Germany doesn’t shout about its wild side, but it should. From high-alpine climbs to quiet lake circuits and dense, silent forests, this is one of Europe’s most underrated countries for outdoor adventure. The best outdoor activities in Germany aren’t tucked away in remote corners; they’re often right next to small towns, easy to reach, and seriously well-maintained. You’ll find big landscapes without big crowds, and enough variety to keep things interesting for weeks.
You’ll find some of the best places to visit in Germany far from the cities and motorways. The country’s landscapes are more diverse than you might expect – Alpine peaks in the south, jagged sandstone cliffs in the east, quiet heathlands up north, and thick forests almost everywhere in between. That mix makes planning a Germany itinerary for outdoor activities surprisingly straightforward – wherever you are, nature’s close by.
Some regions are made for serious adventure – hiking in the Bavarian Alps, climbing in Saxon Switzerland, or skiing deep into winter. Others move at a slower pace – kayaking through flooded forests in the Spreewald or cycling past vineyards in the Moselle Valley.
The basics are covered too. Trails are well-marked, public transport reaches most parks, and you won’t need a car unless you’re going remote. In short, the best places for outdoor activities in Germany are easily accessible, even if they feel a world away. Use our picks to build your trip to Germany around the outdoors – and skip the crowds while you’re at it.
Bastei bridge in Saxon Switzerland National Park © Francesco Carovillano
The Upper Middle Rhine Valley is a 65km (40-mile) stretch between Bingen and Koblenz – a winding gorge of cliffs, terraced vineyards, and some of the best-preserved castles in Germany. It’s no secret spot, but if you’re planning a trip to Germany that includes nature, history, and slow travel, this is a strong contender.
Despite being a key freight route, the valley feels remarkably calm. Hiking trails like the Rheinsteig run along forested ridges, with views of castle ruins and river bends below. River cruises offer a lazy way to take it all in, but exploring on foot gives you more room for discovery – and more time to stop for Riesling.
Don’t skip the Lorelei viewpoint, a slate rock cliff near St. Goarshausen wrapped in legend. The siren myth might be fantasy, but the views are real, and some of the best along the Rhine. Other highlights include the storybook village of Bacharach, Burg Katz castle above St. Goar, and Pfalzgrafenstein Castle, stranded on a rocky island mid-river.
Regular trains run between Koblenz and Mainz, stopping at towns such as Boppard, Oberwesel, and Bacharach. You can also drive the B9 route or take a KD river cruise for a slower entry.
Late spring through early autumn (May to September) is ideal – hiking trails are open, vineyards are active, and river cruises run daily. Autumn is grape harvest season and sees fewer crowds. Avoid winter – many sites close, and the weather’s not built for long walks.
View over the Rhine to the Katharinenkirche in Oppenheim
Stretching along the North Sea coast from the Netherlands to Denmark, the Wadden Sea is one of the most unique places for outdoor activities in Germany. At low tide, the seabed turns into an otherworldly landscape of mudflats, salt marshes, and sandbanks – and walking across it is a local tradition.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is also one of Europe’s most important wetland ecosystems. It’s a vital stopover for millions of migratory birds, making it a top spot for wildlife lovers and one of the more unusual things to do in Germany. Expect to see oystercatchers, shelducks, and brent geese in huge flocks, depending on the season.
The big activity here is Wattlaufen – guided mudflat hiking – where you walk across the tidal flats, sometimes to offshore islands. Going solo is risky; the tides move fast, and the channels are deeper than they look.
Wilhelmshaven, Cuxhaven, and Büsum are good jumping-off points for guided hikes. Trains connect to Hamburg and Bremen, and buses or ferries serve local islands like Föhr and Amrum.
Spring and autumn are best for birdwatching, with peak migrations in April-May and September-October. For Wattlaufen, visit between May and early October – tides are more predictable, and the water's (slightly) warmer.
