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Traditional german houses – Half-timbered Route

Stade. Half-Timbered Route in Germany. Travel Germany. Brazilian guide in Germany.

The Half-Timbered House Route in Germany stretches over 3,000 km, running from the north along the Elbe River to the south, near Lake Constance.

What is Half-Timbering?

Half-timbering, or “Fachwerk” in German, is not a style but a construction technique. It involves using wooden beams that interlock to create walls, with spaces filled in with stones or bricks for stability and finish. These buildings often have steep roofs, designed to let rainwater drain quickly to prevent moisture from affecting the wood.

In the Middle Ages, half-timbered houses were built by guilds of craftsmen and farmers. Over time, industrial innovations introduced new tools and techniques to half-timbered construction.

This architectural technique brings vibrant color to towns, creating picturesque scenes across Germany. Let’s explore some of the towns along the Half-Timbered House Route.

Towns Along the Route

Quedlinburg

One of Germany’s oldest towns and its first capital, Quedlinburg preserves its medieval layout and architecture, earning it UNESCO World Heritage status. It boasts over 1,200 half-timbered buildings of varying colors and sizes, with some dating back to 1347.

The Fachwerkmuseum im Ständerbau, housed in one of the oldest buildings, offers insights into half-timbered construction and medieval life. Located less than three hours from Berlin, Quedlinburg makes an excellent day trip.

Stade

Near Hamburg in Lower Saxony, Stade was a key port along the Elbe River and played a major role in the Hanseatic League during the Middle Ages. With a Swedish influence from the 17th century, Stade’s historic center is lined with colorful half-timbered houses dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. The Schwedenspeicher Museum tells the story of Stade’s Swedish occupation, and the Old Harbor (Alter Hafen) along the canal preserves the town’s medieval charm.

Stade. Half-Timbered Route in Germany. Travel Germany. Brazilian guide in Germany.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Rothenburg ob der Tauber reached its peak during the Middle Ages, as one of the most prosperous cities in the Holy Roman Empire. However, the Thirty Years’ War and changes in trade routes caused an economic downturn that ironically helped preserve its historical appearance.

Rothenburg is world-famous for its cobblestone streets and colorful, well-preserved half-timbered houses from the 14th to 16th centuries. The town seems straight out of a fairytale. Plönlein square is its most iconic spot, featuring a quaint yellow half-timbered house next to two towers—a scene you’ve likely seen in photographs.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Half-Timbered Route in Germany. Travel Germany. Brazilian guide in Germany.

A museum worth visiting is the Medieval Crime Museum, which explores punishments and laws from the Middle Ages. Additionally, St. James’s Church, known for its stunning altar carved by Tilman Riemenschneider, is beautiful and well worth a visit. And, of course, we can’t forget the medieval walls surrounding the town, which lead travelers through history while offering an incredible view of the city!

Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Half-Timbered Route in Germany. Travel Germany. Brazilian guide in Germany.

Tübingen

Tübingen, located in the state of Baden-Württemberg, is primarily a university town. Founded in the 11th century, it has evolved over the centuries into a prominent center of learning and culture and is home to one of Germany’s oldest universities, the University of Tübingen, founded in 1477.

Tübingen’s historic center, known as the Altstadt, is one of the best-preserved in the country, with narrow, winding streets, charming squares, and medieval buildings. Half-timbered houses, especially along Marktplatz and near Hölderlin Tower, are a defining feature of the city’s charm.

Tübingen is also famous for its cultural events, such as the Stocherkahnrennen, a traditional boat race held on the Neckar River.

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