The famous Franconian wine, wonderful hiking opportunities, historic cities and pure nature make Franconia a multifaceted holiday destination in Germany. Cities such as Nuremberg or Bamberg invite you to take a city trip and the different Franconian areas have the right travel landscape for every taste.

Franconia for city lovers

Nuremberg

For a city trip, it doesn’t always have to be the giant metropolises! Holidaymakers who attach great importance to cultural, architectural and culinary offerings are in good hands in the Franconian cities. Nuremberg is probably the first thing that comes to mind when you think of cities in Franconia. Especially the medieval architecture of the old town with the magnificent imperial castle characterizes the cityscape. The city has an excellent reputation as a trade fair city and is on everyone’s lips even outside Germany due to its famous Nuremberg Christmas market and tasty bratwurst. Albrecht Dürer already enjoyed the latter. In addition to visiting the many museums, a walk through the Tiergarten is also worthwhile. In idyllic surroundings, visitors can experience sea lions and dolphins in the dolphin lagoon or enjoy the tropical atmosphere in the manatee house.

Würzburg

In Würzburg, the Residenz is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But not only that. It is also one of the most important castles in Europe. A mixture of culture, architecture and baroque gives the old city on the Main a special charm and pure joie de vivre. Würzburg’s “Stein” or the vineyards create a picturesque picture that attracts not only wine lovers.

Bamberg

Romantics are drawn to Bamberg. Here, holidaymakers stroll through winding alleys past baroque and medieval facades or stroll through small specialist and antique shops in the old town. The famous Bamberg Symphony Orchestra shapes the culture just as much as a large number of cabaret stages or the shadow theatre. In the traditional beer city, a freshly tapped beer is of course not to be missed. Another Franconian city that city lovers should visit is Bayreuth. The Festspielhaus on the green hill is just as much a part of the international cultural city as the Richard Wagner Museum or the Margravial Opera House. https://youtu.be/s1PyAktZogM

Popular areas for a holiday in Franconia

Many different areas create a varied travel landscape for Franconian holidays. Franconian Switzerland ranks high on the popularity scale. Travel writers from the 19th century gave the area its current name, as they felt reminded of Switzerland by the rocks, valleys and mountains. Franconian Switzerland is one of the oldest holiday regions in Germany and is located between Bayreuth, Bamberg and Nuremberg. More than 30 castles and medieval castles can be discovered here. In addition, a large nature park and more than 1000 caves await. The leisure activities here are also varied and include excursions to climbing parks, themed hikes or canoe tours. Gentle tourism, forests, friendly villages or even dark moors characterize the Rhön. The volcanic low mountain range of the Rhön is criss-crossed by an extensive network of hiking trails. The paths of the “border triangle” (Thuringia, Hesse, Franconia) lead up to the Kreuzberg or the “Black Moor”. Visitors have a fantastic view from the Wasserkuppe. This is the highest mountain in the Rhön.

The Fichtel Mountains are the perfect holiday area for athletes. It is located in the northeast of Bavaria and rises to up to 1000 meters. In Germany , the Fichtel Mountains are one of the snowiest landscapes. At the appropriate time of year, there are the best conditions for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or skiing. But there are also numerous opportunities for sporting activity outside the winter season. A winch run in the zipline park on the southern slope of the Ochsenkopf leads rapidly down into the valley. Nature can be explored on wonderful cycling and hiking trails. Another focus is on health and wellness. In Bad Berneck, for example, the focus is on Kneipp and in Bad Alexandersbad, guests can have a good time in the smallest Bavarian spa. Holiday guests with a preference for water should consider the Franconian Lake District for a stay. Its seven lakes make it the centre of Franconian water sports and a perfect holiday destination for families. Here you can sail, swim, dive or cast a rod. Excursion boats also sail at the Großer Brombachsee and the Altmühlsee, with which the landscape can be enjoyed from the water. Away from the water, there are of course also hiking and walking opportunities.

