Top 5 spots for hiking in Germany
Top 5 spots for hiking in Germany
Germany is criss-crossed by more than 200,000 kilometres of well-maintained and accessible hiking trails. In the Alps, many of these trails were originally used for seasonal cattle drives or by the army. Whether they lead to the highest peaks or through picturesque valleys, here are the top 5 hiking routes in Germany:
- Herzogstand to Heimgarten
On this hike over mountain ridges you will feel like you are on top of the world It is one of the most popular hiking trails, not only in the area, but in all of Germany.
When you leave the car park, you slowly climb up through the dense forest. Gradually the trees become thinner and finally you emerge at the top of the ridge at Herzogstand. A breathtaking view of the lake variety Walchensee, Staffelsee, Starnbergersee, Kochelsee and Ammersee awaits you on the way to Heimgarten, the highest point on this route. A cross marks the summit.
This hike is not recommended for acrophobics (people with a fear of heights), as hikers have to watch out for the slope on both sides of the path. On clear days you can even see Munich, 70 km away, from this height!
Too tired for the descent (or ascent)? The Herzogstand cable car takes hikers directly to the summit. And if you want to avoid crowds, take this hiking route in winter when the cable car is closed.
Hiking information for Herzogstand to Heimgarten
- Start: There are 3 main routes from Ohlstadt, Eschenlohe or Walchensee. The latter is the most popular with the starting point at the Herzogstandbahn car park.
- Level of difficulty: moderately difficult. The hike takes about 3 hours, but the ascent to the ridge only 2 hours.
- Equipment: enough water for a day trip, waterproof clothing and sun protection as there is little protection from the elements.
- Opening hours: This very popular mountain is visited all year round. In winter there may be ice or avalanche closures.
- Map : Herzogstand a Heimgarten Loop Map
Malerweg
Located in Saxon Switzerland, south of Dresden, lies the beautiful Malerweg. This impressive 112 km long "path of the painters" in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains has inspired artists for centuries and is one of the most beautiful hiking trails in all of Germany.
The popularity of the area increased in the 18th century when the abstract 1,106 freestanding sandstone spires attracted curious visitors. Romantic artists such as Johann Carl August Richter, Johann Alexander Thiel and Caspar David Friedrich visited the area and contributed to its popularisation through their works.
The hike is divided into eight daily stages of about 17 km (10.5 miles) each. So it is possible to do an inspiring day hike or embark 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 and leads to the fortified town of Hohnstein. This section is only 13 km long, but it climbs steadily. B
For those who are not satisfied with just walking among the rocks and prefer to conquer them, there are 21,000 different climbing routes.
Hiking information for the Malerweg
- Arrival: Start in Pirna / Liebethal for the first stage and start of the one-week tour. Travel to the town of Wehlen to start directly with the second stage.
- Difficulty: The different stages offer varying degrees of difficulty, although no area is too difficult for a moderate day hike.
- Equipment: Bring waterproof clothing, food and water. There are also plenty of opportunities to rest. Walking poles can help you overcome steep slopes. Accommodation is available at the end of each stage and comfortable travellers can even have their luggage transferred between hotels.
- Open : Idyllic hike all year round, closed only in case of heavy snowfall, black ice or after heavy rain.
- Maps : Routes available online
Partnachklamm
Below Germany's highest mountains, one of the most beautiful hikes takes you between rock crevices. The Partnachklamm gorge separates Garmisch from Partenkirchen and the path leads 700 metres between 80-metre-high limestone walls. Here, visitors can hike between the waterfalls even in winter, when they are frozen into impressive stalactites.
You can even organise guided walks such as romantic torchlight hikes.
Hiking information for the Partnachklamm
- Address: Ludwigstraße 47, 82467 Garmisch-Partenkirchen
- Directions: A pedestrian path leads here from the Olympic Stadium.
- Level of difficulty: easy and suitable for all levels. The gorge is approx. 30 minutes from the car park, the walking time is approx. 40 minutes.
- Equipment: Waterproof shoes and a light jacket in summer. In winter you should dress warmly.
- Admission: 3 euros
- Open: May-June and October 8am-6pm; July-September 8am-7pm; November-April 9am-6pm.
- Map in English
Lüneburg Heath
The Lüneburg Heath Nature Park is the oldest nature park in Germany and covers an area of 1,130 square kilometres. Nestled between Hamburg, Bremen and Hanover are picturesque thatched-roof villages with dense pine forests, green meadows and colourful heather.
Visit the park in late summer to wrap yourself in various shades of the colour purple when the lilacs have taken over the area. The Heidschnucken, a native moorland sheep, naturally tend the landscape and are the namesake of the 223-kilometre Heidschnuckenweg, which connects the northern and southern moorland areas.
If you are hiking through the Lüneburg Heath, you should stop at the modest Wilseder Anhöhe. At only 169 metres high, it offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the area.
Hiking information for the Lüneburg Heath
- Directions: Starts in Hamburg-Fischbek and ends in Celle.
- Difficulty: 14 stages divide the route, with most sections being flat and easy.
- Equipment: hiking boots, a jacket and water.
- Open: all year round
- Maps: available online
Berchtesgaden
Berchtesgaden is often synonymous with its most famous sight, Hitler's Kehlsteinhaus. But the town itself is also worth a visit, and the Berchtesgaden National Park offers kilometres of hiking trails around the Watzmann.
A suggestion for many hikes you can do:
- The Watzmann - the third highest mountain in Germany offers great climbing opportunities. The Watzmann Haus at 6,332 feet above sea level is a great destination or place to rest. Built in 1888, the hostel is one of the highest hotels in Europe.
- Königsee : At the foot of the Watzmann, you need a ferry ride to get across the lake. But once you have crossed the lake and enjoyed a boat ride with panoramic views, you can take a 30-minute walk to the beautiful Obersee (with a stop at the ice cave), then on to the Röthbach waterfall: the highest waterfall in Germany. Or you can walk along the Königsseer footpath from Berchtesgaden along the Königsseer Ache to the lake.
- Almbachklamm - Only accessible in summer, starts at the Kugelmühle and takes the path through the gorge past steep waterfalls. There are options to make this climb shorter (approx. 1.5 hours) or longer (3 hours to the Ettenberg pilgrimage church).
Hiking information for Berchtesgaden
- Directions: Berchtesgaden is well connected by road and rail.
- Level of difficulty: To climb the Watzmann, you should be reasonably fit and experienced. The north approach is easier than the east face. The other hikes range from easy to moderately difficult.
- Equipment: Take waterproof equipment with you, as the weather changes quickly. Ropes and other permanent devices help climbers to climb the Watzmann.
- Open : All year
- Map: Berchtesgaden National Park Map