These are the top destinations for outdoor enthusiasts in Europe

Exercise in the fresh air is at the top of the list for many New Year's resolutions. So it's time to integrate the urge to exercise into your holiday planning! The online travel provider weloveholidays has found out which European countries are particularly suitable for an outdoor holiday.

In order to determine the ten best countries for a holiday full of nature experiences, various criteria were used. These include the total number of national parks, ski resorts, official mountain bike and climbing routes and - for those looking for a bit of a thrill - the number of rollercoasters in each country. In addition, the highest mountains and the area of the largest lakes in each country were taken into account to create a comprehensive top ten list.

Germany has the most to offer outdoor fans

The evaluation revealed that Germany takes the top spot with an impressive 680 ski centres, 100,313 climbing routes and more than 60,000 mountain bike trails - a perfect mix for the ultimate adventure holiday.

The country also offers numerous water sports opportunities, such as on Lake Constance, the largest lake in Germany. For climbing enthusiasts, Germany is a true climbing paradise: More than 100,000 designated climbing areas are available - more than in any other country in the top ten. Those who enjoy hiking or climbing will get their money's worth in the Alps. For those looking for an adrenaline rush, Germany offers a whopping 268 roller coasters - 13 of which are in Europa Park Rust alone, one of Europe's most popular theme parks.

France and Italy follow in second and third place

France follows in second place among the top outdoor destinations. Although Germany's neighbour is better known for its idyllic poppy fields and stylish city breaks, the Alpine panorama is also impressive here, dominated by Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Europe. France also boasts almost 5,000 kilometres of coastline where you can surf, paddle, dive and much more.

In third place comes Italy. Italy also has access to Mont Blanc and offers excellent skiing opportunities. Adventure seekers will find 287 ski centres, 12,162 mountain bike routes and 65,224 climbing routes to let off steam in Italy. The beautiful Lake Garda attracts water sports enthusiasts, who can enjoy windsurfing, sailing and kitesurfing.

Scandinavian countries impress with a variety of national parks

Norway follows in fourth place among the top destinations and impresses with almost fifty national parks where you can be in harmony with nature. The Nordic backdrop with fjords, mountains, islands and the longest coastline in the ranking of over 25,000 kilometres makes Norway the perfect holiday destination for adventure seekers. The country is particularly well known for fishing holidays, hiking and skiing.</p

Neighbouring Sweden is just behind Norway in fifth place. There are numerous rivers and lakes with unspoilt forests on the shores, many small islands and thirty national parks to discover. Lake Vänern, the largest lake in the European Union, is particularly worth a visit for water sports enthusiasts. It is ideal for leisurely boat trips, swimming and cycling tours around the lake.