Southern Germany holidays: Experience Lake Constance in Constance
Old town & lake feeling in the secret capital of Lake Constance
No matter what time of year – Lake Constance remains one of the most popular holiday destinations in southern Germany. With the variety of sights and excursion destinations around Constance, this is no wonder. On your first visit to Constance, start with a stroll through the old town. Here you will find famous sights such as the statue of Imperia in the harbour entrance or the Constance Council. The only papal election on German soil took place at this historic site in the Middle Ages. The elegant patrician houses from the Wilhelminian era on Seestraße and the city garden are also well worth a visit.
But what would a holiday in southern Germany in Constance be without swimming? If you’re planning a holiday by the lake in southern Germany, you’ve come to the right place and are spoilt for choice. There are a total of four free lidos in the area. Here you can swim to your heart’s content, play beach volleyball or simply relax in nature.
Please note: not every lido has a lifeguard on duty at all times – recognisable by the red or white flag.
What else can you do in Constance? Don’t miss a boat trip to Meersburg or a trip to the two famous Lake Constance islands: the flower island of Mainau and the UNESCO World Heritage island of Reichenau. On the island of Mainau you will find an impressive splendour of flowers, especially in summer. There are also great events for the whole family. The island of Reichenau is ideal for long cycle tours and hikes. Be sure to visit the churches of St George and St Peter and Paul. Also take a look at St Mary and St Mark’s Minster with its treasure chamber.
Esslingen: On the trail of the Middle Ages
Half-timbered art, monuments and a whole lot of history
Venice in the middle of Swabia? Many visitors think of this on their first trip to Esslingen am Neckar. Romantic canals meander through the picturesque old town.
The best way to explore the medieval town centre is on foot. A holiday in Esslingen in southern Germany offers numerous highlights, including the oldest continuous row of half-timbered houses and historic churches. Esslingen’s city hall is also one of the monuments worth seeing. Esslingen Castle towers high above the town with the Hochwacht, the Seilergang and the Dicken Turm. After climbing the ‘Stäffele’, you can enjoy a unique view of the surrounding countryside from here.
From the Pliensauvorstadt opposite, you have the best view of the old town. If you want to experience Esslingen from a different perspective, you should visit the well-preserved historic city gates. You can visit them as part of a city tour or on Open Monument Day – spectacular views included.
Another highlight is the Katharinenlindenturm tower on the Esslinger Höhenweg. From there, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Neckar valley, the Swabian Alb and as far as Stuttgart. Tip: The adjoining restaurant and playground are perfect for a short break. The Esslingen Christmas and medieval market is also well worth a visit. Here you can take an exciting journey back in time and experience food, drink and crafts just like in the old days.
Romantic towns in southern Germany: Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Historic old town & picturesque nature
Anyone on holiday in southern Germany is sure to have Rothenburg ob der Tauber on their list. The small medieval town is known for its well-preserved old town centre. Idyllically situated above the Tauber Valley, its half-timbered houses and cobbled streets make it one of the most beautiful small towns in southern Germany.
Experience the breath of history on a walk along the fully preserved town wall. You can explore the impressive structure and walk around the old town on the four-kilometre-long Turmweg. One of the most famous sights is the Plönlein. This is not just the world-famous leaning yellow half-timbered house at the entrance to the hospital quarter. It also includes the small square with its fountain and the two towers of the old city wall. A photo in front of this picturesque motif is a must for every visitor!
Rothenburg’s town hall is just as worth seeing. Surrounded by half-timbered houses, the Renaissance building stands out with its imposing staircase and almost looks like a castle. Those who have had enough of sightseeing can relax in one of the many street cafés. There you can enjoy the mix of lively city life and historical backdrop. The Rothenburg Christmas market is an absolute highlight in the calendar of events. The Reiterlesmarkt has been a tradition for over 500 years and is one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Bavaria.
Welcome to Füssen in the Allgäu
Nature & history on short trips to southern Germany
Not far from the world-famous royal castles of Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau lies one of the most famous towns in the Allgäu: Füssen. A holiday in southern Germany in this region combines history and nature in a unique way. History comes alive in the highest town in Bavaria. As you stroll through the medieval alleyways of the old town centre, you will feel like you have been transported back in time. The time-honoured buildings and the historic town wall contribute to this impression. From the battlements and gate tower, you have a unique view of the city and the surrounding area.
