursuits such as cycling, walking or hiking. Check the schedule of events at programs being held at the Alte Mälzerei (old malthouse); visit the town museum; or take a tour of Palm’sche Haus, one of the many fascinating half-timbered buildings located here.

© Nina Zasche, @goodmorningworldblog

Calw

Deep in the Black Forest, the town of Calw is made up of charming streets, shops and cafés, along with memorable museums that include The Tall One, the lone remaining tower of a medieval city fortification; Monastery Museum Calw-Hirsau; and Palais Vischer history museum. Look for the post-renovation reopening of Hermann Hesse Museum, once home to the beloved poet, writer and artist.

Maulbronn Monastery

While you’re enjoying the sights of Southwest Germany, add a visit to the ancient Maulbronn Monastery to your itinerary. Recently awarded a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage List, this structure, founded in 1147, is widely regarded as the best-preserved complex of medieval monastic buildings in this part of the world.

© TMBW Negwer

Castles

Not-to-miss castles can be found in Bad Mergentheim and Donaueschingen. At Tettnang Castle, tours include a slice of fruit cake prepared from an original recipe handed down from the Counts of Monfort. To give you a sense of grandeur, the cake is served in the castle’s magnificent hall on real royal porcelain plates.