The weather forecast announces rain—right in the middle of your well-deserved vacation. The initial disappointment is palpable. The planned hikes, the day at the beach, the stroll through the old town—everything seems to be a washout. But wait! A rainy day doesn't have to be a lost vacation day. On the contrary, it's an opportunity to get to know your destination from a completely different, often surprising, side.
Instead of hiding under the covers, see the rain as an invitation to slow down and discover new adventures. With the right attitude and a few creative ideas, a rainy day can become one of the most memorable experiences of your trip. Here are 10 suggestions to save any rainy vacation day.
Use the rain as an official permission slip to relax. In Germany, this is called "Gemütlichkeit." It’s about creating a warm, comfortable atmosphere and enjoying the moment. Pull out that book you've been meaning to read, unpack the board or card games you brought along, or simply get cozy with a cup of tea or hot chocolate and watch the rain patter down from your dry, warm spot.
Every town, no matter how small, has its cultural treasures. A rainy day is the perfect opportunity for a guilt-free culture day. Look not only for the big, famous museums but also for the small, quirky alternatives: a local history museum (Heimatmuseum), a toy museum (like in Nuremberg), or even a chocolate museum (like in Cologne). You'll be surprised by the fascinating stories waiting to be discovered off the beaten path.
What could be better on a cold, wet day than soaking in warm water? Germany is famous for its thermal baths ("Thermen") and wellness oases. A visit to a spa, a sauna, or booking a massage is like a vacation within a vacation. It relaxes the muscles, calms the mind, and makes you completely forget about the bad weather outside.
Rain makes cozy cafés and restaurants even more inviting. Go on a "Kaffee und Kuchen" (coffee and cake) tour of the best local bakeries. Visit an indoor market hall (e.g., Markthalle Neun in Berlin or Kleinmarkthalle in Frankfurt) and sample local specialties. Or, seek out a restaurant with regional cuisine where you can enjoy a long, leisurely lunch.
If you or your kids need to burn off some energy, there are plenty of indoor alternatives. How about a game of bowling, a visit to an indoor climbing or bouldering gym, or a round of black-light mini-golf? These activities are fun, keep you moving, and are completely independent of the weather.
Instead of the latest blockbuster at a large multiplex, look for a local "Arthouse-Kino." These small, often historic cinemas have a special charm and frequently show films in their original language with subtitles (OmU). It’s not just entertainment, but an authentic cultural experience.
Follow the German philosophy: "There is no bad weather, only the wrong clothing." Put on your waterproof jacket and sturdy shoes and venture outside. A walk in a rainy forest is a feast for the senses—the air is clean, the colors are vibrant, and the smell of damp earth is unique. A rain-slicked city at night, with its reflecting lights, also has a special, almost magical atmosphere. The reward afterward: returning to a warm, dry place with a clear conscience.
Many German cities have beautiful, often historic covered shopping arcades ("Passagen"), for example in Leipzig, Hamburg, or Munich. A rainy day is the perfect opportunity to explore these architectural gems, browse the shops, and find unique souvenirs without getting a single drop on you.
Use the newfound downtime to learn something new. Many tourist destinations offer short workshops for visitors. How about a pottery class, a painting course, or a cooking class where you learn to prepare a local specialty? You not only create a beautiful memory but also take home a handmade souvenir.
A rainy day is the perfect opportunity to sit in a cozy café with a cup of coffee and plan the next few days of your trip. Use the time to leaf through guidebooks, search for hidden gems online, or visit the local tourist information office. This way, you can make even better use of the upcoming sunny days and might discover places you would have otherwise overlooked.