Ruqayyah Snyder
Germany and Austria are European countries that offer a variety of outdoor attractions. From hiking and biking to skiing and water sports, there is something for everyone looking to explore the outdoors in these countries. Germany boasts diverse natural highlights, including volcanic cones, crater lakes, and geysers, while Austria offers a range of outdoor activities in its majestic mountains and scenic lakes. In this article, we will delve into the specific destinations and activities that nature enthusiasts can enjoy in Germany and Austria, providing valuable insights for those seeking adventure and breathtaking experiences in the great outdoors.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cities | Vienna, Zell am See |
| Natural Wonders | Tyrolean Alps, Hohe Tauern National Park, Lake Constance, Kitzsteinhorn, Grossglockner |
| Activities | Hiking, swimming, boating, windsurfing, stand-up paddleboarding, cycling, paragliding, skiing, glacier trail |
| Attractions | Baroque castles and gardens, Ringstrasse, Kunst Haus Wien, Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg Palace, Vienna Opera House, Kunsthistorisches Museum, Saint Stephen's Cathedral |
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What You'll Learn
Skiing in Zell am See, Austria
The Schmittenhöhe ski resort, located above Zell am See, offers 46 miles (77 km) of groomed slopes in open snowfields and trails through the trees on lower sections. The resort is easily accessible from the town, with three access points and a lower terminus in the Glemmtal valley. The zellamseeXpress provides direct transport from the Skicircus to the Schmittenhöhe ski resort. The Ski ALPIN CARD is a great option, providing access to three premium ski regions—Schmittenhöhe, Kitzsteinhorn glacier, and Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn—with 408 kilometres of pistes and 121 cable cars and lifts, all with just one ski pass.
The Kitzsteinhorn glacier, located under the 3203-metre-high mountain, offers a unique high-alpine experience with diverse pistes and the longest ski season, often starting as early as October. Here, you can also enjoy a glacier trail, relax on a snow beach, or spend the night in an igloo. The Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn, another ski resort in the region, offers even more skiing options.
For hikers, the cable car ride up to Schmittenhöhe provides access to the Pinzgauer Spaziergang, a 17-km moderately challenging hike with breathtaking views of Grossglockner, Austria's highest peak. Zell am See truly offers a diverse range of outdoor activities and is a great destination for skiing and much more.
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Hiking in Hohe Tauern National Park, Austria
Hohe Tauern National Park is the largest national park in Austria, covering 716.6 square miles (1,856 sq km) of the country. The park is located in the central part of Austria, north of the border with Italy and south of the neighbouring Berchtesgaden National Park in Germany. It covers parts of the provinces of Tyrol, Salzburg, and Carinthia. The park is characterised by its unique alpine landscapes, including glaciers, glacial valleys, mountainous landscapes, alluvial fans, and extensive forests. These pristine wilderness areas are home to an impressive array of flora and fauna.
The park offers a wide range of activities, including hiking, mountaineering, cycling, and wildlife watching. There are 135 great trails for hiking, backpacking, and birding, with trails suitable for all fitness levels. The best time to visit the park for hikes and high alpine tours is from May to October. During this period, the mountain pastures are in bloom, and the waterfalls are particularly impressive. The autumn season also offers clear mountain air and vibrant colours.
One of the highlights of the park is the Grossglockner trail, which ascends 5,613 feet (1,710.8 m) over a distance of 10.6 miles (17.38 km). It is considered a challenging trail but offers incredible panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The Grossglockner is the tallest summit in Austria, reaching a height of 12,461 feet (3,798 m). It is also the tallest summit in the Alps east of the Brenner Pass.
Another popular hike in the park is the Innergschlöss National Park hike, which offers a technically easy circular route through the Venice Group of the Hohe Tauern National Park. This hike provides charming photo opportunities of the natural and cultural landscapes of the high mountain valley. The Jagdhausalmen in the rear Defereggen Valley in East Tyrol is another sought-after photo spot, featuring picturesque alpine landscapes with 15 stone houses and a chapel nestled between rocks and pastures.
The Hohe Tauern National Park also offers guided excursions with rangers, providing deeper insights into the nature and history of the region. These tours cover topics such as wildlife observation, glaciology, and alpine flora. The park is committed to protecting its striking mountains and astounding landscapes for future generations to enjoy.
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Christmas markets and skiing in the German Alps
The glamorous ski town of St. Moritz in Switzerland is known for its fabulous Christmas market, set against the backdrop of a frozen lake. Here, you can find stalls selling Christmas gifts, delicious treats, and traditional products from the Engadine Valley. At 1900m above sea level, St. Moritz is one of the highest ski resorts in the Alps, ensuring a snowy and festive atmosphere.
Germany's main ski resort, Garmisch, is a Bavarian town at the foot of the Zugspitze mountain. The Christmas market here is held in Richard Strauss Platz in the pedestrian zone, offering a typical Bavarian atmosphere with Christmas music, nativity scenes, and horse-drawn sleigh rides. The decorated stalls showcase local handicrafts and culinary specialties, including regional delicacies like homemade bread, roasted chestnuts, and mulled wine.
