Splash OutAdventures by the Water in SouthWest Germany

Located on the famous Rhine River, Mannheim is Southwest Germany's third largest city. But it has a big surprise: a secret island called "Reissinsel". A century ago, local industrialist Carl Reiss turned its 100 ha / 250 acres island into a bird sanctuary. From July to February, locals and visitors can walk through the protected habitat for rare species. For the remaining four months of the year, the island is closed to allow the birds to breed in peace. From the parking lot, a 4.3-km / 3-mile circular path takes in lush green meadows and gnarled old trees. Woodpeckers knock on bark; geese and ducks snooze; the undergrowth rustles mysteriously; frogs leap across the path. Beyond the bushes you can see barges on the busy Rhine. This island is situated on a tributary; so close to modern life, yet so far away. 1,5 hours northwest of Stuttgart.

Our Summer Tip: Spot wild grapes growing there, ancestors of the modern wine grape!

Rust is home to Europa-Park, one of the world's best theme parks. Not far from the rides and entertainment is Taubergiessen, one of Europe's most important nature reserves. Situated along the mighty Rhine River, its 1,700 ha / 4,200 acres are one of Germany's last wilderness wetlands. Learn about the rich biodiversity on a two-hour tour aboard a traditional flat-bottomed punt. As you glide through the jungle-like landscape, expert guides point out kingfishers and orioles, marsh beavers, dragonflies and coots. The guides use a long paddle to propel and steer the boat, just as their fishermen ancestors have done for centuries. Except for the chirping of birds, all is still and quiet. These unforgettable tours are offered from April to October. 2 hours southwest of Stuttgart.

Our Summer Tip: Be sure to visit the meadow where rare orchids bloom in the summer.

The Federsee is vast, covering 3,000 ha / 7,500 acres. Think reeds and water meadows, bogs and moors, all carefully preserved. This watery world is home to more than 270 species of birds, 600 species of butterflies, 10 species of rare orchids and 700 species of plants. It is also an important stopover for birds on their migratory journeys. No wonder nature lovers come here. As they stroll along nature trails, follow wooden boardwalks and climb observation towers, they spot rare species and add to the list of life. Unique in Europe is the 1.4-km /1-mile-long wooden boardwalk that leads from the small town of Bad Buchau to the reserve. 1.5 hours southeast of Stuttgart, one hour north of Lake Constance.

Our Summer Tip: NABU, the German Association for Nature Conservation, offers excellent guided hikes.