The 30 Most Beautiful Places In Germany – The Perfect 3 Weeks Germany Itinerary

Are you looking for the most beautiful places to visit in Germany? In this blog post I cover all of my favourite spots that I personally visited over the past years. I always love discovering more unique places and hidden gems and well Germany has some real stunners!

Over the past year I wanted to travel a little closer to home and since a lot of beautiful places in Germany are within reach after only a 3 hour drive, I figured why the hell not!

I’ve bundled all of the information I gathered during my trips so I could create the ultimate 3 weeks Germany itinerary for you. This is the perfect itinerary for anyone who loves to spend their time outdoors, who loves admiring beautiful castles and who loves a good road trip!

By now Germany is one of my favourite countries to explore!

In this blog post I will take you with me on a journey along the most beautiful castles in Germany and the most breathtaking landscapes. Get ready to explore these fantastic and unique places in Germany with me and prepare for the road trip of a lifetime!

The 30 Most Beautiful Places In Germany – The Perfect 3 Weeks Germany Itinerary

Germany is often considered the heart of Europe but let’s be fair if you think of Germany you most likely also think of beer and bratwursts. But let’s be honest, Germany is so much more than that!

There’s cosmopolitan cities which showcase the beautiful but sometimes also brutal history of this country. There’s an endless amount of castles, some nestled in a valley, others shining high on top one of the many hills in Bavaria. And then there’s the incredible nature in whole of Germany, from crystal clear lakes in the South to man made stone bridges in between rocks.

This 3 weeks Germany itinerary will show you the absolute best that the outdoors of Germany has to offer.

Is it safe to travel to Germany?

Germany is one of the safest country in Europe, especially if you’re traveling the outdoors. The crime rates are low, and the laws are strictly enforced and respected.

If you want to go exploring the outdoors you can do so without any trouble. Hiking trails are well marked with yellow arrows leading you the way and indicating how much time is left until you reach your destination.

Of course every big city has its bad neighbourhoods but that’s the same for every country!

What to pack for a trip to Germany

When you’re traveling through Germany you’ll want to focus on wearing layers and make sure to bring a rain jacket. Yes, even if you’re traveling during the Summer months!

Make sure to pack comfy walking shoes and hiking shoes so you’re ready to explore the outdoors and some cute Summer dresses to explore all of the beautiful castles you’ll see along the way!

Below you’ll find some of my favourite items to wear on a road trip!

Why you should visit Germany

Germany’s many facets are what make it such a unique travel destination! There’s huge cosmopolitan cities, fairytale villages, medieval castles, crystal clear lakes and impressive mountain ranges.

And in this 3 weeks Germany itinerary you’ll come across pretty much each and every single one of these gems!

If you need a solid reason to convince your friends or boyfriend you might want to inform them that they serve beer in half liter glasses throughout entire Germany.

When is the best time to visit Germany

The best time to visit Germany is the spring or fall, specifically May, June, September or October.

In Spring the temperature starts to warm up but the occasional rain shower will definitely occur! But by Spring every hiking trail in Germany is accessible again but it’s not high season yet. This means that most of the top attractions in Germany aren’t too crowded!

During Fall it might get a little chillier from time to time but nothing compares to the vibrant colours of Autumn in Germany. Especially during your time in the South you’ll be blown away by nature’s beauty. All of the hiking trails can still be accessed and cable cars run all year round.

Summer is peak season and you won’t just find a lot of tourists but also the locals love visiting their own country! If you can only visit during the Summer months make sure to pack lightly and prepare yourself for big crowds.

Winter is never my favourite season but the South of Germany does transform in a true Winter Wonderland. Most of the hiking trails aren’t accessible but you can go skiing in the Alps or indulge in mulled wine at the world renowned Christmas markets in Germany!

Which airport to fly into Germany

Germany is home to over thirty commercial passenger and cargo airports as well as a large number of smaller airfields and air strips that service business and general aviation. And of the commercial airports over two dozen can be considered “international airports”.

For this 3 weeks Germany itinerary I chose to start from the city of Düsseldorf, the 3rd largest international airport in Germany.

