Best hard trails in Germany

Popular, multifaceted circular hiking trail in the Bavarian Prealps, Bavaria. The Herzogstand is no ordinary mountain peak; it has royal roots. For a long time, it was a favourite destination for kings, including the infamous King Ludwig II. However, it got its name from Duke Wilhelm IV, who hunted in the area in the 16th century. The Herzogstand is located high above Lake Walchensee, the deepest Alpine lake in Germany. The hike begins in the beautiful village of Walchensee, near Kochel am...

The path to the Kehlsteinhaus offers a unique insight into the interplay of nature and history in the Bavarian Alps. From the lower car park, visitors can follow trails that have drawn people to these heights for generations. Along the way, the air is crisp, and the scenery shifts from dense green forests to open, rocky slopes where alpine flowers bloom in the warmer months. Once at the top, the building stands as a rare example of architecture from a difficult era and now serves as a place...

Popular hiking trail with great views in Werdenfesler Land, Bavaria. The 2,962-meter-high Zugspitze is a mountain of superlatives. As the highest elevation in Germany, you have an unbelievable 360° panoramic view of the surrounding Alpine landscape from the summit. This route begins south of Garmisch-Partenkirchen and leads through the Partnach Gorge to the Reintalangerhütte. Up to here, the ascent is still relatively easy. From the Reintalangerhütte, it becomes quite steep and technically...

This route leads to the Höllentalangerhütte and is a fantastic destination for families who love the mountains. Sure-footedness and a head for heights are essential on this route. The German Alpine Club’s hut, which is open seasonally, is a good starting point for experienced mountaineers wishing to climb the summit of the Zugspitze via the Höllental route. The Höllentalangerhütte is open from May to October, weather permitting. Caution: Care should be taken if there is snow at higher...

Natural Black Forest gourmet trail in the Middle Black Forest, Baden-Württemberg This route is a certified premium hiking trail starting at the train station in Ottenhöfen in the Black Forest (accessible by bus and train). Hikers can expect a very varied circular route, which has a lot of special features in store, from the Edelfrauengrab waterfalls to the Getränkebrunnen in the Göttschlägertal. Hikers who are sure-footed and have a head for heights can climb a section of the Karlsruher...

Varied circular hiking trail in the Ammergau Alps, Bavaria. The Kramerspitz is located north of the city of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Let's start at the "Zur Maximilianshöhe" car park. The Kramerplateauweg leads to the Kramersteig. The route is relatively demanding, with climbing/scrambling passages. The effort is rewarded with a fantastic view of the Bavarian Alps. This popular route requires a sure-footedness, a good fitness level and a head for heights. This route can be walked all year...

Panoramic circular hiking trail in the Bavarian Alps, Bavaria. This quite sporty round south of Kochel am See captivates with magical views over the Bavarian Alps, the Kochelsee and Walchensee. From the starting point, it first goes in the direction of Walchensee, along whose beautiful shores the path runs for some time. The route continues through picturesque forest and up to the Jochberg, from where on a clear day you can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view stretching far into the Alps. All...

Popular circular route in the Wetterstein Mountains, Bavaria. This great hike leads from Hammersbach, south of the climatic health resort of Grainau, through the Höllentalklamm to Höllentalangerhütte and back via the Stangensteig. Magnificent waterfalls and rock tunnel systems make the route an adventurous experience. The path is accessible by bus and train. There are places to stop. The entire path is very rocky, so good shoes, preferably ankle-high, are advisable. Highlights: - Gorge...

Popular hike in the Allgäu High Alps nature reserve, Bavaria. This is a short hike in the Allgäu High Alps with great views. The Gaisalptobelweg trail leads from Reichenbach to the Lower Gaisalpsee lake. Hikers are accompanied by the babbling Gaisalpbach stream and several waterfalls. On the way back, we recommend taking a break at the Gaisalpe mountain inn (seasonal refreshment stop). Highlights of the hike: - Stop off at the Gaisalpe mountain inn - Lower Gaisalpsee - Path along the...

Popular, panoramic hiking trail in the Bavarian Pre-Alps, Bavaria. The route is quite challenging, but very varied and a real classic; hikers are rewarded with magnificent views of the Alpine foothills and its lakes as well as the Wetterstein mountains and Zugspitze towards the Alps. The starting point for this route is a paid car park at the Herzogstandbahn, from where the trail is marked with a yellow sign. First head towards Herzogstand. The Herzogstandhaus (note opening times) is a...