Short trip at home
Three small towns for a perfect family vacation
With its historic old town, Bamberg is one of the most beautiful places in Bavaria.
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Spring has arrived in Germany and the sun is appearing more and more frequently. Perfect conditions for a weekend trip.
Spring is here and the first rays of sunshine are bringing Germans out of their hibernation. The temperatures are climbing and the desire to travel is coming back. Perfect time for a weekend trip. Those who want to go on holiday do not have to travel long distances to do so. These small towns are located in Germany and have something to offer for young and old.
Bamberg: Franconian culture in abundance
Located directly on the Regnitz and Main rivers, Bamberg stretches over seven hills – like the Italian capital. That is why the place is also known as “Franconian Rome”. Since the city in northern Bavaria is not very big, visitors can easily reach everything on foot. The winding old town in particular, with its small cafés and shops, is worth a detour. More than 2,000 listed houses are lined up here. The historic city center has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993. A popular attraction is the Old Town Hall, which is located on an artificial island and was built in the 15th century. Inside, one of the largest porcelain collections in Europe beckons.
If you are in Bamberg, you should at least climb one of the seven hills. As the name suggests, Bamberg Cathedral is located on the Domberg. Anyone who is on their feet all day can treat themselves to a delicious beer in the sun. In Bamberg, friends of alcoholic beverages have enough choice – the city is the secret beer capital of Germany. The city area alone has 13 breweries to offer. There is everything from smoked beer, Franconian cellar beer to bock beer. In the traditional brewery restaurants, vacationers can immerse themselves in the world of beer and try Franconian culinary delicacies.
Tegernsee: Celebrities, mountains and beer
Lake Tegernsee is located almost 50 kilometers south of Munich. Not only the crystal-clear water attracts holidaymakers to the region, but also the numerous hiking and biking trails. A total of five towns share the lake shore: Tegernsee, Gmund am Tegernsee, Rottach-Egern, Kreuth and Bad Wiessee. The banks are almost entirely accessible to visitors free of charge. Since it is still too cold in spring for a day of swimming, the mountains of the foothills of the Alps are particularly attractive. A highlight is the almost 33 km long panorama hiking trail. This leads once around the Tegernsee and offers a unique view. If you are in good physical condition, the tour can be completed in about nine hours. If you need a break in between, you can stop off at one of the many inns.
If there is still enough snow, you can try the almost six kilometer long natural toboggan run on Wallberg. If you are looking for relaxation: Many wellness hotels offer massages and have saunas – with a view of the lake, of course. Guests experience Bavarian inn culture in its purest form in the Bräustüberl Tegernsee. The “Tegernseer Hell” beer brewed there has long been known beyond the borders of the district. When visiting Tegernsee, tourists have a good chance of bumping into a star. Because many celebrities, including football stars like Manuel Neuer (35) and actor Fritz Wepper (80), have settled in the Upper Bavarian idyll. But stars like Victoria Beckham (47) have already paid a visit to the lake.
Bensersiel: Off to the North Sea
The North Sea is a good holiday destination at any time of the year. East Friesland in particular attracts with enchanting places – such as the North Sea spa town of Bensersiel. The town is around four kilometers from the town of Esens. The white sandy beach in particular is popular with tourists. While the children dig in the sand, the adults can relax in one of the many beach chairs. If the weather is bad, the Nordseetherme is a good address – water slides, sauna and brine pool offer enough variety. If the sun is shining, just rent a bike and explore the area. The network of paths is very well developed, the flat stretches are suitable for families.
A mudflat hike is also a must, it is best to book a guided tour. Because ebb and flow can become a serious danger if you don’t know your way around. In addition, the guide has a lot of information about the Wadden Sea ready. Another highlight for young and old: a trip on a shrimp cutter. There, experienced fishermen show how they catch the small North Sea crabs – a taste on board is of course included. From Bensersiel holidaymakers can also cross over to the East Frisian island of Langeoog. The ferry runs several times a day. The 3G rule counts on board – i.e. only genesis, vaccinated or tested people are allowed to ride.