Best dog-friendly trails in Germany

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...

This route is stage 2 of the Malerweg, a long-distance trail through the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. This segment leads from Stadt Wehlen across the world-famous Bastei to Hohnstein. Highlights include the iconic Bastei Bridge with expansive views, Lake Amsel, and the spectacular Wolf's Gorge (Wolfsschlucht) in the Polenz Valley before the path ends at Hohnstein Castle. Overnight stays are available in guesthouses and hotels in Stadt Wehlen or Hohnstein; camping is prohibited within the...

Family-friendly loop hiking trail in the North Palatinate Uplands, Rhineland-Palatinate This easy but varied hike leads from Landstuhl to the ruins of Nanstein Castle and the Roman ruins of Heidenfelsen. Starting from Landstuhl, the stairs at the community center are the starting point, from where it goes through the Landstuhler Bruch to Nanstein Castle, the landmark of the Sickingen town of Landstuhl, which can be seen from afar. On the way, the route passes the "Herrengärtchen" viewpoint,...

Wild and romantic loop in the Sauerland, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany This beautiful route is one of the most spectacular in the Sauerland! In this wildly romantic valley, it suddenly looks like you're in another world. In the shape of a figure eight, a landscape full of bizarre beauty can be experienced here. At the beginning, the route follows the Rothaarsteig long-distance hiking trail for a short distance, before later passing through the Helletal valley, where steep rock faces and...

Popular loop hiking trail near Todtnau, Baden-Württemberg. This circular route leads to one of the highest natural waterfalls in Baden-Württemberg. The short but idyllic circular hike guides along picturesque meadow paths to the Todtnauer waterfall, the church of St. Johannes Baptiste and the glass-blowers court in Aftersteg. There are always fantastic views along the way. Highlights of the hike: - Chapel of Saint Anna - Waterfall - Glassblowing courtyard

Varied loop from Mittenwald in the Alpenwelt Karwendel. This is a very nice and not demanding tour. It goes parallel to the mountain railway on the Hohen Kranzberg, the way back is via Ferchensee and Lautersee. There are numerous huts and places to stop for refreshments on the round. The hike is also suitable as an easy winter hike that can be done without snowshoes. ------------------------------ Accessible by bus and train

Popular loop trail near Mittenwald, Bavaria. This is a delightful hike near Garmisch-Partenkirchen. It leads around two lakes, where you always have the Karwendel and Wetterstein mountains in view. The many places to stop and rest along the lakes always invite you to linger. The Lautersee in particular is characterized by particularly clear water, as it is mainly fed by underground springs. It also owes its name to this property, because "Lauter" means so much as clear, pure. Both lakes are...

This route is stage 1 of the Malerweg, a long-distance trail through the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. This section leads from Pirna-Liebethal to Stadt Wehlen. The path follows the Wesenitz River through the romantic Liebethaler Grund, passing the Richard Wagner Monument, and continues through the Uttewalder Grund with its famous rock gate. Overnight stays are available in guesthouses in Stadt Wehlen; camping is prohibited within the national park. Potable water should be carried or refilled at...

This route is stage 3 of the Malerweg, a long-distance hiking trail through the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. This section leads from the castle town of Hohnstein to Altendorf. Highlights include the famous Brandaussicht viewpoint, offering sweeping views over the Polenztal valley, and the descent via 800 steps into the Tiefen Grund. The trail continues through the wild and romantic Kohlichtgraben and along the Sebnitz River to the end of the stage. Overnight stays are available at guesthouses...

Popular, multifaceted hiking trail near Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia. This is a varied and entertaining route through the beautiful Rotthäuser Bachtal nature reserve, very close to the town. It goes along fish ponds and extensive reed areas, through species-rich flora and rocky landscape on the steep eastern slope. In the vicinity of water bodies and wetlands, the path is sometimes muddy and there are occasional steep climbs, which is why sturdy shoes are recommended. Highlights of...