Rostock Live Cam

The Frisian Islands fringe Germany's North Sea coast like a string of pearls. In between are the salt flats which offer a fantastic pageant twice daily: the ebb and flow of the tide. High dikes protect the coastline's fertile marshland, which generations have wrested from the ravages of the sea. Beautiful nature and national parks, both on water and on land, provide the optimal habitat for a variety of wildlife, especially for migratory birds. The region is a paradise for those seeking relaxation and exercise in invigorating nature, offering above all riding, cycling, walking and watersports on the many inland lakes.

The Baltic Sea boasts an especially varied coast with its flat sandy beaches, breathtaking cliffs, romantic bays, typical coves and a range of resorts catering to all tastes. The region away from the coast is also worth an extended visit with the rolling slopes of Holsteinische Schweiz, the impressive Segeberg chalk hill, brickwork architecture and numerous museums. For the sports or culture-oriented, there is enough to do and discover here.

The Lüneburg Heath is not only a thrilling experience when the heather blossoms in August with its endless park landscapes and oak groves, glacial valleys, meadows and woodland lakes, bird and wildlife parks. The most widely different cultural-historical epochs can be experienced just a stone's throw from each other: from the high Middle Age monasteries and castles via carved timbers of old farmhouses to contemporary open-air objects. The Emsland is a wooded region interspersed with pastures and moorland, crisscrossed by rivers and canals right up to the Dutch border. With numerous historic buildings and other notable sights it is an area for interesting and instructive excursions.

Idyllic Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is the land of the thousand lakes, verdant meadows and the captivating Baltic Sea coast. Not only are the island of Rügen, with its plunging chalk cliffs, and its popular neighbour Usedom a paradise for vacationers and water sports enthusiasts, but also the inland region with its string of lakes. Attractive old Hanseatic towns like Roststock and Wismar are a cultural and historical experience with their bustling harbors, imposing buildings, dignified boulevards and priceless art collections.

Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

Idyllic Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is the land of the thousand lakes, verdant meadows and the captivating Baltic Sea coast. Not only are the island of Rügen, with its plunging chalk cliffs, and its popular neighbour Usedom a paradise for vacationers and water sports enthusiasts, but also the inland region with its string of lakes. Attractive old Hanseatic towns like Roststock and Wismar are a cultural and historical experience with their bustling harbors, imposing buildings, dignified boulevards and priceless art collections.

Brandenburg

Brandenburg state's 8,500 square miles of wood and lake-dotted area has adequate space for unspoilt nature and a diverse cultural landscape. Nature lovers will be captivated by the Spreewald, the undulating hill country and Ice Age meltwater channels. In Potsdam, political and cultural center of this largest German state, visitors can trace back Prussian history, marvel at magical Sanssouci or view the old UFA film studios and much more. The entire region is alive with imposing historical monuments, art and cultural events, parks and dozens of museums. It is a state which offers an interesting framework for all types of trips.

Teutoburger Wald, Weserbergland, Münsterland

Roaming through the history-steeped Teutoburger Woods today recalls visions of Roman times. The battle between the Roman army and the allied Germanic tribes in the 9. century has left its traces. For example the Hermann Monument is the best-known symbol of this 100 km long mountain range and natural park in Lower Saxony's northwest. But this deciduous and conifer-treed region has many more historical sights in store for its visitors. Teutons, Romans, Franks and Saxons, the Hanseatic merchants and the church fathers of the Middle Ages have all left their mark on its 2000-year old history. Those wishing to balance their thirst for knowledge with sporting pursuits will not be disappointed: with the multitude of well-mapped walking and cycling routes, canoeing or hang-gliding at Porta Westfalica - there is something for everyone.

Similar activities are also offered in neighboring Weserbergland, which runs from the north German plain down to the Hessen hills. Its wooded hillsides were the source of marvellous tales and legends, like the wonder doctor Eisenbart, the liar baron Münchhausen and the ratcatcher of Hameln. These tales are rekindled every year in dramatic open-air performances. The historical centers of the region's are still characterized by half-timbered and Weser Renaissance buildings.

Visitors to Münsterland should spend some time in the region's cultural center. Alongside the many historical buildings the city's 60 museums are an inviting prospect. Münster's surroundings offer a wealth of attractions, which, for example, can be viewed along the "100 Schloss" cycle route. Münsterland is also a Mecca for horseriding with numerous riding schools and equestrian centers.

