In the heart of Europe, Germany offers an ideal blend of history, culture, and adventure, making it an exceptional destination for families with children. From fairytale castles to culturally rich cities, Germany provides a wealth of experiences that will entertain and educate visitors of all ages.
Germany is made up of 16 States, known in German as Länder, each with a strong identity and unique sites, like the different parts of the United States. With so much to choose from, we’ve rounded up our favorite Cities, Routes, and Regions for family vacations.
Berlin
Germany’s capital city is unique and full of history and culture. Families can explore its history from the Brandenburg Gate, one of Berlin’s most important landmarks and monuments, to the Berlin Wall. The East Side Gallery has the longest remaining section of theBerlin Wall and the world’s longest open-air gallery.
There are lots of parks and children’s museums to explore. The Berlin Zoo is one of the oldest and most renowned in Europe. The DDR Museum offers a hands-on experience of life in East Germany. Take a ride to the top of Berlin’s TV Tower, which stands tall above the city, for sweeping views and a restaurant that rotates.
Hamburg
Hamburg is home to Germany's largest port, the third-busiest port in Europe. The port city offers a unique mix of maritime history, modern attractions, and outdoor activities and is easy for families to explore.
Families will enjoy Miniatur Wunderland, the world's largest model railway featuring miniature versions of various cities and landmarks from around the world, including a fully functional miniature airport. The International Maritime Museum, housed in a historic warehouse in the HafenCity quarter, showcases 3,000 years of maritime history across nine "decks" (floors). Interactive exhibits and model ships make it engaging for children. Take a family-friendly Harbor Boat Tour. Visit the Hagenbeck Zoo, known for its natural, barrier-free enclosures, and offers a unique layout where animals appear to roam more freely.
Hamburg is also a fantastic location for Germany’s Christmas Markets. From November to December, there are more than 2,500 Christmas markets across the country. There are 30 Weihnacthsmarkts across Hamburg, with many of the main markets concentrated within easy walking distance in the Altstadt, old town. The prettiest is set just outside Hamburg’s Rathausmarkt Square, the impressive neo-Renaissance architecture city hall completed in 1897. Explore the alpine stalls filled with delicious local food, authentic music, warm beverages, and great shopping.
Cologne
This vibrant city on the Rhine River, Germany’s second-longest river, is dominated by its famous 13th-century cathedral, the Kölner Dom (Cologne Cathedral). It is the largest in Germany and took 600 years to build. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and has a climbable tower with 533 steps.
The ancient city is filled with other attractions, including restored Romanesque churches, striking Roman ruins, The Chocolate Museum, where kids can learn about (and taste) chocolate-making, and The Odysseum, an adventure science museum with interactive exhibits
Everyone will love exploring the Upper Middle Rhine Valley on a Rhine River cruise through gorges and past ancient castles, vineyards, and more. The most panoramic stretch is between Rüdesheim and Koblenz.
Munich
The Bavarian city of Munich, in southeast Germany, is one of the most visited cities in Europe. It offers a mix of tradition and modernity.
You’ll find traditional attire like lederhosen and dirndls, hearty cuisine featuring specialties such as weisswurst (white sausage) and pretzels, and the world-famous Oktoberfest celebration. The festival runs from mid-September until the first days of October.
Modern attractions include the Deutsches Museum, one of the largest science and technology museums in the world, with more than 30 exhibits with topics ranging from astronautics, chemistry, robotics, and health. The BMW Welt and Museum offers a unique blend of automotive history, cutting-edge design, and interactive experiences that attract car enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
Munich also lies at the gateway to the Bavarian Alps, a fantastic region for hiking and climbing.
Here you’ll also findSchloss Neuschwanstein which is often called the "fairytale castle" due to its romantic architecture and stunning Alpine location in Füssen, about a two-hour drive from Munich. King Ludwig II of Bavaria built it in the 19th century, and it may look familiar as it inspired the designs of Disney theme park castles.
