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Germany presents itself as strong and diverse at the Top Farm Award 2026, with 17 award-winning farms. From the North Sea coast to the low mountain ranges and the foothills of the Alps, the full spectrum of German farm culture is on display. The award-winning farms impress with their regional authenticity and warm, family-run hospitality.
Particularly noteworthy: Germany is represented in nine different federal states. The evaluation was based on over 760,000 guest reviews from four leading portals. Rhineland-Palatinate, Schleswig-Holstein, Baden-Württemberg, and Bavaria each lead with three award-winning farms.
Germany's diversity at the Top Farm Award 2026
Of the 50 award-winning farms in the Alpine region , 17 are from Germany . This represents 34 percent of all awards. The German farms are spread across nine federal states, from Schleswig-Holstein in the north to Bavaria in the south.
A family week on a top German farm costs an average of €1,150 including breakfast . Prices range from budget-friendly farms to more expensive destinations with a comprehensive range of leisure activities.
The top 10 farms in Germany in 2026
These ten German farms have risen to the top thanks to outstanding guest reviews:
- Ferienhof Feinen (Rhineland-Palatinate) – 4th place overall, 1st place in Germany
- Pfauenhof Estate (Rhineland-Palatinate) – 6th place overall, 2nd place in Germany
- Burgbauernhof am Katzenstein (Thuringia) – 8th place overall, 3rd place in Germany
- Karstens Farm (Schleswig-Holstein) – 11th place overall, 4th place in Germany
- Röhlsche Hof (Saxony-Anhalt) – 16th place overall, 5th place in Germany
- Eichenhof (Lower Saxony) – 18th place overall, 6th place in Germany
- Eichhälderhof (Baden-Württemberg) – 19th place overall, 7th place in Germany
- Warfthof Wollatz (Schleswig-Holstein) – 22nd place overall, 8th place in Germany
- Hubertushof Eifel (Rhineland-Palatinate) – 24th place overall, 9th place in Germany
- Hierlhof (Bavaria) – 29th place overall, 10th place in Germany
Rhineland-Palatinate is particularly well represented with three farms in the top 10, as is Schleswig-Holstein with three farms. The regional diversity ranges from the North Sea coast to the low mountain ranges and the Bavarian Alps.
The top 3 German winners in detail
1st place: Ferienhof Feinen (Rhineland-Palatinate)
Markus Feinen of the Feinen holiday farm surprised everyone in 2025 with his prediction of what guests enjoyed most. Laser tag and 3D mini-golf topped the popularity charts. The farm is run by the fourth generation, but has been operating as a holiday farm for the second.
The family wants to pass on a solid, successful, and warmly managed holiday farm to the next generation. Located in Rhineland-Palatinate, the farm specializes in active family holidays. The combination of traditional farming and modern leisure activities consistently wins over guests.
The Feinen holiday farm not only secured first place in Germany, but also fourth place in the overall evaluation. This shows that German farms are internationally competitive and can score points with authentic concepts.
2nd place: Landgut Pfauenhof (Rhineland-Palatinate)
Gottfried Schmid of the Pfauenhof estate is the first generation to run the farm. He and his family purchased the property at the end of 2020 and have been developing it consistently ever since. What makes it special: The farm focuses on organic Galloway cattle and its own homemade products.
The innovation of 2025 was the Pfauenhof burger. During peak season, the family grills delicious burgers made with their own organic Galloway grass-fed beef, following their own recipe. Guests assemble their own burgers and enjoy homemade sauces. Relaxing seating areas are available on and around the farm.
What the family wants to pass on to the next generation: mindfulness for the animals, the land, and the people who come here. The farm thrives on small moments, the laughter of children, the scent of the meadows in the morning, and wonderful moments with the animals and nature. The Pfauenhof (Peacock Farm) shows that newcomers to the industry can be successful with passion and a clear vision.
3rd place: Burgbauernhof am Katzenstein (Thuringia)
Katja Remde's Burgbauernhof am Katzenstein (Castle Farm at Katzenstein) ranks third among German farms. Located in Thuringia, the farm combines historical ambiance with modern comforts. Its location at Katzenstein offers guests a unique holiday experience.
The farm impresses with its unique atmosphere, a blend of tradition and modernity. With this farm, Thuringia demonstrates that the new federal states have also embraced farm tourism and developed high-quality offerings. The Burgbauernhof farm achieves 8th place in the overall ranking of all 50 farms.
What makes German farms special?
The award-winning German farms differ from ordinary holiday establishments in several ways:
Regional roots as a strength
German farms place a strong emphasis on regional identity. North German farms cultivate their maritime traditions, Black Forest farms their timber-framed building culture, and Bavarian farms their Alpine heritage. Guests can sense the difference between Holstein and Allgäu, between the Eifel and the Harz Mountains.
Innovation meets tradition
Germany's top farms have invested heavily in recent years. Laser tag on the farm, 3D mini-golf next to the cowshed, organic burgers made from their own pasture-raised beef. This combination of traditional farming practices and modern amenities is particularly appealing to families. The farms remain authentic while finding new ways to offer guests a memorable experience.
Accessibility and comfort
Many German farms have created spacious, accessible accommodations. The Karstens holiday farm in Schleswig-Holstein is particularly praised for its accessible apartments, built in 2021. Guests appreciate the combination of accessibility and a family atmosphere. This standard was rare just a few years ago.
Quality over quantity
German farms focus on smaller guest numbers and personal contact. Instead of mass tourism, they offer individual attention. Hosts take time for conversations, provide tips about the region, and create genuine connections. This personal touch is consistently highlighted in reviews.
