Summer is slowly coming to an end, and you’re not too sure where to go this autumn 2024? Lucky for you, we recommend exploring Germany and its beautiful regions and landscapes within it. It’s the ideal destination for anyone looking for a weekend getaway to beat the autumn blues. Here you’ll find ten secret destinations in Germany for autumn so that you can get the best autumn vacation ever!
Another note – these secret destinations in Germany are compiled by our local writer Kira. She loves her home country, especially during autumn, and want you to experience the best!
Top Destinations in Germany for Autumn 2024 – Summary
- Saarschleife
- Schleswig-Holstein North Sea Coast
- Mecklenburg Baltic Sea Coast
- Eifel
- Swabian Danube Valley
- Ahr Valley
- Southern Wine Route
- Black Forest National Park
- Saxon Switzerland National Park
- Harz
Saarschleife
The Saarland is one of the best secret destinations in Germany for autumn. Nature in the Saarland is absolutely one of a kind, especially the Saarschleife. The Saarschleife is a particularly curved part of the Saar in the middle of a beautiful mountainous landscape. You can admire it from a 42-meter-high observation tower which is reachable via a treetop path that leads you 800 meters through dense forests. Once you have reached the top, you can look to the horizon and marvel at the bright colors of the autumnal beech, oak, and Douglas fir trees. Your autumn destination 2023 will be magical, straight out of a fairy tale.
Do you want to explore more in Germany? JoinMyTrip has many of the best secret destinations in Germany for autumn in 2024. So, what are you waiting for? Book a trip with us today!
Schleswig-Holstein North Sea Coast
If you know the Mecklenburg Baltic Sea coast, then you probably also know the Schleswig-Holstein North Sea coast. Schleswig-Holstein during the autumn will put you in a cozy and homey mood. On the North Sea coast, you will see that a lot of tea is being drunk, especially when it starts getting cold and dark. So, you will definitely be craving a warm cup of tea.
On the small islands of the North Sea, like Amrum or Pellworm, you can comfortably watch the thunderous weather from inside in rustic vacation homes. Or you can sit on the beach and feel one with nature. If you need a little more action in your life, then you should spend a weekend on Sylt or St. Peter-Ording, as it’s more lively since most people spend their vacations here for their secret destinations in Germany for autumn.
Mecklenburg Baltic Sea Coast
The Mecklenburg Baltic Sea coast has been no secret. Many travelers flock to the beaches during the summer. Because of the large number of travelers in the summer, we recommend you add this to your next secret destinations in Germany for autumn travel list, especially in the year 2023. Of course, there are not only popular places like Warnemünde or the Isle of Rügen but also smaller places that promise just as much charisma and activity. For example, the Vorpommersche Boddenlandschaft with the Darß. The cool thing about it is that you have the Baltic Sea on one side of the peninsula and the Boddenlandschaft on the other side, an accumulation of lakes that originate from the Baltic Sea.
We also recommend the region around Wismar, especially Boltenhagen has a wellness resort which is beautiful. You will get to know the Baltic Sea coast in a completely new light on your weekend getaway this autumn.
Eifel
The region around the Eifel can be found in North Rhine-Westphalia, a beautiful alternative to the well-known cities of the federal state. The scenic view shows you the history of Germany, like the High Fagnes. The High Fagnes is one of the last high moors in Europe. You can also directly walk through it on the wooden paths available. The crater lake of the Eifel is also a must-see when you are here.
Fun fact: the Windsborn crater lake was formed by an explosion 80,000 years ago. Since then, rainwater has been accumulating there till this very day. Feel free to walk along the shore and take in a breath of fresh air. The crater lake is also a biosphere reserve which is why fishing and swimming are no longer allowed. So, you won’t miss anything if you decide to go to this one of the best secret destinations in Germany for autumn.
Stone Age Swabian Danube Valley
The Swabian Danube Valley is located on the north-western border of Bavaria with Baden-Württemberg. The Danube Valley is a true secret destination in Germany for autumn. Here, you will find the Dillinger Land. It is one of the regions in the Danube Valley. There are hundreds of lakes and beautiful landscapes for you to visit, which are simply breathtaking even in the autumn. If you prefer flat hiking trails to mountains, you should walk through the DonAUwald hiking trail. This hiking trail has a length of 59km with only a 68-meter difference in altitude!
