Where is the best place to relax in Germany? Germans in Mallorca or the sleepless arena Where do Germans relax in the summer

The island of Sylt, located in northwestern Germany, is rightfully considered the main German resort. There are wonderful beaches, a (not very) warm sea, and amazingly beautiful nature. It is here that German politicians, show business stars, millionaires and other famous personalities come to relax. Unfortunately, among the German stars I only know Angela Merkel and the Modern Talking group in my youth, so I couldn’t recognize anyone. Perhaps one of my readers is more knowledgeable on this issue? Who knows, maybe my photos are full of stars.

The island itself is a rather interesting place culturally and historically. This is reflected at least in the fact that for local residents it is not German that is traditional, but Frisian, which is the second official language here. Despite the fact that fewer and fewer people speak it every year, all signs on the island are written in two languages.

What attracts tourists here, besides the cold North Sea? This, of course, is about 40 km of sandy beaches: Germans love to bask in the sun. In addition, the island has a developed oyster fishery, and many people go to Sylt for this seafood delicacy.

Note to those who like to relax away from their compatriots: for some reason, Russian tourists do not come here, and the chances of meeting one tend to zero. For example, I have not met a single one.

True, there are also sad moments in the life of the island: Sylt is slowly but inexorably going under water. Chronicles state that it first separated from the mainland and became an island after a great flood in 1141. Since then, the area of the island has decreased by 2 times, and if nothing is done, in 2-3 centuries the waters of the North Sea will forever hide Sylt under its surface.
Well, while Sylt is still on the surface, let’s get to know it!

Upon entering the island (by train, since there is simply no road), travelers are greeted by the future of world energy.

The train journey from Hamburg takes 3 hours, after which you, along with a crowd of German tourists, step onto the sun-drenched platform of the town of Westerland.

Notice how many people came here on a busy Friday.

On the station square there is a composition of sculptures that are about to be blown away by the wind.

Westerland Station, terminus.

What is Westerland like? An ordinary tiny tourist town where you can eat delicious food and have absolutely nothing to see. However, you yourself are familiar with such people.

Here is the main street with tons of shops and restaurants.

And this is what other off-central streets of the city look like: a minimum of low-rise buildings and cottages.

But still, let's look for some interesting details. They definitely exist in Westerland, I promise. For example, Elvis with the German flag.

Or a cute fake bike.

It happens that you turn a corner from the main street and immediately realize that you are in Germany.

And, of course, no German city can do without a branded manhole cover.

In order to somehow dilute our story, let's introduce a little eroticism into it.

Perhaps one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. In general, there are almost no buildings more than a hundred years old in Westerland.

But the city authorities here think about pensioners. To make it easier for older and less mobile people to get up from the benches, a beautiful fence has been made around them, which is very convenient to lean on when getting up.

What distinguishes rich Germans from rich Russians? Rich Russians prefer the modern German car industry, while the Germans prefer their classics.

Since Westerland is a resort town, it is full of typical multi-story resort hotels and other sanatoriums.

Entrance to the beach is paid.

I never understood why people pay for something that is available completely free. No, I don’t mean the dilemma between bought/stolen, everything is clear here. I mean a situation where you can get the same thing without loss of quality and completely free. In general, just remember what this paid beach looks like.

As you might guess, I didn’t go to the beach in Westerland. Instead, I went to the southern part of the island, to the village of Rantum (it is shown in the main photo).

Rantum is also a tourist town, but much more interesting. Everything is beautiful here: the small houses with thatched roofs, and the dune landscape on which these same houses are located.

In Rantum, there is essentially only one road: a highway that runs across the entire island from north to south.

Now get acquainted with the Rantum beach: everything here is absolutely the same as in Westerland, only along the beach there is not a continuous line of hotels built last century, but beautiful dunes.

The dunes are separated from the beach by a cliff several meters high. In autumn there are strong storms here.

Marine life.