Top German farms by federal state
Rhineland-Palatinate: Top-ranked with 3 top farms
Rhineland-Palatinate leads the German statistics with three award-winning farms. Feinen and Pfauenhof occupy the top two spots, while Hubertushof Eifel completes the trio. These Rhineland-Palatinate farms benefit from their location between the Eifel, Hunsrück, and Palatinate regions. The area offers a rolling hill landscape, wine culture, and opportunities for recreation close to nature.
Top farms in Rhineland-Palatinate: Ferienhof Feinen (4th place overall), Landgut Pfauenhof (6th place overall), Hubertushof Eifel (24th place overall)
Schleswig-Holstein: North Sea expertise (3 top farms)
Schleswig-Holstein boasts three top-notch farms, all embodying the maritime flair of the North Sea. Karstens Farm, Wollatz Warft Farm, and Bendfeldt Baltic Sea Farm offer coastal holidays with a rural character. These Schleswig-Holstein farms combine proximity to the beach with country life. Mudflat hikes and visits to the stables are both part of the program.
Top farms in Schleswig-Holstein: Ferienhof Karstens (11th place overall), Warfthof Wollatz (22nd place overall), Ostsee Ferienhof Bendfeldt (31st place overall)
Baden-Württemberg: Black Forest and Swabia (3 top farms)
Baden-Württemberg is represented by three top farms. The Eichhälderhof, Mockenhof, and Hofgut Hopfenburg showcase the diversity of the southwest. The spectrum ranges from Black Forest tradition to Swabian down-to-earthness. The Baden-Württemberg farms focus on regional cuisine and nature-based leisure activities.
Top farms in Baden-Württemberg: Eichhälderhof (19th place overall), Mockenhof (37th place overall), Hofgut Hopfenburg (48th place overall)
Bavaria: Alpine Tradition (3 Top Farms)
Bavaria boasts three top-rated farms, all located in the Allgäu region and the Alpine foothills. Hierlhof, Ferienhof Rasch, and Hatts Berghütte combine Bavarian hospitality with an alpine ambiance. These Bavarian farms benefit from their proximity to mountains and lakes. In winter, ski resorts beckon, while in summer, hiking trails and swimming lakes offer a welcome respite.
Top Bavarian farms: Hierlhof (29th place overall), Ferienhof Rasch (46th place overall), Hatts Berghütte (50th place overall)
Other federal states (5 top farms)
Lower Saxony, Thuringia, Saxony-Anhalt, Brandenburg, and Hesse complete Germany's success story. These federal states demonstrate that excellent farm holidays are not limited to southern Germany or coastal regions. Each region develops its own strengths and finds its target audience.
Trends on German farms in 2026
Experience-oriented rather than just accommodation
German farms are evolving into adventure destinations. Laser tag, 3D mini-golf, and water playgrounds complement traditional farm offerings. This development isn't a departure from the farm experience, but rather a contemporary interpretation of it. Children want more than just petting animals; they seek adventure and action. This makes the farm experience more appealing to older children and teenagers as well. With this development, farms are responding to modern guest expectations without losing sight of their roots.
Accessibility as a standard
More and more German farms are investing in accessible accommodations. Wide doorways, walk-in showers, and elevators are becoming standard. This development is opening up farm holidays to new target groups. Seniors, families with young children, and people with disabilities are finding suitable options. The Karstens farm reports increasing demand for spacious, accessible apartments.
Regional cuisine in focus
Top German farms are increasingly focusing on their own products and regional cuisine. Organic burgers made from their own Galloway beef, eggs from free-range chickens, vegetables from the farm garden. Guests want to know where their food comes from. The farms respond with transparency and quality. Farm shops, cooking classes, and communal meals are becoming an experience.
Mindfulness and slowing down
Many German farms are observing a trend towards conscious relaxation. Guests are seeking peace and quiet, nature, and a break from everyday life. The farms are responding with retreats, nature experiences, and a slower pace of life. The term "digital detox" is being used more frequently, even when good Wi-Fi is available. The decision to go offline rests with the guests.
Frequently asked questions about Germany's top farms
German farms combine regional authenticity with professional service. Investments in infrastructure and offerings over the past few years are paying off. At the same time, the family atmosphere is preserved. Many farms have been run for generations and have accumulated a deep knowledge of hospitality. This combination of tradition and innovation is internationally renowned.
A family week with two adults and two children costs an average of €1,150 including breakfast. Prices vary considerably depending on the region and season. Farms in eastern German states are often cheaper than those in Bavaria or Baden-Württemberg. North Sea farms have their peak season in summer, while those in the Allgäu region are busiest in winter. Many farms offer additional services such as half-board, childcare, or leisure programs for an extra charge.
Rhineland-Palatinate leads the rankings with three top-rated farms and is particularly family-friendly. The Eifel region offers hiking trails and volcanic lakes (Maare), while the Palatinate boasts vineyards and mild temperatures. Schleswig-Holstein scores points with its North Sea beaches and maritime flair. Mudflat hiking and sandcastle building are highlights for children. Bavaria impresses with its mountains, lakes, and year-round appeal. Each region has its strengths; the choice depends on the family's interests.
Yes, more and more German farms are offering accessible accommodations. The Karstens holiday farm in Schleswig-Holstein has received particular recognition for its spacious, accessible apartments, which were built in 2021. Guests appreciate the combination of accessibility, comfort, and a family atmosphere. When booking, you should specifically ask for accessible rooms or apartments and mention any special needs such as wheelchair access or walk-in showers.
Discover Germany's top farms for 2026 now
An overview of all 17 top German farms
Want to learn more about Germany's outstanding farms? Discover all 17 top farms in Germany with detailed descriptions, pictures, and direct contact options.
From Schleswig-Holstein to Bavaria, from the Eifel to Thuringia: Germany's best farms are waiting for you and your family!
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