Regional delights
"Enjoyment of nature" takes on a whole new meaning here. The natural surroundings of the destinations below are not just beautiful to look at – they also form the basis for local culinary specialities and wellness options, making them perfect for a natural all-round feel-good vacation.
All of the regions presented here have been recognised as sustainable travel destinations by TourCert thanks to their extensive measures.
Eat your way around the Black Forest on foot
Black Forest National Park not only offers hiking opportunities to suit every taste. Active holiday-makers will also find a particularly wide range of culinary delightshere, from hearty snacks in traditional inns to first-class dinners in Michelin-starred restaurants. Numerous wineries and distilleries invite you to stop by and offer visitors insight into their sustainable and environmentally friendly work. Visitors and locals alike stroll through the farmers' markets of the National Park towns and enjoy seasonal produce at its freshest, as well as cheese and sausage specialities. A delicious end to even the most demanding day of hiking!
Triple award-winning relaxation in Bad Dürrheim
Kneipp spa, saltwater spa and healing climate: Bad Dürrheim's healthy relaxation is threefold. The wellness and health centre Solemaris a highlight here. Under arched roofs, a huge saltwater bathing area and seven saunas with rustic Black Forest flair invite you to sweat and relax. Its panoramic view extends far over the Bad Dürrheim spa gardens with the spa house and its large sun terrace, as well as the award-winning specialities on offer.
Game and green spelt in Bad Mergentheim an der Tauber
Nestled in the heart of the idyllic Tauber Valley wine country, Bad Mergentheim spoils its guests with a variety of local delicacies. For example, the nutty, spicy green spelt, prepared in a wide variety of ways from salad to risotto, and the Tauberschwarz, an indigenous red wine that is only grown here and in the neighbouring Hohenlohe, are exceptional. In autumn, the spa town becomes a hotspot for game dishes. From venison medallions to leg of hare, game is served in all variations, accompanied by events focusing on the region's sustainable agricultural practices.
Asparagus and wine in the Palatinate
Sunny vineyards, cosy wine taverns, modern wine bars: on the German Wine Route in the Palatinate, everything revolves around the grape. Countless excellent hiking and cycling trails meander through hilly wine landscapes up to romantic castles and palaces. They link the best culinary spotsthat serve Palatinate specialities such as Saumagen, steamed dumplings, liver dumplings and asparagus alongside wine. Numerous traditional wine festivals are held almost every weekend – a delight from spring until well into the autumn.
Enjoy wine and meadow orchards in the Saarland
Wherever possible, the Saarland combines a love of the countryside with culinary adventures. Hikers can experience the "Saarvoir-vivre" in a particularly relaxed way on the Panorama Path Perl, and punctuate the route through the primeval forest-like landscape with tasty stops in the idyllic winegrowing village of Perl. When you explore the orchards and orchid meadows of the Bliesgau UNESCO Biosphere Reserve on foot or by bike, you can learn all about the cultivation and production of local rare edible oils during a pause at the oil mill. Time and time again, your active holiday becomes a culinary adventure.
Sustainable local cuisine in the Spessart
Delight is a top priority in the Spessart. Here you can enjoy game meat from local forests or herbs and vegetables from regional farmers. Gastronomes in the Spessart combine seasonal and regional ingredients with traditional cuisine and modern accents. For a refreshment stop, try "Zum Mühlrad" , a restaurant in Gelnhausen serving home-cooked traditional and vegan dishes – regional, seasonal and organic. The country inn "Zur Krone" in Ronneburg and the socially-conscious "Hofgut Marjoß" in Steinau an der Straße also offer sustainable local cuisine.