10 BEST places to visit in Germany in July

Germany in July comes alive with sunshine, festivals, and colourful countryside. This is the perfect time to experience the country’s diversity; from beer gardens in Bavaria to castle-studded rivers, alpine trails, and historic cities.

With long daylight hours, warm weather, and a packed cultural calendar, July is one of the best months to explore Germany.

Whether you're looking for outdoor adventures, lakeside escapes, or storybook towns, these are the 10 best places to visit in Germany in July.

1) Munich, Bavaria

Munich in July is bright, buzzing, and full of that laid-back Bavarian charm. Locals and visitors flock to beer gardens under shady chestnut trees, where giant pretzels and cold Maßkrugs (litres of beer) are shared over lively conversations.

The English Garden becomes a hub of summer fun, with surfers riding the Eisbach wave and sunbathers relaxing by the river. Outdoor concerts, open-air cinemas, and street festivals keep the city busy all month long. Marienplatz, with its Glockenspiel show and open-air cafes, is at its liveliest.

The Viktualienmarkt is perfect for picnic supplies; think cheeses, sausages, fruit, and fresh bread. Munich’s many palaces and museums stay cool inside, offering a break from the midday heat.

Day trips to Neuschwanstein Castle or nearby lakes like Starnberg are popular in summer. The air feels festive but relaxed, with locals embracing the sunshine after long winters. Munich in July is equal parts culture, comfort, and celebration.

FAQs/Things to know before visiting Munich

1) Is Munich crowded in July?

Yes, it’s a popular summer destination. Visiting early in the day or during weekdays helps avoid the biggest crowds.

2) Are beer gardens family-friendly?

Very much so. Most have playgrounds or kids’ areas, and non-alcoholic drinks, sausages, and pretzels that kids love.

3) Can I swim in Munich in July?

Absolutely. Locals swim in the Isar River and nearby lakes like Starnberg and Ammersee, perfect on hot afternoons.

2) Berlin

Berlin in July is a city in full celebration mode, with warm weather, endless outdoor events, and a free-spirited vibe.

The parks, like Tiergarten and Tempelhofer Feld, are filled with picnics, cyclists, and sunbathers enjoying the long summer days. Outdoor cinemas, riverside bars, and street festivals pop up across the city, especially in trendy areas like Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain.

The Spree River is perfect for boat tours or even paddleboarding if you want a unique view of the city. Museum Island offers culture and air conditioning, while the Berlin Wall Memorial and East Side Gallery provide powerful open-air experiences. July is also Pride month in Berlin, with colourful parades and a strong sense of community.

The food scene thrives outdoors with street food markets, pop-up bars, and beer gardens across every neighbourhood. Public transport runs late and often, so it’s easy to get around no matter where you stay.

FAQs/Things to know before visiting Berlin

1) Is Berlin hot in July?

It is warm but not extreme, with average highs around 25°C. Mornings and evenings are often cooler, making it ideal for full-day sightseeing.

2) Is Berlin safe and easy for first-time visitors?

Yes, Berlin is very safe, especially in tourist areas. English is widely spoken and public transport is easy to navigate with mobile apps and ticket machines in English.

3) Are museums and historical sites open in summer?

Absolutely. All major attractions remain open, and outdoor sites like the Berlin Wall or Holocaust Memorial are especially meaningful in good weather.

3) The Black Forest (Schwarzwald)

The Black Forest in July is a lush, green wonderland filled with pine-covered hills, cool lakes, and charming villages.

The region is perfect for hiking, with trails leading to waterfalls, panoramic lookouts, and traditional alpine huts. July’s warm weather is ideal for swimming in lakes like Titisee or Schluchsee, both surrounded by thick forest and mountain views. You can visit fairy-tale towns like Triberg, known for its cuckoo clocks and Germany’s highest waterfall.

Freiburg is a lovely base, with sunny squares, a beautiful cathedral, and a youthful energy thanks to its university. In the evening, try local dishes like Black Forest ham, spätzle, or cherry schnapps. Mountain biking and e-biking are also popular and well supported with maps and rentals.

The scenery looks like something out of a storybook, especially in the golden light of early morning or late afternoon. Family-friendly attractions include toboggan runs and nature parks with wild animals. The Black Forest in July is peaceful, scenic, and a great break from city life.

FAQs/Things to know before visiting The Black Forest

1) Is July a good time for hiking in the Black Forest?

Yes, the weather is perfect and most trails are dry and easy to follow. Wildflowers are in bloom and the forest smells fresh and earthy.

2) Can I visit without a car?

Yes, though having a car gives more flexibility. Trains connect to Freiburg and some nearby towns, and many hotels offer visitor cards with free transport.

3) Is the Black Forest suitable for kids?

Definitely. There are nature parks, wildlife reserves, playgrounds, and easy forest walks. Many hotels cater to families with child-friendly activities.

4) Lake Constance (Bodensee)

Lake Constance, which borders Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, is one of the most stunning summer destinations in the country.

