9 Things to do in Quedlinburg – A guide for Germany´s romantic hidden gem

If you’d ask me to describe Quedlinburg in one word, I’d choose “adorable.” While many people only think of Rothenburg ob der Tauber when it comes to romantic german cities, Quedlinburg is more of a hidden gem among tourists. However, this more than 1.000-year-old city and its unique flair are said to be one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Isn’t that screaming book me a stay there? – I know. That’s why I’ll provide you with a list of all the things to do in Quedlinburg so you can concentrate on packing rather than researching!

Where is Quedlinburg, and what is it known for?

Quedlinburg is located in central Germany, north of the Harz Mountains, in the district of Saxony-Anhalt. What’s special about Quedlinburg is its history and picturesque old-town. With 2000 half-timbered houses, you barely find any spots that aren’t charming. Quedlinburg also symbolizes the birth of the german nation since King Heinrich the 1st, who was crowned in Quedlinburg, was the first to rule Germany as a single entity.

In 1994, the Collegiate Church, Castle, and Old Town of Quedlinburg were declared UNESCO world heritage site.

How to get to Quedlinburg

As the first step on your tour of the picturesque Quedlinburg, a visit to the church of St. Servatii, which towers high above the city, is a good choice. The church was founded in the 10th century and still impresses with its high romanesque architecture.

The treasure of the collegiate church is a special attraction among visitors. Unique manuscripts, oriental relics, and the finest ivory works are just a small part of what you can marvel at here. The church’s most famous “treasure” is a knotted carpet from 1200, which is considered the oldest preserved knotted carpet in Europe.

Admission costs €6, and if you are interested in a guided tour, you can join a public tour at 11:00 a.m. or 1:00 p.m. every weekend.

In addition to the St. Servatii church, the “Schlossberg” (castle hill) also offers a beautiful view of the city. Here you will also find a restaurant with a beer garden, where you can enjoy delicious German cuisine while admiring the fabulous view.

Important note: St. Servatii is closed on Mondays. Due to current renovation work, the castle hill is only accessible through the “Pastorentreppe” – a 66-step stone staircase. (Sep. 2022)

The town hall is located in the center of Quedlinburg’s market square and dates back to 1310.

The magnificent building can be visited on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays as part of a public tour. You should plan about 50 minutes for the tour, and the admission is €5 per person.

If you’re down for something to eat, you might want to check out the “Ratskeller” restaurant located aside/in the town hall.

To learn more about the city, you should visit one of the museums. My personal favorite is the “Fachwerkmuseum,” which you can find in the city’s oldest half-timbered building – the “Ständerbau.” You will learn everything about the “timber-framed history” of Quedlinburg.

The “Klopstockhaus,” named after the poet Friedrich Gottlieb Klopstock revolves around literature and the life of the well-known poet.

You can find in-depth information about Quedlinburg’s history and development in the “Schlossmuseum” on the Stiftsberg.

After visiting all the historical buildings, you should visit the Lyonel Feininger Gallery for a more modern perspective. This museum presents not only large collections of prints by the artist Lyonel Feininger itself but also special exhibitions of graphic arts from all eras.

Important Information: The “Schlossmuseum” is currently closed due to renovations. (Sep. 2022)

The Münzenberg west of the old town is no less beautiful and definitely worth a detour. In addition to a wonderful view of Quedlinburg, more half-timbered houses, and charming alleys, there is also the (of course timber-framed) Münzenberg Museum. The museum is located within the walls of a historic ottoman basilica, the monastery church of St. Mary.

Parts of the preserved medieval burial sites, the crypt, and the galleries can still be visited today.

And the best thing about it: the museum can be visited for free!

Everyone is always only talking about all the half-timbered buildings and alleys, but Quedlinburg also has a wonderful green oasis to escape the hustle and bustle of the old town. In addition to a playground, the Brühlpark in the south of the city also has several monuments and watercourses.

The perfect spot to roam in between all the sightseeing!

Aside from all of these things to do in Quedlinburg, you shouldn’t miss exploring the charming small backyards. On your walks, just turn into a side street and go with the flow. For example, you will find a small turnoff into a backyard with a glass-blowing workshop, a book market, and a ceramics studio on the market square.

Stay curious, my friends!

We all know food is one of the best ways to explore a destination. When it comes to German cuisine, most people think of schnitzel, pretzels, and roasts. However, the respective regions have much more to offer.

For example, Saxony-Anhalt is known for “Harzer Roller” (a cheese specialty) or “Bötel mit Lehm und Stroh” (pork knuckle with sauerkraut and pea puree).

You can find regional specialties and general german dishes in restaurants such as “Brauhaus Lüdde” or “Münzenberger Klause.”

Lastly, here is a tip for a bar where you can end the day perfectly after successfully checking off all these things to do in Quedlinburg.

The café/bar “Ruinenromantik” is more than unique. As the name already suggests, you’ll take a seat in a charmingly restored ruin. In addition to the incredibly cool and special design, there is also a huge selection of cocktails and long drinks. We were particularly impressed by the vast selection of (high-quality) whiskeys.

This spot is also a good choice during the day. In addition to the impressive drinks menu, you can also eat delicious food here, especially panini and regional specialties. For the ones with a sweet tooth: don’t worry, they also serve delicious cakes!

This cafe is a MUST!

Enough of the city? What you can do around Quedlinburg, Germany

Once you’ve checked off all your things to do in Quedlinburg, you should consider exploring the surrounding area. As the city can be visited in just a day or two, it’s popular as a stop-over on a tour of Germany or as part of a tour of the Harz Mountains.

The region also offers you cities like Gernrode or Bad Suderode, as well as great hiking trails in the Harz mountains. Train fans should definitely put a ride with the “Harzer Schmalspurbahnen” – the narrow gauge trains – on their to-do list.

Is Quedlinburg worth visiting?

Absolutely yes. Those who love romantic cities full of tradition will definitely get their money’s worth here.

The city is at least as beautiful as the world-famous Rothenburg ob der Tauber but far less crowded. The region also offers great hiking trails and excursions.

Quedlinburg is one of Germany’s most romantic towns, and we will definitely come back for another visit soon!

Map

I hope this article will help you plan your stay. There are so many things to do in Quedlinburg, and I’m curious how you find the city.

Please let me know in the comments if you are just as in love with this city and what you liked the most. (My favorite attraction is the half-timbered houses around the old town!) You will find more tips among my Germany guides if you plan a more extended trip through Germany.

As always, stay happy and healthy!

See you soon,

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