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The Neckar river in Stuttgart, Germany

Discover nature in the Stuttgart region

Active enjoyment in beautiful countryside

Idyllically situated between the Black Forest, the Swabian Alb and the Swabian Forest, the Stuttgart region delights visitors with its varied and charming scenery. No matter what the season, its hilly countryside, crossed by several rivers, invites visitors to explore it under their own steam on foot, by bicycle or on inline skates.

The region has an amazing number of well-signposted hiking trails. The paths along the edge of the Alb escarpment, for example, which offer not only wonderful views but also ideal opportunites for a visit to one of the numerous castles, or the panoramic walks through the vineyards of the Neckar Valley. The nearby nature park of Schönbuch, the Swabian Forest and the other large woodland areas of the region offer relaxation for the whole family. There is always plenty to discover no matter what the time of year, whether on a walk through meadows full of spring flowers, or in the woods after a fresh fall of snow.

The easiest cycle tours in the area are along the banks of its rivers. These waterways can be found all over the region, so they take you through a wide range of scenery. Neckar, Rems, Fils, Enz, Glems or Murr - there are well-signposted cycle tracks along nearly all of these rivers, and if you need a breather the beer gardens, ice cream parlours and inns along the routes are used to catering for guests who arrive on two wheels.

Inline skaters explore the region not just on two, but on eight wheels. Practical tips with detailed route descriptions, information on the state of the paths, places of interest, and where to eat or swim can be found in the Stuttgart-Marketing Inline Skate Guide. This brochure is a practical companion, offering ten different suggestions for tours in varying degrees of difficulty and steering both experienced skaters and newcomers safely through the network of over 400 kms of paths.

Those who prefer to discover the region not on land but on water can canoe along the R. Enz in Bietigheim-Bissingen. The towns of Esslingen and Tübingen also offer canoes for hire, thus giving you the opportunity of exploring the R. Neckar from a completely new perspective. Less energetic, but just as beautiful, is a trip on the Neckar with the Neckar Käpt`n. During the cruise on one of the Neckar passenger ships you can enjoy the passing scenery with the wind in your hair. Since August 2008 one can even enjoy a ride on the party-float "Koenig Ludwig".

On fine summer days you won`t want to miss the chance of a swim. The region has seven lakes suitable for bathing which provide active recreation in lovely surroundings. Even more relaxing and with healing properties are the spas of Bad Überkingen, Bad Dietzenbach and Bad Boll along the Alb escarpment, or Bad Liebenzell on the edge of the Black Forest.

However, the Stuttgart region not only has a wide range of sporting activities for fine weather. The first snowflakes ring in the start of the skiing and tobogganing season. In particular the slopes of the Swabian Forest - some with lifts - provide plenty of opportunity in winter for breathtaking descents on skis or sledges. If you prefer something slightly more peaceful, a gentle winter walk or a cross-country skiing tour is ideal. And when temperatures reach zero the many natural lakes turn into glittering ice rinks where skaters can perfect their pirouettes. But be careful: this is at your own risk!

Stuttgarts Wine, Wine Growers and Wine Festivals