In July, the lake sparkles under the sun and the shores are lined with wildflowers, vineyards, and picturesque towns. You can swim, sail, paddleboard, or take scenic cruises between towns like Lindau, Meersburg, and Friedrichshafen.

The water is clean and warm enough for swimming, with public beaches and grassy areas perfect for picnics. Cycling is hugely popular, with a well-marked path circling the entire lake. Castles, baroque churches, and gardens offer culture and cool indoor escapes.

Meersburg Castle is one of the oldest inhabited castles in Germany and provides great lake views. Flower Island Mainau is a must-see in July, bursting with roses, hydrangeas, and butterflies. Local wine and fish dishes are a big part of the experience, especially enjoyed at sunset by the water.

FAQs/Things to know before visiting Lake Constance

1) Is Lake Constance good for swimming?

Yes, the water is warm and very clean. Designated swimming areas and family-friendly beaches are available in almost every lakeside town.

2) Can I cycle around the entire lake?

You can, though it takes multiple days to do the full loop. Many people cycle shorter sections and use ferries or trains to return.

3) What’s the best base town on the German side?

Lindau is very popular, as is Meersburg for its historic charm. Both offer great lake access, restaurants, and transport options.

5) Heidelberg

Heidelberg is one of Germany’s most romantic towns, and July brings warm weather, riverside dining, and gorgeous views of its red-roofed old town.

The Neckar River sparkles in the sunlight and is ideal for boat cruises, kayaking, or relaxing along its leafy banks. The famous Heidelberg Castle overlooks the town and hosts open-air concerts and theatre in July.

You can ride the funicular up or hike the scenic Philosopher’s Walk for amazing photo spots. Heidelberg’s university brings a youthful vibe, with festivals, live music, and plenty of affordable cafes. Markets fill the squares with flowers, fresh fruit, and artisan crafts. Museums, churches, and gardens offer quiet spaces when the sun gets too strong.

It’s a very walkable city, with colourful houses, historic bridges, and narrow cobblestone streets. The evenings are especially charming, as golden hour light reflects off the river and castle. Heidelberg in July is elegant, lively, and full of classic German charm.

FAQs/Things to know before visiting Heidelberg

1) Is Heidelberg very touristy in summer?

It’s popular, but not overwhelming. Visiting earlier in the day or staying overnight lets you enjoy the quieter side of the city.

2) Can I take a boat ride in Heidelberg?

Yes, river cruises run throughout July. They offer beautiful views of the old town and castle and are perfect for a relaxing afternoon.

3) Is Heidelberg good for solo travellers?

Absolutely. It’s safe, friendly, and full of things to explore at your own pace. The vibrant student scene also makes it easy to meet people.

6) Hamburg

Hamburg is Germany’s maritime gem, and in July, it offers breezy weather, waterfront festivals, and long, golden evenings. The city’s many canals, rivers, and lakes give it a fresh, open feel, especially around the Inner and Outer Alster.

Boat tours are a top way to explore, offering views of historic warehouses, modern architecture, and green parks from the water. The Elbphilharmonie concert hall dominates the skyline and often hosts open-air performances in summer. Hamburg’s many parks, like Planten un Blomen, are in full bloom and ideal for picnics or afternoon strolls.

The harbour area comes alive in July with street food, live music, and sunset cruises. The nightlife in St. Pauli and the Reeperbahn buzzes even more in the warm weather, with rooftops and terraces open late. Museums and galleries offer cultural cool-downs, while beaches like Elbstrand offer a laid-back break by the river.

Markets like the Fischmarkt are packed with energy, local snacks, and live bands. Hamburg in July feels like a city made for summer.

FAQs/Things to know before visiting Hamburg

1) Is Hamburg a good place to visit in summer?

Definitely. July weather is mild and comfortable, with lots of events, outdoor activities, and scenic water views to enjoy.

2) Can I swim in Hamburg in July?

Yes, especially in the lakes and nearby natural swimming spots like Stadtparksee. There are also urban beaches with sunbeds and food trucks.

3) Is Hamburg suitable for families?

Absolutely. There are kid-friendly parks, boat rides, science museums, and fun neighbourhoods to explore safely with children.

7) Bamberg

Bamberg is a beautifully preserved medieval town in northern Bavaria, full of winding alleys, hilltop views, and half-timbered houses.

In July, the town’s gardens, riverbanks, and market squares come alive with colour and energy. The old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and includes highlights like the stunning cathedral and the unique Old Town Hall perched in the middle of a river.

Cafes and beer gardens spill out onto cobblestone streets, especially along the Little Venice canal district. Bamberg is also famous for its smoked beer, best enjoyed at a shady outdoor table with hearty Franconian food. July is ideal for exploring the countryside, with walking trails through nearby hills and hop fields.

The town often hosts summer music events and cultural performances in historical courtyards. Flower boxes hang from nearly every window, and the entire town looks like a postcard.

FAQs/Things to know before visiting Bamberg

1) Is Bamberg walkable?

