Germany's lesser-known small towns are coming to the fore as more travelers seek the unique charm and relaxed atmosphere these places offer. A recent study conducted by the vacation rental portal Holidu has revealed the most searched-for small towns and villages across the country, focusing on locations with populations under 10,000. This analysis, based on Google search behavior, sheds light on the regions drawing significant interest from vacationers, underlining the appeal of these quaint destinations.
According to Holidu, the small town of Tegernsee, located by the eponymous lake, tops the list with a remarkable monthly search volume of 2,490 queries. This scenic area not only boasts stunning views of the Bavarian Alps but also presents numerous outdoor activities, from hiking and biking to water sports. Renowned cultural sites such as the Tegernseer Bräustüberl and the historic Schloss Tegernsee, once known as Monastery Tegernsee before the 19th century, attract those interested in local history and heritage.
Following Tegernsee is Braunlage, positioned centrally within the Harz mountains, which generated 1,920 search inquiries. Braunlage is recognized primarily as a winter sports haven, featuring ski slopes on the Wurmberg and popular routes like the Harzer Hexenstieg for hikers during the warmer seasons. With around 5,500 residents, the small town features museums like the Braunlage local history museum, providing visitors with insights from its past.
Heiligenhafen, arriving third with 1,860 searches per month, is celebrated for its maritime allure and expansive beaches. Visitors often flock to see its historical attractions including the iconic lighthouse and the old pier. The yearly harbor festival, complete with live music and local stalls, boosts the local atmosphere and has become part of Heiligenhafen's identity, greatly influencing inquiries found by Holidu.
At number four, Oberhof is known as the highest city in Thuringia and has evolved as a winter sports destination. The town's monthy search volume is 1,640, thanks to its ski center and trails perfect for various winter sports, complemented by excellent hiking paths for summer visitors. The Exotarium, featuring diverse terrariums and aquariums, presents unique educational experiences, particularly for families.
Meanwhile, Oberwiesenthal garners 1,350 monthly searches as the highest municipality in Germany, celebrated for both winter and summer sports facilities. With its ski area, Fichtelberg, and opportunities for hiking and mountain biking, Oberwiesenthal is favored by adventurers. The town's Glashüttenmuseum offers visitors insights about regional industry history, showcasing the distinct character of this Erzgebirge area.
The ranking includes additional interesting towns like Kappeln, with 1,070 searches; Naumburg, at 1,040; Rheinsberg, at 1,030; Zwiesel, at 1,025; and Friedrichroda, rounding out the top 10 with 1,020 queries. Holidu's methodology rejected islands and cities with ambiguous names, focusing on those small towns appealing to travelers seeking authentic experiences.
Impressively, the ranking was derived from analyzing data on average monthly search inquiries for keywords like “attractions [town]” and “activities [town]” over the past year. The data was collected as of March 2025, underlining trends about where Germans are inclined to travel.
Holidu's mission is to help both hosts and guests enjoy vacation rentals effectively. The service platform provides property managers with enhanced visibility and fewer hassles, making it easier for them to attract bookings. Founded by brothers Johannes and Michael Siebers in 2014, the company is based in Munich and operates with over 600 employees and branches across various popular destinations throughout Europe. For more information, visit www.holidu.de.
The increasing interest shown toward these enchanting small towns reveals much about contemporary travel preferences. More travelers are distancing themselves from crowded major cities, opting instead for quieter getaways where they can engage with nature and local culture. This shift could have impressive ramifications for the tourism industry, urging local governments and businesses to innovate and adapt.
Travel enthusiasts seeking peaceful alternatives and wanting adventure will find attractive options among Germany's numerous small towns, ensuring the delightful and scenic experiences will continue to flourish.