Forests, rivers, low mountain ranges: 7 excursions for all

Vacation without barriers for all people. That's what it's all about when we recommend tourist offers as "barrier-free". These tips are not only aimed at people with a physical limitation - older people, families with small children and strollers, or people temporarily limited in their mobility - for example due to an accident - will also be able to enjoy inspiring outdoor experiences without frustrating moments in front of stairs or other impassibilities with these tour recommendations. Many providers have also equipped the described tours with sufficient rest stops so that everyone can take an enjoyable break at the right time and enjoy the landscapes.

On the road in the border triangle of Germany, France and Luxembourg: discover the green Merzig!

Saarschleife: Burg Montclair in front of Saarschleife ©DZT (Sjoerd Bracke)

Between the Saar and the Moselle, eventful excursions await you in the heart of the "Merziger Äppelkischd" and the "green" district of Merzig-Wadern. The mixture of culture and nature makes this area so attractive. The city of Merzig consists of 80 percent green spaces, and this is good for body and soul alike. Merzig offers a 2.7-kilometer barrier-free hiking trail along the left side of the Saar River. The path is completely paved and level. With enough benches, the town also provides enjoyable opportunities for taking a break.

Wild Eifel quite tame: on the road with everyone in the National Park

Simmerath: Herbst am Rursee im Nationalpark Eifel ©Getty Images (Dado Daniela)

What happens to a forest when man does not intervene but lets nature take its course? The "Wild Trail" in the Kermeter - in the middle of the Eifel National Park - provides an answer to this question. A wide wooden footbridge leads to a 1.5-kilometer nature discovery trail. It is best to go with a certified national park forest guide, who knows his territory and flora and fauna very well. Or you can go on a short hike through the mixed red beech forest, where you can listen to the rustling of the leaves or completely immerse yourself in the silence of the forest. The Eifel National Park offers these and many other nature experiences for everyone. About every 250 meters there is a bench in the barrier-free nature experience area. There are also sensory loungers at four locations.

Discover bizarre landscapes of stone in Saxon Switzerland

Saxon Switzerland National Park: View over the Osterzgebirge at sunrise ©DZT (Francesco Carovillano)

Do you love short walks, extended hikes or long bike tours? In the national park region of Saxon Switzerland, people are well prepared for the individual wishes of people with disabilities, and there is now a wide range of trails there that are easy to use for everyone. For the hiker with enough stamina and personal aids, full- and half-day tours lead deep into untouched nature away from the tourist promenades. Also very many beautiful viewpoints can be reached with a hike. Whether the view from the Brand, the large breakthrough cave called "Kuhstall" at the New Wildenstein or a hike in the forest hut Hinterhermsdorf - there is much to discover in the fascinating rock world of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains.

Barrier-free travel in Franconia: brewery culture, caves and lots of greenery

Pottenstein: Autumnal landscape in the Franconian Switzerland ©Getty Images (Jürgen Sack)

The wine and beer country in the north of Bavaria has a lot of nature to offer besides its tempting culinary offers. Franconian Switzerland and its foothills are predestined for individual tours through the valleys or over rocky heights. With the game park Hundshaupten there is also a barrier-free offer, which is very easy with 1.4 kilometers on well paved paths and presents the animals of this region "up close". The well-known cave in Pottenstein can also be explored via a barrier-free tour. Those who are drawn to the small town can discover Forchheim on a 3.5-kilometer canal tour. You can also walk along the banks of a river in Ebermannstadt: a beautiful walk along the Wiesent in the town area is described as very easy.

Wheelchair hiking in Baden-Württemberg: Discover the pleasure region in the south of Germany!

Vogtsburg: Rollstuhlfahrer und Radfahrergruppe in den Weinbergen im Hochschwarzwald ©DZT (Jens Wegener)

People with disabilities can experience the diversity of this region without restriction. Regardless of whether you are drawn to the Black Forest, the Swabian Alps, the Lake Constance-Upper Swabia region, Heilbronn-Hohenlohe-Tauber or the Kurpfalz-Odenwald region: in Baden-Württemberg there is a large selection of "wheelable" hiking trails, which are divided into three levels depending on the possibilities: Level I - passable on your own, Level II - escort required for certain sections, Level III - escort essential (several escorts may be required due to extreme inclines in the terrain). With this selection, all experiences are really "included"!

Experience white water in the Bavarian Forest!

Passau: Three Rivers Corner with Ilz, Danube and Inn ©Getty Images (Westend61)

Enjoy barrier-free nature along the "Black Pearl": The Ilz is one of the last great whitewater in Eastern Bavaria. Its headwaters rise in the ridges of the Bavarian Forest National Park, and in Passau it flows into the Danube. Through various protected areas along the Ilz, it has been possible to preserve the original nature along the river and the extraordinary biodiversity there. You can enjoy the Ilz hike from Furthsäge / Haus im Wald: about five kilometers from Grafenau, the unique river landscape can be explored in a particularly relaxed way on almost level forest paths. Numerous benches invite you to take a short break in between. Parking spaces are available directly at the Furthsäge trailhead. Important: This hike is not a circular route.

Climbing on the roof of the jungle in Thuringia!

Schönstedt: Treetop path in the national park hainich,, Thüringer Tourismus GmbH ©TTG

Unique insights into the treetop ecosystem, a breathtaking panoramic view and lots of interesting facts about the flora and fauna in the UNESCO World Heritage Hainich National Park - all this can be experienced on the treetop trail: Over 540 meters, this treetop trail winds through the treetops, making it possible to experience one of the most species-rich habitats on earth up close. In addition to the treetop experience, the National Park Center offers the two interactive adventure worlds "Discover the Secrets of Hainich" and "Root Cave" for young and old explorers. The treetop path and the adventure worlds in the National Park Center are designed to be completely barrier-free. The treetop path is accessible via an elevator (dimensions of elevator door: W/H: 0.9 m/2.10 m) and has a smooth wooden floor. It has only a slight incline, which is easily manageable for wheelchair users. Only the observation tower can only be accessed via stairs.