Walking

Germany’s National Parks: Müritz National Park

Whether you’re from the coast or from somewhere inland, there’s something magical about water. Müritz National Park, which is located in the northeast German state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, is definitely magical…. Read more

Germany’s National Parks: Hunsrück-Hochwald National Park

Located less than an hour from Kaiserslautern, Hunsrück-Hochwald National Park is Germany’s newest national park. It is also one of its best. Established in 2015 with territory in both Saarland… Read more

Germany’s National Parks: Saxon Switzerland National Park

It might surprise you to learn that Saxon Switzerland National Park is nowhere near Switzerland. In fact, the park is nestled just against Czechia. Don’t let that deter you from… Read more

Germany’s National Parks: Black Forest National Park

The Black Forest is world-famous, for good reason. The thickly wooded, mountainous terrain has a powerful mystique that goes far beyond its cuckoo-clock reputation. It is also home to one… Read more

Germany’s National Parks: Berchtesgaden National Park

Set in a tiny nook in southeast Bavaria, nearly surrounded by Austria, Berchtesgaden just might be Germany’s most beautiful national park. The park summons so many superlatives: majestic, breathtaking, raw,… Read more

Germany’s National Parks: Jasmund National Park

Jasmund National Park feels like Germany’s last frontier. Located on the island of Rügen (Germany’s largest), Jasmund (Germany’s smallest national park) is beautiful, tranquil, and historic. The park’s chalky white… Read more

Germany’s National Parks: Bavarian Forest National Park

Germany’s Bavarian Forest National Park is wild, rugged, and beautiful. Nestled against the Czech border, just a short drive north from Passau, the park is a safe haven for the… Read more

Germany’s National Parks: Eifel National Park

Germany’s Eifel region is often overlooked. Just a short trip from Kaiserslautern, this land of lakes, ancient volcanoes, forests and rolling hills is ideal for bikers, hikers, road trippers and… Read more

Germany’s National Parks: Lower Oder Valley National Park

Lower Oder Valley National Park is a special place. Germany’s only wetland national park is filled with water, reclaimed land, incredible views, and unique wildlife. Nestled against the border of… Read more

Unbe-leaf-able: 4 places to see amazing autumn colors in Germany

Forests are an essential part of Germany. Naturally, autumn is one of the most beautiful seasons around. Gold, orange and red leaves are yours to see all over the country…. Read more

Southern Corsica: A land of endless beauty

Looking for a trip of a lifetime that’s only a short flight (or long-ish drive) away? Southern Corsica is it. Visitors will find beautiful beaches, rugged mountains, historic cities, great… Read more

Can’t-Miss German Day Trips A-Z: Oppenheim

Oppenheim is a place of wine and water, a small town on the banks of the Rhine where the circle of life is very much present. It is a place… Read more

Can’t-Miss German Day Trips A-Z: Pforzheim

Pforzheim embodies so much that is good about Germany. With more than 100,000 people, it’s large enough to offer something for every traveler, and small enough that navigating it doesn’t… Read more

Winter Forest Hiking – Time for Adventures

by Ronnie Juhans Photo by Jag_cz/shutterstock.com For my fellow hikers who enjoyed the great outdoors trekking during the warmer months of the year, there is no need to put away… Read more

Can’t-Miss German Day Trips A-Z: Idar-Oberstein

Something about Idar-Oberstein feels almost mythical. During the journey there, shadows and light dance through trees while two-lane roads wind through valleys and forests. When you arrive in the large… Read more

Hiking & backpacking in Switzerland

Story by Ronnie Juhans Backpacking during spring and summer breaks is a great way to experience Europe on a budget for many students around the world. Staying at hostels or… Read more

The Five Best Outdoor Breaks in Europe

For those seeking an outdoor adventure of a lifetime, here are five of the best outdoor breaks Europe has to offer!

Camp in a Castle

by Kat Nickola “I see it!” my son yells. He adjusts his backpack. It is full, with his sleeping bag, mat, and clothes for the night. “Where?” I ask, hustling along… Read more

Can’t-Miss German Day Trips A-Z: Xtra Special Winter Outdoors Edition

Whether you love winter or simply endure it until spring arrives, one thing is true: getting outside and active is important for your health during the long, dark months. Fortunately,… Read more

What Ever Happened to the Sembach Airfield?

by Kat Nickola “It’s hard to tell there was a runway here,” my husband says over the chilly winter wind. “True. But they left a few bunkers and pavement,” I… Read more

Discover The Great Glenway - Scotland

Hike along Scotland’s Great Glen Way

The Great Glen Way runs from the edge of Loch Linnhe to the Inverness, cutting a trail through some of the Scottish Highland’s most impressive scenery.

