It doesn’t take long to realize that Germans are crazy about hiking. No matter that most live in apartment buildings in sprawling cities, they are forest people, just waiting for their chance to escape to the forest.
The country is covered by more than 200,000 kilometers of well-maintained and accessible trails. In the Alps, many of these roads were originally used for seasonal cattle drives or by the army. But today’s visitors, led by the Deutscher Alpenverein (German hiking association), vary in ages, skill levels and nationalities. Whether they lead to the highest peaks or through picturesque valleys, here are the top 9 hikes in Germany.
Herzogstand a Heimgarten
This hike up the ridge will make you feel on top of the world, with views to prove it. Although you will not be alone. It is one of the most popular walks, not only in the area, but in all of Germany.
As you exit the parking lot, you slowly ascend through the thick forest. The trees fall over and eventually, it emerges atop the ridge at Herzogstand with panoramas of interlocking lakes from Walchensee to Staffelsee to Starnbergersee to Kochelsee to Ammersee on its way to Heimgarten, the highest point in this direction. A cross marks the summit.
This hike is not recommended for acrophobes (people who fear heights) as hikers watch the trail drop on both sides of the trail. But on clear days, you can see Munich, 70 km away!
Too tired to go down (or up)? The Herzogstandbahn cable car takes you directly to the top. And if you want to avoid the crowds, visit in winter when the cable car is closed.
Hiking information for Herzogstand to Heimgarten
- How to get there : three main trails: Ohlstadt, Eschenlohe and Walchensee. The latter is the most popular with the trailhead at the Herzogstandbahn parking lot.
- Difficulty : moderate. The hike takes around 3 hours, but the hike up the ridge is only 2 hours.
- Equipment : enough water for a day trip, waterproof clothing, and sunscreen as there is little protection from the elements.
- Open : This very popular mountain is visited throughout the year. In winter, there may be ice or avalanche closures.
- Map : Herzogstand a Heimgarten Loop Map
Painter’s path
Located in Saxon Switzerland south of Dresden, the Malerweg translates to ‘The Painter’s Way’ … which really comes as no surprise once you see it. This impressive 112 km (69.5 mile) trail within the Elbe Sandstone Mountains has inspired artists for centuries and is one of the most scenic hiking trails in all of Germany.
The area’s popularity increased in the 18th century when the abstract 1,106 freestanding sandstone peaks attracted curious visitors. Romantic artists such as Johann Carl August Richter, Johann Alexander Thiel, and Caspar David Friedrich have visited and helped popularize the site through their work.
The hike is divided into eight one-day stages of approximately 17 km (10.5 miles) each. This means you can take a day hike or go on an ambitious week-long journey through table mountains and narrow gorges.
The most popular section is the second stage where the Bastei Bridge majestically crosses the rock. Built in 1824, the picturesque bridge overlooks the Elbe River and leads to the fortress town of Hohnstein. This section is only 13 km (8.1 miles) but it rises steadily. Also, keep in mind that you must travel through narrow cave tunnels to reach the Polenztal Valley.
For those who are dissatisfied with just walking among the rocks and need to conquer them, there are 21,000 different climbing routes.
Hiking information for the painter’s path
- How to get there : starts in Pirna / Liebethal, or you can choose which stage and take the train to that city from Dresden’s Hauptbahnhof (main central station). Travel to Stadt Wehlen to start the second stage.
- Difficulty : Different stages offer different levels of difficulty, although no area is too difficult for a moderate day hike.
- Equipment : Bring waterproof gear and some food and water, but there are plenty of opportunities to refuel. Hiking poles can help you navigate steep slopes. Accommodations are available at the end of each stage and elegant travelers can even transfer their bags between hotels.
- Open – Idyllic hike all year round, only closed during heavy snowfall, black ice, or after heavy rain.
- Maps : Routes available online or in your brochure.
