Autumn holidays in Germany: 15 October destinations

The best autumn holiday destinations in Germany

Here we present 15 of the most beautiful autumn holiday destinations in Germany:

• Saarschleife and Rhine region

• Winegrowing villages on the Moselle

• Germany's forests

• The German islands: Rügen, Sylt and Pellworm

• City trips to Berlin or Constance

• Cycling through Brandenburg

• Castle Autumn in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania

• Alpine autumn atmosphere at Königssee

• Indian Summer in the Allgäu

• Insider Tip in the Sauerland

• The Magic Rakotz Bridge

• Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Wörlitz

• Apple Harvest in the Old Country

• Pumpkin Festivals in Germany

• Golden autumn in the Ahornboden

1. Saarschleife and Rhine region

Do you know the famous Horseshoe Bend in Arizona? There is a very similar landscape here, too, in the beautiful Saarland. And the Saarschleife is a real eye-catcher, especially in autumn, when the deciduous trees form a sea of yellow, orange and red with a blue ribbon running through it.

The Saarschleife is without a doubt one of the top travel destinations in Germany. We were totally overwhelmed on our first visit

The Saarschleife is one of the top sights in Germany, especially in autumn. So it's well worth a trip to the beautiful Saarland.

Our hotel tip for the Saarland: the Landhotel Saarschleife in Orscholz.

The entire surrounding Rhine region in southwest Germany is also really worth seeing at this time of year. In addition to the colourful trees, the beautiful vineyards are particularly attractive. But you should also take a look at the countless castles and palaces directly on the Rhine.

We especially liked Stahleck Castle. From there you have a direct view of the Rhine. But Eltz Castle near the Moselle is also worth a visit. And while you're at it, make sure you visit Cochem on the Moselle. Ah, the Rhine and Moselle and their beautiful corners are always worth a trip in autumn.

The Reichsburg Cochem in Rhineland-Palatinate is one of the top sights in the Rhine region. 2. winegrowing villages on the Moselle Bernkastel-Kues on the Moselle is fantastically beautiful and impresses with its half-timbered buildings.

The Saar flows into the Moselle near Trier, which brings us to the next wine region. The Moselle Cycle Path, for example, is highly recommended here. It begins in France and runs for over 300 kilometres to Koblenz.

On about half of the German stretch, there are numerous opportunities to make a detour to one of the small winegrowing villages.

We particularly liked Bernkastel-Kues. The beautiful half-timbered buildings make it one of the most beautiful half-timbered towns in Germany.

But the small wine-growing village of Ediger is also worth a visit. There you will find the Borchert wine estate with the Springiersbacher Hof. It is a former Augustinian monastery that today also houses an inn and holiday flats.

You will find many such offers in the region - so decide for yourself whether you want to book something in advance or whether you spontaneously choose and explore a small wine village on a whim!

Tip: Wine lovers take note - the Moselle region is part of the Pfalz wine country, the second largest wine-growing region in Germany. So there's certainly no shortage of offers for vineyard tours, wine tastings and wine festivals here!

The Moselle Loop at Bremm is absolutely stunning 3. Germany's forests

Like Canada, Germany boasts an enormous area of forest. Particularly beautiful deciduous forests can be found in the idyllic Black Forest, for example, or in the romantic Spreewald in Brandenburg. The Bavarian Forest is also a fairytale destination in autumn - click here for the top sights in the Bavarian Forest.

Other enchanting, wooded regions are Saxon Switzerland, the Eifel (the most beautiful sights in the Eifel) and the Harz (to the top sights in the Harz) - by the way, you can also go hiking here and marvel at the colourful leaves. You can enjoy a fantastic view of the Harz forests from the Brocken, for example, the highest and most legendary mountain in the low mountain range. Here you can find our hike to the Brocken.

Tip: A treetop path also offers spectacular views over the colourful canopy. Here you can find the most beautiful treetop paths in Germany!

⭐ Recommended travel guides for your autumn holiday in Germany

These great books tell you when you should visit which place in Germany. Not only will you find inspiration for your summer or winter holiday, but you're also guaranteed tofind the perfect autumn destination!

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4. the german islands: Rügen, Sylt and Pellworm The Königsstuhl is one of the most famous attractions on Rügen - and also a great photo motif

Whether Baltic Sea or North Sea - Germany definitely has some great coastal regions under its belt. I'll now show you which are the most beautiful islands for your autumn holiday.

Rügen is a fabulous Baltic Sea island famous for its chalk cliffs like the Königsstuhl. The white cliffs combined with the colourful beech forests of the Jasmund National Park are truly impressive. Moreover, in autumn the cranes make a stopover on Rügen during their journey south - a super exciting experience!

Sylt, probably the best known of the North Sea islands, also beckons at this time of year with deserted beaches and the best conditions for cycling. How about it, do you dare to go into the water?

Finally, I have a super exciting insider tip for you. The small island of Pellworm is also located off the German North Sea coast and stands for deceleration like no other. A guided tour through the Wadden Sea is a must here - and afterwards I recommend a wellness treatment with the healing minerals from the mud.

