Hiking in Germany – The Most Beautiful Regions and Routes
Published on: October 9, 2020
By AlexandraEverything you need for your hiking vacation in the relaxing nature
Yes, even us at JoinMyTrip know that traveling this year probably did not look the way we imagined it in our wildest dreams (or nightmares). The coronavirus has put a damper on our plans and cancelled many festivals, beach vacations, or trips to faraway places for a lot of us. But this is no time to be sad. Hiking in Germany in the most beautiful routes has a lot to offer as well. With the right planning & fun travel partners, you will still have a great autumn.
One activity that should not be missed is hiking. Germany belongs to one of the countries where hiking is a very popular pastime activity. Hiking can give you that great feeling of freedom, you usually have great views while being in the middle of nature, and you are doing something for your health. All in all; a really great leisure activity. Especially for this autumn with all of the new safety regulations, hiking is just perfect; it is also fun in small groups, you are in the fresh air while everyone is together. You can’t get friends and family excited about it? No problem, at JoinMyTrip you will find the right hiking travel partners.
In this blog, you will find our top locations for hiking in Germany, some useful tips and a packing list. Whether you are an experienced hiking professional or simply a beginner, with this information you will be well prepared for your German hiking adventure.
The best destinations
Hiking in the Allgäu
Because of its unique landscape, the Allgäu is the hotspot for hiking in Germany for many people. Especially the “Wandertrilogie Allgäu” is a popular destination for tourists from abroad. This network of hiking trails spans a total of 876 kilometers and is divided into three different routes. You can decide whether you want to take the demanding route or the more relaxed route. But no matter which route you choose, you will certainly encounter the beautiful nature of the Alps which is an absolute must if you are hiking in the mountains of Germany.
Hiking in the Black Forest
In the southern German low mountain range, there are about 24,000 kilometers of hiking trails just waiting to be discovered by you. This is a perfect place for everyone wanting to enjoy hiking, whether professional or amateur. Here there are even the ‘gourmet trails’, which deal with different topics of enjoyment, such as wine or beer. Each of these trails have been awarded a hiking seal of the German Hiking Institute for Premium Trails.
Hiking along the Rhön
The Rhön should definitely be on your list of places in Germany where you should definitely go hiking. The varied landscape, which impresses with its moors, river valleys, mountain meadows and mountains, extends over an area of 180 kilometers in total. If you like, you can also hike on paths that are a little more relaxed, the so-called Extraroute. These circular routes start from parking lots and can be hiked in one or half a day.
Are you already inspired? Plan your next hiking tour with JoinMyTrip now and get to know great people along the way.
The best hiking trails in Germany
Eifelsteig
On a 313-kilometer-long trail, the dreamlike volcanic landscape, the high moorland of the Hohes Venn and the volcanic Eifel region stretches out. The main attraction here is a 30-meter-long suspension bridge that lies over the constantly flowing water.
Moselle trail
A unique hiking experience awaits you on the Moselle trail. Over a 365 kilometer long path, which can be divided into 24 stages, the Moselsteig is probably one of the best hiking trips, not only in Germany but in all of Europe. While you are here, don’t forget to drink the delicious wine you can buy at the numerous local wineries. Because what could be better than sitting together with your travel partners after a hard day’s ”work” and sipping a cold glass of wine.
Goldsteig
The Goldsteig hiking trail is one of the most popular hiking trails in Germany. It leads from Marktredwitz to Passau and is the longest certified hiking trail in Germany. It connects the two low mountain ranges Oberpfälzer and Bavarian Forest. The bizarre granite rocks at the Dreisessel will be the highlight of your hike.
Hiking in the low mountain range
The area of the Westhessisches Bergland extends over 310 km. While you hike in this area, keep an eye out for the castles and small buildings that can be discovered. In case you are not up for walking all the way, you can take the Burgwald cable car between Marburg and Frankenberg.
Albsteig
The Albsteig, is for many Germans, the most beautiful hiking trail in the country. There are numerous castles and palaces along its 350 kilometers, which provide the perfect backdrop for great photos. The Urach waterfall and the stalactite cave are the highlights of this hike, but the views are simply beautiful.
No matter which hiking trail you choose, cool Travel Buddies are waiting in the JoinMyTrip community to rock your hiking boots with you. You decide, post your hiking trip and become TripLeader or join a planned adventure as a TripMate.
Further important information for hiking in Germany
Calculate length and gradient
For beginners; less is more. Often people get carried away because they don’t realize how difficult the route really is. Eight to ten kilometers are enough to get you started. It is often better to start with smaller distances and then walk a little more each time… Until one day you become an absolute hiking pro.
Take enough food & drink with you
Hiking can be quite strenuous, so it is important to take enough food and drink with you. It is an absolute must that you have breakfast beforehand and to take carbohydrate-rich snacks with you on the way. You should take a break every two hours where you are able to eat and rest. The most important thing is to drink regularly, preferably every 15 to 30 minutes. This way your hiking crew will arrive at their destination healthy and happy.
The best time for hiking in Germany
In Germany, the best months for hiking are spring and autumn as the temperatures are not too hot. If you feel like hiking in the snow, there are also many hiking regions with special winter hiking routes, which allows you to have fun even in the thickest snow. But hiking alone is only half as much fun as it is in a group of like-minded people. JoinMyTrip offers you the perfect platform for this: Plan your next hiking trip or join one and experience a great autumn despite the coronavirus. Curious? Then take a look at JoinMyTrip and find your next hiking vacation buddy.
Packing list for hiking in Germany
We have written a small packing list for you so that you don’t forget anything important when hiking in Germany:
General things:
Filled drinking bottle
Hiking poles
Compass
Map
Flashlight & Batteries
GPS device
Lighter
Pocket knife
Clock
Camera
Binoculars
Provisions
Clothing/ Equipment:
Hiking boots/hiking shoes
Trekking Pants
Fleece sweater/fleece jacket
Rain jacket/rain pants
Hiking socks
Sunglasses
Headgear
Spikes for shoes
Miscellaneous:
Wound ointment
Sun cream
Mosquito & tick protection
Personal medications
Wound and blister plasters
First aid kit
We hope that our blog will help you when you start to plan your next hiking trip. You don’t always have to get on a plane and travel far away to have a great experience. Despite Corona, we are sure that you will have a lot of fun together as Germany also offers great destinations and activities, which we can experience together with great travel buddies.
With JoinMyTrip you can plan your hiking tour, but you don’t have to fix a date yet. It is super easy to get to know other hiking fans and to connect with them. Find your next hiking tour on JoinMyTrip or offer one yourself as TripLeader.
Maybe you can combine your hiking vacation with other destinations. That’s why in our blog we have collected the most beautiful places in Germany you should definitely visit this autumn.
Or, get some inspiration from our other blogs:
coolest brewery tours in Germany