Four people are travelling down a river in a dinghy with a paddle.

6 Water-Filled Microadventures in Baden-Württemberg

Wo Wasser zum Abenteuer wird
26.6.20266 min. read timeby Hirsch & Greif
When water meets a spirit of adventure, the perfect getaway in Baden-Württemberg begins. Discover six microadventures among rivers, gorges, caves, and lakes—refreshing, close to nature, and ideal for spontaneous summer experiences.

6 Ways to Experience Baden-Württemberg by Water

Cool Off and Go on an Adventure
Get out of the house and into the water! In Baden-Württemberg, it is never far to the next water adventure. From SUP yoga to riverbed hiking: If you’re looking for a special kind of refreshment, you’ve come to the right place.

#1 Birdwatching Tours at Lake Federsee

Between the Sea of Reeds and Birdsong
Wooden boardwalks take you through metre-high reeds to the observation points at Lake Federsee. The 33-square-kilometre nature reserve is the largest moorland in Baden-Württemberg and home to more than 270 bird species. The birdwatching tours run all year round and provide lots of information about this special habitat and its inhabitants.
Three people look out over Lake Federsee from a wooden footbridge.
Nature Cinema
Lake Federsee in Upper Swabia is part of the largest moorland landscape in Southwest Germany.

#2 Punting in the Taubergiessen Nature Reserve

Still Waters, Wild Beauty
A punting trip in the Taubergiessen Nature Reserve at the Upper Rhine always follows the same route, but each season, there is always something new to discover. Sometimes nature is in full bloom, sometimes the mist is wafting over the wetlands. What remains is the incomparable calm that wraps around you as the wooden boat glides through the waters of the Blinde Elz River. The silence is only broken by occasional calls from the animal population in the nature reserve near Rust. The boatmen know them all by name - and are happy to introduce them to their guests.
Four people are crossing a river together in a punt. The bank is lined with many trees.
Does Not Get Any Quieter
A punting trip in the Taubergießen nature reserve on the Upper Rhine is always special.

#3 Cave Tour in Bad Urach

Underground Adventure
The Swabian Alb is considered one of the most cavernous areas in Europe. Some 2,500 natural and show caves are scattered across the karst mountains . One of the longest caves in the region is the Falkenstein Cave (Falkensteiner Höhle) near Bad Urach. It has its own river and extends five kilometres into the rock - perfect for an underground tour. Equipped with a wetsuit, helmet and headlamp, the adventure can begin. The beginners’ tour is even suitable for children.
A small group wades through knee-deep water in a cave with headlamps.
Off to the Underworld
Equipped with a wetsuit, helmet and headlamp, we are ready for an adventurous tour in the Falkenstein Cave in the Swabian Alb.

#4 Riverbed Hiking in the Murgtal Valley

Downstream into adventure
In Todtnau in the Black Forest Highlands and in the Murgtal Valley in the Northern Black Forest, where the rivers still follow their original course, you do not simply take a walk next to the river. Instead, canyoning or riverbed hiking takes you straight through. The first adrenaline rush comes when rappelling from a height of 15 metres. Sturdy shoes are a must to avoid sliding around. Or go on a soft rafting trip and plunge into the rapids.
A boy abseils down a ravine with a river.
Hiking was Yesterday
Rappelling from a height of 15 metres provides the first adrenaline rush when canyoning or riverbed hiking in the Murgtal Valley.

#5 SUP Yoga on Lake Constance

Sun Salutation on the Lake
Even before the first rays of sunshine touch the surface of the water, you can head out on a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) from the Reichenau Island onto Lake Constance. Then it’s time to take a deep breath and keep your balance. Because in SUP yoga, the ground always moves with you. The body is strengthened and the mind finds peace until the gentle waves of the lake and the warming sun carry you into a new day.
A man does yoga on a stand-up paddle board on a lake at dusk.
In Balance
Stand-up paddle boarding on Lake Constance before the first rays of sunshine allows the mind to find peace.

