North Rhine-Westphalia is mainly known for its industrial past. But this federal state also has a remarkable wealth of natural scenery, from the flat Münsterland region and highland areas such as the Sauerland to the volcanic Eifel region and the Lower Rhine. Even the Ruhr region itself has some places that are sure to appeal to any nature lover.

The Eifel National Park has 10,700 hectares of unspoilt woodland. Visitors come to see the majestic beech forests, interspersed with gnarled oak woods and secret ravines hiding tumbling brooks. The park also provides a vital retreat for more than 230 endangered plant and animal species.

Right next to the Ruhr's sprawling conurbation lies the Ruhr valley. With its wide expanses of riverbank meadows, wetlands, steep riverbanks and broad valleys, it is ideal for boat trips and canoeing tours. Visitors also come to admire the castle ruins, the handsome stately homes and the sites of early industrial heritage, as well as the Ruhr valley railway tracks, old dams and towpaths.

Designed as a "trail of the senses", the Rothaarsteig trail is an opportunity to see nature at its best. It also features a suspension bridge and sculptures. The mountain route runs from Brilon in the Sauerland region to Dillenburg, crossing the Wittgenstein hills and the Siegerland region along the way. The highest peak of these uplands is the 841-metre Kahle Asten.