Whether cycling, hiking or running – Bavaria is made for the most popular outdoor sports. For good reason, many excursionists are drawn to the mountains on sunny weekends, because the southern regions along the Alps in particular are known far beyond the borders for their varied areas. We have summarized a few of the best leisure ideas here.

Cycling through Bavaria

Between steep challenges on the slope and relaxed laps around one of the many lakes, everything is possible in Bavaria. Cyclists who simply want to take a relaxing lap in front of the beautiful Bavarian mountain panorama will find an extensive and dense network of cycle paths in Bavaria. Each region can boast its own character and charm, be it the Alps, the Bavarian Forest or Franconian Switzerland. A few nice suggestions for cycling tours in Bavaria can be found here.

The Chiemsee circular trail, which leads over 60 kilometres around the entire Chiemsee, is perfect for families. Since there are naturally few inclines on such a circular route, it is ideally suited for a relaxed bike tour with a breathtaking mountain panorama in the background. If you don’t want to drive the entire loop, you can use the Chiemsee Ring Line . This bus line runs around Lake Chiemsee from May to October, connecting all important places with each other. Ideal for all visitors who want to visit all the sights in one day and are traveling without a car. If you prefer to take the route over the water, you can take the ferry from Prien to Seebruck and enjoy the entire panorama from a very special perspective. On this occasion, a visit to Herreninsel with the famous Herrenchiemsee Castle is also a good idea. The crossing is possible all year round by scheduled ferry.

Bavaria also has something suitable to offer for friends of longer distances who would like to spend several days on the bike. The Swabian Alb Cycle Path stretches for more than 300 kilometres through one of the most beautiful regions of Bavaria, past castles, palaces and show caves. So it’s perfect for a relaxing active holiday on the bike. The region around Garmisch-Partenkirchen is also popular with cyclists. Very close to Germany’s highest peak, the Zugspitze, cyclists also like to ride the idyllic mountain paths. The region offers lush meadows, dense forests and crystal-clear mountain views for those who are looking for relaxation in an impressive nature. The gastronomy in Garmisch-Partenkirchen is recommended for a bite to eat, be it in the form of traditional beer gardens or picturesque street cafés.

The bike tour up to the Geroldsee, one of the most beautiful moor lakes in the Alps, is particularly recommended. The almost 19-kilometre tour takes you past lakes, meadows and forests in front of the panorama of the Wetterstein chain and the Karwendel. For ambitious cyclists, there are also more challenging variants here, which lead over the steeper “Alte Gsteig” and through the forest.

Mountain hiking in the Alps

In the summer months, mountain hiking is by far the most popular outdoor activity in the Alps. Countless holidaymakers and day tourists have appreciated the diverse routes around, on and over the Alps for many years and come here regularly. The network of trails in the region is well developed and marked. Signs indicate how challenging it is to master a path and how much time must be planned for it. And if one or the other ascent is too sweaty for you, you can simply take one of the cable cars to the top and start your tour there. What should never be missing on a hike or a bike tour in the Alps is a stop at one of the many huts. Whether for a hearty snack or a cool beer, the offer of the alpine innkeepers has something to offer for everyone.

Hiking holidaymakers will find a real premium trail in the Bavarian Forest with the Goldsteig , which leads in several variants from the Upper Palatinate Forest down to Lower Bavaria. In total, the Goldsteig has a length of 660 kilometres. The path leads from Marktredwitz down to Passau and splits into a north and a south route shortly after Thanstein. Of course, you can not only take the path under your hiking boots, but also explore it by mountain bike. There is enough to see in the Bavarian Forest and many guests therefore do not leave it at a single visit.

Tips for the excursion: On the road in Bavaria

As the largest federal state in terms of area, Bavaria cannot be explored in one day. Excursionists benefit from a very dense network of rail connections, which take them stress-free to the desired excursion or holiday destination. This option is perfect for cyclists, because on most trains the bicycles can be taken along without any problems. For excursions with the whole family, special tariffs such as the Bayernticket are particularly good to get to your destination both cheaply and in an environmentally friendly way. If you arrive by car, you will find numerous hiking parking spaces in all regions.

An active holiday is a wonderful change from the frequent sitting in everyday office life. If you want to get to know great regions and become active, you don’t necessarily have to travel far away.

Germany has a variety of beautiful holiday regions to offer, which invite you to get active and explore the fascinating nature. From farm holidays to hiking holidays to city trips and trips to the sea, everything is open to holidaymakers. We present some of the most beautiful destinations for active holidaymakers.