One of the highlights is the High Castle, which towers over the city from afar. Formerly the summer residence of the prince-bishops of Augsburg, the late Gothic castle complex now houses various galleries with impressive works of art. The illusion paintings on the façade and the eye-catching towers make the castle a real eye-catcher. Also visit the former Benedictine monastery of St Mang. The baroque complex is located on the high banks of the Lech river and is one of the German government’s ‘nationally valuable cultural monuments’. For nature lovers, there is plenty to discover in Füssen. The Kneipp cycle route takes you through the region, while the treetop path in the forest adventure centre is a particular highlight.
A popular excursion destination is the Forggensee, which is perfect for sailing, surfing or canoeing in summer. Swimming, hiking and cycling along the shore are also popular. The Lech Falls are spectacular, where the water thunders over a barrage into the gorge below.
Art & Culture in Würzburg
Historic monuments, wine & much more
If you want to see all of Würzburg’s sights, you should bring some time with you on a city trip to Würzburg in southern Germany. One of the most famous is undoubtedly the Würzburg Residence from the late Baroque period. Due to its historical and architectural significance, Würzburg Palace, together with the Residenzplatz and the Hofgarten, has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Marienberg fortress is no less impressive. The former refuge tells the story of almost 3,000 years of the city’s history. You can admire the art treasures of the State Museum of Art and Cultural History in the Fürstenbau and the Zeughaus. Würzburg City Hall also deserves a visit. The Grafeneckart, the oldest part of the town hall, is particularly worth seeing. Extra tip: On one side of the building you will find a room in which documentaries about the bombing of the city of Würzburg in 1945 are shown.
A large part of the culture in Würzburg’s Old Town is also winegrowing. On guided tours of the Staatlicher Hofkeller, the Bürgerspital and the Juliusspital, you can get to know the city’s three largest wineries. A visit to the popular Brückenschoppen is also recommended. In the late afternoon, wine lovers meet on the Old Main Bridge for a glass of Franconian wine – the fantastic view of the river and the old town is included!
Another wine-related attraction is the ‘Terroir f’. Situated high above the city, this place offers various viewpoints. Here you can learn more about the Franconian wine country. You will also discover the connections between famous personalities such as Goethe, Walther von der Vogelweide and Hermann Hesse and Würzburg. The Würzburg Christmas market is also a magnet for visitors. You will find arts and crafts, culinary delicacies and a varied entertainment programme in several squares in the old town.
Dinkelsbühl: Off to the stork town!
Idyllic gem in Franconia
The Dinkelsbühl Christmas market is at least as beautiful. The motto ‘Ihr Kinderlein kommet’ (Little children come) is reminiscent of the town’s most famous son. Christoph von Schmid once wrote the lyrics to the well-known Christmas carol. In addition to the lavishly decorated stalls, you will also find a wonderful bazaar in the romantic courtyard of the hospital buildings in Dinkelsbühl’s old town centre. Here you can buy unique arts and crafts and enjoy a colourful music programme. One of the highlights of the Christmas market is definitely the almost 60 square metre nativity scene in St. George’s Minster.
But Dinkelsbühl also has a number of sights outside of the Advent season. The Weinmarkt, Ledermarkt and Altrathausplatz are home to historic buildings – picturesque half-timbered houses as well as representative and colourful patrician houses. The Tewtscher Hof is also a real eye-catcher. The baroque palace with its richly decorated rococo chapel is a favourite photo motif, especially for visitors.
You should also plan a stop at the Dinkelsbühl town wall, which is still completely preserved with four gates and a total of fourteen defence towers. So it’s no wonder that Dinkelsbühl is considered one of the most beautiful medieval imperial towns in Germany.
The storks of Dinkelsbühl also have a very special place in the town. The history of these impressive birds dates back to the century before last. Today, there are a total of six stork nests, one of which is located on the roof of the Haus der Geschichte museum. Thanks to the Storchencam Dinkelsbühl, you can observe the animals up close all year round – a great tip for your family holiday in southern Germany!
Looking for more holiday ideas for 2025?
Here you can find our tips for Northern Germany:Northern Germany holidays 2025: The best tips for excursions and holidays
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