Family Holidays at a&o Hostels Without the Stress of Travel

The best time of the year is the holiday season – finally enjoying quality time with family, discovering beautiful destinations and just letting your mind wander. But before the family holiday begins, the same questions always pop up:

• Where should we go? The seaside, mountains, an exciting city, or perhaps the countryside... Decisions, decisions! It's also worth considering the travel season and expected weather during your trip. Thankfully, many destinations are charming year-round.
• What do we want to do as a family? When travelling with kids, it’s key to remember that everyone – from the little ones to the teens – might have different ideas about what makes a perfect holiday. Planning together and considering everyone’s interests can make all the difference, setting the stage for a holiday full of anticipation.
• How do we get there stress-free with kids? Why not keep things simple and skip the hassle of flying? Instead, start your trip completely relaxed by hopping in the car or boarding a train. And to keep the journey stress-free, picking a destination that’s not too far is a smart move.

Eco-friendly travel by train – sustainable, comfy and stress-free

We’re here to help you plan a family holiday without the stress of flying. With a&o Hostels, you can enjoy family-friendly stays in comfy family rooms, kickstart your mornings with a tasty breakfast buffet and make the most of our central locations – perfect for heading out on adventures right from your hostel.

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Travelling by train is ideal for families: no traffic jams, plenty of space to move around, and fun for kids as they explore the train. Plus, it’s often an affordable option if you book early. Below, we’ve highlighted great destinations you can easily reach by train, starting from four major cities with long-distance train connections.

From the far north: Travel destinations from Hamburg

Copenhagen

In just 4 hours and 45 minutes, you can reach the Danish capital by train. Beyond famous sights like Tivoli Gardens, the Little Mermaid and Amalienborg Palace, Copenhagen is packed with family-friendly attractions. Fancy a day trip? Head over the Öresund Bridge to Malmö, Sweden! Stay with your family at a&o København Nørrebro or a&o København Sydhavn at unbeatable prices.

Berlin

Less than two hours away by ICE train, Berlin is perfect for families. From interactive museums and the TV Tower to the Tierpark, Zoo and Aquarium, there’s no shortage of things to do. Plus, with four a&o Hostels in Berlin, you’ll find family-friendly, affordable accommodation.

Bremen

The charming Hanseatic city of Bremen is just a 70-minute regional train ride from Hamburg. Explore the iconic Schnoor district, the Bremen Town Musicians and more. Stay at a&o Bremen Hauptbahnhof for a central and budget-friendly base.

Cologne

In about four hours by train, you’ll be in Cologne, where the iconic Cathedral greets you as soon as you step out of the station. With three a&o Hostels in Cologne, you’re perfectly placed to explore with the family.

Head east: Travel destinations from Berlin

Prague

Travel to Prague in just over four hours and enjoy the scenic route through the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. Once in the Czech capital, indulge in local treats like Baumstriezel and discover family-friendly attractions. Stay at the cosy and affordable a&o Praha Rhea.

Dresden

Just two hours by train, Dresden’s beautiful old town is a must-visit, with highlights like the Frauenkirche and nearby Saxon Switzerland – a hiker’s paradise. Stay at a&o Dresden Hauptbahnhof for an easy start to your adventures.

Munich

Catch a morning train from Berlin and arrive in Munich by lunchtime. Whether you’re exploring Marienplatz, the English Garden, or heading to the Alps, Munich has plenty to offer. Choose from three family-friendly a&o Hostels in Munich.

Warsaw

Our next tip takes you far to the east: the Polish capital, Warsaw, is just a five-hour drive away. At a&o Warszawa Wola, you’ll be greeted with a warm welcome from the team. Like most a&o Hostels, this location features a Kids' Corner where your little ones can play and have fun. Older kids and teens won’t feel left out either – they can challenge each other to a game of table football and keep themselves entertained.

Hamburg

The Landungsbrücken are one of the highlights of Hamburg, a city packed with exciting things for families to enjoy. Take a harbour cruise, visit the iconic Elbphilharmonie, explore Miniatur Wunderland, or have a blast at the Hamburger Dom amusement park – there’s something for everyone here. Hamburg is just a 105-minute train ride away, and with four a&o Hostels in Hamburg ready to welcome you, it’s the perfect family getaway.

Nuremberg

A trip to Nuremberg by train takes no more than three and a half hours, and the friendly team at a&o Nürnberg Hauptbahnhof will greet you as soon as you arrive. Don’t miss trying the famous Nuremberg bratwurst – these small sausages are easy to find and perfectly sized for little hands. If you’re visiting in winter, the stunning Christmas market in the heart of the old town is a must-see, drawing visitors from all over to this charming Franconian city.

From Munich: Discover the Alps and more

Salzburg

Hop on a Regional Express train and arrive in Salzburg in under two hours. From the central a&o Salzburg Hauptbahnhof, explore the charming old town or take a family stroll along the beautiful streets.

Vienna

The Austrian capital is just over four hours away by train. Stay at a&o Wien Hauptbahnhof or a&o Wien Stadthalle for an affordable base to explore highlights like carriage rides, which kids will love.

Stuttgart

A quick two-hour train ride takes you to Stuttgart, where you’ll find Wilhelma Zoo and the ‘Green U’ – six connected parks perfect for a family day out. Stay at the centrally located a&o Stuttgart City.

Leipzig

A trip to Leipzig Zoo is a must-see for the whole family – and not just for the kids! Gondwanaland, with its incredible tropical vibe, is an experience your family will talk about long after your visit. The Völkerschlachtdenkmal (Monument to the Battle of the Nations) is another impressive landmark, and the city centre of Leipzig is absolutely worth exploring. After a relaxed three-and-a-half-hour journey, you’ll arrive at a&o Leipzig Hauptbahnhof, ready to dive into the adventure.

Explore Benelux: Travel destinations from Cologne

Brussels

Reach Brussels in under two hours and explore the Atomium, Manneken Pis and indulge in delicious waffles. Stay at the newly opened a&o Brussel Centrum for family-friendly fun.

Antwerp

Antwerp is just two-and-a-half hours from Cologne. Check out the historic zoo near Antwerp Central Station and stay at a&o Antwerpen Centraal for a convenient and affordable stay.

Rotterdam

Rotterdam is only three hours away. From the cube houses to the Euromast, this Dutch city is packed with family attractions. Stay at a&o Rotterdam City for a comfortable base.

Got hooked?

Then book your trip with a&o to Salzburg!