It’s hard to go wrong when picking a place to live in Germany. Everywhere you go will likely give you a high quality of life with up-to-date infrastructure and wonderful cultural experiences.
Unfortunately, many expats looking to call Germany their new home focus all their attention on a few cities—namely, Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt.
Yes, there are amazing places to live! But there are so many other hidden gems to explore.
So before you decide where to relocate, consider one of the German cities you might have never heard of.
1. Freiburg im Breisgau
Nestled on the edge of the Black Forest, Freiburg im Breisgau is known in Germany for its sunny climate and eco-friendly lifestyle.
Home to around 230,000 residents, this university town gives you lots of surviving medieval architecture with a modern sustainability ethos that is a major attraction for many people the world over.
Freiburg is bike-friendly, has excellent public transport, and provides easy access to France and Switzerland. The city center is even car-free, contributing to its quiet, laid-back atmosphere.
2. Münster
Located in North Rhine-Westphalia, Münster is an old city that maintains its youthful energy, thanks to its significant student population.
With around 320,000 inhabitants, Münster feels fairly cosmopolitan compared to some other options on this list. Despite the size, the city consistently ranks high up in German livability indexes due to its extensive cycling paths, green spaces, and healthy job market.
Expats will appreciate Münster’s welcoming community and excellent educational institutions. You’ll also enjoy its incredibly temperate climate with mild summers and winters.
3. Heidelberg
Heidelberg is a picturesque city along the Neckar River—and if you know the name, it probably conjures up images of a red-roofed European city sitting on a river. It has been quietly charming residents for centuries, and maybe your family is next?
Home to Germany’s oldest university, Heidelberg has a thriving intellectual scene. Its population of approximately 160,000 enjoys a rich cultural scene, historic architecture, and abundant outdoor recreation. Heidelberg also offers lots of employment, particularly in tech, healthcare, and education.
But really, people who fall in love with Heidelberg fall in love with the views. A stroll along Philoserphers’ Walk which overlooks the old town and castle should be enough to win you over.
4. Aachen
Bordering Belgium and the Netherlands, Aachen is an international city with deep historical roots dating back to the Roman era.
Although it has a relatively large population of roughly 250,000, Aachen has a compact city center with cozy cafés, hopping markets, and oft-photographed landmarks like the Aachen Cathedral.
The city is famous for its technical university, RWTH Aachen, making it an attractive destination for expats working in research, innovation, and technology.
5. Regensburg
Regensburg, situated on the banks of the Danube in Bavaria, is often overlooked despite its UNESCO-listed old town. Don’t make this same mistake!
With about 150,000 residents, Regensburg maintains a high quality of life without the frantic pace of larger cities. Similar to Heidelberg, the town has picturesque medieval streets. It also has somewhat of a social scene and booming industries such as automotive and IT, so it’s ideal for expats seeking economic opportunities.
Regensburg is also fairly temperate, with especially mild summers, which can be an asset for some and a problem for others.
6. Darmstadt
Located just south of Frankfurt, Darmstadt often slips under the radar. Nevertheless, the city is a powerhouse of innovation, art, and especially science. It’s even called the “City of Science.”
Darmstadt is internationally renowned as a center for technological research and development, hosting the European Space Operations Centre.
Expats will find Darmstadt intellectually stimulating, culturally diverse, and well-equipped with international schools and communities.
7. Potsdam
Just southwest of Berlin, Potsdam is a peaceful alternative to its vibrant neighbor. This historical city, home to about 180,000 residents, is dotted with palaces, parks, and lakes, offering a stunning yet serene living environment.
Seriously, the number of landmarks here makes for an incredible feeling, like you are living in a picture book about old Europe.
Potsdam is also attractive to families and professionals due to its proximity to Berlin’s amenities plus its calm pace of life.
8. Bamberg
The smallest town on this list at 77,000 residents, Bamberg is a hidden treasure of Bavaria. Let the city enchant you with its well-preserved medieval architecture and canals—which earn it the nickname “Little Venice.”
Bamberg has a tight-knit community feel coupled with traditional events and a healthycultural scene. The city’s renowned breweries, lively festivals, and affordable living costs make it particularly appealing to expats seeking authenticity and community connection.
Even if you are just passing through, make sure to check out the abbey and cathedral!
9. Lübeck
Lübeck combines maritime heritage (thanks to its location on the Baltic Coast) with a distinct northern European feel. If you can handle a little tourism, it’s a wonderful town to call home.
Famous for its Gothic architecture and historical significance as a major Hanseatic city, Lübeck’s population of around 220,000 enjoys an exceptional standard of living.
Expats are drawn to Lübeck’s lifestyle, scenery, and local economy—you’ll find plenty of opportunities in maritime trade, tourism, and commerce.
10. Erfurt
As the capital city of Thuringia, Erfurt often flies under the expat radar despite its history and strong economy.
With approximately 214,000 residents, Erfurt impresses with its beautifully preserved medieval core (it’s said to be one of the best preserved in Europe and certainly Germany). But it also offers some more contemporary wonders, like excellent public transportation.
Erfurt gives you all this at an affordable cost of living. The city’s central location within Germany also makes it an ideal base for exploring the rest of the country and neighboring regions.
Making the Right Move in Germany
Every city on this list has a lot to offer the expat looking to relocate to Germany. And of course, the big names like Berlin and Munich are wonderful choices in their own right.
Ultimately, what makes a city a good fit is different for every individual.
Need help with the transition to Germany? Our experts help clients become dual citizens, and we’ve supported countless people along their way to a new life in Germany. So schedule a free consultation and contact us today. We would be happy to answer all your burning questions!
