Mighty pinnacles and romantic castle ruins, not to mention the contrast between vast forests and sprawling vineyards, are what make this biosphere reserve along the border between Germany and France unique.

The UNESCO Palatinate Forest-North Vosges Biosphere Reserve is home to a wide range of plant and animal species amongst its light-flooded pine forests, chestnut trees, imposing sandstone cliffs and almost 150 castles and ruins. Germany's largest continuous woodland area is the perfect habitat for the likes of the lynx, wildcat and peregrine falcon. The mild climate here, in which wine, almonds and (tropical) fruits thrive, sets the scene for no end of activities guaranteed to make any holiday fun. More than 1,000 kilometres of quality-certified hiking trails, climbing routes on the red sandstone formations of the Wasgau hills and the Palatinate Forest mountain bike park hold the promise of outdoor adventures galore.

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