Sachsen Anhalt

One of the most idyllic parts of the north German plain is northern Sachsen Anhalt. The Altmark region is simply superb with the Hanseatic towns Salzwedel, Stendal and Tangermünde and their unique brickwork architecture. Not far distant is the 1100 year-old Elbe metropolis Magdeburg, where visitors can enjoy a far-reaching cultural experience embracing many churches, museums and the famous Telemann music festival every June. We can linger here awhile until drawn by the southern Dessau region, where Luther's Wittenberg and the Dübener Heath offer fascinating perspectives. The south, the middle German castle and wine region, entices with the Ohm hills, the Kyfhäuser and Harz Mountains with the Brocken. Tired by walking and climbing we end our journey in Halle, one of the oldest towns in middle Germany, where we can relax in its comfortable hospitality.

Hessiche Bergland

Between Weserbergland, Vogelsberg and Rothaargebirge lies Hessiche Bergland, outstanding walking countryside with wooded natural parks. It was among this virtually untouched nature where the Brothers Grimm found inspiration for their fairy tales. Names like Sleeping Beauty Castle, the Fairy Tale Route, Tom Thumb's House have been given to some of the most popular tourist attractions. Many magnificent stately homes from the Baroque and Rococo periods draw art enthusiasts from far and wide. The colorful half-timbered towns and many historical fortifications also attract numerous visitors. Lakes and reservoirs open up numerous watersports possibilities. Wintersports fans also find excellent skiing and sledging on the Hohe Meisner.

Saxony

With its historically outstanding cities, Saxony is divided into several scenically different vacation regions. Every one of them is steeped in a history which is stamped by arts and crafts, mining, Gothic and Baroque architecture. The "Sächsische Schweiz" was made a national park in 1992, basically to retain its originality but also to make it more accessible to visitors. The region is a miniature version of the Grand Canyon with bizarre cliff formations, plunging gorges, steep peaks of stunning beauty. The Erz Mountains, bordering the Czech Republic, is Europe's biggest self-contained cultural area and a much-favored vacation spot.

Around the porcelain city of Meissen and Schloss Moritzberg lies the wonderful Saxonian Elbland with natural river meadows and vineyards. The region is characterized by the Saxonian Wine Route, natural parks and nature reserves. More than 30 spas, many golf courses, riding centers, angling opportunities etc. round off the leisure range. Vogtland, lying between Bohemia, Bavaria and Thuringia, is an idyllic hilly area where snow falls early, making it a Mecca for winter sports fans and active family vacationers. Crossed by the White Elster, with numerous lakes and ponds, the region is also great for watersports enthusiasts during the warmer months.

Westerwald, Taunus

Westerwald is regarded as one of the loveliest areas of the lower mountains. Its woods, lakes, heathlands and valleys make it an ideal leisure and sports region, for example the extensive walking trail network which has made it a rambler's magnet for many years. Dotted by many small towns and villages with historical buildings, Westerwald is a popular vacation destination. Typical souvenirs are ceramics, traditionally crafted here since Roman times. Adjoining Westerwald is the Taunus region with numerous spas, resorts and centers of recreation. With a first-class tourist infrastructure it offers wintersports on Grosse Feldberg, well-kept walking trails, animal parks and historical buildings - the perfect place for family vacations. One can also play the tables in the Bad Homburg and Wiesbaden casinos or take a shopping spree in cosmopolitan Frankfurt am Main.

Rhine, Mosel

The Rhine valley is rightly labelled western Europe's oldest cultural landscape. The imposing churches, castles and stately homes watching over the river are witness to a tumultuous history at the center of the western world, which started back in Roman times. The Rhine also brings to mind associations of wine, carnival, humor and joie de vivre - some of the reasons why the Rhine valley is one of Germany's favorite tourist destinations. Scenic features are the fast flowing water, majestic cliffs, vineyards and picturesque waterfront towns. The river beckons with boat trips, numerous tributary valleys are just waiting to be discovered by walkers and Rhineland humor can best be experienced at one of the many festivals.

The Mosel valley enjoys world fame, not least due to its wines. It too can look back on a history which is also as long and significant as that of Father Rhine. "Snake-like wandering" was how poet Goethe described the river's loops and curves on its way through the idyllic Mosel valley down to the Rhine. In addition to many historical excavations, castles and stately homes set in striking landscapes, there are dozens of romantic places with half-timbered architecture and cosy wine inns, where one can let the day draw to a convivial close.

