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.

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.

Magdeburg is 1,200 years of European history. Magdeburg is green. Magdeburg is the Elbe. Saxony-Anhalt’s cultural and state capital stands for unique time-outs with a view of the river. Campers will find a place here directly on the banks of the Elbe with a view of Germany’s first Gothic cathedral. Modern rooms await hotel guests behind medieval walls.

Old and new merge in Magdeburg to create a unique cityscape. In the midst of historic fortifications rises the most modern architecture. The magnificent Magdeburg Cathedral, the Green Citadel – all in pink – by Friedensreich Hundertwasser and 1,000-year-old monastery walls filled with contemporary art are lined up here. Anyone who visits Magdeburg embarks on a journey through time. Where Otto the Great once built his favourite palace, visitors can now expect a modern cultural metropolis.

A look into the Middle Ages

The towers of Magdeburg Cathedral tower above everything. The first German Emperor Otto the Great founded a new archbishopric in Magdeburg and had a magnificent cathedral built. Around the cathedral, archaeologists have discovered spectacular evidence of this time. These unique finds can be seen in the new Ottonianum Cathedral Museum. If you want to know how a real love story took place in the Middle Ages – namely that of Emperor Otto and his wife Editha – this is the right place for you.

Magdeburg’s most important sights meander along the Elbe. On the riverbank rises an impressive silhouette of fortress walls, modern architecture and church spires. One of the most beautiful views of it is at dusk from the lift bridge. The former railway bridge is one of the largest and oldest in Germany.

Unique: In the darkness, the red and blue glowing lettering of the artist Maurizio Nannucci shines on the defining building of the Magdeburg skyline. In the direction of the source of the Elbe, the motto is: From so far to here.” And in the direction of the mouth of the Elbe: “From here much further.”

Green, greener, Magdeburg

Today, only pedestrians and cyclists cross the historic building. The lift bridge offers the perfect connection between the city centre and the Rotehorn city park. The largest park in the city stretches out on a 200-hectare Elbe island. Here, the Adolf-Mittag-See invites you to take a boat trip and the large playgrounds with skater track to romp around. Beer garden and beach bar provide a delicious break.

Numerous impressive parks meander along the Elbe in Magdeburg. The state capital of Saxony-Anhalt is one of the greenest cities in Germany. The green landscapes are excellently connected via the Elbe Cycle Path. The well-developed cycle route runs through the entire city for 21 kilometres.

In addition to the historic Herrenkrugpark, the Klosterbergegarten is one of the green highlights. Here, visitors should definitely plan a detour to the greenhouses and the Gesellschaftshaus. In the stately concert halls, performances are regularly performed here in honour of the Magdeburg composer Georg Philipp Telemann – one of the most important Baroque musicians of his time.

Off to adventure

The most adventurous is in the Elbauenpark Magdeburg. The Millennium Tower towers above the almost 100-hectare amusement park. At 60 meters, the wooden tower is the tallest structure of its kind. In the tower, the secrets of 6,000 years of human history are revealed, and the exhibition invites you to touch and try things out. From the highest level there is a spectacular view. It gets even more exciting when Magdeburg visitors race down from here on the giant ElbauenZip zip line.

If you dare, you’ll end up at the climbing park. Here it can continue action-packed. And that’s not all: In the immediate vicinity, the 18-metre-high slide tower awaits brave visitors. Meanwhile, slide and adventure golf games await guests at Magdeburg Zoo. Between more than 1,000 animals, exciting insights are guaranteed. Unique in Germany: Children up to 15 years of age have free admission here.

It quickly becomes clear that there is a large selection of adventures in Magdeburg. Whether it’s a Segway excursion on park paths or a stand-up paddle tour on the arms of the Elbe: In the sports city, famous for its handball players from SC Magdeburg and the footballers of 1.

Discover new shores

A tip for all those who don’t want to paddle down the Elbe themselves: Simply change to a passenger ship of the White Fleet! If the water level is right, the ships depart daily from the Petriförder jetty. From a short city tour to a four-hour exploration trip, the captains have the right route for everyone in their program.

A very special destination is the boat trip to the waterway crossing. The Mittelland Canal flows through Europe’s largest steel structure here. In the midst of ancient floodplain forests, mighty locks and lifts were built so that the most important North German waterways can cross. The Mittelland Canal flows through the world’s longest trough bridge over the Elbe.

