We may stay at a family resort where we dont leave very often and just enjoy the pools versus staying in the City Center where we are off and running each and every day. Before kids, we might have made an international trip, like going to Germany, a whirlwind tour. This gives you several days at just one hotel, where you don have to constantly repack and move. Discover northern Germany. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Welcome to Gone with the Family! From the Bavarian city of Nuremberg (Nrnberg), take the German Toy Route stretching 300km to Erfurt in central Germany. Pilot your own houseboat on the Mecklenburg lakes, and have a gander at dreamy Schwerin Castle. Obviously, all of the above-mentioned places for skiing are great options for families to find some hikes in the summer months as well. February 14 - Valentine's Day - Observance (See also: Valentine's Day Food) February 20, 2023 - Shrove Monday - Observance. The urban area also includes Frth, Erlangen, and Schwabach with a total population of 730,000. For example, some suites have almost what feels like an entire sitting room. and watched whatever movies were playing. Especially in Bavaria, the buildings have so much charm and ambiance to them. Make-up workshop at the Bavaria Filmstadt. The city is known for its well-preserved old town, especially its medieval buildings and fortifications, as well as for the annual Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt (Christmas market), which is one of the most popular in Germany. From the fairy-tale castles of Bavaria and the Black Forest to the vibrant city life of Berlin, theres something for everyone in Germany. 9 of the Best Family Vacations in Germany Ok, before you get all Horror Movie on me with wide eyes saying Arent hostels unsafe! Carbon footprint0.9 CO2 Estimated tonnes of CO2 produced for return flights for a family of four. On a family holiday in Germany, you will be able to hike and cycle over mountains . Family Holidays in Germany - ComeToGermany.com Outdoor adventure beckons on a canoe tour of the countryside or a climbing course in Saxony's "Grand Canyon". The Christkind is a beautiful golden angel that all the kids adore as well. This was also well before the times of individual entertainment systems on flights. Alternatively, if you are on a guided tour, simply just ask the guides ahead of time if you can stay outside during certain buildings. Germany is an outstanding country filled with history, culture, and amazing things to do which have made it a destination that continues to be perennially underrated as a place to visit with kids and families. However, some castles in Germany can be REALLY fun for kids to see. If you have young kids, this frightening beast (people in costumes) run a muck and steal naughty children. Its a blast for older kids and adults, but young children are often terrified. Therefore, if you need an automatic AND a van, then you really will need to get on that as early as possible. Despite whether you choose to drive or take the trains everywhere, you are probably going to find yourself taking some public transportation at some point on your journey. about your trip. However, if you are wanting to get a fantastic Fest Experience without the touristy version of Oktoberfest, look for Volksfests in other towns, which Ill talk about more in the section below on exactly where to go. This post may contain affiliate links. Read The Best Things To Do in Munich in One Day. Dont worry, you arent sleeping in a barn with the cows (although at some of them, if you want, you can definitely play with the animals and even help chip in with farm chores). Therefore, in order to avoid logistical issues like those, its best to start planning your trip 9 months to 1 year ahead of time. If you can book ahead in advance, you can just book one of these rooms all to yourself. Here you will find the latest offers at a glance directly in your inbox and you will not miss any super deals of Kinderhotels Europa anymore. There are no holidays in Germany today. Therefore, go as early as you can and on a weekday. Depending on the size of your family, you may need a van to fit everyone in one vehicle. To put it simply. Make a beeline for Bavaria, one of the most popular German family holiday destinations. The most convenient airport (given its size) is in the city of Basel, Switzerland which is located about an hour and a half from the forest. If you come to Germany in winter, dont miss the Christmas markets held in cities, towns and villages throughout the country, selling gifts and gourmet treats including Lebkuchen (gingerbread biscuits) and marzipan figures and other sweets. The Black Forest offers (almost) everything you need for the perfect family holiday: shady forests, imposing mountains, blue lakes and exciting activities for the whole family. Weve stayed in rooms that have a double bed plus a set of bunk beds. I listened to my music (I remember I was particularly into Rent during that trip!) There are so many things to do in Berlin that all members of your family will find something to suit their interests. You can visit the German Mining Museum for a look at the regions mining history, or head to one of the areas many spas for a relaxing massage or treatment. Its kind of like our own little enclosed play area. You currently do not need a visa for entry into Germany as a tourist (from most Western countries). If you have younger kids, if you can be at the markets on December 6th, St. Nikolaus Day, there is often a St. Nick walking around giving out goodies