What to do during the summer in Germany? A Complete Guide
Germany transforms into an outdoor wonderland during the summer months. With sunny days stretching until late evening, a diverse array of festivals and events, vibrant cities abuzz with cafe culture, and gorgeous countryside scenery awaiting, summer in Germany is the perfect time to experience Germany’s magic.
Best Time to Experience Summer in Germany
The summer season in Germany generally runs from late May through early September, with peak tourism between June-August.
Temperatures are pleasantly warm, averaging 66°F to 81°F across much of the country. The far northern and alpine regions see cooler temps in the 50s to 70s Fahrenheit.
Rainfall varies by region, with the shoulder months of May/September typically being drier. Berlin sees the most summer rain while southern Munich stays relatively dry. No matter when you go, pack layers and be prepared for variable weather patterns.
The Early Summer in Germany
Early summer kicks off with a wide range of attractions like:
- Lively outdoor beer gardens
- Food festivals celebrating seasonal eats like asparagus and strawberries, and,
- The iconic Karneval der Kulturen festival in Berlin
What to Expect in Late June in Germany?
By late June, temperatures really start to soar. However, this weather is optimal for indulging in favourite German summer pastimes like:
- Sunbathing
- Swimming, and,
- Patio dining
Want to Avoid Crowds? Visit in June or Late August/September
If you want to avoid peak crowds and pricing, consider early June or late August/early September. During this time, you’ll come across fewer tourists and good deals. Hotel and flight rates are typically lower, while the weather is still gorgeous. Plus, popular attractions and beer gardens won’t be nearly as jam-packed!
So, what are you waiting for? Book a Germany Visa appointment today!
Top Things to Do in Summer in Germany
- Attend Festivals and Events
Germany’s events calendar is chock full of lively festivals and events during summer. From the raucous Oktoberfest beer festival to other exciting local events, you’ll be in for a treat. Don’t miss out on folk festivals, open-air concerts, funfairs, food & drink festivals, and more!
Some big summer highlights include the:
- Munich Oktoberfest (Sept/Oct)
- Berlin’s vibrant Karneval der Kulturen in June celebrates diversity through colourful costumes and global food/music, and,
- Rhineland’s Rhein in Flammen firework shows lighting up the river
2. Take a River Cruise
What better way to soak up Germany’s scenery than from the water?
Popular river cruise routes navigate the romantic Rhine, Main, and Danube. This route passes by hilltop castles, terraced vineyards, and charming villages along the way!
River cruising is an excellent way to experience German summer at a relaxed pace. Multi-day cruises often include fun stops to explore:
- Charming historic towns
- Sample local wines and cuisine
- Hike to countryside viewpoints, or,
- Cycle along the riverside
It’s a convenient way to hit highlights while only unpacking once. Day cruises offer a nice intro too.
3. Hit the Hiking Trails
Hike amid alpine peaks in the Bavarian Alps and take on Germany’s longest trail the Hauptwanderweg. Or, better yet, explore the magical Black Forest region by foot. With over 200,000km of well-marked trails, hikers have endless options!
Germans absolutely love hiking in summer when wildflowers blanket the mountainsides and valleys. Incredible scenery awaits along the country’s network of trails from multi-day treks to scenic day hikes. Some interesting trails you can try are:
- Go forest bathing in the Harz region
- Scale peaks in Saxon Switzerland National Park, or,
- Follow the Rheinsteig trail overlooking the famous Rhine River for fantastic views
4. Visit Classic German Cities
Use the balmy summer weather to go city hopping. Here are some interesting things to do:
- Wander Berlin’s hip neighbourhoods
- View Rothenburg ob der Tauber’s medieval architecture
- Tour Hamburg’s harbour district, and,
- Uncover Munich’s beer gardens
Don’t just limit yourself to the outdoors!
Germany’s vibrant cities come alive with lively energy during the summer. Top things to do on your summer holiday:
- Sip refreshing beverages at sidewalk cafes while people-watching
- Take walking tours to learn about the fascinating history and culture
- Bar hop through trendy nightlife districts, and,
- Indulge in delicious seasonal cuisine
From cosmopolitan Berlin to quaint towns like Bamberg, each German city offers its unique summer vibe waiting to be explored. Applied for a Germany Tourist Visa yet? Do it now for a riveting summer holiday in Germany!
Best Beaches to Visit in Germany in Summer
Despite being landlocked, Germany features its fair share of beaches and lake hangouts popular during the summer months:
1. Baltic Sea Beaches
Cool off at classic German beach resorts like Sylt, Rügen, Usedom, and Warnemünde lining the northern Baltic Sea coast. Expect expansive sandy shores, fun beach bars, and opportunities for water sports.
While not the first beach destination that comes to mind, Germany’s stretches of Baltic coastline offer fantastic summer beach getaways. Sylt is known as one of the country’s trendiest spots with wide sandy beaches, celeb-packed nightlife, and kitesurf haven. Head to Warnemünde for its classic seaside promenade and vibrant boardwalk scene.
