10 Nature Getaways with Kids from Hamburg and Berlin

Autumn by the Sea: A Gentle Escape at Hotel Zweite Heimat in St. Peter-Ording

Although my four-year-old son Leo is growing up in the city, he’s a country child at heart. He loves space, silence, and the freedom to follow his own rhythm. So whenever there’s a day off from kindergarten or a long weekend ahead, we often pack up spontaneously and head for the countryside and the coast. Two Tonie stories, a hundred wind turbines counted — and suddenly we’re in St. Peter-Ording. It couldn’t be easier.

This place is a real gift for spending time together, especially when you’re travelling alone with a child. We check into Hotel Zweite Heimat at the northern tip of Ording, where host Helga greets us by the warm glow of the lobby fireplace. Guests gather on the big sofas around the crackling flames — reading, pulling out board games, or simply falling into conversation. The hotel isn’t explicitly designed for families, yet it is wonderfully welcoming to children and guests of all generations.

We grab the hotel’s sand toys, cross the dyke, and find ourselves directly on the vast beach, where we spend hours flying kites. Later, we drive or cycle to the Erlebnis-Hus, a new multi-storey stilt house opened in 2023, filled with thoughtful indoor and outdoor play areas and sweeping sea views. For a dose of calm and authenticity, we wander through the original village centre.

We stop by Ording’s best bakery, browse small boutiques, and settle into a café with hot chocolate to talk about growing up, staying small, and simply being together. Back at the hotel, we try the historic tea sauna (tea is too hot for Leo, but he loves the idea of a “tea sauna”). His days are full of adventure; mine feel wonderfully effortless. At Esszimmer, one of the hotel’s two restaurants, children get dessert for free when they order a vegetable side. After dinner, Leo disappears into the cosy little nook while I chat with an older couple celebrating their wedding anniversary.

Soon he’ll start school, and some of this freedom will slip away. But until then, these escapes allow us to build memories, trust, and love — the glue that will hold us close for a lifetime, made from the finest North Sea sand.

A Little Luxury for New Parents at Landhaus Averbeck in the Lüneburg Heath

Autumn and winter in the Lüneburg Heath carry their own quiet magic: still landscapes, crisp air, mist drifting across open fields — and right in the middle of it all lies a true haven for new parents. Landhaus Averbeck is the antidote to sleepless nights, empty stomachs, and the feeling of being stretched far beyond your limits. In those early years, when tiny humans need us more intensely than we ever imagined, what would we give for a few hours alone or as a couple, a plate of nourishing comfort food, and enough space to finally breathe again?

Set on a former farm, Averbeck balances the needs of children and parents with remarkable ease. Spacious apartments and full baby equipment — from baby monitors to buggies — make the stay wonderfully comfortable. Excellent baby and childcare provide parents with rare, restorative downtime. And shared family moments come naturally too, thanks to a sprawling playground, friendly farm animals, and countless little corners to explore. Everywhere on the property, small adventures await — and for parents, there’s always a cosy bench nearby, a warm cup of coffee, and a slice of homemade cake. Best of all, children up to two years old stay for free for all families who book the 4- or 7-day arrangement during the pre-Christmas period until 21.12.25.

Later, at the welcoming bar Blindes Huhn, chatting with other parents, you realise with relief that you’re not the only one whose superpowers sometimes run out — and that everything, eventually, gets easier. And that a weekend at Averbeck can work wonders.

Mecklenburg Lake District: Family Bliss at Beech Resort Plauer See

For anyone in Hamburg or Berlin craving a spontaneous nature escape, Beech Resort Plauer See is the perfect place to make every family member happy. Even the drive — tree-lined avenues, sleepy villages — sets the mood for a slower, softer pace.

Set directly on Lake Plauer See and surrounded by forest and water, the resort gives children the freedom to roam while parents enjoy some much-needed calm. The standout accommodation is the collection of spacious, luxurious lake villas nestled right along the shoreline, but the family-friendly apartments are just as thoughtfully designed.

For children, Beech Resort is a genuine playground: climbing areas, bikes, sports facilities — and of course the lake itself — offer endless room for adventure, energy, and exploration. At the same time, parents can unwind in the sauna or join a yoga session.

