Best hard trails in Bavaria

The trail to the Kehlsteinhaus offers a unique glimpse into the interplay of nature and history in the Bavarian Alps. From the lower parking lot, visitors can hike along paths 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 during the warmer months. Once at the top, the building stands as a rare example of architecture from a difficult era and now serves...

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 favorite 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...

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 trail. The German Alpine Club’s seasonally staffed hut is a good starting point for experienced mountaineers looking to climb the summit of the Zugspitze via the Höllental route. The Höllentalangerhütte is open from May to October, depending on weather conditions. Caution: Exercise caution if there is snow at higher...

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...

Varied loop 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 round...

Panoramic loop 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 in all, there...

Popular loop 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 River - Hell...

Popular hiking trail with great views in the Bavarian Prealps, Bavaria. The route is quite demanding, but very varied and a real classic; Hikers are rewarded with great views of the foothills of the Alps and its lakes, as well as towards the Alps of the Wetterstein Mountains and Zugspitze. The starting point for this route is a paid car park at the Herzogstandbahn, from where the route is marked with a yellow sign. It goes first in the direction of Herzogstand. The Herzogstandhaus (observe...

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 Berggasthof Gaisalpe (seasonal refreshment stop). Highlights of the hike: - Stop off at the Gaisalpe mountain inn - Lower Gaisalpsee - Path along the...

Panoramic 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...