The Sellin pier is one of the top photo spots on Rügen - especially in autumn. 5. city trips to Berlin or Constance

Not only nature is enchanting in the golden autumn, but also many urban destinations. A city trip to Berlin is particularly recommended, where strolling and coffee drinking are on the agenda. Click here for the best Berlin sights.

Constance is on Lake Constance and we really liked it. By the way, here you can see the town's landmark, the revolving statue "Imperia".

Constance is also a real highlight in the Indian summer. This magnificent city has a cosy centre and an impressive promenade on Lake Constance. In the distance you can even catch a glimpse of the snow-covered peaks of the Alps. You can't get more autumnal in the city than this!

For your autumn city trip, you can find the most beautiful small towns in Germany here and the most beautiful big cities in Germany here. You can also find a list of the largest cities in Germany here.

6. cycling through Brandenburg Brandenburg is famous for its many lakes. Autumn with fog creates a great photographic atmosphere.

More than a third of Brandenburg is covered by forests and lakes. This makes the state a perfect holiday destination in autumn - and in combination with the relatively flat terrain, it is a true paradise for cyclists.

For example, you can plan your tour ideally based on the waters and cycle from lake to lake. Maybe you'll discover water hiking for yourself along the way, or you can relax in a cosy cabin in the forest and really switch off. Speaking of forests: the golden autumn is also ideal for picking mushrooms.

On the Brandenburg tourism website you'll find the most beautiful cycling tours in autumn, while we've summarised the best tips for the perfect holiday in Brandenburg.

7th Castle Autumn in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania Mellenthin moated castle is a popular destination for excursions

Other federal states also have a lot to offer in Indian summer. For example, you can find a very exciting highlight in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania - after all, there are more than 2,000 estates and manor houses here.

Every year in October, selected estates take part in the so-called Schlösserherbst(website). They open their doors to visitors, who can wander through the historic halls and sometimes even spend the night in the old walls. There are also guided tours, concerts, exhibitions and culinary events - don't miss them!

Two of my favourites, for example, are Mellenthin moated castle, Neetzow castle and Viecheln manor house(website). Take a look at this year's programme and see if they are included!

8. Alpine autumn atmosphere at Königssee

Have you read our article about the most beautiful lakes in Bavaria? There we show you not only the well-known waters of the state, but also real insider tips. One of the most picturesque lakes in Bavaria is definitely Lake Königssee at the foot of the 2713-metre-high Watzmann.

The alpine flair there is particularly spectacular in combination with the autumn atmosphere and the colourful leaves. Another reason to travel to Königssee at the golden time of year is the Almabtrieb - the cows wear a traditional headdress to indicate that no misfortune has befallen the herd over the summer.

In addition to this spectacle, the rest of Berchtesgadener Land is also worth a trip. Here you will find the top sights in Berchtesgaden and here the most beautiful photo spots in Berchtesgadener Land.

9 Indian Summer in the Allgäu The view of Neuschwanstein Castle in the evening. On the right you can also see Hohenschwangau Castle.

Another mountain region that is just absolutely fascinating in autumn is the Allgäu. Whether it's classic sightseeing at Neuschwanstein Castle, shopping in Kempten or a ride on Germany's longest year-round toboggan run (the Alpsee Coaster) - there's something for everyone here.

By the way, you can also marvel at the exciting Almabtrieb, for example the so-called Viehscheid in Obermaiselstein. There are even information tours beforehand, where experienced hiking guides take you to various alps. And even without cows, a hiking holiday in the golden autumn in the Allgäu is always a very special highlight.

Tip: Here you can find our hotel tip in the Allgäu, the idyllic Haubers Naturresort with a variety of offers and a truly spectacular setting.

10th insider tip in the Sauerland Lake Diemel from above. This is the view from the Diemelsteig trail

When the high heath in the Sauerland blossoms in autumn, many people make a pilgrimage there to take photos. No wonder, because this is the largest of its kind in northwest Germany. You shouldn't miss this spectacle of a heath in bloom.

When the heather blooms - Photo: Isabell Eggers

Let's just move on to a true hidden gem in the Sauerland. The small town of Bödefeld has just over 1,000 inhabitants, but a long and traditional history.

The legend about the origin of the name alone is exciting: a bishop is said to have brought a man back to life in this area who had been lynched as an alleged horse thief. His name was Buddo, and in his honour the local residents built a settlement which they called Buddenfeld.

The clear air in Bödefeld is perfect for long walks and hikes. The paths, some of which take you up to 800 metres, are well marked. In addition, Bödefeld has numerous half-timbered and slate houses and a church tower with a unique sight - a mysterious mummified hand.

On the way in the Sauerland on the Diemelsteig and Uplandsteig trekking platforms with a tent

Tip: Although Bödefeld is not exactly big, there are great places to stay here, from campsites to four-star hotels.

You can find more great sights in the Sauerland in our extra article. You should definitely visit the Bruchhauser Steine, but also the Hochheide. The two long-distance hiking trails, the Diemelsteig and the Uplandsteig, are particularly beautiful in autumn.

