12 exciting holiday destinations that you can reach even without a plane

We set out to find travel destinations that are worth a trip in all seasons and can be found in all directions. So that there is something for every North, West, South and East German. Maybe you can also find the right inspiration for your next holiday destination here? Let yourself be surprised.

1. Lake Garda

Anyone who lives in southern Germany has an absolute ace up their sleeve when it comes to vacation: the magical municipality of Limone sul Garda or the slightly larger Desenzano del Garda are about 5 hours by car from Munich. What’s so great about the city with 30,000 inhabitants (apart from the old town, the promenade or the marina)? Lake Garda is right on your doorstep! The landscape in the Italian community also invites you to take beautiful walking routes and provides variety for adventurers or luxury lovers with wellness hotels and campsites.

2. Sweden

Charming little cottages in Scandinavian style, nature as far as the eye can see, lots of lakes and islands. In Sweden there are a lot of options for you to have a great time. If you come from the city and need some peace and quiet, you can drive through the country and simply settle in different places. Because wild camping is expressly permitted in Sweden. So: pack up your camping gear and off to the post office!

By the way, who thinks that? Sweden’s landscape would only be great in summer, but that has changed. The Scandinavian country has more to offer in autumn and winter than snow-covered streets and the eternal cross-country skiing competitions; After all, we can watch them from the couch at home. But what do you really have to experience? Snowshoeing, ice swimming, dog sled tours, ice hotels and, and, and. So that our noses don’t freeze off with all the cold outdoor activities, we take a break in the sauna every now and then and treat ourselves to a cup of Glögg. Or two. Bottom up.

3. Reprimands

Impressive chalk cliffs and beautiful beaches await you directly in the German Baltic Sea. The Jasmund National Park is also a very beautiful spot where, with a bit of luck, you might even be able to spot a sea eagle. Sounds like an adventure, right? The natural scenery can be easily explored on hiking trails or on beach walks.

4. Vacation in the country

If loud car noises, dirty air and construction sites as far as the eye can see annoy us, then it doesn’t always have to be a vacation in the Caribbean. Why not take a classic trip to the country? When did we ever stop squealing with joy at the sight of calves or being happy about apples we picked ourselves? No matter how old we are. And we realize what a good idea this is when we drive home blissfully and relaxed after a week and everyday life knocks on the door. Good holiday ideas right around the corner include:

5. France

Baguettes and good wine are closer than you might think! That We all know that France has a lot to offer. So why always fly? You can also go on a little road trip here. And it’s not just Paris that’s always worth it, the Rhônes-Alpes, Alsace and Champagne-Ardenne regions are also worth seeing. It’s worth taking a look at the small villages and great landscapes – or a route along the Seine or the beautiful castle complexes on the Loire. In addition, where there are vineyards, “le vin” cannot be far away! A little tip: The EUROSTAR runs from Paris to London almost every hour – with a journey time of less than two and a half hours you can get to Great Britain faster than you can see – so a short city trip to the neighboring country is no problem either.

6. Saxon Switzerland

To have a great fall vacation, you don’t necessarily have to travel to another country or travel long distances. Saxon Switzerland on the Czech border not only has picturesque landscapes up its sleeve, but also one or two unexpected surprises. Among other things, it is worth visiting the Königsstein Fortress, where you can also explore a nearby rock labyrinth. But be careful: fellow travelers get lost here more quickly than you think…

In addition to hotel specials for getting to know each other and hikes, in the colder months you can, for example, cook your own mulled wine or visit the Schmilka winter village. There is not only the classic sauna with a panoramic view as a goodie, but also a heated hot tub for relaxation.

7. Masuria

When you think of a vacation in Poland, the first thing that comes to mind is probably the Polish Baltic Sea coast. Then maybe Warsaw as a city trip. The Masuria region in northern Poland also proves that our neighboring country is a wonderful travel destination. If you want to switch off, you can definitely do so here: over 3,000 lakes, small rivers and canals as well as huge forests offer a lot of variety in the green on around 10,000 square meters.

And a holiday in the natural paradise is also worthwhile in winter: for example, for sleigh rides with horses, which have a long tradition there, or you can simply take an ice sailing course. If you find it too risky to steer an ice glider over the ice yourself at an elegant 170 km/h and without brakes (you read that right!), you can also book tours. And off we go!

8. East Frisia

Holidays on the North Sea are at least as beautiful as on Rügen on the Baltic Sea. Only that the North Sea has a little bonus: mudflat hikes, moors, lakes, islands and lots of spa offers! Because on the North Sea, wellness offers using natural mud, for example, are wonderfully relaxing and the fresh sea air on the beach is good for body and soul. Many smaller towns such as Emden, Esens or Wittmund are also ideal for a bit of deceleration near the coast.

The thought of mud under our feet may not make our hearts jump. But that doesn’t mean it’s not worth a try! For pure relaxation, there are also quiet tours on the mudflat hikes. Nothing is said for an hour and a half. No chatter, no ringing cell phones, no annoying questions. Just peace. Deceleration is nowhere more natural.

9. Bologna

Lively, loud and full of history: the historic old town of Bologna invites you to take a little journey back in time. What do you absolutely have to try here? Well, the Bolognese of course! But the northern Italian capital of the Emilia-Romagna region is also known for tortellini and mortadella, which is called Bologna here. And if it gets too much for us while strolling outside, we scurry into a nice café, one of the city’s 50 (!) museums or into a small boutique with beautiful things. Little tip: When they sell their winter collections at a greatly reduced price between November and March, our little shopping hearts jump.

10. Denmark

Denmark has much more to offer than Copenhagen. Because where could you find the hygge feeling (roughly translated: “well-being”) better than outside by the campfire or in a small holiday home by the sea in the middle of nowhere? We can’t think of anything nicer in a hurry. And the best thing: you can take the train from Hamburg, for example, to Copenhagen in about five and a half hours and from there to the countryside in half an hour. A great idea to completely come to yourself again.

11. Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen

Because a visit to the Niagara Falls unfortunately cannot be listed here due to current circumstances, we have found the European counterpart to this natural spectacle: The Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen in Switzerland is one of the three largest waterfalls in Europe. When we look at this spectacle, our mouths fall open in sheer amazement! And what even Niagara Falls can’t offer is a castle built directly above the waterfall and even a youth hostel. While you’re there, you can also enjoy the panoramic restaurant or visit the Miniature World of Switzerland.

12. Tyrol

A classic holiday destination is Tyrol, without question. If you don’t necessarily have to do experiments when you’re on vacation, this is the right place for you. In summer, the diverse landscape invites you to climb mountains (whether literally with climbing equipment or in hiking boots) or swim in clear blue water. And in the winter, ski resorts and snowshoeing are on the list.

A tip from us: The family country hotel “Stern”. There is not only an in-house petting zoo, but also the opportunity for children to spend the night in a hay bed. Then mom and dad finally have a quiet night – and only have to worry about their offspring again when the ones with hay in their hair show up at the door again the next morning. Yay.

Bridget