The German National Tourist Office (GNTO) is inviting travellers from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to discover Germany during autumn, highlighting its colourful forests, seasonal harvest traditions, scenic cycling routes, cultural attractions and wellness retreats.
From late September, Germany’s landscapes transform into
shades of yellow, orange and red, while cooler temperatures create favourable
conditions for outdoor activities, sightseeing and exploring historic towns.
The harvest season also brings regional produce, including apples and
chestnuts, into focus, offering visitors opportunities to experience local food
traditions and rural landscapes.
Germany’s extensive rail network allows travellers to
combine city breaks with nature-focused experiences within a single itinerary,
connecting museums, shopping districts and cultural landmarks with forests,
river valleys and countryside destinations without relying on a car.
The initiative aligns with the German National Tourist
Board’s relaunched “Feel Good, Experiences That Last” campaign, which promotes
a diverse range of travel experiences focused on nature, culture, relaxation
and more conscious tourism.
Forests and national parks showcase autumn colours
Germany’s forest landscapes are among the main attractions
during the season. The Black Forest, Spessart and Bavarian Forest offer
colourful woodland scenery, while Hainich National Park in Thuringia provides
opportunities to explore diverse deciduous forests within a UNESCO World
Heritage Site.
Further north, Jasmund National Park on the Baltic Sea
island of Rügen combines autumn-coloured beech forests with the region’s
distinctive white chalk cliffs, creating a different landscape for visitors
seeking coastal scenery and outdoor activities.
Autumn is also a popular period for mushroom foraging in
Germany. Forests around Dresden, Heidelberg, Berlin and Brandenburg offer
opportunities to discover seasonal varieties such as porcini and chanterelles.
Visitors can join guided educational walks led by mushroom
experts to learn about local woodland ecosystems and responsible foraging
practices, combining outdoor recreation with environmental education.
Harvest traditions offer regional experiences
Autumn marks harvest season across Germany, with apples
taking centre stage in areas such as Altes Land near Hamburg and the Lake
Constance region.
Visitors can explore orchards, farm shops and themed walking
routes, while cycling through agricultural landscapes offers a closer look at
regional traditions and seasonal produce. These experiences are available from
mid-September through November.
In the Palatinate Forest, October brings the sweet chestnut
harvest. Travellers can follow the signposted Keschde Trail beneath chestnut
trees, discovering local traditions within Germany’s largest contiguous forest
area.
The seasonal offerings provide opportunities to experience
rural Germany beyond its major cities, with food, agriculture and nature
forming part of the visitor experience.
Moselle region combines cycling, rail and heritage
The Moselle region is another highlight for autumn visitors,
with golden vineyard slopes, historic villages and medieval castles lining the
river.
The Moselle Cycle Path stretches for more than 300
kilometres towards Koblenz, allowing cyclists to choose sections suited to
relaxed day trips or longer journeys.
Highlights include Bernkastel-Kues, known for its
half-timbered architecture, and Bremmer Calmont, where vineyard slopes reach
gradients of up to 68 degrees.
Travellers can also explore the region by train. The route
between Koblenz and Trier connects two historic cities while offering views of
the river valley and surrounding countryside. From either destination,
Germany’s wider rail network provides connections to other cultural centres and
natural attractions, making multi-stop holidays easier to organise.
The combination of cycling, rail travel and sightseeing
allows visitors to experience the landscape at a slower pace while exploring
regional heritage.
Wellness adds a relaxation element
Germany’s autumn offering extends beyond outdoor activities,
with more than 350 certified spas and health resorts providing opportunities
for relaxation and wellbeing.
Visitors can incorporate thermal baths, wellness facilities
and spa retreats into their itineraries after walking, cycling or exploring
cities, creating a balance between active experiences and relaxation.
Yamina Sofo, director of the Marketing & Sales Office,
Gulf Countries, at the German National Tourist Office, said: “Autumn brings
together so much of what makes Germany special for GCC travellers: comfortable
weather, remarkable natural beauty, cultural discoveries and the freedom to
explore at your own pace. Whether travelling through the Moselle by train,
cycling beside the river, walking beneath a colourful forest canopy or
discovering seasonal harvest traditions, these are experiences that stay with
you. This is also the essence of ‘Feel Good, Experiences That Last’, enjoying
Germany in ways that are meaningful, memorable and more conscious.”
With its combination of autumn scenery, harvest experiences,
historic destinations, rail connections and wellness facilities, Germany is
positioning itself as an option for GCC travellers seeking European holidays
that balance outdoor exploration, cultural discovery and relaxation.
The campaign aims to encourage visitors to explore destinations beyond major urban centres and experience Germany through seasonal activities and regional traditions. -TTN