Family vacation in Bavaria: Prices are falling thanks to government subsidies!

Family vacation in Bavaria: Prices are falling thanks to government subsidies!

Almost 14 percent of people in Bavaria cannot afford a week-long vacation. Those living alone and single parents are particularly affected, as the State Statistics Office in Fürth reports. These numbers highlight the challenges families in the region face, particularly when it comes to financing a vacation.

To make family vacations more affordable, Bavaria offers various discounts and subsidies. There are eleven family holiday resorts in the Free State, which are part of a nationwide network of around 80 such facilities. Examples of these family holiday resorts are the Kolpingwerk in Allgäu and Chiemgau, which offer both recreational opportunities and financial relief for families in need.

Subsidies for family vacations

An overnight stay with full board in the facilities mentioned costs 81 euros for adults in Chiemgau and 90.40 euros in Allgäu. Both properties record around 42,000 overnight stays annually and are designed to help families reduce costs. Only those who can prove their economic need, need for recreation or care can benefit from these discounts.

One example is the Demmel family, who spent 14 days on holiday at a family holiday resort in August. Thanks to the subsidies, the total costs for the family with five children amounted to around 5,600 euros, which was around 1,000 euros below the regular costs. Such grants are also available in other federal states; In Brandenburg, for example, there is 10 euros per night for families.

In Bavaria the subsidy is even 19.50 euros per day and person. A total of 1,461 applications for family recreation were submitted in 2024. As of August 24, 2025, 1,292 applications have already been submitted. In the past, 579,628 euros were paid out for grants, which shows how high the demand for financial support is.

Access to financial support

In order to benefit from these subsidies, certain requirements must be met. For example, the income limit for subsidies is 31,000 euros per year for single parents with one child. Importantly, grants must be applied for before booking and attendance at courses at the family holiday resorts is also required.

Nine out of sixteen federal states in Germany provide similar subsidies for families whose income is below a certain limit. The amount varies depending on the federal state, and the application can usually only be made in the federal state of the family's permanent residence. Information about subsidies can be found on the BAG Family Recreation website, where a calculator is also available to check eligibility.

Overall, it shows that many families in Bavaria are able to spend a well-deserved vacation thanks to vouchers and state support, even if their financial resources are limited. The possibility of applying through welfare and family associations and local offices makes it easier for many to have a relaxing holiday.

The Bayerische Staatszeitung provides further information on this topic here as well as the BAG Family Recreation this website.