Germany · Things to do
5 things to do in Germany with kids
The five best family things to do in Germany are visiting Neuschwanstein castle, watching the glockenspiel on Munich's Marienplatz, wandering a Bavarian village, walking in the Black Forest, and standing at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin. Munich is the best base for the first three, and fast trains connect it with the Black Forest region and with Berlin.
What to do, in order
- 1
See Neuschwanstein castle
Neuschwanstein is a nineteenth-century castle on a hill above the village of Hohenschwangau, near Füssen in Bavaria, built for King Ludwig II and often said to have inspired the castle in Disney's Sleeping Beauty. Entry is by timed guided tour only, so book tickets online well ahead, especially in summer. The walk up from the village takes about thirty to forty minutes, or you can take a shuttle bus or a horse-drawn carriage. For the classic photo, walk to the Marienbrücke bridge. It is about two hours from Munich by train, so start early.
- 2
Explore Munich's Marienplatz
Marienplatz is the central square of Munich, dominated by the neo-Gothic New Town Hall. At set times around late morning and midday, and in summer in the evening too, the glockenspiel in the tower performs with mechanical figures, which children enjoy. Arrive ten minutes early to find a place at the front. Behind the square, the Viktualienmarkt is a food market that is good for a picnic lunch. The Deutsches Museum, a large science museum, is a good rainy-day plan. Marienplatz is easy to reach by the S-Bahn and U-Bahn.
- 3
Wander a Bavarian village
Southern Bavaria has many small villages with timber-framed houses, painted facades and onion-domed churches against a backdrop of the Alps. Oberammergau, known for its woodcarving and painted houses, and Mittenwald, a violin-making town, are popular choices. Garmisch-Partenkirchen is the base for the Zugspitze, Germany's highest peak, reached by cable car and cog railway. Villages are easy with children: short walks, playgrounds, ice cream and meadows. Go in summer for hiking and in December for Christmas markets, and check opening times, since small shops often close on Sundays.
- 4
Walk in the Black Forest
The Black Forest, in the far south-west, is a large area of wooded hills with trails for all abilities, lakes such as Titisee and many villages that make cuckoo clocks and Black Forest cake. The Triberg waterfalls, among the highest in Germany, are a family-friendly walk with a woodland path alongside. Europa-Park, a large theme park, is nearby. Base yourself in a village such as Triberg or Freiburg. In summer you can hike and swim in lakes, and in winter it is quiet and good for snow walks.
- 5
Stand at the Brandenburg Gate
The Brandenburg Gate is an eighteenth-century neoclassical gate in the centre of Berlin, and a symbol of the city's history, close to the Reichstag and the Holocaust Memorial. It stands on Pariser Platz and is free to see. It is a good starting point for a walking day that can include the Reichstag dome, which needs advance registration, and the East Side Gallery, a long stretch of the Berlin Wall covered in murals. Go in the morning, when it is quieter. Berlin is about four hours from Munich on a fast train.
Plan it
- Best time
- May to September is warm, with the best conditions for castles, hiking and lakes, and the busiest crowds in July and August. December is good for Christmas markets. Alpine areas are best in summer and for skiing in winter.
- How long
- Ten days is a comfortable plan for Munich with Bavaria, the Black Forest and Berlin. A week can cover Munich, Neuschwanstein, a village and one other region.
- Getting around
- Trains are the easiest way to cover long distances, with fast services between Munich, Berlin and the south-west. Regional trains and buses reach most villages. A car helps in the Black Forest and Bavarian countryside. Book long-distance seats in advance for busy days.
Good to know
- Buy Neuschwanstein tickets online before you go. Same-day availability is limited in summer.
- Shops are closed on Sundays across most of Germany, so shop for food on Saturday.
- Carry a little cash. Cards are accepted widely, but some small cafes and village shops still prefer cash.
Frequently asked
How do you get to Neuschwanstein castle from Munich? +
Take a regional train from Munich to Füssen, about two hours, then a local bus to the village of Hohenschwangau. From there you walk up or take a shuttle. Book your timed entry ticket online first.
Is Germany good for family holidays? +
Yes. It is safe, well organised and has many child-friendly attractions, including castles, playgrounds, lakes, theme parks and museums. Trains are reliable, and family tickets and discounts are common.
What time does the Munich glockenspiel play? +
It runs at set times around late morning and midday, and in the evening during summer. Check the town hall's current schedule before you go, and arrive about ten minutes early to get a good view of the tower.
What is the best time to visit Germany with kids? +
May to September for lakes, castles and hiking. December for Christmas markets. Summer is busiest at popular sites such as Neuschwanstein, so book ahead and go early in the day.