After arriving at the airport you can pick up your rental car from one of the many car rental services. I know some of you like to travel by public transport but then you won’t be able to visit every spot on this travel guide and it will take you way longer to complete this itinerary.

What is driving like in Germany

Driving in Germany is done on the right side of the road and is pretty amazing since all of the cities are very well interconnected. A lot of times you’ll find no speed limit on the highways and if there is it’s always indicated.

The Germans do love their road side constructions so be prepared to sometimes be stuck in traffic on the highway as well.

Every tourist attraction comes with a spacious parking lot and there’s plenty of gas stations where you first pump the gas that you need and afterwards you pay inside for it by either cash or card.

3 Weeks Germany Itinerary Overview

DAY 1 – 2: North Rhine – Westphalia

DAY 3 – 5: Rhineland Palatinate

DAY 6 – 7: Baden – Württemberg

DAY 8 – 15: Bavaria

DAY 16 – 18: Saxony

DAY 19 – 21: Harz National Park

Beautiful Places to see in Germany in 3 weeks

Germany is divided into different states and that’s exactly how I’ve planned this itinerary for you! Every state that we’ll visit will be split up into the amount of days that you’ll need to see the most beautiful places.

The best part is that it makes it extremely easy to book your accommodation as well! For each state I will give you several lodging options ranging from budget to a more luxurious type of trip!

DAY 1 – 2: North Rhine – Westphalia

North Rhine – Westphalia is located in Western Germany and it’s where we’ll start this Germany itinerary! It’s the most dense populated state out of all of them but no worries, we won’t stay in the city for too long.

1. Düsseldorf

Düsseldorf is the capital city of North Rhine – Westphalia and the perfect place to start this road trip through Germany. The city is a mix of modern versus old and a stroll through the Altstadt is a definite must! Some of the other top sights to see in Düsseldorf are:

• Rheinuferpromenade: a promenade on the right bank of the Rhine with true Mediterranean vibes in the summertime.
• Königsallee: the most high end shopping boulevard of the city
• Hofgarten: this was the first public park in all of Germany
• Marktplatz: one of the most beautiful squares in the entire city

If you happen to be here around Christmas time make sure to pay a visit to the beautiful Christmas markets of Düsseldorf.

2. Schloss Drachenburg, Königswinter

Schloss Drachenburg is one of the newest castles in Germany and was only built in the 19th century. It’s located in the area of Königswinter, just a quick 1 hour drive from Düsseldorf.

Every castle in Germany practically begs for drone photography. Do know that you need a special permit to do so. If you do not have one and you get caught the estimated fine is €350

• Opening hours – 11am to 6pm
• Entrance fee – €7
• How to get there – This is the nearest parking to Schloss Drachenburg. From here it’s a 30 minute walk up towards the entrance of the castle.

3. Monschau

Monschau is a small town in the Eifel region on the West side of Germany, really close to the Belgian border. It’s known for its medieval centre with cobble stones streets and wooden timbered houses.

The town is located in the hills of the North Eifel, within the Hohes Venn – Eifel Nature Park in the narrow valley of the Rur river. Parking places are centred around the villages and within this town you’ll find an abundance of restaurants, bars, craft and souvenir shops.

Where to stay in North Rhine – Westphalia

LUXURY TRIP

• Capella Breidenbacher Hof Düsseldorf – A 5 star hotel located on the famous Königsallee and also comes with an indoor pool.
• The Wellem Düsseldorf – Another stunning hotel in the heart of Düsseldorf that perfectly combines modern design with the historic nature of the building.
• White Lofty – A luxurious 2 bedroom appartement in the city centre.

BUDGET TRIP

• KEMPE Komfort Hotel – A modern day 3 star hotel with clean and spacious rooms.
• The Woodmans Boardinghouse – A light and bright private appartement.
• Hotel Sir & Lady Astor – A more unique and high end boutique hotel in the heart of Düsseldorf which also offers a parking service.

DAY 3 – 5: Rhineland Palatinate

Rhineland-Palatinate is another Western state in Germany and is bordered by Belgium, Luxembourg and France. It’s the perfect place to explore some of the most beautiful castles and towns in Germany.

