The 10 most beautiful hiking routes in Germany
Perfect for beginners
Want to get out into nature, but don't want to tackle miles of high-altitude treks? No problem! These ten hiking routes are perfect for you. The tours are easy to manage and easily accessible – yet still offer breathtaking landscapes and peaks, special places, small adventures, and truly feel-good moments. Ideal for day trips and weekend getaways – without the stress of hiking, but don't forget your hiking boots!
Partnach Gorge near Garmisch-Partenkirchen (Bavaria)
Experience the power of nature up close
Mountains, water, rock, and light combine here to create a natural spectacle you'll never forget. The Partnach Gorge is a wild gorge through which the water thunders its way. You'll hike along steep rock faces via secured walkways, hiking trails, and tunnels—and find yourself right in the middle of Bavaria's natural cinema.
🗓️ The best season for a hiking tour is spring to autumn (April to October, winter hiking partly possible)
📍 Directions & Parking: Parking at the Olympic Ski Stadium Garmisch-Partenkirchen, from there about a 20-minute walk to the gorge
Hike on the Malerweg Stage 1 (Saxony)
Elbe view and sandstone magic in Saxon Switzerland
A path straight out of a picture book: gentle climbs, bizarre rock formations, and constant views of the sparkling blue of the Elbe River. This section of the famous Malerweg is easy to walk – and rich in views that once inspired Caspar David Friedrich.
🗓️ Best time of year: May to October
📍 Directions & Parking: S-Bahn to Pirna, starting point in the Obervogelgesang district; parking on the banks of the Elbe
Circular trail around Lake Eibsee (Bavaria)
Emerald green and Zugspitze view
Lake Eibsee is one of Germany's most beautiful lakes – and you can walk around it in comfort. The hiking trail is flat, well-maintained, and offers postcard-perfect views at every turn: crystal-clear water, small islands, and reflections of the Zugspitze in the lake.
🗓️ Best time of year: All year round, especially beautiful in early summer and autumn
📍 Directions & Parking: Large parking lot directly at the Eibsee in Grainau, also accessible by cog railway from Garmisch
Treetop Walk Bad Wildbad (Baden-Württemberg)
The Black Forest from a bird's eye view
Hike high above the treetops – no climbing gear required. The gently sloping walkway leads you through the treetops of the Black Forest to a spectacular observation tower with panoramic views over green hills and dense forests.
🗓️ Best season: Spring to autumn, also suitable for winter in snow
📍 Directions & Parking: Parking in Bad Wildbad (parking garage at the train station), from there with the Sommerbergbahn to the mountain station
Devil's Gorge & Irrel Waterfalls (Rhineland-Palatinate)
Between rocks and fairytale forest
A mystical place with tremendous energy: Here you'll hike through narrow crevices, over mossy stones, and past rushing waterfalls. This short loop is an adventure for the senses—and perfect for nature lovers with little hiking experience.
🗓️ Best season: Late spring to autumn, non-slip footwear in wet weather
📍Directions & Parking: Parking directly at the Teufelsschlucht Gorge near Ernzen (Teufelsschlucht Nature Park Centre)
Sea of rocks near Lautertal-Reichenbach in the Odenwald (Hesse)
Wildly romantic and unexpected
The Felsenmeer (Sea of Rocks) in the Lautertal Valley is an impressive natural monument with enormous, often moss-covered boulders stretching across the hillside. A well-marked circular hiking trail leads through this area and offers insights into the geological history of the Odenwald.
🗓️ Best season: Spring to autumn
📍Directions & Parking: Parking is available in the area of the Felsenmeer Information Center in Lautertal-Reichenbach.
Circular trail around Lake Schaalsee (Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania)
Natural idyll between north and east
The Schaalsee is a real insider tip. Surrounded by untouched nature and rare bird species, the circular trail invites you to a peaceful, quiet hike. Ideal for those seeking tranquility and enjoying the view over shimmering water.
🗓️ Best season: Spring to late autumn
📍 Directions & Parking: Parking in Zarrentin am Schaalsee (e.g. Schaalseeforum car park), bus connection from Ratzeburg
Red wine hiking trail near Dernau (Rhineland-Palatinate)
Between vines and views
Pleasure hiking par excellence: In the vineyards of the Ahr Valley, you can stroll leisurely along sunny paths with views of the Ahr Valley. Along the way, small wine-growing villages invite you to stop for a break. This is a truly enjoyable experience, especially in autumn, when the leaves glow golden.
🗓️ Best season: Spring to autumn, especially during the grape harvest in September/October
📍 Directions & Parking: Dernau train station, hiking parking spaces available in the village
Hiking to the Externsteine (North Rhine-Westphalia)
Prehistoric times meet view
A mystical place in North Rhine-Westphalia: The Externsteine rise from the ground like a rock cathedral – and you can walk around and climb them. The short circular trail leads past a lake and through sparse forests. History, nature, and magic all in one.
🗓️ Best season: Spring to autumn
📍 Directions & Parking: Externsteine car park in Horn-Bad Meinberg
Ladder to Heaven & Philosopher's Walk Heidelberg (Baden-Württemberg)
Romance with a view
A classic with charm: From the Neckar River, the natural stone steps lead up to the Philosopher's Walk, offering one of Germany's most beautiful views. The effort is minimal, but the reward is spectacular.
🗓️ Best time of year: March to October
📍 Directions & Parking: Heidelberg Old Town, parking garage P12 Kornmarkt; or by bus to the valley station of the cable car
What you shouldn’t miss on hiking trips
Even for short and easy hikes, it's worth being prepared. To ensure you enjoy your trip without worry, we recommend packing the following items:
- Water (approx. 0.5–1 L depending on the length of the hiking trails)
- Sunscreen or alternatively a light hat
- A mobile phone for orientation, emergencies or photos
- A small travel guide or a route map with sights
- Snacks , e.g. muesli bars or fruit
- Sunglasses for clear vision in bright weather
- A light jacket or sweater in case it gets cold
- Optional: a small blanket for a cozy rest in the countryside
To ensure you can transport everything safely and comfortably, you naturally need the right daypack – functional, durable, and stylish.
Our best backpacks for day trips
Whether it's a forest trail, a coastal path, or a panoramic tour – with these handmade backpacks made of canvas and leather, you'll be perfectly equipped:
Henry – A true icon: The classic mountain backpack made of canvas and leather.
Henrietta – The feminine version of Henry with a special charm.
Wyatt – For those who need a little more space on hiking trips – thanks to the roll top, flexible in volume.
Adam – Robust, weatherproof and multifunctional – perfect for every national park
You can discover all backpacks here .
