WIESBADEN, Germany - With summertime right around the corner, now's the time to plan your next travel adventure.
The staff at Wiesbaden Outdoor Recreation has been working hard to provide a multifaceted schedule of unique travel destinations and opportunities for outdoor fun. Highlights include mountain biking, skydiving, canoeing, bouldering and visits to the Oktoberfest and the French Riviera -- just to name a few.
One of the area's best-kept secrets is the Lahn River Valley, about an hour north of Wiesbaden. Outdoor Recreation goes camping and canoeing on this picturesque waterway July 9-10. While paddlers make their way down the gently flowing river, they can take in the many castles, monasteries and half-timbered villages situated all along the route, said Jason Bennett, Wiesbaden Outdoor Recreation's acting program manager.
Cost of the trip is $79 per adult or $49 for children ages 7 and up.
Downhill speedsters are invited to join Outdoor Recreation for a day of mountain biking in Stromberg July 17, Aug. 7 or Sept. 24. The mountain bike trips, which include round-trip transportation, equipment use and a guide, cost $45 each and provide bikers with 10 kilometers of single track including numerous jumps and other challenges.
"The track is well suited for all levels of abilities," said Shelly Hake, Wiesbaden Outdoor Recreation director.
Outdoor Recreation heads south Aug. 13 for skydiving in Bitburg. Participants are invited to fly the friendly skies with a tandem master. Jumping from some 3,000 to 4,000 meters above sea level should offer "a beautiful view of the Eifel Region," said Bennett.
Cost is $299 per (for jumpers) or $49 (for non-jumpers).
Do a little bouldering and traversing with Outdoor Recreation in the Frauenstein area during their Bouldering at Grauerstein outing Sept. 10. Cost is $35 per person.
Other outdoor adventures include a day at the Kletterwald Wiesbaden Ropes Course July 16; a Cologne adventure and city tour July 23-24; a trip to the Danish capital July 29-31; a Bavarian express castle tour Aug. 6; Vienna, Budapest and Salzburg tour Aug. 18-22; Prague Getaway Aug. 27-28 and a visit to the French Riviera and Cinque Terre Sept. 1-5.
"You'll have the chance to challenge yourself at your ability on the Wiesbaden Kletterwald ropes course," Bennett said. "There are different routes for different abilities. If you have a fear of heights, you can choose a different route."
"On the Cologne tour you'll have the opportunity to sightsee or ski at an indoor skiing facility. There's no need to wear different clothes -- everything will be available at the facility," he said.
Travelers can explore some of Germany's most famous castles during a Bavarian Express Castles Tour Aug. 6. The trip, which costs $109 for ages 13 and up or $89 for children ages 12 and under, includes visits to Neuschwanstein Castle, Hohenschwangau Castle and the Bavarian Kings Museum.
Or consider leaving the driving to Outdoor Rec and heading to the Bad Duerkheim Wine Festival Sept. 10 or the Munich Oktoberfest Sept. 17 or Oct. 1. Both are considered to be among the largest festivals of their kind in the world.
Wiesbaden Outdoor Recreation also offers paintball and recreational shooting in Wackernheim throughout the summer months.
A U.S. Forces German Hunting Course will be held Aug. 2 through Oct. 22. Learn about German traditions and the skills needed to obtain a German hunting class.
And don't forget -- you can always rent gear from Wiesbaden Outdoor Recreation -- everything from bicycles to camping gear -- to head out on your own local adventure. The staff will be glad to offer advice and tips, Bennett added.
For more information stop by Outdoor Recreation in Building 1043 (in Tony Bass, across from the library) on Wiesbaden's Clay Kaserne or call civ (0611) 143-548-9801.
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