Island Neuwerk, the Wadden Sea © Lookphotos/Guenther Bayerl
Kassel’s Wilhelmshöhe Park, or Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe, blends history, landscape design, and pure hydraulic engineering across 240 hectares (600 acres). It’s one of the largest hillside parks in Europe and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The main event here is the three-hundred-year-old Hercules monument. Twice a week, 750,000 liters of water are released from its base, flowing down the grand Baroque cascade, over aqueducts, through fountains, and finally shooting skyward from the Great Fountain. There are no pumps – just gravity and centuries-old planning.
To get the full effect, start at the top near the Hercules statue and follow the flow downhill. The water displays last about 90 minutes and draw a decent crowd, so it’s worth timing your visit to see them in action.
Take the ICE train to Kassel Wilhelmshöhe station – 1 hour from Hanover, 1.5 hours from Frankfurt. From there, Bus 22 or 23 runs to the Hercules monument visitor center.
Water displays run from May to early October, every Wednesday, Sunday, and public holiday at 2:30 pm. Arrive early if you want a good viewing spot. The park itself is open year-round.
Palace Wilhelmshöhe, palace garden © GNTB/Florian Trykowski
Floating on the western edge of Lake Constance, the island of Reichenau is small but packed with history. Just 5km (3 miles) long and connected to the mainland by a dam, it’s home to three early medieval churches that mark it out as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The 1200-year-old Basilica of St Mary and Marcus once anchored one of the most powerful monasteries in Europe, complete with its own Roman-style heating system. Inside St Peter and St Paul, look for wall paintings from 1105 that still hold their color. The most remarkable work, though, is in St George’s church – late 10th-century frescoes that stretch across the walls and ceiling, unmatched anywhere else north of the Alps.
This is also a peaceful natural escape. A walking path runs along the north shore, with views across Lake Constance, while the eastern edge is protected wetland – bring binoculars for birdwatching.
Reichenau is 10km (6 miles) west of Konstanz. You can reach it by boat or take a bus from Reichenau station on the mainland. The causeway is open to cars, cyclists, and walkers.
Late spring to early autumn is the most comfortable for walking and boat trips. May and September are quieter, with fewer crowds and mild weather. If you're looking for the best time to visit Germany for a mix of nature and history, this ticks both boxes.
Island of Reichenau's herb garden with poppies © Helmut Scham/Tourist Office Reichenau
The Swabian Jura in Baden-Württemberg holds a unique place in human history. Around 40,000 years ago, early humans carved figures from mammoth ivory in the valleys of the Ach and Lone rivers – some of the earliest known artworks in the world.
Among the standout discoveries: the Lion-man, thought to represent early myth-making; the Venus of Hohle Fels, the oldest known female figurine; and bird-bone flutes, the first musical instruments ever found. Together, these caves form a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offer one of the most fascinating cultural places for outdoor activities in Germany.
You can visit Vogelherd Cave via the Archäopark Vogelherd Visitor Centre, which also displays an original mammoth carving. The Lonetal Valley connects two more cave sites on a scenic 2–3 hour hiking route through wooded hills and meadows. South of Blaubeuren, three additional caves are partially accessible by trail. Don’t miss the local museum, where the Venus figurine and bone flutes are on display. The Lion-man is housed in the Museum Ulm.
The main sites are best accessed by car. Vogelherd is near Niederstotzingen; Blaubeuren is a short train ride from Ulm. For the Lonetal hike, start near Hürben or Lindenau.
Late spring to early autumn is best for walking the trails – paths are clear and museums are open on regular hours. Some caves close in winter for bat conservation, so check ahead if visiting off-season.
World Heritage Ice Age Caves: Vogelherd Cave © H. Schlaif
Germany’s lowland beech forests are unlike any others in the world. Once spread across much of northern Europe, most were logged centuries ago – but in Germany, five isolated pockets survived. Their survival wasn’t thanks to luck, but to steep terrain, military zones, and restricted hunting areas that kept industry out.
These old-growth forests have now been added to the World Heritage List and are protected across several national parks. You’ll find them clinging to the chalk cliffs of Jasmund National Park, around the lakes of Müritz, and deep in the Grumsiner Forest north of Berlin. Further south, beech woods line the former GDR border zone in Hainich National Park and blanket the slopes of Kellerwald-Edersee.
