Germany is an ideal destination for those fond of outdoor adventures. Home to three natural UNESCO World Heritage Sites, numerous biosphere reserves, and national parks, it’s easy to see why. Here, you can hike in the mountains, settle in for water sports on its majestic rivers, or lounge at the stunning beaches.
Here are some reasons why Germany is perfect for outdoor activities.
1. The Mountains for Hiking
Boasting glorious hiking routes suitable for hikers of varying levels, Germany is a fantastic destination for avid hikers. Your hike will reward you with absolutely stunning views, especially if you take the trails leading to the mountains. You will also come across picturesque mountain villages that look like a fairy tale.
Summer is the perfect time to head outdoors and take hikes in Germany. One of the best hikes to consider is the Painter’s Way trail in the Elbe Mountains. You will be in awe of the incredible views of sandstone formations along the trail, which create a scenery unlike any other.
It’s so beautiful that famous painters have made it a backdrop for their paintings. The scenery might be familiar to others since it’s the filming location for The Chronicles of Narnia.
The Castle Trail, which runs on the western edge of the Odenwald mountain range, is another scenic trail to consider. It’s a 120-km trail from Darmstadt to Heidelberg, taking you through lush forests and beautiful vineyards. The highlights would be the magnificent castles, including the Frankenstein Castle, a medieval castle made famous by the novel Frankenstein.
2. Cycling Through the Villages in Germany
Germany is also a cyclist paradise, boasting an extensive network of well-developed cycling paths covering the entire country. If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure you’ll never forget, consider cycling through Germany’s picturesque villages.
Whether you’re an expert long-distance cyclist or just searching for a chilled-out cycling adventure, Germany’s diverse and varied cycle path network will leave you with an unforgettable cycling adventure.
The Baltic Sea Cycle Route features incredible ocean views and a cool breeze blowing through your face. It’s 800 kilometres long, running from Flensburg along the coast of the Baltic Sea towards Ahlbeck on Usedom Island.
Aside from offering several miles of beautiful sandy beaches, it takes you through idyllic fishing villages with delightful restaurants where you can stop for a good meal. The path is mostly flat, perfect for amateur cyclists.
If you’re more interested in exploring charming mountain villages, cycle along the Lake Constance Cycle Route. It will lead you along the Alps through Lake Constance, Germany’s largest lake.
Your cycling adventure will continue towards a stunning mountain lake, the Königssee. Prepare yourself for some challenging climbs. However, your efforts are well worth it once you see the spectacular views. The highlight would be the beautiful Bavarian mountain villages and the famous Neuschwanstein Castle.
What’s more, there are numerous low-cost, carbon-conscious flights to Germany, making it a popular cycling destination for eco-conscious travellers who want to explore the country’s picturesque landscapes on two wheels.
3. Water Sports on the Rivers in Germany
Germany has an impressive network of rivers, with thousands of people engaging in water sports during the summer, from canoeing to whitewater rafting. And if you prefer to explore on the dry land, you can walk or cycle along the riverbank.
If you want to explore on a canoe, try a canoe tour along the River Iller. At 150 km long, it runs from the Upper Allgäu and links with three mountain streams before flowing into the Danube.
The canoe tour will start from Oberstdorf and go into Kempten, around forty kilometres long. The River Iller is moderately wild but not challenging to explore on a canoe. You’ll enjoy the lovely scenery along the riverbanks, with lush wooded hills on both sides.
Those who want to try whitewater rafting should head to River Isar. It’s a beautiful river from the Karwendel mountain range in the Alps, connecting Austria and Bavaria. It starts in Wolfratshausen, where you float for almost 30 kilometres towards Thalkirchen, passing along the beautiful Grünwald Castle.
4. The Snowsports in Winter
While Germany is a popular destination for outdoor sports in summer, it’s also an ideal destination for snow sports in winter. You’ll find many incredible spots around the country to enjoy fun winter activities, from skiing to tobogganing. In addition, Germany is home to many fantastic ski resorts with world-class facilities like gondolas and ski lifts, offering an enjoyable winter break.
The Allgäu region is the go-to place for skiing in Germany. It has some fantastic ski resorts, luring winter sports enthusiasts worldwide. It boasts over 300 kilometres of slopes and has about 200 ski lifts to serve guests from December to March.
As one of Germany’s top destinations for a winter holiday, Allgäu offers numerous accommodation options. There are also many fantastic restaurants and apres-ski bars for an even more enjoyable winter vacation.
Aside from skiing, Allgäu also offers opportunities for exciting toboggan rides. Tobogganing enthusiasts can choose from three toboggan runs – each over three kilometres long and open for sledging. Even those without sledges can join the fun since rental sledges are available at the valley station.
5. The Beaches in Germany
Germany may not have the white sandy beaches other European countries have, but it has its share of delightful beaches perfect for enjoying water sports in the summer. Some are home to world-class resorts, offering an ideal place to relax after a day of adventures.
Binz Beach in Rügen is one of Germany’s most beautiful beaches. Thanks to its stunning turquoise waters and incredible weather, it’s been a popular beach holiday destination for many years. Rugen, with an average of 1,800 hours of sunshine a year, is one of the sunniest parts of Germany. Binz Beach is the most popular of all the sandy shores in Rugen.
Since Germany doesn’t have a long coastline compared to many other European countries, it has plenty of lakes and gorgeous beaches. The Wannsee Lake is one of them. It’s the largest in Berlin and a popular destination for beach bummers who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city during the weekend.