Partnachklamm
Beneath the highest mountains in Germany, one of the best hikes takes you to a low level. The Partnachklamm Gorge separates Garmisch from Partenkirchen and the trail travels 700 meters (2,305 feet) between 80 meter (262 feet) high limestone walls. Here, visitors can walk among the waterfalls, until winter, when these frozen waters flow into impressive stalactites that fit into a frozen castle.
This is an extremely popular hike, so expect crowds rushing through narrow hallways. You can even organize guided hikes such as romantic torchlight walks, or continue to the next location …
Hiking information for Partnachklamm
- Address : Ludwigstraße 47, 82467 Garmisch-Partenkirchen
- How to get there : A pedestrian road leads here from the Olympic Stadium.
- Difficulty : easy and accessible for all levels. The gorge is about 30 minutes from the parking lot, and the walk takes about 40 minutes.
- Equipment : waterproof shoes and a light jacket in summer. In winter, dress warmly.
- Admission : 3 euros
- Open : May-June and October 8:00 – 18:00; July-September 8:00 – 19:00; November-April from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Brochure and map in English
Hike to the king’s house
The only way to get to the Königshaus am Schachen (King’s House in Schachen) is by completing a 10km walk, 3-4 hours, at 1,800 meters above sea level.
Those up to the challenge are rewarded with the lodge of a king – King Louis II of Neuschwanstein fame to be exact. Built between 1869-72, this cozy palace is rustic, resembling a Swiss chalet rather than a fairytale kingdom. But visitors only need to look at the Zugspitze to find themselves in an otherworldly realm of beauty. Just below, the Alpengarten auf dem Schachen is an alpine botanical garden with more than 1,000 species of plants from the Alps to the Himalayas.
Inside, the lower half of the Königshaus is intricately paneled, but above, the incredible Türkische Saal (Turkish Room) transports you to a much more exotic time and place. All gilding, stained glass, peacock feathers and rich embroidery are a cacophony of riches. Ludwig II celebrated his birthday here every August 25, complete with servants stationed around the room in oriental costumes as tableaux vivants (‘living image’).
Hiking information for the King’s House hike
- Address : Linderhof 12, 82488 Ettal
- How to get there : well-marked trails from Partnachklamm or Schloss Elmau.
- Difficulty : Long day trip, it is a moderate level hike but suitable for everyone from active kids to seniors.
- Equipment : trekking poles and hiking shoes. Bring enough water to sustain you during the hike.
- Admission : 4.50 euros
- Open : early June to October (depending on snow conditions). German tours at 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM.
- : Route map of the area and route to Partnachklamm or Schloss Elmau
Heath Lueneburg
Naturpark Lüneburger Heide is Germany’s oldest nature park with trails spanning its 1,130 square kilometers (440 square miles). Nestled between Hamburg, Bremen, and Hannover, picturesque thatched-roof villages dot the landscape with dense pine forests, green meadows, and colorful heather.
Visit in late summer to wrap yourself in purple as lilacs take over the park. Heidschnucken , a local moor sheep, naturally maintains the landscape and is the name of the 223-kilometer (138-mile) route connecting the northern and southern moorlands, Heidschnuckenweg.
When walking through Lüneburger Heide, stop at the modest Wilsede hill. At only 169 meters high, it offers panoramic views of the area.
Hiking information for Lüneburg Heath
- How to get there : starts in Hamburg-Fischbek and ends in Celle.
- Difficulty : 14 stages divide the route, with most sections flat and easy.
- Equipment : walking shoes, a jacket and water.
- Open : all year
- Maps : available at tourist offices around Celle
Rheinsteig
The Rheinsteig traces the longest river in Germany from Bonn, the former capital of West Germany, to Wiesbaden. Past castles, forests and vineyards, this route is divided into 21 stages for a total distance of 320 kilometers (198 miles).
Hiking information for Rheinsteig
- How to get there : from the Wiesbaden-Biebrich train station, follow the path that leads to the Rheinsteig trail through the castle grounds.