The atmosphere in these forests is dense and dreamlike, especially under rain or fog. Trails are marked, and while the paths are often quiet, you’re never far from a lookout tower, a hidden lake, or a rustling wild boar.
Jasmund and Müritz are easiest reached by car from Berlin or Rostock. Grumsin lies north of Eberswalde. Hainich and Kellerwald-Edersee are both accessible by regional train and short taxi or bus rides.
Autumn is ideal for color and quiet, though spring offers blooming ground cover and fewer hikers. Winter snow transforms parts of Hainich and Kellerwald into near-silent landscapes. Trails remain open year-round.
Ancient beech forests in Jasmund National Park © Lookphotos/Guenther Bayerl
Bavaria’s Eibsee is the kind of place that looks staged for postcards but is all real. Sitting at the foot of Zugspitze – Germany’s highest mountain at 2,962m – this alpine lake is framed by dense pine forest, rugged cliffs, and turquoise water so still it mirrors the peaks above.
You can walk the 7.5km (4.6-mile) loop trail around the lake in under two hours, with plenty of stops for swimming, picnics, or just gawking at the scenery. For more altitude, take the Zugspitze cable car from Eibsee straight to the summit. On a clear day, you’ll see deep into Austria and across to the Italian Alps. In winter, the slopes around Zugspitze turn into Germany’s highest-altitude ski area.
Despite its popularity, Eibsee never feels overdeveloped. There’s one hotel, a café, a few boat rentals, and enough space to find your quiet patch of shore. This is high-altitude wilderness with easy access – a rare combo that makes it one of southern Germany’s best outdoor escapes.
Take the train to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, then switch to the Zugspitzbahn cogwheel train to Eibsee station. The lake and base station for the cable car are a short walk from there. Parking is available but fills early in summer.
June to September is best for hiking and swimming – aim for early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak traffic. December to March is ski season, with fewer hikers but great conditions on the mountain.
The view of Zugspitze from Austria © CHEN MIN CHUN/Shutterstock
Tucked into the far southeastern corner of Saxony, the Zittau Mountains are often overlooked – but that’s exactly the appeal. This compact range along the Czech and Polish borders is the smallest in Germany, yet it offers some of the most peaceful and scenic places for outdoor activities in Germany, and serves as a gateway to some of the best hiking trails in Saxony.
The hiking here is excellent. Trails wind past jagged sandstone formations, through deep forest, and up to viewpoints looking across three countries. One of the most striking spots is Oybin, a spa village backed by towering cliffs and topped with the ruins of a medieval monastery and castle. It’s a short, steep climb to the top – and worth every step for the view.
The Zittau Mountains are also full of oddities: rock formations shaped like turtles, mushrooms and arches, old timber-framed houses, and a narrow-gauge steam train that still runs through the valleys. It's low-key and rarely busy, even in summer – ideal if you're after nature without the crowds.
Take the train to Zittau (about 2 hours from Dresden), then continue by bus or steam railway to Oybin and other trailheads. A car gives you more flexibility, but public transport is reliable.
Late spring to early autumn is best – trails are dry, flowers are out, and the weather stays mild. In winter, the area transforms into a quiet local ski spot, with snowshoeing routes and small lifts.
Oybin, Saxony, Germany © Thomas Glaubitz
Despite the name, Franconian Switzerland isn’t alpine – it’s a landscape of jagged limestone cliffs, green valleys and hilltop castles in northern Bavaria. The appeal here is variety: hiking, climbing, cave exploring and medieval villages, all packed into a compact region that’s easy to explore without long drives.
Pottenstein is a great base, especially if you're travelling in Germany with kids. The town has a summer toboggan run, show caves and a clifftop castle you can actually go inside. Several family-friendly hiking trails start right from the village, winding through narrow gorges and past wildflower meadows.
For climbers, the region is one of the most developed in Europe, with over a thousand routes – but you don’t have to scale a wall to enjoy it. Walking trails link small breweries, traditional guesthouses, and lookout points with views across the valleys. It’s one of the best outdoor activities in Germany if you want fresh air without the crowds, and a cold German beer at the end of your hike.
