"Why look into the distance? Look, the good is so close!” The German poet Goethe once told us that. Explore the beautiful country on your own doorstep! A short vacation is enough if you want to take a wellness break at the North Sea or explore Saxon Switzerland while hiking.

Home can be so beautiful: The most popular vacation spots in Germany

To the sea or to the mountains ? For hiking or wellness ? Relaxing by the lake or adventure in nature ? There's nothing you can't experience on a holiday in Germany !

Sea, lakes and mountains: The most beautiful holiday regions in Germany

Holiday at the Baltic Sea

The multitude of lidos on the Baltic Sea is simply overwhelming! How about a short break in the popular imperial spas of Heringsdorf, Ahlbeck and Bansin on Usedom , or spend the summer on Rügen , Germany's largest island, and stroll through the streets of Binz . On the other hand, things are quieter on the car-free island of Heringsdorf or on the Fischland-Darss-Zingst peninsula with its artist town of Ahrenshoop .

Holiday at the North Sea

The North Sea is always worth a visit. Popular destinations are the German North Sea islands of Sylt , Norderney and Borkum . But the coastal region with the towns of St. Peter-Ording and Büsum are also ideal for a holiday with the family or an active holiday . Because surfing and boxing is widespread on the North Sea. Those who like it a little quieter can rent a beach chair on the North Sea and enjoy the view of the sea.

Holiday in the Black Forest

The Black Forest is known for its green forests and cuckoo clocks. A short holiday in the Black Forest is also worthwhile for active holidaymakers : In summer there are numerous hiking routes, in winter it is even possible to go skiing and tobogganing in the Black Forest. are also worth a visit . The city of Freiburg and the Triberg waterfalls

Holiday in the Harz

If you are on holiday in the Harz mountains , you should not miss a trip to the Brocken , also known as the Blocksberg. At over 1,140 meters, the mountain is the highest in northern Germany. If you don't want to hike, you can take the narrow- gauge railway to the summit. Half-timbered houses and narrow streets can be found in the cities of Quedlinburg and Wernigerode.

Holiday in the Moselle

Completely underestimated, but still one of the most magical regions in Germany is the Moselle! You can explore them hiking, by river boat trip or on the Moselle cycle path and all stop for a pint of wine - for example in Pünderich at the winemaker Frank Brohl, who produces a Riesling on a steep slope called "Heartbreak", or in the upscale Restaurant Belle Epoque in Traben-Trarbach. is also wellness holiday. worthwhile for a A visit to the Moselle region

Holiday in Bavaria

In order to get to the high mountains - the Alps - you don't have to leave Germany: The Berchtesgadener Land lures with the Watzmann , Garmisch - Partenkirchen with the Zugspitze and the Wetterstein massif, Oberstdorf is surrounded by the Allgäu Alps . Holidays in Bavaria offer everything that a mountaineer and hiker's heart desires, from simple adventure trails to via ferratas. In the case of the Zugspitze , you can take a cable car all the way to the summit! for wellness holidays. Bavaria is also a popular travel destination

Vacation in the Mecklenburg Lake District

The Mecklenburg Lake District is not only Germany's largest district, but also a popular holiday destination in Germany . The region in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania has a total of 1117 lakes. The best known is the Müritz . There you can not only secure accommodation for your short vacation in the Mecklenburg Lake District , but also rent houseboats and spend your vacation on the water. The lake area can also be explored by canoe, bike or on foot.

Vacation in Saxon Switzerland

Hiking in Saxon Switzerland should be on everyone's bucket list. The national park in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains not far from Dresden is one of the most popular in Europe. Impressive rock formations, picturesque gorges and forests as well as unique views of the region await you on site. If you want to explore as much of Saxon Switzerland as possible, you can hike along the famous Malerweg . On this you will pass the Bastei Bridge , the Schwedenlochen, the Himmelsleiter and the Kirnitzschtal.

The most beautiful city breaks in Germany

await you in Germany Pure culture: Exciting metropolises such as Berlin , Hamburg and Frankfurt , classic places steeped in history such as Dresden , Weimar, Potsdam or Göttingen, dreamy medieval towns or (still) insider tips such as Hanover, Düsseldorf , Nuremberg or Aachen.

City trip to Dresden

If you are planning a visit to the state capital of Saxony , you should definitely have the historical sights on your list: Frauenkirche , Semperoper and Dresden Zwinger are a must see. awaits you with the Dresden Striezelmarkt . During the Christmas season, one of the most popular Christmas markets in Germany

City trip to Berlin

The German capital is certainly not one thing: boring. On a city trip in Berlin you can shop for the latest fashion trends, visit exhibitions in the many museums , eat your way around the world at street food markets or explore the city's sights.

