Excursions in May: 10 Tips for a Pleasant Getaway

May brings us several holidays and, thanks to bridge days, extended weekends. These are perfect for trips and exciting activities. Whether cycling in the Sauerland or experiencing the adrenaline rush through the Harz, we've got ten beautiful excursions lined up for you.

Everywhere is blooming, the meadows are lush green, and the first animal offspring are appearing. You can see all this up close on a paddle excursion, for example in Brandenburg: While the ducklings cautiously explore the water, you can leisurely drift in a canoe and watch the adorable spectacle.

In Brandenburg, there are navigable rivers and lakes with a total length of around 4,000 miles. A particularly beautiful section is the Spreewald in the south of Brandenburg. Here you can drive along the waterways with a paddle boat and, with a bit of luck, even spot a kingfisher. A nice tour for inexperienced paddlers is only four miles long and circles around Lübben. There are several options on site to rent boats and equipment.

A sea in the middle of Germany? It sounds odd, but you can actually find it in Thuringia. Granted, it isn't a real sea, but locals call it that. Here you find Germany's largest reservoir region and wonderful hiking trails. What is called the Thuringian Sea is actually the dammed Saale River.

If you want to use the entire long weekend for hiking, you can try a multi-day tour on the Thuringian Rennsteig. This is a ridge path about 106 miles long and a historical border path in the Thuringian Forest. It starts in Eisenach and the destination is in Blankenstein. Along the way, there are huts and other accommodations where you can stay overnight. Alternatively, you can cover the 106 miles by bike.

For those not far from the border, a trip to Czech Republic is an option: In Prague, you can not only enjoy great food and admire impressive buildings but also enjoy an extended wellness weekend. Numerous wellness hotels are even located right in the city, allowing you to beautifully combine your relaxation trip with some sightseeing.

For example, the Hotel Alchymist offers Indonesian therapies, the Hotel Le Palais advertises coffee scrubs, and if you don't want to stay in a wellness hotel, a day trip to the thermal baths at the Hotel Mandarin Oriental is an alternative. And since the Czech Republic is also known for its beer, there is a corresponding wellness offer: the beer spa Pivní lázně. Here you literally bathe in beer and can relax afterwards on an oat straw bed.

Before the long summer vacation season arrives, May is a good time to visit the Baltic Sea, which has awakened from its winter sleep. Apartments on Rügen are available for an extended weekend starting at around 70 euros per night, and you can enjoy the pleasant spring breeze by the sea.

It's also worth taking a look at Rügen's roads from May 28 to May 31 during the island rally. Numerous vintage cars make their way to the island and present themselves freshly polished at the Rügenclassics rally. For all that Rügen has to offer, we have listed it here.

On May 1, the fleet of the Saxon Steamship Company traditionally sets out on its grand parade in Dresden, marking the start of the season. A ride on these historic paddle steamers makes a great day trip and can be combined with a city trip to Dresden. You can choose from various trips, such as cruising along the Saxon Wine Route and heading downstream to Meissen. In the other direction, you reach Saxon Switzerland, and trips can also be booked with stays at the destination.

Tickets for the rides are available online or locally in Dresden at the Terrassenufer, for example, for a full-day tour along the Saxon Wine Route. In the evening, romantic steamboat rides with dinner are offered, allowing you to enjoy Dresden's famous skyline in the evening light.

When the weather becomes spring-like, the long Ascension weekend is perfect for an extended bike tour. Seasoned bike travelers can make it a multi-day tour, while others might be satisfied with a day trip, like in the beautiful Sauerland. The varied landscape offers something for every level.

Relaxing bike paths lead you along lakes and rivers with hardly any inclines. If you try the Ruhr Valley Cycle Route, you can even ride into the Ruhr area. The Sauerland Cycle Ring follows former railway tracks and is lined with numerous museums, cafes, and restaurants - perfect for an extensive break.

Berlin is a true paradise for foodies: While other travelers are exploring the capital's sights, you can indulge in the hottest cafes and restaurants. How about a cinnamon roll filled with blueberry cream and fruits? These and other delicious creations can be found near Hackescher Markt at Cinnamood.

And since Berlin is also a bit eccentric, there are many quirky locations offering delicious food. There's 21 Gramm, a cafe in a former funeral hall on Hermannstrasse, where you can enjoy an extensive breakfast or brunch. If you prefer something healthy and hip, grab a tasty bowl at Jigi Poké on Rosenthaler Strasse.

Austria's capital, Vienna, is worth visiting any time of the year and ideal for an extended weekend. Now, in spring, you can relax on the Danube Island, watch the action at the Wiener Prater or grab a bike and enjoy Vienna with fresh air blowing.

The city is also packed with impressive exhibitions and cultural events. For example, the Vienna Festival takes place from May 16 to June 22, a contemporary festival that can be perfectly experienced during a short trip to Vienna.

The weekend could be a great opportunity to significantly raise your adrenaline levels. Such fun can be experienced in the middle of nature in the Harz. For example, high above the Rappbode Valley hangs the Titan-RT, a suspension bridge almost 500 meters long. You can cross the bridge without safety equipment, you just need sturdy shoes and a bit of courage - after all, the structure is suspended 100 meters above the ground.

For even more thrills, there's the Megazipline. Here you shoot lying down 120 meters above the Rappbode Dam. A bit more relaxed yet still exciting is the treetop path and associated cable car in Bad Harzburg. Here you can walk through the treetops of the Kaltes Valley and test your courage on suspension bridges and glass walkways.

There are many ways to spend a weekend. A very relaxing option is simply to spend a few nice days at home without work. Just put your feet up, lounge on the couch, or sunbathe in the garden without the pressure of outings - this, too, can be a wonderful weekend.

Looking for more inspiration? Find tips for all top travel destinations at the travel reporter, and the best travel deals on our deal page.