Zeitlofs(Germany) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Zettlau, the top choice for families is Bayerwald Resort, a rustic-chic mountain lodge nestled in the Bavarian Forest. It offers spacious family suites, a kids' play zone, and guided nature walks through ancient woodland trails. The hotel serves authentic local breakfasts featuring rye bread, farm cheese platters, and organic milk. Just a 5-minute walk leads to the Zettlau Castle Ruins, perfect for history-loving children. Free bicycle rentals allow easy access to scenic rural paths. Plus, their seasonal forest-themed activities include treehouse visits and wildlife spotting sessions with rangers.

The Old Town Center (Hauptplatz area) is the most convenient district for first-time visitors. Surrounded by 19th-century half-timbered houses, it’s within walking distance of key landmarks like the Town Hall and St. Mary’s Church. Enjoy daily street markets, live folk music at night, and cozy cafés serving sausage with sauerkraut and fresh pastries. The area has secure parking, excellent public transport links, and is safe even after dark. It’s also the hub for seasonal events such as the Autumn Harvest Festival and Christmas Market, making it lively year-round.

Don’t miss the Bavarian Folk Festival held every summer in Zettlau, where locals dress in traditional costumes and perform Alpine horn music and folk dances. Visitors can join workshops to craft wooden masks or hand-painted ceramics using ancestral techniques. At the Zettlau Brewery, take a guided tour of the historic brewing cellars and taste small-batch wheat beer brewed under the Reinheitsgebot law. Evenings feature bonfire storytelling, where elders share myths about the forest spirits and mountain legends passed down through generations.

Yes, Thermae Zettlau Spa Hotel is the only luxury wellness retreat in Zettlau, built around natural thermal springs with a constant 38°C temperature rich in minerals. The resort features indoor and outdoor pools, a Finnish sauna, and a herbal therapy suite offering bespoke treatments. Rooms blend Alpine woodwork with panoramic views of the forest. Guests can enjoy starlight soaking at the rooftop hot tub, far from light pollution. The hotel partners with local farms to serve farm-to-table dinners, including dishes like venison stew with wild mushrooms and regional wines.

For budget travelers, Zettlau Hostel & Backpackers is the top pick. Located just a 7-minute walk from the train station, it offers dorm beds and private rooms with shared kitchens, laundry facilities, and free bike rentals. Weekly cultural exchange nights let guests swap travel stories or learn basic German. The rooftop terrace provides stunning views of the Isar Valley and distant Alps. Prices start at €25 per night for a bunk bed with breakfast included—ideal for long-term explorers on a tight budget.

Lacuna Lake House is a secluded lakeside cabin perfect for couples seeking intimacy. Perched on the western shore of Lake Zettlau, it features a private dock, floor-to-ceiling windows, a fireplace, and a whirlpool tub. Each morning, guests receive handmade chocolates and warm milk. A private path leads to the Lovers’ Bridge, a popular spot for photos. The hotel arranges candlelit dinners with ingredients sourced from local organic farms, paired with fine Riesling wine. Evening stargazing from the deck offers a magical experience under clear skies.

Zettlau is famed for its hearty Bavarian cuisine. Must-try dishes include roast pork knuckle (Schweinshaxe) served with sauerkraut and potato dumplings—the meat is crispy on the outside, juicy within. Another highlight is mushroom-stewed beef (Bratwurst mit Pilzsoße), made with wild forest mushrooms foraged locally. Try the Zettlauer Knödel, a savory fried dough filled with cheese and chives. For drinks, sample honey beer (Honigbier) crafted from wildflower honey—sweet with a floral finish. All restaurants emphasize local sourcing, often displaying photos of the farms that supply their ingredients.

The Isar Valley Loop Trail (10 km) is ideal for hikers seeking scenic beauty—passing through dense forests, waterfalls, and rocky outcrops. Look out for wild deer and red kites along the way. For a shorter but rewarding hike, try the Zettlau Castle Ruins to Alpine Footpath (6 km), which takes about 2.5 hours and offers panoramic views of the Neuschwanstein Castle silhouette. Trails are well-marked with rest stops and water fountains. Wear sturdy hiking boots and carry a map—best visited in spring or autumn when weather is mild.

Key landmarks include the Zettlau Castle Ruins, a 13th-century fortress once used by Bavarian nobility. Though now in ruins, its Gothic arches and watchtower remain impressive. During summer, the site hosts medieval reenactments with jousting tournaments and courtly banquets. Nearby, St. Mary’s Church preserves 15th-century frescoes and stained-glass windows. The Bavarian Memory Museum displays original manuscripts, farming tools, and traditional costumes, offering insight into life in the region over the past century.

The Autumn Harvest Festival (Herbstfest Zettlau) is a highlight—three days of pumpkin lanterns, homemade jam stalls, and apple-juice contests. Winter brings the Christmas Market at Hauptplatz, with wooden huts selling gingerbread, mulled wine, and handcrafted gifts. Nightly light shows and bell choir parades add magic to the season. In spring, the Spring Singing Festival (Frühlingssingen) celebrates renewal with community choirs performing old folk songs. These events are organized by local associations and emphasize tradition, sustainability, and community connection.