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Why go to Mallorca, Dubai, or Rimini? After all, there are fantastic destinations right here in our own country that are just as beautiful and that you can visit even for just a weekend. You probably haven’t even heard of many of these places yet. So it’s high time to start thinking about where your next short trip should take you. You’ll find the best ideas right here in this list of weekend getaways in Germany.
If you’ve landed on this article, you’re probably asking yourself the same question I often ask myself: Where should I go this weekend?
You’ll find one—or rather, plenty of—answers to this question in this article, for which I’ve picked out some of the best weekend getaways in Germany. What was important to me was:
- Of course, it shouldn’t be too far away
- But I don’t want it to be too crowded either. And if it is, I at least want to have the chance to explore off the beaten tourist path.
- I hear there are good places to stay nearby.
In this article, I’ve put together a list of weekend getaways in Germany where there’s plenty to do. You’ll find:
- Wellness weekends
- Outings in nature
- City breaks
- Weekend trips to the beach
- Short trips to the Baltic Sea and the North Sea
- Places to visit in the mountains
- Places to visit near lakes
Almost every federal state is represented as well. Of the 33 ideas for weekend trips in Germany, the following are included: North Rhine-Westphalia (7), Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania (5), Rhineland-Palatinate (4), Schleswig-Holstein (4), Bavaria (3), Brandenburg (2), Saxony (1), Saxony-Anhalt (1), Hesse (1), Saarland (1), Thuringia (1), Baden-Württemberg (1), Lower Saxony (1), Hamburg (1), Bremen (1)
You can also find all of these ideas here on the map:
That leaves little else to say except:
Let the tour of discovery through Germany begin!!!
Wellness Weekend Getaway in Germany
In addition to a great travel destination, accommodations are often a key factor that can make all the difference for a fantastic weekend getaway in Germany.
In this article, you’ll find hotels that are worth the trip on their own:
That’s because many of them are not only located in stunning settings, but also feature rooms with in-room whirlpools. They often offer other amenities as well, such as fantastic spa facilities, award-winning restaurants, or stylish wine and hotel bars.
Weekend getaways in nature
Whether it’s mountains, coastlines, lakes, or forests, Germany has plenty of natural beauty to offer. Below, you’ll find the best places to unwind for a weekend. These include several national parks as well as some fantastic islands that are well worth exploring. You’re sure to find something near you:
1. Berchtesgadener Land (Bavaria)
The Berchtesgadener Land region is located in the far southeast of Bavaria, on the border with the Austrian province of Salzburg. It takes about two hours to drive from Munich to Berchtesgaden.
Above all, Berchtesgaden National Park—with Lake Königssee nestled into the landscape like a fjord—is a must-visit destination in Germany.
But you’ll also be captivated by the many other small lakes, spectacular gorges, and the idyllic Alpine landscape with its countless hiking trails.
More information:
You can find the best tips for Königssee here:
You can find great tips for fantastic hikes in the Berchtesgadener Land here in Julia’s article.
2. Schlei (Schleswig-Holstein)
Did you know there’s a fjord in Germany? Neither did I, until I visited the Schlei for the first time. This wide inlet of the Baltic Sea is the only one in Germany to be called a fjord. Even though it’s not as spectacular as those in Norway, you’ll find a wonderful waterfront and vacation destination here.
Explore Viking villages, take a steamboat cruise, eat smoked eel (or catch a fresh one yourself), and visit charming waterfront towns.
More information:
Here you’ll find the best sights and plenty of tips for your perfect Schlei vacation:
You can find lots of tips for a road trip in Schleswig-Holstein here:
Lynn also has a few tips for sustainable vacations in the Schlei region.
3. Upper Saale Nature Park (Thuringia)
This nature park is probably not very well known, but it’s home to Germany’s largest reservoir, one of the country’s most famous photo spots, and plenty of natural beauty.
As the Saale River winds its way through the landscape, you’ll explore forests, medieval castles, abandoned railroad tracks, and sleepy villages that stand out above all for their slate-covered roofs—the region’s “blue gold.” And once a year, a massive festival for electronic music lovers even takes place here.
More information:
You can find more information about this wonderful region here:
4. Lake Laach (Rhineland-Palatinate)
Lake Laach lies where a massive volcanic eruption occurred about 12,900 years ago. In the region known as the Vulkaneifel, you can still discover many remnants from that time. But you can also just relax in nature and go for a swim in the lake ;)
There’s also a famous monastery and some pretty cool caves to explore.
