«No country tells itself as many truths as Germany», wrote Jean Paul – pseudonym of Johann Paul Friedrich Richter, a German writer and pedagogist who lived between the 18th and 19th centuries – and in fact it is also in this ability to look within that the way in which the country lives and proposes its tourism is reflected. Germany does not hide its contradictions, on the contrary, it transforms them into an opportunity for growth: here sustainability is not a slogan, but rather a daily practice that permeates cities, countryside, mountains and lakes, therefore, traveling in Germany means entering a subtle balance between innovation and nature, between comfort and responsibility.
From cycle networks that intertwine with urban life to villages that focus on renewable energy to reserves where time passes with the rhythm of the seasons, the country offers a way to discover the world without consuming it.
In this article we will see five destinations, five visions of tourism that tells not only a territory, but also a way of thinking: respectful and aware.
Karlsruhe: the fan-shaped city designed for two wheels
The urban plan of the city already tells a lot about its character: thirty-two streets branch off from Karlsruhe Castle like the rays of a fan, a particular geometry that makes the city of Baden-Württemberg a perfect destination for those who love to get around on two wheels. The cycle network connects each neighborhood in a capillary way in an extremely agile way, allowing you to reach the historic center, the parks and the commercial areas in just a few minutes.
The bike sharing system works simply: you collect your bike at one of the many automatic points and return it where you need it. The dedicated runways are wide and separated from car traffic. Those arriving in Karlsruhe by train can rent a bike directly at the station and immediately set off to discover the city and its surroundings.
The splendid baroque castle is the starting point for beautiful cycling routes such as the 48 km NaturRADtour, which passes through various protected natural areas around the city, or the tour which, crossing the castle park towards the north-west, reaches the Rhine.
And to make your stay even greener, you can stay in one of the hotels managed according to environmental sustainability criteria.
Rhön: 24 hours of panoramas in the biosphere reserve
The Rhön is an area of soft hills on the border between three Länder: Bavaria, Hesse and Thuringia. UNESCO has recognized it as a biosphere reserve due to the variety of habitats and traditional agricultural practices that keep ecosystems in balance. Here tourism is practiced with discretion, along paths that cross high altitude meadows, peat bogs and woods.
The refuges and accommodation facilities in the area have adopted sustainability criteria: energy from renewable sources, local products on the menus, reduction of waste. Many farmhouses offer basic but comfortable rooms, overlooking valleys where deer and roe deer can be spotted at sunset. And at night, far from urban lights, the sky fills with stars visible to the naked eye; in fact, the Rhön Biosphere Reserve is recognized as an “International Star Park” by the International Dark-Sky Association.
The trekking routes are precisely signposted and adapt to different levels of preparation. For example, we can mention the Hochrhöner route, which connects Bad Kissingen to Bad Salzungen in eight stages, and passes through some of the most memorable landscapes of the place. Along the way you come across small villages where you can stop to stock up on bread cooked in wood-fired ovens and cheeses produced in the nearby mountain huts. Slowness here is a choice: it is used to notice details, scents and sounds that might otherwise be missed.
Uckermark: 500 lakes between Berlin and the Baltic
The Uckermark region extends north-east of Berlin like a mosaic of water with five hundred lakes alternating with beech forests, cultivated fields and moors. The population density is among the lowest in Germany and this has allowed nature to maintain large and intact spaces. In fact, three protected areas extend across a large part of the territory: the Unteres Odertal National Park, the Schorfheide-Chorin Biosphere Reserve and the Uckermark Lakes Nature Park.
Here tourism is practiced by canoe, along calm waterways that connect one lake to another. The routes are well traced and include stops in equipped campsites along the banks. Those who prefer dry land will find kilometers of cycle paths that run alongside the lakes and penetrate the woods. The secondary roads have little traffic, making them ideal for cycling safely.
The accommodation facilities range from small family-run hotels to organic farms with rooms reserved for guests. In many cases you can participate in agricultural activities, from harvesting vegetables to taking care of animals. The restaurants in the area serve freshly caught lake fish, vegetables from local gardens and meats from extensive farming. The cuisine is simple, based on traditional recipes and seasonal ingredients.
Saarland: flavors between forests and culinary traditions
Saarland is the smallest of the German Länder, but it makes up for its size with a wealth of forests that cover over 40% of the territory. The forests stretch uninterrupted for miles, crisscrossed by paths that lead to ruined castles, crystal-clear streams and clearings where wild mushrooms and berries grow.
Local cuisine reflects the connection with nature. The restaurants offer dishes based on ingredients collected in the surrounding woods, such as porcini mushrooms, blueberries, aromatic herbs. The chefs collaborate with professional collectors who know every corner of the forests and know how to recognize edible species. The recipes respect seasonality: in autumn the earthy flavors of mushrooms and chestnuts prevail, in spring fresh herbs and sprouts.
Many producers have chosen organic methods and practices that respect natural cycles. The farms sell their products directly at the weekly markets, where you can buy cheeses, honey, preserves and bread. The artisanal distilleries produce grappas and liqueurs from local fruit, following ancient recipes handed down from generation to generation.
The Saarland area also guarantees food and wine routes that connect producers, restaurants and wineries. You walk and visit still functioning water mills, you taste dishes that tell the story of this border area. Sustainability here comes from the plate: eating what the earth offers, at the right time, without forcing.
Vogtland: the region of musical instruments
Located between Saxony, Thuringia, Bavaria and Bohemia, Vogtland is a border region where music and nature have coexisted for over 350 years. In this hilly landscape, crossed by forests and silent villages, the most important European area for the production of musical instruments was born. Even today, as in the past, violins, double basses and brass instruments are made by hand in artisan workshops according to techniques handed down from generation to generation.
Visitors can observe this ancient knowledge up close in the three demonstration workshops of the Vogtland Erlebniswelt Musikinstrumentenbau® in Marktneukirchen, where it is also possible to try their hand at woodworking and understand how much balance is needed between technical precision and artistic sensitivity. Not far away, the Museum of Musical Instruments takes you on a sound journey through over 3,000 specimens from all over the world.
In addition to musical craftsmanship, Vogtland offers well-preserved natural landscapes, hiking trails and outdoor activities in every season. The routes pass through fir forests, hills and small lakes, ideal for those who love walking or cycling away from traffic. In winter the area transforms into a destination for cross-country skiing and snow walking, while in summer it becomes perfect for trekking and family trips. It is a destination suitable for those seeking tranquility, clean air and direct contact with nature without giving up local culture.
Germany teaches that sustainability is not announced, it is practiced. You don’t need to make grand gestures to travel differently: just choose a route that leaves not only fingerprints, but also clean memories.
For further information: https://www.germany.travel/en/feel-good/sustainability.html
Have a good trip!
