As you walk through Germany’s mountain regions, you’re embarking on an unforgettable journey through nature’s wonders and adventures waiting at every turn. The Bavarian Alps, the Black Forest, and the Harz Mountains unfold before you with trails for every level of hiker—from easy paths that meander through alpine meadows and past crystal-clear mountain lakes to challenging treks leading you to rugged peaks with breathtaking panoramic views. Each season transforms the landscape into a new masterpiece, offering you a unique experience every time you visit. Along your journey, you’ll encounter quaint mountain villages, historic castles, and traditional alpine huts where you can pause to savor local delicacies. With a well-organized network of clearly marked paths and the option for guided tours, you’re assured a safe and deeply rewarding exploration of Germany’s majestic mountainous terrain.
Walking in the The Allgau (The Allgäu Alps)
One of the characteristics of the Allgäu Alps is that many of the mountains have grassy slopes on one side and craggy rock faces on the other. This type of landscape can primarily be found around the village of Oberstdorf, Germany’s most southerly community, which is at the heart of the Allgäu’s most-visited hiking area. Oberstdorf is a great place to base your visit, as is the Kleinwalsertal (an enclave in the Walser Valley between Austria and Germany and only accessible through Germany). Both of these places offer a great range of hiking trails at varying altitudes. Walking routes are well-marked and plentiful and if it’s something more challenging you’re after, you can take your pick between the Fellhorn, Höfats or Daumen Ridges, which all offer stunning summit hikes.
Walking in The Bavarian Forest
For an active and peaceful time out: choose a walking holiday in the pristine wooded mountains of Central Europe’s largest forest. A paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and lovers of nature, the Bavarian Forest is criss-crossed by hundreds of kilometres of superbly marked walking trails. The hills and mountains of the Bavarian Forest are fairly modest and so the walking is relatively gentle. The highest mountains in the region are Mt. Arber (1,456m/4,777ft) followed by Mt. Rachel, Mt. Lusen, Mt. Falkenstein and Mt. Dreisessel (1,300m/4,256ft–1,450m/4,757ft).
Walking in The Bavarian Alps
Although Southern Germany’s small slice of the European Alps offers few peaks that compare in height to some of those in neighbouring Austria, the scenery is no less rewarding for walkers and hikers. The highest main summits in Germany’s Upper Bavaria are Mt. Zugspitze (2,962m/9,718 ft), Mt. Hochwanner (2,746m/9,009 ft) and Mt. Watzmann (2,713m/8,900 ft). Numerous walking trails criss-cross the region, from gentle walks and rambles around the lake to exhilarating mountain climbs. And, easiest of all, you can take one of the many cable cars and follow the signed paths to where only the tinkling of cowbells stirs the silence. Scenic highlights include the stunningly picturesque and pristine Lake Königssee in Berchtesgadener Land; the beautifully wild Breitach, Partnach and Höllental gorges; and the rack-railway trip to the summit of Mt. Zugspitze.
Walking in the The Allgau (The Allgäu Alps)
One of the characteristics of the Allgäu Alps is that many of the mountains have grassy slopes on one side and craggy rock faces on the other. This type of landscape can primarily be found around the village of Oberstdorf, Germany’s most southerly community, which is at the heart of the Allgäu’s most-visited hiking area. Oberstdorf is a great place to base your visit, as is the Kleinwalsertal (an enclave in the Walser Valley between Austria and Germany and only accessible through Germany). Both of these places offer a great range of hiking trails at varying altitudes. Walking routes are well-marked and plentiful and if it’s something more challenging you’re after, you can take your pick between the Fellhorn, Höfats or Daumen Ridges, which all offer stunning summit hikes.
The mountains and lakes may be what draw most people to the region, but there is a whole lot more waiting to be discovered in the Allgäu. Ancient ruins, castles and churches, diverse wildlife, a charming ‘old-world’ culture with delicious culinary delights waiting to be sampled….what’s not to like here?
Walking in The Black Forest
The Black Forest enjoys more hours of sunshine per year than any other part of Germany and is blessed with a healthy snowfall most winters, making it a year-round holiday destination. From early May to October, the area becomes a haven for walkers, and just about every corner of this region is worth spending time in.
The Black Forest offers an incredible 20,000km (12,427mi) of well-signposted trails which afford walkers some wonderful sights and viewpoints that often cannot be accessed by car, including castle ruins and waterfalls. For those looking for a more demanding hiking experience, there are plenty of long-distance trails waiting to be discovered as well.
Walking in Rhine Valley & Mosel Valley
The Rhine Valley and the Mosel Valley are now widely regarded as one of the finest hiking destinations in Germany with their extensive premium walking trails which all follow the high-quality standards stipulated by the German Hikers Association.
The famous “Rheinsteig” long-distance trail, running along the eastern bank of the Rhine for 320km (199 miles), features spectacular views across the wonderful Rhine scenery.
Another popular long-distance hike, situated in the Mosel Valley is the “Moselhöhenweg” (Mosel High Route), which runs along both sides of the river for 390km (242 miles). Those who venture away from the river banks will be rewarded with some superb vistas; well worth the sometimes steep climbs involved. One of the great things about this walk (and many others in the region) is that you can take a boat trip in one direction and a walk in the other. During the walking season, from April to October, there are a number of scheduled boat shuttle services between each of the main villages.
Walking in Saxon Switzerland & National Park
Millions of years ago, Saxon Switzerland was carved into labyrinths of stone after volcanic eruptions forced up the bed of a prehistoric lake. The River Elbe and its tributaries cut the ensuing chalky sandstone bed into a bizarre assembly of soaring pinnacles, mesas and rock buttresses – creating a very attractive and varied walking experience, full of enchanting trails, rock castles, lookout points, caves, rock steps and even some Via Ferrata-like iron ladders.
For decades, the area was isolated in a remote corner of eastern Germany but it is now a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. It offers 1,200 km/720 miles of waymarked paths and trails, hundreds of miles of cycling routes, the mighty River Elbe, and a wealth of flora and fauna, although a large part of it is protected as the Saxon Switzerland National Park.
Walkers will discover that signposts indicate walking times, as opposed to distances, due to frequent changes in altitude. Those who tackle the narrow paths, steep climbs, ladders and crevices to reach the top of the table mountains will be rewarded with spectacular views. Just be sure to wear very sturdy boots!