A great holiday doesn’t have to go beyond national borders

One of the great strengths of Germany as a travel destination is that there are almost every conceivable holiday region here. If you are longing for a holiday in the mountains, you will find what you are looking for in the diverse German mountains and the North Sea and Baltic Sea are ideal for a holiday by the sea. At the same time, Germany is a very nature-loving country. From cycling and hiking trails to farms and nature reserves, there are numerous options to get in touch with nature on holiday.

If you want to have a great holiday time, you don’t necessarily have to book a holiday abroad. In Germany, there is a considerable number of accommodations that are suitable for very different target groups. Some hotels are geared towards families and offer an interesting program for children of different ages. Others have a wellness character, while others focus on sporting activities. Through a targeted selection, you can find accommodation that fully meets your own requirements.

Farm holidays

A farm holiday is one of the most popular types of travel for families in Germany. People find it great to get in touch with nature during their holidays and to get to know rural life up close. Different farms each offer different activities where you can have a good time during your holiday. Many travellers opt for activities such as a holiday on the Golchen farm because it combines rustic cosiness with beautiful nature and lovable animals.

A stay on a farm can be arranged in many different ways. Some like to get to know the region around the farm and to take a variety of walks or excursions by bike. Others would like to lend a hand themselves and muck out a stable, feed the animals or do other tasks that arise on a farm. For families with children, it is a good idea to choose a farm that is home to a wide variety of animal species. Goats can be petted, horses ridden and played with the farm dog.

Discover the power of nature on German hiking trails

There are around 300,000 km of hiking trails in Germany. These each have their own character and charm and are therefore suitable for different target groups. Some hiking trails are specially designed for athletes and are correspondingly challenging. Here it is advisable to have high-quality equipment with you. There are also adventure hiking trails that are specially tailored to families with children. Here, the little ones can get active in nature, perform at their best in sports and learn a lot about the local flora and fauna. Other hiking trails lead along attractive bodies of water and are ideal for leisurely walks. There are rest stations and benches on many hiking trails, so that there are always enough breaks to be taken.

Many active holidaymakers are enthusiastic about a hiking holiday. Here they have the opportunity to come into close contact with nature and breathe in the excellent air in the German forests . The individual hiking trails differ depending on the state in which they can be found. The Goldsteig in Bavaria offers the opportunity to get to know the culture of the southern state directly. The Upper Lusatian Mountain Trail in Saxony is also characterized by its remarkable buildings and the Jägersteig in Baden-Württemberg offers a fantastic view of the Schluchsee.

City trips to German metropolises

If you are on holiday in Germany, you can visit a variety of metropolises worth seeing. Berlin is particularly worth mentioning. The German capital combines the flair of a world metropolis with great cosiness and an unmistakable charm. Munich is also worth a visit. The Bavarian capital is considered one of the most liveable cities in the world and offers a good insight into the Bavarian culture and the attitude to life of the people of this state.

If you really want to experience something during your holiday, you should travel to Cologne during carnival time. Here, the Rhenish attitude to life is palpable and the locals welcome the tourists. Dresden is an immensely historic city where modernity and history go hand in hand. With Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein has an attractive city to offer that perfectly combines rurality and city life. There is the possibility to explore the various highlights of the individual cities in detail during your holiday. Likewise, on a city trip, you can head for very different metropolises to get as comprehensive a picture as possible of the German way of life.

A wonderful holiday by the sea

One of the best ways to go on holiday in Germany is to visit the sea. With the North Sea and the Baltic Sea , there are two great regions that allow visitors to immerse themselves in the world of the sea. While mudflat hiking is a real highlight on the North Sea, there are a variety of beautiful beaches on the Baltic Sea that are ideal for sports such as swimming, diving or motorboating . In addition, there are numerous North Sea and Baltic Sea islands such as Sylt, Norderney, Rügen and Usedom, which are definitely worth a visit.

Holidays in great depths and impressive heights

The Bavarian Forest is one of the most popular holiday regions in Germany. This is because there are a variety of activities here that are particularly popular with active holidaymakers. Thus, stalactite caves can be explored here, which is a real adventure for people of all ages. If you want, you can walk the treetop walks in Bavaria and see the magnificent nature from above. Last but not least, Bavaria is rich in thermal baths, which provide the necessary relaxation after the various activities.

Result

Germany has a lot to offer as a travel destination for active holidaymakers. It is important that travelers know exactly what kind of vacation they would like to experience. From high mountains to wide seas, Germany has everything to offer that makes a dream holiday. In addition, there are all kinds of holiday accommodation, from farms to hotels to bungalows, each of which has a different focus and has an individual charm.