4. Burg Eltz, Koblenz

Burg Eltz, also known as Eltz Castle, is probably my favourite castle in the entire world (for now :p). The drive up there is beautiful and leads you through meadows and small German towns. Burg Eltz is one of the most beautiful places in Germany and is nestled in the middle of a valley and surrounded by trees.

If you are interested in photography try to be there for sunrise. It’s a favourite with many photographers so even at the break of dawn you won’t be the only one.

I haven’t visited the castle itself but this is only possible with a guided tour. Important to note is that photography inside the castle is strictly forbidden.

• Opening hours – 9am to 5pm
• Entrance fee – €9 for a guided tou
• How to get there – There is a big parking lot located on 20 minutes walking distance from the castle. From here there are two ways to reach the castle. One that goes through the woods and another one that goes down a paved road. To find the second one simply walk towards the Burg Eltz Chapel and keep on following the road. From here you’ll have a beautiful view over the entire valley with Burg Eltz placed perfectly in the middle.

5. Rheinstein Castle, Trechtingshausen

The Rheinstein Castle, also known as Burg Rheinstein, is located in Trechtingshausen and also serves as a hotel and used to serve as a knight’s watch castle above the Rhine.

• Opening hours – 10am to 5pm
• Entrance fee – €4,5 if you want to enter the castle
• How to get there – There is a parking lot underneath the castle which allows you to park for free for 2 hours. From here you have to walk up to the castle and follow the winding road. However, you won’t find the best viewpoint inside the castle. The best photography spot is when you’re looking at Rheinstein Castle from the watchtower. To get here follow the winding road upwards but instead of turning left to go towards the castle go right and walk behind it.

6. Geierlay Suspension Bridge, Mörsdorf

The Geierlay suspension bridge is one of the coolest bridges in Germany and with good reason one of the most beautiful places to visit in Germany! Its length measures 350 meters and it’s suspended a dazzling 100 meters above ground.

READ MY FULL GUIDE ON THIS BEAUTIFUL PLACE IN GERMANY, INCLUDING A LOT MORE DETAILS AND PHOTOS – Geierlay Suspension Bridge in Mörsdorf, Germany – Travel Guide

• Opening hours – 24/7. If you’re visiting on the weekend try to come early cause it can get very crowded during the day.
• Entrance fee – Free
• How to get there – The main parking lot for visitors is located in the small town of Mörsdorf. From here it’s around 25 minutes walking to the bridge itself.

7. Cochem

The small town of Cochem is located in the Mosel valley and offers the perfect backdrop for some stunning photos.

The best viewpoints of this castle are either from the other side of the river or from this main lookout point.

• How to get there – Leave your car in one of the parking lots in front of the center. You can’t drive into the town itself (no matter what Google Maps or Waze says!. Trust me, I’ve been there and ended up in a small street lined with restaurant tables :p. So leave your car at a parking lot and from there simply walk up towards the Reichsburg Cochem.

Where to stay in Rhineland Palatinate

LUXURY TRIP

• Schloss Lieser, Autograph Collection – If you’ve ever wanted to stay at a fairytale castle now is your chance! This one of a kind hotel truly is a gem!
• Fährhaus – This modern day hotel is located in Koblenz and has an indoor swimming pool and wellness centre.
• Romantik Hotel Schloss Rheinfels – A beautiful 4-star Superior hotel across from the Loreley Rock in the UNESCO Middle Rhine Valley is at the foot of Rheinfels Castle. 

BUDGET TRIP

• Gästehaus Ziemons – This guesthouse is located in the heart of Cochem and some rooms come with their own private bathroom.
• Monteurzimmer Göllheim – An appartement with 2 bedrooms and a balcony in töllheim
• Mosel Dream – Located in Cochem and only 3 miles from Cochem Castle, Mosel Dream provides accommodations with river views, free WiFi and free private parking

DAY 6 – 7: Baden – Württemberg

Baden – Württemberg is a state in the South West of Germany and together with Bavaria it forms the Southern border of Germany.

It’s home to some of the most stunning castles in Germany and its incredible nature. And if you want to take a break from exploring and feel like a kid again you can pay a visit to Europa Park!

