Off the Beaten Path in Germany
Germany is a big country, with so much to offer, from incredible nature to beautiful small towns to sprawling metropolitan areas. While there’s still so much to discover in this amazing country, after numerous treks to and through, I’m sharing my favorite spots off-the-beaten path in Germany. So far. Maybe you’ve heard of some of these spots, or maybe they’re new to you, but consider making them a part of your next trip to Germany.
Potsdam
Sitting just outside of Berlin, this adorable town is the home of the Sanssouci Palace. The gardens are incredible, and worthy of at least an hour of leisurely strolling, even if you don’t want to pay to tour the castle itself.
Featuring its own version of the Brandenburg Gate, the iconic Berlin landmark, it’s also worth exploring the walking streets of the town to check out some of the incredible coffee shops, bakeries and craft stores.
CC Favorite: Don’t miss Buena Vida Coffee Roasters at the end of the Brandenburger Straße closest to the St. Peter and Paul Church.
Bad Herrenalb
Located in the midst of the beautiful Black Forest, this quiet town is the perfect place to post up if you want to explore the National Park Schwarzwald (Black Forest) and avoid some of the more touristy spa towns.
Hiking and beautiful views abound as soon you head up to the mountain tops. Make time for a piece of Black Forest cake and peruse a cuckoo clock store while you’re in the town.
CC Favorite: Nationalparkzentrum is a great stop for kids to learn about the animal life that calls the Black Forest home. We highly recommend the hike at Allerheiligen Waterfall in Oppenau after the visitors center.
Quick tip: The trail mentioned above could be done in tennis shoes, but if you’re looking for boots that would work for hiking in the Black Forest (easy to moderate hiking), we always recommend the following boots: little kids, big kids, adult men & adult women.
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Sankt Goarshausen
The entire Rhine Valley is straight out of a movie, but we enjoyed staying in this small village at the end of the valley. The entire town was so quiet, but our little rental apartment was tucked into the most adorable cobbled street, built in the 1600s and just a lovely little spot to explore from. Other villages we visited had more activity, more stores, etc., but we enjoyed being at the end of it all where it was quiet and felt extremely local.
Trains and ferries connect the entire valley, so it’s easy to move between villages, head up to the top of the gorge or down to the river for throwing rocks in water and a glass of local Riesling. Taking a ferry cruise is a must to really take in the innumerable vineyards, castles and villages that dot the landscape.
CC Favorite: Head to Aussichtspunkt Loreleyfelsen, an observation deck and slate rock formation, with incredible views. Spot the famous Loreley, a lady of incredible legend in the Rhine Valley who would, as the stories tell, look down on tradesmen from these very rock formations.
Lübeck
A picturesque little city with an incredible Christmas market, Lubeck has so much charm. Whatever season finds you there, be sure to check out the famous marzipan made in the city. Niederegger Café is a great spot to check out the grand tradition of marzipan in the city.
The European Hansemuseum explores the history of the Hanseatic League that shaped much of European history, including Lübeck.
CC Favorite: The smaller town of Travemünde is a great spot to stay if you want a more quiet base. Located at the river’s exit to the Baltic (it’s name translates to mouth of the Trave), it’s a beach town with ferry connections to Sweden, Finland and Latvia.
Saxon Switzerland National Park
Located on the border with Czechia, we stopped here on a drive from Berlin to Prague. Called Bohemian Switzerland National Park on the Czech side, stunning scenery of land bridges and gorges makes for incredible hiking.
Wattenmeer/Wadden Sea National Park
Maybe my favorite spot on the whole list, the Wadden Sea is a wonderful place to experience dramatic low tides. Stroll wide beaches, spot seals, look for the famous “black sun” migrating birds.
Sylt is the famous island in the region, but can be expensive. It might be cheating a bit on Germany, but I recommend going just across the border to the Danish island of Rømø (which honestly feels just as German when you get there and hear more German than Danish). Prices are lower and the island is more down to earth. Enjoy the widest beaches you’ve ever seen.
Quick tip: If you’re not visiting in the summer, proper welly boots are essential for exploring the low tide areas of the Wadden Sea. While we love the ankle deck boots for kids, men & women and think you could make them work, your safest bet might be these full length boots for kids, men & women, as traversing ankle-deep water is a possibility.
Flensburg
Sitting right on the border with Denmark, Flensburg has an interesting blend of the two cultures. Hansens Braurei is a great place to get food and beer and a bit of atmosphere. Stroll the boardwalk and grab a fish brochten from Ben’s Fischhütte if you’re looking for a light snack.
Quick tip: Walk down the Norderstraße to window shop and see the insane number of shoes strung above the city streets.
Fürth
We spent 24 hours in this wonderful town, full of beautiful parks and fun restaurants. Next door to Nuremberg, it’s a nice, seemingly tourist-free spot to feel more like a local. Check out the Fürth Stadtpark for a lovely stroll and place to hang for an entire afternoon if the weather is nice.
CC Favorite: Nuremberg Trials Museum is one of the best WWII focused museums I’ve been to. Incredibly well done, informative and moving, I highly recommend driving into Nuremberg for this one. While you’re there, stop by Hexenhäusle for incredible southern German beer garden food.
Hamburg
While certainly a major city (it’s the second largest in Germany), Hamburg is often overlooked as a tourist destination. I’d stop here for a weekend to explore the beautiful river front, WWII history and incredible museum scene.
CC Favorite: If you’re traveling with kids, you absolutely must make time to check out Miniatur Wunderland, a world of model trains, planes and ships that you simply must see to believe.
Heidelberg
A beautiful little city to spend a day strolling through – check out the castle (but don’t pay to go in – a bit of a rip off), wander the bridges and spend some time sitting at a café.
There’s so much to discover and appreciate in each of these off the beaten path places in Germany. I hope you’ve found a spot that piques your interest and adds to your next trip.
Looking for more Germany travel resources? Try this guide that’s all about Berlin…
