Where Germany feels like a holiday
Anyone who thinks you have to travel abroad to experience the true summer feeling is mistaken. Even in Germany, there are places where you can experience summer in all its facets in a particularly intense way – sometimes it's the climate, sometimes the landscape, sometimes the relaxed lifestyle. We present you with five places where Germany feels like a Mediterranean and, above all, sunny getaway.
Freiburg im Breisgau – The sunniest city in Germany
Freiburg is considered the sunniest city in Germany. With over 1.700 hours of sunshine a year and a mild climate, it truly evokes the feeling of the South of France. The picturesque old town, with its small streams known as Bächle, exudes a Mediterranean flair during the summer months: people sit in sidewalk cafés, stroll through the alleys, or enjoy the sunset from the Schlossberg hill with a view over the Rhine plain.
Nature lovers are also in the right place here: The Black Forest is right on the doorstep and offers a place to cool off on hot days – perhaps in one of the clear lakes. Freiburg isn't loud or intrusive – summer here feels slow-paced, cheerful, and somehow southern.
Accommodation in Freiburg that will make your holiday perfect: The Friz BnB
Lindau on Lake Constance – Mediterranean island feeling in the south
Lindau enchants with its picturesque old town, located entirely on an island in Lake Constance. Among colorful townhouses, small cafés, and Mediterranean vegetation, you'll feel like you're in an Italian coastal town. Especially at the historic harbor—with its Bavarian lion and lighthouse—on summer evenings, you'll find a special light that's otherwise only found in southern Europe.
The island is (almost) car-free, which makes for a wonderfully relaxing stay. Instead of the hustle and bustle, enjoy an iced coffee in the market square, stroll along the lakeside promenade, or enjoy a sunset with a panoramic view of the Alps. Those who like it can take a boat trip or a bike ride through the hilly surroundings with views of vineyards and apple orchards.
In Lindau, the best place to stay is right in the center: Hotel Alte Schule
Usedom – beach and fresh breeze
Usedom bears its nickname for a reason: With over 1.900 hours of sunshine a year, it's one of the sunniest regions in Germany. The beaches stretch for miles, fine and bright, the seaside architecture exudes Wilhelminian splendor, and the sea provides a refreshing breeze.
The seaside resorts of Ahlbeck, Heringsdorf, and Bansin offer a relaxed, stylish beach experience. Those seeking a more tranquil setting can explore the small, quaint villages in the hinterland or explore the island by bike. Culinary delights await you, including freshly caught fish, sea buckthorn specialties, and the scent of smoked eel wafting through the air.
You'll love spending your holiday on Usedom here: Pineblue Villas
The Palatinate – Germany’s answer to Tuscany
Rolling hills, endless vineyards, fig trees, almond blossoms, and a feeling of southern lightness – that's the Palatinate in summer. Especially along the German Wine Route, you can sense why this region is often called the "Tuscany of Germany." In small wine-growing villages like Deidesheim, Rhodt, or St. Martin, you can sit under chestnut trees, sip a cool Riesling, and enjoy tarte flambée.
Many villages host wine festivals in the summer – often with music, fairy lights, and welcoming people. Temperatures are high, the mood relaxed. And for those who need a break from nature, the Palatinate Forest is just around the corner.
You can spend the night and drink wine at the same time, very close by, in the Reinhessen wine region at: Wine home
Lake Chiemsee – The Bavarian Mediterranean
Lake Chiemsee is often affectionately referred to as the "Bavarian Sea." This vast lake with its two islands—Herreninsel and Fraueninsel—is nestled in a postcard-perfect landscape of Alpine panoramas, shimmering water, and azure skies.
In summer, everything is possible here: swimming, sailing, stand-up paddling, or simply relaxing on the shore. On Fraueninsel, with its artists' gardens, old monastery walls, and fish smokehouses, you'll immediately feel the holiday spirit. If you like, combine the trip with a visit to Herrenchiemsee Palace, the Bavarian Versailles.
You can enjoy the Chiemsee holiday flair to the fullest here: Matador Lodges
Conclusion: Holiday in Germany – summer feeling without long-distance travel
An unforgettable summer does not have to take place on the Mediterranean – a Holidays in Germany can feel like a trip to the south. Whether Mediterranean flair in Freiburg, island feeling at Lake Constance, endless sandy beaches on Usedom, southern lifestyle in the Pfalz or postcard idyll at Chiemsee – these places prove that true summer moments await right on our doorstep. Those who want to travel consciously, take advantage of short distances, and don't miss out on sunshine, enjoyment, and a slower pace will find ideal destinations for a sustainable and inspiring holiday in Germany.
© Photos: pexels / Heiko Kuhl, IMAGO / Dreamstime, Anja-Schnell-Fotografie, IMAGO / Depositphotos, Pineblue Villas, pexels / Orlando S, Weinzuhause, IMAGO / Westend61, Matador Lodges
Nadine Pinezits
Nadine is a freelance editor and copywriter. She lives in Austria and commutes between Salzburg and Vienna. This means she is either in the mountains or in the urban jungle, but at the same time tries to spend as much time as possible in her beloved country, Portugal.
2 Comments
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Ilka Bickmann
Ahoy. There are also beautiful places in the east... e.g., the lake district in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Saxon Switzerland, Halle an der Saale is also pretty...
Marc
Great article! Thank you for the great summary, Nadine. All these places are wonderful. And since I live near Freiburg, I can only confirm that feeling of being in the South of France ;). Until a few years ago, I longed for faraway places every year. But since the pandemic, at the very latest, I've realized that you don't have to travel halfway around the world for a beautiful and relaxing vacation. Since then, I've only been traveling within Germany and neighboring countries. I also felt it was important to be able to further reduce my ecological footprint.
I'd also add the Black Forest, Bavarian Forest, and Harz Mountains as wonderful hiking regions, offering pristine forests and stunning views. And they're largely located away from mass tourism.