Franconia culinary

Nuremberg bratwurst and Franconian wine are just two of many Franconian specialties. If you love culinary delights, you will not be disappointed on a holiday in Franconia. For the famous bratwurst, there has been a regulation since the Middle Ages, which ensures consistent quality. The grilled sausages grilled over beech logs were added to the register of culinary specialities protected by the EU in 2003. Since meat dishes are very important in Franconian cuisine, not only the sausages are a specialty. For example, the Schäufele (shoulder blade of the pig) is also very well-known. It is prepared whole with fat rind and bone in the oven. Served with potato dumplings, gravy and red cabbage, it is an absolute treat for the palate. At least as popular as the Nuremberg grilled sausage is the Franconian Sauerbraten. The roast, marinated and then braised for several days, is also served with dumplings and red cabbage. Franconia is known for the breeding of char, trout and carp. These are also not missing from any good menu and are served baked. The Franconian also has no objection to a hearty snack. Such a meal includes homemade sausage specialties, smoked ham, bread and plucked meat. Plucked is comparable to Bavarian Obazda. In addition to the hearty delights, there are of course also Franconian desserts to enjoy. The Kissinger is a croissant made of butter pastry dough, which is covered with cooked icing and consists of a jam or hazelnut filling on the inside. By the way, the sweet particle comes from the district of Bad Kissingen. Fruit varieties from orchards are also used in the sweet cuisine. They are used to make delicacies such as apple mustard or apple bratwurst. About 80% of the well-known Franconian wine is white wine. Franconian wines have a high mineral content and taste particularly spicy. One of the typical Franconian wines is Silvaner. In the end, it remains to be said: A holiday in Franconia is a good choice in terms of landscape and culture as well as culinary.

Lower Saxony, Germany’s second-largest state in terms of area, impresses with its diversity. Between the peaks of the Harz Mountains and the coasts of East Frisia, both those who are active in sports and those interested in culture will find a suitable environment. The charming landscape between the Elbe, Ems and Leine offers all leisure opportunities. In addition, there are numerous other sights: From the picturesque half-timbered town to the modern “Autostadt”, each of them is worth a visit.

“At the top” in Lower Saxony: East Frisia and its islands

Wide white beaches and always a fresh breeze characterize the seven islands of East Frisia. Borkum, Baltrum, Juist, Norderney, Wangerooge, Spiekeroog and Langeoog lie lined up like pearls off the coast of the mainland. Not only allergy sufferers appreciate the clear, pollen-free air and the wind that blows around their noses. Guided hikes are the best way to explore the unique, strictly protected flora and fauna of the Wadden Sea UNESCO World Heritage Site. Families in particular experience special holiday moments here. The “Land behind the dike” captivates visitors with its maritime flair. Picturesque fishing villages and port towns such as Emden or Cuxhaven convey a touch of seafaring romance.

The region has a lot in store for connoisseurs. Fans of fresh fish will get their money’s worth. If you spend your holidays here, you should not miss out on participating in the famous “tea ceremony”. This epitome of East Frisian cosiness and hospitality has been on the UNESCO list of intangible cultural assets since 2016. The northernmost region of Lower Saxony is not only an attractive holiday destination in summer.

Dark moors and idyll by the river – the Emsland

Romantic canals with wooden bascule bridges and numerous replicas of ships – Papenburg presents itself to its guests almost Dutch. In the Meyer Werft shipyard located here, luxurious cruise ships are built that later turn holiday wishes into reality on all the world’s oceans. The adjoining visitor centre provides interesting insights into the construction and construction of future “dream ships”. In addition to this technical highlight, the Emsland stands for intact nature and green expanses. Cyclists choose the right one for them from routes of all levels of difficulty. Quiet waterways and canals invite canoeists. Mysterious moors want to be discovered as well as megalithic graves from the early days of man.

In the cuisine of the Emsland, North German, Westphalian and some Dutch influences are mixed. A typical speciality is “Beschüte”, a kind of rusk in several variations.

Nature worthy of protection and a “blooming” cultural landscape: the Lüneburg Heath

The Lüneburg Heath is one of the oldest of the more than one hundred nature parks in Germany. On an area of over 107,000 hectares, it covers the largest contiguous heath area in Central Europe. Heidschnucken, the native sheep breed, help as animal “landscape gardeners” in the care and preservation of the area. From the beginning of August until September, the small purple flowers of the heather dominate the picture and make a stay an unforgettable experience. Locals and their guests enjoy this natural spectacle by bike, on foot or during one of the popular carriage rides.

