Where do Germans go on Holiday in Germany?

When it comes to holidays, one-third of German holidaymakers remain in their own country. As you can see, staycations are quite popular with Germans! Many pack their bags in their cars and head to the North Sea or the Baltic Sea for a seaside escape. Many others prefer the Alps or the Alpine foothills with their many lakes. What the Germans want most from their vacation is rest and relaxation as well as good food. So, if you want to holiday like the locals, here are the destinations in Germany where the Germans go.

Where do Germans go on holiday in Germany?

1. Usedom Island, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania

Mecklenburg-West Pomerania, a state in north Germany, with its Baltic beaches, is one of the most popular destinations in Germany for a staycation. The island of Usedom, which is divided between Germany and Poland, is a popular holiday spot in the state and is famous for its beaches and nature parks.

2. Wismar, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania

The state of Mecklenburg-West Pomerania is also popular for its Hanseatic cities of Stralsund, Wismar and Rostock, with their Brick Gothic centres and fascinating history. Wismar is perhaps one of the prettiest cities in Germany. This port on the Baltic Sea is famed for its medieval architecture and harbour and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The delightful town is colourful and characterful and visitors flock here on the weekends to stroll the pretty streets. Wismar harbour features in the 1922 movie Nosferatu.

3. Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Bavaria

The southern state of Bavaria is the second most popular region in Germany for a staycation. While the north is famous for its beaches, those looking for a mountain escape head to the south. One of the top sights in Bavaria is the fairy-tale castle of Neuschwanstein, but other places to visit include the marvellous city of Munich, as well as a road trip along the Romantic Road. One of the most popular stop-offs along this route is Rothenburg ob der Tauber, which means the red fortress above the Tauber River. It is one of the oldest medieval towns along the Romantic Road, and its cobblestone streets are lined with narrow colourful, timber-clad buildings.

4. Königssee, Bavaria

As mentioned, German holidaymakers love lake destinations and in the heart of Bavaria in the Berchtesgadener Land, is one of the country’s most beautiful lakes – Königssee. This gorgeous alpine lake framed by the Berchtesgaden Alps is one of the deepest and cleanest lakes in Germany. Königssee is also famous for its St. Bartholomä Church, a Catholic pilgrimage church built in Eastern Orthodox style and dating to 1697.

5. Blaubeuren, Baden-Württemberg

Baden-Württemberg is a state in southwest Germany bordering France and Switzerland. It is home to the magnificent Black Forest, Germany’s highest and largest low-mountain range. This evergreen forest with its picturesque villages and lively traditions is a big draw for Germans who like to embrace the great outdoors and have a good time whilst on holiday. Another popular place is the Blaubeuren, which is home to the Blautopf. This is a bright blue, crystal-clear spring that has been attracting visitors to the town for centuries. Apart from the spring, the town has a Benedictine monastery complex founded in the Middle Ages which is still very well preserved.

6. Mummelsee, Baden-Wurttemberg

The Schwarzwaldhochstraße or Black Forest High Road is the oldest and one of the best known themed drives in Germany. Nestled in the heart of this road, at an altitude of 1,036 meters, is Mummelsee, another lake destination very popular with German holidaymakers. This lake is known for its legends about the King of the Mummelsee hiding beneath its waters. Lore or not, Mummelsee is one of Germany’s most beautiful lakes.

7. Saxon Switzerland National Park

Saxon Switzerland National Park is located on the border of Germany and Czechia. It is one of the country’s most beautiful areas. It is famous for many things, for instance, its unique rock formations and picturesque bridges. The landscape also features plunging canyons and rolling hills. There are plenty of hiking trails to get out and explore the park and also plenty of pretty picnic spots where you can rest up and simply enjoy the scenery.