Inexpensive Romantic Trips to Take in Germany

There are several lakes scattered throughout the Alps in Southern Germany, but one of the most spectacular – a place made for skinny dipping – is Obersee Lake in Berchtesgaden National Park, close to the Austrian border. Swim in its crystalline, emerald waters and camp nearby or snag a proper bed in a cheap bed and breakfast.

If you’re a nature lover, check out our guide to the most beautiful national parks in Germany.

There are plenty of places in Germany that are best experienced on a fun road trip, with castles being among the highlights. Before the country unified, its many royals were in need of palaces, hunting lodges and country retreats, which explains why the countryside is still dotted with a ton of stupendously romantic castles and palaces – some of the most beautiful lying in Bavaria. For the full castle experience, drive the Burgenstraße (dubbed the Castle Road) from Mannheim to the Czech border.

And if you’re looking for the ultimate loved-up road trip, take the Romantic Road (Romantische Straße) to discover the most scenic spots, including old towns, castles and churches.

If you’re in search of the prettiest old town in Germany, look no further than Quedlinburg. Halfway between Hanover and Leipzig, its half-timbered houses have sagged over time – some of them date back to the 14th century – but haven’t lost an ounce of their charm. Residents haven’t skimped on paint or flowerpots, either; the result is a camera-ready colourful retreat, ideal for a romantic weekend away.
For more cute towns, browse through the most beautiful towns to visit in Germany.

The Eifel region, in North Rhine-Westphalia, might remind you of Tennessee or Kentucky – it’s rural and just as picturesque. In it, the small resort town of Monschau sits 30km (19mi) south of Aachen right on the Belgian border and looks as if it has been frozen in time. Visit the coffee roaster, the mustard mill and one of the many fantastic bakery-cafés.
Check out our selection of the most underrated towns and cities in Germany, and discover many more gems like Monschau.

If you’re visiting Germany during the Christmas holidays, it’s worth taking a Christmas market tour. You’ll be sure to stumble into several of them no matter which town (or towns) you choose to visit; no need to fret, we’ve got you covered with our guide to the best Christmas markets in Germany. Brightly lit and cheery, their stalls are stocked with mulled wine, roasted chestnuts and hand-crafted goods. Join the packs of friends gathering around, getting increasingly jolly, steaming hot mugs of glühwein in hand.
Care to learn more about the history of glühwein?

Planning to visit Cologne with your loved one? Join the thousands of others who have left a symbol of their love – a padlock – on the Hohenzollern Bridge; these photos might convince you that love is still alive. It’s corny, but adorable. The bridge, a ten-minute walk from the main station, is one of the busiest rail bridges in the world and has, so far, been strong enough to take the weight of the world’s love (estimated at 2 tonnes) on its iron shoulders. Be sure to throw the key in the river after adding to this charming tradition.
For more lovey-dovey delights, have a look at these romantic things to do in Cologne.

The Danube Cycle Path covers 2,900km (1,800mi), from the river source in Germany to the Black Sea, traversing through 10 countries on the way. The path is well-maintained and wide as it passes through Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary, so recumbent and tandem bikes will work well. (It’s less maintained further east, but it still remains passable.) The beautiful German countryside will unfold before your eyes, including meadows and vineyards, on this lush cycle path. Make stops along the way to take in the local customs, too, at the various music and art events.
Learn more with our guide to the Danube Cycle Route.

This extra-romantic spot is hidden in a village outside the town of Görlitz, so deep into eastern Germany, it is just a short swim to Poland. Hiking over here is worth it if you want to see the magical Rakotzbrücke (Rakotz Bridge). Try visiting on a calm, clear day so you get an unobstructed view of this semi-circular stone bridge reflected in the water. If the weather is not ideal, walk through the verdant Kromlau Azalea and Rhododendron Park the bridge is set in, which is astonishing in its own right.
If you feel like further exploring Görlitz, here’s how to spend the perfect day here.