From: Andrea Labonte
Uncertain times, expensive flights: These three regions offer nature, peace and relaxed Easter holidays.
An Easter vacation in Bali or Thailand sounds tempting. But due to geopolitical tensions and high ticket prices, many people are currently afraid of long-distance travel. At the same time, mobility costs are also rising significantly within Europe. Anyone who packs the car for a trip to the Mediterranean will quickly notice at the pump: every kilometer driven costs money.
If you still want to travel relaxed at Easter, you don’t have to stay at home and miss out on the rest you need. Travel expert Andrea Labonte recommends three regions that combine nature experiences, short journeys, safety and a convincing price-performance ratio: the Bavarian Forest, the Allgäu and South Tyrol.
Bavarian Forest: deceleration away from the crowds
The Bavarian Forest is one of the most pristine natural regions in Germany. Dense forests, gentle mountain ridges and crystal-clear streams characterize the landscape around the Bavarian Forest National Park, the oldest national park area in Germany. Especially in spring, the region shows its most beautiful side: the forests begin to turn green, there is still snow on the higher elevations, while the first warm rays of sunshine invite you to take long walks.
The most popular excursion destinations include the Großer Arber, the highest mountain in the Bavarian Forest, as well as the treetop path in the national park, which opens up spectacular perspectives over the endless sea of forest. Passau with its baroque old town and the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz is also just a short drive away.
If you long for urban variety, you can even enrich your stay with a detour to Prague. The Czech capital is only around two and a half hours away and impresses with its historic old town, Charles Bridge and the impressive Prague Castle.
Wellness also has a long tradition in the Bavarian Forest. Houses like the Jagdhof, the Reischlhof or the Tonihof impressively show how much peace and relaxation can be found here. The Jagdhof in Röhrnbach impresses with, among other things, one of the largest wellness areas in Bavaria and award-winning gourmet cuisine. Sports enthusiasts will also find an extensive activity program, from guided hikes to a modern fitness world covering 1,380 square meters.
The Reischlhof in the Bavarian Forest is a special highlight with its extraordinary forest spa. On a spacious natural area of around 40,000 square meters, guests experience relaxation in the middle of the forest, accompanied by the quiet rustling of the leaves and the chirping of birds. The approximately 5,000 square meter spa area with seven saunas, sky suites with private sauna and modern longevity treatments creates ideal conditions for regeneration and new energy.
And the Tonihof in the Bavarian Forest also combines a family atmosphere with a real connection to nature. Hiking trails start right outside the front door, while the spacious 3,500 square meter wellness area with several pools, six saunas and separate areas for families and adults offers plenty of space for relaxation. The in-house riding offers are particularly popular, allowing young and old to experience the nature of the Bavarian Forest in a special way.
The big advantage: The comparatively short journey means there is no need for expensive plane tickets or long car journeys. The money saved can be invested directly in wellness, culinary delights and special holiday moments.
Andrea Labonte is a wellness hotel tester at Wellness Heaven with 20 years of experience and over 500 tested spa destinations. She is part of us EXPERTS Circle. The content represents their personal opinion based on their individual expertise.
Allgäu: Spring feelings between lakes and spectacular mountain landscapes
The Allgäu is one of the most impressive natural landscapes in Germany. Lush green meadows, crystal-clear mountain lakes and the striking peaks of the Allgäu Alps characterize the region.
A particularly attractive travel time begins here at Easter: While there is still snow on the higher peaks, spring is already awakening in the valleys. The most beautiful lakes in the region include the emerald green Alpsee, the Hopfensee with its impressive Alpine panorama and the Forggensee, the largest reservoir in Bavaria. Walks along the waterfront promenades or bike rides around the lakes are some of the best spring activities.
Hiking enthusiasts will also get their money’s worth in the Allgäu: panoramic paths lead through gentle foothills of the Alps with views of impressive peaks such as the Hochvogel or the Nebelhorn. Excursions to the famous royal castles around Neuschwanstein Castle are particularly impressive. Anyone who wants to combine culture and nature with relaxed wellness sessions will find the adults-only Hotel König Ludwig near Füssen an ideal retreat, just a few minutes away from the fairytale castle backdrop.
In general, the Allgäu is characterized by an exceptionally high density of family-run hotels. Many host families have been running their houses for generations and combine traditional hospitality with modern wellness culture. The popular hotels in the Allgäu include the Hotel Franks in Oberstdorf, the Biohotel Eggensberger at Hopfensee, the Hanusel Hof or the Hotel Allgäu Sonne in Oberstaufen.
South Tyrol: Mediterranean flair with a mountain panorama
Anyone who wants a little more sun and a Mediterranean lifestyle at Easter will find an attractive alternative to long-distance travel in South Tyrol. The region combines Alpine landscapes with the Italian way of life and can be easily and quickly reached from southern Germany.
Spring shows its best side early, especially around Meran: apple blossoms bathe the valleys in a white-pink sea of flowers, while palm trees and Mediterranean plants already convey a real holiday feeling.
One of the most beautiful walking paths is the famous Tappeinerweg above Meran with spectacular views over the entire Etschtal valley. Hikes along the historic Waalwege, which run through vineyards and orchards, are also popular.
An impressive natural highlight is the Partschins waterfall, one of the highest waterfalls in South Tyrol. Especially in spring, when the snow begins to melt, huge masses of water fall almost a hundred meters into the depths. The Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Seiser Alm, the largest high mountain pasture in Europe, are also easily accessible from many places in South Tyrol and offer spectacular panoramic paths. An almost Mediterranean side of the Alps can be seen around Lake Kaltern. Vineyards, cypress trees and mild temperatures make the region one of the sunniest places in the Alps.
Family-run hotels also characterize the region in South Tyrol. The Hotel Hohenwart above Meran impresses with a spectacular panoramic view over the Adige Valley and direct access to the popular hiking trails around Schenna. The Hotel Seeleiten on Lake Kaltern combines a Mediterranean lifestyle with one of the most beautiful lake views in South Tyrol and spacious spa areas. While the Waldhof near Lana is picturesquely embedded in orchards and vineyards and is an ideal starting point for hikes on the Waalwege and trips to Meran.
Nearby relaxation in uncertain times
In times of international crises, rising energy prices and uncertain flight connections, many travelers shy away from long-distance travel. And especially in times like these, something else becomes more important: reliability, short distances and the reassuring feeling of being in a safe environment.
The Bavarian Forest, the Allgäu and South Tyrol show that real relaxation doesn’t necessarily wait at the other end of the world. Sometimes it’s just a few hours’ drive away, in quiet forests, by sparkling mountain lakes or on sunny panoramic paths in the Alps.
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