Wonderous Biodiversity

From the azure of the Baltic coastline to the rugged rocky Alps, Germany runs the gamut when it comes to experiencing Nature&rsquos wonderful delights. Testimony to our history, and the bedrock of our future, the country&rsquos biodiversity is also the gateway to its many cultural offerings. 

Lakes, moorlands, waterfalls, ravines - the German state of Baden-W&uumlrttemberg is as famous for its natural landscape as it is for the many university towns that dot the area. The cynosure, no guesses there, is the Schwarzwald or the Black Forest. A haven for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts alike, the forest holds incredible cultural significance. Home to the world-famous Cuckoo Clocks, the age-old craftsmanship resonates with takers even today. Another tradition that has stood the test of time, in the heart of the forest, is glass work. Since the region has an abundance of all natural resources needed for glassblowing, the art has flourished. Visitors can also indulge in a learner&rsquos session on mouth-blown glass. 

The country is also taking steady steps towards sustainable tourism. Schmilka, a small village located in the Saxon Switzerland National Park, takes visitors back to simpler times. Hospitality that adheres to green standards, a focus on hyperlocal cuisine, and absence of wifi in order to cut down on electromagnetic pollution - small initiatives ensure a holiday that highlights Germany&rsquos green side.

The European country has also been at the forefront of forest conservation, with almost a third of its land being densely wooded. Germany&rsquos forests, therefore, offer opportunities for visitors to log out of their strenuous schedule and reconnect with nature. Put on the map by Peter Wohlleben&rsquos bestselling book The Hidden Life of Trees, the Palatinate Forest calls nature lovers to seek an insight into the life that resides in the forest. A pristine landscape of ash, maple, linden trees, the Hainich National Park aims to protect the native beech forest, which can be marvelled at through circular trails and a canopy walkway.  

Germany&rsquos varied geography also translates to plenty of wildlife here. The mountains are home to Alpine ibex, wolves, while in the forests reside smaller animals like European wildcats, badgers, deer and red foxes. Chamois, a species of goat-antelope that is native to European mountains, is also often spotted in the Alps. If you have your hiking shoes on, don&rsquot forget a pair of binoculars to observe them. If you&rsquore lucky, you might also spot a Fire Salamander, which are pesky amphibians with black skin and yellow stripes. Might we suggest to keep your distance though, for these salamanders secrete neurotoxins.

 If mountains are crowns, then Germany&rsquos many lakes are its pearls. Alpsee lake, located in Bavaria, is a popular tourist destination for its proximity to Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein, two castles that afford the best views of the pristine blue lake. In the southern end of the Black Forest is Lake Titisee, whose shores are speckled with spa hotels that make 

up its namesake town.  For trekkers and hiking aficionados (not to forget photographers too), Lake Hintersee, close to the border of the Berchtesgaden National Park is the ideal evening spot.

And if you&rsquod like to see mud flats, you only need to head to the Wadden Sea, world's largest contiguous expanse of mudflats, in which multiple symbiotic marine communities thrive. Due to tidal water, the floor of the sea is exposed twice a day, allowing visitors to walk on the sea bed and explore the unique marine life that has adjusted to the demanding environmental conditions. In the conservation area is Hallig Gr&oumlde, a marsh island, which is Germany&rsquos smallest municipality with less than a dozen inhabitants. A small hike in the area reveals many plant and animal species, including crabs and cockles to harbour seals and porpoise. Owing to its importance in terms of intangible natural value, the international Wadden Sea was included in the UNESCO World Natural Heritage list, alongside the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Grand Canyon in the United States.  

And the stars of Germany&rsquos diverse natural landscape are the Bavarian Alps. Freckled with small villages, health retreats and ski resorts, the Alps provide possibilities of skiing, hiking, paragliding and other adventure activities. The Zugspitze, Germany&rsquos highest mountain which is flanked by three glaciers, and Neuschwanstein, a 19th-century palace nestled in the Bavarian forest, offer a glimpse into the rich biodiversity of Germany.

This is a sponsored post in collaboration with German National Tourist Office, India.