From the water, you can marvel at Magdeburg’s development from a mechanical engineering city to a modern metropolis. Where factory buildings and transshipment points for rail and water once lined the shore, modern districts are now being built. In the Elbbahnhof boarding station, restaurants and cafés invite you to linger. In the urban district of Buckau, artisans and designers have opened their studios. Innovative companies and research institutions are settling in the Science Port between historic cranes.

Technical masterpieces

Magdeburg has always stood for technical innovations. The best example is Otto von Guericke, one of the city’s most famous sons and a scientist. With his world-famous hemisphere experiment, he proved the existence of vacuum and the power of air pressure.

If you want to learn much more exciting background information about Magdeburg, you should not miss a city tour in the big red double-decker bus. From April to October, up to four times a day, a one-hour round trip with the best view leads through the historic cathedral district, along the green banks of the Elbe to the Elbauenpark with the extraordinary millennium tower. Via audio guide, you can learn all kinds of surprising anecdotes from 1,200 years of Magdeburg. There is even an extra Magdeburg radio play for all young passengers.

Fun for the whole family is also guaranteed on the various costume tours or a tour with the night watchman. Visitors get to know the most exciting corners of the city in a completely new way, suddenly Emperor Otto the Great or physicist Otto von Guericke himself are at their side.

Sparkling world of lights

Magdeburg is a unique destination in many respects. Here is a very special tip: Throughout the winter, the city is transformed into an extraordinary sea of lights. More than 1.2 million lights and hundreds of kilometers of fairy lights immerse the city in a winter wonderland. Larger-than-life light sculptures line the streets and squares. The Magdeburg Virgin glitters on her city gate, the Magdeburg Horseman sits enthroned on his golden shining horse and fountains are entwined with light steles.

Visitors will find the highlight on the cathedral square: Here, eight horses, formed from fairy lights, gallop across the square and show Otto von Guericke’s hemisphere experiment. All around, picture frames shine and walk-in Christmas tree baubles provide incomparable souvenir photos. Good to know: Always about the opening of the Magdeburg Christmas Market (Monday before the 1st Advent) until 2 February, the World of Lights is freely accessible.

Impressions from Magdeburg

Contact and booking requests:

Tourist Information Magdeburg
Breiter Weg 22, 39104 Magdeburg
0391 63601-402
info@visitmagdeburg.de
www.visitmagdeburg.de
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With the kind support of the Tourist Information Magdeburg

In the southeastern part of the state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania , the Mecklenburg Lake District ends with the beautiful Tollensesee. The Tollensesee stretches 25 km not far from the Müritzsee and has an area of almost 18 square meters in a gently rolling moraine landscape shaped by the Ice Age. The river that gives it its name is the Tollense, which flows into the lake of the same name in Neubrandenburg.

The district town of Neubrandenburg, also known as the city of the four gates, is located on the northeastern shore of the lake, it is the regional centre of the region with a catchment area of about 420,000 inhabitants and offers all the amenities of a city with about 65,000 inhabitants, such as a varied international gastronomy, hotels and guesthouses, exciting cultural and entertainment offers as well as a wide range of sports and recreation opportunities.

The lake can be reached from Berlin within about 90 minutes by car; Hamburg needs a little more sitting: a good 400 km separate the Hanseatic city from Lake Tollense.

Activities at Lake Tollensesee

Holidaymakers or day tourists have the choice between the wide range of experiences and activities offered on or on the lake:

Excursion boat trip

To get to know the lake in its entire extent of 10 km long and a good 2 km wide, a trip on a passenger ship of the so-called “White Fleet” is recommended. The “sea voyages” last between one and a half and two and a half hours; you can get on and off at various piers around the lake. A restaurant will take care of the physical well-being on board. In addition, bicycles are also transported. What could be more obvious than circumnavigating the lake by bike or on foot and driving parts of the way by boat?

Cycling

Directly on the lake and mainly with a view of the wide lake area, the attractive, well-signposted 34 km long cycle route, which begins in Neubrandenburg, leads around the lake. The route is easily passable and signposted in both directions. Pedal knights are rewarded with inviting rest areas and magnificent views as well as tranquil villages that invite you to linger.

Hiking and Nordic Walking

Hiking trails and Nordic walking routes in the lake region are laid out on attractive routes. Hikers should not miss the Behmshöhe observation tower on the eastern shore of the lake, built in 1905 for tourist reasons. The tower with a height of 34 m stands on a boulder and allows a view from a height of 42 m to Neubrandenburg and across the lake to the west shore.

