These Five Photos of Germany’s Natural Wonders Will Inspire Your Wanderlust
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Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Zingst
With a staggering 1,180 miles of coastline along the Baltic Sea and its inland waters, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is a “must-sea” destination with white-sand resorts, UNESCO Hanseatic cities, and the fairy-tale-like Schwerin Castle. Explore Belle Époque spa towns and moderns seaside resorts such as Zingst, wander through three biosphere reserves and three national parks, admire the dramatic chalk cliffs of Rügen, and discover thousands of lakes perfect for sailing or canoeing - especially along the enchanting “Amazon of the North,” the Peene River.
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Zingst pier and beach at sunset. © Francesco Carovillano
Bavaria, Garmisch-Partenkirchen
A renowned Bavarian resort town, Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a year-round haven for outdoor enthusiasts. In the winter, it shines as a premier destination for skiing and winter hiking, while warmer months invite hiking, cycling, and alpine adventures like trail running or climbing. A short drive from Germany’s tallest peak, Zugspitze, visitors can ascend its 9,700-foot summit by cogwheel train or cable car, taking in breathtaking views along the way. Explore mountain ranges like the Wetterstein Massif or Karwendel Range’s limestone Alps, tackle an ultra-distance trail run at the legendary Zugspitz Ultra Trail, or just enjoy nature, regardless of the season.
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© GaPa Tourismus GmbH/Christian Stadler, stadlerphoto.com
Saxony, Meissen
Steeped in nearly 1,000 years of history, the charming town of Meissen embodies timeless elegance in Germany’s cultural heartland. Home to Europe’s first hard-paste porcelain factory, founded in the early 18th century within Albrechtsburg Castle, Meissen reflects Saxony’s rich heritage. The surrounding Elbe Valley offers scenic vineyards, river landscapes, and easy access to nearby UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Muskauer Park and the Ore Mountain Mining Region. Hike through Saxony’s diverse nature reserves or canoe through the Elbe River’s tranquil waterways.
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Albrechtsburg Castle in Meissen. © Dresden Marketing GmbH/Erik Gross
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February 5, 2024
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February 5, 2024
Embrace German Nature
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February 5, 2024
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Sponsored Content by
German National Tourist Board
From protected biospheres and shimmering lakes to towering peaks and tranquil shores, adventure awaits for those who seek it in Germany
Photo caption copy here
© Francesco Carovillano
Saarland, Mettlach
Located in Germany’s forested southwestern state of Saarland, the city of Mettlach is famed for the breathtaking Saar River Loop, or Saarschleife. The most iconic viewpoint is the Cloef, which can be reached via a stunning 4,101-foot treetop walkway culminating in a 138-foot observation tower, offering panoramic views of the river and the surrounding Saar-Hunsrück Nature Park. Saarland also boasts unforgettable cycling experiences, including the Saar Cycle Route—an award-winning cross-border trail recognized for its exceptional quality.
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Treetop walk in Saarschleife. © Erlebnis Akademie AG/BWP Saarschleife
Saxony-Anhalt, Falkenstein/Harz
The German state of Saxony-Anhalt is home to five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, placing it among the most UNESCO-recognized regions in the country, and when it comes to the outdoors, travelers can wander to their hearts’ content. Start with the Middle Elbe Biosphere Reserve, covering approximately 486 square miles, and one of Germany’s most significant UNESCO-protected natural landscapes. There’s also the Harz National Park where you can hike forested trails or ride the historic Brockenbahn steam railway to the summit of Brocken Mountain. Explore charming small towns like Wernigerode for their famed timber-framed houses, or float along the Elbe River, a prominent feature of Magdeburg.
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Falkenstein Castle in the Harz Mountains. © lookphotos/Derbis Dave
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Germany’s landscapes awaken a sense of wanderlust at every turn. Picture Alpine meadows bursting with wildflowers, serene lakes reflecting jagged peaks, and ancient forests whispering stories along winding trails. From the misty Harz Mountains to the sunlit vineyards of the Rhine, nature here invites you to hike, cycle, paddle, and simply breathe in its timeless beauty—each season offering a new adventure.
Mecklenburg - Western Pomerania, Zingst
With a staggering 1,180 miles of coastline along the Baltic Sea, Mecklenburg is a “must-sea” destination with white-sand resorts, UNESCO Hanseatic cities, and the fairy-tale-like Schwerin Castle. Explore Belle Époque spa towns or more modern resort towns, like Zingst, three national parks, chalk cliffs on Rügen, and lakes ideal for sailing or canoeing along the enchanting “Amazon of the North.”
Explore
Zingst pier and beach at sunset. © Francesco Carovillano
Bavaria, Garmisch-Partenkirchen
A renowned Bavarian resort town, Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a year-round haven for outdoor enthusiasts. In the winter, it shines as a premier destination for skiing and ice skating, while warmer months invite hiking, cycling, and alpine adventures. A short drive from Germany’s tallest peak, Zugspitze, visitors can ascend its 9,700-foot summit by train or cable car, taking in breathtaking views along the way. Explore mountain ranges like the Wetterstein Massif or Karwendel Range’s limestone Alps, tackle an ultra-distance trail run at the legendary Zugspitz Ultra Trail, or just enjoy nature, regardless of the season.
Explore
Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
Mecklenburg - Western Pomerania, Zingst
With a staggering 1,180 miles of coastline along the Baltic Sea, Mecklenburg is a “must-sea” destination with white-sand resorts, UNESCO Hanseatic cities, and the fairy-tale-like Schwerin Castle. Explore Belle Époque spa towns or more modern resort towns, like Zingst, three national parks, chalk cliffs on Rügen, and lakes ideal for sailing or canoeing along the enchanting “Amazon of the North.”
Explore
Zingst pier and beach at sunset. © Francesco Carovillano
Saxony, Meissen
Steeped in nearly 1,000 years of history, the charming town of Meissen embodies timeless elegance in Germany’s cultural heartland. Home to the country’s first porcelain factory, founded in the early 18th century within Albrechtsburg Castle, Meissen reflects Saxony’s rich heritage. Beyond its historic allure, the region offers remarkable landscapes and five UNESCO World Heritage sites—from the legendary wilderness of Harz National Park to the Middle Elbe Biosphere Reserve. Adventurers can bike the Elbe Cycle Route, hike the Harz Witches’ Trail, or canoe through the Saale-Unstrut wine-growing region.
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Albrechtsburg Castle in Meissen. © Dresden Marketing GmbH/Erik Gross
Where the Rivers Flow
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In a state so deeply defined by water, there’s no better way to explore Idaho’s rich natural and human history than by journeying along its whitewater rivers. Each offers something unique—whether it’s the thrill of adventurous rapids, a deep connection to ancestral traditions and American history, or simply taking in the beauty of the landscape shaped by the current’s flow.
The 3100™, now streaming on YouTube, brings these river journeys to life, revealing how Idaho’s whitewater rivers continue to shape both the land and the people who move with them. Watch the full series to learn more about what Idaho's whitewater rivers have to offer.
From scenic small-town haunts to rugged, breathtaking natural beauty, history and more—discover the adventure for yourself.