Skip to main content
Back to Explore
Best trails in North Rhine-Westphalia

Best trails in North Rhine-Westphalia

4.1(55,000 reviews)

All photos
Ready to check out the best trails in North Rhine-Westphalia for hiking, mountain biking, climbing or other outdoor activities? AllTrails has 6,354 hiking trails, mountain biking routes, backpacking trips and more. Discover hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. No matter what you're looking for, you can find a diverse range of the best hiking trails in North Rhine-Westphalia to suit your needs. Explore one of 839 family-friendly hikes for a sunny weekend. Check out 23 wheelchair-friendly trails with helpful accessibility guidance. Plan your next outdoor adventure to one of 4,443 routes with waterfalls or scenic views.

Top trails

  1. #1 - Bird Watching Loop: From Vogelsang over the Urftseebrücke

    4.4 (442)·Moderate·7.9 mi·Est. 4–4.5 hr
    Popular loop in the Eifel National Park, North Rhine-Westphalia This route, which is part of the "Tippeltouren Eifel", begins at Vogelsang Castle, where hikers interested in history like to take a look around. From there it leads to the Dreiborn plateau, which offers wonderful panoramic views of the nature of the national park. From there it goes down and a bit through the forest to the Urfttalsperre and along the lake back to the starting point. There is a restaurant at the visitor center...

  2. #2 - Urft Dam and Hirschley

    4.6 (385)·Moderate·6.5 mi·Est. 3–3.5 hr
    Scenic loop in the Eifel National Park, North Rhine-Westphalia This beautiful Eifel hike can be walked in both directions. No matter which direction, one of the most beautiful vantage points in North Rhine-Westphalia awaits! The hike begins at the car park at the Rurberg pumping station, near Paulushofdamm. The dam is crossed and then it goes either to the left steeply up into the forest and to the Hirschley viewpoint or to the right along the banks of the Urft to the Urfttalsperre and from...

  3. #3 - Winterberger Schluchten- und Brückenpfad

    4.4 (343)·Moderate·2.5 mi·Est. 1–1.5 hr
    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...

  4. #4 - Monschau Rur Valley Loop 35

    4.5 (362)·Moderate·5 mi·Est. 2.5–3 hr
    Scenic hike in Monschau, North Rhine-Westphalia. On this route, hikers experience in an impressive way how, in Monschau, town and nature form a harmonious, seamlessly merging unit. Let's start at the Burgau multi-story car park in Monschau. The path is marked with the number 35 and leads through the idyllic Rur valley. Here you can enjoy the views of the former cloth-making town, often referred to as the "Pearl of the Eifel" or "Rhenish Rothenburg". Highlights of the route: - Beautiful...

  5. #5 - Water Landscape Route

    4.6 (235)·Hard·10.5 mi·Est. 4.5–5 hr
    Popular loop route in the Eifel National Park, North Rhine-Westphalia. This scenic tour is all about the water. The starting point is in Einruhr, and it goes through the lush deciduous forests near the banks of the Obersee. After crossing the impressive Urftsee dam, the path runs along the banks of the Obersee in the direction of Rurberg. After crossing the Paulushofdamm, there are cafés and a snack bar in the village. On the lake's western shore, it then returns to Einruhr. If the whole...

  6. #6 - Dörenther Cliffs

    4.6 (287)·Moderate·6.6 mi·Est. 3–3.5 hr
    Popular premium hiking trail in the Teutoburg Forest, North Rhine-Westphalia. The Teutoschleife Dörenther Klippen is a certified premium hiking trail. The sandstone cliffs that give the trail its name, which were formed 140 million years ago as sandbanks and deposits of a primordial sea, tower over 40 meters high and offer a breathtaking view of the entire Münsterland region. Other formations worth seeing along the way are the Dreikaiserstuhl, the Königsstein and the "Das hockende...

  7. #7 - Siebengebirgs Loop: Löwenburg - Drachenfels

    4.6 (284)·Hard·8.9 mi·Est. 5–5.5 hr
    Historic circular hiking trail in the Siebengebirge Nature Park, North Rhine-Westphalia. This varied hike begins in Rhöndorf and leads along narrow paths past two castle ruins - Drachenfels Castle (late 19th century) and Löwenburg Castle (built in the 13th century). The route offers a magnificent view of the Rhine and the surrounding area. There are refreshment stops along the way. From the Ziepchesplatz parking lot, the trail climbs steeply uphill. Some of the paths are quite rooty, which...