City trip to Hamburg

The Hanseatic metropolis is best known for the nightlife in St. Pauli around the Reeperbahn and the piers at the port. A visit to the Alster and the Speicherstadt near the Elbe is also worthwhile during a city trip in Hamburg. Hamburg is also the musical capital of Germany.

City trip to Munich

The metropolis in the south is ideal for a city trip in Germany . In the warm months you can make yourself in the beer garden or in the English Garden comfortable . A popular attraction is the Nymphenburg Palace in the west of the city and those who want to dine in traditional Bavarian style will find the ingredients at the Viktualienmarkt .

Experience Germany's diversity: Which vacation would you like?

Active holidays in the Alps, hiking holidays in the low mountain ranges and through vineyards, camping by one of the beautiful lakes in or a beach holiday on the North or Baltic Seas? Germany's holiday offers are as diverse as the country itself! Find out for yourself with our deals!

Hiking vacation in Germany

Regions for hiking can be found all over Germany. How about an active holiday in the Alps , hiking in the Eifel , a visit to Saxon Switzerland or a walk through the blooming Lüneburg Heath?

Beach vacation in Germany

You don't have to go on vacation to feel the sandy beach under your feet. Especially in the warm summer months you can let the sun shine on the North and Baltic Seas wonderfully on your stomach await you . Almost 1,600 kilometers of coastline !

Short vacation in Germany

The vacation days are short with you, you still long for a little change of scenery? Then plan a short vacation in Germany : visit the most beautiful cities in the country , drive out into nature or enjoy the time in a spa and let yourself be pampered.

Wellness vacation in Germany

Stress in everyday life? Then submit your holiday and head to a wellness hotel in Germany . The choice is yours: from the thermal baths with their own hotel next door to luxurious spa resorts or cool Airbnbs with their own sauna or whirlpool .

Family vacation in Germany

To the sea, the mountains or would you prefer a city trip? In Germany there are numerous ways to spend your vacation with the whole family. Last but not least, thanks to a wide variety of leisure and theme parks, such as the Heidepark , the Tropical Islands or the Serengetipark Hodenhagen.

Active holiday in Germany

Do you want to experience something? It doesn't matter whether you enjoy mountain biking down winding trails, can't wait to put on your skis or want to try your hand at canyoning , there are plenty of opportunities for you to be active on holiday in Germany .

Highlights of a holiday in Germany

You know nothing less than your own environment. We introduce you to the most important sights and activities in Germany .

Sights in Germany

Just for inspiration, we have only made a tiny selection of German sights you on holiday in Germany that await . I bet you definitely haven't seen all of them yet!

• is of course the Neuschwanstein Castle number one spot here, and anyone who hasn't yet seen King Ludwig II's building should urgently do so. After all, the silhouette of the castle is regarded worldwide as the archetype of a fairytale castle.

• King Wilhelm II once exchanged the colony of Zanzibar for an island in the North Sea that has since been considered a mythical place by the Germans: Helgoland . The Lummenfelsen and the Lange Anna are the best known formations of the reddish glowing cliffs.

• The former imperial city of Rothenburg ob der Tauber enchants with its medieval city center and the completely preserved city walls. Christmas tree ornaments and Christmas decorations from Rothenburg are so well known that you can buy them there all year round from Käthe Wohlfahrt. For gingerbread tasting and mulled wine, the best thing to do in December is to go to the Christmas market in the neighboring city of Nuremberg. By the way, you can find more beautiful Christmas markets in Germany here.

• In addition to the Speicherstadt, the Landungsbrücken and the Fish Market, the Port of Hamburg has had one more attraction since November 2016 with the Elbphilharmonie. Incidentally, the entertainment district of St. Pauli is right around the corner.

• Lake Constance is the third largest inland lake in Europe. With the monastery island of Reichenau and the stilt houses of Unteruhldingen, two UNESCO World Heritage sites are represented there. A wellness holiday on Lake Constance is always worth considering.

activities in Germany

It should only be a stone's throw from your front door to your active holiday in Germany - here's the proof:

• Germany has a total of 16 national parks and a whopping 8,743 nature reserves. So if you don't yet know what to do next weekend: A trip into nature is always possible.

• How about a hiking holiday in Germany? One of the most scenic long-distance hiking trails in Germany is the 66-lake hiking trail through Brandenburg. The path can also be walked in sections and is particularly suitable for families due to the flat elevation profile and the numerous bathing opportunities. This hiking trail is an insider tip, especially for holidays in the autumn holidays.

• With almost 50 kilometers of groomed pistes, the Garmisch-Partenkirchen ski area is the largest in Germany. The season usually begins in November and ends in April.

• The classic Rock am Ring or the Fusion Festival north of Berlin are just the tip of the iceberg: there are more festivals in Germany that are worth a trip than there are days in the year!

• Would you like an adrenaline rush? Well, then off to canyoning in the Allgäu Starzlach Gorge , rafting on the Lech, to one of the German amusement parks such as Europa-Park Rust or bungee jumping at the city harbor of Recklinghausen!

