Updated on February 6, 2025 by Angelika
I discovered new travel and excursion destinations in Germany in January at the CMT in Stuttgartthe world's largest public trade fair for tourism and leisure, which is a real treasure trove for me every year. For the first time, I visited the trade fair with a press pass, which allowed me to gather impressions of the set-up of the trade fair stands and the variety of offers one day before the start of the fair and to take part in various press conferences. I had interesting conversations and gathered plenty of inspiration for excursions and vacation destinations in Germany - also on other official days of the fair.
From cities steeped in history to fascinating cultural landscapes and experiences close to nature - my discoveries once again confirmed just how diverse our country is. In this article, I present my Three favorites among the Germany travel trends for 2025 before:
- City breaks with historical and cultural depth - Discover the European Capital of Culture Chemnitz, "Faust 2025" in Weimar or combine pleasure, nature and history on a trip along the Moselle and Rhine from Trier to Rüdesheim.
- Unforgettable experiences in Baden-Württemberg - From the theme year "Power and Resistance" in the castles and monasteries of the Ländle to nostalgic museum railroads and Celtic sites.
- Summer vacation in dreamlike regions - with tips for the Black Forest, the Altmühltal and the mystical Harz Mountains.
Get inspired and find your next travel destination for 2025!
Tips for city trips in Germany in 2025
Germany offers exciting cultural highlights every year - 2025 is particularly appealing for city fans. From the European Capital of Culture and a literary anniversary to a road trip to UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Rhineland-Palatinate, there is plenty to discover. Here are three attractive city breaks for 2025.
1. Chemnitz - European Capital of Culture 2025: "C - The Unseen"
2025 will Chemnitz to the European Capital of Culture and presents itself with the motto "C - The Unseen". Together with 38 municipalities from Central Saxony, the Ore Mountains and the Zwickau region, the city showcases its hidden treasures - from fascinating industrial heritage to an impressive art scene.
Three sights that you should not miss when visiting Chemnitz:
- The Kaßberg - an architectural jewel
Kaßberg is considered one of the best-preserved Art Nouveau and Wilhelminian style districts in Europe. Magnificent facades, lovingly restored old buildings and charming courtyards make a walk through this district an architectural journey through time. - Villa Esche - A masterpiece by Henry van de Velde
Designed by Henry van de Velde, the Villa Esche is a prime example of Art Nouveau. It combines art, design and architecture at the highest level and can now be visited as a museum. - Karl Schmitt-Rottluff House - On the trail of Expressionism
Chemnitz is the birthplace of Karl Schmitt-Rottluffone of the co-founders of the expressionist artists' group Bridge. His childhood home is a reminder of the city's artistic heritage and provides an insight into the work of the important expressionist.
The city's landmark is also not to be overlooked: the "Nischel"a monumental bust of Karl Marx. It is a reminder of the GDR's past, when Chemnitz was named after Karl Marx between 1953 and 1990. Karl-Marx-City wore.
Just outside the city gates, the magnificent Renaissance Augustusburg Castle is well worth a visit. From Chemnitz, you can explore the Ore Mountains, which belong to the UNESCO World Heritage Site. counts. Take the suspension railroad up the Fichtelberg or visit one of the visitor mines in Annaberg-Buchholz.
More about Chemnitz, the European Capital of Culture 2025.
2. Weimar - "Faust 2025": On the trail of Goethe's masterpiece
250 years after Goethe's arrival in Weimar, the city of classics celebrates one of its most famous works in 2025: "Faust". As part of the theme year Fist 2025 the world of the famous Doctor Faust comes to life at numerous locations in the city.
