Mietwagenrundreise "Von Banff bis Yellowstone – Die große Nationalparkreise"

About the destination: Calgary, Alberta's largest city, is a product of oil culture, and is situated where the prairies end and the foothills begin. Calgary is located about an hour’s drive east of the front ranges of the Rocky Mountains. And, despite the fact that Alberta is considered a prairie province, the city is moderately hilly. Boasting a modern skyline with diverse architecture, Calgary is a great urban city with opportunities for dining, shopping and entertainment. Considered to be a national historic site, the City Hall, a magnificent sandstone structure, was constructed in 1911, in place of an earlier wooden structure. Constructed in 1968, the iconic Calgary Tower is one of the tallest structures in Canada. At the top, you are treated to an excellent view of Calgary. Located outside of Calgary, Banff National Park is spread over a massive area, and offers spectacular mountain scenery. Friendly, relaxed, bustling and laid back, Calgary balances the modern and the traditional with pioneer charm.

About the destination: Banff is the gateway to the National Park of the same name, holding some of Canada's most beautiful natural jewels. The town itself is fairly small and touristy. There are a ton of places to eat and shop, similar to any resort town. The town is located in the Bow River valley and is the perfect base to explore the great outdoors. With spectacular mountains, glaciers and moraine lakes, you will have scenery like few other places. Banff National Park is Canada's oldest national park, established in 1885 in the Rocky Mountains. The park, located 110–180 km west of Calgary in the province of Alberta, encompasses 6,641 km2 of mountainous terrain, with numerous glaciers and ice fields, dense coniferous forest, and alpine landscapes. The Icefields Parkway extends from Lake Louise, connecting to Jasper National Park in the north. Provincial forests and Yoho National Park are neighbours to the west, while Kootenay National Park is located to the south and Kananaskis Country to the southeast. Come to Banff in winter to enjoy the skiing and at other times of the year to revel in the grandeur of its magnificent surroundings. The hiking around Banff is wonderful, but if you don't want to go hiking, you could also just sit in the hot springs and relax.

About the destination: Field is a small and charming mountain village located in the heart of Yoho National Park, in the Canadian Rockies. Surrounded by impressive mountains, forests and rivers, it is an ideal starting point for discovering places such as Emerald Lake, Takakkaw Falls and Natural Bridge. Its peaceful atmosphere, railway history and spectacular natural surroundings make it a perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

About the destination: Nestled in the southwestern corner of Alberta, Canada, Waterton Lakes National Park is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, part of the larger Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, offers visitors a stunning blend of rugged mountains, pristine lakes, and diverse wildlife. Whether you're an avid hiker, a wildlife enthusiast, or simply in search of tranquility, Waterton Lakes has something for everyone. One of the park's most iconic features is the Waterton Lakes themselves. The Upper, Middle, and Lower Waterton Lakes are surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks and offer a variety of recreational activities. Kayaking, canoeing, and boat tours are popular ways to experience the crystal-clear waters and take in the breathtaking scenery. For those who prefer to stay on land, the lakeshore trails provide stunning viewpoints and excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting, including bears, deer, and a variety of bird species. Hiking is a must-do activity in Waterton Lakes National Park. With over 200 kilometers of trails, there are options for all skill levels. The Crypt Lake Trail is perhaps the most famous, featuring a challenging yet rewarding hike that includes a boat ride, a waterfall, a ladder climb, and a tunnel. For a more leisurely experience, the Bear's Hump Trail offers a shorter hike with panoramic views of the Waterton Valley and the townsite below. No matter which trail you choose, the park's natural beauty will leave you in awe. The charming townsite of Waterton Park provides a perfect base for your adventures. With a variety of accommodations ranging from cozy inns to luxurious lodges, you'll find the perfect place to rest after a day of exploration. The town also offers a selection of restaurants, cafes, and shops, ensuring you have everything you need for a comfortable stay. Don't forget to visit the iconic Prince of Wales Hotel, a historic landmark offering stunning views of the Waterton Lakes and the surrounding mountains.

