12 Unique Places to Stay in Germany

 

Germany’s most charming towns and villages lie just outside of the major metropolitan cities, but feel worlds away. The most rewarding way to explore Germany is by car so you can travel at your own pace and reach places that planes and trains cannot. Read on for a list of 12 unique accommodations you can stay in outside Germany’s large cities.

 

1. A Windmill in Thulendorf

You and up to twelve of your friends and family can call this 5 bedroom, 2 bath windmill “home” during your visit to Germany. The windmill was built in 1906 and operated until the 1980's when the interior was converted to a cozy living space. The 4-story windmill has a living room and bedroom on the first floor, and all other bedrooms are accessed by stairs. The property also features a fireplace, barbecue, terrace, and garden for guests to enjoy.

Windmühle nahe Rostock $140/night
6 hours from Amsterdam, Holland or 7 hours from Frankfurt, Germany

 

2. A Monastery in Lahnstein

With options for a single, private room or a whole wing that can accommodate up to ten people, Monastery Allerheiligenberg is located on a mountainous landscape and offers sweeping views of the Rhine river and neighboring fortresses. The space allows guest to relax, retreat, and rest in the common areas and music room and is an ideal choice for families or groups of friends.

Monastery Allerheiligenberg $39/night
1 hour, 20 minutes from Frankfurt, Germany or 3 hours from Brussels, Belgium

 

3. A Watertower near Hamburg

See Hamburg from above while staying in a 100-year-old converted watertower that was recently renovated and features tasteful interior design. Though guests must climb over 100 steps to access the top dome, many reviews of this property note that it is one of the most memorable features of this truly unique accommodation.

Wasserturm mit Blick über Hamburg $166/night
4 hours, 40 minutes from Amsterdam, Holland or 5 hours from Frankfurt, Germany

 

4. A Hobbit House in Greifenstein

Become immersed in nature in the forests just outside of Frankfurt at a quirky yet luxurious cabin built into the earth. Past guests have shared that this is their favorite Airbnb property they have ever stayed in, and that it even exceeded high expectations. The private cabin has its own fireplace and bathtub and the 45-acre property has several other accommodations, a ropes course, an archery field, and an animal pen with goats, donkeys, and alpacas. For even more options to enjoy your stay, guests can visit the nearby beer-garden, restaurant, villages, and castles.

Earth Hobbit House in the forest near Frankfurt $167/night
1 hour, 20 minutes from Frankfurt, Germany

 

5. A Circus Wagon in Schmilau

A fun destination for a family, this converted circus car is located in a park with other unique accommodations for rent including treehouses, train cars, and tiny homes. Nearby lakes offer kayaking, boating, and nice hiking views and guests visiting Schmilau can expect it to be a quiet and relaxing getaway.

Zirkuswaggon $106/night
5 hours from Amsterdam, Holland or 5 hours, 40 minutes from Frankfurt, Germany

 

6. A Safari Tent in Bad Schandau

Disconnect and recharge in a safari tent on an open meadow where you can enjoy the breeze or a night full of stars. Guests can pass the time by building a campfire or simply relaxing on the wooden deck. The tent features a king-size mattress with fluffy bedding, electricity, reading lamps, and extra blankets for additional comfort. The tent is cozy in all types of weather and there is an outdoor shower with solar-powered heating.

Luxury Safari Tent with Solar Shower $66/night
5 hours from Frankfurt or 5 hours from Munich, Germany

 

7. A Lighthouse in Hohenkirchen

This updated lighthouse has been transformed into a modern home, complete with luxurious finishes and custom built-in furniture. The upstairs terrace offers 360-degree views of the surrounding fields and the sea. The property is a lovely place to unwind for a few days after driving and exploring Germany’s Baltic coast.

Leuchty $179/night

5 hours, 40 minutes from Amsterdam, Holland or 6 hours from Frankfurt, Germany

 

8. A Yurt in Wald-Michelbach

This cozy yurt is surrounded by peaceful gardens and wooded forest. Though the property is set in nature, it is only a short drive or walk from the nearest town of Wald-Michelbach. For the outdoor adventurer, there are a number of nearby hikes, a climbing forest, a natural swimming pool, and a toboggan run. The property is not ideal for children or families but makes for a relaxing getaway for a couple.

Natur pur – Übernachtung in gemütlicher Jurte $100/night
1 hour from Frankfurt, Germany

 

9. A Watertower in Potsdam

A 100-year old watertower in Potsdam has been converted and is managed by a pair of architects. Their tasteful design style complements the original, exposed brick lining the interior, giving guests the comfort of modern conveniences and the excitement from a charming accommodation. Each of the living spaces are accessed by stairs and have rounded walls that highlight the structure’s uniqueness.

Wasserturm am Park Sanssouci $331/night
5 hours from Frankfurt, Germany

 

10. A Greenhouse in Heidelberg

This bright and airy greenhouse on a homestead has been outfitted with cozy furniture and beds, and natural wood, stones, and live plants complement the space. The greenhouse is located in in between lush garden beds and outdoor areas where guests can use the barbecue grill or read and relax on any of the garden furniture. Guests can consider this stay as a camping experience as there is no electricity, but can find comfort in this lovely structure that receives plenty of natural light during the day.

Charming livable greenhouse studio $61/night
50 minutes from Frankfurt, Germany

 

11. A Treehouse in Windeck

This cozy cabin is built into a 4-meter-wide maple tree and features a kitchenette with a wood burning stove, heating, and a private bathroom. Guests can gaze upon the views from the covered and furnished balcony, or take a relaxing bath in the wooden tub. The treehouse is private and romantic, and comes equipped with everything you will need for a quiet getaway. Not only will a stay here bring you special memories, it will feel like a childhood dream-come-true.

Siegtal – Baumhaus in der Natur, 700m vom Bahnhof $106/night
1 hour, 50 minutes from Frankfurt, Germany or 3 hours from Brussels, Belgium

 

12. A Cabin in Murnau am Staffelsee

As if it were designed straight out a storybook, this Bavarian cabin features traditional carved detailing and can accommodate up to five guests, making it a great option for friends, couples, or a family. The back yard guest house is only a few meters away from the main house where guests can use the shared bathroom. The neighboring town offers plenty of options to keep busy: museums, pools, a cable car, boat trips, theatres, and more.

Treehouse with 1-5 sleeping places $44/night
1 hour from Munich, Germany

 

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