Architecture, history and wine – or beer! – are common themes in our holidays to Germany, whether you are exploring on foot, by bike or by train. On the verdant shores of Lake Constance, you'll find both a reconstructed Stone Age settlement and a museum devoted to the iconic Zeppelin. In Bavaria, so pretty are the whimsical castles built by Ludwig II and so historically significant are places such as the Eagle’s Nest that sometimes the eye doesn’t know which to linger on – man’s legacy or the mountains framing every scene.
If you take our train journey in Germany, you can discover a wealth of history and architecture spanning several centuries, right up to the present day, as you explore the intriguing cities which until relatively recently were hidden behind the Iron Curtain. Another treasure which was revealed at the same time is the laid-back island of Rügen, whose coastline of white-sand beaches, chalk cliffs and timelessly elegant seaside villages holds a surprise around every bend. Much better known, and a ‘must’ for all German walkers, is the Black Forest, where you would be forgiven for thinking you are walking through the pages of a fairy tale and where the fine gastronomy serves as a just reward for your efforts.
New - Walking in the Saxon Switzerland National Park
Follow in the footsteps of Romantic artists as you wander the Malerweg, or ‘Painters’ Trail’, in the Saxon Switzerland National Park. Starting in the cultural city of Dresden and ending in medieval Pirna, you’ll discover natural wonders, historic landmarks, and pretty towns – such as Bad Schandau with its relaxing thermal baths – and cover six of the Malerweg’s eight stages with additional sights woven in.
The Painters’ Trail | Follow in the footsteps of Romantic artists. Otherworldly landscapes | Towering sandstone cliffs, deep gorges, and dense forest. Bastei Bridge | An iconic, 200-year-old landmark. Two countries | Visit Prebischtor, Europe’s largest rock gate, in the Czech Republic. Easy access | Great public transport links for discovering the park.
The region’s renowned woods frequently open up into wide meadows which burst into colour with the arrival of spring, and unveil vast, fairytale vistas lulled with birdsong – but this is not all. The Black Forest’s gastronomic delights are to be equally celebrated, crafted from fresh, local ingredients and with a unique French influence from just over the border.
Gardens bloom on the panoramic slopes that frame this peaceful region. The many apple trees blossom in early May and spark the pop up of fruit stalls along the colourful trails. The gentle hum of the season sets a tranquil rhythm for walking and exploring, and the local cuisine epitomises the freshness of spring, with lake fish such as trout and perch served alongside deliciously crisp vegetables.
Germany is a feast for the senses – diverse and beautiful scenery, fragrant forest trails and unexpectedly innovative cuisine… Discover the charms of the countryside on a self-guided walking or cycling holiday, or choose a journey by rail to delve into the rich history and architectural wealth of the cities.
Winter in the Bavarian Alps
Traditional Bavarian charm laces through this landscape of pine-hemmed lakes and majestic mountains. Dotted with fairytale castles and forests dusted in snow, winter in this corner of Germany creates scenes like those from a storybook.
Winter in Hopfen-am-See, Bavarian Alps
Biohotel Eggensberger, Hopfen-am-See
The 4-star (and climate-neutral) Eggensberger Hotel is not only ideal for exploring the surrounding trails – pristine in their natural winter beauty – but for admiring iconic castles like the newly UNESCO-listed Neuschwanstein too, which appears fairytale-like under a dusting of snow.
The 4-star Berghotel Rehlegg blends breathtaking scenery with traditional Bavarian charm and modern comfort. Head out on peaceful walks through the picturesque winter landscape, before returning to thaw in the warmth of the hotel’s superb spa complex.