More information:
You can find an article with tips for a weekend at Lake Laach here:
5. Jasmund National Park on Rügen (Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania)
Rügen is truly a fantastic island and perfect for a whole summer vacation. But even if you’re only here for a weekend, there’s plenty to do.
Don’t miss a hike through the beautiful Jasmund National Park with its white limestone coast. It’s also a great place to go hunting for amber. You should also take a stroll along the picturesque pier in the resort town of Sassnitz.
More information:
Here you’ll find the most beautiful places on the entire island:
Inken has some tips here for visiting Rügen with kids.
6. Mecklenburg Lake District (Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania)
The Mecklenburg Lake District (Mecklenburger Seenplatte) is actually a district that’s even larger than the entire state of Saarland. So you have plenty of options here for a great weekend getaway. There are hundreds of lakes, both small and large, that you can explore by kayak or boat. Camping is especially popular here. There are countless great campsites and beaches.
With the Müritz National Park, you’ll even find a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site here. The town of Wahren an der Müritz is also a popular tourist destination.
To make your choice a little easier, you can check out my personal favorites:
- Lake Plauer – Camping at Naturcamping Zwei Seen
- Lake Jabelscher – Camping at the Am Heidenfriedhof Nature Campground
- Lake Mirow
More information:
Here you’ll find a travelogue by Sabrina about her family vacation in the Mecklenburg Lake District. Daniela shows here that the Mecklenburg Lake District is wonderful even in winter.
7. Fischland-Darß-Zingst (Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania)
To me, Fischland-Darß-Zingst is the most beautiful peninsula in Germany. It is located in the Vorpommersche Boddenlandschaft National Park and is home to what is arguably one of Germany’s most beautiful beaches.
But there are also many sleepy little vacation towns here. In my opinion, one of the coziest is Ahrenshoop. Prerow, with its great campground right by the sea, is also worth a visit. You should definitely explore the Darß Forest with its marshes and beaches—preferably by bike.
More information:
Here’s a suggestion for where you can spend a weekend on the peninsula, along with plenty of tips for day trips and sights:
But there are other beautiful places in the region as well, such as Wieck and Born. Inka demonstrates this in her blog post.
8. Fehmarn (Schleswig-Holstein)
Fehmarn, Germany’s third-largest island, is the perfect weekend getaway for sunbathers and beachgoers. You’ll find great beaches everywhere, which are also ideal for families.
Personally, though, I liked the beach along the cliffs on the eastern side of the island best. It’s a bit wilder, but it also has stretches of white sand.
The island’s main town, Burg on Fehmarn, is also worth a visit. There’s plenty to do here even in bad weather, such as visiting one of the many museums or enjoying fresh Baltic Sea fish at one of the restaurants.
More information:
Alexandra shares her tips on things to do with kids on Fehmarn. Melanie has put together a list of the most beautiful beaches on Fehmarn.
9. Schorfheide-Chorin (Brandenburg)
Not far from Berlin lies this biosphere reserve, with its mystical forests and over 200 lakes. Especially in the summer, you’re sure to find a great lake or two here for swimming. The water is really warm then, and you can listen to the crickets chirping and race the frogs.
Another highlight here is Chorin Monastery—a place of tranquility and relaxation situated right on the shore of a lake. Take long walks and hikes here, and take a refreshing dip in the surrounding ponds and lakes.
More information:
You can find Kathleen’s report on Chorin Abbey here.
10. Eifel National Park (North Rhine-Westphalia)
The Eifel National Park is one of the few regions in Germany where nature is left to its own devices. Numerous hiking and biking trails wind through the 110-square-kilometer park. The most scenic of these run along Lake Rur, Lake Obersee, and Lake Urft.
A great loop trail starts in Einruhr and runs 7 km along the Obersee to the Urftsee Dam. If you don’t want to walk that far, you can take a shortcut by taking one of the Rursee boats.
More information:
Here you’ll find the exact ferry schedules, and here’s more information on the coolest places to visit in North Rhine-Westphalia, including the Eifel:
Not far from the Eifel National Park lies the historic town of Monschau. It’s definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area. Read more about it here:
11. Saxon Switzerland in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains (Saxony)
Saxon Switzerland is the German part of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. It is characterized by mystical rock formations that rise out of the coniferous forest, which is often shrouded in mist, and some of which you can even climb. Once you reach the top, you’ll be amazed by the spectacular views.