The island of Föhr may not be one of the most famous Frisian islands, but it has long been an insider tip for those who want to take a relaxing holiday away from the hustle and bustle of the mainland. In fact, the island is best known for the many youth camps and school trips, as it combines the Wadden Sea experience and Frisian islands with the great sea air and interesting history. Föhr is not so small – after all, it is the most populous German island. But this is only one reason why more and more people are discovering the magic of the island for themselves, especially in recent years.

What do you need to know about Föhr before visiting?

The traces on the island indicate that the first inhabitants were found here as early as the Bronze Age. At that time, the island was probably still partially connected to the land and it was only the rising sea level of the North Sea that finally created the actual Frisian islands. Traces of this first settlement are still among the sights that you should have seen on Föhr today. Since then, the island has experienced very different eras. For a while it was an outpost of the Frisians, later it was an important place for shipping and many boatmen and captains had their headquarters here.

“Föhr lies like a haven of peace in the middle of the North Frisian Wadden Sea”

Michael Müller Verlag “Föhr & Amrum“

Since the end of the Second World War, the economy on the island in particular has changed. While fishing and agriculture still played an important role at the beginning of the last century, today it is mainly tourism that ensures the survival of the island. Not only the overnight guests, who want to take in the good sea air and the beautiful island, for example, play an important role, but above all the day tourists. They come from the mainland or other islands and take the opportunity to take a look at the impressive area of the North Frisian Islands.

A good reason for visiting Föhr and the other Frisian islands is certainly the almost foreign way of life. While Wyk is a small town, life on Föhr always moves a little slower than it does on the mainland. Local cultures and traditions also still play an important role. This can be seen, for example, in the fact that a form of Frisian Platt is still spoken here. There are also many occasions when the inhabitants flaunt the old traditions that have been maintained on the island for centuries.

The most important sights on the island of Föhr

When visiting the island, the historic buildings play a role. Although comparatively small and with an eventful history, the traces of the different eras can still be seen today. A good example is the burial mounds, for example, which give an indication that the settlement of the Frisian islands began long before modern civilization. In general, graves play an important role in the sights. The talking gravestones on the churches are an example of this. Instead of simply remembering the deceased, they tell the exciting life stories of those who have found their final resting place here.

In addition to the museums, which tell of the deprivation of life on the island in the past, but also of the historical traces on Föhr, the famous windmills are an attraction for visitors. Located very close to the town of Wyk, some of them were built in the early 19th century and some have been preserved to this day in the form in which they were once built. They are also a testimony to how important agriculture once was and how the special conditions in the middle of the sea were used to achieve a yield.

Nature and culture on Föhr and the Frisian Islands

Anyone who decides to visit the Frisian Islands and especially Föhr will usually have nature in the back of their minds. The Wadden Sea Nature Reserve has a very special attraction and especially the climate and the good air invite thousands of visitors to hike and cycle on the island year after year. Here you have every freedom you could wish for. Guided tours lead through the mudflats at low tide and tell what this special spectacle of nature is all about. If you want to explore the island more, you can get your own impression of the island along dunes and excellently developed hiking trails. The museums and the regular events on Föhr also help to understand the culture a little better. In the evening you can stop at one of the many restaurants, enjoy good seafood and typical German cuisine while recovering from the long excursions in nature.

We are dismayed to see the current images of the heavy rain disaster in Ahrweiler. We wish all affected residents and relatives all the best. On behalf of our readers, we would like to thank the emergency services on site!

In the midst of the picturesque backdrop of the Ahr Valley lies the Rhineland-Palatinate town of Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler. The historical architecture dates from different eras. In the over 1000-year-old district of Ahrweiler, medieval flair prevails. The old city wall with moat, lovingly restored half-timbered houses and four imposing city gates – in Ahrweiler you unmistakably walk in the footsteps of the Romans. As in earlier days, numerous events such as winegrowers’ festivals and the traditional Christmas market invite you to celebrate and enjoy on the historic market square.

Recharge your batteries: Bad Neuenahr spa

Much younger than Ahrweiler is the Heilbad Neuenahr. Architecture and atmosphere are determined by the Wilhelminian period. Well-kept parks, the charming spa district with its magnificent villas and spa hotels as well as the Ahr river rippling through the middle of the village invite you to take a leisurely stroll. In the spa gardens, you can linger under old trees, enjoy the sight of colourful flower beds and the rising healing spring – Bad Neuenahr became known not least for the origin of the Apollinaris spring. In addition to relaxation and recreation, the spa gardens offer cultural highlights such as concerts, theatre performances and cabaret. And if you want to try your monetary luck, head to the former Kurhaus, which is now home to the casino.