Three highlights of the Faust course:
- Schiller Museum Weimar - Special exhibition "Faust"
A large exhibition in the Schiller Museum sheds light on the history of Fistthe literary influences and the history of the work's impact up to the present day. - Goethe and Schiller Archive - The original manuscript of Faust II
A very special treasure is the original manuscript of Faust IIwhich is Goethe and Schiller Archive is kept here. Here you can see Goethe's handwritten notes and revisions up close. - Bauhaus Museum Weimar - Oskar Schlemmer's stage design for Don Juan and Faust
An exciting look at the stage art of the 20th century is offered by the Bauhaus Museum Weimar. Here a stage set from Oskar Schlemmer on Christian Dietrich Grabbe's play Don Juan and Faust which combines the avant-garde design ideas of the Bauhaus with classical theater tradition.
In 2025, Weimar will become a literary pilgrimage destination for all those who want to experience Goethe's work up close.
Also read my comprehensive article about Weimar, with lots of tips and suggestions for city tours:
3rd road trip from Trier via Koblenz to Rüdesheim - Romans, Rhine and vines
Who Culture, history and enjoyment would like to connect with each other, should prepare for a Road trip along the Moselle and the Rhine on the way. From the Roman relics in Trier to the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress in Koblenz and the vineyards around Rüdesheim, this route offers impressive highlights.
- Trier - Marcus Aurelius and the Roman World Heritage Sites
Trier, the oldest city in Germany, celebrates the 2025 Theme year Marcus Aurelius. The Roman emperor reigned at a time when Trier was an important metropolis of the Roman Empire. Visitors can explore UNESCO-protected buildings such as the Porta Nigra, the Imperial Baths and the amphitheater that bring the city's Roman heritage to life. - Koblenz - Ehrenbreitstein Fortress and the UNESCO World Heritage Upper Middle Rhine Valley
High above the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle, the imposing Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. It is not only an impressive example of Prussian fortress architecture, but also a central component of the UNESCO World Heritage Upper Middle Rhine Valley. From here you have a spectacular view of the Deutsches Eck and the surrounding vineyards. - Rüdesheim - wine and Rhine romance
To round off the road trip, Rüdesheim beckons with its idyllic vineyards, charming half-timbered houses and the famous Drosselgasse. Here you can end the day with a glass of Rheingau Riesling and enjoy the romantic view of the Rhine.
This route combines history, culture and enjoyment - perfect for anyone who wants to discover the best of the Moselle and Rhine. If you have more time, continue to SpeyerWorms and Mainz, where even more UNESCO World Heritage Sites wait.
More about the cultural highlights in Trier and Koblenz.
Tips for excursion destinations in Baden-Württemberg
My home state of Baden-Württemberg offers a fascinating mix of history, culture and nature. From magnificent castles and historical sites to Celtic relics and nostalgic museum railroads - the state has a lot to offer explorers. Here I present some special experiences that you may not have had on your radar yet and that are definitely worth a trip.
1st State Palaces and Gardens of Baden-Württemberg: "Power and Resistance" theme year
In 2025, the State Palaces and Gardens of Baden-Württemberg are dedicating themselves to the theme year Power and resistance. The focus is on historical sites where rulers demonstrated their power - and where courageous people rebelled against the authorities. Three special places tell impressive stories of rebellion and upheaval:
- Schöntal Monastery - The final resting place of Götz von Berlichingen
The baroque Schöntal Monastery is not only known for its magnificent architecture, but also as the burial place of the famous knight with the iron hand, Götz von Berlichingen. His name was immortalized above all by Goethe's play, in which he is portrayed as an unruly free spirit. The monastery itself offers fascinating insights into the eventful past of the knighthood. - Rastatt Residential Palace - scene of the Baden Revolution of 1848/49
The magnificent baroque palace once served as the residence of the Margraves of Baden-Baden. But in 1849, it became a symbol of resistance: during the Baden Revolution, rebel troops entrenched themselves here against the Prussian army. After the suppression of the revolution, summary courts were held in the castle - 21 rebel soldiers were sentenced to death. An exhibition in the castle commemorates this dark chapter in history. - Solitude Palace - Friedrich Schiller's path to freedom
High above Stuttgart Solitude Palace, once a prestigious pleasure palace complex of Duke Carl Eugen, sits enthroned above the city. This is also the birthplace of Schiller's rebellion: during his education at the Hohe Karlsschule, he wrote his first drama The robberswhich denounced the tyranny of the authorities. The result? The Duke banned Schiller from writing, whereupon he fled Württemberg and settled in Thuringia, finally in Goethe's neighborhood in Weimar, settled here. Solitude Palace remains a monument to the tension between absolutist power and artistic resistance.
