Deep forests, steep gorges, expansive valleys, sunny heathlands and wine landscapes: the three nature reserves in Rhine-Neckar offer a fantastic range of active recreational opportunities right on the doorstep. Hikers and nature watchers enjoy excellent conditions, as do mountain bikers, climbers, and geocachers. The Palatinate Forest and Odenwald uplands also offer a great setting for trekking and cross-country skiing. Nature and adventure trails, lookout points with breathtaking views, themed tours, and many more worthwhile sights provide plenty of variety in the outdoors.

The nature reserve in the Palatinate Forest is the most extensive contiguous woodland in Germany and also the largest forested area in Rhine-Neckar. The Odenwald in the eastern part of the region is divided into two nature reserves – Neckartal-Odenwald and the UNESCO Geopark Bergstraße-Odenwald. Impressive pre-human natural history and settlement history from the Roman period can be examined here.

Just dive in. Blast off. Get away. No problem whatsoever in the Rhine-Neckar region. Indoor and outdoor activities on land, on water, and in the air cater for leisure activities to suit every taste. The range of activities in and on water is especially impressive.

Water rats can swim their lengths in the numerous bathing lakes and swimming pools. Fun in the water and relaxation for the whole family can be found in leisure pools and saunas as well as saltwater and thermal baths. The Rhine and Neckar rivers and more than 40 lakes make for great sailing, motorboating, canoeing, rowing, surfing, diving, waterskiing, and much more.

Red deer in the Odenwald, lynxes in the Palatinate Forest, otters in the Rhine valley, countless bird species: those who love wild animals and are patient enough to spot and observe them will be spoilt in Rhine-Neckar.

If you need something easier and a bit more exotic, several zoos, wildlife parks, and grounds offer great opportunities: get face to face with lions, side by side with elephants, take a break under the protective shelter of sequoia trees or the largest cedar in Germany – all this and much more is available.

Those looking for adventure on their doorstep have abundant opportunities on forays through the many nature reserves and zoos. The large amusement parks promise adventure and action for the whole family: the Holiday Park in Haßloch and the Kurpfalzpark in Wachenheim.

For a little more quiet, visit the rambling parks such as the Luisenpark in Mannheim or the Palace Gardens in Schwetzingen. Some have been sculpted by nature, such as the cave worlds dating back millions of years in the Odenwald near Eberstadt, and some are man-made, such as the underwater worlds in Speyer’s Sea Life aquarium.