The region is also worth a visit outside the heather blossom. Amusement parks such as the well-known Heide Park Soltau or the colourful Weltvogelpark Walsrode await young and old visitors. The historic cities of Lüneburg or Celle invite you to take an enjoyable stroll with their picturesque alleys, shops and cafés. Heidschnuckenbraten or buckwheat dishes and other culinary specialties are not to be missed. As a souvenir, for example, the delicious heather honey at the breakfast table at home reminds you of the relaxing days.

Of dancing witches and the “roof of northern Germany” – the magical Harz Mountains

With its mountainous landscape, the Harz National Park is a paradise for hikers . Deep forests, clear streams and rugged rocks are home to rare animal and plant species. The Brocken, the highest mountain in northern Germany at 1,141 metres, is surrounded by countless myths and legends. The famous “Dance of the Witches” on Walpurgis Night is just one of them. Due to its exposed location, its summit is rough and windy at any time of the year. This climatic peculiarity allows plants to grow there that are otherwise only found in Scandinavia. The Brocken can be hiked or “experienced” by mountain bike.

However, many visitors appreciate the popular and comfortable Brocken cable car for the ascent. The Bad Harzburg treetop walk opens up a whole new forest perspective. Under no circumstances should a visit to the thousand-year-old town of Goslar be missed during a holiday in the Harz Mountains. Rich history and culture make the imperial city a sight for all ages. The old core with its more than 1,500 half-timbered houses has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Those interested in history and technology like to visit the Rammelsberg ore mine here. There you will get a deep insight into the mining history of the region. Enjoyment is not neglected in the Harz Mountains. The palette ranges from the “Harzer Roller”, a sour milk cheese, to hearty sausage specialities and the famous “Schierker Feuerstein”, a spicy herbal liqueur made according to a secret recipe.

Two economic centres: Wolfsburg and Hanover

The capital of Lower Saxony, Hanover , gained international fame above all as a trade fair city and today has the largest exhibition grounds in the world. Around 60 events of national importance take place here every year, including the Hannover Messe. In recent years, the city on the Leine has gained a tourist profile. Its parks, cultural events and museums make it an up-and-coming destination. Extensive green and open spaces create a relaxed atmosphere.

A worthwhile destination is the Steinhuder Meer, the largest lake in Lower Saxony. This body of water is located about 30 kilometers northwest of the city and offers a lot of recreation for water sports enthusiasts and cyclists.

Since 2000, Lower Saxony has had a special kind of amusement park in the form of the “Autostadt” Wolfsburg. Between the city centre and the Volkswagen plant, there is a 28-hectare site on the Mittelland Canal, which also functions as a showroom, collection centre for new cars and event arena. There is a luxury hotel, over a dozen restaurants and numerous events throughout the year. A tour of this area is not only an experience for buyers of new cars.

Lower Saxony – travel destination at any time of the year

Lower Saxony as a travel destination thrives on its contrasts and diversity. Relaxing beach holidays in East Frisia, cycling in the Lüneburg Heath and hiking tours in the Harz Mountains leave no room for boredom. Various amusement parks and museums want to be discovered, especially on rainy days. The cities worth seeing contribute a considerable part to the attractiveness of the region. From maritime Wilhelmshaven to the “fairytale-like” Pied Piper town of Hamelin to the venerable university town of Göttingen, each has its own magic. As varied as the landscape and places, the culture and cuisine in this state between the far north and the center of Germany are

Greifswald in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is known for many things. It was the birthplace of Caspar David Friedrich and Hans Fallada, among others, but also scores with its significant past.

In 1199, the Eldena Monastery was founded on the banks of the Ryck River, initially under the name Hilda Monastery. From this monastery, the area was settled and the university and Hanseatic city of Greifswald developed.

Sights in and around Greifswald

The ruins of Eldena Monastery

Today, only a ruin remains of the Cistercian monastery. This one, however, is a real eye-catcher and was painted several times by Caspar David Friedrich .
The decay of the monastery took its course during the Thirty Years’ War, during which it was severely damaged. In the 17th century, some building material was removed to fortify the city or to erect official buildings. In fact, it is thanks to Caspar David Friedrich that the remains were secured and restored, as he drew attention to the ruins worth protecting with his pictures. A romantic park has been created around the parts of the building.

Since 1968, there has been an open-air stage in the convent buildings, which is used for various cultural events. Monastery and medieval spectacles, but also plays from the Baltic Sea Festival then bring the area to life.

