Explore Germany through these 6 amazing hikes

The rolling hills and scenic valleys of Germany have long been traversed by both locals and visitors seeking breathtaking views and invigorating fresh air.

Prepare for a journey to this stunning country, and you'll quickly understand why. From the serene forests of the legendary Black Forest to the charming breezes along the Baltic coast, Germany offers some of the most diverse and attractive hiking experiences in Europe.

The excellent infrastructure certainly enhances the experience. The German Hiking Association (Deutscher Wanderverband, or DWV), comprising over 70 hiking and mountaineering organizations, takes great care in maintaining its 150 long-distance trails, alongside countless shorter paths. These well-kept and clearly marked routes create a vast network that exceeds 200,000 km (124,275 miles).

While it’s difficult to single out the absolute best among these treasures, we've selected six of our top choices. The longer, multi-day hikes can easily be divided into shorter, manageable sections.

1. Wutachschlucht Trail

Ideal for gorge exploration 13 km (8 miles), 3–4 hours, easy

The vibrant Wutach River in Baden-Württemberg has carved out this charming gorge walk in the High Black Forest. Towering rock faces reaching up to 170 m (558 ft) create a unique microclimate, supporting rare ferns, orchids, lizards, and butterflies.

Instead of tackling the entire rugged 119 km (74 miles) of the gorge, opt for a more relaxed hike on this shorter stretch from Schattenmühle, a former mill turned cozy hotel, to Wutachmühle, a log cabin offering refreshments and hearty meals. Schattenmühle is just a 30-minute walk south of Göschweiler, a southern area of Löffingen, close to the Swiss border.

2. The Rennsteig

Best historical hike in Germany 169 km (105 miles), 7–10 days, moderate

This ancient ridgetop trail winding through the Thuringian Forest and the Saale River valley is Germany's oldest and most beloved long-distance hike. Designated as a 'cultural monument' in 1999, it has been traversed since at least the 13th century.

The Rennsteig extends from Hörschel near Eisenach to Blankenstein on the Saale, typically completed over seven or more days, and is suitable for hikers of moderate fitness. Marked with unique 'R' signs, it’s best enjoyed in the shoulder seasons of April/May and September/October, when the weather is mild and crowds are lighter. Hikers traditionally take a pebble from the Werra River at the trail's start and toss it into the Saale at the end.

3. The Burgenweg Upper Palatinate

Best for exploring German castles 176 km (109 miles), 9–11 days, moderate to challenging

While there are several Burgenwege (Castle Trails) in Germany, this 176 km route in the northwest offers an exceptional mix of serene beauty and historical sights. Starting near Marktredwitz, it mostly traverses Bavaria’s Northern Upper Palatinate Forest Nature Park, showcasing a wealth of castles along the way.

Among the standout, picturesque ruins along the trail are Burgruine Weißenstein, perched on a 758m (2487ft) rock; Falkenberg Castle, dating back to the 9th century CE; and the 13th-century Trausnitz Castle, which overlooks the town of Landshut on the Isar River.

4. The Jurasteig

Best for experiencing diverse flora and fauna 237 km (147 miles), 13–16 days, moderate to challenging

The gently rolling, forested hills of the Bavarian Jura provide a tranquil backdrop for the Jurasteig (Jura Hiking Trail). Divided into 13 segments of varying lengths and difficulties, the trail winds through a karstic limestone landscape adorned with meadows, pine forests, juniper thickets, and beech groves. There’s a rich variety to explore, with 18 loop trails branching off the main path, perfect for day trips to nearby castles and monasteries dotting the Bavarian Jura.

However, the real treasures of the Bavarian Jura are its rich flora and fauna. Hikers might catch glimpses of falcons, kingfishers, orchids, and Carthusian pinks while traversing the Jurasteig. Kelheim, the starting point of this circular trail, is home to the world’s oldest monastic brewery, Kloster Weltenburg.

5. The Heidschnucken Trail

Best for experiencing flowering heather 223 km (139 miles), 13–15 days, moderate

Considered one of Germany’s most picturesque hikes, the multi-day Heidschnucken trail meanders through the Lüneburg Heath Nature Reserve, stretching from Fischbek in Hamburg to Celle. The Lüneburger Heide represents Europe’s largest contiguous heathland, inhabited by moorland sheep that prevent weeds from overtaking the heather and dotted with spruce, birch, and juniper bushes.

The trail is divided into 13 sections, showcasing charming heath valleys like Totengrund and Radenbachtal, rivers such as the Örtze, and towns including Niederhaverbeck, Oberhaverbeck, Döhle, and Undeloh. The ideal months for hiking the Heidschnucken are August and September, when the heather is in full bloom and the summer warmth still lingers.

6. The Green Belt

Best for exploring German Cold War history 1393 km (866 miles), 8–10 weeks, hard

The German Green Belt (Grünes Band Deutschland) is a remarkable linear nature reserve and walking trail that traces the 1393 km (866 miles) 'Inner Border' that once split East and West Germany during the Cold War. Because this border zone was off-limits, nature thrived along its length, providing living examples of all 146 recognized habitat types in Germany. These habitats are home to rare and endangered wildlife, including otters, wildcats, and short-tailed blue butterflies.

Following the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, the Green Belt was preserved. It stretches from Lübeck on the Baltic Sea to the point where Saxony, Bavaria, and the Czech Republic converge, featuring remnants of watchtowers and fortifications from that dark period. While walking the entire length is a significant undertaking, shorter hikes like the Harz Border Trail, which spans 90 km (56 miles) south from Rhoden to the Borderland Museum in Tettenborn, are more manageable for most hikers.

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