Quedlinburg: The Half-Timbered Champion and Living Museum
Situated on the northeastern edge of the Harz Mountains, this former royal palatinate and Hanseatic city boasts a rich history spanning over 1,000 years. Quedlinburg’s most significant treasure is its collection of more than 2,000 well-preserved half-timbered buildings dating from the 14th to the 19th centuries. These charming houses feature wooden structural frameworks and clay walls, characterized by their vibrant facades, sloping gables, and intricate wooden beams and ornaments. In fact, you won’t find a greater concentration of half-timbered houses anywhere else in Germany!
Regensburg: The Birthplace of the Post Office
At the southern end of Regensburg’s old town lies the princely Thurn and Taxis Palace. The Thurn and Taxis dynasty held significant power for centuries and is credited with establishing the postal service. In 1490, Francesco de Tasso introduced the European postal system on behalf of the emperor, and the von Taxis family maintained a courier monopoly until Prussia assumed postal rights in 1867. Today, the Thurn and Taxis family hosts various events, including summer concerts and a festive Christmas market at Emmeram Palace.