A nature lover’s guide to Germany

Germany is on the green list in more ways than one: from Baltic coastline to the Alps, it has plenty to offer those who like to spend their holidays outdoors

Baden-Wurttemberg is a popular destination thanks to its university towns (Tubingen, Freiburg, Heidelberg), impressive spread of historic castles and palaces, luxurious spas and cultural scene. Its major natural draw is the sprawling Schwarzwald (Black Forest), which spans about 6,0000 sq km (2,000 sq miles) from the refined spa town of Baden-Baden in the north right down to the border with Switzerland. Dotted with lakes, waterfalls, ravines and moorlands, and threaded with rivers and 18,000 miles of trails, it's a great place to get lost in, and a paradise for hikers, cyclists, cross-country skiers, kayakers and climbers. There are lots of wonderful towns and villages with cultural offerings throughout the region too, plus wine festivals in autumn and Christmas markets in winter.