These 3 Islands are Must-Sees When Visiting Germany

Fairytale castles, Christmas markets, Oktoberfest: The reasons to visit Germany go on and on. But one reason you may not have thought of is the country’s many islands, which offer a unique glimpse into Germany that the average tourist often overlooks. Destinations like Hawai’i, the Caribbean and Greece may have cornered the market on island vacations, but Germany’s beautiful islands prove the country’s island scene is definitely underrated.

Museum Island
Museum Island is a great place to spend a day when in Berlin. The island, actually known as Spree Island, sits in the middle of Berlin, easily accessible by bridges connecting it to the mainland. While there, you have your choice of five different museums: Neues, Bode, Altes and Altes Nationalgalerie. The Pergamon, the fifth museum, is currently under renovation until 2027, but this collection of museums is a UNESCO World Heritage site, making it a must if you’ll be in the city.

Hiddensee
The island of Hiddensee sits within a national park, Vorpommersche Boddenlandschaft, off the northern coast of Germany in the Baltic Sea. The island is car-free, and the only way to explore it is on foot or by bicycle, which gives you and the family the perfect opportunity to unwind, disconnect and enjoy some time together in nature. There is even a sandy, kid-friendly beach named Vitte to enjoy in warmer weather.

Mainau
You’ll find Flower Island, also known as Mainau, on Lake Constance, the third-largest lake in Europe. Like Hiddensee, this island is perfect for a day visit to explore the local culture and landscape. But rather than museums, Mainau’s draw is thousands of rosebushes, tulips, rhododendrons and dahlias, not to mention plenty of butterflies that call it home. You’ll find a more than 150-year-old arboretum and a restaurant, along with thoughtfully designed playgrounds so the whole family can find a way to get maximum enjoyment from a day on Mainau.