The easiest approach is by car from Nuremberg (around 45 minutes). Trains run to Ebermannstadt and Pegnitz, with local buses covering the smaller villages.
Late spring to early autumn is ideal for hiking and outdoor activities. May and September are cooler and quieter. Summer weekends are busiest, especially for families.
Hiking in the Allgäu, Bavaria
Stretching across a low mountain range in western Germany, the Teutoburg Forest is best known for its history, but it also offers excellent hiking, peaceful forest trails, and sweeping views without the crowds. This is where Germanic tribes famously halted the Roman advance at the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest, and the landscape still feels quietly dramatic.
The forest is dotted with ancient beech trees, sandstone outcrops, and panoramic ridges. Trails here are well maintained, including sections of the Hermannshöhen – a 226km hiking route that links two long-distance paths across the ridge. The area’s signature landmark is the Hermannsdenkmal, a colossal 19th-century statue of the Cheruscan warrior Arminius, perched above the treetops.
Beyond the monument, the region offers a slower kind of hiking. You’ll pass small spa towns like Bad Iburg and Bad Meinberg, scattered abbeys, and the Externsteine – a surreal rock formation that looks like something from a fantasy novel. Climb the metal stairs to the top and you’ll get one of the best views in the forest.
Detmold is the best base, with regular trains from Bielefeld and Hanover. From Detmold, local buses run to trailheads and major sights, including the Hermannsdenkmal and Externsteine.
March to October is best for hiking. Trails are open year-round, but winter weather can be wet and foggy. Autumn offers the best forest colors and quieter paths.
Externsteine. Sandstone rock formation located in the Teutoburg Forest, North Rhine Westphalia, Germany © Shutterstock
The Elbe Cycle Route is one of Germany’s most accessible long-distance rides. It follows the Elbe River for over 1,200km – from the Czech border through Dresden, Wittenberg, Magdeburg, and Hamburg, all the way to the North Sea. But you don’t need to cycle the whole thing. Pick a section and you’ll still get riverside villages, castle ruins, open farmland, and historic cities – without any serious climbs.
The stretch between Bad Schandau and Dresden is especially scenic, running through Saxon Switzerland’s sandstone cliffs and baroque-era cityscapes. Further north, the route flattens out and opens into wide river meadows – perfect if you’re after steady mileage and fewer hills.
There are plenty of bike-friendly guesthouses, ferry crossings, and cafés along the way, plus the option to hop on a regional train if you want a break. For self-guided cycle trips, this is one of the best outdoor activities in Germany – low effort, high reward, and totally flexible.
Dresden is a good entry point for the central section, with rail access and plenty of rental shops. Other major access points include Hamburg, Wittenberg, and Magdeburg. Many towns along the route are linked by regional train lines.
May to September is best for cycling – trails are dry, ferries are frequent, and most guesthouses stay open late into the season. Avoid July and August if you want to skip peak heat and holiday traffic.
Heidelberg, Germany © leoks/Shutterstock
One of Germany’s newest national parks, Hunsrück-Hochwald is also one of its quietest. Spread across low forested hills and moorland in the Hunsrück range, this park doesn’t have dramatic peaks or deep gorges – but that’s the point. It’s wild, undeveloped, and surprisingly remote, especially given how central it is.
The landscape is a patchwork of beech and spruce forest, peat bogs, heather-covered ridges, and abandoned military zones now reclaimed by nature. There are lynx here – recently reintroduced – and a healthy wildcat population, though you’ll be lucky to see either. What you will get are wide trails with few hikers and the occasional watchtower offering big-sky views over the forest canopy.
Several sections of the Saar-Hunsrück-Steig long-distance trail run through the park, along with shorter circular walks from towns like Thalfang and Hermeskeil. This is a park for slow days and few distractions – especially appealing if you’ve just come from busy cities or more touristed regions.
The park is best reached by car from Trier or Saarbrücken (both about an hour). Public transport is limited, though regional buses run from nearby towns like Idar-Oberstein and Türkismühle.
Late spring to early autumn is best – the trails are dry, and the moorland areas are at their most colorful. Autumn brings misty mornings and rich forest color. Trails are open year-round, but winter can be icy and very quiet.