8. Lichtenstein Castle, Lichtenstein

It’s name might make you presume this castle is located in Lichtenstein but rest assured, it is in fact near Stuttgart! The castle is surrounded by a beautiful domain and also hosts a restaurant where on the terrace you can have lunch or dinner while overlooking the castle.

The best photography viewpoint is located inside the courtyard of the castle. Try to go as soon as it opens to have some decent light. I arrived in the middle of the day and well I am not too happy with the lighting in my photograph ;).

It’s important to note that this castle is especially popular with the locals. Not many international tourists have wandered here and most of the guided tours are in German.

• Opening hours – 9am to 5.30pm
• Entrance fee – €2 to enter the courtyard and for a €8 guided tour of the castle.
• How to get there – There is a main parking lot from where you’ll have to walk around 10 minutes to reach the castle. If memory serves me right the parking fee is €2.

9. Hohenzollern Castle, Bisingen

Hohenzollern Castle is in the South of Germany and pretty close to the Black Forest. The castle is still privately owned by the Royal Family and when they’re at home, their flag flies on the flag tower.

The stunning fortress offers a majestic panoramic view stretching over more than 100 km. Burg Hohenzollern is one of the most popular castles in Germany with over 300.000 visitors each year.

In the 15th century, the first Hohenzollern Castle was destroyed by war, but was rebuilt soon afterwards. In the 18th century, the fortress was deserted and fell into ruin. It was King Frederick William IV of Prussia who had his family’s ancestral home reconstructed in its present form in the 19th century but even larger and more magnificent than before.

Since 1952, the castle has been filled with art and historical artefacts from the collections of the Hohenzollern family. 

• Opening hours – 10am to 5.30pm
• Entrance fee –  €7, without a tour

10. Blautopf, Blaubeuren

The Blautopf is a spring that serves as the source of the river Blau in the landscape on the Swabian Jura’s southern edge, in Southern Germany.

You can find it in the city of Blaubeuren developed a funnel-like shape with a depth of 21m.

The water’s peculiarly blue color, varying in intensity depending on weather and flow, is the result of physical properties of the nanoscale limestone particles densely distributed in the water.

A similar effect is observed at the Blue Lagoon near Reykjavík, where the color originates from nanoscale silica particles.

• Opening hours – 24/7
• Entrance fee – free

Where to stay in Baden – Württemberg

LUXURY TRIP

• Der Öschberghof – A golf and wellness resort close to the Black Forest.
• Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa – an Oetker Collection Hotel – Get the celebrity treatment with world-class service, exclusive spa facilities and several restaurants in this 5 star hotel.
• Hotel Engel Obertal – Especially known for their outstandig spa facilities.

BUDGET TRIP

• Alte Schreinerei – A spacious appartement with a view over the mountains.
• Parkside Boutique Appartements – Modern appartements with a luxury feel and 2 bedrooms. Up to 6 people can stay here!
• PLAZA Hotel Buchhorner Hof – A family run historic hotel in the heart of Friedriechshaven. Their spa even has a Turkish steambath and a Finnish sauna.

DAY 8 – 15: Bavaria

Bavaria is the largest state in entire Germany and my personal favourite. I’ve dedicated at least 1 week to this region for this 3 weeks Germany road trip cause well there’s simply too much to see.

From the crystal clear lakes to the endless amount of hiking trails. The area of Bavaria is the perfect place in Germany for outdoor lovers!

Since Bavaria is such a big state I will split the list of accommodations in two. On one hand there’ll be places near the Zugspitz area and then also around Berchtesgaden.

11. Mespelbrunn Castle, Mespelbrunn

Mespelbrunn castle is a moated castle located between Frankfurt and Würzburg. It’s also privately owned and the owners are currently still living here. They now live in the southern part of the castle and have opened up the main rooms to the public for visiting.

• Opening hours – 9am to 5pm
• Entrance fee – €5
• How to get there – The main parking lot for Mespelbrunn Castle is €2 and from here it’s only 5 minutes walking to the castle.

12. Rothenburg ob der Tauber

The most fairytale like town in entire Germany and one that is filled with Instagrammable places! Did you know that Rothenburg ob der Tauber served as the inspiration for Disney’s Pinocchio? So yeah, no strings could hold me down from visiting this picturesque place.