More about the "Power and Resistance" theme year.
2nd Celtic Land Baden-Württemberg - On the trail of an almost forgotten advanced civilization
Baden-Württemberg was once an important settlement region for the Celts, who left behind impressive castles and burial sites. You can gain exciting insights into this early advanced civilization at the following locations:
- Heuneburg - The oldest town north of the Alps
Heuneburg Castle on the upper Danube is considered to be the oldest known city north of the Alps. Archaeological finds indicate that a flourishing trading metropolis existed here as early as the 6th century BC - the legendary City of Pyrene. Reconstructed mud brick walls and the open-air museum allow visitors to immerse themselves in the world of the Celts. - Princely tomb of Eberdingen-Hochdorf & Celtic Museum
One of the most spectacular Celtic discoveries in Germany is the princely tomb of Hochdorf. The prince buried here was interred with gold-decorated jewelry and a richly furnished chariot. The nearby Celtic Museum displays original finds and an impressive model of the tomb. - Heiligenberg near Heidelberg - A Celtic oppidum
There was once an important Celtic settlement on the Heiligenberg above Heidelberg. Remains of the ramparts are still visible today. The nearby Kurpfälzisches Museum in Heidelberg offers an exciting exhibition on the Celts in the region and links their history with the later Roman and medieval eras.
Further information on the Celtic sites in Baden-Württemberg.
3. Museumsbahnen Baden-Württemberg - Nostalgia on rails
For railroad romantics, the Museum railroads in Baden-Württemberg a real highlight. On historic routes and with lovingly restored steam locomotives, you can slow down and travel through picturesque landscapes. Many thanks to Reinhard Mallow from the Ulm Railway Friendswho provided me with lots of interesting information about the museum railroads. Here are some highlights and insider tips:
- Sauschwänzlebahn - The Black Forest Viaduct Adventure
The Sauschwänzlebahn leads through the wild and romantic Wutach Valley. It owes its curious name to the route's narrow loops, which are reminiscent of a "Sauschwänzle". The historic viaducts and tunnels along the route are particularly impressive. - Murgtalbahn - With steam through the northern Black Forest
The museum trains of the Murg Valley Railway travel through the magnificent Black Forest landscape. The steam locomotive takes you through deep forests, romantic valleys and charming half-timbered villages. - Alb-Bähnle - Historic train ride through the charming Alb landscape
A special experience is offered by the Alb-Bähnle between Amstetten and Oppingen. The historic narrow-gauge railroad runs on a scenic route across the Swabian Alb and is operated with great dedication by the Ulm Railway Friends. Regular themed trips make the journey a real highlight.
More about the Museum railroads in Baden-Württemberg.
Ideas for your summer vacation in Germany
Germany offers a wide range of vacation regions that are ideal for a varied summer vacation. If, like me, you value a mix of natural landscapes, historic cities and cultural highlights, I can recommend three particularly beautiful regions that are worth a trip in 2025:
1st Black Forest - experience nature and culture
The Black Forest, offers the ideal mix of nature, culture and relaxation. A trip along the Black Forest High Road from Freudenstadt to the UNESCO World Heritage City of Baden-Baden is one of the most spectacular routes in the country.