About the destination: St. Mary, a small gateway community on the eastern edge of Glacier National Park, is one of the best bases for exploring Montana’s “Crown of the Continent.” Nestled where the Great Plains slam into the towering Rocky Mountains, St. Mary offers instant access to some of the park’s most dramatic scenery. The turquoise waters of St. Mary Lake, framed by jagged peaks and dense conifer forests, provide an iconic Glacier backdrop—and some of the finest sunrise and sunset views you’ll find anywhere in the Rockies. From St. Mary, the legendary Going‑to‑the‑Sun Road begins its spectacular climb across the park. This engineering marvel twists past waterfalls, hanging valleys, and sheer cliffs on its way to Logan Pass, where you can often spot mountain goats and bighorn sheep grazing near the trails. Numerous pullouts and trailheads make it easy to combine a scenic drive with short walks or full‑day hikes. Popular options include the St. Mary Falls and Virginia Falls trail, with its series of powerful cascades, and the Hidden Lake Overlook from Logan Pass. The town itself is small but traveler‑friendly, with lodges, campgrounds, and a handful of cafes and general stores providing everything you need before heading into the backcountry. It’s a practical starting point for boat tours on St. Mary Lake, ranger‑led programs, and photography excursions, especially during the wildflower‑rich summer months. In shoulder seasons—late spring and early fall—St. Mary becomes quieter, offering a more contemplative experience as the larch trees turn golden and early snows dust the peaks. Weather in this region can change rapidly, so layering is essential, even in midsummer. Book accommodations and vehicle reservations for the Going‑to‑the‑Sun Road well in advance, as Glacier National Park has become increasingly popular and access is carefully managed to protect its fragile alpine environment. With a bit of planning, St. Mary and Glacier National Park reward visitors with classic Western landscapes, abundant wildlife, and a sense of wilderness that feels increasingly rare.

About the destination: Helena is the capital city of the state of Montana. Born during the Gold Rush of 1864, this is a rare town that's managed to become a modern city while retaining the character of its early years. Helena, today, is a charming town filled with public spaces, nice mansions, historical buildings and museums.Downtown Helena is one of the prettiest and best kept up downtowns in the Western United States. Statues, monuments, restaurants and shops make up the downtown area. For a small city Helena has an array of public buildings and churches that would be the envy of a city several times its size. The magnificent Helena Cathedral was designed after the Cologne Cathedral. The Civic Center is an interesting building that holds the offices of the City of Helena as well as many arts and recreation functions for its residents. Other public buildings in town are designed with the same architectural detail that is rare in a city as small as Helena.With lots of outdoors activities, a beautiful downtown area and Capitol, Helena is a charming town that should not be missed.

About the destination: For many, the town of West Yellowstone is a place to stay while traveling through Yellowstone National Park. The town is separated into two parts, residential and commercial, roughly at the road D Parkway. South of D Parkway (Alley) is mainly a business area; north of it is an area of homes and apartments. The area north of D Parkway is known to locals as the "Madison Addition". The town has one school, serving kindergarten through 12th grad

About the destination: Jackson is a town in Teton County, Wyoming. It is home to Teton County. In 2010 it had a population of 9577 inhabitants and a population density of 1294 people per km2.

About the destination: Idaho Falls is a city in and the county seat of Bonneville County, Idaho, United States, and is the largest city in Eastern Idaho. Idaho Falls is the principal city of the Idaho Falls, Idaho Metropolitan Statistical Area and the Idaho Falls-Blackfoot, Idaho Combined Statistical Area and is the state's largest city outside the Boise metropolitan area and is the third-largest metro area behind Boise City-Nampa and Coeur d'Alene, which is adjacent to the larger Spokane metropolitan area. Idaho Falls serves as a hub to all of eastern Idaho and much of western Wyoming. Due to its relative economic vitality, high quality of life, and proximity to world-class outdoor recreation, it is often featured in various publications' lists of "best places to live." The area is served by the Idaho Falls Regional Airport and is home to the Idaho Falls Chukars minor league baseball team, and the Idaho Mustangs, a semi-professional football team that plays in the Rocky Mountain Football League.

