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The great outdoors
NRW offers many possibilities for recreation, such as those for hikers. The total length of designated paths comes to almost 60,000 kilometers. NRW thus boasts the biggest hiking network in Germany. Cyclists are also well catered for, with cycle paths totaling approx. 13,000 kilometers within the state. In addition, nature reserves account for more than a quarter of the state's area – the Eifel national park in particular is well worth a visit.
The state also has a lot to offer in terms of water – for example, 60 lakes open to the public. Water sports activities range from water-skiing, sailing, diving or surfing to canoe tours and rowing boat trips – also on the numerous rivers in NRW. For the more romantically inclined, the Rhine is ideal, offering boat trips that pass by vineyards and castle ruins.
There is also a wide range of sporting recreation activities on offer. On sunny days, golfers swing their clubs on the cultivated greens of over 150 golf courses. From fishing to Zen exercises, NRW offers practically every kind of sport – also indoors, of course.
Shopping, eating and drinking galore
The cities and towns of NRW offer a perfect complement to the outdoor life. A visit to international shopping centers such as the major shopping and fashion “Kö”-road in Düsseldorf or the CentrO in Oberhausen, one of Germany'sbiggest shopping malls, is an absolute must. In Düsseldorf beer flows from 250 taps within one small district. That is why the people of Düsseldorf describe their Old Town as the "longest bar in the world". Throughout NRW, international restaurants, large pubs with beer gardens and cosy bistros offer culinary delights. In addition, star chefs of worldwide acclaim do full justice to their name in NRW: two of the nine 3-star-restaurants in Germany are to be found in NRW.
Special occasions
The Karneval in the Rhineland is considered a special occasion in Germany – with celebrations lasting for six days each year in February. In the amusement parks, children can enjoy a special occasion atmosphere all year round – at the Movie Park Germany in Bottrop-Kirchhellen or Phantasialand in Brühl.