for kids. However, if you are looking for a more luxurious experience, there are also several high-end resorts in the area and around Bavarian Forest National Park. Nuremberg is also famous for its atmospheric Christmas market. Since we are travel hackers, we also prefer to fly on points to help keep costs down, especially during the expensive summer months. Most young kids wont even grasp or realize where they are at. Germany is my home country and every time we travel there, we try as many new accommodations as possible. Some hotels dont have a problem with this in Germany, but you have to notify the hotel of all the number of people in the room for safety rules and regulations. You can find Park and Rides just by googling them (IE: Munich Park and Ride) and youll just park your car, sometimes for free, sometimes for a few Euro/day. Best days out Getting there Places to visit in Germany Overview This vast country with its charming and vibrant cities, forests, fairytale castles, world-class theme parks, hands-on museums and plenty of festivals and fairs throughout the year is one of the best European destinations for families. Required fields are marked *. For example, if I was flying home in December after visiting the Christmas Markets, my passport would need to be valid at least through that March. Entry fees will vary depending on the location, monument and museum you are visiting, but in many places, kids under 12 (sometimes even 18) are free entry, or at least have a child discount. Depending on how big your family is, you can always ask if they offer a family discount as well. One way to not cause added stress is to find locations that you can spend a few days in for itself but then also find 2-3 more day trips. In Munich, tour the BMW Museum, the Deutsches Museum the world's biggest museum of science and technology and the innovative Hellabrunn Zoo. Rodelbahns: These Alpine coasters are a ton of fun for all ages! These often come with fantastic kids activities on site as well, huge breakfasts (and sometimes other meals), and typically have bigger room and family-style accommodations since they are geared towards kids. Flying time1.5hrs All flight times are based on flights from UK London airports, to the capital or nearest destination airport. Berlin's the largest city in Europe. There are some things to know as tourists when visiting Germany in December, so be sure to read those first. THE 10 BEST Family Resorts in Germany - Tripadvisor Family holidays in Germany If you have every thought about family holidays in Germany and then dismissed it for yet another trip to the Dordogne - don't. Fantastic value, outdoor life that revolves totally around families, castles that are straight out of storybooks, literally, vast lakes for water sports and Christmas markets. (yes yes, I know, I would never go for a Holiday Jaunt on Skid Row, but I think you get the point) The regional capital, historic, vibrant Stuttgart, is home to Porsche and Mercedes Benz car museums, the Carl-Zeiss Planetarium and Germanys only zoological-botanical garden, Wilhelma. Find books about WWII or Prussia, or other historical events that they could read about before (or during traveling). Some hotels have specific Family Rooms but they often come with a pretty decent price tag. They have resorts all over Germany and you can read my full review on the one in the beautiful Allgu region of Bavaria. Children under twelve (and under 150cm) must have a booster or restraint system and be seated in the back, Style of car seats needed (Infant/ Bucket Seat, Booster, etc), It can be REALLY fun and unique for the kiddos, YOU dont have to worry about driving in a foreign country, Deutsche Bahn has tons of fantastic routes, Young kids arent stuck in a car seat for hours (can get up, move, walk around, go to the bathroom, etc), Depending on the tickets, it CAN get pricey for a big family, You cant do a TON of off the beaten path locations (easily or timely at least), It might be cheaper to get a whole family somewhere by a car, Some people are nervous about driving in Germany/foreign countries, You need to book large vehicles in advance to fit a whole family, Its not always the most enjoyable experience to drive in the big cities, What locations are you planning on going to. Instead, babywear. Heidelberg is a city located in the southwestern part of Germany. You can read all the reviews and see pictures so that you can feel pretty confident in your booking. And then, obviously, there are just normal hotels. Most families prefer to stay in the city center so that they can be close to all the attractions. The Best Things To Do in Munich in One Day, A Day Trip from Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle, 10 Destinations for Spring Break in Europe, Munich, Salzburg, Vienna: An 8 Day Itinerary, Your email address will not be published. Tip: If you want to make sure that your homestay is on the up and up and not skirting any local rules, all listings on Booking.com have to be registered. Fantasy island: a hidden idyll on Germanys North Sea coast, A quick getaway: half-term breaks with no need to take a Covid test, Serenity by sea: a calming family break on Germany's Juist island, Rulantica, Europa-Parks new indoor water world, Messing about in boats on Germany's lakes and barely a tourist in sight, Let battle commence - the worlds biggest jousting tournament in Bavaria, Follow the Brothers Grimm on Germany's new fairytale route, 10 of the best outdoor activities in Berlin, Heligoland: Germany's hidden gem in the North Sea, Teenage trips: that first parent-free holiday, Roads to freedom: top driving tours from European ferry ports, About 21 results for Germany holidays + Family holidays. As mentioned previously, the ICE trains are the Inter City Express Trains. Here is what to look for when reading reviews: Before we had kids, my favorite places to stay at in Germany was family run Pensions and Guesthouses. There are a lot of natural hot springs to be found throughout the country, so youll often find a Therme where there is a half pool area and half spa/ sauna (usually for adults) area. While most people flock to the Kinder Hotels, my recent obsession is the brand Center Parcs. Family holidays in Germany: Top 8 destinations - Hapimag Honestly, I believe ANYWHERE (well, ok, MOST anywhere) in the world is good to travel to with kids. Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a special town that is known for its well-preserved old-world architecture and beautiful Christmas markets. There is usually a commons room where the family can go to hang out, play board games, play pool or air hockey etc. Kids under 6 do not need a ticket, however, if you are booking a long distance train and want seat reservations (more on this in a minute) then they will need a seat reservation as well. Many popular tourist destinations in Germany can fill up quickly, so its best to reserve your spot as soon as possible. ), maybe I DO want to sleep in a barn on a bed of hay! Then let me introduce you to Hay (Heu) Hotels. What are they looking forward to..etc. Does Your Family Celebrate Any German Holidays? The entire country is quite child-friendly, and there are loads of things to do with little ones, from visiting medieval towns to exploring forest trails that seem plucked straight from a fairy tale. If you are solely looking at the cheapest flights for the whole family, February tends to be a good month. We will proudly provide you with a deserved break and noticeable relaxation - you'll feel great knowing that you can wind down while your kids receive the finest care. This is home to the Black Forest (Schwarzwald) with its half-timbered houses, gorgeous hiking paths and first-class ski areas (try the ski resort of Enzklsterle, also home to the longest, fastest high-grade steel toboggan run in Germany in summer), and to part of Lake Constance (the Bodensee), shimmering beneath the impressive panorama of the Alps. Those who want to hit the slopes can ski in Germany from December to April, and visitors who prefer a winter wonderland should visit during Christmas time for the festive markets. As a serial traveler myself with kids, I have found that car rentals are NOT very trustworthy when it comes to car seats. Too many posh palaces (Schloss) is going to bore your kids to tears. Tip: We LOVE stopping at a Backerei at the train stations and grabbing some grub before boarding. I once saw an older child working tirelessly on a scarf one time on a plane and thought that was brilliant! Alternatively, almost all hostels have dorm style rooms as well. This is going to vary from location to location, but it is something to know that kids just dont automatically come free all the time. On the plane, they can start to organize a journal as well as start their first entries. Enjoy the Baltic Sea coast in the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern a little less rugged, with white beaches and pleasant water temperatures until September; watersports include windsurfing, water-skiing, parasailing, kitesurfing, diving and sailing. February 22, 2023 - Carnival/Ash Wednesday. The following are some of the best places to stay in Munich: Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a charming old town located in the Franconia region of Germany. Family Traveller | Family holidays to Germany - Family Traveller Google Maps is actually quite accurate as well with routing timings. When it comes to booking accommodation in Germany for families, there are a few things to keep in mind. Which is why I really cant stand the Best places to go in Germany with kids because they are all worthy, but more importantly, adaptable! In Baden-Wrttemberg, sample Maultaschen, a kind of oversized ravioli filled with minced and smoked meat, spinach and breadcrumbs, served sliced and fried in a pan with scrambled eggs, simmered in a vegetable broth or dressed with butter and onions and served with a potato salad. Its not JUST Oktoberfest that is an amazing experience in Germany. Yes. If you have every thought about family vacations in Germany and then dismissed it for yet another trip to the Dordogne - don't. Fantastic value, outdoor life that revolves totally around families, castles that are straight out of storybooks, literally, vast lakes for water sports and Christmas markets. There are also plenty of charming villages located in the region where you can relax after a day of exploration. To find ones in the region or area you are looking for, just do a simple google search of Heu Hotel Bavaria or Heu Hotel Mosel Valley etc to find local farm stays. Dont worry, driving in Germany does not need to be scary! Its ok to stop for a few hours at a local park and miss out on a museum if that means that your younger kids arent crabby. While vans arent entirely uncommon in Germany, they also arent a typical norm. You have a kitchen to cook meals in (cut down on costs). You definitely dont get the local experience like a guesthouse, but you also pretty much always know what you are getting when you book these types of hotels. It begins with Nurembergs own Spielzeugmuseum (Toy Museum). Here