Holiday Costs in Baden-Württemberg: What Makes It More Pricy Than Overseas Destinations
In the picturesque region of Baden-Württemberg, home to 12 family holiday centres, the Beutler family embarked on a memorable two-week vacation. The region, particularly popular during the summer months of July and August, offers a variety of attractions, including the historic Burg Meersburg.
The Beutlers visited the Burg Meersburg, where an entrance fee was charged: 10 euros for Jasmin, 8 euros for Joshua, and 18 euros for a family visit without the disabled pass. However, Joanna Beutler decided to splurge on cake and drinks at the castle café after the tour, adding an additional 24 euros to their bill.
If everyone in the family had opted for food on the ferry, the cost would have been 50 euros. But the Beutlers chose a more cost-effective option by making packed lunches at the breakfast buffet, saving on food costs during their trip.
The family also stayed at the "Haus Insel Reichenau" on Lake Constance's Reichenau Island. Operated by the Archdiocese of Freiburg, this family holiday centre offered full board with childcare for Joanna Beutler at a cost of 2,268 euros for two weeks, including tourist tax and free bus and train travel in the region.
Comparatively, all-inclusive resort holidays abroad can be more expensive. For instance, a one-week vacation package for four people might cost around 3,100 euros, according to 2025 data. These all-inclusive deals typically cover accommodation, meals, drinks, and entertainment, providing a more predictable budgeting experience.
However, international round-trip flights alone average around $1,217 per person, significantly increasing the cost of resorts abroad. Domestic travel within Germany eliminates large international flight costs, making the overall trip potentially more affordable unless choosing top-tier resorts or peak seasons.
Excursions during a holiday at Lake Constance can add up, with entrance fees and additional costs for food and drinks. For example, a visit to the Open-Air Museum in Unteruhldingen and dinner might cost around 150 euros.
Many tourists are opting for holiday apartments as an alternative to hotels due to the cost of eating out every evening. Tim and Chiara S. from Griesheim skipped a trip to Ravensburger Spieleland due to its high cost, especially without children's discounts. Joshua, a tourist, spent 10 euros on a plush toy from a souvenir stand on the way back to Reichenau.
Last year, the State Statistical Office recorded nearly 59 million overnight stays in Baden-Württemberg, a new record. Kim S. and her partner from Gießen find that all-inclusive vacations are more expensive overall compared to day trips, while Michael B., a tourist from near Zurich, finds a vacation at Lake Constance expensive, with dining out, fuel, and accommodations adding up.
In summary, a family holiday in Germany may offer a more economical option primarily due to lower travel and accommodation costs, particularly if avoiding peak event times and premium hotels. All-inclusive resorts abroad provide the convenience of bundled costs, but the final cost depends greatly on the chosen location, travel arrangements, and preferences for luxury or budget accommodation.
During their family holiday at Lake Constance, the Beutlers chose to save on food costs by making packed lunches at the breakfast buffet and opted out of expensive dining options like a visit to the castle café or dinner at a restaurant, saving them approximately 44 euros per day.
Unlike luxurious all-inclusive resorts abroad, a family holiday in Baden-Württemberg like the Beutlers' offers a more affordable experience, not only because of lower travel and accommodation costs but also due to the opportunity to save on daily expenses such as meals and excursions.
