Stunning Landscapes
More than 100 national parks, biosphere reserves, geoparks, and nature parks in Germany are home to impressive natural treasures that visitors can explore on foot or by bike, by bus or train, by boat, or even by covered wagon. Vast landscapes, rare animal and plant species, and fascinating views by day and by night: welcome to Germany’s nature!
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 assessment is conducted by independent experts; the final decision is made by an external auditing body.
Climate Experiences and Nature in the Teutoburg Forest Vacation Region
Diverse natural landscapes and unique insights into climate change make a stay in the Teutoburg Forest vacation region a special experience. Visitors can observe in the Großes Torfmoor the animals and plants of Westphalia’s largest raised bog and discover, in the pine forests and heathlands of the Moosheide more than 450 different plant species. The interactive Oerlinghausen Climate Experience; here, heat, cold, and storms are simulated, and visitors can develop their own solutions to climate-related issues.
Architecture and Nature Experiences in Rostock and Warnemünde
A city trip can be this close to nature: Rostock and Warnemünde uniquely combine Hanseatic architecture, maritime charm, and a wide variety of recreational activities. Whether it’s a walk along the approximately 15-kilometer-long sandy beach, or a variety of Thalasso Trails along the coast or a trip to the Rostock Heath—Germany’s largest contiguous coastal forest: The region offers a wide range of experiences between the city and the coast. Thanks to the GästeCard , overnight guests can travel conveniently and free of charge by bus and train to the most beautiful destinations and explore the Baltic Sea region at their own leisure.
Taunus – Take the Subway into Nature
Just a subway ride away from Frankfurt am Main lies Hesse’s second-largest nature park, the Taunus Nature Park. In just 40 minutes, visitors can travel from the banking capital to over 200 hiking trails winding through romantic beech forests and ancient oak groves. A little further west, the RheinTaunus Nature Park reveals the region’s wilder side. Here, with a little luck, hikers can spot lynx or the Bechstein’s bat. The open-air museum Hessenpark brings history to life: Historic buildings and authentic glimpses into village life from past generations invite you on an exciting journey of discovery.
Westerwald – Pure Nature Between the Major Cities
The Westerwald, situated between Cologne and Frankfurt, is a dreamlike destination. Meadows and fields, rolling hills, basalt formations, and blue lakes and streams characterize the landscape of this low mountain range. For overnight stays, there are hotels such as the one that has been family-run for over 100 years Hotel Heinz in Höhr-Grenzhausen, which has been family-run for over 100 years and combines wellness with a beautiful view. Sports enthusiasts are drawn to the Hotel Glockenspitze in Altenkirchen or to the Hotel Zugbrücke with an attached table tennis school, which, like the Hotel Heinz, is located in Höhr-Grenzhausen.
Sandy beaches meet rural idyll in St. Peter-Ording and Eiderstedt
Between the mudflats and the pastures, St. Peter-Ording and Eiderstedt offer unique natural experiences just a stone’s throw apart. The expansive beach, with its one-of-a-kind stilt houses, invites you to take a deep breath, go for a swim, and relax. Guided mudflat and beach tours offered by the Wadden Sea Conservation Station make the UNESCO Wadden Sea World Natural Heritage Site come to life right before your eyes. Around the much-photographed Westerheversand lighthouse, there are Westerhever , the program includes expeditions into the salt marshes and birdwatching. The Frisian Sheep Cheese Dairy, where visitors can learn more about farming and sheep cheese production—including a visit to the sheep pasture.
Picturesque Rocks in Saxon Switzerland
With its bizarre rock formations, deep gorges, and a balanced approach to nature conservation and enjoyment, the Saxon Switzerland National Park region is the perfect destination for an active vacation. Climbers conquer rock spires in accordance with the “Saxon Rules”—carefully and without artificial aids—while hikers are drawn, for example, to the impressive Bastei Bridge or take a ride on the historic Kirnitzschtalbahn to explore various trails through the rocky landscape. Those who prefer a more leisurely pace can take the ferry through the mystical landscape of the Upper Lock or take a ride on the nostalgic steamboat across the Elbe.
24 Hours of Panoramic Views in the Rhön
During the day, the Rhön captivates with panoramic views of high moors, boulder fields, and wind-swept trees. This landscape is best experienced on a hike along the premium hiking trail DER HOCHRHÖNER® , which connects many of the region’s highlights. It’s almost even more beautiful at night in the Star Park: The Milky Way and cosmic nebulae are visible here to the naked eye—without any artificial light. The Green Belt: Along the former inner-German border, natural habitats can now be explored by bike or on foot.
A Covered Wagon Ride to the 500 Lakes of the Uckermark
Just 80 kilometers from Berlin, the Uckermark—with its forested bogs, river floodplains, and more than 500 lakes—is a paradise for animal and plant species. More than half of this sparsely populated region consists of natural landscapes, including the Lower Oder Valley National Park, the Schorfheide-Chorin Biosphere Reserve, and the Uckermark Lakes Nature Park. The region offers a wide variety of opportunities for nature-based recreation: from canoe trips across the lakes to vacation rentals in historic buildings all the way to the Vacation in a covered wagon.
Hiking Taxis in Siegen-Wittgenstein
Siegen-Wittgenstein, part of the Sauerland-Rothaargebirge Nature Park, is Germany’s most forested district—nearly three-quarters of its area is covered by woods. Dotted throughout the region, idyllic villages with lovingly restored half-timbered houses invite visitors to discover local traditions and culture. The perfect starting point for an exploration tour is the premium hiking destination Bad Berleburg. Many hiking trails intersect in the surrounding area, and a hiking taxi is available for destinations farther away. Further south is the Old Vogtei in Burbach from the 17th century, with its history museum, is a popular destination.
Natural Treasures and Places for the Soul in the Sauerland
The low-mountain landscape of the Sauerland offers a variety of nature experiences with its dense forests, vast meadows, and clear lakes. For example, the restored Lippe floodplains , with their rich wildlife, are a popular cycling destination; those interested in geology are drawn to the imposing Bruchhauser Steinen. A special hiking highlight are the eleven hiking villages, which, with more than 4,000 kilometers of uniformly signposted hiking trails, form Germany’s largest hiking region—certified as a “Quality Region” by the German Hiking Association. In addition, each village has designated “places of the soul”: from a 100-year-old abandoned farmhouse to a monastery complex—perfect for holistic relaxation.
Just Set Off on a Hike in the Northern Black Forest
The “boot tours” in the northern Black Forest are the perfect introduction to long-distance hiking—with diverse landscapes, welcoming hosts, and traditional cuisine. The tour, which starts in Bad Liebenzell, “Wellness Hike” combines the healing properties of the springs with healthy exercise. The “Culinary Delights” starting in Calw entices visitors with historic castles and Wildberg, the town famous for its shepherds’ parade, “The Gäu Meets the Black Forest” leads from the fertile Gäu region to the forested heights of the northern Black Forest. All tours can be booked as packages that include overnight stays and breakfast.