The Best Destinations for a Trip or Short Vacation in Germany

Kids want adventure, and adults want a relaxing yet entertaining time-so what's the common ground? Simple, at the best family-friendly destinations.

The travel reporter highlights ten places where fun is guaranteed for both young and old.

Around Görlitz, there are plenty of discoveries for all ages. The Görlitz Zoo is dedicated to nature conservation, with all enclosures designed to be close to nature. It's a small zoo but worth seeing. In a ranking by the online portal 'familienausflug.info', the zoo topped the list of the most popular attractions in Saxony. You can see about 500 animals, many of which are native to the region.

Additionally, a short trip out of town takes you into another world: about 20 kilometers north of Görlitz lies the Kulturinsel Einsiedel, the Secret World of Turisede.

The open-air museum is designed for the whole family, with various climbing and exploration opportunities.

Here you can also enjoy a unique overnight stay: the Kulturinsel features a treehouse hotel with different treehouses available for rent. In total, there are over 200 accommodations for all ages.

In Görlitz itself, there's another unique accommodation suitable for the entire family: the Garage Hostel at Kühlhaus Görlitz. Former East German garages have been converted into modern mini-apartments. They have electricity, and cooking and washing facilities are in the sanitary building.

In Bremerhaven, the whole family can take a mini world tour at the Klimahaus. Located along the eighth degree of longitude, it showcases different climate zones of the Earth, ranging from freezing cold to scorching hot, humid, and pleasant. People from around the world share how climate impacts their daily lives.

A trip back in time is possible at Schönebeck Castle. This venue has a local history museum that deals with historical whaling and the early industrial development of the region.

Every first Sunday of the month, a fairy tale hour is held at 11 a.m. at the castle, where story-telling ladies read to children. Be sure to bring drawing materials so kids can illustrate the story as they listen.

Though Bremen isn't quite on the coast, the Weser River brings a maritime flair to the city. Fittingly, 'Motoryacht Bremen City' offers a unique overnight stay for the family, allowing you to sleep on a boat.

In Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, the Greifswald Zoo ranks among the top family destinations. Nestled in the center of the city, the zoo is home to over 100 different species with about 800 animals, including tamarins, porcupines, and dingoes.

Those interested in native wildlife should visit the Nature Experience Park Gristow, about 15 kilometers north of Greifswald. The expansive park offers opportunities to see horses, emus, sheep, goats, and other animals, and it's a fantastic spot for a family picnic.

For a fitting rural stay, consider the family-friendly Hotel Stettiner Hof right by the Greifswald Bodden. A double room in the region's characteristic red brick building costs from 105 euros per night during high season (Christmas, New Year: April to October) and 80 euros during low season (November to March).

In the Eifel, the whole family can experience an adrenaline rush: the Hürtgenwald high ropes course is a popular destination in North Rhine-Westphalia, but it's only for the fearless. It features heights up to 15 meters, where visitors can climb secured by ropes among the treetops. Reservation is necessary, either online before visiting. The park is open weekends, holidays, and during school vacations from March to October.

A bit to the southeast lies a world from days gone by: the open-air museum in Kommern. What sounds dull to kids at first, 'museum,' is anything but in this case. This open-air museum is more like a village to explore.

Here, chickens and geese roam freely, crafts are demonstrated for visitors to watch, and you can explore authentic houses. Many structures were dismantled from their original locations and rebuilt in the museum.

The museum is open 365 days a year!

If you'd like to pair a visit to the Eifel with a full family vacation, consider the family-friendly Hotel Rotes Einhorn in Düren. The hotel features a playground and a small petting zoo, and double rooms start at 110 euros per night.

In Bad Langensalza, a place acclaimed in Thuringia by both young and old: the Rumpelburg Children's Adventure World. It features indoor and outdoor areas for kids to play and explore. There are also craft and creative opportunities. The play elements are made from untreated, natural materials, and adults are encouraged to indulge their imagination.

If you haven't had enough and want to ride a snail or swing through a squirrel labyrinth, make a pit stop at the Wildcat Kids Forest. This large playground is also near Bad Langensalza.

A quaint vacation apartment for the entire family can be booked nearby, at the Butter Tower. The half-timbered house is just about a kilometer from the center of Bad Langensalza.

