The best insider tips for your summer vacation in Germany

Discover Germany off the beaten path: The most popular tourist destinations are not always the best choice. If you want to take the time to get to know the country and its people better, you might find some tips for relaxing vacation days away from the mainstream in this overview.

Once you’ve packed your travel bag and provisions in your Europcar rental car, you’re ready to go: But where to? Head out into the blue, towards the light-hearted summer bliss! Houseboating on the Mecklenburg Lake District or hiking on the Rothaarsteig in the Sauerland? Industrial culture in the surprisingly green Ruhr area or extensive cycling tours in the Münsterland? The best insider tips for your summer vacation in Germany are presented individually and diversely – but see for yourself:

1- The Mecklenburg Lake District – Castles, lakes, and waterways

Twice the size of Saarland, the Mecklenburg Lake District stretches over large parts of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Between the Hanseatic city of Lübeck and the picturesque lake landscapes of the Müritz, charming places like Plau am See or the island town of Malchow await your visit. Whether for a stopover at the Müritzeum Nature Experience Center or on the Mirow Castle Island – one of the most beautiful ways to discover this natural paradise is by waterway aboard a rented houseboat.

Families with children especially benefit from this relaxed way of traveling. Of course, you can also visit the numerous historic towns and ports as individual stops on a Roadtrip. Are you in the mood for alternative pop music under the open sky? The Immergut Festival outside the gates of the baroque town of Neustrelitz presents you with the perfect summer soundtrack with its handpicked lineup.

2- The Ruhr area – More than industrial culture

The Ruhr area is more than coal mining and big city hustle – in fact, the Ruhr metropolitan region presents itself surprisingly naturally at second glance. Admittedly, you should enjoy a certain amount of rough charm and refreshing directness if you want to spend your summer vacation between industrial culture and river idyll. The impressive backdrops of the Landschaftspark Duisburg Nord and the Zeche Zollverein Essen have long since ceased to serve as industrial sites.

Atmospherically illuminated, they testify to the region’s eventful history. As one of the most exciting theaters in the country, the Schauspielhaus Bochum offers new and old classics of spoken theater. You can take extended walks on the 3-Towers-Way in Hagen as well as in Dortmund city following the widespread street art. In the Biergarten Tante Amanda, alongside German cuisine, there is also a playground and table mini-golf.

3- Sauerland – The green heart of North Rhine-Westphalia

Another absolutely worth seeing region of North Rhine-Westphalia is Sauerland. Whether at the Sorpe Dam in the tranquil Amecke or at the Möhne Dam with its impressive dam wall – idyllic campsites and walking paths are enticing everywhere. Spend family time at FORT FUN Abenteuerland Bestwig or enjoy entertaining hours at the Karl May Festival in Elspe. There is always enough space for a picnic here, Indian’s honor!

The Rothaarsteig between North Rhine-Westphalia and Hesse leads right through the beautiful hilly landscape of the Hochsauerland. On 8, optionally also 6 or 12 stages, the path of the senses brings you closer to the unique flora and fauna of NRW. Winterberg and Willingen also enchant with green meadows and untouched forests outside the ski season. With the funicular, you can explore the Mühlenkopfschanze, the annual venue of the ski jumping World Cup.

Things are a bit more tranquil in the Sauerlandpark Hemer: In addition to themed gardens and a forest playground, the approximately 27-hectare park also offers the perfect setting for changing open-air events.

4- Münsterland – Cycling from castle to castle

In the northwest of Westphalia, the flat Münsterland attracts with rural idyll. Like its namesake university city of Münster, the surrounding Münsterland is also known for its extensive network of cycle paths. Since there are hardly any inclines to overcome, the region is also ideal for untrained cyclists. Farm holidays and classic riding vacations are just as possible here as cycling tours along the almost 1,000 km long 100-Castles-Route.

You cycle through green parks past romantic castles, moated castles, and manor houses. Cycling tourists can choose from 4 different circular routes here. Of course, a trip to the picturesque old town of Münster should not be missed. Between the cobblestone Prinzipalmarkt with its covered arcades and gabled houses and the neighboring Domplatz, the popular student city presents itself from its most beautiful side.

Combine a visit to the Allwetterzoo with a boat trip on the neighboring Aasee. The swan pedal boat attracted nationwide attention a few years ago because of its feathered admirer. The modern harbor district with its outdoor gastronomy is a worthwhile summer meeting point – here you can end the vacation day in chic restaurants with a view of the water.

5- Alpine region – Mountain summer in southern Germany

Incredible but true: Outside the winter season, the Karwendel Mountains south of Munich are pleasantly quiet. The summer months offer the perfect opportunity to take a refreshing dip in crystal-clear mountain lakes. A hike around the Eibsee, located about 9 km southwest of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, can be wonderfully combined with a boat trip in the shadow of the Zugspitze. The Benedictine abbey Kloster Ettal is also a beautiful excursion destination.

In addition to the magnificent baroque church with dome fresco, there is also an in-house liqueur manufactory to admire – tastings not excluded! Experience thrills and natural idyll on