The year 2021 is perfect for trying something new and exploring unknown places. In Germany, Austria and Switzerland a multitude of dreamlike and so far rather unknown locations are waiting to be discovered. It doesn't always have to be a long-distance trip - idyllic hideaways, fairytale castles and romantic estates far from the well-known tourist cities and prominent holiday destinations offer special experiences and relaxation right across the German-speaking region. And thus ensure a perfect time out! 

Here are seven places with gorgeous hotels that are worth discovering. 

1. casual vibes at the rhine

Daddy Rhine, Germany

Hafenstraße 47, 55411 Bingen on the Rhine
Phone: +49 6721 35010
paparheinhotel.com

The Papa Rhein Hotel & Spa is located on the charming Kulturufer in Bingen - the gateway to the idyllic Middle Rhine Valley, which was already discovered by romantics in the 19th century and admired in written form. Surrounded by vineyards and a historically significant region, you can take in the scenery here on foot, by bike or by boat. The tranquil Bingen is considered an insider tip on the edge of the metropolitan region and forms the antipole to the much-visited hotspots in Germany.

With beautiful lounges, cosy bars and a rooftop pool, the hotel offers guests a modern, relaxed holiday flair with a high standard. With the spacious spa, a true oasis for switching off has been created here. Guests can choose between two gastronomic concepts: enjoy fine cuisine by Nils Henkel in the Bootshaus or go for a stone oven pizza in the Lido Bar & Restaurant. With its location and facilities, the Papa Rhein is the perfect place for active people, epicures and wine lovers under this year's motto "Summer holiday at home".

2nd mountain summer in the alpine holiday paradise

STEIGENBERGER GRANDHOTEL BELVÉDÈRE, Switzerland

Promenade 89, 7270 Davos
Tel.: +41 81 415-6000
steigenberger.com

At 1,560 metres above sea level, nestled in the imposing panorama of the Swiss Alps, is the popular holiday and climatic health resort of Davos. Europe's highest city attracts visitors with the world's best guest programme: from sporting adventures and exciting activities with the whole family to cultural highlights. How about an e-mountain bike tour or hike through the Swiss National Park, for example? Or a botanical guided tour on the Schatzalp? Should the weather not play along, there are various museums to visit. Younger guests will also get their money's worth with llama trekking, pony rides, windsurfing taster courses and much more. 

The perfect starting point for leisure activities of all kinds: the Steigenberger Grandhotel Belvédère, located directly on the promenade in the heart of Davos. The hotel scores not only with comfortable rooms and suites, a wide range of gastronomy and its own spa, but above all with a picture-perfect view.

3. retreat with history to touch

SCHLOSSHOTEL KRONBERG, Germany

Hainstrasse 25, 61476 Kronberg im Taunus
Phone: +49 6173 701 - 01
castle-hotel-kronberg.com

Situated in the heart of the charming Taunus, Schlosshotel Kronberg is a luxurious retreat for connoisseurs and active families or culture lovers. It offers living history at your fingertips. Guests stroll under the centuries-old trees of the extensive castle park and enjoy the stylish yet comfortable rooms. Precious furniture and a collection of antiques and paintings from the empress's private collection have been carefully staged by British designer Nina Campbell.

The varied gastronomy also sets special accents - especially in summer, when the restaurants in the house are complemented by the inviting terrace, the pretty cottage beer garden and offers such as the "Picnic in the Park". In addition to the 18-hole golf course directly at the hotel, the hotel's own tennis court and a rental station for e-bikes, guests will find many options for extended hikes and entertaining bike tours in the surrounding area. Two exclusive sports cars have recently been added for exclusive driving pleasure: guests have the option of renting a Porsche Taycan or Macan for a sporty Taunus tour during their stay.

4. mundane holiday in the charming Saarland

VICTOR'S RESIDENZ-HOTEL SCHLOSS BERG, Germany

Castle Street 27-29, 66706 Perl-Nennig/Moselle
Phone: +49 6866 79-0
victors.com

Surrounded by magnificent vineyards near the Moselle in the undiscovered Saarland, the five-star superior hotel enchants its guests with the special flair of the ensemble of Roman-inspired villa and romantic Renaissance castle. The guest rooms and uniquely designed gods and emperor suites invite you to an individual holiday in the border triangle between Germany, Luxembourg and France. Guests can spend relaxing hours in the small, stylish wellness area.

