Trekking in Germany: The best routes for adventurers

ByTravesía Pirenaica
Berchtesgaden, Germany / Photo: Felix Mittermeier (unsplash)
Berchtesgaden, Germany / Photo: Felix Mittermeier (unsplash)

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Germany is a paradise for trekking and nature lovers. With a diversity of landscapes ranging from rugged mountains to serene coastlines, this country offers trekking routes for all levels of experience. Here are some of the highlights that, in my experience as a trekking and mountaineering expert, should not be missed.

1. 66 Lakes Trail

Technical specifications:

  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Length: 416 km
  • Unevenness: 151 m
  • Recommended time: Spring and autumn

The 66 Lakes Trail is a hidden gem near Berlin. This circular trail runs through the Brandenburg region, passing 66 lakes, rivers and wetlands. Ideal for those looking for a city break close to the city, you can return to the centre of Berlin in less than an hour from many points along the way. In addition to its natural beauty, the route offers a rich cultural offer, including palaces such as the Sanssouci Palace in Potsdam.

2. Baltic Sea Coast Hiking Trail (E9)

Technical specifications:

  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Length: 387 km
  • Unevenness: 47 m
  • Recommended time: Summer

The Baltic Sea Coast Hiking Trail is perfect for sea lovers. It stretches from Travemünde to Ahlbeck, passing through picturesque Hanseatic towns such as Wismar and Stralsund. Hikers can enjoy walks through pine forests, yellow rapeseed fields and fine sandy beaches, ideal for a dip in the sea.

3. Goldsteig Trail

Technical specifications:

  • Difficulty: High
  • Length: 660 km
  • Unevenness: 1,441 m
  • Recommended time: Spring to autumn

The Goldsteig Trail is the longest certified hiking trail in Germany. It runs through the Bavarian Forest National Park and offers two options: a more challenging one to the north and a more relaxed one to the south. This trail takes you over imposing peaks and allows you to enjoy the famous Bavarian beer and local gastronomy.

4. Harz Witches' Trail

Technical specifications:

  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Length: 94 km
  • Unevenness: 1,028 m
  • Recommended time: All year round

The Harz Witches' Trail is shrouded in myths and legends. It starts in Osterode am Harz and culminates in Thale, passing the mysterious Brocken mountain, known for its stories of witches. This trail takes you through vast peat bogs, wooden bridges and tourist mines, providing a unique trekking experience.

5. Heidschnuckenweg Trail

Technical specifications:

  • Difficulty: Baja
  • Length: 223 km
  • Unevenness: 168 m
  • Recommended time: Summer and autumn

The Heidschnuckenweg Trail is known for its vast fields of heather blooming in a stunning lilac colour. This route in the Lüneburg Heath region is perfect for those who enjoy leisurely walks without steep ascents, through open and picturesque landscapes.

6. Hochrhöner Trail

Technical specifications:

  • Difficulty: High
  • Length: 180 km
  • Unevenness: 876 m
  • Recommended time: Spring to autumn

The Hochrhöner Trail crosses three federal states: Hesse, Thuringia and Bavaria. This route is notable for its unobstructed views and altitudes, which offer breathtaking panoramas. The route includes historic sites and monasteries, adding a cultural touch to the hiking experience (Germany Travel).

7. Painters' Way

Technical specifications:

  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Length: 116 km
  • Unevenness: 562 m
  • Recommended time: Spring to autumn

The Painters' Way in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains is famous for its impressive rock formations and views that inspired Romantic artists such as Caspar David Friedrich. This trail includes challenging sections that require climbing iron ladders and passing through narrow passages, offering a thrilling experience.

8. Rennsteig Trail

Technical specifications:

  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Length: 169 km
  • Unevenness: 982 m
  • Recommended time: All year round

The Rennsteig Trail is a route steeped in history and tradition, with more than 1,300 boundary stones along the way. This trail offers a mix of culture and nature, with options for detours to landmarks such as Wartburg Castle.

9. Rheinsteig Trail

Technical specifications:

  • Difficulty: High
  • Length: 320 km
  • Unevenness: 1,000 m
  • Recommended time: Spring to autumn

The Rheinsteig Trail runs through the romantic Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This trail offers spectacular views of castles and vineyards and is perfect for history and nature lovers.

10. Rothaarsteig Trail

Technical specifications:

  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Length: 154 km
  • Unevenness: 848 m
  • Recommended time: Spring to autumn

The Rothaarsteig Trail is a route for all the senses, offering changing views, dense forests and huge sculptures along the way. With transport services for hikers and comfortable accommodation, this route is ideal for a relaxed trekking experience.

11. Saar-Hunsrück Trail

Technical specifications:

  • Difficulty: High
  • Length: 410 km
  • Unevenness: 900 m
  • Recommended time: Spring to autumn

The Saar-Hunsrück Trail is an exciting trail that connects multiple nature reserves, rivers and impressive rock formations. It offers a mix of culture, history and nature, passing castles and Celtic settlements.

12. Uckermärker Landrunde

Technical specifications:

  • Difficulty: Baja
  • Length: 152 km
  • Unevenness: 136 m
  • Recommended time: Summer

The Uckermärker Landrunde is a quality route offering a close-to-nature experience in the Brandenburg region. Ideal for those looking for an easy and relaxing hike, with opportunities to swim in crystal clear lakes and enjoy the tranquillity of nature.

These trekking routes in Germany offer an impressive variety of landscapes and experiences. From the beaches of the Baltic Sea to the peaks of the Bavarian Forest, there is something for every adventurer. So put on your boots, load up your backpack and get ready to discover the natural and cultural wonders that Germany has to offer!

Germany's most impressive trekking and mountaineering sites

You can enjoy hiking in the mountain ranges Germany:

  • Elbe Sandstone Mountains
  • Arnspitzgruppe
  • Bábaros Alps". 
  • Bavarian Forest
  • Taunus mountain range
  • Dün
  • Fichtelgebirge
  • Harz
  • Hunsrück
  • Jura Bavaro
  • Swabian Jura
  • Jura Francon
  • Kaiserstuhl
  • Kellerwald
  • Bohemian Massif
  • Jura Massif
  • Sauerland
  • Franconian Forest
  • Oden Forest
  • Black Forest "
  • Westerwald
  • Wiehengebirge