The most famous attraction is the Bastei Bridge, but there is much, much more to discover throughout the national park, such as castles, palaces, and hiking trails.
More information:
You can find more information about Saxon Switzerland here:
12. Bavarian Forest National Park (Bavaria)
Germany’s first national park is located right on the border with the Czech Republic. It was established in 1970 and is best known for its almost mystical mixed forests. It is one of the largest forested areas in Central Europe.
There is a network of hiking trails here that spans over 300 km, and on some of them you’ll feel as if you’re in an enchanted primeval forest.
In addition to the national park, there is also the Bavarian Forest Nature Park. This refers to the region surrounding the national park.
More information:
You can find more information about hiking in the national park here.
13. Lake Constance (Baden-Württemberg/Bavaria)
Of course, Lake Constance has to be included in this list of “Weekend Getaways in Germany.” After all, it’s not only the largest lake in the country, but also one of the most popular domestic vacation destinations.
You should definitely visit the idyllic island of Mainau and the pilgrimage church in Birnau. But of course, there’s much more to discover. Be sure to explore Meerseburg with its picturesque old town, Bregenz, Friedrichshafen, and Constance—the largest city on Lake Constance—as well as the island town of Lindau.
Although you’re already in Switzerland, not far from Lake Constance, you can also marvel at Europe’s largest waterfall—the Rhine Falls in Schaffhausen.
More information:
You can find lots of tips for visiting Lake Constance with kids on Little Travel Society.
14. Lüneburg Heath (Lower Saxony)
You’ll experience a unique landscape right in the heart of tranquil Lower Saxony. Especially from early August through mid-September, when the heather is in bloom, you’ll be treated to a fantastic natural spectacle in shades of pink (or purple). The nature reserve around Wilseder Berg is the largest contiguous area of heathland in Europe and is also car-free.
More information:
Here you’ll find lots of tips and the best places to visit in the Lüneburg Heath:
Places to Visit in the Lüneburg Heath: The Best Tips for a Weekend
15. Siebengebirge (North Rhine-Westphalia)
The Siebengebirge is a recreational area near Bonn that stretches across some 50 hills and mountains. The highlights of this region are the Drachenfels and the magnificent Drachenburg Castle. You can spot it from a distance. And from the very top of the Drachenfels tower, you have one of the most beautiful views in all of Germany, overlooking the Rhine. On clear days, you can even see Cologne Cathedral from here.
From the main town of Königswinter, a mountain railway runs up to the castle and the Drachenfels. However, the Siebengebirge is primarily a hiking region. You should take advantage of that. I definitely recommend hiking the Beethoven Trail at least once. It takes you 15 km through the entire region, with some steep ascents and descents, past monastery and castle ruins, the steep cliffs in the middle of the forest at Stenzelberg, and a few fantastic places to stop for a break.
More information:
Melanie describes a hike through the Siebengebirge in the fall.
16. Spreewald (Brandenburg)
The Spreewald is a truly special region in Germany, and not just because of its cucumbers. Here, you can explore the area by kayak or on a traditional Spreewald boat along the Spree’s miles-long network of natural river branches, which wind through the mystical forests like a labyrinth.
Like a mosaic viewed from above, the meadows and fields stretch out between the rivers. The Gurken Cycle Path is a wonderful route that takes you through this unique landscape.
More information:
Martina shares tips for a relaxing stay in the Spreewald. You can find tips for vacations with kids in the Spreewald here.
17. Saar Loop (Saarland)
While there are many rivers with stunning bends in Germany, none is quite as famous as the Great Saar Loop near Mettlach. There’s even a wooden walkway with an observation tower here, from which you can take in the region’s full splendor from high above.
But there’s more to discover than just the Saarland’s landmark. The entire region offers numerous hiking trails. I especially love that the Schleife is a nature reserve, so you won’t hear any traffic noise from cars here.
More information:
You can find an article with tips for a weekend at the Saar Loop here:
Jenny and Mark share their tips on exploring the Saar Loop with kids. Steffi offers hiking tips for the Saar Loop and the surrounding area.
18. German Tuscany (Rhineland-Palatinate)
Tuscany just sounds better than the Palatinate, doesn’t it? And it probably attracts more tourists, too. But there’s no denying that the German Wine Route in southern Rhineland-Palatinate bears a resemblance to Italy. After all, just like in Tuscany, everything here revolves around wine.