• Opening hours – 24/7
• Entrance fee – free
• How to get there – The center is closed off for cars but you can park your car on one of the many parking lots.

13. Neuschwanstein Castle, Schwangau

The construction of the idyllic castle started in 1869 on behalf of the shy and eccentric King Ludwig II of Bavaria, who had this castle built to escape public life. After his passing in 1886 the construction was paused and the fairytale castle was opened to the public.

Walt Disney visited this castle and used it as inspiration for the castle of Sleeping Beauty in Disneyland.

• Opening hours – 9am to 6pm
• Entrance fee – €12 for a guided tour of the castle. Photography inside is strictly forbidden.
• How to get there – The closest parking lot to start your hike up is Parkplatz 4. From here it’s about 30 minutes walking to the Mariënbrücke, which offers a spectacular view over the castle. Most people stop here and go back down but if you hike up a little more through the forest you’ll actually find a lot more amazing viewpoints!

14. Schloss Hohenschwangau, Schwangau

So remember King Ludwig II of Bavaria? Well his father Crown Prince Maximilian II of Bavaria had the ruined castle of Schwanstein rebuilt from 1832 into the Hohenschwangau Castle. 

The young Ludwig was influenced by the romantic mountain scenery and this summer castle became one of his favourite places to stay. It is here that he got the idea for one of Germany’s most famous castles.

You can not park at the castle Hohenschwangau. Park your car at parking lot P4 in Hohenschwangau. From here you walk uphill to the castle in 20 minutes.

• Opening hours – 9am to 5pm

• Entrance fee – €13

15. Eibsee, Grainau

Eibsee is a beautiful crystal clear mountain lake and one of my personal favourites to visit. So far I have been here 3 times and I would go back in a heartbeat.

There’s a beautiful hiking trail that goes around the entire lake and which offers you a spectacular view over the Zugspitze in the back.

I ALSO WROTE A DETAILED GUIDE WHERE YOU CAN FIND WAY MORE DETAILS AND PHOTOS ABOUT EIBSEE LAKE – Eibsee Lake In Bayern, Germany

• Opening hours – 24/7
• Entrance fee – free
• How to get there – Eibsee has two main parking lots: one next to the cable car and one next to the hotel. You can choose either one of them! Once you’ve parked your car, face with your back towards the mountain and follow the trail that goes behind the hotel towards the Eibsee bridge.

16. Geroldsee, Garmisch Partenkirchen

Picture green pastures as far as the eye can see, little wooden cabins, a crystal clear lake and a stunning mountain range in the back. Those are the views you get when you follow the hiking trails to Geroldsee in Garmisch Partenkirchen.

• Opening hours – 24/7
• Entrance fee – Free
• How to get there – You can park your car in the small town of Gerold. From here it’s about 10 minutes walking to the best viewpoint.

17. Riessersee, Garmisch Partenkirchen

The Riessersee is a beautiful and lesser known lake in the area of Garmisch Partenkirchen. Pretty much everyone visits the well known Eibsee but the impressive Riessersee is nearly only known by the locals.

There’s a hotel and restaurant which offer the perfect view over the lake and the mountains in the back. So if you have the time sit down here for lunch! During the Summer months it’s also possible to rent a boat for on the lake but they close at the start of October!

• Opening hours – 24/7
• Entrance fee – Free
• How to get there – Follow the Rieserseestrasse until you reach the parking lot. From there the lake is only 1 minute walking.

WHRE TO STAY NEAR GARMISCH PARTENKIRCHEN

LUXURY TRIP

• Romantik Alpenhotel Waxenstein – So far I’ve stayed at this hotel twice and absolutely love it. It’s in authentic German style and offers an incredible view over the Zugspitze.
• Werdenfelserei – The Werdenfelserei is an extraordinary mixture where tradition mixes with modern alpine style.
• Hotel Maximilian – This privately owned Alpine-style design hotel is located in the center of Oberammergau and offers design rooms and a spa area.

