Germany Experience and protect nature

 

GNTO/ Jens Wegener

More than 100 national parks, biosphere reserves, geoparks and nature parks in Germany are home to impressive natural treasures that visitors can explore sustainably on foot or by bike, by bus and train, by boat or even by wagon. Unspoilt landscapes, rare animal and plant species and fascinating views by day and by night: welcome to Germany's nature!

All of the regions presented here have been recognised as sustainable travel destinations by TourCert thanks to their extensive measures.

Picturesque cliffs in Saxon Switzerland

With bizarre rock formations, deep gorges and the perfect balance of nature conservation and leisure, the Saxon Switzerland National Park region invites you to enjoy a sustainable holiday. Climbers conquer rock towers without the use of artificial aids (in line with Saxon climbing regulations), and hikers are drawn to the impressive Bastei Bridge – or take the historic Kirnitzsch Valley Tramway down into the romantic valley. Water sports enthusiasts can enjoy the mystical landscape of the Oberen Schleuse , for example. Lichens and trees cling to the steep rocky banks here.

www.saechsische-schweiz.de/en

24-hour panoramic views in the Rhön

During the day, the Rhön boasts panoramic views over raised bogs, boulder heaps and windswept trees. The HOCHRHÖNER® premium hiking trail connects many of this region's highlights and is the perfect way to experience the landscape.

If anything, it gets even more beautiful at night: parts of the UNESCO biosphere reserve are a dark sky reserve. The Milky Way and cosmic nebulae can be seen here with the naked eye, away from artificial light. The "Green Belt"offers a glimpse into the past: nowadays, natural biotopes along the former inner-German border can be explored by bike or on foot.

500 lakes in the Uckermark by caravan

Just 80 kilometres from Berlin, the Uckermark is a paradise for rare animal and plant species with its forest moors, floodplains and more than 500 lakes. Over half of this sparsely-populated region consists of protected landscapes, including the Lower Oder Valley National Park, the Schorfheide-Chorin Biosphere Reserve and the Uckermark Lakes Nature Park.

The region, which won the first national competition as a sustainable tourism destination in 2013, offers a wide range of opportunities for nature-based relaxation: from paddling tours through the lakes to holiday apartments in historic buildings and stays in traditional caravans.

www.tourismus-uckermark.de/en/sustainability

Tags: Germany, Sustainable tourism