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The Rhine Valley's Active 'Nature'!

Far from the stressful day-to-day, you can combine days of rest and relaxation with a unique experience of nature in Germany's Rhine Valley. This idyllic river landscape, featuring picturesque wooded slopes, steep vineyard terraces and massive boulder formations, offers a world of possibilities for doing just that! Whether you're looking for sporting activities like hiking and cycling, or simply the opportunity to lose yourself in your thoughts, the 'Romantic Rhine' has everything you're seeking.

In September of 2005, one of Germany's most spectacular hiking routes, the 'Rheinsteig', was opened to the public, running along the Rhine's right bank between Wiesbaden und Bonn. The most outstanding characteristics of this route are its extensive forest areas, an unanticipated peacefully natural idyll in romantic adjacent valleys, massive boulders exuding from the ground and its unusual wealth of landscape variety, boasting unique views of the Rhine Valley. And the majority of the route consists of unspoiled, natural paths, making for a varied and enchanting hiking profile.

One popular hiking destination near Bad Hönningen is the 370 m-high, water-filled 'Malberg', a former volcano. Equally popular are hikes along the 'Lime', a cultural monument of European significance, routed past a series of renovated guard towers. And the weary hiker can pause comfortably for a bite and beverage in an array of nearby, cosy inns.

Although this is one of Germany's most popular regions, the Rheinburgen hiking path remains an insider secret. Almost 30 castles can be explored over a period of daily stretches, with the path rising from gentle to steep between forests and open spaces displaying magnificent views of the Rhine.

And of course, the region is perfect for exploring by bicycle. The 'Rheinradweg', a cycling route running from Bingen to Remagen, provides a wealth of fantastic views of the river, the castles and attractive locations. There are additionally numerous opportunities for discovering the Rhine's heights and lower valleys by bike, with sights that make every detour a reward within itself.

The 'Vulkanpark-Radweg' ("Volcano Park Cycling Path"), running from Andernach on the Rhine to Mayen in the volcano-rich Eastern Eifel district is particularly suited for families. This route, running principally over paved stretches, combines the projects of the 'Vulkanpark', portraying the volcanic and archaeological history of the Eastern Eifel district in an appealing and interesting manner. The attractive region to the west of the Rhine, boasting extinguished volcanoes, expansive forests and tranquil lakes provides a varied natural experience.

Only a few kilometres away from the Rhine, one finds Laacher Lake, arisen from the ashes of over 10,000 years of ancient volcanic activity in the area. The lake's valley has been preserved in its original state and is designated as a nature reserve, displaying a variety of different flora and fauna, fish, reed-covered lakeshore areas and rare waterfowl. Lakeshore tours for both walkers and cyclists, and boat rides on the lake are popular local excursions.

"Nordic Walking", popular virtually everywhere meanwhile, is a great opportunity to experience the area's natural wonders actively. This activity is supported along the Rhine in several fitness parks, such as the 'Rheinmeile' ("Rhine Mile") between Remagen, Sinzig and Bad Breisig, boasting a route network stretching almost 80 kilometres and providing the ideal opportunity to explore the heights of the Rhine.