  8. #8 - Monschau and Perlenbach Dam

    4.6 (152)·Moderate·7.1 mi·Est. 3–3.5 hr
    Idyllic and scenic loop near Monschau in North Rhine-Westphalia. This idyllic and very varied loop starts at the large Burgau parking lot in Monschau and first leads onto the Eifelsteig trail and, from there, towards Teufelsley and Engelsley. Here, the beautiful views of the valley can be enjoyed. The route then follows hiking trail no—55 to the Perlenbach dam. You return to the starting point of the tour via the Klosterweg. Monschau Castle can optionally be visited at the start or end of...

  9. #9 - Neandertal - Short Loop

    4.6 (260)·Moderate·5.9 mi·Est. 2.5–3 hr
    Instructive, natural loop hiking trail in the Bergisches Land, North Rhine-Westphalia. Aurochs, tarpans, bison, primeval horses - all rare animals that became extinct in Europe hundreds of years ago. Here in the Ice Age game reserve Neanderthal, which is looked after by the Mettmann district, all these animals can be found on an area of more than 23 hectares. Highlights of the hike: - Neanderthal Museum - Rare animal species

  10. #10 - Königswinter - Drachenfels - Milchhäuschen - Hirschburg

    4.6 (201)·Moderate·4.3 mi·Est. 2.5–3 hr
    Panoramic hiking trail in Königswinter, North Rhine-Westphalia. The trail starts at the parking lot in Königswinter. The starting point can also be reached by public transport. This beautiful hike begins with an ascent to Drachenfels Castle near Königswinter. This ascent is rewarded with a magnificent view. From there, the trail continues to the Milchhäuschen, where you can stop for refreshments (note opening times). From there, the route returns past Hirschburg Castle on the Hirschberg. A...
Showing results 1–10 of 6,354
Explore more trails

Frequently asked questions

What national parks in North Rhine-Westphalia have hiking trails?

Hikers on AllTrails.com recommend several popular national parks in North Rhine-Westphalia. Eifel National Park is home to 111 hiking trails with an average 4.2 star rating from 3,222 community reviews.

What are the different types of hiking trails in North Rhine-Westphalia?

There are plenty of things to do on North Rhine-Westphalia's hiking trails. On AllTrails.com, you'll find 3,810 hiking trails, 781 road biking trails, 773 trail running trails, and more.

What is the longest trail in North Rhine-Westphalia?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in North Rhine-Westphalia is From Menden to Schöngau on the Königssee. This trail is estimated to be 934.9 mi long.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in North Rhine-Westphalia?

North Rhine-Westphalia: With an ascent of 84,350 ft, From Menden to Schöngau on the Königssee has the most elevation gain of all of the trails in the area. The next highest ascent trail is Radweg Deutsche Einheit with 62,742 ft of elevation gain.

What is the most popular and difficult trail in North Rhine-Westphalia?

The most popular and difficult trail in North Rhine-Westphalia is Water Landscape Route with a 4.6-star rating from 235 reviews.

Are there camping trails available in North Rhine-Westphalia?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 902 camping trails in North Rhine-Westphalia and the most popular is Bird Watching Loop: From Vogelsang over the Urftseebrücke with an average 4.4 star rating from 442 community reviews.

Are there running trails available in North Rhine-Westphalia?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 773 running trails in North Rhine-Westphalia and the most popular is Bird Watching Loop: From Vogelsang over the Urftseebrücke with an average 4.4 star rating from 442 community reviews.

Are there biking trails available in North Rhine-Westphalia?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 1254 biking trails in North Rhine-Westphalia and the most popular is Externsteine with an average 4.4 star rating from 173 community reviews.

Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in North Rhine-Westphalia?

Yes, there are 2521 trails with scenic mountain peak views in North Rhine-Westphalia, including Urft Dam and Hirschley, Dörenther Cliffs, Siebengebirgs Loop: Löwenburg - Drachenfels, Neandertal - Short Loop, and Königswinter - Drachenfels - Milchhäuschen - Hirschburg.

Are there any trails with picnic areas in North Rhine-Westphalia?

Yes, there are 423 trails with picnic areas in North Rhine-Westphalia, including Urft Dam and Hirschley, Wilder Kermeter and Hirschley, Beech Halls and Oak Slopes, "Wilden Kermeter" Loop, and Kahler-Asten-Steig.

Are there any trails with castles in North Rhine-Westphalia?

Are there any trails with ponds in North Rhine-Westphalia?

