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Outward Bound Germany

In Germany exist two organisations:

• OUTWARD BOUND e.V. gives courses for pupils and apprentices
• OUTWARD BOUND Professional GmbH gives trainings for managers of companies

A capsule history of Outward Bound Germany reveals that the country's first mountain school at Baad, technically in Austria but with access only from Germany, first welcomed students in 1956. Four more centers have been established since then, including one in Eastern Germany, established after the fall of the Berlin Wall. Each center has its own flavor and type of courses because of its particular environment.

At Baad, students can enjoy year round courses that include skiing, mountaineering, hiking, rafting and climbing. The center is encircled by the Austrian alps, which makes for a perfect setting for outdoor adventures. Close by to Baad is Outward Bound Germany's busiest center, Schwangau. This picturesque center, started in 1996, rests by a lake below in the shadow of the Alps and close to a famous Castle.

Far to the North, on the opposite side of the country, is Konigsburg. Situated on the banks of the Schlei Fjord, Konigsburg is the center of Outward Bound Germany's summer sailing courses. At the sea school, programs focus on ecological projects like water investigation, environmental problems, wildlife conservation, and nature management.

Schloss Krochlendorff, a splendid old building, is surrounded by parks, has a ropes course, canoeing, expeditioning, hiking and biking. At this center, Outward Bound Germany offers management-training programs for corporations from around Germany.

At Schweriner See, the only Eastern Germany center, students have the opportunity to kayak on a lake and travel to an island where they have activities. OB Germany has also become more involved in developing mobile courses to take to school campuses and corporations.

Most of their current business is with schools and apprentices on 1-2 week adventures. They also offer "train the trainer" courses for nonprofit professionals, courses for nonprofit youth organizations, and one day "exposure courses" with guests at their accommodations.

Most of the professional business is 3 day trainings. They also offer company trainings, open trainings and "Train the Trainer" courses