Nördlingen, Germany

Nördlingen is one of the best preserved medieval imperial towns in Germany. The city impresses with its completely preserved 2.7-kilometre-long city wall with 5 towers and 11 gates. Nördlingen has been home to kings since 898 , but Frederick II elevated the city to the status of Free Imperial City and during the Middle Ages it became an important trading city for southern Germany.

The interesting thing about the city is that it is located in the middle of a meteorite impact crater from millions of years ago. Today, the 25 km diameter crater is filled with water, and in 1970 NASA astronauts trained here for the Apollo mission. The entire old town of Nördlingen is a profusion of lovingly renovated magnificent houses. The view from the 90-metre high tower of St. The stunning baroque altar of the church is worth seeing. Nördlingen is famous for its leatherwork and in the old half-timbered houses you can find a lovely leather bag or souvenir.