Eifel National Park, which lies near the Belgian border, has been a designated international dark sky park since 2014 on account of its starry skies unspoiled by light pollution. Many nights are so clear it’s possible to spot the Milky Way. More constellations can be spied through the giant telescopes at Vogelsang Observatory, which also hosts Stars Without Borders astronomy workshops. The Eifel’s unique nocturnal ambience can be further appreciated on a visit to the moonlight sauna at the Eifel-Therme Zikkurat spa, or the annual ghost parade in the village of Blankenheim. It’s also near the vineyards of the Mosel Valley, so why not accompany your celestial rubbernecking with a bottle of top-quality riesling?
nationalpark-eifel.de
Woodcarving in the Bliesgau Biosphere
Elsewhere in Saarland, there’s a chance to channel your inner Albrecht Dürer through the woodcutting workshops held in the forests of the Bliesgau Biosphere. No previous whittling experience is required, yet participants learn how to make wildwood chairs, benches and sets of personally forged knives, which they can then take home with them. There’s even a xylophone-making course. Don’t be fooled by the “biosphere” moniker: you won’t be fashioning your furniture in a plastic dome. In fact, the Bliesgau Biosphere is an Unesco-designated area, designed to bring locals and nature closer together, in a sustainable way. Which is exactly what you’ll be doing, because the course also involves replanting deciduous trees to preserve the environment.
Prices start at €130/£111 per person. Glamping accommodation is available within the biosphere. More info here
saarpfalz-touristik.de