Treetop paths between the Baltic coast and the Alps
Treetop paths offer unique views of Germany’s forests. An outdoor trend between Rügen and the Allgäu.
Germany now has around a dozen treetop paths – here’s a selection.
Eagle’s view of the Baltic Sea - Rügen Heritage Centre
The viewing tower of the treetop path in Rügen is designed to resemble an eagle’s eyrie. At 82 metres above sea level it offers a clear view of the Baltic Sea and the island beyond the trees. Like most of Germany’s treetop paths, this one is suitable for wheelchair users and for families with prams. www.nezr.de
Between castle and trees – Bad Harzburg
Lower Saxony’s first treetop path is currently under construction in the Harz Mountains. It takes visitors on a walk 25 metres above the ground, through the treetops of an old mixed forest and beneath the castle rock of Bad Harzburg. It is scheduled to open in 2015. www.baumwipfelpfad-harz.de
Discover the jungle – Hainich National Park in Thuringia
The treetop path in Thuringia is probably the most well-known one in Germany. It offers stunning views of Hainich National Park. The park is Germany’s largest cohesive deciduous forest area and the beech forest is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. www.nationalpark-hainich.de
Record holder – Neuschönau in the Bavarian Forest
The spectacular 1,300-metre-long walkway in the Bavarian Forest is advertised as the “world’s longest treetop path”. It offers an endless view across the pure wilderness as far as the Alps. www.baumwipfelpfad.by
Sky high – Scheidegg in the Allgäu
The skywalk in the Allgäu provides visitors with a fantastic panorama of Lake Constance, the Alps and the Alpine foothills. Suspension bridges wend their way through the tree tops, and the viewing platform also has a lift for visitors. www.skywalk-allgaeu.de