• Or would you rather relax and chill? Of course that works too! And in one of the countless German health resorts and spas - starting with A with the mineral spa Bad Abbach in Bavaria to Z with the Baltic Sea spa Zingst in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania between Bodden and the Baltic Sea coast . The Baltic Sea is also ideal for wellness.

• Our pirate tip: The Munich Oktoberfest is so well known that we refer to its Franconian counterpart, the Erlangen Bergkirchweih, as an alternative. Nevertheless, one should have visited the original once in a lifetime.

The most beautiful places in Germany - destinations that everyone should have seen

A long weekend is often enough to go on a short tour and explore your homeland a little more closely. There are spectacular landscapes throughout Germany that can compete with the famous sightseeing spots in the world . The travel experts of the holiday pirates present the ten excursion destinations that everyone should have seen.

Blautopf, Baden-Wuerttemberg

The Blue Pot is a 20 meter deep water spring that springs from an underground water reservoir . Due to the calcareous subsoil, a whole cave system was created by the water , which has only been explored more and more in recent years. The intense blue of the water results from the interplay of sunlight and the lime content of the water. You are not allowed to enter the cave itself, but a hike around the Blautopf is also very impressive.

Höllental Gorge, Grainau, Bavaria

In the Höllentalklamm in Bavaria you almost feel as if you are in a fairytale forest . Visitors can expect gorges up to 150 meters deep here . There are also numerous tunnels and hidden paths to discover - a true paradise for hiking fans .

Spreewald, Brandenburg

The Spreewald is less than 100 kilometers from Berlin. As a result of the last ice age, the Spree branched into a labyrinth of small watercourses and was partially expanded by the residents into navigable canals . Today, 250 kilometers of the 1,550 kilometers of watercourses can be navigated by boats. The most popular are tours with the historic Spreewald barges . Such a holiday can be optimally combined with a wellness break in Brandenburg .

Andernach Geyser, Rhineland Palatinate

The Andernach Geyser is the largest cold water geyser in the world . Every 100 minutes the geyser erupts for about eight minutes - a real spectacle for all visitors. Not even some fountains in Iceland can keep up with that.

Laacher See Vulkaneifel, Rhineland-Palatinate

Not far from the Andernacher Geysir is the Laacher See , which is located in the crater of a volcano . However, this is a dormant volcano that last erupted more than 10,000 years ago. Sometimes CO2 bubbles even rise at the edge of the lake.

Waldspirale, Darmstadt, Hesse

The Waldspirale is a colorful residential complex in Darmstadt . It was completed in 2000 and designed by the Viennese artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser with the forms he is famous for. The windows of the 105 apartments all look different, the building has golden onion domes and the roof is planted with trees. Not only fans of the artist are amazed here and are reminded of a fairytale castle .

Schwerin Castle, Mecklenburg Western Pomerania

, also seems fairytale The Schwerin Castle by a lake landscape , which is surrounded on an island in the center of the state capital of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania -like . It used to be the seat of the Mecklenburg dukes . Of particular interest to visitors is the Castle Museum , in which the living and state rooms of the Grand Dukes can be viewed. is particularly impressive The throne room, which is magnificently decorated with lots of gold, .

Externsteine, Teutoburg Forest, Lower Saxony/North Rhine-Westphalia

The Externsteine ​​are extraordinary sandstone rock formations in the Teutoburg Forest in the northeast of North Rhine-Westphalia. They are up to 47 meters high and are under cultural and natural monument protection . In the otherwise almost stone-free environment, the rock formation, to which cultural and historical significance is attributed, is immediately noticeable.

Saxon Switzerland, Saxony

most Saxon Switzerland is undoubtedly one of the beautiful regions in Germany . Many rare animal and plant species can be found in the National Saxon Switzerland Park, the only rock national park in this country .

Endless hiking trails stretch through the rugged Elbe Sandstone Mountains . Standing on an abyss takes your breath away. This is where the hearts of hikers and nature lovers beat faster .

Lange Anna, Helgoland, Schleswig-Holstein

The Lange Anna is a 47 meter high sea pillar off Heligoland (Schleswig-Holstein), which has been attracting many thousands of visitors for years. If you want to look at the 25,000-ton red sandstone rock , you should use this holiday, because it has been feared for a long time that it will not be able to withstand the weather for much longer.

Fairy Grotto, Thuringia

The fairy grottoes are referred to as Thuringia's wonders deep in the mountain and are a former mine in Saalfeld, Thuringia, on the edge of the Thuringian Slate Mountains. This was expanded into a world of experience with a museum . So if you want to learn something about minerals, let stalactites grow and discover the world of fairies and nature spirits , you've come to the right place.