are some important things to know when looking. Exploring cities with kids in tow can be exhausting, but there are always plenty of child-friendly options waiting to be discovered, Having a family doesn't mean you need to sacrifice that spirit of adventure. Thats why weve put together this list of the best family vacations in Germany. However, dont think of these as cheap stays, either (cheaper than a Kinder Hotel, but not as cheap as some Pensions). What did they pack? If youre looking for summer weather, stick to May through October when the temperatures are lovely and theres plenty to do outdoors. Book now for great savings. This is a great place for family road trips, with scenic roads including the 'Fantastic Road (Fantastische Strasse), 'German Clock Road' (Deutsche Uhrenstrae) and 'Castle Road (Burgenstrae). European Holiday Parks Perfect for October Half Term, 10 Magical Mums' Breaks with Kids: Overseas, Best Products for Family Cruises and Boating and Sailing Holidays, Fabulous Father's Day and Year-Round Dads Breaks, Top 20 Chocolate Museums and Attractions Around the World, A Family Boating Holiday in Northern Germany. Family Holidays in Germany at JUFA Hotels Country: Germany. On the one hand, I like to travel light. Family holidays in Germany - Kinderhotels Europa Kids will love Oktoberfest, as it is basically a big, giant, festive, carnival. These are great to look back on when they get older! On the other hand, I take car seat safety EXTREMELY serious. Please see our disclosure for more information and thank you [], [This post may contain affiliate links where we earn a small commission. It measures 876 kilometres from north to south and has a range of holiday options almost as big. Five Uniquely German Holidays Will they fall under its spell? Meaning, we may miss some top sights in a town because we go at a much slower, relaxed pace. This isnt on all ICE trains and it is currently a suspended program during COVID. Enjoying nature in the Black Forest. You can zip from Munich to Berlin in 5.5 hours or from Frankfurt to Hamburg in just 4. Since you will be traveling, having a travel journal is something kids can really get into. This is probably a no brainer. Please see our disclosure for more information and thank you for supporting our site so we can continue to bring you awesome content for your travel inspiration!]. You have to contact Deutsche Bahn directly in order to book a family ticket. But do leave room for some of that world-famous Black Forest Gateau. Just off the North Sea coast, check out the large islands of Sylt, Fhr, Amrum and Pellworm, or the tiny but populated Halligen islets. Check In / / Check Out / / Guests View map Popular Breakfast included 9 5 stars 5 & up 37 Luxury 8 Property types Resorts 48 All-inclusives 2 B&Bs & Inns 1 Condos 1 Show more Amenities Free Wifi 34 Since you are probably getting a whole Dorm room or a private room, they are actually really decent sizes. Relax in Ruhpolding Our holidays to Germany are centred around the Bavarian town of Ruhpolding, near the Austrian border. Yet all too often its overlooked in favour of the Med and other destinations that are perhaps perceived of as more glamorous. While this isnt screen free, I love having my kids do some language Apps. The Black Forest can be reached by car, train, or bus. Your two main options for getting around Germany with a family is by car or train. Family Holidays in Germany with Babies, Toddlers and Kids Drive the German Fairy Tale Route (Deutsche Mrchenstrae), stretching 600km from Hanau in central Germany to Bremen in the north and dotted with attractions linked with the Brothers Grimm, from locations where they lived and worked to regions connected with their fairytales, such as The Town Musicians of Bremen. If you have a smartphone, I highly recommend looking up the local App, where you can just purchase tickets in a cinch right there without worrying about finding a place to get tickets. Its a great place to bring kids studying history for GCSE or A-level, and there's plenty to do in the surrounding Brandenburg region too. Germany Germany Hotels Germany Family Resorts Germany Family Resorts Everything you need for a fun family vacation in one place. All along the north coast youll find plenty of sole, plaice and shrimps on menus; on the coast of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and Schleswig-Holstein youll see a lot of Matjes herrings, served with potatoes cooked in their skin and a bacon dip. Therefore, take that into consideration when picking the exact van out. However, here are a few more specifics to help you plan. So, if youre looking for a fun and affordable getaway with your loved ones, then consider planning a trip to Germany. We LOVE AirBnBs because we get plenty of space, we can cut down on food expenses by doing breakfasts and even some dinners at the house, and we dont have to worry about loud children in a hotel. They can start to understand some of the basic concepts. So if youre looking for an adventure in Germany, be sure to add the Harz Mountains to your list. maybe even excited!) The city is also home to the University of Heidelberg, which is one of the oldest universities in Europe. in Germany with a van can actually be quite difficult since there are many towns that have very small roads. If youre looking for a city break with plenty of things to keep the kids entertained, Munich is a great choice. February Holidays in Germany. Country: Germany. If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase then we receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Family