Holiday Home Southern Germany: Surround Yourself with Forested Mountains, Baroque Towns, and Knightly Castles!

Southern Germany is without doubt the most characteristic showcase of the entire Federal Republic. Both the natural beauty and the urban heritage stretch from the western state of Baden-Württemberg to the Bavarian Alps. In Berchtesgaden National Park, hikers indulge in a lush mountain range, interspersed with lakes, rock formations, and deep valleys. But you can also discover many sights by bike along the Danube or the Romantic Road, with numerous highlights and historic towns along the way. Are you looking for a romantic cycling holiday or do you want to string together countless attractions on a road trip? In the following article, read why you should definitely consider a holiday home in Southern Germany!

Hike at Impressive Altitudes near Oberstdorf from Your Holiday Home in Southern Germany

The Oberstdorf Alps are considered by many hikers to be one of the most beautiful places in the Alps. There are marked hiking trails to the Nebelhorn, where you will have a view from 400 meters up. Trails are laid out at different heights, which you can reach by cable car. Would you prefer a walk without too much elevation gain but still enjoy views of snow-covered peaks? Take a walk through the Trettach Valley. In this mountain valley, you stroll past the jewel-green Lake Christlesee and alpine meadows with wooded slopes and white mountain flanks in the background. Do you want to discover a landmark in the middle of the landscape? Take a circular walk around Lake Alpsee and visit Hohenschwangau Castle. Tip: rent a boat on the lake to get a view of both this ochre-yellow castle and the royal Neuschwanstein Castle!

Visit the Mighty Knightly Castles of the Past

The two federal states of Southern Germany, Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, are known for their proud castles, often perched on hilltops. A typical knight’s fortress on the border of the Black Forest and Bavaria, towering on a hill almost 900 meters high, is Hohenzollern Castle. The castle consists of high walls with a fortress wall at the foot, gables, and turrets. Much newer and situated on a lush ridge is Lichtenstein Castle in the Swabian Alb. A narrow bridge to the entrance immediately offers a magnificent view of the castle and surroundings. Compared to Hohenzollern, Lichtenstein is much smaller, but the round white tower and the charming residence on a rock make it a unique gem.

Another white castle that is extraordinarily fairy-tale-like yet impressive in scale is Neuschwanstein Castle. This is one of the most iconic sights in Southern Germany, near the Austrian border. Not only does the castle capture the imagination, but also the surrounding forests, the valley, and the mountains in the distance place Neuschwanstein in a stunningly beautiful setting.

Book a Holiday Home in Southern Germany by Lake Constance

In the far south of Germany lies the country's largest lake: Lake Constance (Bodensee). Because the lake is so vast, you really feel like you are in another world—a Mediterranean world, to be precise! Everything you are looking for in a complete holiday can be found here, from cycling and hiking to water sports such as kayaking and water skiing. Lovely beaches are also available if you wish to relax by the water. Tip: take a boat trip and visit one of the islands, such as Mainau, the flower island. Characteristic of this botanical garden is the stream that trickles down between flowers and cypresses via steps. Various types of trees and beautifully shaped flowerbeds alternate in a picturesque way. Some flower beds and hedge sculptures are even shaped like ducks and peacocks.

Heidelberg: A Historic Gem on the River Neckar

Would you like to visit a beautiful castle on the edge of an old university town? Then make a trip to Heidelberg from your holiday home in Southern Germany. This castle has partly fallen into ruin and is actually a ruin, but it is still one of Germany’s most popular castles, thanks to the beautiful Schlossgarten and the fantastic view over the city and the Neckar River. Another favorite spot is the stone arch bridge leading to a city gate with two white towers. The Renaissance buildings around it, the church towers, and the green hills behind make the bridge a beloved place for taking photos. Don’t forget to cross to the other side of the Neckar. Here you can enjoy a walk along the banks and see Heidelberg from a different perspective.

Follow the Danube Cycle Path or the Romantic Road for an Unforgettable Cycling Holiday!

Recreational cyclists will be in paradise in Southern Germany! The many forests and green low mountain ranges are interspersed with long rivers like the Danube. If you enjoy covering longer distances by bike, the route along the German Danube is ideal thanks to the predominantly flat terrain with few steep climbs. The Danube Cycle Path will also surprise you with many highlights, from the city of Ulm with the tallest church tower in the country to the pastel-colored city of Passau. Along the first stage, you will pass various monasteries as well as Sigmaringen Castle, situated on a rock on the bank of the Danube. Beyond the second stage, limestone cliffs covered with rolling forests dominate the landscape on the route from Ingolstadt to Regensburg.

Another route that takes you past noteworthy castles, Baroque churches, and many historic towns is the cycling route along the Romantic Road. The first part of the route leads you to medieval towns such as the half-timbered town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, and when the Alps appear on the horizon, you cover the last kilometers to Füssen. Here you can admire several castles and a monastery complex with impressive frescoes.

Rent a Holiday Home in Southern Germany

Anyone traveling to the south of Germany will constantly encounter the cultural heritage the country has to offer. Many castles are situated in idyllic, impressive, and fairy-tale-like locations, and you will never tire of the Baroque and medieval towns. Almost everywhere in the south of Germany you will sense a romantic flair, from Lake Constance and the flower island of Mainau to the picturesque city of Passau! Are you looking for a destination where beautiful nature and charming towns are never far apart? Rent a holiday home in Southern Germany and immerse yourself in the world of Baroque and Renaissance amid rolling mountains!