#6 Gin Workshop and Canoe Tour in Gundelsheim

Adventure with Taste
Glide through the ‘Odenwald Everglades' like a trapper in a canoe on the Neckar River and distil your own moonshine gin: is the workshop at the at the Englert Distillery will give you that Wild West. ‘Moonshine’ was the name given to illegally distilled liquor with a high alcohol content made during the Prohibition period in the USA. It often had nasty side effects. Fortunately, there are experts on hand at the distilling workshop and the individual selection of botanicals produces really special creations you can take home and enjoy without regret.
Two canoes with their occupants navigate a river in front of vineyards.
Wild West Feeling
Exploring the 'Odenwald Everglades' in a canoe on the Neckar River is also part of the gin workshop in Gundelsheim.

Which water adventure will you try first?

The Adventure Is Bubbling Here - Dive in Now!
  • Go to article
    Bad Urach
    A vacation for activity, culture, health or relaxation - Bad Urach offers it all! Fantastic hiking trails, healing springs, numerous health offers, historical buildings and untouched nature can all b...
    Swabian Alb
  • Go to article
    NatureCanyons & Caves
    Murgtal
    Murg. For hikers, cyclists and nature lovers, this path through one of the most beautiful canyon valleys in the southern Black Forest offers many experiences! Passing waterfalls, rock tunnels and stee...
    Black Forest
  • Go to article
    The Monastic Island of Reichenau
    Only 3 miles/5 km long, this tiny island of Lake Constance is notable for its Benedictine Monastery.
  • Go to article
    Odenwald
    Relax in the Odenwald - on hikes through a unique landscape or during one of the extensive cultural programs.
    Heilbronn Country
  • Go to article
    NatureCanyons & Caves
    Falkenstein Cave
    The Falkenstein Cave is an active water cave through which the River Elsach flows.
    Swabian AlbON_REQUEST
5 / 5
Go to article
Bad Urach
A vacation for activity, culture, health or relaxation - Bad Urach offers it all! Fantastic hiking trails, healing springs, numerous health offers, historical buildings and untouched nature can all b...
Swabian Alb
Go to article
NatureCanyons & Caves
Murgtal
Murg. For hikers, cyclists and nature lovers, this path through one of the most beautiful canyon valleys in the southern Black Forest offers many experiences! Passing waterfalls, rock tunnels and stee...
Black Forest
Go to article
The Monastic Island of Reichenau
Only 3 miles/5 km long, this tiny island of Lake Constance is notable for its Benedictine Monastery.
Go to article
Odenwald
Relax in the Odenwald - on hikes through a unique landscape or during one of the extensive cultural programs.
Heilbronn Country
Go to article
NatureCanyons & Caves
Falkenstein Cave
The Falkenstein Cave is an active water cave through which the River Elsach flows.
Swabian AlbON_REQUEST

Head for the Water!

These Stories Make You Want More.
  • Splash Out

    Adventures by the Water in SouthWest Germany
    NatureWaters
  • Excursion Tips on the Waterfront

    Variety for Water Sports Fans
    NatureWaters
  • Great Fun for Water Lovers

    7 Summer Tips for Cooling off in Baden-Württemberg
    SÜDENSwimming
  • Natural Lakes in Southwest Germany

    Open Water Swimming
    NatureWaters
  • For Water Rats and Bathing Beauties

    Swimming Fun in Baden-Württemberg
    SÜDENSwimming
5 / 5

Splash Out

Adventures by the Water in SouthWest Germany
NatureWaters

Excursion Tips on the Waterfront

Variety for Water Sports Fans
NatureWaters

Great Fun for Water Lovers

7 Summer Tips for Cooling off in Baden-Württemberg
SÜDENSwimming

Natural Lakes in Southwest Germany

Open Water Swimming
NatureWaters

For Water Rats and Bathing Beauties

Swimming Fun in Baden-Württemberg
SÜDENSwimming
Tips and Stories From Southwest Germany