Off on vacation! Are you looking for a change of scenery this month or next and would you like to get away for a moment? Then weekend trips are just the thing. And there is so much to see and experience in our beautiful homeland that it can be difficult to find the right one. Where could you spend your short vacation in Germany?

The usual destinations such as Usedome, Freiburg, Hamburg or Neuschwanstein Castle are not for you and you would like to see something more unknown but also interesting? How about these original ideas that you probably don’t know either?

Short vacation in Germany – ideas for everyone

Even a few days off from everyday life and in a new environment can reduce stress and are simply good for you – provided you also find a little paradise that brings you fun and relaxation. Below we have collected a few ideas for a short vacation in Germany that are suitable for families, couples and friends.

Fun short vacation with children in Germany

Everyone probably knows Hollandpark, Europapark and Co., but does Dankern Castle mean something to you? It is a large holiday park in Emsland for the whole family with a wide range of fun and sports, some of which are outdoors and some of which are covered. So you don’t have to worry about the weather, you’ll definitely get your money’s worth. From pony rides and water fun to high cable cars, roller coasters and climbing fun, it feels like everything your heart desires is there. Perfect for a short vacation during the fall holidays, for example!

There are also holiday homes for overnight stays on the 200 hectare area, but day trips are also possible if you stay somewhere else and nearby. A lake for walking, pedal boating. In general, there are a few other interesting things to see in the area, so you can use this region to fill your entire weekend for a short vacation in Germany. Sounds like a wonderful alternative to the crowded Disneyland Paris, right?

Short vacation in Germany on the island of Mainau in Lake Constance

In September and October you can enjoy autumn on this island to the fullest, as the leaves of the many trees along the shore are already changing color. There are also wonderful flowers such as dahlias (by the way, the Mainau Dahlia Queen is elected in October) and roses. But it’s not just walks that are a great option here. A butterfly house, palm house, treasure hunt for children and even a castle festival at the beginning of October are another part of the offer on this island in Lake Constance.

These are the most beautiful lakes in Germany.

Short trip for two, with friends or children

You can take this trip with children and then take advantage of the great leisure activities in Winterberg, near Dortmund, which include Erlebnisberg Kappe, an escape room and forest, a climbing forest and golf. But it’s also worth enjoying the region together, because the salt cave and the slate mine are wonderful excursion destinations with therapeutic properties. The Veltins Ice Arena is also nearby and is open daily, regardless of the season, for young and old.

Romantic short vacation near the Brocken

The Brocken is only 17 minutes away from the beautiful town of Wernigerode, so you can combine your hiking trip with a city tour for the weekend. And what is there to see in the city? The old town alone with the beautiful town hall, the crooked house or the smallest house is worth a leisurely walk. There are also city tours that focus on architecture, but also a master brewer tour or one for the evening.

Of course, Wernigerode Castle, which you can and should visit, is definitely worth mentioning. There are also numerous museums, including the Harz Museum, the Aviation Museum, the Fire Department Museum and more.

You can find the most beautiful palaces and castles in Germany here.

Wellness weekend for relaxed togetherness

In the south of Brandenburg lies Lake Senftenberg – a beautiful place for a relaxing weekend with a wellness program, which you can enjoy in the “Seeschlösschen” wellness hotel, for example. The hotel is located directly on the lake and Senftenberg is also worth a visit. Numerous activities are possible at the lake itself, including e-bikes, swimming (if the weather is right), but also simple walks through the beautiful nature. In the hotel you can enjoy time in the bathing and sauna area, including various types of massage. The pampering program inside makes the excursion destination ideal for a short vacation in October or November and even in winter.

Short vacation in Germany: Mühlhausen in Thuringia

About an hour’s drive from Erfurt is the town of Mühlhausen – a place with a beautiful old town and many museums. The city walls, the historic town hall and the fountain house are sights that you should put on your list, but the many churches are also worth it. Even the first Bratwurst Museum has opened there and there are numerous hotels, holiday homes, guesthouses and also private landlords available for overnight stays, so you can basically find everything you need for a short holiday in Germany here.