The University of Greifswald

The university is the central building in Greifswald and shapes the city accordingly. This even goes so far that the saying “Greifswald is not a university city, but a university with a city” has become established.

The university was founded in the 15th century with papal approval by Duke Wartislaw IX as a Pomeranian state university, making it one of the oldest universities in Central Europe.

Today, the university consists of many old and new buildings, spread over four central locations, of which the Old Town is the most important. Guided tours of the old university building are offered to the public at various times and the extensive university collections are also largely available to the general public.

While the university has good connections with the Baltic and Scandinavian countries and offers a wide range of courses, it is still a hidden gem.

Heimattierpark Greifswald

The Greifswald Zoo offers an idyllic place around Swan Lake for a little time-out. Guinea pigs, coatis and dingoes are just a few of the inhabitants.

More than 100 animal species cavort on about 3.6 hectares. A snack bar, a café, an adventure playground for the little ones and a petting zoo are also integrated into the park.
Many of the enclosures are accessible and educational and exciting stations for children are spread throughout the area.

The local animal park also offers numerous events and interesting natural history exhibitions in the information centre.

St. Nicholas Cathedral

Nicholas of Myra, patron saint of seafarers and merchants, is dedicated to Greifswald Cathedral.

The beginnings of the Gothic church can be traced back to the 13th century. With the founding of the university in 1457, the church was elevated to a collegiate church and has since been referred to as a cathedral. At the same time, construction work on the church resumed and the octagonal tower was completed. In the following period, the tower lost its spire twice due to strong storms. The last time was on February 13, 1650. The church received its final appearance with the sandstone-coloured interior walls in 1832.

Caspar David Friedrich Center

Lovers of art and especially of Romantic painting will certainly like to venture into Caspar David Friedrich’s living quarters.

Since 2004, a museum and a research facility have been located there. Both the family history and the personal career of the painter are illuminated. In addition, changing exhibitions of current art also take place in the premises and underline the continuing importance of Romanticism in art.

The Wiecker Bridge

The bridge over the Ryck connects the districts of Wieck and Eldena. Although the settlement of the area dates back to the 12th century, a bridge was not planned and implemented until the 19th century.

On July 25, 1887 – only seven months after the wooden shipbuilder August Spruth had given the order – the bridge was inaugurated and is still being raised by hand. Today, it is one of the oldest functional wooden bascule bridges and also a popular motif among artists and photographers.

The Museum Harbour

Of course, there is one thing that should not be missing in a Hanseatic city: the port.
The museum harbour of Greifswald is the largest in Germany and attracts both locals and tourists.

The many historical, but also modern ships are really eye-catching and some of them are provided with interesting information. That being said, it’s a wonderful place to just relax and unwind with fish sandwiches and a drink. By the way, you can get these delicacies on the catering ships.

North Rhine-Westphalia is the most populous state in Germany and therefore inspires its visitors with holiday experiences in abundance. The state offers the perfect mix of vibrant cities and dreamy nature, which are a good basis for a relaxing and eventful holiday.

Are you looking for a varied stay where there is a lot to discover? Then North Rhine-Westphalia is the right place for you. Immerse yourself in the Rhenish joie de vivre and enjoy the culinary specialties served to you by cheerful innkeepers.

The State of Cities – Adventure Big City

Great cities await you in NRW – Cologne, Düsseldorf, Dortmund, Essen, Bonn, Duisburg and Oberhausen are definitely worth a visit. If you love shopping, you will find your Mecca in the shopping streets of the cities and in the Centro Oberhausen shopping centre. If you like it elegant, you can visit Düsseldorf’s Königsallee – affectionately called “Kö” by the people of Düsseldorf – and watch all kinds of luxury cars and rich people shopping there. From a cultural point of view, the Ruhr area has a lot to offer, as most of the colliery sites from Duisburg onwards have been redesigned as museums, exhibition or event venues and provide a great insight into the industrial past of mining.

Are you looking forward to delicious food and iconic drinks? Then you should visit Cologne and Düsseldorf in particular and treat yourself to a Rhenish Sauerbraten together with a delicious Altbier or Kölsch in rustic breweries. For night owls, the “longest bar in the world”, Düsseldorf’s old town with the legendary Bolker Straße, and in Cologne the Kölner Ringe – a lively pub and trendy district in the middle of the city centre await you.

