Regional delights
"Enjoyment of nature" takes on a whole new meaning here. The natural surroundings of the destinations below are not just beautiful to look at – they also form the basis for local culinary specialities and wellness options, making them perfect for a natural all-round feel-good holiday.
All of the regions presented here have been recognised as sustainable travel destinations by TourCert thanks to their extensive measures.
Active holidays and feasting in the Bergstrasse-Odenwald region
The mountain ranges of the Bergstrasse-Odenwald low mountain region are perfect for hiking, cycling, mountain biking and climbing. Which is good, because extensive orchards with old apple varieties, organically cultivated vineyards and clear streams with trout and char also make this area an extraordinary gourmet region. The best place for holidaymakers to enjoy regional produce after a day of sporting activities is in the local farm shops and inns, which treat their guests to fresh, seasonal dishes. Highlights are the gourmet weeks in spring and potato weeks in autumn.
Between the Rhine and the vines in Wiesbaden and Rheingau
The Rheingau wine region around Wiesbaden is characterised by the finest craftsmanship and indulgence. Holidaymakers take a leisurely stroll through the city's alleyways, visit cafes and enjoy the view of the majestic river with a glass of wine on the banks of the Rhine.
A coffee break at Maldaner Coffee Roasters is particularly responsible, ethical and delicious, with regionally roasted coffee. Wine lovers can buy natural wines from hand-picked grapes at the Laquai Winery in Lorch. And for overnight stays, Motel One offers its guests a relaxed stay with plenty of local flair.
Hiking and wine in the Moselle region of Traben-Trarbach Kröv
The romantic Moselle region is a hiking paradise. Those who are particularly ambitious can explore the entire region on the 365-kilometre Moselsteig Trail. But for those who'd like to take it a little easier, follow the short circular hiking trails through the unique landscape of the Traben-Trarbach Kröv Moselle region. The tour is always more relaxed on the first weekend in Augustin particular, when local winegrowers present their products in the vineyards, as well as at the Moselle Wine and Christmas Market in the historic cellars of Traben-Trarbach at weekends from the start of November to the start of January.
Indulgence in the Stuttgart region of experiences
Regional specialities, scenic cycle tours, pleasant hikes that wind through orchards, river valleys and vineyards – a holiday in the Stuttgart Region is bursting with variety . If you want to discover even more, you can learn all about the 2,000-year-old-winegrowing tradition at the Museum of Viniculture in Uhlbach , or go on a wine tour in the e-bus. Holidaymakers can get a good overview of the wide range of offers in the House of Tourism, where sustainable architecture, genuine Swabian cuisine and a rotating tasting menu make this modern information point an experience in itself.
Eat your way around the Black Forest on foot
Black Forest National Park not only offers hiking opportunities to suit every taste. Active holidaymakers will also find a particularly wide range of culinary delightshere, from hearty snacks in traditional inns to first-class dinners in Michelin-starred restaurants. Numerous wineries and distilleries invite you to stop by and offer visitors insight into their sustainable and environmentally friendly work. Visitors and locals alike stroll through the farmers' markets of the National Park towns and enjoy seasonal produce at its freshest, as well as cheese and sausage specialities. A delicious end to even the most demanding day of hiking!
Triple award-winning relaxation in Bad Dürrheim
Kneipp spa, saltwater spa and healing climate: Bad Dürrheim's healthy relaxation is threefold. The wellness and health centre Solemar. Under arched roofs, a huge saltwater bathing area and seven saunas with rustic Black Forest flair invite you to sweat and relax. Its panoramic view extends far over the Bad Dürrheim spa gardens with the spa house and its large sun terrace, as well as the award-winning specialities on offer.
Game and green spelt in Bad Mergentheim an der Tauber
Nestled in the heart of the idyllic Tauber Valley wine country, Bad Mergentheim spoils its guests with a variety of local delicacies. For example, the nutty, spicy green spelt, prepared in a wide variety of ways from salad to risotto, and the Tauberschwarz, an indigenous red wine that is only grown here and in the neighbouring Hohenlohe, are exceptional. In autumn, the spa town becomes a hotspot for game dishes. From venison medallions to leg of hare, game is served in all variations, accompanied by events focusing on the region's sustainable agricultural practices.
Asparagus and wine in the Palatinate
Sunny vineyards, cosy wine taverns, modern wine bars: on the German Wine Route in the Palatinate, everything revolves around the grape. Countless excellent hiking and cycling trails meander through hilly wine landscapes up to romantic castles and palaces. They link the best culinary spotsthat serve Palatinate specialities such as Saumagen, steamed dumplings, liver dumplings and asparagus alongside wine. Numerous traditional wine festivals are held almost every weekend – a delight from spring until well into the autumn.
The Saarland tastes of nature
In Saarland, nature and culinary culture intertwine in a variety of ways. While hiking on over 60 premium hiking trails or cycling along excellent routes, you can experience – and savour – the UNESCO Bliesgau Biosphere Reserve, the Hunsrück-Hochwald National Park and the Saar-Hunsrück Nature Park . Because, thanks to the Genuss Region Saarland initiative, guests can enjoy regional specialities in farm shops, restaurants or at culinary events. Between meadow orchards and quiet forests, regional specialities and a genuine lust for life await in the heart of Europe.
Enjoy local cuisine in the Spessart
Just outside Frankfurt, the Spessart combines experiences in nature with regional delights. For example, in the mountain village of Spessart, which delivers specialities from local producers directly to the stylish chalets in the middle of the forest. Just a few kilometres away in the historic spa town of Bad Orb, the Café Kränzchen serves seasonal dishes for breakfast, lunch and afternoon cake time. Walkers can visit Hofgut Kapellenhof on a stroll through the hilly landscape of Hammersbach and buy organic sheep's milk products such as cheese and yoghurt or, at the weekend, indulge themselves in the farm café.