Weekend trips with character
Underrated travel destinations in Germany, Austria and the neighboring regions
A quick change of scenery can work wonders – especially if you travel to places that aren't overrun by tourists. Places where you can stroll through small old towns, discover local specialties, and learn more about the country and its people through genuine conversations. We present ten underrated destinations for an inspiring weekend – with stylish accommodations, culinary delights, authentic shopping, and exciting tips on what else you can experience in the region.
Görlitz (DE/PL) – Europe's most beautiful open-air museum
Germany's easternmost city is an architectural gem—and feels like a film set where time stands still. Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Art Nouveau styles characterize the city center, which has been almost completely preserved.
Overnight stay : In one of the lovingly restored old town hotels or holiday apartments with a view of the Untermarkt.
Enjoy : You can find regional cuisine with a modern interpretation at Lucie Schulte or classic cuisine at Patrizierhaus .
Browsing : Antiquarian bookshops, pottery shops and a Polish market on the other side of the Old Town Bridge invite you to discover.
In the region : The Zittau Mountains are only an hour away – ideal for short hikes, rustic half-timbered houses and day trips on the narrow-gauge railway.
Mělník (CZ) – Wine, water and Bohemian charm
High above the confluence of the Vltava and Elbe rivers lies Mělník – a town known for its wine culture. The charming old town is small but beautiful, and the castle offers magnificent views and leads into centuries-old wine cellars.
Accommodation : Small guesthouses and family-run hotels welcome you warmly.
Enjoy : Bohemian cuisine with a regional twist – for example at U Sv. Václava or at the winery itself.
Browsing : At the weekly market, in the wine shop or in small studios with glass and wood art.
In the region : The Elbe River is ideal for cycling tours, and Nelahozeves Castle (Dvořák's birthplace) is only 20 minutes away – perfect for music and history fans.
Hall in Tirol (AT) – The true pearl of Tyrol
Just a few kilometers from Innsbruck, Hall surprises with one of Austria's best-preserved old towns. The historical wealth from the time of the salt trade is visible and tangible here.
Where to stay : In boutique hotels like the Parkhotel Hall or in a stylish old town house.
Enjoy : Tyrolean cuisine at the Golden Lion Inn or exquisite pastries at the Klaus Weiler Confectionery. Fine dining is available at the top-rated restaurant, the Schwarzer Adler.
Browse : In regional shops with felt products, wooden toys or herbal liqueurs.
In the region : Innsbruck can be reached by train or car in 10 minutes, the Karwendel mountains are ideal for hiking, and the Swarovski Crystal Museum in Wattens is just around the corner.
Esch-sur-Sûre (LU) – Small, quiet, wonderful
Located in northwest Luxembourg, this sleepy village nestles in the middle of a river loop—perfect for a relaxing weekend. The castle towers over the village, and the Upper Sûre Nature Park begins right on the doorstep.
Overnight stay : In charming country hotels or designer guesthouses with a view of the river.
Enjoy : Modern regional cuisine, for example at the Auberge Les Deux Tours .
Browse : You can find local products such as wool, honey or natural cosmetics in the village shop or at small markets.
In the region : The Upper Sûre reservoir invites you to swim or go stand-up paddling, and the charming capital of Luxembourg can be reached in 45 minutes.
Maaseik (BE) – Belgium relaxed
The small town on the Meuse River is characterized by the legacy of the Van Eyck brothers, but also by a way of life that perfectly combines pleasure and serenity. The market square is the center of activity.
Where to stay : In stylish city hotels or rural B&Bs overlooking the Meuse.
Enjoy : Belgian cuisine, craft beer and fine chocolates – all locally produced.
Browse : Fashion, design and delicacies in small boutiques and concept stores.
In the region : Maastricht is only 20 minutes away and offers further cultural highlights, such as the bookshop in the Dominican Church or the Bonnefanten Museum.
Ribe (DK) – Nordic flair with history
Denmark's oldest city is quiet, atmospheric, and full of history. Cobblestone streets, colorful houses, and the famous Viking Center make this place unique.
Accommodation : In charming guesthouses like the Weis Stue in the heart of the historic center.
Enjoy : fish, smørrebrød and Nordic desserts – for example at Sælhunden .
Browsing : In shops with Scandinavian design, ceramics or handmade clothing.
In the region : The Wadden Sea National Park is located right outside Ribe – perfect for mudflat hikes and bird watching.
Dinkelsbühl (DE) – The real medieval dream
Compared to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Dinkelsbühl is still an insider tip – with a complete city wall, towers, half-timbered houses and real life in the old town.
Accommodation : In traditional inns with centuries of history.
Enjoy : Franconian-Swabian cuisine, fine wines and homemade cakes.
Browse : handicrafts, antiques, traditional costumes and regional specialties.
In the region : The Nördlinger Ries, an impressive meteorite crater, is nearby. Nördlingen itself is also worth a visit.
Guebwiller (FR) – Wine, churches and Art Nouveau
In Alsace, but not on the typical wine routes, lies Guebwiller – with a beautiful old town, Romanesque abbey church and excellent wine selection.
Overnight stay : In country hotels or guesthouses with historic flair.
Enjoy : Crémant, tarte flambée and fish terrines in elegant restaurants such as the L'Auberge du Vallon .
Browse : Wines, Alsatian delicacies and stylish decorative items – all in small shops, away from mass tourism.
In the region : The Murbach Monastery is a spiritual place of power, the Route des Crêtes leads through the Vosges Mountains - ideal for hiking or cycling.
Monschau (DE) – Where the Eifel becomes poetic
Well-known, but never overcrowded—especially in the off-season. Monschau captivates with its winding alleys, historic mills, and a special atmosphere.
Accommodation : In romantic old town hotels or modern lofts with a half-timbered ambience.
Enjoy : mustard dishes, game from the Eifel and fine chocolate in Café Thelen .
Browse : glassblowing, mustard mill, design shops and galleries with a local connection.
In the region : The Eifel National Park is a paradise for hikers and nature lovers, the High Fens lies directly across the Belgian border.
Retz (AT) – Cellar lanes, culture and Veltliner
The wine town in the Austrian Weinviertel region surprises with one of the largest historic wine cellars in Europe, a magnificent market square and living tradition.
Stay overnight : In wineries with guest rooms or in stylish city hotels.
Enjoy : Grüner Veltliner, Pannonian cuisine and sweet pastries.
Browse : wine accessories, ceramics, regional delicacies – many directly from the producer.
In the region : The Retz windmill, the Pulkautal with its wine cellar lanes and even a trip to Znaim (CZ) can be reached in a short time.
The perfect equipment for your weekend of discovery
What would an inspiring weekend trip be without the right luggage ? Whether you're strolling through winding old towns, exploring wine regions, or checking into small boutique hotels, the choice of bag makes all the difference. Our handmade travel bags made from robust buffalo leather or waxed cotton are not only stylish but also functional, with well-thought-out storage space to safely stow all your essentials. For your on-the-go care routine, we recommend our roll-top or zippered toiletry bags . They're water-repellent, dimensionally stable, and crafted with attention to detail. And if you want to travel light and elegantly during the day, our small shoulder bags for men or timeless handbags for women are the perfect companions—understated, practical, and full of authentic character.
With Drakensberg luggage, you don’t just travel anywhere – you travel with style, attitude and history.