BUDGET TRIP

• Hotel Atlas Sport – A modern hotel in Garmisch Partenkirchen and only 1km from the ski lift.
• Golden GaPa Family Apartment 23 – An entire appartement in true Bavarian style which also offers bbq options.
• Hotel Klosterhotel Ludwig der Bayer – This hotel in the Ettal monastery is a cozy base for active and relaxing holidays in the heart of the Ammergau Alps.

I actually wrote an entire guide on this area in Germany. So if you want to extend your stay here a little make sure to read my full guide – 7 Best Things To Do In The Tiroler Zugspitz Arena

18. Königssee, Berchtesgaden

The beautiful Königssee in Berchtesgaden is a must visit when you’re in the area. Go for a boat ride between the fjords and get swept away by its beauty.

READ MY FULL ARTICLE INCLUDING A LOT MORE PHOTOS & DETAILS – Lake Königssee – The Ultimate Travel Guide

• Opening hours – The ticket counter opens at 7.30am. And believe me when I say that it is totally worth it to be there on opening time. You’ll be able to go out with the first boat at 8am. Boats run every 15 minutes and all of them are always fully booked. So you can only imagine how crowded it gets during the day.
• Entrance fee – €19 for a round trip with stops at both Obersee and Saint Bartholomeus. Important to know is that the boat only goes to Obersee from April until October. You can still go on a boat ride in between those months but it will only stop at Saint Bartholomeus.
• How to get there – You’ll have to leave your car at the main parking lot. You can either choose to pay for a maximum of 3 hours or get a day ticket for €5. I opted for the latter because I knew I would spend a lot of time here and didn’t want to stress out about not making it back on time and getting a ticket.

19. Obersee, Berchtesgaden

Obersee is a lot smaller than Königssee but might be even more beautiful than its big sister!

How to get there – To reach Obersee you will have to take one of the boats at Königssee (see above) and get off at the second stop ‘Salet’. Once you get out of the boat you have the follow the sign that says Fischunkelalm.

When to go – Make sure to get on the first boat out at 8am. Otherwise the trail will be crowded and the sun will be too high.

20. Maria Gern, Berchtesgaden

The beautiful little church of Maria Gern is located in the heart of the mountains in Berchtesgaden. It’s one of the most picturesque and beautiful places in the area.

• Opening hours – 24/7
• Entrance fee – Free
• How to get there – There isn’t an actual parking lot in the neighbourhood but there are some patches along side the road where you can leave your car for a couple of minutes. Otherwise you can park your car at the church.

21. Hintersee, Ramsau

Another beautiful lake in Berchtesgaden is Hintersee! The most beautiful footpath to the lake leads from Ramsau through the Zauberwald (Enchanted Forest), and along a wild mountain stream.

• How to get there – There are a ton of parking lots surrounding Hintersee and it takes around 40 minutes to do a tour around the entire lake.

22. Rossfeld Panoramastrasse

The Rossfeld Panoramastrasse is a must when you’re staying in Berchtesgaden. It’s a beautiful winding mountain road that will take you above the clouds.

How to get there – This is a closed off road and to enter by car you have to pay €8.

23. Rabenwand, Berchtesgaden

Rabenwand is one of the most beautiful viewpoints over the Königssee! To get to this viewpoint you have to go left at the start of Königssee and walk behind the boat storages.

First follow the sign that says Malerwinkel and afterwards simply follow the signs that say Rabenwand.

24. The Most Beautiful Swing in Germany, Berchtesgaden

This has to be one of my favourite swings in the entire world and you can find it on the property of the Kempinski Hotel in Berchtesgaden.

As far as I know you can’t just go to the hotel to sit on the swing and take photos. But if this hotel is out of your price range you can simply make a reservation for drinks or dinner and then you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the swing and the view!

25. Watzmann, Berchtesgaden

Berchtesgaden is literally surrounded by the most insane mountain range and one of the most impressive mountains is the Watzmann! There are several hiking options here but the one that offers the most stunning views is the hike up to Watzmann Hocheck. It’s not an easy hike so come prepared with enough water and some snacks and please wear proper hiking shoes! I could even recommend hiking poles towards the end of this hike!

