Germany holidays

In winter, one of the best things to do in Germany is to hit the slopes in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Zugspitze or Sudelfeld. But the fun doesn’t stop in the Bavarian Alps once the snow thaws. In summer, take in beautiful lake scenery along the Eibsee Loop. For more of a challenge, tackle the long-distance hiking route between Lake Königssee and Lake Chiemsee.

Germany’s long, complex history makes for fascinating attractions. Berlin draws countless visitors to landmark monuments like the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag and Checkpoint Charlie. But beyond the capital, you’ll find a treasure trove of history to explore, from Neuschwanstein Castle in the Bavarian Alps to Munich’s Frauenkirche and Lübeck’s medieval Old Town.

Don’t miss the East Side Gallery, where a surviving stretch of the Berlin Wall is now covered in striking murals by artists from around the world. Tour Neuschwanstein Castle, the fairy-tale palace that inspired Disney. Then stop by a nearby beer garden for a frothy stein. For storybook landscapes, hilltop castles and crisp Rieslings, make your way to the Middle Rhine Valley.

Marvel at the breathtaking beauty of the Baltic coast at Heiligendamm, Germany’s oldest seaside resort. Spend a day in a ‘Strandkorb’ (sheltered straw beach chair) on Warnemünde’s white-sand beach. Active types won’t want to miss Sylt in the North Frisian Islands, known for its excellent surfing conditions. Inland, the Mecklenburg Lake District’s beaches are popular for water sports.

From Alpine forests to white-sand beaches, Germany has no shortage of natural wonders. Step into a world of Grimms’ fairy tales with a visit to the Black Forest National Park, or admire Lake Königssee’s emerald waters in Berchtesgaden National Park. Hoping to spot wildlife? Head to the mudflats of the UNESCO-protected Wadden Sea, home to porpoises and seals.

Beyond Berlin’s Museum Island and Cold War landmarks like Checkpoint Charlie and the East Side Gallery, Germany has plenty of cultural showstoppers. Cologne Cathedral is Northern Europe’s largest Gothic church. And Hamburg’s historic Speicherstadt warehouse district is home to canalside museums and entertainment. Love cars? Stuttgart’s Mercedes-Benz Museum is one of the best museums in Germany for motorheads.

There’s more to restaurants in Germany than just sausages and sauerkraut. In Bavaria, tuck into hearty plates of ‘Schweinebraten’ (roast pork) and ‘Knödel’ (dumplings). And in Baden-Württemberg, treat yourself to a big slice of ‘Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte’ (Black Forest gateau). If you’re visiting Berlin, don’t miss the capital’s famous ‘currywurst’ (sausage with curry ketchup) or the Turkish-inspired doner kebab.