A Surprising Treat
Here, the phrase “enjoying nature” takes on a whole new meaning: The natural surroundings of the destinations featured below not only delight the eye but also form the basis for culinary specialties and wellness experiences—and thus for a vacation that promotes all-around well-being.
All of the regions featured here were selected by TourCert as “Sustainable Destinations.” The TourCert certification confirms compliance with a defined sustainability standard as well as a binding commitment to a process of continuous improvement. The audit is conducted by independent assessors; the final decision is made by an external auditing body.
Active Vacations and Fine Dining in the Bergstraße-Odenwald Region
The rolling hills of the Bergstraße-Odenwald low mountain range are perfect for hiking, biking, mountain biking, and rock climbing. And that’s a good thing, because vast orchards with old apple varieties, vineyards, and clear streams teeming with trout and char also make the area an exceptional gourmet destination. After their outdoor activities, visitors can best enjoy these regional products at the local farm shops and inns, which treat their guests to fresh, seasonal dishes. Highlights include the “Gourmet Weeks” in the spring and “Potato Weeks” in the fall.
Between the Rhine and the Vineyards in Wiesbaden and the Rheingau
Exquisite craftsmanship and the finest flavors define the Rheingau wine region around Wiesbaden. Vacationers stroll leisurely through the city’s narrow streets, visit cafés, and enjoy the view of the majestic Rhine from its banks while sipping a glass of wine. A coffee break is especially delightful at Kaffeehaus Maldaner, which roasts its own coffee beans in nearby Darmstadt. Wine lovers will find what they’re looking for at the Laquai Winery in Lorch. And for overnight stays, the Motel One offers its guests a relaxing stay with plenty of local charm.
Hiking and Wine in the Moselle Region of Traben-Trarbach and Kröv
The romantic Moselle region is a paradise for hikers. Those who are particularly ambitious can explore the entire area along the 365-kilometer-long Moselsteig trail. Those who prefer a more leisurely pace can take short walks in the Traben-Trarbach Kröv Moselle region loop trails through the unique landscape. The tour is always especially relaxing on the first weekend in August, when local winemakers showcase their products in the vineyards, as well as on the weekends from late November through early January during the Mosel Wine Night Market in the historic cellars of Traben-Trarbach.
Enjoyment in the Stuttgart Region
Culinary specialties, scenic bike rides, and enjoyable hikes—all amidst orchards, river valleys, and vineyards—that’s how diverse a vacation in the Stuttgart region is this diverse. If you’d like to discover even more, check out the Wine Museum in Uhlbach or go on a wine tour. Vacationers can get a good overview of the wide range of offerings at the House of Tourism, where the view from the green rooftop terrace, authentic Swabian cuisine, and rotating tastings make this modern information center an experience in itself.
Hiking from One Delight to the Next in the Black Forest
The Black Forest National Park region not only offers hiking trails for every skill level. Active vacationers will also find a particularly diverse range of culinary delights, ranging from a hearty snack at a traditional snack bar to a first-class evening meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant. Numerous wineries and distilleries invite you to stop in and are happy to give visitors a glimpse into their work. Guests and locals alike can enjoy especially fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables, as well as cheese and sausage specialties, while strolling through farm and farmers’ markets in the national park towns. This ensures that even the most demanding day of hiking ends on a delightful note.
Triple-Certified Relaxation in Bad Dürrheim
Kneipp spa, saltwater spa, and therapeutic climate: Bad Dürrheim offers three ways to promote healthy relaxation. The focus is on the wellness and health center Solemar. Beneath curved roofs, a vast brine bathing area and seven saunas with rustic Black Forest charm invite you to sweat it out and relax. The panoramic view stretches far into the Bad Dürrheim Spa Park with the Kurhaus and its large sun terrace, as well as the multi-award-winning regional specialties.
Game and Green Spelt in Bad Mergentheim on the Tauber
Nestled in the heart of the idyllic Tauber Valley wine region, Bad Mergentheim treats its guests to a wide variety of local specialties. Notable examples include the nutty, spicy green spelt, which is prepared in a wide variety of ways—from salads to risotto—as well as Tauberschwarz, an indigenous red wine grown only here and in neighboring Hohenlohe. In the fall, the spa town transforms into a mecca for game dishes. From venison medallions to hare leg, game is served in all its variations, accompanied by events highlighting the breeding and rearing of these animals in the region.
Asparagus and Wine in the Palatinate
Sun-drenched vineyards, quaint wine taverns, and modern wine bars characterize the landscape along the German Wine Route. Here, everything revolves around wine, indulgence, and the unique Palatinate way of life. Numerous hiking and biking trails wind through the rolling vineyard landscapes, past romantic castles, historic palaces, and idyllic wine villages. Along the way, cozy restaurants, wine taverns, wineries, and the Pfälzerwald huts invite you to stop and relax. The menus feature regional specialties such as Saumagen, Dampfnudeln, Leberknödel, and, during asparagus season, of course, fresh Palatinate asparagus. From spring well into fall, numerous traditional wine festivals also provide moments of enjoyment and convivial gatherings.
Nature and Pleasure in the Saarland
In the Saarland, nature and the culture of indulgence blend in many different ways. Whether hiking on over 60 premium hiking trails or biking along excellent routes, you can experience the UNESCO Bliesgau Biosphere Reserve, the Hunsrück-Hochwald National Park and the Saar-Hunsrück Nature Park —to experience and savor. Thanks to the initiative, guests can enjoy Saarland specialties Genuss Region Saarland , guests can enjoy Saarland specialties at farm stands, restaurants, or culinary events. In addition, with eight Michelin-starred restaurants and 14 Michelin stars, the Saarland boasts an exceptionally high concentration of fine dining. Amid orchard meadows and tranquil forests, culinary specialties and a genuine zest for life await right in the heart of Europe.
Enjoy Local Cuisine in the Spessart
Just outside Frankfurt, the Spessart region combines nature experiences with culinary delights. For example, at Bergdorf Spessart, which delivers specialties from select producers directly to its guests’ stylish chalets in the middle of the forest. Just a few kilometers away, in the historic spa town of Bad Orb, the Café Kränzchen invites you to enjoy seasonal dishes for breakfast, lunch, and cake. Hikers can stop by the Hofgut Kapellenhof and buy sheep’s milk products such as cheese and yogurt, or treat themselves to a meal at the farm café on weekends.