Bochum also inspires its visitors with the “Bermuda Triangle”, a collection of restaurants, cafés and bars, which is also home to what is said to be the best currywurst stand in the Ruhr area.

If your hotel is located in one of the vibrant cities and you are still hungry or thirsty late at night, you can enjoy the “Büdchen” or “Trinkhallen” – kiosks that offer all kinds of snacks and drinks until midnight (in North Rhine-Westphalia, the purchase of alcoholic beverages is also allowed after 10:00 p.m.).

If you want to relax away from the hustle and bustle of the city centres, you can do so in Bonn, Cologne, Düsseldorf and Duisburg directly on the banks of the Rhine, as the Rhine meanders through these cities and offers downright picturesque opportunities to unwind by the water. There are many beaches and Rhine promenades as well as cafes directly on the banks of the Rhine (e.g. the Düsseldorf casemates). Just ask locals for tips – the cheerful Rhinelanders are generally very open-minded and happy to help visitors.

Breathtaking nature – worthwhile hinterland

A holiday in North Rhine-Westphalia is also extremely attractive from a scenic point of view. Apart from the beautiful banks of the Rhine, holidaymakers will find a perfect holiday environment in the rural areas of the state. For example, there is the region of the Lower Rhine, north of Düsseldorf, which invites you to extensive hiking and cycling tours with its dreamy villages and flat meadows and fields. Sun-yellow rapeseed fields, historically interesting villages (e.g. the Sigfried town of Xanten) and healthy, fresh air will accompany you. The proximity to Holland is noticeable by the fact that most of the paths are flat and the place names seem slightly Dutch – in one or the other café you will even be served poffertjes (Dutch mini pancakes).

You can also find relaxation in the midst of nature in the Sauerland, which is located in eastern Westphalia and inspires its visitors with a Black Forest feeling. Here you can hike to your heart’s content and relax in cosy nature hotels. In winter, skiing and tobogganing areas around the village of Winterberg await snow lovers.
Last but not least, there is the Bergisches Land – you certainly know the Krombacher advertising with the breathtaking nature around a small island in the water of a lake?
You can marvel at these, only a few kilometres from Cologne, at the Wiehltalsperre in the Bergisches Land. In addition to the vantage point on the Krombacher Island, the extensive nature area also offers fantastic picnic areas, numerous hiking opportunities and a special biodiversity, as over 160 bird species live here. With a bit of luck, you can spot and observe Canada geese, cormorants, great egrets and other endangered species.

Events & fun – there is always something to experience

If you want to have fun and experience a lot on your holiday, you will also have a great stay in North Rhine-Westphalia. Because nowhere else is the density of events and events as high as here. A wide variety of open-air events await you, such as the Parookaville Festival in Weeze on the Lower Rhine, the Bochum music festival “Bochum Total” at the Bermuda Triangle and the Juicy Beats Festival in the Westfalen Park in Dortmund. In the same park, the Festival of Lights also takes place in summer, where visitors can look forward to breathtaking shows, lots of lights, music and a fireworks display. Dortmund is also known for the legendary Mayday, which traditionally takes place every year on the city’s exhibition grounds and attracts music fans from all over Europe.

In Cologne, the Cologne Lights (also a festival of lights with ships on the Rhine) and well-known musicals await you.

Typical for North Rhine-Westphalia are also the local fairs, where both children and adults get their money’s worth. With numerous rides and marquees, for example, the Düsseldorf Rhine Fair and the Cranger Kirmes in Herne are the largest in the country. If the fairs and shooting festivals of the regions are not enough for you, you can look forward to other attractions such as the ski hall in Neuss or the Aqualand in Cologne. Here you can let off steam in the snow or water all year round.

Accommodation and infrastructure

Hotels and rooms can be found in the big cities as well as in the countryside. However, accommodation in the cities may be fully booked during trade fairs. This applies in particular to the trade fair cities of Cologne, Düsseldorf and Essen. Timely planning is the order of the day here. In the Sauerland and the Lower Rhine, family-run, authentic hotels and guesthouses await you – you can even spend the night on farms. On private providers such as AirBnB you can find apartments and individual rooms near the airport. The airport in Düsseldorf has the best connection to the city, as it only takes you a quarter of an hour to reach the city centre.

The motorway network in NRW is well developed and connects all important cities with the rural regions.