Visitors walking across Geierlay suspension bridge in the German region of Hunsrück © Shutterstock
Set between Nuremberg and Ingolstadt, Altmühltal Nature Park is a rolling landscape of cliffs, forests, rivers and fossil-rich limestone. It’s one of Germany’s largest protected areas, but often slips under the radar – ideal if you want natural beauty without tour groups.
The slow-moving Altmühl River is perfect for canoeing, especially around Eichstätt and Kelheim, where sandstone cliffs rise on either side. The Altmühltal Panorama Trail follows the river for nearly 200km through valleys, meadows, and hilltop castles. You don’t need to hike the whole thing – shorter day walks offer plenty of highlights with little effort.
Aside from paddling and hiking, the region is famous for fossils. The Archaeopteryx – a feathered dinosaur that links birds and reptiles – was found here. Several quarries near Solnhofen and Mörnsheim let you dig for your finds. Towns like Treuchtlingen and Pappenheim make quiet, scenic bases, and the Danube Gorge near Kelheim is worth the short detour. This is one of the best outdoor activities in Germany for families, geology nerds, and anyone who prefers rivers to crowds.
Trains connect to Eichstätt, Treuchtlingen, and Kelheim from Nuremberg or Munich. Canoe and bike rentals are easy to find locally. A car helps if you want to reach quieter trailheads or fossil quarries.
May to September is best for canoeing and fossil hunting. Spring brings wildflowers and mild weather. Autumn is ideal for hiking – quieter, cooler, and full of color.,
Rock group Burgsteinfelsen with the village of Breitenfurt in the Altmühltal nature park Park, Bavaria, Germany © Shutterstock
Saxon Switzerland National Park has no shortage of standout hikes, but the Schrammsteine Ridge trail is the one to beat. Rising above the Elbe River near Bad Schandau, this jagged spine of sandstone peaks offers panoramic views, steep ascents, and a mix of metal stairs, ladders, and narrow rock passes that give it a real sense of drama.
The climb starts in dense forest, then gradually opens up to views across the Elbe Sandstone Mountains, with sharp rock towers and deep gorges stretching out in all directions. Some of the more exposed sections are bolted with rails, and although you won’t need climbing gear, it’s not for anyone with vertigo. The payoff is worth it: the Schrammsteinaussicht viewing platform is one of the best in the park.
You can link the Schrammsteine route with other circular trails through the forest or along the rocky Affensteine corridor. Early starts are best – the light is better, and the ladders are less congested.
Take the train to Bad Schandau from Dresden (around 45 minutes), then a short local bus or ferry to the trailhead. Parking is available near Ostrau and Schmilka.
April to October is best for clear views and safe conditions on exposed sections. Autumn brings cooler temps and vivid forest color. Avoid winter ice makes the ridge route risky.
Schrammsteine Sonnenuntergang © Sebastian Rose
About 100km southeast of Berlin, the Spreewald Biosphere Reserve feels like a different world entirely – a flat, forested wetland crisscrossed by hundreds of narrow canals. It’s a place where boats replace cars, and life still moves at the pace of a paddle stroke.
The Spreewald is protected for its biodiversity and its unique landscape, shaped over centuries by both nature and traditional farming. The best way to explore is by kayak or canoe – you can paddle for hours without crossing the same path, drifting past thatched cottages, wildflower meadows, and herons fishing in the reeds.
Lübbenau is the main hub, with rental stations and traditional Kahnfahrt (punt boat) tours. You can also cycle the network of dykes, or hike through the eastern section of the park, where the waterways thin out into forest trails. If you're looking for one of the best outdoor activities in Germany near a major city, this is hard to beat.
Trains from Berlin reach Lübbenau in about an hour. From there, you can walk into the canal zone or rent a bike. Some boats launch directly from behind the station.
May to September is best for paddling – water levels are steady, rental stations are open, and the weather’s reliable. Spring is quieter, while July and August are busiest. Autumn offers cooler air and calm water.
Spreewald Biosphere Reserve in summer (Lübbenau, Germany) © Shutterstock
written by
Olga Sitnitsa
updated 29.07.2025
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