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No question, the last year-and-change has been unique. And understandably, some feel trapped, or at least limited regarding things to do.
While we certainly are limited, there are still a great number of activities to help fight these feelings, entertain ourselves, and try to retain some sense of normalcy.
Being outdoors, breathing fresh air, keeps your brain active, produces endorphins, and reminds us how beautiful life can be!
Walking and Hiking
This German standard remains mostly unchanged. Most trails remain open, with only the most minimal restrictions, like socially distancing and having a mask ready, just in case.
When looking for great trails, there are seemingly endless websites and apps available. Many offer filters like kid-friendly, dog-friendly, total distance, total altitude gain, and more. Many also offer downloadable maps in case your path leads “off the grid.”
- Komoot:
- https://www.komoot.com/guide/582/mtb-trails-in-rhineland-palatinate
- App links in footer of website
- OutdoorActive:
- https://www.outdooractive.com/en/state/germany/rhineland-palatinate/1022092/
- App links in footer of website
- Trailforks:
Biking
Now that mother nature is starting to show her sunny side again, dust off that bike! Like walking and hiking, biking is a great way to get physical exercise and boost your emotional state.
Also like walking and hiking, there are seemingly endless websites and apps for finding exciting trails, for any type of biking and any level of rider.
- Same links as Walking and Hiking
Outdoor activity is great for you physically and mentally!
Gardening
Whether you have a yard or enjoy apartment living, taking care of a few plants can bring peace and joy, as well as provide time for a little meditation.
If you have outdoor space, you can plant flowers or herbs, or add a bird bath and feeder (or two). If you lack outdoor space, either a windowsill or a small table that can see a window will work, too! Maybe an orchid or a Bonzai plant can be your muse?
Most lawn and garden stores remain open, only requiring a mask and distancing. You can also shop online and have seeds, bulbs, and even plants delivered to your door.
- Kaiserslautern:
- Landstuhl:
- Ramstein:
- Thomas Philipps: https://www.thomas-philipps.de/
- Online:
Remember, while these times may be challenging, hopefully soon we will get back to normal. In the meantime, focus on what we can still do. Have fun, and stay safe!
Regardless of what you do and where you do it, always take precaution and plan ahead:
- Bring a mask and, if possible, hand sanitizer or wipes. You never know if you might need it, and it is best to be prepared.
- Regardless of whether restaurants are open in your town, they may not be everywhere. So pack food and water, just in case.
- Check travel restrictions before you leave home, both where you live, and where you are going. Things change frequently, and can vary by state, region and city.
- The German Ministry of the Interior offers the following in English:
https://www.bmi.bund.de/SharedDocs/faqs/EN/topics/civil-protection/coronavirus/coronavirus-faqs.html - For region-specific information for Germany, scroll down to “Current information about restrictions according to the respective federal states”:
https://www.germany.travel/en/information-on-coronavirus.html
