From the dense forests of the Black Forest to the rugged mountains of the Alps:
Germany offers a surprising variety of nature, culture, and photogenic landscapes. Ideal for those who love hiking, tranquility, charming villages, and vast natural areas.
Germany offers a surprising diversity of landscapes. From the coastlines of the North Sea and Baltic Sea in the north to the majestic Bavarian Alps in the south – the country provides a world of possibilities for nature lovers and photographers. With 16 national parks, dozens of nature parks, and thousands of kilometers of hiking trails, Germany is an underrated destination for active travelers.
The Black Forest (Schwarzwald) is perhaps the most famous natural area: dark pine forests, picturesque villages, waterfalls, and the famous cuckoo clocks. The Bavarian Forest (Bayerischer Wald) together with Czech Šumava forms Central Europe’s largest contiguous forest. In Saxon Switzerland (Sächsische Schweiz), you’ll find spectacular sandstone formations reminiscent of the American Southwest, while the Lüneburg Heath turns purple with blooming heather in August. Then there are the Bavarian lakes around Garmisch-Partenkirchen, the vineyards of the Moselle and Rhine, and islands like Rügen and Sylt.
Germany is a hiking paradise with an excellent network of marked trails. Long-distance routes such as the Westweg through the Black Forest, the Malerweg (Painters’ Way) in Saxon Switzerland, and the historic Rennsteig through the Thuringian Forest attract hikers from around the world. For day hikes, there are countless ‘Premiumwege’ and ‘Qualitätswege’ – certified routes guaranteeing scenic beauty and good signposting. Cyclists find flat, well-maintained paths along the rivers (Rhine, Danube, Elbe, Moselle).
For photographers, Germany offers inexhaustible inspiration: fairy-tale castles like Neuschwanstein, medieval towns along the Romantic Road, misty forests, glittering lakes, and the dramatic rocks of Saxon Switzerland. The combination of accessibility, good infrastructure, affordability, and natural beauty makes Germany an ideal destination – whether for a weekend getaway or an extended road trip.
travel stories
Read more about destinations in beautiful Germany.
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In my photo book about autumn, I collect the most beautiful stories and photographs of autumn locations — including various locations in Germany.
This autumn book contains 110 pages of the most beautiful photos and locations, compiled into a stunning publication.
Piesport is a picturesque village situated along the Mosel River in the Bernkastel-Wittlich district of Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. Renowned as the largest wine-growing village in the Mosel region, Piesport boasts a...
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Schliersee lies in the heart of the Bavarian Alps, about fifty kilometres south of Munich. The lake and its surrounding mountains form one of the most picturesque regions in southern...
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The Josefsthaler Waterfalls are hidden in a quiet forest valley near the village of Josefsthal, close to Schliersee in Upper Bavaria. Fed by the Hachelbach stream, this small series of...
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The Rottach Waterfalls are a series of small cascades hidden in a steep forested valley near Rottach-Egern, just south of Lake Tegernsee in Upper Bavaria. The Rottach stream, which gives...
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Spitzingsee is a serene mountain lake located about five kilometres south of Schliersee, at an elevation of just over 1,000 metres. Surrounded by forested ridges and alpine meadows, it is...
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The Heilig Kreuz Chapel stands on the summit ridge of the Wallberg, high above Lake Tegernsee in Upper Bavaria. At 1,722 metres, this small mountain chapel is one of the...
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Ramsau bei Berchtesgaden is one of the most picturesque alpine villages in Germany, tucked deep in the Berchtesgaden National Park in the southeastern corner of Bavaria. The village is best...
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Königssee, located in the Berchtesgaden National Park near the Austrian border, is one of Germany’s most breathtaking natural landmarks. Enclosed by steep mountain walls and fed by crystal-clear alpine streams,...
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Großer Ahornboden is a picturesque alpine valley located in the Karwendel Mountains of Tyrol, Austria. This natural reserve is renowned for its expansive meadows adorned with approximately 2,300 sycamore maple...
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Naturpark Karwendel is Austria's largest nature park, encompassing nearly the entire Karwendel mountain range in Tyrol. Established in 1928, it spans approximately 739 square kilometers, featuring rugged peaks, extensive forests,...
View locationGermany has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Weather is changeable, especially in spring. The south (Bavaria) is warmer in summer and colder in winter than the north. Coastal areas along the North and Baltic Seas are milder but windier. The Black Forest and Alps receive the most precipitation. Compared to the UK, summers are warmer and winters colder, especially inland.
| Month | Temp (°C) | Rainy Days | Sun Hours | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | -2 to 3 | 10 | 2 | Winter sports, Christmas markets (early), cities |
| February | -1 to 5 | 8 | 3 | Winter sports, carnival |
| March | 2 to 10 | 9 | 4 | Early spring, cities, fewer crowds |
| April | 5 to 14 | 9 | 6 | Cherry blossoms, first hikes |
| May | 9 to 19 | 10 | 7 | Hiking, cycling, blooming nature |
| June | 12 to 22 | 11 | 8 | Hiking, cycling, longest days |
| July | 14 to 24 | 11 | 7 | All outdoor activities, beaches |
| August | 14 to 24 | 10 | 7 | Hiking, Lüneburg Heath (purple!) |
| September | 10 to 19 | 8 | 6 | Hiking, photography, wine festivals, Oktoberfest |
| October | 6 to 14 | 8 | 4 | Autumn colors, wine, peaceful |
| November | 2 to 8 | 9 | 2 | Shoulder season, Christmas markets (late) |
| December | -1 to 4 | 10 | 1 | Christmas markets, winter atmosphere, skiing |
Tip for photographers: September and October offer the best conditions: stable weather, autumn colors, and atmospheric mist in the valleys. The Lüneburg Heath blooms purple from mid-August to early September. For Neuschwanstein Castle, the best hours are early morning (fewer tourists, beautiful light) or winter with snow.
A collection of helpful websites for planning your trip to Germany.
