Summer in Bavaria – the best destinations for trips with children

There's never a better time to do something with the whole family than when the sun is shining, the sky is blue and the temperatures rise. Fortunately, Bavaria has plenty of options that are also easy to reach by train. Whether you are looking for nature, history or adventure, the state offers plenty of fun and excitement for young and old.  

The Franconian Open Air Museum in Bad Windsheim

At the Franconian Open Air Museum in Bad Windsheim, history comes to life. Here, visitors can go on a journey of discovery through 700 years of Franconian history. In a total of six accurately reconstructed villages, you can wander between farmyards, workshops, mills and breweries. The journey covers various regions, areas and topics. Some areas show life on a medieval farm, or vividly depict the development of industry and technology in the countryside over time. Visitors can also see old species of livestock typical of the region in the stables and on the fields at the museum.  

Pappenheim castle

Located in the Altmühl valley, Pappenheim castle looks like it belongs on a film set as it looks out over the town. The ruins of this small but picturesque castle have been guarding the entrance to the valley for a thousand years. Climbing up to the castle is easy, even for kids. Once you arrive, you can not only explore the castle and enjoy the view but also visit the museum of nature and hunting. Visitors young and old can find out about the local flora and fauna through exciting films and games.

The medieval playground in Pfronten-Ried

In Pfronten, there is a different kind of castle – a real medieval playground. Families enter this unusual destination by crossing a wooden suspension bridge. The playground is dominated by the five-metre tower, which is based on the castles of the Allgäu from the 14th century and is just waiting to be conquered by brave young knights and princesses. As if that weren't enough, there is also a moving wooden horse that is always ready for the next tournament. Grab your lance, trust your courage and keep a steady hand!

Nature park at Schloss Tambach

A visit to the nature ark at Schloss Tambach near Coburg promises to be a truly wild experience. This is the perfect place to see European animal species like lynxes, wolves, otters and elks up close. There is also a forest trail in the shadow of the trees. Across 25 stations, visitors can find out about the forest and the animals that live there through play. These include a forest xylophone, a barefoot path and even a long-jump track in the middle of the forest.

The Staffelsee at Murnau

If you enjoy being by the water, the Staffelsee is the place for you. Located right next to the town of Murnau, this idyllic lake is one of the warmest bodies of water in Bavaria. As well as perfect swimming conditions and wide open spaces in which to chill out, visitors can also spend a relaxing day on the lake with a boat trip.

GelatOK in Landshut

Whether you spend your trip relaxing, in the city or exploring the beauty of nature, no summer day would be complete without an ice cream. GelatOK in Landshut is an absolute must for ice cream lovers of any age. Alongside typical flavours like strawberry, chocolate and vanilla, you can also try out some more unusual ones like raspberry and rosemary, cherry cookies or Greek yoghurt.