A warm climate and rolling hills make this area the perfect wine-growing region—a fact the ancient Romans were already aware of. Riesling, in particular, is a specialty of this region.
The German Wine Route begins at the German Wine Gate in Schweigen-Rechtenbach on the German-French border and ends 85 km further on at the House of the German Wine Route in Bockenheim. Along the way, you’ll find charming wine villages with a Mediterranean flair.
More information:
Steffi shares 7 tips for a short trip along the Wine Route.
19. Lake Schwerin (Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania)
Lake Schwerin, which is divided into the Inner and Outer Lakes, is a great destination for a weekend getaway with plenty to do. Since Lake Schwerin is quite large, you’ll find a wide variety of water sports activities here. You can even rent yachts here.
There’s a great sandy beach on Schwerin’s Inner Lake—Zippendorfer Strand. But you’ll also find plenty of places to swim on the Outer Lake.
Of course, you shouldn’t miss Schwerin Castle itself, with its beautiful grounds.
More information:
Franziska has some great nature tips for Lake Schwerin.
20. Eibsee (Bavaria)
Lake Eibsee, at the foot of the Zugspitze, is arguably one of the most beautiful lakes in Germany. Its turquoise-blue waters, which look almost heavenly against the magnificent Alpine backdrop, truly invite you to dream. You can even explore the lake by kayak or simply walk around it. A trip up Germany’s highest mountain by cable car is also a wonderful experience.
Lake Eibsee is not far from Garmisch-Partenkirchen, which is also worth exploring. You should also pay a visit to the area around the Partnach Gorge.
More information:
Gitta and Helmut have some great tips for Eibsee.
21. Externsteine in the Teutoburg Forest (North Rhine-Westphalia)
The Teutoburg Forest is shrouded in an air of mystery. It is a place of many legends and myths. Here you can also discover one of Germany’s most famous natural landmarks—the Externsteine—a group of towering, rugged cliffs with a magical aura, framed by an idyllic lake and surrounded by vast forests.
But there is much more to discover in the Teutoburg Forest, such as the Hermann Monument or the Detmold Open-Air Museum.
More information:
You can find all the information about the Externsteine and what else there is to discover in this part of the Teutoburg Forest here:
22. Kellerwald-Edersee National Park (Hesse)
This national park in northern Hesse is located on Lake Edersee and is well worth a visit, especially for its red beech forests. These forests are even part of the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site.
On 19 fantastic loop trails, you can venture deep into the woods and experience nature up close.
More information:
You can find all the hiking trails here. Rebecca also has some great tips for a hiking vacation in the national park.
23. Ivenacker Oaks (Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania)
Did you know that Germany’s oldest oak trees are located in a small forest near Ivenack? Some of them are over 1,000 years old and have a trunk circumference of up to 10 meters.
These creatures have witnessed a lot of history, and it’s truly impressive to see them up close. There’s also a zoo, a few old castles, and a treetop walkway here. Above all, though, the Ivenack region offers seclusion and tranquility.
More information:
The Ivenacker Oaks are just a short detour along the German Aleenstraße road trip. You can find more information here:
24. Mosel River (Rhineland-Palatinate)
The Mosel River is one of Germany’s most famous wine regions. Towns such as Cochem with its castle, Bernkastel-Kues, and Traben-Trarbach are popular destinations.
All along the river, you’ll find remnants from a time when the Romans had a major influence here. There are also many great vantage points from which you can enjoy a fantastic view of the Moselle’s many bends from above.
More information:
Pick one of the towns along the Moselle for your weekend getaway. Or better yet: just explore them all on the list below (even if that might be a bit too much for just one weekend):
25. Sankt Peter-Ording (Schleswig-Holstein)
Of course, the North Sea can’t be left off this list. And one of the most beautiful places to visit is definitely Sankt Peter-Ording, with its huge beach—part of which you can even drive onto.
In Sankt Peter-Ording, you can take a walk across the mudflats, enjoy some fresh shrimp, or stroll along the promenade all the way to the 1-kilometer-long pier.
More information:
You can find the best sights for your beach vacation on the North Sea, as well as places to visit near SPO, here:
Weekend city breaks
Most cities in Germany are also perfect for a weekend getaway or even just a day trip. You’ll find my favorites in the list below.
26. Düsseldorf (North Rhine-Westphalia)
Although Düsseldorf is the capital of North Rhine-Westphalia, it lags behind Cologne, Hamburg, Berlin, Frankfurt, and Munich in terms of visitor numbers. Yet Düsseldorf is one of the most livable cities in the world (ranking sixth according to a Mercer study), offering a wealth of art and culture as well as a rich tradition and history.
