Five Lesser-Known German Summer Destinations to Visit This Year

Want to avoid the crowds this summer? Here are five of the most underrated German Summer destinations that offer a perfect blend of beauty, tranquility, and unique experiences.

As counties around Germany start to welcome tourists again, avoiding big crowds remains a good idea this summer. Though the German government has downgraded the country’s risk status, they still warn people to proceed with caution. Luckily, Germany has loads of fantastic holiday destinations that are off the beaten track (and some are literally in the woods). These are usually overlooked for more popular destinations like Berlin and Munich and are perfect for a safe summer getaway. Here are some of our top picks for the most beautiful lesser-known holiday destinations in Germany.

1. Heligoland, Schleswig-Holstein

Heligoland sounds like the name of a Dutch amusement park, but it’s actually a remarkable little island in the North Sea. It’s Germany’s only high-seas island and is reachable by ferry from Cuxhaven or Büsum. This compact island, only 1.7 square kilometers, packs a lot in. It boasts a beautiful sand beach, which you might need to share with some fluffy seals, and has a museum, cinema, mini-golf course, and other land and sea sports on offer. Heligoland is perfect for those looking for a relaxing beach weekend and wildlife lovers. The island is an oasis for sea and songbirds. It’s also a popular destination for day tourists who take advantage of the tax-free shopping.

2. Dahner Felsenland, Rhineland-Palatinate

Rhineland-Palatinate is often underappreciated when it comes to German tourism. This means that, as well as its stunning and unspoiled natural beauty, it’s also irresistibly affordable. One of the highlights of the region is the Dahner Felsenland in the Palatine Forest. It’s most famous for its colorful sandstone cliffs and caves, which crown the hills and valleys along the French border. As well as being an attractive hiking and rock-climbing destination, it’s also home to a lot of culture. The area boasts thirteen different castles and ruins, with mysterious atmospheres and famous folktales. For a more laid-back retreat, there’s an 8,000 square meter sauna nestled into the birch forest.

3. Quedlinburg, Saxony-Anhalt

This Instagram-worthy UNESCO World Heritage town is just north of the Harz mountains. Twee alleys of 1,100-year-old half-timbered houses lead up to the collegiate church at the center of the town. But there’s more to do in Quedlinburg than glowing up your Insta feed. The town is filled with little independent galleries, history museums, and cozy cafes and restaurants offering everything from local delicacies to fine dining. Happy shoppers will find it hard to resist the unique stores and boutiques in Quedlinburg’s historic houses. For travelers with itchy feet, the nearby mountains offer an exciting escape with plenty of biking and hiking tours.

4. Schrecksee, Bavaria

You’ll have to pinch yourself a few times when you get to Schrecksee: the views are unreal. This picturesque alpine lake on the Austrian border isn’t the easiest to get to. It takes a seven-hour trek on foot, making it ideal for hikers, wanderers, and wild campers. However, the walk over the Allgäu is breathtaking—in all senses—as Schrecksee is at an altitude of 5,949 feet. Once you’ve reached the top, you can bathe in the refreshing water and the mysterious atmosphere of the lake. Nearby Bad Hindelang offers plenty of luxurious hotels, Airbnbs, and hostels, and is famous as a spa and health resort.

5. Meersburg am Bodensee, Baden-Württemberg

For those looking for stunning views without having to sweat for it, Meersburg is the place to be. Here, culture reigns supreme with a whole tick-list of sights to see, including a medieval castle, a baroque palace, numerous museums, and historical spots around the town. Meersburg’s fantastic location nestled into a vineyard landscape on a hill overlooking the sea offers endless romantic viewpoints hidden along the roads and paths. Add to this the fresh fish, local wine, and sea-vegetable delicacies, and you’re sure to have a memorable and indulgent holiday here.

These hidden gems of Germany offer the perfect escape for those seeking beauty, tranquility, and unique experiences away from the usual tourist hotspots.

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