Heat free in Germany
6 refreshing hikes by the water
© Jacob Lund / Adobe Stock
Do you need to cool down and love nature? Fresh gorges, calm lakes, clear rivers and the sea will cool you down on these six hiking tours with guaranteed refreshment.
There are countless hiking trails along the water in Germany – ideal for anyone who wants to pursue their hobby even in the summer heat. Gorges through which roaring water makes its way, crystal-clear rivers, lakes and the Baltic Sea make it possible to exercise and refresh yourself at the same time. Here are six tours throughout Germany that we particularly like.
6 refreshing hikes by the water
1. Fairytale Forest Rügen (4 km) © Michael / Adobe Stock
Walk along a path through an enchanting beech forest and see the Baltic Sea glittering between the trunks: This is possible in Rügen’s fairytale forest on the Wittow peninsula between the rainbow camp near Nonnevitz and the Müllerrinne stream. It’s back on the long sandy beach – with a picnic and swimming stops.
info: Drive to Schwarbe, then continue towards the coast and park.
2. Höllental Gorge (11 km) © Zugspitz Region
Shady and refreshing: Between two mountain ridges, the roaring Hammerbach has dug a deep gorge in the mountain – small waterfalls alternate with rock pools and tunnels in the rugged mountains. Cool temperatures prevail in the gorge even in midsummer, and the water drips from the rock faces. Therefore, rainproof clothing is recommended even on dry days.
info: The starting point is the Hammersbach hiking car park. From there, a one-hour forest path leads to the entrance of the Höllentalklamm; Crossing it takes around 45 minutes.
3. Hellbach Valley (11 km) © franziskahoppe / Adobe Stock
In the hidden Hellbachtal south of Mölln there is a whole chain of lakes – with Lottsee, Krebssee and Schwarzsee. Along the three lakes it goes through shady swamp forests, moors and wet meadows. You can swim at many hidden bathing spots.
info: Start at the hiking car park at the north or south end of the Grüsensee. Marked with a yellow silhouette of a bird and a blue crescent moon, the routes are 11 and 14 kilometers long.
4. Isar nature adventure trail (7 km) ©PR
On the approximately two-hour Isar nature adventure trail, hikers can learn a lot about the flora and fauna of the river. Barefoot path, tree telephone and various water games make the path an experience for children too. You can cool down along the entire hiking trail on the flat banks and swimming areas of the turquoise-green Isar.
info: Start and finish of the circular tour: Krün town center
5. Six Lakes Plateau (up to 25 km) © Thomas / Adobe Stock
Wambachsee, Masurensee, Böllertsee, Wolfssee, Wildförstersee, Haubachsee: In the middle of the Ruhrpott, the Six Lakes Plateau near Duisburg forms a gigantic glittering expanse of water – green islands included. A hiking trail runs along the banks, white triangles mark the route. You can cool off and have an ice cream at the Wolfssee outdoor pool with its white sandy beach.
info: The starting point for the 25 kilometers of hiking trails is Mühlheimer Strasse opposite the Duisburg Zoo.
6. Around the Staffelsee (22 km) © The Blue Land / Wolfgang Ehn
The Staffelsee with its seven islands is surrounded by an impressive mountain panorama. Widely known as a bathing lake because of its pleasant water temperature, it also offers pedal boat and rowing boat rentals. The Staffelsee can also be circumnavigated on a 22-kilometer hiking trail. There are several bathing spots along the way to cool off. If it gets too long for you: the hike can be shortened with a boat trip.
info: The hike starts at the Staffelsee outdoor pool in Murnau.