Medical help can also be found in Bad Neuenahr: The health centre comprises 15 clinics in almost all disciplines. The Ahr thermal baths are an excellent addition to medical treatment. They live up to their reputation as one of the most beautiful thermal spa landscapes in Europe with an extensive wellness offer. Whether indoors or outdoors, swimming through bubbling thermal pools, in the sauna area or relaxing in one of the whirlpools – pleasant relaxation is guaranteed here. The ceremony ends in the restaurant with regional and Mediterranean delicacies.

Excellent wine gastronomy

Culinary cravings are satisfied throughout Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler. The fine wines from the local viticulture are widely known. In the midst of the wildly romantic beauty of the Ahr Valley with its bizarre rocks, lush green meadows and extensive forests, fine wines have been grown for centuries. The work on the steep vineyard terraces is not exactly comfortable, but it is richly rewarded: The excellent wines have received many awards and are among the top wines in Germany. The focus is on red wine, and Pinot Noir in particular enjoys the very best reputation.

Both locals and visitors can enjoy the delicious wines on site – preferably with tasty cuisine. There are plenty of opportunities to do so: Numerous traditional and modern restaurants, rustic wine taverns, bistros and cafés invite you to enjoy a culinary experience with regional and international cuisine.

Hiking, cycling, climbing

Along the hiking and cycling routes there are also opportunities to stop for a bite to eat, rest and enjoy the charming landscape. There are plenty of hiking trails in the Ahr Valley, as it is one of the most popular hiking areas in Germany. At any time of the year, the unique natural landscape with its bizarre rocks and extensive meadows can be explored at your own pace. In spring, the awakening nature fascinates, in summer shady forest paths provide pleasant cooling and in autumn you can also get up close and personal with winegrowers during the harvest. Even in winter, the Ahr Valley enchants with a very special atmosphere.

In addition to beautiful hiking tours from the source of the Ahr to the mouth of the Rhine, hiking events are also offered in summer temperatures. For example, the Ahr Valley Summit Festival, the Wine Hiking Weeks and the AhrSteig Adventure Day will be convivial. And if you want to combine hiking with culture, you can opt for routes that include the Calvarienberg Monastery or the Roemervilla.

You can also get your money’s worth here by bike and mountain bike. Whether relaxing with the whole family on the almost flat Ahr cycle path or sporty and professional on challenging routes – all tours on foot or on wheels have one thing in common: they surprise again and again with spectacular views and far-reaching views. The 70 climbing stations of the forest climbing park in Bad Neuenahr and the rope park with its high ropes course also promise beautiful views. Both locations offer both beginners and experts a lot of climbing fun.

Idyllic castle ruins of Are

Not only children are enthusiastic about a trip to Are Castle, which towers majestically above the village of Altenahr. While the Counts of Are once resided there, the restored ruins are now a place that brings times long past back to life. Perfect photo motifs included. During the extensive renovation, even the well system was exposed, the shaft allows a deep view down to the groundwater.

If you want to enjoy a historical costume tour in addition to the phenomenal view of rock massifs, vineyards and Kreuzberg Castle, you should plan your excursion on the first or third Saturday of the month.

From the government bunker to the winegrowers’ museum

Plenty of cultural fare for the rare rainy days in the Ahr Valley: A section of the government bunker – once the most secret place in the Federal Republic of Germany – has been accessible to all visitors interested in the relics of the Cold War since 2008.

The fact that viticulture and agriculture were incomparably more arduous in earlier times than today can be seen during a visit to the winegrowers’ museum in Bachem. How did it manage to cultivate the steep vineyards without today’s technology? And what is a Jrondbottem? These questions and much more are answered vividly in the Old Backhouse.

If you want to learn interesting details about the country and people of this enchanting spot on earth, make your way to Blankenheim. The Eifel Museum provides plenty of background information and insights into the historical development of the region.

The Museum of Local History and Technology in Bad Bodendorf is also dedicated to local history and the linking of old and new. As a foretaste of the visit on site, numerous objects can be admired via the Internet platform. The new Schützenmuseum in Ahrweiler is taking a similar approach and integrating new media into its exhibition. Here you get insights into shooting that are otherwise only granted at shooting festivals.

Overnight stay in Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler

The decision to spend a relaxing stay in Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler has been made, but where can you spend the night? – There are many possibilities. Whether it’s a private holiday apartment, a hospitable guesthouse, a relaxed stay in a wellness hotel or a campsite close to nature – everyone will find their own night’s sleep to start the next, eventful day well rested.