June 4, 2025, 1:04 pm | Read time: 6 minutes
In early summer, Germany offers several opportunities for long weekends thanks to a few public holidays. For instance, Pentecost is coming up in early June, which means some states even have Pentecost holidays. TRAVELBOOK highlights destinations worth visiting during this time.
The public holiday of Whit Monday falls on June 9 this year. In Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, the holiday traditionally coincides with the two-week Pentecost break, as the summer holidays start quite late there. In the rest of Germany, students have to make do with just over a week of vacation, often only a few days or just an extended weekend. Either way, for many, whether with school-age children or not, a short vacation is planned for Pentecost 2025. But where should you go? TRAVELBOOK has seven tips for those still undecided.
Overview
3 Great Destinations for Pentecost 2025 in Germany
The Eifel
Why? Pentecost 2025 is particularly suitable for a hiking vacation. In June, it’s usually quite warm but not excessively hot. With hiking having experienced a real boom in recent years, popular hiking regions in Bavaria or the Elbe Sandstone Mountains might get crowded. The Eifel, however, is more relaxed.
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What can you experience there? Those taking a short trip to the Eifel can enjoy exciting nature along the hiking trails in the Eifel National Park and visit more than 70 maar volcanoes. These are extinct, funnel-shaped volcanoes. The twelve maars still filled with water are now one of the Eifel’s landmarks. If you’re more interested in culture than hiking, you can visit the fairytale-like Eltz Castle or take a trip to the historic old town of Monschau.
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Lübeck and Travemünde
Why? If you’d rather hike along the beach than the maars, consider a short vacation in Lübeck for Pentecost 2025. If it rains, you can explore the Hanseatic city with its long history; if the sun shines, head to the long beach of Travemünde and take a dip in the Baltic Sea.
What can you experience there? Besides the classics in Lübeck, such as the Holstentor, St. Mary’s Church, and the town hall, a visit to the European Hansemuseum is worthwhile in bad weather. It covers the fascinating history of German seafarers. In Travemünde, a walk along the 2.5-kilometer-long Baltic promenade is a must–in addition to the spa beach, there’s also the green beach and the natural beach. Nothing stands in the way of an extended beach walk in the sunshine.
The Chiemsee
Why? You might be able to take your first swim of the year in the Chiemsee in early June–and enjoy the stunning mountain panorama. The towns around the Chiemsee are perfect for a short Pentecost vacation, as there’s plenty to do even if it rains.
What can you experience there? In sunny weather, the Chiemsee offers numerous activities on and around the lake: from boat tours to extensive bike rides to excursions to the surrounding mountains, everything is possible and recommended. If it rains, you can either visit the impressive Herrenchiemsee Palace, built by Ludwig II like Neuschwanstein Castle, or the Chiemgau Thermen in Bad Endorf.
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Knokke-Heist in Belgium
Why? Knokke-Heist is a small town on the Belgian North Sea coast. It’s located in West Flanders near the Dutch border and is known for its numerous villas, luxury hotels, designer stores, and the accompanying sophisticated flair. Therefore, a vacation here isn’t the most budget-friendly–Knokke-Heist is perfect for a shorter trip.
What can you experience there? The biggest highlight is the 12-kilometer-long sandy beach and the adjacent, expansive dune landscape. Along the almost equally long beach promenade, you’ll find several restaurants and cafes. It’s quieter in the 150-hectare Het Zwin nature reserve. If the weather isn’t suitable for the beach or nature reserve, a trip to Bruges is worthwhile. The capital of West Flanders delights with numerous canals and medieval charm.
Crete
Why? Greece is one of the most popular travel destinations for Germans–especially during the peak travel season, the coastal towns on the Mediterranean are bustling with families. In June, it’s still a bit quieter and not as hot as in midsummer.
What can you experience there? Crete is actually the perfect Greek island for everyone: The island offers mountains and sea, wild gorges, fine sandy beaches, and the famous ancient site of Knossos. You can find a comprehensive overview of everything worth seeing in Crete here.
Zurich
Why? City trips are a good idea not only in Germany but also across Europe. If you haven’t decided on a specific place for 2025 yet, Zurich could be a lovely destination for early summer–and thus perfect for a short Pentecost vacation. With average temperatures around 68 degrees Fahrenheit, you can explore the city without getting a sunstroke after just a few hours.
What can you experience there? If the sun is shining, Lake Zurich is the most sought-after excursion destination. You can walk or bike along it and swim or water ski in summer temperatures. If you prefer less sporty activities, you can take a boat trip. If it rains, visiting the churches in Zurich, such as the Fraumünster or Grossmünster, is worthwhile.
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Aalborg
Why? If you live in northern Germany and are looking for an alternative that’s more accessible, Aalborg should be on your radar. Denmark’s fourth-largest city is perfect for a short vacation–you can explore the city’s highlights without rushing over a long weekend.
What can you experience there? What’s the most important thing in Aalborg? In good weather, a tour through the city in search of the coolest street art is a must; in the rain, head to the Musikkens Hus concert hall, which opened in 2014. Here you can find an overview of what Aalborg has to offer beyond these highlights.
Didn’t find the right place for you? Then take a look at the most popular travel destinations in the world 2024.