Release your inner adventurer

Do something different: 5 unique experiences

Schiltach: Fly like a bird

Go up, up and away in the Black Forest on the Hirschgrund Zipline parkour. Seven ziplines whisk you up and over steep rocky slopes and valleys, hills, streams and trees. Each zipline offers a different experience: the Kimmigberg is a relaxed glide; the Gründle, some 570 m/1,900 feet long and 83 m /275 feet high, is the longest in Germany. Think of it as the ultimate challenge! www.hirschgrund-zipline.de

Stuttgart: Make like a movie star!

Turning 10 years old this year is the Porsche Museum, the striking angular building that is home to some of the world’s most iconic Porsche models. See the 356, 550, 911 road cars, and the 917 sports racing car. But for a real thrill, rent a Porsche from the museum. Hit the road in a Macan, 718 Boxster or 718 Cayman (199 Euros for 3 hours) or rent a 911 for a day (399 Euros). Best selfies ever! www.porsche.com/museum

Zwiefaltendorf: Spezial and stalactites

When extending their brewery’s cellars in 1892, the Blank Family discovered an underground cave system. Access is from the deep cellars, 30 m/100 feet down. See the 20-m/70-feet-long stalactites. Then taste some of Southwest Germany’s best local brews. TIP: Try the Spezial Dunkel, the dark beer. www.brauerei-blank.de

Freiburg: Ride up; whizz down

Ride up the Schauinsland Mountain on Germany’s longest loop cable car. From 1,220 m /4,000 feet, the views of the Black Forest are stunning. Have a beer or coffee and cake. Then, zoom down the 5-mile-long scooter trail on a custom-built giant scooter! The mountain is 20 km /12 miles from Freiburg. www.schauinslandbahn.de/en

The Northern Black Forest: Test your nerves

The Wild Line suspension bridge is Germany’s newest outdoor adventure. Near Bad Wildbad, the bridge is all of 380 m/1,250 feet long and sways some 60 m/200 feet above a gorge. https://wildline.de

Stay somewhere different: 5 unique places to stay

Offenburg: Go to jail!

The 1840 town prison is now the Hotel Liberty, a stylish design hotel with 38 rooms and suites. In the former prison courtyard, the WASSER & BROT restaurant continues the theme: it means Bread & Water! www.hotel-liberty.de

Black Forest: Sleep under the stars

In Bad Dürrheim, in the Black Forest, 90 minutes southwest of Stuttgart, stargaze in comfort inside a bubble tent. The tents are transparent, so you feel part of the surrounding forest. But you also have hot water, showers, proper beds and good coffee machines. So, lie back; look up to the night sky; count the stars; relax. www.bubble-tent.de

Europa-Park: Night at the Museum

Europa-Park, rated the world’s best theme park, opens a brand-new (and sixth) themed hotel this year. The Krønasår has stylish accommodation with a Nordic feel. Modelled on a natural history museum, guests are greeted by the skeleton of a sea serpent – quite appropriate, as Rulantica, the new water park, is next door. www.europapark.de/en

Burg Hornberg: Isn’t it romantic?

High above the River Neckar and surrounded by vineyards, Hornberg Castle is now a four-star hotel. Some of the luxury modern rooms are set within walls dating back to the 11th century. www.burg-hotel-hornberg.de/en/

Karlsruhe and Radolfzell: Tall and Green

Find unique places to stay in both Karlsruhe and Radolfzell. In Karlsruhe, the Nashira Tower Suite guarantees privacy at the top of a converted 140-year-old water tower www.towersuite.de 
In Radolfzell on Lake Constance, the aquaTurm Hotel generates all its own energy from solar and wind turbines https://aquaturm.de/