Did you know, for example, that Germany’s largest Japanese community is located here, that Germany’s widest street is here, or that the country’s second-largest folk festival—after Oktoberfest—takes place on the Rhine in Düsseldorf?
No? Then it’s high time you explored Düsseldorf and the surrounding area for yourself.
More information:
You can find many more detailed tips about Düsseldorf in the following articles:
27. Hanseatic City of Hamburg (Hamburg)
Hamburg is always worth a visit. After all, this Hanseatic city isn’t just Germany’s greenest major city—it’s also the city with the most bridges in Europe. And there’s plenty to see and do: from the Reeperbahn to the Elbphilharmonie, the harbor, and the historic Speicherstadt, Hamburg has so much to offer.
If you’re a fan of musicals, Hamburg is definitely the place to go. In addition to long-running shows like “The Lion King” and Disney’s “The Ice Princess,” there are always new, fantastic musicals playing here.
More information:
Here’s a list of the must-see sights in Hamburg for a weekend city break, along with plenty of tips on hotels, transportation, and tours worth checking out:
Find out here which musicals are currently playing in Hamburg and what other things to do in Hamburg you shouldn’t miss:
28. Bonn (North Rhine-Westphalia)
Bonn was once the capital of the Federal Republic of Germany and is the birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven. In addition, the Siebengebirge mountains mentioned in point 15 are right next to Bonn. So you can easily combine both of these short trips.
Bonn is especially popular during cherry blossom season in April. However, that season is always very short, and fortunately, Bonn is worth visiting at any other time of year as well.
More information:
If you want to explore Bonn in just one day, here’s a great guide:
29. Lübeck (Schleswig-Holstein)
Lübeck is also known as the “mother of the Hanseatic League” because it was the first Hanseatic city in Germany. You’ll feel a bit as if you’ve been transported back to that era as you stroll through the narrow streets of the old town with its historic gabled houses.
In fact, Lübeck is so remarkable that it has been included on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites.
More information:
Find out here how best to explore Lübeck’s Old Town and what you definitely shouldn’t miss:
30. Dessau (Saxony-Anhalt)
Few people consider this small town as a destination for a weekend trip to Germany. Yet Dessau is anything but boring. Fans of historic gardens, in particular, will find plenty to enjoy here. With the Luisium, the Georgium, and Wörlitz Park, there are three outstanding gardens right on the city’s doorstep.
Above all, Dessau is also known for the Bauhaus—an artistic style that was shaped by the German art school Bauhaus in the 1920s. So you’ll also discover plenty of world-renowned architecture here.
More information:
Romina has written down here all the things you can see in Dessau.
31. Wuppertal (North Rhine-Westphalia)
Wuppertal was once an industrial city where Friedrich Engels, one of the co-founders of communism, was born. Today, it is a quiet little town on the Wupper River, over which the world-famous suspension railway runs. But there’s plenty more to discover in Wuppertal as well.
More information:
Here you’ll find plenty of sights that you can explore on a day trip:
32. Koblenz (Rhineland-Palatinate)
Right where the Moselle flows into the Rhine lies a wonderful city perfect for a city break: Koblenz. A must-do here is to take the cable car across the Rhine up to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress and then enjoy the magnificent view of the river valley from above.
More information:
You can find out all there is to discover in Koblenz in this article:
33. Essen (North Rhine-Westphalia)
For me, Essen is the most beautiful city in the Ruhr region. On the one hand, the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex offers a wealth of industrial culture and history, but especially in the southern part of the city, there’s plenty of nature and recreational areas. Locals often go for walks along the Ruhr River and at Lake Baldeney on the weekends.
More information:
Here you’ll find plenty of activities you shouldn’t miss in Essen:
34. Bremen (Bremen)
With an area of just about 419 square kilometers, Bremen is Germany’s smallest state. But that’s no reason not to visit—Bremen offers winding old-town streets, the legendary Bremen Town Musicians, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and plenty of maritime charm along the Weser River.
More information:
Here you’ll find plenty of exciting sights in Bremen that are perfect for exploring in a day or over a weekend:
As you can see, there’s plenty to discover in Germany, too. And this list of weekend getaways in Germany is by no means exhaustive. What are your tips for short trips in Germany? Leave a comment below!
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