Germany Holidays

Discover Germany's rich tapestry of medieval castles, modern cities and sky-scraping peaks.

• Neuschwanstein Castle: Step into a fairytale with a guided tour of this stunning 19th-century Romanesque Revival palace. Perched atop a rugged hill in southwest Bavaria, Neuschwanstein Castle inspired Walt Disney's Sleeping Beauty castle.
• Speicherstadt: Wander through the UNESCO-protected Speicherstadt in Hamburg, the world's largest warehouse district. Admire the beautiful neo-Gothic brick architecture and network of narrow canals from a boat tour.
• Oktoberfest: Held annually from September to the beginning of October, Oktoberfest is one of Munich’s largest festivals. Sample a variety of beer and listen to live oompah bands in huge tented halls, while you enjoy local delicacies such as bratwurst and sauerkraut.
• Zugspitze: Conquer Germany's highest peak, the Zugspitze, standing at 2,962m above sea level. Take the cogwheel train or cable car to the summit and be rewarded with panoramic views of the German, Austrian and Swiss Alps.
• The Berlin Wall: The graffiti-covered remains of the Berlin wall, which once divided the city, are not to be missed. The most notable sections of the wall can be found near Checkpoint Charlie and across from the Reichstag Building.

From the bustling streets of Berlin to the charming squares of Munich, discover the unique character and highlights of Germany's must-see urban destinations.

• Berlin: Germany's vibrant capital offers a magnetic mixture of history, culture and nightlife. Visit iconic landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate and East Side Gallery, explore world-class museums and immerse yourself in the city's eclectic atmosphere.
• Munich: The Bavarian capital enchants visitors with its stunning architecture, rich heritage and famous beer halls. Stroll through the charming Marienplatz, explore the opulent Nymphenburg Palace and raise a stein at the legendary Hofbräuhaus.
• Hamburg: Germany's second-largest city boasts a picturesque harbour, historic warehouses and a thriving cultural scene. Discover the UNESCO-listed Speicherstadt, marvel at the stunning Elbphilharmonie concert hall and unwind in the city's gorgeous green spaces.
• Cologne: This ancient city along the Rhine River is famous for its magnificent Gothic cathedral and energetic carnival celebrations. Explore the charming Old Town, visit world-class museums and sample the city's famous Kölsch beer.
• Dresden: Known as the "Florence of the Elbe," Dresden enchants visitors with its baroque architecture and striking art collections. See the opulent Zwinger Palace, stroll through the picturesque Großer Garten, and explore the city's museums and galleries.

Germany's thrilling theme parks offer a world of excitement for the whole family, from the magical realms of Europa Park to the interactive wonders of Legoland and Playmobil FunPark. Add these to your must-visit list:

• Europa Park: Germany's largest theme park offers over 100 thrilling rides, enchanting themed areas and captivating shows. With attractions suitable for all ages, Europa Park promises an unforgettable day of family fun.
• Legoland Deutschland: Immerse yourself in a world of colourful bricks at Legoland Deutschland in Günzburg. This interactive theme park features Lego-themed rides, shows and hands-on building experiences that encourage creativity and imagination.
• Playmobil FunPark: Step into the world of Playmobil at this unique theme park near Nuremberg. Kids can explore life-sized Playmobil sets, embark on interactive adventures and let their imaginations run wild at brightly coloured play areas.
• Ravensburger Spieleland: Located in Upper Swabia, Ravensburger Spieleland offers a variety of rides, attractions and hands-on activities based on classic Ravensburger board games and puzzles.
• Phantasialand: Discover a world of fantasy and adventure at Phantasialand – a popular theme park near Cologne. With its imaginatively themed areas, high-speed roller coasters and gentle rides for younger children, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Germany’s coastline boasts some stunning stretches of sand along the North and Baltic Seas. From the upscale resorts of Sylt to the family-friendly shores of Rügen, Germany's beaches offer a delightful mix of relaxation and adventure.

• Sylt: Sylt is Germany's northernmost island, known for its long sandy beaches, dunes and upscale resorts. The island's western side features wide stretches of sand perfect for sunbathing, swimming and windsurfing.
• Rügen: Rügen, Germany's largest island, boasts stunning white chalk cliffs and expansive sandy beaches along the Baltic Sea. The island's most famous beach, Binz, offers a broad promenade lined with charming hotels and shops.
• Warnemünde: Warnemünde is a seaside resort town along the Baltic Sea near Rostock. Its sandy stretches are ideal for swimming and beachcombing. The town's lighthouse, quaint fishermen's cottages and buzzing seafood restaurants add to its appeal.
• Usedom: Usedom, an island shared by Germany and Poland, is known for its long beaches and elegant seaside resorts. The island's main beach, Ahlbeck, features a historic pier and a promenade lined with grand villas.
• Langeoog: Langeoog is one of the East Frisian Islands, located in the North Sea. This car-free island boasts a beautiful beach plus dunes, salt marshes and a charming village. You can also try activities like horse riding and mini-golf.