Aquatics

Leisure captains will definitely get their money’s worth around Lake Tollense: Watercraft á la Couleur are available for hire – even for several days: from canoes to pedal boats, rowing boats or sailing boats to motorboats and hydrobikes, there is something for every taste. A water ski slope in Neubrandenburg attracts with attractive offers for the whole family.

Angling

Petri disciples should already provide a floating vessel to go on a fishing trip, because there are few suitable fishing spots directly from the shore. The small, cosy harbours or jetties in the villages are more suitable. Day fishing permits can be purchased – for a longer period of time.

Beach life

The lidos on the west and east banks invite you to relax with attractive sunbathing lawns, playgrounds and gastronomic establishments. Fans of naturism will find suitable bathing spots on the west bank near the campsite. Whether with swimwear or without clothing, this is what unites the lidos on the lake: without exception, they have been awarded the “Blue European Flag” for outstanding environmental management.

Overnight stay in the Tollensesee region

Accommodation for every budget, such as in a holiday home, with private providers, in guesthouses or in a 4-star hotel, is available in Neubrandenburg and the lake area. The only campsite on the lake is located on the west shore and is characterized by a particularly quiet, idyllic location.

Culinary

The region of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is known for its hearty and down-to-earth cuisine, which is very maritime near the coast.

The Tollensesee, which is rich in fish, provides a wide range of edible fish such as carp, pike, zander, whitefish and perch. They can be found delicately and expertly prepared on the plates of the restaurants on Lake Tolense. Other regional and seasonal specialties from the countryside and the lake round off the international food offer.

Art and culture

A special event highlight are the art and culture weeks “Mecklenburgische Seenplattte Tollensee”, which take place in the first weeks of September each year. Guided tours, concerts, theatre, readings, exhibitions, markets and much more are on the colourful programme. A visit to the city centre of Neubrandenburg with its old fortifications and ramparts and the Museum of Shipping and the Regional Museum with an exhibition on the history of the city and the region are worthwhile all year round.

Excursions in the Tollensesee region

Although the region on and around the Tollensee has something to offer for every taste, a trip to the Baltic Sea coast, e.g. to Germany’s largest Island of Rügen with the chalk cliffs worth seeing, to the imperial baths on the filigree Usedom Peninsula or to the Hanseatic cities Rostock and Stralsund. If you like it maritime, pay a visit to the seaside resort of Warnemünde. From the banks of the Warnow, not only huge cruise ships, but also impressive seagoing ships calling at the port of Rostock can be observed

With more than 1100 years, Berching is one of the oldest settlements in the region in the middle of the Altmühltal Nature Park in Bavaria. History and tradition have shaped the city. Four ancient city gates, a completely preserved city wall with partially accessible battlements and 13 pointed, fortified towers characterize the impressive, medieval townscape of Berching.

Behind the city wall from the 15th century , magnificent, colourful town houses are neatly lined up, with half-timbered houses and mighty barns squeezed in between. They still bear witness to the wealth of the merchant town today. Wide, cobbled squares, winding alleys and a babbling city stream invite you to take a tranquil stroll through the old town. Traditional, cosy restaurants and cafés will be happy to spoil you here in the town of Cittaslow . Three parks invite you to linger, to fitness or to play.

City on the water

The state-approved resort in the district of Neumarkt, picturesquely embedded in the Sulztal, is not only a true gem of the Middle Ages, but also a city on the water and that has a tradition: As early as 1846, King Ludwig I built the one named after him and still preserved today. Ludwig-Danube-Main Canal. Since 1992, Berching has been located directly on the Main-Danube Canal, the great European waterway. An unforgettable premium experience here is a contemplative tow ride on the barge “Alma Viktoria” on the old Ludwig Canal – pulled by a horse, just like in the old days.

Discover Berching

Whether it’s tours through the historic old town of Berching, culinary tours for connoisseurs or an adventure tour with entertaining acting scenes – our gem has something for every taste. Our tour guides inform and entertain visitors warmly and competently. Here every group will find the right thing for themselves!

Cycling and hiking paradise

For cyclists and e-bikers, the canal has its own fascination: Bamberg, Nuremberg, Regensburg, Vienna – can be reached from Berching in hours or days by bike. The Five Rivers Cycle Route runs 200 km through Bavaria, along the Pegnitz, Vils, Naab, Danube and Altmühl rivers. The popular Franconian Water Cycle Path also leads directly through Berching, and the Altmühltal Cycle Path is also nearby. Healthy air, intact nature, murmuring streams, forest and field as far as the eye can see. Nature invites you to hike around Berching. Seven signposted circular hiking trails show the most beautiful corners of the municipality. Hikers can reach great vantage points and natural monuments such as the High Fountain, caves or the wildly romantic tufa terraces. A detour away from Berching is the Altmühltal Panorama Trail, one of Germany’s top trails, whose Sulztal loop runs directly over Berching.

