Regarding outdoor activities, Germany doesn’t immediately come to mind. The country is more famous for its beer gardens, Alpine lagers, and fairy-tale castles than its forests and peaks. However, it will all change with the growing popularity of hiking in Germany. To say that Bavaria has breathtaking natural landscapes worldwide would be an understatement. From snow-capped peaks to lush green valleys and everything in between, you won’t find a more idyllic place to hike. So if you’re thinking of planning your next vacation around these magnificent trails, here are some of the fantastic places to hike in Bavaria:
The Bavarian Forest
The Bavarian Forest is a region that straddles the border between Germany and the Czech Republic. You can find some of the country’s most famous hiking trails here, which cover more than a million hectares. In English, the Höhenweg is the most famous of these trails. At a distance of around 72 km, it is the longest waymarked trail in the whole of Germany. The trail winds through a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers hikers breathtaking views of the Bohemian Forest. The Höhenweg Trail into two sections – the northern and southern tracks. If you want to hike the High Way Trail, you’ll need a week or more to complete it.
The Bavarian Alps
The Bavarian Alps are the southernmost section of the Alpine Mountains and are famous worldwide for their picturesque peaks and glaciers. Perhaps the most iconic trail in the Bavarian Alps is the “Wandern ist Weiss” trail, so named for the white colour of the traditional hats Bavarian mountain climbers wear. This challenging trail is a 27 km hike through some of the most lovely landscapes in Germany. It takes you from the shores of Lake Königssee to the top of Germany’s highest mountain, the Zugspitze. You’ll need to be prepared with appropriate hiking gear and the right fitness level to hike this trail. However, the rewards are worth the effort, with simply astonishing vistas.
Füssen and the Hohenreschen Road
The Hohenreschen Road is a hiking trail in Bavaria that runs from Füssen to Munich along the River Danube. Hikers can choose from three stages of the course and can even pick and choose which sections to walk. One of the most exciting sections of the Hohenreschen Road is the “Felsenweg,” or the “Rock Path” in English. This trail is a 3.7 km walk through a section of the Hohenrechen Gorge that is rich with rock formations and waterfalls. The trail follows a disused road built in the 19th century and is a unique experience from start to finish.
Rosenheim and the Walchensee
Rosenheim is one of the most beautiful towns in southern Germany and is a perfect gateway to the nearby Walchensee. The city is enveloped by stunning landscapes and is best known for its Blue Pond. This pond gets its name from the lovely shade of blue it often turns and is lined with a stunning promenade that makes for the perfect place to walk, jog or take a stroll with friends. Once you’ve explored the town, it’s time to get your hiking gear and venture out to the nearby Walchensee. This lake is one of the largest in southern Germany and is surrounded and enveloped by the stunning Alpine landscapes that make this region unique. It’s the perfect place to embark on a hike and is great for all skill levels.
The German Alpine Club Tafelwand Stübe
If you’re looking for a challenge, look no further than the German Alpine Club Tafelwand Stübe. This daring trail takes hikers up and around the sheer face of Germany’s tallest mountain – the Zugspitze. At an insane 2,700 meters above sea level, this trail is not for the fearful and is restricted to those in top physical condition. However, People who are successful enough to reach the top receive differently. The reward of a unique view stretches from the Swiss Alps in the South to Austria in the North.
Conclusion
Bavaria is a land of fairy-tale castles, German beer gardens, and, most importantly, dramatic landscapes waiting to be explored by avid hikers. While there are many excellent trails throughout this region, the Bavarian Alps and the Bavarian Forest are arguably the best places to hike in Bavaria. These incredible trails offer something for everyone, from adventurous rock climbers to those who prefer a stroll in the woods. After walking, you can head to one of the many gardens and celebrate this fantastic experience with a cold drink.