I think the general consensus on Germany is that, due to its terrible history—including all major cities being reconstructed after WWII bombings—it’s rather dull and lacks the beauty of other old European cities. While I tend to agree with this, I want to point out that there are lots of exceptions. And lots of them. They are generally found in the form of beautiful little towns and villages, tucked away and, for some reason, also off the beaten path. But for those who do manage to find them, they offer a spectacular photo shoot.

On another work trip to Frankfurt—which, for me, qualifies as probably the most boring city I’ve visited—I decided to extend my stay and take Saturday to visit a few of these villages. It turned out to be a very rewarding decision for the part of me that’s in love with picturesque little villages that feel like they’re straight out of fairytales.

Limburg an der Lahn

First stop—only a 60-minute drive from Frankfurt, or 17 minutes for those wise enough to take the train—on the Lahn River lies the German town creatively named Limburg, as if there weren’t already enough Limburgs in Europe. The old town is packed with medieval half-timbered houses, offering a pleasant atmosphere and great photographic moments.

Idstein

Next stop on the itinerary of pretty little German towns was Idstein, just a few minutes—and one speeding fine—away from Limburg an der Lahn. This “Altstadt,” which stands for “historical city” in German, is yet another example of how charming Germany can be—and how contrasting as well—when compared to bigger cities like Frankfurt.

Oberursel

Final stop before heading to the airport was Oberursel, which is the closest town to Frankfurt and, in my view, probably the prettiest of them. I’m surprised that it took me so long to discover this beauty. The town dates back to as early as 791, and it’s been destroyed three times during a series of regional wars, which is why nearly all the houses in this town are from the 17th century.