Treetop path Hainich, Thuringia

Ever dreamed of climbing into a treetop and hearing the wind rustle through the leaves? on the treetop path in Thuringia's Hainich National Park You can do just that . Here you can walk 44 meters above all footbridges and suspension bridges through the beech forest .

Völklinger Hütte, Saarland

A metal giant made of pipes, towers and steel: the Völklingen Ironworks World Heritage Site is the only ironworks from the heyday of industrialization that has been completely preserved. Today the ironworks is an industrial monument and cultural workshop with exhibitions and concerts. In addition, you have a brilliant view from the platform at the blast furnace at a height of 45 meters .

Eltz Castle, Rhineland-Palatinate

Eltz Castle is a real fairytale place . It is one of the most beautiful castles in Germany and is hidden on a rock in the Elz valley . You can easily get there from Koblenz and experience a fairytale day in the heart of Rhineland-Palatinate.

Koenigsstuhl, Ruegen

For us, the Königsstuhl on Rügen is definitely one of the most beautiful natural wonders in Germany . First you hike about 3 kilometers through a forest before you get a unique view of the Baltic Sea . But you shouldn't wait too long here either, because every few years the chalk cliffs here gradually fall into the water.

Lichtenstein Castle, Baden-Wuerttemberg

is also known as the Lichtenstein Castle " fairytale castle of Württemberg ". It is a 19th century castle built in the style of historicism above the town of Honau . Here you can really let yourself be drawn into the historical scenery and spend a wonderful day in southwest Germany.

Urach Waterfall in Maisental, Baden Württemberg

The Urach Waterfall in Baden-Württemberg plunges 37 meters into the depths . By the way, you can photograph it from above as well as from below.

Rakotz Bridge, Saxony

When basalt columns and boulders meet, bridges like this can be created. But what you should definitely note: It is strictly forbidden to enter the listed Rakotzbrücke .

Walhalla Regensburg, Bavaria

The Walhalla near Regensburg is a cultural monument of King Ludwig I. When it opened in 1842, 160 people were honored with 96 busts and 64 commemorative plaques in cases where authentic images were missing or in the case of actions such as the Rütli oath.

The 10 most beautiful lakes in Germany

A new bathing suit was bought weeks ago, the sunscreen has almost run out again because it hasn't been used for so long and the pallor on the face is almost unbearable. The question arises what to do about it. Quite simply: sunbathing . And you can do that particularly well in our beautiful Germany. It doesn't matter whether you're on an extended holiday in Germany or just for a weekend trip. Volleyball and towel are packed and off you go. But which lakes are particularly suitable for a few hours of relaxation? And which ones are safe? We introduce you to the best and cleanest lakes in Germany .

Chiemsee, Bavaria

at Lake Chiemsee in Bavaria You can surf wonderfully . In its midst rise four islands ; On the largest, Herreninsel, Ludwig II had the mighty Herrenchiemsee Palace built in 1878. Entry: 2€.

Schluchsee, Baden-Wuerttemberg

The Schluchsee in Baden-Württemberg is the largest lake in the Black Forest . Admission: €4, reduced €2.70.

Edersee, Hesse

Germany's second largest reservoir is a paradise for sports enthusiasts : whether you want to dive, fish, sail, swim, row, surf, canoe or water ski - it's all possible at the Edersee in Hesse . Admission free.

Ammersee, Bavaria

The Ammersee in Bavaria is not far away from the Starnberger See in Bavaria . Admission free.

Wannsee, Berlin

Conny Froboess once sang: "Pack your swimming trunks, take your little sister, and then let's go to Wannsee!" One of the most popular bathing lakes in Berlin is Wannsee . Admission: €5.50, reduced €3.50.

Starnberg Lake, Bavaria

Lake Starnberg in Bavaria is one of the most famous in all of Germany . The reason for this is the scandalous death of King Ludwig II, who drowned here in 1886. Admission free.

Steinhude Sea, Lower Saxony

The Steinhuder Meer in Lower Saxony is an artificial bathing lake . The lake is a place of pilgrimage for water sports enthusiasts : active vacationers can swim, sail and surf here. In addition, the Steinhuder Meer has developed into the center of kite surfing . Admission free.

Lake Constance, Baden-Württemberg

The climate in the south of the country is mild , the shoreline varied, the water clear and clean, the nearby towns full of sights . Lake Constance in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg is one of the most visited lakes in the country . Admission free.

Koenigssee, Berchtesgaden, Bavaria

The Königssee in Bavaria is also a real feast for the eyes . A deep calm emanates from this place, which thousands of people at Königssee seek and find every year. You don't have to pay an entrance fee here.

Eibsee, Bayern

The ranking is completed with the fabulous Eibsee , also in Bavaria . The highlight of the lake are the seven small islands that are located along the north side. Added to this is the excellent water quality : the Eibsee is one of the cleanest lakes in the entire country . Here you can unwind for free.