Adventure Tours in Germany

As a destination known for its crazed futbol (soccer) fan clubs, fancy taxis (most of them are Mercedes, talk about a sweet ride), and bread museums (not kidding), Germany is the most ideal place for sports, history, car, and food lovers. Even though there are thousands of towns and cities within this densely populated country, the most popular places for adventure seekers are Berlin and Munich.

With more museums than rainy days, Berlin is a history aficionado's haven. Take the time to engage and educate yourself about Germany’s history within these museums or embark on city tours to explore traditional German architecture. For those who’d prefer to embrace an adrenaline rush, over 40 percent of Berlin is made up of parks, recreational areas, woods, and rivers, making it perfect for camping, biking, hiking, and canoeing. After a long day’s worth of adventuring, change into your fancy schmancy clothes to sit down and relax within one of the many opera houses in Berlin, the only city with three active ones.

Home to the infamous Oktoberfest festival, Munich houses more than 10 Euro steins and pretzels larger than your face. Take an enjoyable bike tour around the city, while stopping at the Neues Rathaus (new town hall), a neo-gothic structure decorated with gargoyles, making it one of Germany’s most distinctive structures. For all those surfers out there, who said catching waves had to happen in the ocean? Eisbach is a small man-made river, with currents and wakes large enough to catch some gnarly waves; hang loose dude!

Germany is the perfect blend of historical and adventure based activities. From getting a feel of royalty and history by exploring some of Germany’s many gothic castles to letting your wild side show by cross-country skiing and sledding through the Bavarian Forest, you’ll have the time of your life and #noregrets#noregrets when it’s all said and done. 

Don’t be one of those people who become bored with their summer after the third week in. Going camping around Germany will never leave you with a boring moment to spare. From canoeing, kayaking, and swimming to archery, climbing, and conquering the high ropes, you’ll have the chance to be active while creating lifelong friendships during your adventure in Germany. Depending on the program you choose, there might also be room in the jampacked itinerary for games, sports, and team building.

Ever thought about getting certified in coaching and first-aid (with the excuse to stress-eat strudel on the reg?). These adventure-training types of programs usually last from five to eight weeks, are paid, and come with multiple volunteer activities. What’s better than spending your summer having fun adventuring and earning some cash in the process?

If you’re seeking a pot of adventure travel with a hint of architecture, history, and sightseeing, then taking a tour of Germany will be your best bet. Not only will you be setting foot all around the country with such an impactful historic past, but you’ll also have the chance to expand your knowledge by integrating real-world insights and travel observations. Adventure tours in Germany usually last for two to four weeks with add-on options for more tours, excursions, and all-around travel fun.

Germany is by no means an expensive place to live, but it is also not as cheap as other areas in Europe. The estimated cost of living in Germany is about 800 Euros a month; however, the bulk of that cost includes a place to live, which will be most likely already covered by your adventure program provider. Many cities, such as Berlin, are also tax-free, which definitely is an incentive to go on that extra backpacking or hiking trip. 

Adventure programs in Germany will usually include a place to live, daily meals, medical services and insurance, and optional excursions. Since Germany isn’t crazy expensive, saving up some extra finances the summer or semester before you go abroad should be enough to cover extra costs on the trip.

After a long day of adventure in Germany, the only thing left on your adventure bucket list should be busting out the Netflix while relaxing in a warm comfy bed. Homestays, apartments, and dorm-style living are all the different options offered within your program, but it all depends on the type of program you choose.

In Germany, you’ll not be required to maintain a visa if your stay is under 90 days. Most adventure programs in Germany are offered for up to eight weeks, but if your program does last over that 90 day period, you should refer to GoAbroad's German Embassy Directory for more information on how to acquire a visa.

Amidst the gorgeous green mountains and sparkling blue rivers that Germany is made up of, there are also challenges and barriers with the language and, somewhat, the extreme weather for foreign travelers.

In the touristy areas of Germany, most locals do know a bit of English, but it is highly unlikely you’ll find yourself embarking on a backpacking adventure in the busy and bustling center of Munich. When you’re in a pinch while somewhere in the remote backcountry, it’s extremely helpful to have already brushed up on your German. Sprichst du Deutsch?

As a developed country, “off the beaten path” doesn’t necessarily exist the same way as in wilder, less-organized locales. While there’s no shortage of wilderness and “getting away from it all,” the likelihood of you stumbling on a spot not often seen by others is less than in some other destinations.

Hope you’re in the mood for sauerkraut and bratwurst, and in the mood for some German adventure. Aside from being the perfect place for the ultimate bratwurst eating contest, Germany’s variety of heart-racing adventure will knock your lederhosen off. Whether it’s camping, kayaking, or sightseeing, by the time you’re done, you’ll want to plant your roots within this gothic and mountainous country.