Resorts in Germany Everything you need for a fun family holiday in one place. By having a Family Ticket, you can have at 4 children aged 6 to 14 years hassle-free on all your tickets. There are some decent kids ones, like Study Cat, German Learning for Kids that are all German language apps for kids. 50 Books Set in London: A Literary Escape to London Town, Visiting the Museum of Broadway: A Dream for Theatre Fans, Visiting the RBG Arboretum: A Hidden Gem in the GTA, 8 Day Ireland Itinerary: The Best Things to See and Do. As an Amazon affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases. Concentration Camps To Consider Going To In Germany with Kids: Pre- kids, we mostly did Travel. Meaning, we were go go go. Im Lisa and Im on a mission to show my kids the world one trip at a time! We are a Member of ABTA which means you have the benefit of ABTAs assistance and Code of Conduct. For those little princesses in our lives, places like Neuschanstein Castle is a real life fairytale in and of itself. And if your kid doesnt care for the market itself, NOBODY can resist all the delicious foods to eat!!! Pro Parenting Tip: If you have a baby/ toddler, I cant recommend baby wearing in castles enough. Click Here To See Current Center Parc Deals and Discounts. There are plenty of things to do with kids in Munich. However, this is a once in a life time opportunity to teach our children about what hatred and racism can do. If you are still trying to narrow that down, dont miss my Best Time To Visit Germany post. Most are done by late September. Forststrae 9 17449 Ostseebad Trassenheide / Insel Usedom. If you are going to be doing any ICE Trains, be sure to take advantage of the family and kid perks: Family Area: There is a section on most ICE trains called the Familienbereich. This is an area dedicated to families with kids (think grade school ages). In February, you can still do plenty of sight seeing (just be sure to bundle plenty of layers and use my tips in my What To Pack For Germany in the Winter) If your family is into skiing, winter is a great time to hit up the Alps for some amazing runs. If you want to limit screen time, negotiate a For every X minutes of reading, you can watch X movies/ shows type of deal. It isnt uncommon for families to run these businesses and they take great pride in running a hospitable business. We hope to inspire you to travel with your kids by sharing our tips, destination guides and more. However, if I were to put 2 kids and 2 adults into the search engines of the hotels or even Booking.com, it rarely will give me that option. Kids under 5 are almost always free to places. And while these may all be strong emotions for a teenager, they are often necessary so that the past does not repeat itself. Here's a list of all the German public holidays you need to know in 2022 and 2023, as well as other important dates to make a note of on your calendar. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking toAmazon.comand affiliated sites. This is a good area because youll find that in most of the other cars, it is VERY quiet. You can actually filter out different things like prices, pools (pools arent too common in Germany, unless at more of a resort style hotel or big chain), number of rooms and more. ViaTravelers is a destination travel blog providing the best tips, hacks, and itineraries to help you explore the world. For winter sports in village resorts geared to family groups rather than frantic aprs-ski, including the Harz Mountains, the ski season tends to last from December to April. However, it can get EXTREMELY crowded (and yes, rowdy) at times. FAQ: Should I Bring My Own Car Seat or Rent One When Traveling. First, be sure to research the different types of accommodations available to decide which is best for your family. No matter what time of year you visit, the Harz Mountains are a great place to spend a family vacation. Here are some of the first places I look when looking for hotels and places to stay in Germany with my family. As mentioned previously, we collect points and miles, so we often stay at places like Mariott, Hyatt, Hilton, etc. Have them work on a language learning app. As youve seen, there are a few nuances to traveling to Germany with a family, like booking hotel rooms or lodging that works for your whole gang or needing to book vans way in advance. Maybe they plan this themselves based on their own interests in what a town may offer. If your kid needs special foods (fruit juice boxes, baby puree, etc make sure you have these before boarding). There are also a ton of fantastic lakes in Germany, particularly in Bavaria, that also offer some phenomenal hiking options. When visiting the Bavarian Alps, there are a variety of accommodation options to choose from. The FamiluxExperience. For older kids, it is shocking how into some of the history they can get (yes, even the ones that you typically cant pry away from Minecraft!) Visiting Germany With Kids: How To Plan Perfect Family Holidays in That means no running around, no loud talking, etc. This has the advantage of making it generally great value. All rights reserved. and the much more laid back culture of Germany is easy to get the whole family into the groove of! Living in Regensburg allows for plenty of day trips in Bavaria and full on vacations in Germany and Europe. For kids under 16, they are only good for 5 years! If youre in Munich, make sure to have a browse around the Viktualienmarkt with its stalls selling traditional Bavarian pork knuckles, cheeses, herbs and honey.