September 2, 2024, 3:52 pm | Read time: 5 minutes
There’s no question that vacations in Germany don’t have to be boring. But sometimes you just long for sun, beach, sea and a special attitude to life. But did you know that you can also have this at some destinations here in Germany without having to travel far away? TRAVELBOOK introduces you to places in Germany that don’t have to hide from their Spanish originals.
According to a recent analysis by the German Travel Association (DRV), Germans still have a favorite destination abroad: Spain. Of the 65 million vacation trips in 2023, 14.4 percent were to the Iberian Peninsula.
Overview
- Vacation tips in Germany: These doppelganger locations promise to cool instead of Spanish heat
- The Madrid doppelganger: Munich
- Almost as beautiful as the Estany de Sant Maurici: Lake Eibsee
- Better than the Montserrat mountain range near Barcelona: Saxon Switzerland
- Rügen, the German Majorca?
- Wine lovers get their money’s worth here: Rheingau instead of La Rioja
This is only topped by vacations at home – a full 22 percent are drawn to the North and Baltic Seas, German cities, or the mountains. However, in some places, you can have both the Spanish way of life and short distances in your own country. TRAVELBOOK gives you five doppelganger locations in Germany where you can feel like you’re in Mallorca, the Pyrenees, and more.
Vacation tips in Germany: These doppelganger locations promise to cool instead of Spanish heat
In addition to not having to take a flight (and the associated shorter journey), the German Spain lookalike locations can score points with two other aspects, as Laura Mark, travel and tourism expert at the vacation apartment portal “Hapimag,” explains to TRAVELBOOK. While heatwaves and protests against mass tourism dampen the vacation mood in Spain, temperatures are milder here in Germany. There are still a few insider tips to discover.
“A varied vacation doesn’t always have to be a long-distance trip,” says Mark. “There are still many hidden highlights in Germany, particularly in the beautiful natural surroundings and the fact that it is far from mass tourism.” This also shows how versatile Germany is as a travel destination.
The Madrid doppelganger: Munich
Similar to the Spanish capital, Madrid, Munich attracts visitors with its elegant boulevards, extensive parks, and many art museums, such as the Alte Pinakothek. But the numerous palaces and parks also make you think you’re in the middle of Spain rather than in the Bavarian capital. The high temperatures in summer and many summer hours also contribute to this.
But instead of tapas, the beer garden serves pretzels and a beer. Nevertheless, Munich has one advantage over Madrid, according to travel expert Mark. “The turquoise Isar and the Eisbach, where you can surf in the middle of the city, provide refreshment,” she says. Lake Starnberg, Lake Ammersee, and Lake Tegernsee are also just a short drive away and offer attractive excursion destinations.
Almost as beautiful as the Estany de Sant Maurici: Lake Eibsee
Surrounded by the mountains of the Catalan Pyrenees and framed by wooded mountain slopes, the Estany de Sant Maurici, also known as Sant Maurici Lake, is particularly impressive due to its location. However, Lake Eibsee in the Bavarian Alps near Garmisch-Partenkirchen is just as impressive. It is considered one of the most beautiful lakes in Bavaria.
Better than the Montserrat mountain range near Barcelona: Saxon Switzerland
Spectacular rock formations made of sandstone are the figurehead of the Montserrat mountain range near Barcelona, which is around ten kilometers long. The sandstone cliffs of Saxon Switzerland on the border with the Czech Republic are at least as spectacular and even longer.
A paradise and special vacation tip in Germany for hikers, says Lisa Mark: “Where in Spain the Montserrat Benedictine monastery of the same name is enthroned, and rewards you with a magnificent view of the hinterland, the Königstein Fortress – one of the largest fortresses in Europe – awaits at its German doppelganger.” The rocky plateau stretches a good 240 meters above the Elbe.
Rügen, the German Majorca?
At first glance, the comparison seems to be a bit of a stretch. However, if you leave party tourism aside and focus on the beautiful nature of the vacation island of Mallorca, which is popular with Germans, you can certainly see similarities to the Baltic island of Rügen. The parallels are particularly clear in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Jasmund National Park. The chalk cliffs with sea views inevitably bring to mind the wild Tramuntana mountains in the northwest of the Balearic island.
“The rustic beech forests of Rügen are ideal for long hikes in the countryside. If you don’t want to miss out on the nightlife completely, you should head to the beach promenade in Binz with its numerous cocktail bars and clubs,” says travel expert Mark from the vacation apartment portal “Hapimag.”
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Wine lovers get their money’s worth here: Rheingau instead of La Rioja
The La Rioja region in northwestern Spain is known worldwide for its excellent wines. Red and rose wines, in particular, come from this growing region. The Rheingau in the southwest of Hesse could be a clone. Mark says it is a real alternative to the destinations in Spain plagued by mass tourism. “By choosing lesser-known destinations, we can counteract mass tourism while enjoying unique and sustainable travel experiences.”
But here, instead of red Tempranillo, white Riesling is typically poured. There are also numerous historical towns and monuments to visit along the Rhine.