Zugspitze, Germany’s highest mountain, has a state-of-the-art cable car you can take to the summit. At the base of the mountain is Eibsee Lake’s strikingly blue waters.
The Fairytale Route
This is an incredible adventure if you and your kids love fairytales (and who doesn’t).
The Fairytale Route follows in the footsteps of the famous Brothers Grimm, the German fairytale writers of Hansel and Gretel, Little Red Riding Hood, Snow White, and many more. It takes visitors on a magical 370 miles (515 km) from their birthplace in Hanau in the South (east of Frankfurt) to Bremen in the north (southeast of Hamburg). You’ll find art and history and enchanting towns full of half-timbered buildings, fairytale palaces, castles, grottos, nature trails, and museums.
Hanau, about 16 miles (25 km) east of Frankfurt, also offers nine museums, numerous galleries, and more than 1,000 events per year. A highlight is the Brothers Grimm Festival every summer in the covered amphitheater of Palace Philippsruhe.
You’ll find a region steeped in fairy tale lore in North Hesse. The half-timbered town of Hofgeismar, known as the "Sleeping Beauty town," is home to Sababurg Castle, which inspired the tale of Sleeping Beauty. This area, often called "Red Riding Hood country," is dotted with enchanting castles and palaces. Additionally, you can visit Bad Wildungen, a charming spa and health town that is said to have inspired the story of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
The Romantic Road
Germany’s most popular tourist route, Romantische Strasse, winds 217 (349 km) miles through 29 towns from Würzburg in the north to the little town of Füssen at the foot of the Bavarian Alps near Neuschwanstein Castle. You could spend a week visiting all the towns and villages on the route which are full of European history, art, and culture.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a beautifully preserved slice of medieval Germany. As you wander its winding cobblestone lanes, you'll feel like you've stepped into a fairy tale. The town boasts well-preserved city walls, historic churches, and charming squares. Don't miss the chance to walk atop the city walls for a unique perspective. Visit the Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas Store and Museum which offers a magical year-round holiday experience. With its cozy restaurants and timeless atmosphere, Rothenburg captures the imagination of every visitor, blending medieval charm with festive spirit.
The Castle Road
Over 60 castles, palaces, and castle ruins can be admired along the 600 mile (966 km) route Burgenstrasse from Mannheim to Bayreuth, passing through renowned destinations like Heidelberg, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Nuremberg, Bamberg, and Coburg.
You’ll find museums, events, and restaurants along the way and can even stay in a castle hotel like Schloss Hohenstein (schloss means castle in German) in the countryside outside the city gates of Coburg.
Heidelberg was an important city during the Middle Ages, and by the 19th century, its beauty had started to attract authors, painters, and poets. It is home to Germany's oldest university and is a UNESCO City of Literature. From the lovely Old Town, you can take the funicular railway up to the stunning castle Schloss Heidelberg before heading up to the top of the Königstuhl (King’s Chair) Mountain, where you’ll be treated to gorgeous panoramas from 1,300 feet above the Neckar valley.
The Black Forest
The Black Forest is a nature lover's paradise, where dense fir forests give way to shimmering lakes and quaint villages. This charming region is perfect for families who love nature.
At its heart lies the elegant spa town of Baden-Baden, famous for its 12 rejuvenating thermal springs. Foodies will delight in local specialties like Black Forest cake and smoked ham. History buffs can explore the German Clock Route, a nearly 200 mile (320 km) journey through the region's clockmaking heritage, featuring the world's largest cuckoo clock in Triberg. The area transforms into Germany's largest connected ski resort in winter, promising snowy adventures.
Whether exploring bustling cities, wandering through enchanted forests, or marveling at fairytale castles, Germany offers an incredible blend of history, culture, and natural beauty for families to discover together. From the vibrant streets of Berlin to the serene landscapes of the Black Forest, each region of this diverse country promises unique adventures for all ages and interests.
