Family - Germany is Wunderbar

Germany Holidays: Cycling in Emsland

This quiet, low-lying stretch of Lower Saxony is laced with waterways and cyclepaths. The pace of life may be slow, but it is safe, friendly and good value, ideal for family holidays.

Germany Holidays: Eckernförde, Baltic spa resort

This small port on the Baltic up near the Danish border used to be famous for its fish smokeries. Today it is a beach resort with quiet charm and good seafood dining.

Germany Holidays: the story of the VW Beetle

The VW Beetle, the much-loved People’s Car, was suggested by Hitler, designed by Porsche, and would have gone out of production if it hadn’t been for a certain British major.

Germany Holidays: Seafood and salty humour

Fish is a tradition in northern Germany, but it may not be what you expect, and it has a long association with a type of salty humour you’re unlikely to hear elsewhere.

Germany Holidays: Wattwandern, otherwise known as mud-flat hiking

Get out in the goo of the Wadden Sea. This pristine environment of tidal flats in the North Sea has plenty of skin-enhancing mud, for free.

Germany Holidays: The Hamburger DOM

No, not the cathedral – this DOM is the northern German equivalent of Munich’s Oktoberfest, but with more rollercoasters.

Germany Holidays: Miniatur Wunderland, Hamburg’s model railway

The world’s finest model railway is in Hamburg. Prepare to be surprised by its extraordinary ambition, gorgeous detailing, and surprising sense of humour.

Germany Holidays: The Harz Mountain Railway

A beautifully-preserved, enthusiast-run, steam-hauled railway network which serves historic towns and villages in a spectacular landscape.

Germany Holidays: Ideal cycle country

Flat, pastoral, villagey and not too hot, northern Germany is ideal cycling country, with a selection of local and long-distance routes.

Germany Holidays: North Sea islands

For some the North Sea islands are a string of sandy pearls; for others, they are backward and claustrophobic. It depends on the eye – and the age – of the beholder.