- Difficulty – Total distance is for experienced hikers only, but casual hikers can easily get on a stage or two. The total ascent is 11,500 meters.
- Equipment : good walking shoes and supplies to last the entire trip.
- Open : all year
- Map
Hiking hut in Germany
A truly German experience is ending a day of hiking with a stay in an alpine hut. These rustic accommodations are a common place to recharge and share experiences on hearty German meals (look bewirtschaftet), a beer and a game of cards.
These humble mountain residences mean you don’t need to carry your house on your back and introduce yourself to the local hiking community. They’re also pretty cheap, usually € 18 for a bed in the dorm (DAV membership offers deep discounts). Some offer small private rooms.
In particular, look for S ennalpen (alpine dairy farms) and enjoy fresh dairy products straight from the mountains.
Tips for hiking in German huts
- Looking for a place to stay? DAV has 200 listings for cabins in Bavaria alone. However, the site is only in German.
- Some places supply blankets, others don’t. A sleeping bag liner can help you feel more comfortable.
- Bring your own towels and expect limited laundry facilities.
- After a day of hiking, the boots are left outside. Hausschuhe (slippers) are borrowed or brought.
- The cabins are generally open from June to September.
Berchtesgaden
Berchtesgaden is often synonymous with its most famous sight, Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest. But the city itself is worth a visit, and the Berchtesgaden National Park offers miles of trails centered on Watzmann Mountain.
Among the many walks you can take:
- Mount Watzmann – Germany’s third highest mountain offers serious rock climbing. Watzmann Haus at 6,332 feet above sea level is a great destination or refueling point. Built in 1888, this hostel is one of the tallest hotels in Europe.
- Königssee: At the base of Watzmann, it depends on a ferry to get across the lake, but once you cross the waters, you can take a 30-minute walk to the beautiful Obersee (with a stop at the ice cave), then continue to Röthbach waterfall: the highest in Germany. Or you can take the Königsseer Fußweg from behind the Berchtesgaden train station along the Königgsseer Ache to the lake.
- Almbachklamm (Almbach Gorge) – Accessible only in summer, start at Kugelmühle and take the path through the gorge past precipitous waterfalls. There are options to make this climb shorter (about 1.5 hours) or longer (3 hours to the Ettenberg pilgrimage church).
Hiking information for Berchtesgaden
- How to Get There: Berchtesgaden is well-connected by road and train.
- Difficulty: To ascend Watzmann, you should be fairly fit and skilled. The north approach is easier than the east face. The other hikes range from easy to moderate.
- Gear: Bring waterproof gear as the weather changes quickly. Cables and other permanent fixtures help climbers top Watzmann.
- Open: Year-round
- Map: Berchtesgaden National Park Map
German Border Trail
For almost 40 years, Germany was divided, split by a mighty wall and an even stronger government regime. Today, the Wall has fallen and those nostalgic (or just curious) about the border can walk where it once ran.
Called innerdeutsche Grenz, Zonengrenze or das grüne Band (green belt), it is the longest nature sanctuary of Germany. Composed of 1,393-kilometer (865 miles), the route is marked with reminders of what once stood, from memorials to remnant of fortifications. It starts along the Baltic coast in Usedom Nature Park to Lübeck, continuing along the Elbe, then east to Wolfsburg, through Harz nature park, Rhön Biosphere Reserve, by the cross of peace on the Dachsberg hill, on the former border strip between Bavaria and Thuringia, past the Thuringian-Frankish mountains, by the divided village of Mödlareuth, and then crossing into Czech Republic.
Hiking Info for German Border Trail
- How to get there : Join the route from Lübeck to Mödlareuth
- Difficulty : most of the hike is flat, although doing the entire route would require a lot of stamina.
- Gear – Waterproof gear and supplies for the time you plan to be away. Accommodation is available in many cities.
- Open : all year
