Top 11 Destinations to Discover in Germany This Summer

With options like national parks, beaches, forests, lakes, mountains, vibrant cities, quaint old towns, and historical sites, your vacation experience will depend on your preferences.

Looking for some travel inspiration? Here are some of my favorite destinations in Germany.

11 Must-See Spots in Germany

Discover Germany's Best Natural Attractions

From hiking and swimming to beach outings, here are my top picks for experiencing nature in Germany this summer.

Elbe Sandstone Mountains

A bridge spanning a rugged mountain ridge leads to mist-covered, eroded rock formations.

The Elbe Sandstone Mountains belong to Saxon Switzerland National Park, Germany's sole rock national park. Marvel at stunning sandstone formations and the iconic Bastei Bridge, perfect for climbers and photographers alike. Hikers can traverse the Malerweg for breathtaking views, and in summer, enjoy exploring the mountains by canoe, followed by a cultural excursion in Dresden.

Lake Walchensee

A couple cycling up a mountainous road with a lake in the background.

A tranquil rocky lake mirrors the forested mountains and the bright blue sky.

Referred to as the 'Bavarian Caribbean,' Lake Walchensee is a deep Alpine lake located near Munich. Enjoy its turquoise waters, natural swimming spots, and sandy beaches. Dive to discover underwater cliffs, car wrecks, and a submerged city. My favorite hike in this region is the ridge walk from Herzogstand to Heimgarten.

Wadden Sea

A couple and their dog stroll across a mudflat that reflects the sky above.

A woman's golden hair dances in the breeze as she stands beside another woman on the beach.

Bright yellow hooded chairs positioned on the soft sands of a beach.

The Wadden Sea is a coastal area that includes Lower Saxony, Hamburg, and Schleswig-Holstein. Discover mudflats and the treasures revealed by the tides in locations like Sankt Peter-Ording, Cuxhaven, and Norden. Popular activities here include surfing, wellness retreats, and birdwatching. From Amrum, embark on an 8 km mudflat hike to Föhr.

Eifel National Park

A hiker navigates a cliffside path with a view of a village nestled among thick forests.

Begin your holiday in the Eifel region at Monschau, renowned for its charming old town. Wander along themed trails such as Eifelsteig and the wilderness path. At night, marvel at the starry sky from the Vogelsang Square Observatory, an International Star Park since 2019.

Hidden gem destinations to discover in Germany

If you've vacationed in Germany before, you may be familiar with major cities like Berlin or Hamburg. Here are some lesser-known spots to delve deeper into the country’s offerings.

Duisburg-Nord Landscape Park

A father joyfully carries his lovely blonde-haired daughter in the park.

The ore loading bridge, affectionately known as 'The Crocodile,' reflects in the clarifier at Duisburg Landscape Park (Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord). The blast furnace complex, constructed in 1902, suffered significant damage during World War II but was reconstructed in the 1950s. By 1985, the blast furnaces became unprofitable, leading to the complex's closure. From 1991 to 2002, the area was transformed into a public park.

Duisburg-Nord Landscape Park stands out as one of Germany's most exciting travel destinations. It serves as a tribute to industrial culture, a natural retreat, and an amusement park all rolled into one. There’s enough to keep you entertained for an entire vacation. Start with a park tour on foot or by bike, or opt for a guided tour to explore the region's rich history.

Children and teenagers will love the expansive adventure playground, high ropes course, and climbing garden. The best part? Even if the weather is less than perfect, there's still plenty to enjoy, as many activities are hosted within the repurposed halls and ironworks. Evening visits also feature a light installation by British artist Jonathan Park.

Freudenberg

Freudenberg is nestled between Frankfurt and Cologne, and if you’re unfamiliar with the area, it may not be on your radar. That’s unfortunate because the historic old town, Alter Flecken, is truly enchanting, featuring over 80 black and white half-timbered houses.

The city boasts a rich and extensive history. You can take a delightful journey through time at the city museum. Afterwards, explore one of the three themed hiking trails in Freudenberg and Siegerland. For a nearby day trip, don’t miss the exciting National Geotope Druidenstein.

Ravenna Gorge, Black Forest

A bridge set within a forest, with people walking beneath it.

A joyful couple walks hand in hand through the woods, carrying camping bags.

During winter, Ravenna Gorge transforms from a hidden gem to a popular destination, especially with its enchanting Christmas market. However, it’s also a fantastic spot for summer vacations.

Here, the wild Ravennabach river flows through the gorge, featuring several waterfalls, with the Great Ravenna Falls being the tallest at 16 meters. To get a closer view, hike the Heimatpfad Hochschwarzwald route, where you’ll also encounter old sawmills and mills. This entire path serves as an open-air museum dedicated to the preservation of historical buildings.

Lusatian Lake District

A cyclist relaxes on the grass by a lake, with his bike resting against a tree.

Nestled between Berlin and Dresden, the Lusatian Lake District was once a mining area. Today, it boasts over 20 flooded lakes, making it the largest man-made aquatic landscape in Europe.

This region is a fantastic summer destination in Germany. You can explore the rich industrial heritage through old power plants and factories that now serve as museums and cultural venues. In addition to lakes and beaches, the Lake District offers numerous cycling and hiking trails, as well as beautiful gardens and parks.

Family-friendly travel destinations in Germany

Planning a vacation with the entire family? Alongside the previously mentioned spots, consider these additional locations in Germany.

Phantasialand, Brühl

Children and adults enjoying a swing carousel at an amusement park.

A beloved destination for families, Phantasialand in Brühl features exciting rides and enchanting themed areas. Must-try attractions include the Black Mamba roller coaster and the award-winning water ride, Chiapas. For a convenient stay, choose either Hotel Matamba or Hotel Ling Bao right inside Phantasialand.

Siebengebirge

A wide river flows through a lush expanse dotted with houses and trees.

Having spent part of my childhood in Siebengebirge, the Drachenfels mountain has always fascinated me. If you choose to hike partway up, you'll find the Nibelungenhalle before reaching the ruins of Drachenfels Castle. Here, you can dive into the local Nibelung saga and meet ‘Fafnir’, the dragon guarding the legendary Rhine gold. There’s even a reptile exhibition that the whole family can enjoy.

At the base of Drachenfels, Siebengebirge Nature Park offers a fantastic holiday experience. Activities such as hiking, cycling, and horseback riding await. While the famous Beethoven hiking trail is well-known, several themed trails, including the Zeitsprung adventure trail, are also available.

German Toy Street

The German Toy Route takes you through Bavaria and Thuringia, celebrating the rich culture of toys. This route is designed around various themes, making it one of the most exciting journeys for families with children.

Starting from Schwabach, the route stretches roughly 300 km to Erfurt. Along the way, you can discover the beauty of the Thuringian Forest, Coburger Land, Upper Main Valley, and Franconian Switzerland. There are more than 20 museums focused on toy culture, just waiting for you to explore them.

A highlight of the journey is the German Toy Museum located in the toy capital of Sonneberg, along with the doll town of Neustadt. If you visit during the summer, you'll find numerous opportunities for outdoor activities. In the Thuringian Forest, you can hike or bike, there are several amusement parks in Upper Franconia, and plenty of castles to explore along the route—making it an ideal destination in Germany for families with kids.

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