The top destinations to visit in spring in Germany

The beginning of spring, or Der Frühlingsanfang as the locals call it, is full of new beginnings, warmer weather and a desire to dust off your suitcase for a holiday. 

Spring sees Germany’s blossom-filled cities and bucolic landscapes in full bloom. So, what could be better to get away from your day-to-day than a relaxing staycation?  Sandwiched between the peak travel seasons of summer and winter, visiting Germany in the spring can be more affordable and less busy.

From an occasional shower to milder conditions, Germany’s springtime can be somewhat unpredictable. Generally speaking though, the best time to visit Germany is towards the end of spring. This is because the temperature gradually rises throughout the season. This means that the later you go in spring, the more chance the weather will be warmer.

• Layers: As mentioned, the weather in spring in Germany can be varied. So, having layers which can be easily taken off means you’ll be able to dress according to the weather.

• Rain jacket or umbrella: It may rain on your trip, so having waterproofs such as rain jackets, umbrellas or waterproof walking shoes can help to keep you dry.

• Sunglasses: For the sunnier days of spring, having sunglasses to spare will help to keep your eyes shaded.

Below, we’ve listed some of the best destinations to travel to in Germany in spring. All offering a warm atmosphere with plenty to do and see, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Bonn

Being the birthplace of the famous composer Beethoven isn’t Bonn’s only claim to fame. This German city’s springtime cherry blossom spectacle is heavenly enough to rival the same season in the trees’ native Japan. 

In the 1980s, thousands of ornamental cherry trees were planted all over the city’s Altstadt (Old Town) and now, a spring floral display unfolds every year. Delicate pink petals shed and gather on the cobblestones – typically within the first two weeks of April. 

If you can excuse the use of Instagrammable as an adjective, then Heerstraße, aka Cherry Blossom Avenue, is just that. 

Between Gründerzeit buildings and old-fashioned street lamps, the boughs of the trees become laden with flowers and transform the street into a fragrant tunnel of pink.

Munich

When the milder spring weather arrives in Munich, the city really comes into its own. As the capital of Bavaria, it’s a gateway to the region’s natural splendour. Here, you’ll also be able to undertake ample hiking, cycling and other outdoorsy adventures. 

Spring is also a brilliant time to revel in the city itself. Many of the attractions at this time combine singing, dancing and beer. With events like Frühlingsfest (Springfest), the Englischer Garten bursting into bloom and flea markets, Munich really comes alive in springtime.

Hamburg

Hamburg is another city with strong cherry blossom credentials. In the 1960s, thousands of these graceful trees were donated to the city as a gesture for the international trade ties Hamburg had with Japan. 

Every May since 1968, Hamburg has celebrated this special Japanese connection with a Kirschblütenfest (a Cherry Blossom Festival). This festival involves music, film, art, food and fireworks over the Alster lake. 

Festivities are centred around the water and in the Altonaer Balkon park, where you can have an authentic Japanese hanami picnic. Hanami is the Japanese tradition of welcoming spring beneath the sakura, a cherry blossom tree.

Stuttgart

Stuttgart hosts what is Germany and Europe’s biggest spring festival, Frühlingsfest. So, if you’re looking for a lively atmosphere in Germany in spring, be sure to check Stuttgart out. 

This popular celebration attracts around 1.5 million people to the city’s Cannstatter Wasen fairground between mid-April and the beginning of May. 

The event kicks off with the ceremonious opening of a beer barrel by the Stuttgart mayor, before the rest of the attractions swing into action. 

Expect a nearly 60-metre-high Ferris wheel, a rollercoaster and oddities like The Fruit Column, a tall wooden decorative structure covered with fruit. 

There are also beer tents, a keg tapping ceremony on the opening Saturday, markets, balloon shows, fireworks displays and special family days.

Münster

Since Münster sits on the Aasee – a lake with plenty of fun outdoor activities during the warmer months – it’s an excellent choice for a spring city break. 

There’s boat rental available, a sailing school, a number of coffeehouses and the opportunity to cycle and walk through the surrounding sprawling park. 

Following the paths that weave through the greenery will be especially enjoyable for art-lovers. This is because you’ll come across a multitude of sculptures by internationally renowned artists. These are created for the city’s famous once-in-a-decade sculpture exhibition, Skulptur Projekte Münster. 

Aside from the Aesee, Münster hosts the spring edition of the Send, which is the city's biggest carnival and draws over a million visitors per year. Spring is also a delightful time to explore the city’s Hafen district. This district has been revamped in recent years to house hip restaurants, bars and beer gardens overlooking the Dortmund-Ems Canal.

Königssee

Königssee, in southeast Germany, is a great spot to visit in the springtime for the warmer weather and quieter crowds. 

At Königssee you’ll find vast mountains and an expansive lake – perfect if you love the outdoors. To reach the end of the lake, you’ll need to take a boat ride which you can do on the Königssee Private Tour Berchtesgaden.

If you want to see what else the area has to offer, you might take a cable car to Jenner Mountain. From here, you’ll be able to see picture-perfect views of the mountains and other close by summits.

Mainz

Wanting to soak in the sun this spring and avoid the summer crowds? Well, Mainz is a great choice. 

For any history buffs, Mainz has the Römisch-Germanisches Zentralmuseum – an archaeology museum. This is the perfect place to not only soak in history, but also to avoid getting soaked if the weather is on the rainier side.

If the weather is in your favour, no Mainz trip would be complete without walking around the city to see the timbered houses.  Mainz is also great for its convenient location, only being a 30-minute drive from Frankfurt Airport.

Düsseldorf

If you like quaint, cobblestoned streets – Düsseldorf should feature on your German holiday this spring. 

To view the bloom of the spring, venture to the first and oldest public garden in Germany – Hofgarten. Here you’ll be able to view blossoming flowers and the bright colours of spring, making for a vivid springtime holiday. 

If you’d like a tipple on your trip, Düsseldorf is also home to various beer breweries that serve Altbier. 

Altbier translates to old beer, but be assured, this beverage is more than a drink. It represents Düsseldorf’s rich history in brewing and if you’re lucky, you might be able to enjoy your Altbier in the springtime sun.

When is spring in Germany?

Spring, or as the locals know it, Frühling, occurs between March, April and May.

What is spring like in Germany?

Spring in Germany often consists of mild and pleasant weather with some occasional snow. Typically speaking, in springtime, the weather is between 5°C and 15°C.