The Bruchhauser Steine in the Sauerland in all their glory 11 The magical Rakotz Bridge

Who doesn't know the famous Rakotz Bridge? Even if the name doesn't mean anything to you, you've probably seen a picture of the semi-circular arched bridge whose reflection in the lake finally forms the perfect circle. With the colourful trees around it, it's an absolutely spectacular photo motif!

The Rakotz Bridge is located in the Azalea and Rhododendron Park Kromlau in Saxony, the largest rhododendron park in Germany. The park is definitely worth a visit in itself - especially in autumn.

Tip: The park is free of charge and open daily, but you should find out in advance about any renovation work.

12th Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Wörlitz

Another outstanding park that is even a UNESCO World Heritage Site is the Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Wörlitz. The cultural landscape covers an area of more than 140 square kilometres and is one of the top sights in Saxony-Anhalt.

You can discover landscape parks and buildings there that were designed in the English style. There are not only castles and manor houses, but also beautiful canals and lakes. The Garden Kingdom also offers accommodation - so nothing stands in the way of a truly princely autumn experience.

13th Apple Harvest in the Old Country

The Alte Land consists of several municipalities in Lower Saxony and three districts of Hamburg. It is the largest contiguous fruit-growing area in Europe - almost every third apple you find in the supermarket comes from here.

Apple harvest in the Alte Land

And from August to October is harvest time in the Alte Land. Whether you pick apples yourself or even take an apple diploma - here you can find all kinds of things to do with the local fruit. There are also numerous festivals, such as the apple and pumpkin festival in Jork, which takes place in mid-October. And I'll show you more pumpkin festivals in a moment!

Tip: The Alte Land is also a popular recreational destination in itself. For example, you can relax on the Elbe dike with its three lighthouses or take a city trip to Hamburg.

14. pumpkin festivals in Germany Duke Eberhard Ludwig von Württemberg treated himself to a magnificent building in Ludwigsburg Palace.

You already know about the pumpkin festival in the Alte Land. Another beautiful event takes place in the Blühender Barock - the name of the gardens around the Residenzschloss in Ludwigsburg in Baden-Württemberg. Here, for example, there are pumpkin exhibitions with changing themes and over 800 pumpkin varieties(website).

There are also countless pumpkin farms in Germany where you can take great photos and take pumpkins home. Here are my three favourites!

Karls Erlebnishöfe, for example, is mainly in northern Germany, but also has two locations near Berlin and Magdeburg. There are not only pumpkin markets, dishes and products, but also other events and highlights(website).

The Gertrudenhof adventure farm in Hürth near Cologne is a true pumpkin paradise with farm shop sales and a gourmet mile. You absolutely have to visit here(website)!

And last but not least, a great address in Bavaria. Just a 30-minute drive from Munich, Hofgut Sickertshofen hosts several pumpkin-related festivals every year. From arts and crafts markets to pumpkin sales in an atmospheric setting - there really is something for everyone here(website).

15 Golden Autumn in the Ahornboden On the way to the Großer Ahornboden

The last place I want to show you is just over the German border in Austria. But I don't want to deprive you of it - because the Große and Kleine Ahornboden in Tyrol are truly spectacular destinations, especially for photographers.

The old mountain maple stands have been part of a landscape and nature reserve since 1928 and shine in the brightest colours in autumn. You can't get any closer to the Canadian Indian summer in Germany!

By the way, Ahornboden can only be reached by car from Bavaria.

Tip: The Engalm in the Großer Ahornboden combines impressive mountain scenery, colourful maple trees and cute cows in autumn - a top spot in Tyrol!

Excursion: The Indian Summer

What we here in Germany call "Golden Autumn" or "Indian Summer" is known in Canada and the USA as "Indian Summer". This is the term used when the deciduous forests in eastern North America turn colourful in autumn - and much more intensively than we experience here.

Indian Summer in Canada in the Parc des Chutes-de-la-Chaudière

But you can also experience an Indian summer in Germany that comes very close to the fascinating natural spectacle on the other side of the Atlantic. The 15 destinations in Germany (and the surrounding area) that I'm going to show you now offer the most colourful leaves and densest forests in the country.

Autumn in Bavaria is simply gorgeous Facts and figures

• The dates of the autumn holidays vary from state to state.

• They usually start between the beginning and middle of October and last a few days to two weeks.

• In some federal states, however, the holidays start at the end of October and last until the beginning of November.

• Do you know the Danish word "hygge"? There's no translation for it, but you should think of it as sitting around on a rainy Sunday with candlelight and warm tea with friends, eating and laughing - typical autumn mood, right?

• And while we're at it - here are our tips for your holiday in Denmark, by the way

I hope I've already given you some great information for your autumn holiday in Germany. Because the golden autumn, colourful leaves and sunshine are unique experiences that you can't miss. Especially if you're on holiday in Germany in October, our tips for excursions during the autumn holidays are certainly worthwhile.