In the Heidenheim Brenz region, which is also part of the Swabian Danube Valley, you can explore the rich geological heritage that dates back to the Stone Age. You can also find the UNESCO Global Geopark Swabian Alb here, where you can admire the primeval sea, meteor craters, and caves. Do you want to explore more UNESCO Heritage Sites? JoinMyTrip just has the offers for you!
Ahr Valley
Autumn is the time of the year when the leaves of the vines turn into an incredible number of colors. Go out and take a hike or cycle through Ahr Valley to witness the change of seasons. Before the gates of Bonn, you will find the picturesque Ahr Valley. Here you can enjoy the pure joie de vivre that is normally found in the wine regions of Germany. There are a variety of activities that will for sure make your weekend getaway a small adventure.
Normally there are a number of wine festivals being held here during the autumn. Moreover, you can also get the opportunity to taste the wonderful wine grapes. If you don’t drink wine, don’t worry! The area is still great for hiking as the famous red wine hiking trail is located in this secret destination in Germany for autumn.
Mediterranean Southern Wine Route
The Southern Wine Route is located in Rhineland-Palatinate and is a must for your secret destination in Germany for autumn vacation in 2024. How else would you beat the autumn blues without some wine? Moreover, the wine route comes to life in autumn when the chestnuts blossom. If you want to immerse yourself in nature, then we truly recommend you go trekking. In addition, camping is often allowed in several places in the region. However, please pay attention to the signs and prohibitions! Or, if you prefer having a roof over your head, there are numerous huts and hotels available for you to stay.
TIP: If it gets cold and rainy, there’s a wellness hotel along the Southern Wine Route which is a great alternative to outdoor activities.
Black Forest National Park
Located in Baden-Württemberg, the Black Forest National Park has lots to offer, especially for your secret destination in Germany for autumn 2023. Not only does the area offer outdoor activities, but also surrounding cities you must see over the weekend! For example, Freiburg in Breisgau is the sunniest city in Germany. That being said, the best way to explore the city is to stay overnight and explore the picturesque scenery of nature, perfect for those wanting to hike or climb.
Overall the area itself has lots to offer, with great connections to other countries. The Gerber- and Fischerau, for example, will transport you to Venice as the picturesque cottages on the shore reflect on the clear water where you can take a nice relaxing stroll. Or, you can also make a detour and say hello to our French neighbors in Strasbourg or Colmar.
Saxon Switzerland National Park
Most popular amongst hikers and nature lovers is the Saxon Switzerland national park, located east of Saxony, partly over the Czech border. Here, you can see huge rock formations, which may remind you of the northwestern national park seen in the USA. You definitely don’t have to drive far to enjoy the vastness here in Germany. The surrounding area will for sure please many nature enthusiasts if they are looking for secret destinations in Germany for autumn. The vegetation around is not to be interfered with and supports natural growth and decay.
Moreover, there’s also a variety of activities, from hiking and climbing to cycling. What’s especially popular amongst the visitors are the Bastei view, the Königstein Fortress, and the Schrammsteine. Do you know what else is interesting? Prague is only 90 minutes away! So, grab your Prague travel partner and explore the city together on a weekend in autumn 2023.
Harz
Located in between lower Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt, you’ll find the lovely Harz. To this very day is still one of the best secret destinations in Germany for autumn. Many travelers often find themselves wanting to explore the Ore Mountains instead. If you’re one of those outdoor lovers, then you are in for a surprise at what the Harz Mountains have in store for you.
Moreover, a weekend in the Harz mountains should consist of an even balance of exploring the city and nature. Surrounding the Harz mountains, you can find yourself in one of the many charming cities that will date back centuries. An example of a few surrounding cities is Wernigerode, Stolberg, and Bad Harzburg. The possibilities are limitless. You can book accommodation right on the spot and start exploring the surroundings right away.
No matter which secret destinations in Germany for autumn that you want to visit this year, JoinMyTrip has just the trips for you. Traveling to those places can get any better if you are traveling with other fun travelers around the world in a small group tour. Even more, with JoinMyTrip, you will be guided by our local, experienced TripLeaders who are more than ready to take your vacations to the next level. So, what are you waiting for? Book a trip now!