With Germany focusing on nature tourism, Adam Shaw picks the best outdoor breaks
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1. Harz Mountains
This lesser-known part of northern Germany, which spans the old East-West border, is often referred to as a ‘mini Black Forest’. It is dotted with medieval towns, such as Wernigerode and Quedlinburg, and boasts excellent walking trails along the Zillierbach stream and through the Eselstall woods. Its highest peak, the Brocken, can be reached by Soviet-era steam train.
Book it: The new eight-night German Rail Holiday to the Harz Mountains with HF Holidays starts at £1,959, including transport from London St Pancras, half-board accommodation and guided walks, departing on July 25.
hfholidays.co.uk
2. Rügen Island
Those who prefer to explore nature on two wheels should consider a cycling trip around Rügen, Germany’s largest island, which sits off the northeast coast in the Baltic Sea. Pedal past the quaint fishing villages of the Mönchgut peninsula and see the chalk cliffs of Jasmund National Park. There’s also the option to take the ferry over to car-free Hiddensee, home of the 200ft-tall Dornbusch Lighthouse.
Pedal past the quaint fishing villages of the Mönchgut peninsula and see the chalk cliffs of Jasmund National Park
Book it: A seven-night Grand Bike Tour of Rügen Island with Augustus Tours starting June 12 costs from €1,019, including B&B, luggage transfer and ferry crossings, but not flights. Bike rental starts at €80.
augustustours.de
3. Bad Kohlgrub
Nestled on the edge of the Bavarian Alps, around 20 miles from the Austrian border, Bad Kohlgrub is an ideal base for walks through forests, past streams and across lush meadows. A trip to the nearby Garmisch Valley rewards visitors with views of Lake Eibsee and the imposing Zugspitze range.
Book it: Ramble Worldwide’s Summertime in Bavaria tour starts at £1,650, including flights, half-board accommodation, transfers and guided walks, departing on August 13.
rambleworldwide.co.uk
4. Black Forest
The iconic Black Forest is home to a host of stunning natural sites – from rounded hills dotted with traditional farmhouses to craggy gorges hidden deep among tightly packed trees. There are plenty of hiking routes available, including through ancient woodlands and across rolling pastures near Lake Titisee, or up to the peaks of the Feldberg range.
There are plenty of hiking routes available, including through ancient woodlands and across rolling pastures near Lake Titisee
Book it: Inntravel offers an eight-night A Walk in the Black Forest with Freiburg itinerary from £1,800, which includes train travel from London, accommodation and most meals, departing on September 1.
inntravel.co.uk
5. Altmühltal Nature Park
Midway between Munich and Nuremberg, this area of Bavarian natural beauty is shaped by the Altmühltal river and its valleys. It is also known for fossil discoveries, with more than 600 fossilised species identified since the 1960s. Visitors can spot impressive geological formations, including the tower-like Burgsteinfelsen and the ‘Twelve Apostles’, a series of steep limestone rocks.
[This area is known] for fossil discoveries, with more than 600 fossilised species identified since the 1960s
Book it: A five-day Walking in the Altmühltal Nature Park tour with Exodus Travels starts at £909, including flights, B&B and luggage transfers, departing on June 8.
exodus.co.uk
PICTURES: Shutterstock/St Grafix, Funny Solution Studio, Marcus Hoffmann, Stefano Zaccaria, Blesky
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