Completely. The old town is compact and best explored on foot, with plenty of spots to rest, eat, or take photos.

2) What’s special about Bamberg beer?

Bamberg is known for “rauchbier,” or smoked beer, which has a unique, smoky flavour. There are many traditional breweries where you can try it fresh on tap.

3) How can I reach Bamberg from major cities?

It’s about 2.5 hours by train from Munich and under an hour from Nuremberg. The station is well connected and close to the old town.

8) Rügen Island

Rügen is Germany’s largest island, located in the Baltic Sea, and July is the perfect time to enjoy its beaches and cliffs.

The island is famous for its white chalk cliffs in Jasmund National Park, which rise dramatically over turquoise waters. Summer brings cool breezes, clean beaches, and pine forests that offer shaded walks and cycling paths. Beach towns like Binz and Sellin have historic piers, colourful villas, and lively promenades.

Swimming in the Baltic is refreshing, especially when followed by fresh fish at a seaside café. The island’s narrow-gauge steam railway, the “Rasender Roland,” adds old-world charm to your visit. Nature lovers will find peace in the quiet lagoons and birdwatching areas inland. July also features outdoor festivals, folk music, and local craft markets.

Rügen has a relaxed, slow pace that appeals to couples, families, and solo travellers alike. Rügen in July is coastal, calm, and full of fresh air.

FAQs/Things to know before visiting Rügen Island

1) Can you swim on Rügen in July?

Yes, the water is cool but very clean and safe for swimming. Popular beaches have changing cabins, lifeguards, and food stalls.

2) What’s the best way to get around the island?

Biking is ideal, but buses and the old steam train connect the major spots. You can also rent a car for maximum flexibility.

3) Is Rügen crowded in July?

Popular beach towns can be busy, but the island is large and has many quiet spots. Visiting early or staying in smaller villages helps avoid the crowds.

9) Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is one of Germany’s most picturesque medieval towns, and in July, it looks like it’s stepped out of a fairytale. Its perfectly preserved walls, towers, and colourful half-timbered houses glow in the summer sun.

Flower boxes overflow with colour and the cobbled streets are lined with artisan shops, bakeries, and quaint hotels. The town’s Night Watchman tour is a fun, theatrical way to learn about its history. July is a popular time for festivals, music in the town square, and lively outdoor markets.

The view from the town walls gives a stunning panorama of the surrounding countryside. Visitors enjoy regional food like sausages, schnitzel, and the town’s signature pastry, the “Schneeball.”

Despite its popularity, mornings and evenings are peaceful and almost magical. The surrounding Romantic Road offers even more scenic drives and charming towns. Rothenburg in July is enchanting, historic, and perfect for slow exploration.

FAQs/Things to know before visiting Rothenburg ob der Tauber

1) Is Rothenburg too touristy in July?

It can get busy during the day, especially with tour groups. Staying overnight lets you enjoy the peaceful mornings and evenings when the town is at its best.

2) Is the town suitable for kids or elderly visitors?

Yes, but some cobblestone streets can be uneven. Most attractions are close together and benches are easy to find.

3) What’s the best way to get there?

Take a train to Steinach and transfer to a local line or bus. Driving is also easy, with parking just outside the city walls.

10) Saxon Switzerland National Park

Saxon Switzerland is a breathtaking national park near Dresden, famous for its jagged sandstone cliffs and dramatic river views. In July, the park is at its greenest and best for hiking, climbing, and photography.

The most famous viewpoint, Bastei Bridge, offers jaw-dropping panoramas of the Elbe River winding through the canyons. Well-marked trails range from gentle walks to steep climbs and connect to old castles, caves, and quiet villages. River cruises on the Elbe offer a peaceful way to see the landscape from below.

The park is also a hotspot for rock climbers, with over 1,000 peaks. July weather is ideal, with warm days and cool forested shade along the trails. Small towns like Bad Schandau provide cosy accommodation and spa facilities.

The entire region feels wild but accessible, with trains connecting it easily to Dresden. Saxon Switzerland in July is dramatic, peaceful, and full of natural wonder.

FAQs/Things to know before visiting Saxon Switzerland National Park

1) Is Saxon Switzerland good for beginner hikers?

Yes, many trails are gentle and well maintained. The views are rewarding even on short hikes, and signage is clear in English and German.

2) How far is it from Dresden?

It’s less than an hour by train. The S-Bahn runs regularly and stops near all major trailheads and towns.

3) Can I camp in the park?

Wild camping is not allowed, but there are official campsites and mountain huts. Booking ahead is a good idea in July.

There you have it! These are 10 of the best places located in Germany, perfect for your next adventure in July! Whether you plan to do a road trip around Germany in July or are visiting for a long weekend, you should definitely check out some of these places!

When exploring these hidden gems, always consider hiring a guide or joining a tour group, as some locations may require local expertise for the best experience.

Did you know we have a Hidden Gem Finder on our website? This handy little map shows over 13,000 hidden gems across the entire world with their exact co-ordinates available to view on Google Maps as well as an image/description for each one!