Experience nature

Renowned for its healthy air, Kiefersfelden is known as the “Gateway to the Kaiser’s Realm” due to its location at the foot of the Kaiser Mountains.

Altmühltal nature reserve, the fourth largest in Germany, begins north of Ingolstadt and the Danube. It is characterised by low mountain ranges, towering cliffs and quarries.

The Steinwald Nature Park is characterised by rolling mountains and bizarre granite rock formations. Coniferous trees dominate the sprawling forest landscape.

The state-recognised resort of Oberelsbach at the foot of the Lange Rhön and nestled in the Elsbach Valley is a paradise for hikers and cyclists.

The Augsburg & Western Woods Nature Park is a green idyll on Augsburg’s doorstep and offers great variety and recreation to nature lovers. This diverse region is a treasure trove of outdoor activities such as cycling and hiking.

The Fichtel Mountains Nature Park is an enchanting, highly romantic landscape of rocky terrain and sprawling forests. The Schneeberg and the Ochsenkopf are the two highest mountains in Franconia.

The 860-metre-high Hocheck is Oberaudorf’s local mountain. The summit can be reached by cable car from where a panoramic view of other Inn Valley mountains can be enjoyed.

As one of the sunniest parts of southern Germany, the Frankenhöhe Nature Park offers a variety of landscapes. Woodlands, rolling hills, rough grasslands and numerous orchards characterise the scenery.

More than half of the mystical Franconian Forest Nature Park is covered by vast woodlands. A triad of tree-covered slopes, romantic meadow valleys and cleared uplands characterise the region.

Known locally as the Naturparkland, this tourist region in the Upper Palatinate Forest consists of eleven local districts. The peaceful natural forest reserve lies between the Waldnaab Valley and the Bohemian Forest.

The Hirschwald Nature Park is home to a wide variety of rare plants and animals thanks to its Mediterranean-like climate. Germany’s last roosting site of greater horseshoe bats is here around Hohenburg Castle.

The Ochsenkopf adventure region is at the heart of the Fichtel Mountains and comprises the four holiday resorts of Bischofsgrün, Fichtelberg, Mehlmeisel and Warmensteinach.

The Upper Palatinate Lake District is an impressive area of idyllic lakes, ponds and river courses. Surrounded by hills and forests is the Eixendorfer See – a wonderful reservoir that’s ideal for water sports.

Romantic river valleys, picturesque lakes and six peaks over 1000 metres can be found in the Upper Bavarian Forest Nature Park. It contains 2500 hectares of nature reserves such as the Kleine Arbersee lake.

In addition to a wild, romantic landscape garden, southern Germany's largest rhododendron park awaits you in Dennenlohe Castle Park, which is recognised as a botanical garden due to its plant diversity.