Hiking vacation in Germany: These are the most beautiful long-distance hiking trails

Hiking vacation in your own country. Does that sound boring? Are you kidding me? Are you serious when you say that! Because there is a lot to offer on German long-distance hiking trails: from unique landscapes to outdoor experiences with thrills to cultural highlights along the routes. Whether for just one day, several days or even for weeks – we present seven trails, from the far north to the deep south, on which you can experience the magic of walking and a dream vacation with a health booster.

1. Bavaria: Altmühltal-Panoramaweg

Hiking through a fairytale world: the 200-kilometer Altmühltal Panorama Trail leads through the Altmühltal Nature Park, one of the largest in the republic. 15 daily stages lead from Gunzenhausen via Eichstätt to Kehlheim. Hikers cross gently undulating plateaus, beech forests and juniper heaths of the southern Franconian Jura.

Along bizarrely shaped white limestone rock formations it goes to spectacular viewpoints. This also includes the famous Danube breakthrough “Weltenburger Enge”. The route also leads past palaces and castles, historic towns and testimonies to Roman and Celtic history. Because of its diversity and beauty, the Altmühltal-Panoramaweg is one of the “Top Trails of Germany”, the most beautiful long-distance hiking trails in Germany. That is why the readers of “trekking” magazine voted him second in 2021.

2. Bavarian Alps: Maximiliansweg

Royally through the Bavarian mountains from Lake Constance to Königssee: The 360 ​​kilometer long Maximiliansweg is named after King Maximilian II, the father of the Bavarian fairy tale king Ludwig II. The monarch embarked on this journey in 1858 – on horseback, but even the king walked some passages.

The dream path runs along the border between Bavaria and Austria and lives up to its name as the king of mountain and long-distance hiking trails through the German Alps. In 22 stages it goes through the Allgäu, the Ammergau and the Chiemgau mountains. Over ridges, ridges and peaks.

The highest point is at 1796 meters, the deepest at 397 meters. The 22,600 meters of ascent and descent also suggest that the Maximiliansweg is demanding. It is only suitable for sure-footed, experienced hikers in good physical condition. The route is hard to beat in terms of scenic beauty and sights along the way such as Neuschwanstein Castle, Linderhof Castle and rustic mountain huts for overnight stays.

3. Baden-Württemberg: Black Forest Schluchtensteig

Adventure trail in the highest part of the southern Black Forest: the 119 kilometer long Schluchtensteig lives up to its name. The six stages lead through deep gorges, over narrow trails, past thundering waterfalls and up to the steep mountain slopes of the Southern Black Forest Nature Park. The route is demanding and in parts looks alpine, which is why you should be sure-footed, in good physical condition and have a head for heights.

But the reward for a total of 3179 meters of ascent and 3291 meters of descent makes up for every effort: the view from the Krummenkreuz summit at 1148 meters, the path around the deep blue Schluchsee, the high moors, gorges and impressive gorges such as the Wutach Gorge or the Haslach and Hohwehraschlucht. No wonder why the Schluchtensteig has been recognized as a quality hiking trail “Hikable Germany”.

4. Harz: Hexen-Rose

Crossing the Harz with devils and witches: The Harzer-Hexen-Stieg stretches with a total length of 97 kilometers from west to east across the entire Harz and the Harz National Park. The seven stages through the northernmost low mountain range in Germany lead from Osterode over the Brocken to Thale – past forests, gorges, steep cliffs, high moors that are thousands of years old and medieval half-timbered towns.

One of the highlights on the long-distance hiking trail is the legendary Brocken with its 1141 meters. Many a hiker is said to have seen dancing devils and giggling witches there – not only on Walpurgis Night.

What is special about the hiking trail, which has been certified as a “quality trail” by the German Hiking Association, is that each stage has a different theme. This ranges from old trade routes to water management and mining regions. The Hexen-Stieg can be walked in both directions, as well as only in individual stages that take between three and seven hours.

5. Saxony, Thuringia, Bavaria: Kammweg

One of the oldest hiking trails in Europe leads through the Ore Mountains: the Kammweg. Over a length of 285 kilometers, it runs through dense forests between the three federal states of Saxony, Bavaria and Thuringia. From Altenberg-Geising in Saxony there is a total of 17 stages through the Thuringian Vogtland to Blankenstein in Bavaria.

Along the way, hikers marvel not only at rare plants and animals, but also toy makers, incense candle manufacturers, palaces, castles, baths, summer toboggan runs and two narrow-gauge railways. The level of difficulty is given as “medium”. Entry is possible anywhere. The Kammweg is one of the “Top Trails of Germany”.

6. Brandenburg: Märkischer Landweg

Straight through the sparsely populated Uckermark: the Märkische Landweg promises 217 kilometers of undisturbed and romantic hiking pleasure without major inclines. It leads in ten stages through the Uckermark Lakes Nature Park, the Schorfheide-Chorin Biosphere Reserve and the Lower Oder Valley National Park. This is Germany’s only floodplain national park.

Here in the northeast of Brandenburg, only an hour’s drive from Berlin, wild and romantic watercourses and glittering lakes alternate with forests and idyllic villages. Peace and untouched nature give the Märkischer Landweg its special charm. The long-distance hike starts either in Feldberg or Fürstenberg.

7. Lower Saxony: Heidschnuckenweg

Highlight in the far north: The Heidschnuckenweg from Hamburg-Fischbek to Celle is the republic’s northernmost long-distance hiking trail. In late summer – from the beginning of August to mid-September – the common heather turns it into a sea of ​​purple flowers.

Because the 13 stages of the 223-kilometer route meander through 30 heather areas that shine in all shades of purple. The play of colors with the rich green of the juniper bushes and the silvery white of the birch trees is overwhelming. This spectacle is only possible because thousands of heather sheep are kept here and take care of nature.

The Nordic short-tailed sheep with silver-gray fur and black bib can be observed along the way. The route is also suitable for inexperienced hikers. It’s mostly flat, the highest point is the Wilseder Berg at 169 meters. The sections, between seven and 27 kilometers long, can also be walked individually. At the Trekking Award 2021, the Heidschnuckenweg was awarded third place in the category “The most beautiful long-distance hiking trails”.