But the coolest thing here is, of course, the dunes. There are no trees on them at all - only mosses and thickets of rose hips. You get the feeling that you are somewhere in the far north with its sparse, but in its own way beautiful vegetation.

Please note that even along such a small path there is lighting installed so that in the evening no one accidentally falls into the thorny rose hips.

In the Rantum area the island is very narrow: approximately 500 meters wide. Climbing up the hill on the western side of the island (where the beach is located) you can clearly see its eastern side and the same North Sea. True, there is no beach on the eastern side: the shore is very swampy and overgrown.

To sum it up: great place, great sea, great nature! Even if you don’t like beach holidays, it’s worth coming here to enjoy the beauty of pristine seaside nature and unforgettable scenery.

How to get there:
If you do not have a private plane, then the most convenient way to go to Sylt is by train from Hamburg. However, you need to remember that the train does not depart from the central station, but from the Hamburg-Altona station. Travel time is 3 hours, the final stop is Westerland.

Do Germans know how to relax?
What type of holiday do they prefer?
And how much money are you willing to spend on travel?
Want to know? Read my article!

Having lived in Germany, I understand that Germans work incredibly hard. And they take their work with full responsibility. It’s rare to see a German citizen drunk on the street during the week. And it’s not for nothing that a product labeled “made in Germany” has long earned respect. The Germans are export champions. How do these hard workers rest? It would seem that they don’t think about anything other than the desire to increase productivity. But no! The Germans also know how to relax, and how!

German habits

There is not a single German in Germany who has not been to Mallorca or the North Sea. The Germans are very predictable in their choices. They can fly to Mallorca on vacation every year for 10 years in a row, and not even think that they can at least change the hotel.

Video: Germans in Mallorca

But in life, no two people are the same, so Germans have different preferences. Many people like to go on vacation around the world. According to statistics, residents of Germany occupy a leading position in spending money on travel. This is, of course, influenced by the terrible German weather. Over the course of a year, people get tired of the grayness and dampness outside their windows.

Besides vacations, Germans love to attend huge events. For example, carnivals or various festivals. Where some people dream of just lying on the couch and watching TV on the weekend, a German needs to go out and learn something interesting. Each city hosts a certain holiday every year: a Christmas market in Bremen, a wine festival in Düsseldorf, a costume carnival in Cologne, etc. People are happy to go on weekends to celebrate and leave a decent amount of money there.

Wine Festival in Dusseldorf

Germans can relax by the sea or in the mountains without even leaving the country. In Germany, there are various natural landscapes that delight the eyes of the population. Do you want to go to the mountains? Welcome to the south of Germany. Do you want to go to the sea? Welcome to the north!

Where do Germans vacation?

Spain. As I said above, the favorite place of the German population is Mallorca (I won’t argue about the correctness of this name, maybe Mallorca). Regularly every two years they go there to bask in the sun. Hotel staff have been saying for a long time in German , and welcomes them with open arms. Some Germans, who do not need money, have long ago bought housing in Spain.

Spain has certain advantages that guide Germans when choosing to organize a vacation. Firstly, it is warm and sunny. Secondly, price and quality. And thirdly, the relatively close location. After all, it’s only 2 hours by plane to Mallorca.

Young Germans are also attracted to Spain. I think there is no need to explain why they choose Ibiza.

Canary Islands. Holidays here are popular among wealthy Germans. In summer, the temperature remains stable - 28–30.

North Sea. Why do Germans choose it? Firstly, the North Sea is located in Germany itself, and you should not travel anywhere beyond its borders. Only 8 hours by car, and this is if you live on the other side of the country. And for those who are closer, even less! From Bremen, the beaches of the North Sea are 1.5–2 hours away. Last summer we looked for rental housing there longer than we traveled. This is a minus! But not for those who plan their vacation in advance.