For those seeking a more active skiing experience, the cheerful Alpine resort of Zell am See in Austria offers sensational wilderness and skiing well into the summer. The glacier-capped Kitzsteinhorn mountain provides a glacier trail, a snow beach, and the opportunity to spend the night in an igloo. Nearby, the Hohe Tauern National Park presents challenging hiking trails and exhilarating views of Austria's highest peak, Grossglockner.
Bad Gastein, another ski resort in Austria, offers thrilling hiking trails and ample outdoor opportunities like biking. The town is famous for its Belle Epoque-style hotels and villas, and the spectacular Gastein waterfall is an impressive sight. With direct trains from Salzburg, Bad Gastein is easily accessible and provides a memorable Christmas market experience with open studios, creative workshops, jazz shows, and culinary delights.
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Extreme camping in Pfronten, Germany
If you're looking for an extreme camping experience in Germany, look no further than Waldseilgarten in Pfronten, Bavaria. Nestled at the top of a mountain summit, Waldseilgarten is an adventure mountain resort that offers guests a unique and thrilling night in the wilderness.
For those seeking an adrenaline-filled experience, Waldseilgarten provides the opportunity to spend the night hanging off tree tops, suspended over a cliff face at a height of 3200 to 6500 feet, or within a hand-built igloo. Guests can also sleep in portaledges, deployable hanging tent systems typically used by rock climbers on extended trips. The resort is located in a highly scenic setting, ensuring an unforgettable experience that is well worth the cost.
Training is available on-site for those who need it, with staff on hand to assist with rope techniques for descending and ascending the portaledges. In addition to the extreme camping options, Waldseilgarten offers breathtaking views of the Allgäuer and Ammergauer Alps, as well as Germany's highest peak, the Zugspitze.
Pfronten also offers a range of other outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and mountain biking. The town is known for its beautiful natural surroundings, including the Allgäuer and Ammergauer Alps and the historic Burg Falkenstein. With its mix of thrilling camping options and outdoor attractions, Pfronten is a great destination for those seeking an extreme camping experience in Germany.
When planning a trip to Austria and Germany, nature enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice. Austria boasts stunning natural landscapes, including the snow-capped Tyrolean Alps, the Hohe Tauern National Park, and the picturesque Lake Constance. The historic city of Vienna is also a must-see, with its lavish palaces, beautiful architecture, and world-renowned museums.
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Tour of underground Berlin, Germany
Berlin has a rich and complex history, and its underground spaces offer a fascinating insight into the past. The city has a network of bunkers and air-raid shelters, built during World War Two, which are now open for tours.
Tour of Underground Berlin
The Berliner Unterwelten association offers several themed tours in different languages, exploring the city's underground history. The tours are based in, and around, the Gesundbrunnen underground station, which has an exhibition space and is the starting point for the popular bunker tour. The exhibition, Mythos Germania, showcases Hitler's plans for Berlin's urban renewal, with a focus on the architect Albert Speer's designs. The exhibition is open seasonally and costs €6 for adults.
The Bunker Tour
The bunker tour takes you through the underground labyrinth of the city, exploring the remaining bunkers and air-raid shelters. The tour focuses on the life of the average citizen during the air raids, which destroyed up to 80% of the city centre. You will see artefacts from the war and learn about the civil underground history of Berlin, including the pneumatic dispatch system and the breweries. The tour is 90 minutes long and costs €17 (concessions are €13).
Other Tours
There are also tours of a West Berlin nuclear bunker, a WW2 public air-raid shelter, and a self-guided tour of the Mythos Germania exhibition. The Flaktower tour explores a part-destroyed flak tower, with two levels open to visitors.
Practical Information
The tours are not suitable for children, due to the nature of the content and the lack of toilet facilities. Sturdy footwear is recommended, and warm clothing, as the underground areas are chilly.
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Frequently asked questions
Austria is known for its natural beauty, including the Alps, Hohe Tauern National Park, and the Tyrolean Alps. The historic centre of Vienna is also rich in beautiful architecture, including Baroque castles and gardens. Zell am See is another popular destination, with its blue lake and lofty peaks.
Germany offers a diverse selection of natural landscapes, including forests, lakes, and rivers. The Barnim Nature Park, just outside Berlin, is a stunning natural paradise. Germany also has many zoos, including Tierpark Hagenbeck and Zoo Berlin, and botanical gardens.
During the summer, Zell am See is a popular destination for swimming, boating, windsurfing, and stand-up paddleboarding. Hiking is also a popular activity, with many trails offering breathtaking views of the country's highest peak, Grossglockner.
During the winter, Germans enjoy sledding down snow-covered hills. Germany also has many Christmas markets and outdoor concerts during the winter months.
Germany has many outdoor adventures for thrill-seekers, including extreme camping in the Allgau region and skiing in the Bavarian Alps. The Berchtesgaden National Park offers picturesque lakes and lush green forests for those seeking a more rugged experience.
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