Are there any trails with rivers in North Rhine-Westphalia?

Are there any trails with archaeological sites in North Rhine-Westphalia?

Yes, there are 748 trails with archaeological sites in North Rhine-Westphalia, including Dörenther Cliffs, Externsteine , Kahlen Asten Loop, Externsteinen and Falkenburg Loop, and Winterberg - Kahler Asten - Hoher Knochen.

Are there any trails with weather shelters in North Rhine-Westphalia?

Are there any trails with lakes in North Rhine-Westphalia?

Yes, there are 630 trails with lakes in North Rhine-Westphalia, including Wolfs Lake, Unterbacher Lake Loop, Königsforst Loop, Westruper Heide and Halterner Reservoir Loop, and Brackvenn Loop.

Are there any trails with huts in North Rhine-Westphalia?

Yes, there are 264 trails with huts in North Rhine-Westphalia, including Neandertal - Short Loop, Heimbach Reservoir, Neandertal - Big Loop, The Woods of Haus Ternell, and Monastery Loop.

Are there any trails with historical ruins in North Rhine-Westphalia?

Yes, there are 463 trails with historical ruins in North Rhine-Westphalia, including Bird Watching Loop: From Vogelsang over the Urftseebrücke, Urft Dam and Hirschley, Water Landscape Route, Monschau and Perlenbach Dam, and Baldeneysee Loop.

Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in North Rhine-Westphalia?

Are there any trails with beaches in North Rhine-Westphalia?

Are there any trails with springs in North Rhine-Westphalia?

Yes, there are 616 trails with springs in North Rhine-Westphalia, including Urft Dam and Hirschley, Dörenther Cliffs, Wilder Kermeter and Hirschley, Löwenburg Castle Loop, and Heimbach Reservoir.

Are there any trails with historical monuments in North Rhine-Westphalia?

Are there any trails with caves in North Rhine-Westphalia?

Are there any trails with dams in North Rhine-Westphalia?

Yes, there are 209 trails with dams in North Rhine-Westphalia, including Urft Dam and Hirschley, Water Landscape Route, Nationalpark auf einen Blick, Rursee Loop, and Rurberg-Wollseifen Loop.

Are there any trails with streams in North Rhine-Westphalia?

Are there any trails with canals in North Rhine-Westphalia?

Yes, there are 52 trails with canals in North Rhine-Westphalia, including Kemnader Lake Loop, Bevergerner Pättken, Hardenstein Loop, Um das Nasse Dreieck, and Tour 07 - Die Klassische.

Are there any trails with cliffs in North Rhine-Westphalia?

Yes, there are 135 trails with cliffs in North Rhine-Westphalia, including Dörenther Cliffs, Externsteine , Baldeneysee Loop, Externsteinen and Falkenburg Loop, and Dörenther Cliffs Loop.

Are there any trails with bird hides or bird blinds in North Rhine-Westphalia?

Yes, there are 22 trails with bird hides or bird blinds in North Rhine-Westphalia, including Witte Veen 3 (Ahaus Nr. 14), Zwillbrock Venn, Steinhorst Loop, Ems Cycle Route Stage 1: Hövelhof - Rheda-Wiedenbrück, and Grüner See Lake (Ratingen A10).

Are there any trails with wilderness hides or viewing shelters in North Rhine-Westphalia?

Are there any trails with volcano viewpoints in North Rhine-Westphalia?

Are there any trails with waterfalls in North Rhine-Westphalia?

Are there any trails with hot springs in North Rhine-Westphalia?

Yes, there are 3 trails with hot springs in North Rhine-Westphalia, including VitalWanderWelt - Südlicher Sachsenring Bad Driburg, Rosenberg, and VitalWanderWelt - Nördlicher Sachsenring Bad Driburg.

Are there any trails with forts in North Rhine-Westphalia?

Are there any trails with sun shelters in North Rhine-Westphalia?

Yes, there is one trail with a sun shelter in North Rhine-Westphalia: Rund um die Große Höhe und Markusberg.

Are there any trails with bays in North Rhine-Westphalia?

Yes, there are 9 trails with bays in North Rhine-Westphalia, including Rursee Loop, Rursee: Nice View, Rurtalsperre and Obersee, Four Lakes, and MTB Tour: Vogelsang - Rurtalsperre - Einruhr.

Explore North Rhine-Westphalia

Top cities

Top parks

More trails

Activities

Attractions

Suitability

Points of interest