Why Hiking the French Alps is Fabulous, Even in Bad Weather

(Spoiler: there is food involved) Story and photos by Kat Nickola First it rained, then it snowed; my 10-year-old son dug out his layers, my teenage daughter found her waterproof… Read more

Bad Wildbad: Blueberries and Baths

Families head to Bad Wildbad warm water springs, natural beauty, delicious blueberries and more. Located in the Black Forest, this tranquil destination has been attracting tourists for centuries!

Bad Urach – a friendly Swabian small town

This friendly, beautiful town in Baden- Württemberg offers hiking trails, castle ruins, waterfalls, a picturesque Old Town, a royal palace and much more.

Dog-friendly hiking in the KMC

If you are new to the KMC and have your dog(s) with you, depending on where you live you may not have a chance to let your dog run loose,… Read more

Can’t-Miss German Day Trips A-Z: Zweibrücken

Zweibrücken makes for an excellent day trip. Located a few kilometers from the French border, the city is rich with natural beauty, history and a very interesting mélange of sightseeing… Read more

Wolfstein: A Historic Hike Near Kaiserslautern

Wolfstein is a small town near Kaiserslautern that’s great for a day trip. The popular hiking village also has some unique attractions.

Can’t-Miss German Day Trips A-Z: Volksmarching

Volksmarching is an ideal activity for the COVID era. Founded as a non-competitive sport in Germany in the 1960’s, volksmarching (or “wandering,” as it is also called) is essentially a… Read more

Can’t-Miss German Day Trips A-Z: Schönau

Schönau almost seems like Shangri-la. Every twisting road that leads to the little village deep in the Pfalz forest leads you further and further into what feels like a forgotten… Read more

Can’t-Miss German Day Trips A-Z: Quarantine Edition

These are strange days, especially for Americans living in Europe. After all, one of the benefits of being here is that travel is so easy. So many world-famous cultures, countries,… Read more

Can’t-Miss German Day Trips A-Z: Niederhausen

A trip to Niederhausen is good for your body and your soul. This small wine village on the banks of the Nahe River is off the beaten path, and yet… Read more

Hiking in Germany

One of the healthiest activities and habits in Germany is hiking! Germany is dedicated to creating, supporting and maintaining spectacular trails. Grab your boots and be awed!

Can’t-Miss German Day Trips A-Z: Landau

Landau is a great destination any time of the year. The large town in the heart of the Pfalz wine region has parks, vineyards, hills, forests, a lovely pedestrian zone… Read more

Hiking trip to Humbergturm (Humberg Tower)

Hike to Humberg Tower offers nature, adventure

Story and photos by Jaqueline Samad No matter the weather, this outing in the Pfälzer Wald (Palatinate Forest) is ideal whether you are with your partner, children, a dog or… Read more

Can’t-Miss German Day Trips A-Z: Koblenz

Koblenz combines two features that are fundamental to Germany: history and beauty. This is a city, after all, that was founded by the Romans, and that celebrated 2,000 years of… Read more

Can’t-Miss German Day Trips A-Z: Jossgrund

In many ways, Jossgrund is similar to most any little village in Germany. It’s small, tidy, tranquil and prosperous. You’ll find red roofs, a church steeple, a gasthaus. You can… Read more

Can’t-Miss German Day Trips A-Z: Frankfurt am Main

At first glance, Frankfurt isn’t as easily graspable as some of Germany’s other large cities. It’s not Berlin, which is urbane, gritty and packed with history. Nor is it Munich,… Read more

Local Secrets - Kaiserslautern

Local Secrets – Within 60 Mins of KMC

We asked The Used Car Guys to share their ‘Local Secrets’ of things to do within an hour’s drive of Kaiserslautern. Here’s their list…

Winter Hiking Oberstdorf

Photo by Vitalii Nesterchuk/ shutterstock.com Story by Ronnie Juhans I normally take one-day hikes during the winter in the local areas only a short drive away. However, I decided to… Read more

Dolomites: Welcome To Your Italian Adventure

In northern Italy, where the massive Dolomite mountains dominate the land, you can find a different sort of country. This is adventure Italy. Adventure Italy gets your heart pumping. For… Read more