Titisee-Neustadt, Germany

The relaxed but rather touristy lake-resort of TITISEE lies 29km from Freiburg, via the Höllentalbahn or the B31, and offers a quick way into the mountains. There are plenty of well-marked hiking, cycling and cross-country skiing routes in the area, making it easy to leave the crowds and lake front souvenir shops behind, and there's always the option of messing around on the quiet scenic lake with short cruises offered and rowing boats for rent. The most obvious walk is the easy 6km hike around the lake and the 1192m Hochfirst.