Best backpacking trails in Bavaria
4.2(4,320 reviews)
Explore the most popular backpacking trails in Bavaria with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you.
Top trails
- 4.8 (412)·Hard·15.2 miPopular 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...
- 4.7 (194)·Hard·5.6 mi·Est. 4–4.5 hrPopular 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 Berggasthof Gaisalpe (seasonal refreshment stop). Highlights of the hike: - Stop off at the Gaisalpe mountain inn - Lower Gaisalpsee - Path along the...
- 4.6 (230)·Hard·5.1 mi·Est. 3.5–4 hrPanoramic hike in the Berchtesgaden National Park, Bavaria. This hike begins at the foot of the Jenner at the valley station of the Jennerbahn and leads in part steeply up to the mountain station of the lift of the same name. Alternatively, you can also take the cable car to the summit of the Jenner and then follow the hiking route downhill. The path leads through picturesque alpine landscapes with wonderful views of the Königssee and the surrounding Berchtesgaden Alps. Following the...
- 4.7 (108)·Hard·10.4 mi·Est. 8–9 hrStage 1 of the Zugspitz Tour via Reintal, Bavaria. Numerous routes lead to the Zugspitze, with its 2962 m above sea level the highest mountain in Germany. The ascent through the Reintal (Route A) is the easiest, but also the longest of the Zugspitze tours. The hike is usually done in two daily stages. The scenic first stage runs from Garmisch-Partenkirchen along the Partnach and through the Reintal to the Reintalangerhuette (book accommodation in advance). There are no technically demanding...
- 4.8 (95)·Hard·4.7 mi·Est. 4.5–5 hrStage 2 of the Zugspitz Tour via Reintal, Bavaria. This is the second stage of the ascent to the Zugspitze from Garmisch-Partenkirchen via the Reintal (Route A). Even if this route is considered the easiest of the Zugspitze tours, the final ascent to the summit of Germany's highest mountain should not be underestimated. From the Reintalangerhuette you hike through partly exposed, rope-secured, fall-prone, stony terrain and overcome almost 1600 meters in altitude within a short distance. The...
- 4.7 (145)·Strenuous·7.3 miPopular, adventurous hiking trail with via ferrata near Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Bavaria. This classic ascent to the Zugspitze (2,962 m / 9,718 ft) through the Höllental valley is an extensive, high-alpine undertaking that requires technical equipment and expert knowledge. Hikers must carry crampons, an ice axe, a via ferrata set and a helmet and be proficient in their use, as the route presents a combination of hazards. The route leads through the dramatic Höllental Gorge before crossing the...
- 4.7 (120)·Hard·10.9 mi·Est. 7.5–8 hrExciting circular hiking trail in the Franconian Forest, Bavaria. This hike in the district of Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a real excursion into nature. This moderate to difficult circular tour begins and ends at the Kreuzeckbahn valley station (Garmisch Partenkirchen). Alternatively, you can also start at the Hammersbach car park, which shortens the route. In addition to the magnificent views along the route, you will also pass an exciting gorge, the "Klamm", which is subject to a fee. It is...
- 4.8 (80)·Hard·15.5 miThis stunning trail is located in the Schachen and Reintal Nature Reserve and starts at the Garmisch-Partenkirchen parking lot, right next to a train station. It winds through breathtaking natural scenery and ends at the Zugspitze (2,962 m). From the starting point, the trail climbs steadily all the way to the Zugspitze. The route follows the Hoher Weg trail past the Kochelberg-Alm and the Partnachalm. The Partnach River runs parallel to the trail, following the route all the way to the...
- 4.7 (51)·Hard·5.7 miStage 1 of the long-distance hiking trail Watzmanntour, Bavaria. This route forms the first day of the demanding Watzmann tour. It begins in Königssee and leads steadily uphill to the Watzmannhaus. You can park in the city's large parking lot (subject to a fee). It is also possible to arrive by bus or train. The path first leads over the wooden bridge, pass before taking the Falzsteig towards the Kührointalm and the Kührointhütte b the Watzmannhaus. This rocky climb secured with steel cable...
- 4.8 (64)·Hard·10.6 mi·Est. 6–6.5 hrScenic hike in Berchtesgaden National Park from Wimbachbrücke, Bavaria. This route offers a great natural experience, with the road leading over the considerable debris flow of the Wimbach Valley. In contrast to Königssee in the parallel valley, a debris flow emerged here. From the Wimbachbrücke car park (charges apply), you head towards the managed Wimbachgrieshütte. Almost the entire time, the route follows the Wimbachweg uphill. Asphalt, gravel, and forest paths alternate. Shortly after...
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Frequently asked questions
What national parks in Bavaria have backpacking trails?
Hikers on AllTrails.com recommend several popular national parks in Bavaria. Berchtesgaden National Park is home to 21 backpacking trails with an average 4.0 star rating from 529 community reviews. Bavarian Forest National Park has 8 backpacking trails with an average 4.4 star rating from 30 community reviews.
What is the longest backpacking trail in Bavaria?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest backpacking trail in Bavaria is Fernwanderweg Fränkischer Marienweg. This trail is estimated to be 1,194.3 mi long.
Which backpacking trail has the most elevation gain in Bavaria?
Bavaria: With an ascent of 154,780 ft, Fernwanderweg Fränkischer Marienweg has the most elevation gain of all of the backpacking trails in the area. The next highest ascent for backpacking trails is Traumpfad: Munich - Venice with 76,791 ft of elevation gain.
What is the most popular and difficult backpacking trail in Bavaria?
The most popular and difficult backpacking trail in Bavaria is Zugspitze from Garmisch-Partenkirchen Via Ferrata with a 4.8-star rating from 412 reviews.
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- Via Alpina Yellow Trail - B40 : Kemptner Hütte - Oberstdorf
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