About the destination: Butte is a city in, and the county seat of Silver Bow County, Montana, United States. In 1977, the city and county governments consolidated to form the sole entity of Butte-Silver Bow. In the 19th and 20th centuries, Butte experienced every stage of development of a mining town, from camp to boomtown to mature city to center for historic preservation and environmental cleanup. Unlike most such towns, Butte's urban landscape includes mining operations set within residential areas, making the environmental consequences of the extraction economy all the more apparent. Despite the dominance of the Anaconda Company, Butte was never a company town. It prided itself on architectural diversity and a civic ethos of rough-and-tumble individualism. In the 21st century, efforts at interpreting and preserving Butte's heritage are addressing both the town's historical significance and the continuing importance of mining to its economy and culture. Butte was one of the largest cities in the Rocky Mountains in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Silver Bow County (Butte and suburbs) had 24,000 people in 1890, and peaked at 100,000 in 1920[citation needed]. The population steadily declined with falling copper prices after World War I, eventually dropping to 34,000 in 1990 and stabilized. In 2013, the population remains at 34,200. In its heyday from the late 19th century to circa 1920, it was one of the largest and most notorious copper boomtowns in the American West, home to hundreds of saloons and a famous red-light district. The documentary Butte, America, depicts its history as a copper producer and the issues of labor unionism, economic rise and decline, and environmental degradation that resulted from the activity.

About the destination: Great Falls is a city in and the county seat of Cascade County, Montana, United States Great Falls takes its name from the series of five waterfalls in close proximity along the upper Missouri River basin that the Lewis and Clark Expedition had to portage around over a ten-mile stretch; the effort required 31 days of arduous labor during the westward leg of their 1805-06 exploration of the Louisiana Purchase and to the Pacific Northwest Coast of the Oregon Country. Each falls sports a hydroelectric dam today, hence Great Falls is nicknamed "the Electric City". Currently there are two undeveloped parts of their portage route; these are included within the Great Falls Portage, a National Historic Landmark.

About the destination: Shelby, Montana is a small railroad town with a big frontier spirit, set against the wide-open skies of the Hi-Line in north-central Montana. Just 35 miles south of the Canadian border and right off Interstate 15, it’s an easy stop for road trippers traveling between Glacier National Park, Great Falls, and Alberta. You’ll find classic grain elevators, long freight trains rolling past, and sunsets that seem to stretch across the entire horizon. Despite its size, Shelby offers a handful of attractions worth a detour. The city’s history comes alive at the Marias Museum of History & Art, where exhibits tell stories of homesteaders, rail workers, and the town’s surprising claim to fame: the 1923 Dempsey–Gibbons world heavyweight boxing championship held here. Around town, you can follow historic markers, view public murals, and stroll the quiet main street for a glimpse of small-town Montana life. Shelby is also a convenient base for outdoor exploration. It’s about an hour and a half’s drive from Glacier National Park, making it a budget-friendly alternative to the more expensive park gateway towns. Closer to town, you can enjoy prairie drives, birdwatching near local reservoirs, and big-sky photography at dawn and dusk. Hunters and anglers often use Shelby as a launch point for trips into the surrounding plains and river country. Travelers will find practical amenities right off the interstate: several motels, gas stations, diners, and cafés that serve hearty, no-frills meals. The town hosts occasional community events and fairs, especially in summer, when you’re likely to find a rodeo, a car show, or live music at the local park. Come to Shelby expecting simple comforts, wide spaces, and a taste of authentic northern Montana.

About the destination: Calgary, Alberta's largest city, is a product of oil culture, and is situated where the prairies end and the foothills begin. Calgary is located about an hour’s drive east of the front ranges of the Rocky Mountains. And, despite the fact that Alberta is considered a prairie province, the city is moderately hilly. Boasting a modern skyline with diverse architecture, Calgary is a great urban city with opportunities for dining, shopping and entertainment. Considered to be a national historic site, the City Hall, a magnificent sandstone structure, was constructed in 1911, in place of an earlier wooden structure. Constructed in 1968, the iconic Calgary Tower is one of the tallest structures in Canada. At the top, you are treated to an excellent view of Calgary. Located outside of Calgary, Banff National Park is spread over a massive area, and offers spectacular mountain scenery. Friendly, relaxed, bustling and laid back, Calgary balances the modern and the traditional with pioneer charm.