No winter holiday in Germany would be complete without a trip to a traditional Christmas market. Feel the festive spirit as you peruse stalls for handmade decorations, steaming cups of mulled wine and ginger-spiced biscuits.

• Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt: Germany's most famous Christmas market, Nuremberg's Christkindlesmarkt dates back to the 16th century. Don't miss the iconic 'Christkind' opening ceremony and the delightful children's market.
• Dresden Striezelmarkt: At Germany’s oldest Christmas market, you can marvel at the world's tallest Christmas pyramid, indulge in delicious Dresden Stollen and dip in and out of wooden huts offering traditional crafts and warm Saxon hospitality.
• Cologne Christmas Markets: The largest of Cologne’s Christmas markets features a towering Christmas tree and over 150 festive stalls in front of the cathedral. Don't miss the Alter Markt market, known for its nostalgic carousel and twinkling star-topped wooden pavilions.
• Berlin Christmas Markets: Berlin is home to over 70 Christmas markets, each with its own special charm. The Gendarmenmarkt hosts one of the most popular, set between the stunning German and French Cathedrals. Enjoy live music, artisanal crafts and mouthwatering treats.
• Rothenburg ob der Tauber Reiterlesmarkt: This medieval town provides the perfect backdrop for a spellbinding Christmas market, complete with half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets and traditional Bavarian decorations.

Whether it’s hiking, swimming in a lake or taking in a museum or 2, Germany is one of the most family-friendly destinations in Europe. Check out some of our favourite attractions and activities for the young and young at heart:

• Deutsches Museum: Munich's Deutsches Museum is the world's largest museum of science and technology. With exciting exhibits covering topics like aviation, astronomy and physics, children can learn while they play and explore.
• Tropical Islands: Escape to a tropical paradise just outside Berlin at Tropical Islands – the world's largest indoor waterpark. This attraction features sandy beaches, palm trees, water slides and pools. And with a constant temperature of 26°C, it's a perfect year-round destination.
• Gondwana – Das Praehistorium: Travel back in time at Gondwana – Das Praehistorium, a unique prehistoric theme park in Schiffweiler. Explore the world of dinosaurs through life-sized animatronic models, fossil excavations and engaging displays.
• Fairy Tale Road: Enjoy family-friendly attractions during a drive down the 595km Fairy Tale Road. The route, which starts in Frankfurt, winds through 50 towns including Trendelburg, where the little ones can climb Rapunzel's Tower.
• Miniatur Wunderland: Miniatur Wunderland in Hamburg is a miniature railway bound to be a hit with the entire family. The largest in the world, the railway comes with over 12,000m of track, around 890 trains and more than 200,000 figures.

There’s nothing quite like immersing yourself in a country’s culture through its cuisine. From centuries-old restaurants to festive markets, holidays in Germany are bound to leave your taste buds singing. Here are some unmissable dishes:

• Bratwurst: A beloved German sausage made from pork or beef, bratwurst is typically grilled or pan-fried and served with sauerkraut and mustard. Its juiciness and savoury flavour has made it a staple at Oktoberfest and a popular street food all over Germany.
• Spätzle: These small, irregularly shaped egg noodles are a speciality of the Swabia region. Spätzle is often served as a side dish alongside hearty meat dishes like schnitzel or roast pork. They can also be enjoyed with a generous helping of gravy.
• Currywurst: Invented in Berlin, currywurst consists of fried pork sausage sliced and topped with a spicy tomato-based curry sauce. It's a wildly popular fast food dish that can be found at street vendors across the country, served with fries or a crusty roll.
• Rouladen: A classic German meat dish, rouladen features thinly sliced beef, pork or veal rolled around a filling of onions, bacon and pickles. The rolls are then braised in a rich sauce until tender. Rouladen is typically served with potatoes or spätzle.
• Apfelstrudel: Enjoyed across a variety of Central European countries, this iconic dessert showcases thinly sliced apples, cinnamon and raisins wrapped in a flaky pastry crust. The strudel is baked until golden brown and often served warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or a scoop of ice cream.

Germany’s long history is reflected in its architecture. From stunning castles and cathedrals to more modern historical and cultural gems, city breaks in Germany are a true learning experience.

• Cologne Cathedral: Perched on the banks of the Rhine River, the Cologne Cathedral is a sight to behold. The 13th-century High Gothic structure features a viewing platform that affords scenic panoramas of the city.
• Bamberg: To experience one of the most charming old German towns, visit Bamberg in the valley of Regnitz. Once an imperial city, Bamberg features a Benedictine monastery dating back to 1015 and a 13th-century cathedral.
• Rothenburg: The medieval town of Rothenburg on Germany’s Romantic Road has a host of historical landmarks just waiting to be explored. Some of the town’s more notable structures include the 13th-century Town Hall and the 17th-century St. George's Fountain.
• DDR Museum: Learn about life in East Germany during the cold war at the DDR Museum in Berlin. The highlights of the museum include a replica of an East German flat and a Trabant driving simulator.
• Hamburger Kunsthalle: Hamburger Kunsthalle showcases over 700 years of art history. Some of the more notable names featured at the museum include Tiepolo, Rembrandt, Canaletto and Holbein.