Eifel and Ahr Valley

The landscape of the tranquil Eifel, located between the "Kölner Bucht" and the Mosel, is marked by volcanic formations. Here one finds an austere romantic beauty and virtually untouched nature in harmony with an indigenous population. It is this naturalness which makes an Eifel vacation so unique. To the south a German-Luxembourg national park, to the north a German-Belgian one, cave dwellings of early settlers, early Roman industry, early Christian abbeys and Mediaeval cities. Sports enthusiasts also find everything their hearts desire: watersports fans enjoy themselves on one of the many crater lakes, gliding experts sail over heath and moor and the Nürburgring is a must for all racing buffs. Wine connoisseurs combine their Eifel trip with a visit to the Ahr Valley, the famous red wine district with some delicious burgundies. An extensive rambling network connects old wine villages via romantic trails.

Pfalz, Hunsrück, Nahe

On the left bank of the Rhine abutting Alsace, Saarland and Rheinhessen is the Pfalz or Palatinate. It is a region featuring changing landscapes and is Germany's largest wine-growing area. Its fertile undulations are bisected by the famous 80 km-long Wine Route, linking romantic wine towns and villages, which winds its way past ancient castle ruins and steep dense woodland. The adjoining Palatinate Woods were once the exclusive hunting grounds of emperors, kings and electoral princes. Today, walkers hunt down the nicest views, which thankfully are to be found at nearly every turn.

Walking, fishing and hunting are the most popular leisure pursuits in the Hunsrück. The Mosel, Saar and Rhine rivers encircle the region, making is especially attractive for the active vacationer. The typical woodland and farming landscape is also richly interspersed with vineyard locations of repute, doubtlessly an attribute which has helped to popularize the legendary tales of Schinderhannes, head of a band of highwaymen once the terror of this region. Whether on foot, horseback or covered wagon, visitors following Schinderhannes trail can enjoy a natural experience second to none.

The Nahe valley, also a traditional wine-growing region, boasts some geological peculiarities, such as fossil-rich slate mines, precious stones and salt deposits. Riches of a different kind are the many castles, stately homes and ancient villages, which no Nahe visitor should miss. Those neither interested in mineral deposits nor ancient monuments will find far-reaching sport and leisure activities awaiting.

Saarland

Germany's smallest state lies between France and Luxembourg: Saarland. Its neighbors have a distinct influence on the state's culture, French savoir vivre not only stamps the mentality of the people but first and foremost the fine Saarland cuisine, making the region a tip for gourmets. The rolling hill country with blossoming orchid fields, sandstone caves, Roman and Celtic remains and the former residence town are wonderful for walking or just simply sightseeing. Several large lakes host all sorts of watersports. Ramblers, golfers, riders and gliding enthusiasts find here all that their hearts desire.

Franconia

Although Franconia is no longer an insider's tip, it is still not as busy as comparable regions. Its nine natural parks, nine spas, 18 climatic health resorts and more than 50 other health resorts attract a regular clientele the year round. 40,000 km of walking trails meandering through verdant valleys, mixed woodlands, breezy heights and past fish-infested lakes and rivers captivate nature lovers and hobby explorers. Sports lovers too will find all they want in Franconia. The cultural offer is likewise abundant: countless castles and fortifications, museums and festivals leave no time for boredom. A romantic excursion to Bad Kissingen or famous Rothenburg? An architectural inspection trip to the residence city Würzburg, whose palace was built by the renowned Balthasar Neumann? The Franconian towns and villages are a sightseers delight. Recommended souvenir: a few of the squat bottles of Franconian wine will be a lively reminder of pleasant days spent in stunning Altmühl Valley or walks among the typical half-timbered buildings.

Odenwald, Spessart, Vogelsberg, Rhön

The Odenwald not only attracts leisure seekers from the nearby Rhine-Main area, but also vacationers from far away. Isolated from the hustle and bustle of big cities, one can enjoy unspoilt nature and a multitude of leisure activities. Visitors who still imagine robbers among the dense oak and beechwoods of Spessart will nonetheless not be disappointed: the region's hospitality is legendary. Castles and stately homes guarding old droving and trading routes, as well as other ancient moments recall the times of Celtic and Roman occupation.

A visit to the volcanic hills of the Rhön should definitely be on the itinerary. This is a landscape characterized by numerous streams and rivers in picturesque valleys, whose nestling farmyards and hamlets recall Alpine scenery. On the Wasserkuppe, regarded as the birthplace of gliding, one can watch gliding and paragliding enthusiast against a majestic mountainous panorama, or engage in these exhilarating sports oneself.

