Local and sustainable. Germany has incredibly beautiful landscapes that can be reached quickly and easily by car or train.
We'll take you to two mountain ranges that are perfect for a short trip with family or friends and show you that it doesn't always have to be the Dolomites or Mallorca.
Text: Luiza-Madleen Pechel
Bizarre cliffs, picturesque valleys, and lush forests entice even the most reluctant hiker to put on sturdy shoes and set off. Saxon Switzerland, which stretches southeast of Dresden into the Czech Republic, offers countless hiking routes for diverse outdoor excursions. A well-marked network of trails runs through the national park, past numerous sights that, depending on the season and weather, can also be explored as day trips. The main attraction is the famous Elbe Sandstone Mountains with their sandstone Bastei Bridge. From here, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the rocky landscape, the Elbe Valley, and the historic castles and fortresses.
Saxon Switzerland is not only ideal for hikers, but also for cyclists, climbers, and enthusiastic water sports enthusiasts: cycling along the Elbe Cycle Path from Bad Schandau to the historic town center of Pirna, exploring the surrounding area by canoe or raft, or tackling one of the 15,000 climbing routes – all of this is possible here.
If the weather isn't as good as you'd hope—we're still in Germany, after all—a trip to the Toskana Therme spa in the charming spa town of Bad Schandau is worthwhile. Here, you can comfortably put your feet up on rainy days, read a good book, and soothe away those sore muscles from the previous day.
Are freedom, independence, and adventure your happy place? Then you'll definitely enjoy traveling in a home on four wheels. Van life is no longer just for those who have spent years converting their own camper van to explore the world. Countless travel agencies and van rental companies like "PaulCamper" offer temporary rentals based on the motto "My van is your van." The pick-up date, location, and return date are just as flexible as the size and features of the camper.
What better time than now to cruise carefree through the countryside with the windows rolled down and good music playing, stopping wherever you like and exploring lonely places?
At the Hotel zur Mühle, you'll stay in a listed building dating back to 1665. This 4-star hotel is located in the Schmilka Bio- and National Park, also known as the "most beautiful village in Saxony." All rooms are furnished with solid wood and restored antique furniture, providing an extra dose of coziness.
The hotel is located in the center of Schmilka. In the immediate vicinity, you'll find an organic bakery serving fresh rolls in the morning, an organic brewery, and a bathhouse with a panoramic sauna.
If you enjoy spending time outdoors, the Allgäu is the perfect place. In spring, the mountains invite you to ski, toboggan, or cross-country ski in a snowy, paradisiacal landscape. A special highlight is the Kneipp and climatic health resort of Hopfen am See, which, with its fresh Allgäu mountain air and stunning lake, has long been synonymous with a healthy, relaxing vacation spot.
Those looking for exercise can work out on various cycling and hiking trails with stunning views of the mountain landscape, while art and culture enthusiasts can lose themselves in the stories of ancient royal palaces, castles, and churches. Depending on the season, the lake also offers opportunities for water sports, including windsurfing, sailing, waterskiing, and wakeboarding.
For a relaxing day, the Allgäu also offers countless wellness options. Afterwards, you can relax and revitalize in the evening and enjoy the view of the mountains – for example, from one of the pleasant cafés by one of the beautiful mountain lakes.
At the Bechteler family's holiday farm in the Allgäu region, you can sleep in the treetops of the nearby treehouse hotel and be woken by birdsong. And no, this isn't a dream. Each luxury treehouse has a fully equipped kitchen, underfloor heating, electricity, hot water, and a homely interior made from traditional Allgäu reclaimed wood. In the morning, breakfast, made with regional products and fresh, seasonal fruit, is delivered to the suspended accommodation in a picnic basket for you to enjoy on the sunny roof terrace.
The cozy Alpine Chalets at the Panorama Hotel in Oberjoch are so comfortable that you'll never have to leave them during your vacation. Each chalet features a private sauna, an open fireplace, a wine storage cabinet, and a sun terrace with a heated outdoor bathtub, from which you can admire the Allgäu mountains.
Despite the privacy, you don't have to forgo the services of a luxury hotel. The Alpin Spa, the Panorama Hotel restaurants, and the Meckatzer Sportalp are just a few steps away.
