Just because you’ve got a young family doesn’t mean you have to give up your annual trip abroad – in fact, it’s even more important to your collective sanity! What it does mean, however, is that while you certainly don’t have to go entirely mainstream, you do have to choose your destination with the children in mind. A traditional bucket and spade beach holiday always goes down well, but for something a little different, Augsburg, in the German state of Bavaria, has everything you’re looking for.
Child Friendly Attractions
Augsburg is one of Germany’s oldest cities, and while the historical value of that may not mean much to young children, its heritage is a very tangible part of its storybook appeal. There are loads of Roman ruins to explore and the city centre itself has a very Renaissance ambience, with its impressive architecture and whimsical canals.
Perlach Tower: Dating back to 1182, the most iconic landmark of the city is also a firm favourite with children. The tower, which is part of St Peter’s church, is around 70 metres tall, and the climb to the top is a thrilling experience for youngsters. Watch out for the yellow flag flying, which is the signal that conditions are good and the tower is open for visitors.
Find it: Situated in the centre of the city in the Rathausplatz. Entry to climb the tower is €1.50.
The Botanical Gardens: In the warmer weather this is the ideal place for a leg-stretch and a picnic. Spread out over 10 hectares, the gardens offer wonderful areas of open spaces for a run around, as well as a great playground and some excellent exhibits geared towards children. Children will be entranced by the various “gardens within the gardens”, including the rose garden, the music garden and the fascinating and fragrant pharmaceutical herb garden.
Find it: Dr.-Ziegenspeck-Weg 10. Open all year round from 9am-5pm. Free entry.
The Zoo: The zoo at Augsburg is one of its most visited attractions and is open throughout the year. Home to a huge array of local and exotic animals, there are more than 200 species of birds, 50 mammal species, and 1500 amphibian and reptile species.
Find it: Brehmplatz 1. Open 9am-5pm daily. Tickets €10 for adults and €5 for children.
Stadtbad: If your children enjoy a bit of aquatic fun (and what kids don’t?), a visit to Stadtbad will tick all the right boxes. This indoor public pool is set inside a stunning Art Nouveau building and, as well as enjoying the water, kids will be entranced by the presence of intricately carved sea horses, fish and frogs set into the architecture of the historic stone walls.
Find it: Leonhardsberg 15. Open 8am-7pm.
Puppet Show: The Augsburger Puppenkiste is the standout attraction for children in the city. This amazing marionette theatre is internationally renowned for the skill and passion of its shows and is still owned and operated by the family that established it more than 50 years ago. Despite performances being mainly in German, language is no barrier for children, who are invariably captivated by this magical experience. Book in for a backstage tour and your kids can enjoy finding out the secrets of how the puppets are created and operated.
Find it: Spitalgasse 15. Open 10am-7pm Tues-Sun. Tickets €4.50 adults and €2.90 children.
Haunstetter Forest: Just beyond the city limits, this lush, accessible forest is a wonderful place to hire bikes and cycle around the pretty lake. You can also go on guided horse-rides around the network of bridle paths.
Day Trips
If you’ve got the time and the inclination to venture a little further afield, the city makes the perfect base for some fantastic child-friendly day trips that don’t involve sitting in a bus or train for hours.
Legoland: Yes, that’s right – from Augsburg you’re just 30 miles from Günzberg, home of Legoland Deutschland! Every child’s dream can come true in this massive park complete with every Lego inspired (naturally) exhibit you can imagine as well as live shows, water attractions and rollercoasters.
Allgäu Skyline Park: Just 40 minutes from the city, this fun-filled theme park has something for all ages, including the Sky Wheel – the highest rollercoaster in the world! If your children are older they’ll enjoy that thrill, but for younger ones there are plenty of smaller, less intimating rides as well.
Ammersee Lake: For a day in the great outdoors, you can’t beat this lovely region (about 60kms from the city) where the entire family can enjoy activities like horse-riding, boating, biking, rides in horse-drawn carriages and swimming.
Amazing Augsburg – An Ideal Family Destination
With a truly laidback feel and plenty of child-friendly attractions, this destination is looking good for your next family holiday! The good news is that it’s not over the top expensive, and if you’re interested in some cost-saving tips for your visit, you might like to read this blog post too.
Gute Reise!
How to Get to Augsburg
Getting to Augsburg with the family in tow is fairly straightforward, and with a flight time of under two hours from the UK it’s close enough for even a short break. The fastest route is to fly into Munich or Stuttgart airports, with Munich being the most popular. All the budget airlines fly regular routes to both airports and, even during the busy season, it’s not hard to pick up some budget flights online. If it’s more convenient you can also fly from London Stansted to nearby Memmingen Airport.
Wherever you choose to fly to, once you land, the most convenient way to get your family to Augsburg without having to navigate the perils of public transport with kids is on a pre-booked, fixed price transfer with Shuttle Direct. From Munich, for example, the journey takes just over an hour, so the children have no time to get truly restless.
Where to Stay:
B&B Hotel Augsburg: For a great budget option without feeling like you’re missing out on anything, the B&B Hotel Augsburg offers clean, comfortable family rooms with exceptionally helpful staff. The hotel is within easy walking distance of all the city attractions, including the zoo and a lake for ice-skating in winter.
Hotel Augusta: With the option to book a spacious family room, there’s room to move in the Hotel Augusta, which is located right in the centre of the city. Within a two-minute walk of the Old Town, facilities include a generous buffet breakfast, satellite TV and a lift to all levels. Parents will love the sauna and fitness room, while children will appreciate the free Wi-Fi.
Ringhotel Alpenhof: The family-friendly atmosphere of the Ringhotel Alpenhof is just what you need for a relaxing stay. With large rooms and suites, an onsite swimming pool, Internet hotspots, a lovely garden area and a fun children’s playground, the kids will never be bored. Parents will be able to take advantage of the sauna, hot tub and steam room.
About Shuttle Direct:
Shuttle Direct is the most respected name in Europe for airport transfers. With many years of experience, their range of convenient and economical transfers ensures you and your family can enjoy hassle-free onward travel arrangements.
Wherever you’re travelling, Shuttle Direct has a service to meet the needs of any group size or budget. You can book ahead through the user-friendly online system and you’ll be met at the airport of your choice and taken directly to your accommodation, so you won’t have to try to navigate public transport with children.
The friendly, professional team at Shuttle Direct are waiting to assist and make your next family holiday as stress-free as possible.
