Forchheim, Germany

Capital City

With a population of just 33,610, Forchheim is a compact Bavarian town that offers a quaint, historic atmosphere, but don't expect big-city amenities. The town's fortifications helped it survive the Thirty Years' War unscathed, but bureaucracy is a persistent headache - the locals earned a less-than-flattering nickname as "wall shitters" for their siege-time antics. While Forchheim's picturesque medieval churches and beer festivals draw visitors, the sleepy pace and limited transportation options make it best suited for those seeking a quiet, traditional German experience, not urban excitement.