Lower Saxony is Germany's only federal state with both a coastline and mountains. In the region's north, the ebb and flow of the tides has produced the UNESCO World Heritage Wadden Sea. The Harz mountains in southern Lower Saxony are Germany's northernmost uplands and are ideal for walking, mountain biking and – in winter – skiing.

The wide choice of holiday activities includes water sports, cycling, hiking, Nordic walking, horse riding and golf. Alternatively, you can relax and unwind on a vitality break in one of the region's designated 'zones of luxury'. Lower Saxony's North Sea coastline with the seven East Frisian islands is the longest in Germany. Then there are the Weserbergland hills, the Dümmer, Steinhude, Zwischenahn lakes and the many rivers, of which 6,500 kilometres can be used for canoeing. Lower Saxony also offers 13,000 kilometres of cycle routes and rewards walkers with some wonderful views of pristine natural scenery.

Let the towns and cities of Lower Saxony take you on a culinary journey back in time. Marvel at the medieval houses in Celle and Goslar, and experience the hustle and bustle in the regional capital of Hannover and in Osnabrück. Emden and Stade ooze maritime charm and Lower Saxony can boast two World Heritage sites in close proximity – the Romanesque ensemble of St Mary's Cathedral and St Michael's Church in Hildesheim and the Mines of Rammelsberg, Upper Harz Water Management System and Historic Old Town in Goslar.

Lower Saxony's leading leisure attractions promise fun and excitement galore. Ride the world's biggest wooden roller coaster at Heide-Park Soltau. see the world's most exotic feathered creatures in Walsrode bird park, or discover technology brought to life in Wolfsburg at Volkswagen's Autostadt and the phaeno science centre.

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