From Italian and regional specialities to modern country house cuisine and first-class star cuisine - culinary enjoyment is guaranteed in this hideaway. For gourmets, the three-star restaurant Victor's Fine Dining by Christian Bau prepares high-quality culinary delights. An enjoyable wine tasting of the Saarland Moselle wines at the surrounding wineries rounds off the culinary experience. For explorers, historical excavation sites, medieval castles and numerous premium hiking trails lie in the immediate vicinity for exploration.

5. alpine happiness: Kleinwalsertal very big

TRAVEL CHARME IFEN HOTEL, Austria

Oberseitestraße 6, 6992 Hirschegg
Tel.: +43 5517 608678
travelcharme.com

Why wander off into the distance: In one of the most beautiful high mountain valleys of the Alps, close to the German border and protected by an impressive mountain backdrop, lies the Ifen Hotel in Kleinwalsertal. What makes it special is that the secluded valley, which belongs to Austria, can only be reached from Germany. Once arrived, the region enchants with blooming meadows, snow-covered peaks and plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. On around 185 kilometres of hiking trails, everyone can find their ideal tour and enjoy a fantastic mountain panorama along the way.

In the hotel itself, a new 25-metre outdoor pool invites you to swim and relax from mid-July. Together with the excellent cuisine of star chef Sascha Kemmerer, the generously designed Puria wellness landscape and, last but not least, the warm Vorarlberg hospitality, the Ifen Hotel promises a unique holiday in the Austrian Alps.

6. feel-good atmosphere at the Baltic Sea

OLE LIESE, Germany

Panker 1007, 24321 Panker
Phone: +49 4381 906 90
oleliese.de

The Hotel & Restaurant Ole Liese is a retreat for connoisseurs or a varied family holiday in Holstein Switzerland - nestled in the endless green pastures of the idyllic, over 500-year-old Gut Panker. The picturesque village is very well preserved and invites you to stroll, visit and linger. It is characterised by its baroque manor house and castle chapel, old farm and residential buildings with tasteful boutiques as well as stables and graceful horses.

The charming hotel with its personal atmosphere is spread over a historic ensemble of buildings. It comprises 23 guest rooms in Nordic country house style, the cosy fireside lounge, a small wellness area and two restaurants - the Ole Liese Wirtschaft and the starred restaurant 1797. The rural surroundings offer countless opportunities for leisure activities with a variety of hiking and cycling trails or the Hohwachter Bucht Golf & Country Club. The nearby Baltic Sea beaches invite you to sunbathe and numerous lakes also provide wonderful cooling on hot days.

7. active on the shore of the Chiemsee

HOTEL GOOD ISING

Kirchberg 3; 83339 Chieming
Tel.:+49 8667 79-0
gut-ising.de

Situated in one of the most beautiful spots in Bavaria, the traditional, spacious estate and stud farm on the north-eastern shore of Lake Chiemsee is the right place to recharge your batteries, be active, relax and enjoy. Hotel Gut Ising is a feel-good place for the highest standards. Whether you are travelling alone, as a couple or as a family with a dog: once you have arrived, everyone will find something to suit their needs and interests. Amidst the charming landscape of the foothills of the Alps, countless opportunities open up here to be active in the fresh air, whether at the lake, in the forest or in the mountains.

The diverse mix makes it: from horseback riding, golf and tennis to sailing, stand-up paddling as well as hiking and cycling. Long walks or a pampering programme in the 2,500 square metre spa area are a great way to unwind. And in terms of cuisine, there are four places to go: from regional alpine cuisine in the Gutshofrestaurant "Zum Goldenen Pflug" to Italian classics in "Il Cavallo" to Asian and modern international cuisine in the "Derby bar | grill" with its excellent meat and fish creations as well as specialities from the wok. A picnic and delivery service applies throughout the extensive grounds.