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Travel suggestions for 2026 include visiting a Geopark, as noted in the Marco Polo trendbook.

Geopark showcased in vacation suggestions for 2026, listed in the 'Marco Polo' popular travel guidebook

Travel Tips Including Geopark Highlighted in 2026 Marco Polo Trendbook
Travel Tips Including Geopark Highlighted in 2026 Marco Polo Trendbook

The Bergstraße-Odenwald Geopark, a nature park spanning across the federal states of Hesse, Baden-Württemberg, and Bavaria, has been recognised as a must-visit destination in the "Marco Polo" Trend Guide 2026. This prestigious guide selects places that are still largely undiscovered or offer a new perspective on familiar things.

Established in 2003 and designated a "UNESCO Global Geopark" in 2015, the Bergstraße-Odenwald Geopark invites visitors to experience 500 million years of Earth's history in a compact space. The park is home to several geological sites of interest, such as the Felsenmeer, and two UNESCO World Heritage sites, the Grube Messel and the Kloster Lorsch.

The Felsenmeer, a unique geological formation, is a highlight within the Geopark. This vast expanse of limestone rocks, carved by water and wind over millions of years, offers a fascinating glimpse into the past.

Sustainability is a key theme in the Bergstraße-Odenwald Geopark. Visitors can enjoy numerous rest areas and shelters, and marked hiking trails, all designed with the environment in mind. The park prides itself on its commitment to eco-friendly practices and responsible tourism.

The selection for the Trend Guide 2026 was made by a jury, following a shortlist developed by the Marco Polo editorial team. Dozens of authors and editors contributed to the guide, suggesting destinations, but the exact names of these recommendations are not published. Instead, the final selections represent a collective effort by the Marco Polo editorial team and their network of authors.

The Bergstraße-Odenwald Geopark is not the only German destination featured in the guide. Among the 15 best travel trends for Germany, Austria, and Switzerland are Regensburg and the Danube Gorge, Salzburg, and Basel. The book "Where is the Journey Going? - The Marco Polo Trend Guide 2026" also includes travel destinations from Hesse, Baden-Württemberg, and Bavaria, such as Darmstadt and Ostfildern.

The Grube Messel, a UNESCO World Heritage site within the Bergstraße-Odenwald Geopark, is one of the travel destinations featured in the guide. This former tuff quarry is renowned for its exceptional fossil finds, offering a unique insight into the evolution of early mammals.

The "Marco Polo Trend Guide 2026" presents 40 travel destinations or activities worldwide, making it an essential resource for anyone seeking new and exciting travel experiences. The inclusion of the Bergstraße-Odenwald Geopark underscores its status as a hidden gem, waiting to be discovered by curious travellers.

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