From cheesemakers and wine growers to farmers and wildlife rangers, there’s a friendly face around almost every corner in Germany ready to show you an authentic, local side of the country...
Fresh apples at a farm (© GNTB / Günter Standl)
Ever wondered what life was like on a Bavarian farm centuries ago? Then why not stay on a working farm? A stay at a farm in Germany will allow you to go back to basics and destress. Leave your phone behind and roll up your sleeves to spend your days feeding animals and helping to cook meals using freshly grown produce. Many working farms also offer nature workshops such as forest bathing and foraging.
After a busy day spent outside, what could be better than snuggling up in a rustic farmhouse for a good night’s sleep, before waking to the sounds of the farm coming to life in the morning?
Learn to make cheese (©HA Hessen Tourismus / Axel Wierdemann)
Cheese is a real delicacy in Germany and in many rural towns, you can visit cheese producers to get hands-on and find out more about the production process from start to finish. You will also gain an insight into the strong tradition and history of cheesemaking in Germany.
And of course, for reward for all your hard work, you will be able to sample some for yourself. We recommend pairing a few slices with a glass or two of locally produced wine.
The Spreewald (© Fotolia / Klaus Heidemann)
The Spreewald is a beautiful and intricate network of streams, and a visit here will soon make you realise why it is such a local favourite. Head out in a boat or kayak to drift past chocolate-box houses, scenic meadows and thick forests. Enlist the help of a local guide to learn more about the scenery you pass, the history of the region and the local traditions and culture here.
Vineyard in the Saale-Unstrut Wine Region (© DWI/German Wine Institute)
As the most northernmost of Germany’s 13 wine-regions, the Saale-Unstrut region may take the longest to reach, but is worth the journey to taste its high-quality wine. Named after the two rivers that run through it, the rolling vineyards look as beautiful as the wines they produce taste.
As well as learning about the history of winemaking and sampling some of the vintages, you will also have a chance to explore some of the historical castles in the region. Like the wines it produces, this region is best enjoyed slowly: take your time to soak it all up and savour every moment here.
Lüneburg Heath (© TMN - Markus Tiemann)
It’s no secret that Germany is home to a huge number of nature reserves and national parks, and one great way to explore them is with a local expert. Many of the national parks and reserves have expert local guides who can take you on a tour and reveal more of the area’s flora and fauna.
At Lüneburg Heath, for example, you can head out with a ranger and make the most of their expertise: you’ll find the best places for sunrise, admire cotton grass blossoms in May, heather blossoms in summer and learn about the legendary 8,000 year-old Pietzmoor.
Start planning your dream visit to Germany now by heading over to the official website.
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