Relaxed Cities
Do you find city trips exhausting? Then you should try these travel ideas. Here, you can enjoy urban life in a completely relaxed way—on foot, by bike, or even by boat.
All of the cities featured here were selected by TourCert as “Sustainable Travel Destinations.” The TourCert certification confirms compliance with a defined sustainability standard as well as a binding commitment to a process of continuous improvement. The assessment is conducted by independent auditors; the final decision is made by an external certification body.
Science and World Heritage in Darmstadt
Darmstadt, a city known for its student population, combines culture and science with a genuine feel-good atmosphere: It’s just a short walk from the artists’ houses at the Mathildenhöhe UNESCO World Heritage Site to the colorful Hundertwasser House, and a little further on, the interactive bioversum in the historic Kranichstein Hunting Lodge. An ideal starting point for exploration tours is the family-run Best Western Hotel Darmstadt Mitte. Right nearby, the time-honored Restaurant Sitte has been serving Hessian specialties in a cozy atmosphere since 1979. In the evening, the cafés and bars—for example, in the trendy Martinsviertel—invite you to wind down the day with a student-like vibe.
Museums, the Old Town, and the Urban Lifestyle in Frankfurt RheinMain
Frankfurt am Main is known for its skyscrapers and museums. There are 13 exhibition venues alone along the romantic Museumsufer, lined with plane trees, such as the German Film Museum, which offers visitors insights into the glittering, illusory world of cinema and showcases virtual digital presentation possibilities. From here, it’s just a stone’s throw to real-life attractions like the cathedral and the new Old Town, which tourists can explore on foot or by bike taxi . The Hotel Villa Orange in the trendy Nordend neighborhood. With 38 rooms, a sun terrace, and plenty of books, it’s the perfect place to unwind after an eventful day.
Exploring the "Fan-Shaped City" on Two Wheels
Karlsruhe’s Baroque, fan-shaped city layout and its museums make it unique. The latter range from the historic Natural History Museum to the modern ZKM, which combines art with sustainable technologies. Furthermore, this university town is a great place for relaxed cycling. For example, the NaturRADtour loop runs for 48 kilometers without any inclines, taking you through various natural areas. If that’s not enough, cycle up to Turmberg and enjoy the breathtaking panoramic view.
Take the Helm Through the Hanseatic City of Lübeck
Right in the heart of the Hanseatic city of Lübeck, visitors can become captains themselves: at the helm of a E-Boats , they glide past the Old Town island—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—featuring the Holstentor, the salt warehouses, and the imposing cathedral towers. In the evening, the Hotel Die Reederin offers a stylish place to stay. The hotel looks back on 150 years of shipping history and is furnished with antique and upcycled furniture. The multi-award-winning Fangfrisch Restaurant.
Staying with Nature Park Hosts in the Upper Black Forest
In the towns and villages of the Upper Black Forest Nature Park, vacationers can enjoy nature in many ways: with their eyes while hiking, walking, or biking—and with their taste buds when visiting the Nature Park Restaurants. These establishments use forest herbs they’ve gathered themselves and fresh vegetables from local farmers to create delicious dishes.
Travel in Comfort in the Harz Mountains
Wernigerode makes exploring easy: The striking red Castle Cable Car takes visitors comfortably to the impressive Wernigerode Castle. For excursions in the surrounding area, comfortable bus connections are available, including the the Schierke district at the foot of the Brocken, as well as numerous attractions in the Harz Mountains. A particular highlight: With the HATIX Vacation Ticket , overnight guests can take advantage of many of these offers at no additional cost and explore the region at their leisure.
Winter Sports and Summer Fun in Winterberg
As a state-recognized health resort, Winterberg in the Sauerland region attracts visitors year-round with its healthy, stimulating climate. The town is also known for its winter sports and a wide variety of hiking opportunities in the summer. The town has created the eight-kilometer-long Heilklima Adventure Trail “Klimi on Tour.” At ten stations between Winterberg and the mountain village of Altastenberg, guests of all ages learn all about nature—accompanied by Klimi the fawn, the town’s mascot.