Food-wise, the resort leans into regional flavours with dishes that satisfy both grown-ups and little diners. Beech Resort Plauer See blends nature, family time, and pure comfort with ease. It’s a place where memories take root — flying kites at the water’s edge, paddling across the lake, or sharing dinner on the terrace of your own villa. A place where time slows, just enough for everyone to let go of the everyday.

Baltic Breeze & Big Little Adventures: A Getaway at Gut Damp

The Schlei region is one of those places where you slow down the moment you arrive. The kids are off running before the car is even locked, and you instinctively breathe a little deeper. At Gut Damp, families find rural calm, wide-open space, water all around, and the Baltic Sea just moments away. It’s this mix, perhaps, that makes the Schlei feel so special.

Days here start early — usually with the first enthusiastic call of “boots on, let’s go!”. The estate at Gut Damp offers endless room for exploring. For parents, the surroundings are a true gift: open fields, a hint of the Baltic in the air, and beautiful walking paths along the Schlei and the nearby beach.

The region is also perfect for little excursions. We head to Sieseby, arguably the prettiest village on the Schlei with its thatched cottages and peaceful waterfront path. Or to Arnis, Germany’s smallest town, where boatyards, piers, and cosy cafés create an irresistible maritime village feel.

Returning to Gut Damp feels a bit like coming home. The apartments are both luxurious and inviting, and right across the way you’ll find the Kuhhaus restaurant — rustic, hearty, and delicious in the very best way.

A short break filled with simplicity, nature, and those quiet little moments of happiness families treasure. And best of all: dogs are welcome too.

North Sea Hideaway: Lighthouse Hotel & Spa, Büsum

When the North Sea storms lash the coast, there’s no better place to feel safe and cozy than in a lighthouse. At the Lighthouse Hotel, that sense of security and comfort is at its peak — especially in the colder months — while outside, the spectacle of wind, waves, and skies unfolds.

Families love the hotel’s thoughtful setup: everything is perfectly located and within easy walking distance. A stroll along the dyke to the Perlebucht playground or a visit to the interactive Phänomania Museum keeps the little ones entertained. For hands-on adventure, a fishing trip from the Museum Harbor lets children get up close with local marine life, from starfish to flatfish and crabs.

After the excitement comes pure relaxation: back in one of the spacious suites, the fireplace is lit, children play or listen to stories, and the whole family can cross the hotel’s private passage to splash in the Therme Meerzeit. It’s a safe, snug haven — the ideal setting for a truly comfortable and memorable family weekend by the sea.

Hidden Gem for Families in East Holstein: Gut Petersdorf

In Lensahn, East Holstein, just a short drive from the Baltic Sea, lies a truly special family retreat: Gut Petersdorf, owned and managed by Friedrich and Friederike von Ludowig in the fourth generation. While Friedrich cultivates around 400 hectares of rapeseed, wheat, barley, biogas beets, and corn, Friederike, a mother of four, has transformed the historic manor house, gatehouse, and granary into modern, welcoming spaces.

In 2017, two generous holiday apartments were created: the Kutscherstube and the Pferdestall, each accommodating up to six guests. High ceilings, arched doorways, and exposed beams showcase the estate’s history. With fully equipped open kitchens, a fireplace, and underfloor heating, guests can settle in comfortably while enjoying views of the beautiful park.

Gut Petersdorf is intentionally not a “kids-only” farm — it’s an authentic place where families can experience nature together. Children and adults alike can fish in the mill pond, watch deer, hares, and pheasants in the surrounding forests, or row and climb among centuries-old trees. And the stunning Baltic beaches are just a 15-minute drive away.

An Island Escape: Silt & Sand, Langeoog

Nestled in the dunes and just steps from the sea, Silt & Sand blends seamlessly into Langeoog’s Nordic landscape. This boutique hotel pairs clean, modern architecture with bright, airy spaces and spacious terraces, creating a relaxed yet stylish retreat. The light-filled lobby and the restaurant Salty invite guests to linger over tea, ice cream, or locally inspired dishes.