- Mummelsee & Hornisgrinde - nature and panorama
The idyllic Mummelsee is a popular stop along the Black Forest High Road. If you want to be active, you can take a hike to the Hornisgrinde, the highest peak in the northern Black Forest, and enjoy a breathtaking view. - Cultural summer 2025 in the northern Black Forest - music, art & tradition
Music, theater, art and tradition - the Cultural summer in the northern Black Forest offers a varied program. On historic open-air stages and in front of picturesque backdrops such as the Hirsau Monastery or in the cloister of the UNESCO World Heritage Maulbronn Monastery concerts, readings and festivals take place here. Perfect for anyone who wants to combine nature and culture! - Freiburg - historic old town, Mediterranean flair & Black Forest feeling
reiburg enchants visitors with its historic old town, the famous Brooks and the imposing Münster. The town is an ideal starting point for tours in the southern Black Forest and also offers a lively gastronomic and cultural scene.
2. Altmühltal - culture and nature along the Danube
The Altmühl Valley: is a region full of history and nature. Here you can combine relaxing boat trips with cultural and historical experiences and hikes.
- Weltenburg Abbey & Danube Gorge - a nature and culture experience
A Boat trip from Weltenburg Abbey through the Danube gorge to Kelheim is one of the most beautiful experiences in the region. The imposing rock formations and the traditional monastery with its famous brewery make this excursion unforgettable. Your day will be even more beautiful if you walk the route on the way there or back The Altmühl Panorama Trail offers magnificent views of the Danube and Weltenburg Abbey on this stage. - 20 years of the Limes UNESCO World Heritage Site - Roman history up close
The Upper Germanic-Raetian Limeswhich runs through the middle of the Altmühltal Nature Park, will celebrate its 20th anniversary as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2025. In Weißenburg in Bavaria you can immerse yourself in the world of the Romans at the Biriciana Roman Fort, the Roman Baths and the Roman Museum. - Eichstätt - baroque town and fossil paradise
The city of Eichstätt is a delight with its magnificent baroque buildings, impressive churches and monasteries. A particular highlight is the Jura Museumin which you can see the famous Urvogel Archaeopteryx can marvel at. If you want to go fossil hunting yourself, you can get the right tools in the hobby shop.
3. the Harz Mountains - mysticism and history in the low mountain range
The Harz Mountains fascinates with its legendary mountains, historic towns and nostalgic narrow-gauge railroads. Nature, culture and history come together here.
- With the Harz narrow-gauge railroads to the Brocken
A trip with the Harz narrow-gauge railroads up the Brocken is an unforgettable experience. The nostalgic steam locomotives take visitors through picturesque landscapes to the highest peak in northern Germany with breathtaking views. - Walpurgis night & hiking tips
The Harz Mountains are known for their mystical Walpurgis Night celebrations on the Witches' dance floor in Thale or in Schierke. If you want to escape the hustle and bustle, you can discover the quiet side of the Harz on a hike, for example:- Liebesbankweg near Hahnenklee - An idyllic circular trail with artistically designed benches and great views.
- Devil's Wall Trail near Blankenburg - An easy to moderately difficult tour along bizarre sandstone formations with impressive views.
- Discover world heritage in Goslar and Quedlinburg
The two UNESCO World Heritage Sites Goslar and Quedlinburg inspire with their medieval architecture, winding alleyways and impressive half-timbered houses. In Goslar, it is worth visiting the Imperial Palacewhile Quedlinburg with over 2,000 half-timbered houses is considered one of the most beautiful old towns in Germany.
Whether it's a cultural city break, exciting historical experiences or summer destinations close to nature - I hope these inspirations will help you plan your trip for 2025! Do you have any other tips or questions? Then let me know in the comments!
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I'm so happy to have found your blog and subscribed to it in no time. Very inspiring ....ick I'm glad 😊
Dear Martin,
I'm also glad that you've found my blog and that you like my posts 😃. Maybe you'll find a suitable itinerary or an interesting destination that you didn't have on your radar yet. As I've just discovered, it's also worth browsing your blog👍.
Best regards
Angelika