Total duration of the hike – 10 hours

Where to stay in Berchtesgaden

LUXURY OPTION

• Kempinski Hotel Berchtesgaden – A luxurious 5-star hotel located high up in the mountains.
• Berghotel Rehlegg – A stunning 4 star hotel overlooking the mountains. They even have rooms with an outdoor bed.
• Klosterhof – Alpine Hideaway & Spa – Set at the foot of the Reichenhaller mountain range and features a spacious spa area with saunas and steam rooms, a swimming pool, fitness room and a unique floating pool.

BUDGET OPTION

• Villa Bello – This guest house is set in a quiet and beautiful location on a mountain in Oberau, with views across the valley towards the Watzmann and Untersberg mountains. 
• Alpenresidenz Buchenhöhe – Beautiful and comfortable guesthouses located close to the Eagle’s nest in Berchtesgaden.
• Gästehaus Achental – Surrounded by beautiful mountainous scenery in the Bavarian Alps, and situated near Berechtesgaden train station and center of town, this guest house enjoys a traditional and friendly ambiance.

READ MY FULL GUIDE ON BERCHTESGADEN INCLUDING A LOT MORE DETAILS & PHOTOS – The Best 3 Days Berchtesgaden Itinerary.

DAY 16 – 18: Saxony

Saxony is a state in Eastern Germany and contains the two largest and most important cities in eastern Germany other than Berlin: Leipzig and Dresden.

26. Saxony Switzerland National Park

While it’s name will make you presume something else, this beautiful park is actually located near the border of Germany and the Czech Republic. There are many amazing viewpoints to discover here and if you can spend an entire day here I totally recommend it. There is Kleine Winterberg, Grote Winterberg and the viewpoint I visited called Himmelsleiter.

• How to get there – Park your car near Pension Felsenmühle and take the forest road up. Go right at the crossing and keep on hiking up. At one point you’ll arrive to another crossing and on the right you’ll see stairs. Hike them all the way up until you reach a cave where at the end on the left you can follow the sign that says Himmelsleiter. Be aware, it’s a steep way up from here in between two rocks, just go slow and get rewarded with the most amazing view over the entire National Park.

27. Bastei Bridge, Saxony

The Bastei is a natural phenomenon formed by jagged rocks that were shaped this way due to erosion. Then later on a bridge was built to connect these rocks.

• Opening hours – 24/7
• Entrance fee – Free
• How to get there – There is a big parking lot when you’re driving up (€3), but there is also a second parking lot (reserved for guests of the hotel). If I would visit this place again I would just park my car here for free. Especially if you only stay for a short while! The best viewpoint over the Bastei Bridge is from the Ferdinandstein viewpoint.

28. Knotenweg

This has to be one of the prettiest roads in Saxony and I can’t even imagine how gorgeous it would be when there’s snow on the ground and trees!

• How to get there – Park your car here on the foreseen spot on the side of the road. From here it’s just a short 5 minute walk. Follow the road up until you’re out of the tree rows. Turn around et voilà you have yourself an awesome curved road.

29. Rakotzbrücke Devil’s Bridge, Gablenz

This jaw-dropping 19th-century bridge uses its reflection to form what appears to be a perfect circle. 

Either end of the Rakotzbrücke is decorated with thin rock spires created to look like natural basalt columns, which occur in many places in Germany. In addition, the curvature of the bridge is designed to be one half of a perfect circle, so that when the waters are still and the light is right, it creates the illusion of a complete stone circle.

It’s important to note that crossing the bridge is strictly forbidden!

Since June 2018, the Rakotzbrücke is under renovation and the lake has been drained. According to local radio station MDR, the basalt columns and the bridge chambers are almost complete. Still, one section of the arch remains. The Rakotzbrücke is said to be completely restored by the end of 2020.

• Opening hours – 24/7
• Entrance fee – Free
• How to get there – This bridge is located in Kromlauer Park in Eastern Germany.