The 73 rooms and suites are elegantly designed, with some offering spectacular sea views. Families will appreciate thoughtful touches like built-in sleep nooks for children, while parents rest in luxurious box-spring beds. The Wellbee Spa, with sauna, sanarium, and dune views, offers a peaceful haven for well-deserved relaxation.

Children are warmly welcomed: a play corner adjacent to the restaurant keeps little guests entertained during breakfast. Bikes are available for exploring the harbor, the Meierei, or the dunes. Strolls along Langeoog’s sandy beaches or boat trips on the North Sea complete the island experience.

Lakeside Calm & Family Fun: Gut Groß Zecher at Schaalsee

The Schaalsee region is defined by tranquil lakes, wide fields, and charming villages. At Gut Groß Zecher, families can experience rural life in all its facets. Children can explore the expansive grounds, wander through the woods, or jump off the private bathing jetty into the crystal-clear lake. Wooden boats are available for short adventures on the water. The calm atmosphere is perfect — in autumn for walks and mushroom picking, in winter for forest strolls followed by cozy moments with a cup of tea or hot cocoa. With its easy accessibility, Gut Groß Zecher is a convenient and relaxing retreat.

Accommodations range from rooms and apartments to guesthouses, all comfortably furnished and family-friendly. The hosts place great value on personal interaction and a warm, relaxed atmosphere. Culinary delights are served in the spacious and inviting Kutscherscheune, offering regional dishes — many with views over the lake — for a satisfying and authentic local experience.

Hideaway Just Outside Berlin: Recharge at Strandhaus Spreewald

Only about 1.5 hours from Berlin, the Strandhaus Spreewald sits directly on the river in the heart of the Spreewald Biosphere Reserve. This boutique hotel is a true recharger for parents — a place to escape the everyday for a weekend and simply breathe.

The hotel is a gem for anyone who loves nature, water, and comfort. Hosts Claudia and Markus Carl emphasize quality, sustainability, and conservation: from eco-friendly electricity to climate-neutral measures, thoughtful design in every detail, and high guest satisfaction, the commitment shows throughout.

The spa is a highlight for those seeking a little indulgence: multiple saunas, serene relaxation rooms, premium Susanne Kaufmann natural products, a riverside sun terrace in summer, and in winter, candlelight and a crackling fireplace. Scandinavian-inspired interiors create cozy vibes — especially in autumn and winter — while the aroma of fresh coffee and waffles fills the air, helping guests unwind completely.

For families, the Spreewald is a small paradise. Canoe trips on the canals, short hikes, and cycling routes start right at the hotel, leading through lush nature. Children can explore the waterways, play at the hotel, or embark on small adventures while parents enjoy the calm and gentle sounds of the water.

In the evening, cozy rooms and the on-site restaurant with regional cuisine invite relaxation. Whether it’s a fresh dinner, a glass of wine by the fireplace, or a quiet moment on the terrace, Strandhaus Spreewald is the perfect setting for a weekend of nature, family time, and total decompression.

Ostfriesland’s New Happy Place: Hotel NOORD in Carolinensiel

Hotel NOORD in Carolinensiel is the perfect spot for a short autumn or winter escape with the family on the North Sea. Stylish, light-filled, and effortlessly modern, the hotel combines contemporary architecture with a cozy atmosphere. Large windows, thoughtful details, and carefully designed gardens create an immediate sense of welcome.

Families will especially appreciate the clever children’s area near the lobby, a relaxed restaurant, and a spa where adults can unwind and recharge. Just outside the door, walks along the museum harbor or across the mudflats invite fresh sea air and active exploration. In autumn and winter, the North Sea offers a unique experience — wild winds, empty beaches, and endless horizons bring calm and clarity.

The hotel spa provides warmth and wellbeing: saunas, quiet rooms, and cozy corners make it easy to relax. After a stroll along the water or a mudflat hike, guests can end the day with regional dishes in a serene setting.

Hotel NOORD perfectly blends cosiness, nature, and family-friendliness in a clean, relaxed environment — ideal for anyone seeking a short seaside getaway in the colder months.

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