2. Mecklenburg Lake District
Lake culture reigns in this stunning Lakeland region of northeastern Germany. Top spots include Schwerin Castle’s island setting, sunny Fleesensee, and the charming resort town of Waren (Müritz).
If you prefer lakes to oceans, the serene Mecklenburg Lake District serves up 1,117 shimmering freshwater havens. These are surrounded by fragrant pine forests that will give you the ultimate beach experience. Key summer activities here include:
- Boating
- Swimming
- Biking, and,
- General laidback attractions
The picture-perfect Renaissance palace island of Schwerin also makes for a lovely romantic getaway!
3. Ammersee
An easy day trip from Munich, this pristine glacial lake offers:
- Sandy beaches
- Swimming areas
- Hiking routes
- Beer gardens, and,
- Quintessential alpine scenery all around
For convenient Munich dwellers or visitors, the striking blue waters of Lake Ammersee provide a delightful respite from hot weather. After soaking up rays on the sandy shore, take a dip to cool off. Later, you can reward yourself with drinks at a cosy lakeshore beer garden surrounded by the majestic Alps. Want to relax on these amazing beaches of Germany? Apply for a Germany Visa UK!
Popular Summer Foods and Drinks in Germany
No German summer getaway is complete without indulging in seasonal culinary delights! From beer gardens to food festivals, quench your thirst and appetite with:
1.Radlers
German’s beloved “cyclist’s beer”, a refreshing blend of lager and lemonade or fruit soda that’s lower in alcohol. Perfect for hot summer days!
On sweltering summer afternoons, you’ll find Germans from all walks of life happily sipping radlers at the:
- Beer garden
- Parks
- Outdoor cafes, and,
- Festivals
This uniquely German beverage provides thirst-quenching refreshment without overwhelming booziness. Favorites include combinations like lemon, grapefruit, or rhubarb radlers.
2. Federweisser
Directly translated to “feather white”, this hazy white wine enjoyed during late summer is actually a young, tart-tasting wine made from semi-fermented grape juice.
One of Germany’s best-kept wine secrets, Federweisser is enjoyed between August-October coincides with the annual grape harvest. This slightly fizzy, low-alcohol “new wine” has a uniquely sweet yet acidic taste adored by Germans but rarely exported abroad. Find special fall Federweisser festivals celebrating the vintage!
3. Bratwurst
No summer cookout or street food stand in Germany is complete without grilled bratwurst sausage. Enjoy hot off the grill slathered with mustard.
You’ll smell the irresistible aromas of sizzling bratwurst everywhere from backyard barbecues to beer gardens to food carts during Germany’s summer months. Whether the classic pork variety or made with other meats like veal or turkey, one bite into that crispy charred casing releases an explosion of juicy grilled flavours. Did someone say “mit Senf”?
Family-Friendly Activities in Germany in Summer
Whether travelling with kids or the whole extended family, Germany provides top-notch summer activities to keep everyone entertained:
1.Theme Parks
From the iconic Europa Park to Heide Park Resort and LEGOLAND Deutschland, Germany has plenty of thrilling theme parks for families.
Nothing screams summer fun quite like a day at an amusement park. Kids and kids-at-heart will be spoiled for choice in Germany. For an all-in-one package, head over to the sprawling Europa Park near the Black Forest. This amazing place packs roller coasters, entertainment shows, and areas themed around different European countries. Another exciting theme park is the Heide Park Resort outside Hamburg which delivers pure adrenaline rush rides!
2. Open-Air Museums
Step back in time while wandering through recreated villages and historical demonstrations at open-air folk museums like Museumsdorf Düppel and LWL Freilichtmuseum.
For a unique living history experience, Germany is filled with engaging open-air folk museums. Costumed staff provide immersive exhibitions of traditional food, crafting, and day-to-day activities from times gone past. Children especially enjoy these hands-on places to dress up, watch demonstrations, interact with farm animals, and play in forested settings.
Experience these lovely activities with your family members on a summer trip to Germany. Collect all the necessary Germany visa documents to apply for a Germany visa today!
What to Pack for Your Holiday During Summer in Germany?
Weather during summer in Germany is generally pleasant and warm, but pack properly:
- Breathable summer clothes (shorts, t-shirts, skirts/dresses)
- walking shoes for sightseeing
- Light rain jacket or travel umbrella
- Hat/sunglasses for sunny days
- Swimsuit and beachwear
- A couple of warm clothes for cooler evenings or mountain destinations
- Travel towels and toiletries
- Power adapter/converter for electronics
- Daypack for carrying essentials
Conclusion
Summer in Germany means lively cities, joyful events and festivals, gorgeous outdoor scenery, and plenty to see and do under the warm sun.
From modern cities to fairytale villages, and scenic beaches to Alpine peaks, Germany is an epic destination for summer fun. Indulge in seasonal cuisine and drinks, experience cultural activities and nightlife, or simply bask in the beauty of this picturesque country’s landscapes.
