Germany has several top downhill ski destinations, but Skilanglauf (cross country skiing auf Deutsch ) is also a popular activity. Most downhill resorts offer some cross country trails, but some places are much better than others. And if you travel in the summer, many of these places double as great hiking trails.
After consulting with some local experts, I have put together a guide to cross country skiing in Germany.
Cross-country skiing in the Alps
The obvious answer when looking for mountains in Germany is the Alps. This spectacular mountain range is a great attraction for downhill skiers and landscape hunters. However, they are not necessarily the best location for cross country trails.
Your best options for cross-country skiing in the Alps include:
- Oberstdorf : This former site of the Nordic World Championships, this location still offers world-class cross-country skiing. There is a modern track system and optimal snow conditions. There are ten cross-country ski trails at different levels with multiple lanes and multiple entry / exit points. Coaches are available for beginners with various trails that challenge more advanced skiers.
- Schwangau : Having nothing in the landscape, you can ski directly below the picturesque Neuschwanstein Castle. What better way to get a unique look at one of the most visited places in all of Germany?
- Oberammergau – The site of last century’s Passion Play, the trails of the Ammergau Alps are a great winter attraction along with the nearby Ettal Monastery (and brewery) and Linderhof Palace. It is also home to the König Ludwig Volkslauf event.
- Mittenwald – Located along the Austrian border, there is a network of trails leading to Seefeld. The crowds are generally light and the views and skiing are as impressive as the more popular areas. Make sure to stop in the small town, as it is the essence of gemütlichkeit (German charm).
- Ruhpolding / Reit im Winkl – These are just two of a number of towns in the Chiemgau region that are perfect for cross-country skiing. This is the site of the World Cup biathlon competitions, as well as many good amateur trails.
- Garmisch-Partenkirchen : The focus in Germany’s main ski resort is indeed the downhill variety. However, it has several kilometers of trails through the country and its many accommodations make it a good base for Oberammergau and Mittenwald.
Cross-country skiing in Mittelgebirge
The Mittelgebirge offers less dramatic bottoms than the Alps with its hills instead of death-defying drops, but that really suits cross-country skiing. Snow can also be better as the trails are actually at a higher elevation. And unlike in the Alps, the services are geared towards cross-country skiers with better rental equipment, lessons, and supplies.
Your best options for cross-country skiing in Mittelgebirge:
- Mittelgebirge Erzgebirge / Vogtland / Klingenthal : Within this region of the Saxon Highlands and Highlands there is a huge network of well-maintained trails. From here, skiers can even cross to the Czech Republic.
- Harz : These are the closest mountains to much of northern Germany, which means you may have to fight crowds. Schierke, at the foot of the Brocken (or Blocksberg), Göslar and Braunlage are some of the best places.
- Thüringer Wald – Places like Oberhof were the DDR’s elite training site and still host World Cup biathlon and cross-country competitions. A professional indoor ski room is open to the public. Entirely dedicated to cross-country skiing, the area features miles of trails like Rennsteig, Germany’s oldest long-distance trail.
- Schwarzwald : There are trails all over picturesque Black Forrest when the weather cooperates. The best trail is the Black Forest High Road, where the reliability of the snow is practically guaranteed at an altitude between 700 and 1164 meters. There is also a connection to the Nordschwarzwald trail.
- Bayrischer Wald – Once again, along the borders of the Czech Republic, the Bavarian Forest is full of mountains, valleys, lakes and nature reserves.
- Rhön : Volunteers maintain several trails around the Wasserkuppe mountain. Ideal for a day trip from Würzburg, this is the perfect excursion for a relaxed trip.
This guide to cross country skiing in Germany helps identify the top destinations, but each one is at the mercy of the weather. Germany is not the best place to ski in Europe simply because it doesn’t always snow enough to make it worth it. In warm winters, focus on areas with high elevation and prepare to turn cross-country skiing into a hike.