Türkiye. It is not surprising that many Germans choose Turkey as their holiday destination. Because the population of Germany is almost 50% Turks. Moreover, children of Turkish immigrants have dual citizenship (those who were born in Germany, and one or both parents had German citizenship at the time of birth).

The advantage of Turkey is its climatic conditions. If in Germany there is daily rain in spring or autumn, then Turkey pleases its guests with warmth and sunny days at this time.

Greece. This country has also gained its popularity among Germans. Or more precisely, some islands: Crete, Kos and Rhodes. After the well-known crisis, the Greeks began to significantly reduce prices for tourist packages. And this plays into the hands of the Germans! A good and inexpensive holiday on the beach is just a German dream! Very often, when choosing a vacation, they tend to go for inexpensive prices.

Italy. The Germans like to travel here in their own or rented “Wonwagens” (transportable houses) with their families. Hotels in the cities of this country are expensive, and the short distance allows you to get there on your own. This is what families with children use. A long weekend is enough to visit this country.

Egypt. Many Germans divide their holidays into parts. In the summer for a couple of weeks and in the winter. So, if in the summer they can visit all of the above countries, then in the winter the Germans go where it is warm. For example, Egypt. It is relatively warm there, and travel agencies often offer discounts in winter.

Other countries. Naturally, there are people who prefer to seek new experiences. These Germans visit Thailand, India, China, the Maldives, and Vietnam.

Tatiana Diehl, Bremen (Germany).

The Germans are a people who like to work well and have a good rest. Residents of Germany have the longest holidays in the entire European Union. They prefer to divide their vacation time into several parts and thus periodically rest throughout the year. It should be noted that the German people are extremely fond of traveling and even in times of global financial crises, they continue to actively go on vacation. According to the latest research by German travel agencies, the favorite holiday destinations of Germans are Spain, Italy, Turkey and their home country.

Spain - the best beach holiday

The most favorite holiday destination for both German youth and older citizens is sunny Mallorca. This southern Spanish island has beautiful sandy beaches and bright, warm sunshine. The Germans really value the high quality of service and services provided in hotels. Therefore, offering excellent service and comfort, Spanish hotels suit them perfectly. Moreover, Germans go to Mallorca not only to relax, but also to live. In recent years, the island has even received the nickname "German Island" or "Island of German Housewives." In addition to the islands in Spain, Germans also like to relax on the mainland of the country. The chic beaches of such popular Spanish resorts as the Costa Brava and Costa Dorada can also boast an abundance of German tourists.

Italy - holiday next door

Magnificent Italy undoubtedly attracts German tourists with its historical cities, architectural masterpieces, incredible natural beauty and traditional cuisine. In addition, Italy is located next to Germany, and it is very easy and quick for Germans to get to it. Such cities, Rome, Milan, Florence and Venice annually receive and serve tens of thousands of German tourists.

Türkiye - cheap and cheerful

Tourism in Turkey has been developing and thriving for several decades. And the most pleasant thing here, without a doubt, is that Turkey improves the quality and service of its hotels from year to year, which cannot but attract tourists from Germany. The large-scale development of the tourism business in the Turkish state has made it a place where any European person can find suitable conditions for recreation. The Aegean coast of Turkey is preferred by an increasing number of Germans every year. Türkiye is a beautiful country with a rich history and excellent climate. There is a lot to see and have fun here. In addition, Türkiye is cheaper than most popular European resorts, which makes it even more attractive.

Germany - holiday in your home country

Every third resident, including people with a residence permit in Germany, choose their home country as a holiday destination. Popular travel destinations here include the coasts of the Baltic and North Seas, the picturesque places of Bavaria, as well as the major cities of Munich, Frankfurt, Cologne and Dusseldorf. The favorite attraction of tourists in Germany is Cologne Cathedral. In addition, the Germans are very fond of the architectural monuments of Dresden and Berlin, such as the Dresden Cathedral of Our Lady and the Zwinger Palace and the Berlin Brandenburg Gate.

