Would it be odd to go on a family holiday to Germany? I have never been and I would like to go ...

[bibbitybobbityhat]

And I am aware it is a big country so recommendations for places to visit would be very welcome ...

Bibbity - haven't read the rest so apologies if duplicating. We have been to Germany many times. We drove down the romantic road and stayed in beautiful medieval towns (you can look it up on line) and we went to Bavaria and visited all of mad King Ludwig's castles (inc the Chitty Chitty one) which was FAB. And of course it's all so terribly well organised and efficient. Cycle paths alongside rivers etc etc. Can't recommend it enough. We stayed on a farm in Bavaria and it was marvellous. Beautiful mountains and lakes, Hitler's eyrie..

Goodness, have surprised myself with my enthusiasm.

And it's more interesting that Croatia.

than

We will never ever speak to you, or give you tips on Germany again.

OOOOhhhh, just had a thought.

If you fancy a trip to Germany, and it fits in with the school holidays, then think about Fasching/Karneval. Great fun. 11th to 1th February next year, so pack your long johns. And dressing up costumes.

Go to Köln or Düsseldorf and party all weekend

Fasching - make sure your DH wears a tie every time he goes out .

Ah, only on Thursday, Weiberfastnacht, though DadInstead.

And not his favourite one

someone said about the sea being cold to swim in? Might I add that the lakes in the summer are just fantastic for swimming...

Have a wonderful memory of us walking up to a lake under the Zugspitze (can't remember what it what called!) and having the most gorgeous swim surrounded by mountains, then up a bit more and had lunch in a "Hut". The "Hütter" are great for cheap and very child friendly meals - some are accessible by road - some have to cable car all their provisions up that they don't make/grow themselves. I think they are fab and the girls loved the relaxed atmosphere. They're not just a Germany thing of course, but they are great for families if you're there.

Another fan of Germany here. I love the country and am working on getting dh to move there or Austria.

Took the ss's on holiday there when they were younger and they loved it. They enjoyed getting proper meals as all the places did kid size versions of the adult meals.

Did the Mosel area with them and had a ball. They also loved Phantasia - even if it isn't on a scale with Thorpe Park. They still talk about it now.

Have taken dd there a couple of times and she is turning into another fan. She wants to go back next year

thankyou so much for your help. you have given me loads to think about. think i will get a book from the libary and investigate further. because of where we live we are bit restricted on flights - hanover, dusseldorf and frnakfurt are the options. only recently joined MN and found people so helpful

As no one has yet mentioned the Kinderhotel chain, I thought I'd mention them.

We had some lovely summer and skiing holidays in different Kinderhotels in both Germany and Austria. Great childrens' activities, pool, spa, excellent food and lots of outdoors activities (cycling, walking, etc). I found them to much better value than UK equivalent hotels (although the £ has fallen in value since then...).

But to answer the OPs question, my favourite part of Germany is Bavaria, especially the lakes south of Munich (Ammersee, Tegernsee) and Schloss Neuwschwanstein!