The short vacation is around the corner, and the packing chaos is all too real. Especially with kids in tow, the list of essentials seems endless. Here are some must-haves to remember.

The list could go on forever, but with these items, your short trip is off to a great start.

Is hiking boring? Not if you hike with alpacas. In Losheim am See in Saarland, Pintaloosa Alpacas offer just that. Before the hike, you get to meet the animals and help feed them. Then, it's off for about a one-and-a-half-hour trek into the Saarland uplands.

An alpaca hike costs 35 euros per person, and children should be at least eight years old. Younger family members can accompany you in a carrier or sling but not in strollers.

A more relaxed option is a cruise around the Saar loop. The 90-minute family-friendly boat ride starts in Mettlach, winding past steep banks and dense forests. The area is only accessible by boat, bike, or on foot.

For a short getaway in Losheim am See, the Seehotel Losheim is ideal. Here you can rent a vacation villa starting at 150 euros per day, with rates varying based on the number of people. There's even a small spa room with a hot tub for adults to relax in.

In Baden-Württemberg, animal lovers are in for a treat: the Owl Experience Kraus in Abtsgmünd in the Ostalbkreis offers fascinating insights into the world of owls and birds of prey. You can even book private sessions to get up close with these magnificent creatures. Under guidance, you'll learn how to let the birds fly and then return to you. There's a 'beginner's course' for children, where they'll learn all about the birds.

About a 30-minute drive southwest is the 'Schindersklinge' Forest Discovery Trail. It's home to a record-holder: since 1997, it has boasted the world's longest bench made from a single trunk. Further along the path, there are stations with information and constructions to try out, including a labyrinth and a barefoot path.

If you're looking for an unusual place to stay in the area, check out the Treehouse Hotel Rosenberg. Open year-round, a night costs from 145 euros in the off-season to 175 euros in the peak season.

To be fair, the destination in Hesse is somewhat specialized, but it may spark new interests. We're talking about the Mathematikum in Gießen.

The museum's slogan, 'Hands-on Mathematics,' captures why it's popular with families, as evidenced by its top ranking on 'familienausflug.info' in Hesse. It features around 200 exhibits for visitors of all ages to experiment with.

If you need to clear your head of numbers, consider a trip to the Ringallee outdoor pool-assuming your visit is during the pool season. It offers a swimming and diving pool, as well as a large lawn area. Kids can also enjoy the playground with a water play area.

For a spectacular overnight stay, consider the Schlosshotel Braunfels, nestled at the foot of the castle amid the Hoch-Taunus Nature Park. Room rates vary based on booking date.

Füssen in the Allgäu is a true natural paradise. But that's not all: young fans of Disney and princesses will be awestruck when they see Neuschwanstein Castle for the first time. Füssen also offers family-friendly activities beyond the world-famous castle.

The summer toboggan run is a blast, with a winding 760-meter-long descent suitable for all ages. Younger kids can enjoy this adventure with an adult.

For a more tranquil experience, consider the Forggensee. Various options are available to experience this stunning lake amid the Allgäu Mountains, such as guided canoe tours suitable for beginners and all ages. Canoes are available for two, while Canadian-style canoes can hold up to four.

For family-friendly accommodations, the Ferienhof Schweiger in Reinertshof near Hopferau offers rental vacation apartments, with ample opportunities for outdoor activities around the facility. Rates start at 80 euros.

Berlin is an ideal spot for a family trip centered around museums. You won't find traditional museums here, but exciting interactive experiences for the kids. For example, the Spy Museum introduces visitors to the world of espionage. With modern technologies and quirky methods, you can interactively discover how spies have operated over the centuries.

Another fascinating stop is the Computerspielemuseum, showcasing an evolving medium that has become a staple in children's lives. Its current special exhibition, 'Longing and Digital Games,' delves into the desire for other beings and worlds. For all Berlin museums, it's wise to book tickets for specific time slots in advance to avoid long waits.

For something extraordinary, try the Hüttenpalast. Set in a former factory courtyard in Neukölln, this unique hotel doesn't have long hallways filled with countless room doors. Instead, it offers diverse accommodations from trailers to wooden cabins. Overnight rates start at 70 euros.

Looking for more inspiration? Find tips for all the top travel destinations on bettercities.net, and check out the best travel deals on our deals page.