From here it is just a stone's throw to Vogelsberg, Europe's largest basaltic massif, created more than 20 million years ago. The massif radiates valleys with streams and rivers in all directions. Cosy little half-timbered villages and imposing basalt castles are typical for this area. All regions possess an excellent tourist infrastructure, with spas, resorts, recreational areas and first class sports and leisure facilities.

Swabian Alb, Swabian Forest

Swabian hospitality is a household word for those fortunate enough to spend a vacation in this diverse region. Most Swabian culinary specialities are quite well known, but describing the region's scenic beauty or cultural diversity is virtually impossible. For example, the Swabian Alb with its mountain crests, heathlands and mixed forests is unique in its form. For professional and amateur geologists the area is a treasure trove with specimens dating back to the Jurassic age. The dripstone caves (also Germany's biggest) are a popular destination, especially for children. Among the many castles worth visiting, the ancestral seats of two German emperor families - Stauferberg and Hohenzollern - are also open to the public. The picturesque landscape of the Swabian Forest was also a favored location for the castle builders. Surrounded by dense forests with ancient stocks of trees, they dot the landscape.

Bodensee

Nestling amid the Alps and the Jura Mountains is the largest of middle Europe's inland lakes. The Bodensee, bordering on three countries. It is a popular vacation region for Austrians, the Swiss and the Germans. Not only does the meeting of three neighbours create a very special atmosphere and magnetism, but also the salubrious climate which is especially beneficial for agriculture and wine-growing. The shores of the lake are densely populated and, alongside many promenades, marinas and leisure facilities, they are also steeped in history, which can be discovered, for example, in the towns of Konstanz, Lindau, Meersburg and Überlingen. With its lavish tropical vegetation the island of Mainau is a popular tourist target. Naturally watersports of all types are pursued on the lake: diving, sailing, motor boating and water skiing are offered for both old-hands and novices.

Black Forest

Running parallel to the Rhine on an area measuring 200 km by 60 km, the Black Forest is widely known for its healthy climate, healing thermal baths and spas. Naturally these are not the symbols automatically associated with the region overseas. Here most people think of cuckoo clocks and the Black Forest cherry gateaux. Insiders and inhabitants, however, sing praises of the traditional hospitality, old customs, superb wines and culinary reputation of the region. This too is the Black Forest and much more. Modern tourist facilities, small snug hotels and everything required to form one's own image. The sports offer is convincing both in winter and summer: langlauf, downhill skiing, sledging, walking, cycling, sailing - the opportunities are limitless.

East Bavaria and Bavarian Forest

Pretty East Bavaria is renowned for its changing landscape, dominated by the Oberpfalz and Stein forests and the "lovely blue" Danube. Towns, many up to 2000 years old, and their surroundings hold a wealth of arts and cultural monuments dating from the Middle Ages, the Baroque and the Modern Age. Regensburg, Passau, Straubing or Landshut are home to numerous museums, historical buildings and markets, which reflect the crafts and history of the region and its people. To the southeast stretches the Bavarian Forest, middle Europe's biggest self-contained woodlands and one of the loveliest besides. To preserve this natural beauty, the first German national park was established here in 1970. Here one can walk, bathe, sledge and cycle, ride horses and ski or take appropriate coaching.

German Alps

Upper Bavaria is presided over by numerous mountains like the Zugspitze, Watzmann and the Karvendel range. The lower reaches are dominated by many marvellous lakeland regions like Chiemsee, Tegernsee, Starnberger See, to name just three. These geographical benefits open up an unlimited selection of sports pursuits in all seasons, from Alpine skiing to yachting. In the many picture-book villages and charming towns one finds everywhere traces of the Baroque, Romantic and Gothic, pilgrimage churches and chapels with their typical onion towers. It is a region brimming with tradition and the joys of life, where folkmusic, dancing and singing (like the famous yodelling) are still cultivated today as they were a hundred years ago.

With a tourism tradition going back 100 years the Allgäu has created an extensive offer of creative pursuits, from active holiday in a sport hotel to family vacation down on the farm. In summer more than 30 lakes beckon watersports enthusiasts. Winter vacation in this captivating landscape is a bracing experience with ski slopes for all abilities, langlauf, sledging, curling and bob-sleighing. Mountain climbing is in season at every time of the year. And regardless of the weather one can visit the many interesting old towns, whose walls and museums bear witness to a fascinating history. But whatever direction tourist's excursions take, one destination is certain: the famous fairytale castle Neuschwanstein in the footsteps of King Ludwig II.