Nördlingen | Bavaria, Germany

Nördlingen is a hidden gem along Germany's Romantic Road, uniquely situated within a 15-million-year-old meteorite crater. The town features one of only three complete medieval walls in Germany, offering a 2.7km circular walk with stunning views. Unlike its more touristy neighbors, Nördlingen maintains an authentic local atmosphere with its vibrant weekly farmers' market and genuine medieval architecture. The town's Daniel Tower, complete with a resident tower cat, offers panoramic views of the crater rim's 'green crown.' Nördlingen's historical significance extends to the Apollo space program, where astronauts trained in the crater, and the Ries Crater Museum proudly displays an authentic moon rock from Apollo 16. Despite its fame as the backdrop for Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, the town remains refreshingly uncrowded and genuine.