But four certified long-distance hiking trails also lead through Berching. The most famous is probably the Frankenweg, which goes from the Rennsteig to the Swabian Alb. After a bike tour or hike, you can relax wonderfully in the Berching adventure pool with hot whirlpool, 50 m slide, children’s paddling pool, lazy river, steam bath and outdoor area with sunbathing lawn. Boat trips from Kelheim through the Danube Gorge or tow tours on the Ludwig Canal complete the diverse, attractive hiking, cycling and sightseeing offer in and around Berching.

Active & Family

A successful active holiday also includes experiences. Berching and its surroundings leave nothing to be desired: from fishing, Nordic walking, swimming, boat tours on the Altmühl, to horseback riding, hang-gliding, mini golf, inline skating, photography, yoga, meditation, climbing, bowling, stand-up paddling or golf, there is something for everyone here. Families can also redesign every day in the middle of the Altmühl Valley Nature Park, visit the appropriate water experience playground, get up close and personal with animals, collect fossils, visit an interesting museum, an amusement park or take part in guided adventure tours.

Culture and tradition

A trademark of Berching is undoubtedly culture – with traditional festivals, theater, concerts and much more. Berching is the birthplace of the great opera reformer Christoph Willibald Gluck. In addition to the birthplace and the Gluckwanderweg (in the districts of Weidenwang and Erasbach), a modern multimedia presentation in the Berching Museum, the Gluck event taking place in the summer and the new cultural hall commemorate the famous son of the city. Since 1722, the “Berchinger Rossmarkt” has taken place every year at the beginning of February. Up to 100 horses are rounded up at Bavaria’s largest winter folk festival in the historic city centre.

Culinary magic

You are guaranteed to experience your personal “Schmackofatz moments” here in the Cittaslow town of Berching ! Berching’s restaurateurs rely on Slow Food cuisine in many places. With brilliant creations, they pamper their guests to the highest level all year round and focus on regional, seasonal and down-to-earth cuisine. In terms of culinary delights, you should not miss the Berching Cittaslow Spring Kitchen. In March, the participating inns are focusing on bringing you healthy and energetic into spring. The counterpart to this is the Wild Autumn in October, where the chefs serve game dishes and autumnal culinary delights.

The Benedictine Abbey of Plankstetten Monastery

The “green monastery” Plankstetten with an organic farm shop presents itself as a spiritual centre. The Romanesque monastery church invites you to contemplation. In the monastery tavern and in the farm shop, the monks provide for the physical well-being with ecologically produced food.

Celebrations

In summer, our festivals Berchinale and “Kanal im Feuerzauber” attract people to the city. On these weekends you can expect a colourful programme with music, art, paddle boat races, duck races, light art, large fireworks on the Main-Danube Canal and much more. Always on the 3rd weekend of Advent, the romantic Christmas market with nativity scene exhibition takes place in the historic city centre.

You can feel the real flair of Berching when you walk through winding alleys, along centuries-old buildings to dreamy squares.

Conferences in Berching

Berching is located between the cities of Nuremberg, Regensburg and Munich and is an ideal place for conferences, seminars and workshops of all kinds. Here you will find many numerous conference houses with bright, light-flooded conference rooms and top technical equipment of the finest!

Excursion destinations nearby

Due to its central location, Berching is an ideal starting point for the many attractive excursion destinations in the surrounding area: how about a day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage City of Regensburg, the Franconian metropolis of Nuremberg, the episcopal cities, Amberg and Eichstätt, or the Palatine city of Neumarkt? It is only 15 minutes by car to the natural bathing lake Kratzmühle with sandy beach, boat rental, mini golf course and lake café. The surfing and bathing paradise Franconian Lake District is also not far away. Whether it’s a fossil hunt in an old quarry, an exciting bird of prey show at Rosenburg Castle in Riedenburg, a stalactite cave, monasteries or an open-air museum, the “Altmühltal Nature Park Experience” attracts visitors with its many attractions.

Impressions

Information & Service

Tourist Information Berching
Pettenkoferplatz 12
92334 Berching
E-mail: tourismus@berching.de
Internet: www.berching.de
Phone: 08462 20513

with the kind support of the city of Berching