As for winter holidays, the Germans prefer to relax in the popular Alpine ski resorts of their native Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Summer is a time for holidays and holidays. Schools are closed, and in many enterprises and firms in July-August the atmosphere is much more relaxed than usual. Where do Germans prefer to spend their holidays: away from their homeland or at home?

On the Baltic Sea coast

Sea, sun, white sandy beaches, palm trees - this is how many Germans imagine their vacation. Especially if the summer in Germany, like this year, is cool and rainy. But this is not always the case. A year ago, for example, the temperature in July rose to 40 degrees, which again irritated many. But, despite the vagaries of unpredictable weather, Germany still leads the list of favorite holiday destinations for Germans. About a third of the country's residents spend their holidays at home.

At home or on Mediterranean beaches?

Hiking in Upper Bavaria, holidays on the Baltic Sea coast or excursions to museums and attractions in Berlin - it is the wide range of offers that makes hundreds of thousands of Germans spend their summer holidays at home. This opinion is shared by Karl Born, a professor at the Department of Tourism Management at the Hochschule Harz in the city of Wernigerode, in the federal state of Saxony-Anhalt. But this is not the only reason. For many, geographic proximity to home plays a big role in choosing a vacation destination.

Hiking in the picturesque areas of Upper Bavaria is very popular

“The ability to quickly cover distances, change locations and speak your native language are all advantages of Germany,” says Professor Born. There are only doubts about the weather. Anyone who wants sun throughout their vacation chooses Spain, Italy or Turkey. These three countries, according to the Federal Association of the German Tourism Industry, occupy respectively second, third and fourth place (after Germany itself) among the favorite holiday destinations of German citizens.

Politically correct choice?

Many southern European countries are now benefiting from the unstable political situation in North Africa. According to data from one of Germany's largest tourism holdings, REWE Touristik, the number of Germans wishing to visit Tunisia or Egypt has dropped sharply.

The unrest and mass protests that swept through these countries in February, when German residents were just beginning to plan their summer holidays, put them on guard. “Many of our clients have changed their travel itineraries. Now the demand for holidays in Egypt has increased, but has not yet reached the level of last year,” says REWE Touristik representative Christian Wessels.

In 2010, Egypt was one of the ten most popular holiday destinations among Germans. This circumstance often led to discussions. Moreover, it was not only about Egypt. The main question was whether it was politically correct to enjoy the sun and sea in countries with authoritarian regimes, thereby providing them with financial support.

Tourism expert Karl Born has a clear position on this matter. In his opinion, one cannot demand from vacationers “more political correctness than from the federal government.” Representatives of government and business circles often fly to countries such as Egypt or Tunisia to negotiate deals beneficial to Germany.

"Travel as a Fundamental Right"

What exactly are Germans looking for when they go on vacation? According to Carl Born, wanderlust has two main motives: some people just want to relax and unwind. Others, on the contrary, strive for adventure; it is important for them to meet new people and get acquainted with another culture. In general, German residents continue to be avid travelers. And this is no coincidence; the passion for foreign tourism has its own long-standing tradition.

“I once noticed with irony that the Germans regard the opportunity to travel as one of their basic constitutional rights,” smiles Karl Born. This, he said, was especially noticeable during the unification of Germany. Calls for freedom for East Germans centered around freedom of movement and travel. And if you look even deeper into history, then it’s enough to remember the same nobles who often traveled abroad in past centuries. “The most obvious example is Goethe, who could not imagine his life sitting in one place,” emphasizes Professor Born.

Context

Poll: Germans do not want to go on vacation with debt

According to survey results, German residents do not want to go into debt in order to go on vacation. This mainly applies to Germans under the age of 24. (07/05/2010)

The island itself is quite an interesting place culturally and historically. This is reflected at least in the fact that for local residents it is not German that is traditional, but Frisian, which is the second official language here. Despite the fact that fewer and fewer people speak it every year, all signs on the island are written in two languages.