Where to stay in Saxony

LUXURY TRIP

• Gewandhaus Dresden, Autograph Collection – This completely renovated pet-friendly hotel, in the centre of Dresden, features a new modern-baroque design.
• Hotel Fürstenhof Leipzig – The Hotel Fürstenhof Leipzig offers luxurious rooms and suites in an old, aristocratic residence. High ceilings, chandeliers, and marble décor create a special atmosphere.
• Heide Spa Hotel & Resort – Excellent spa facilities, healthy cuisine and a tranquil location within the Dübener Heide Nature Park join forces here to guarantee a wonderful feeling of well-being and an enjoyable break in the midst of nature.

BUDGET TRIP

• Hotel Markgraf Leipzig – This hotel in Leipzig offers stylish rooms for a cheap price.
• LE Hotel – A cosy and stylish hotel in the heart of Leipzig.
• Landhotel Goldener Becher – A country hotel where you can get a single room as of €29.

READ MY FULL GUIDE ON SAXONY SWITZERLAND TO GET MORE DETAILS & PHOTOS – A Weekend in Hrensko: The Ultimate 2 Day Hrensko Itinerary

DAY 19 – 21: Harz National Park

Harz National Park is a nature reserve of 24 700 hectares in no less than two German federal states; Lower Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt.

It’s mostly known for its large variety of hiking trails but also for its old school steam train which can take you all the way up to the Brocken mountain.

30. Harz National Park

This national park is located in Germany’s most northerly low mountain range and one of the most beautiful places in this country. It has such a wide variety that you definitely need a couple of days to join in on all of the most fun activities.

What makes this place actually really cool is that its drenched in tales of folklore and witchcraft. You can’t visit one of the souvenir shops without spotting a couple of witched flying on their brooms.

 Legend has it that on the night of April 30 to May 1, witches fly their broomsticks to meet the devil at the top of the highest peak in the region – known as the Brocken. This night is also called Walpurgisnacht and is now celebrated by the locals and tourists dressing up and dancing their way into the month of May.

TOP THINGS TO DO IN HARZ NATIONAL PARK

• Take the Brocken Railway up to the highest point in the national park, the Brocken summit.
• Pay a visit to the Gustav Adolf Church, a stave church similar to those in Norway.
• Follow one of the many hiking trails into Harz National Park

WHERE TO STAY NEAR HARZ NATIONAL PARK

LUXURY TRIP

• Naturresort Schindelbruch – An amazing hideaway destination especially catered to adults.
• Events and Stay – A beautiful and luxurious appartement that also comes with a bbq set.
• Schlosshotel Stecklenberg – Set in tranquil nature and featuring a historical ambiance, this grand castle hotel offers spacious rooms with Italian period furniture.

BUDGET TRIP

• Hotel Kaiserworth Goslar – This traditional-style, 4-star hotel in Goslar offers spacious rooms, free Wi-Fi, and traditional food from the Harz mountains.
• Berghotel Hahnenklee – This hotel is set in a quiet forest in the Hahnenklee district of Goslar, in the Harz Mountains. Berghotel Hahnenklee offers a beer garden.
• Gästezimmer Haus Talblick – Located on the Bromberg Mountain, this homestay offers a spacious double room with a flat-screen TV and free WiFi. Guests can expect scenic valley views, a terrace and a playground.

Essential tips for traveling in Germany

• The official language spoken in Germany is German. While in the big cities you’ll find that most people also speak English this is not the case in the smaller villages. Menu’s do often come in multiple languages.
• Cell service is not the best in Germany and it can often happen you won’t have any service, even while driving on the highway. It’s always smart to already download an offline map if you plan on going hiking.
• A lot of places prefer payment by cash but Mastercard and Visa are also widely accepted. But still small vendors sometimes don’t even have a cash machine.
• Germans are very punctual, being ‘fashionably late’ really isn’t a thing in this country.
• Everywhere in Germany, shops, supermarkets and pharmacies are closed on Sundays. restaurants and bars remain open on Sunday.
• The restaurants in smaller villages typically only serve local food which usually contains a high dose of meat.

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Charlotte

Charlotte Lint is the founder of Charlies Wanderings.
Charlotte has traveled all over the world and is based in Belgium where she also owns her very own dental practice.
She is an expert on writing efficient travel guides and finding unique places to stay.
Every month she helps over 134.000 people discover the most beautiful places in the world through her detailed travel guides.