Germany

Description

Black Forest - by Henk Nouws

If ever any country takes pride in its romantic legacy, it must be Germany. Put on your hiking boots and headphones and enter the realm of Wagner, Brahms and Schumann, walking through the land of Rhine and Danube, of traditional half-timbered houses, mighty castles and ancient taverns serving excellent food and wine. Most popular hiking destinations are the Black Forest in the southwest, Alsace-Lorraine on the border with France, Bavaria in the south, and forested Thüringen and Harz in central Germany. But there is more to explore. Try an autumn clad Swabian Alb for instance, or spring on the northern island of Rügen.

Not surprisingly, Germany counts over 200 long distance hiking trails, all waymarked and well documented. Walk any European long distance trail, except E2 and E7, and you will pass through Germany! Even if not spectacular in terms of altitude, the varying landscapes can be truly wild and offer wonderful panorama's.

On the negative side, bear in mind that Germany is a modern country. Forests and farmland are exploited efficiently and can be pretty boring.

There are no real difficulties and you can go any time of the year, but higher up snow can make walking difficult in wintertime (and create good opportunities for cross country skiing). Finding food and lodging is never an issue, as mountain huts, hotels, inns and private rooms (Zimmer frei) abound, as do campsites.

Interesting is the current tendency in the country to "certify" trails if they comply to a list of standards. The effect is that some trails get much more attention than other trails. They get the predicate "Premiumweg" or get elected the most beautiful trail of the country. Of course, this does NOT mean that other trails are less interesting. The effect, however, is that while new trails are created, old trails gradually disappear.

Rate this country8.5ForumAdd to wishlist

Opinions

Rate 8.5 | 2 votes | No 5. in Europe
  • Daniel K McCabe May 2014
  • Rate 10
  • Positive hiing/biking/food accessibility/friendly people(Bavaria at least)
  • Negative having to leave and the fact they make it so hard and costly to live here.
More opinions…

Map

Map Alps Germany

Trails

Regions

States

Mountains

Books

Cicerone Press
United Kingdom
2016
  • Trekking Munich to Venice
  • Guidebook to Der Traumpfad, 'Dream Way', through Germany and Italy, 570km from Munich to Venice across some of the best scenery in the Alps. Split into 30 stages, the guide also describes 5 alternate stages and a day's via ferrata in the Dolomites. Includes full information and accommodation lists needed for the trek. Read more
  • Also available from:
  • The Book Depository, United Kingdom
  • De Zwerver, Netherlands
» Click to open
The Book Depository
United Kingdom
2016
De Zwerver
Netherlands
2016
  • Wandelgids Munich to Venice, The Traumpfad | Cicerone
  • Uitstekende wandelgids die in etappes de route nauwkeurig beschijft. This guidebook describes the 570km (354 mile) Traumpfad or 'Dream Way'; an Alpine trek from Munich's Mariënplatz to the Piazza San Marco in Venice. The route is broken into 30 stages of between 5hrs 30mins and 9hrs, graded according to difficulty, with 5 alternative stages and... Read more
» Click to close
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Damascus: Taste of a City
  • “Damascus: Taste of a City” is a touching, thought-provoking book that gives new meaning to what home is and how we experience the feeling of it. It is said: ‘When a man has lived seven years in Damascus, Damascus lives in him.’ Rafik Schami, a prize-winning novelist and exile, lived in Damascus for twenty-five years. Unable to return to the... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Walking Verdun: A Guide to the Battlefield
  • On 21 February 1916 the German Fifth Army launched a devastating offensive against French forces at Verdun and set in motion one of the most harrowing and prolonged battles of the Great War. By the time the struggle finished ten months later, over 650,000 men had been killed or wounded or were missing, and the terrible memory of the battle had... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
Stanfords
United Kingdom
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Lübeck - Wismar 50K Kümmerly + Frey Map No. 12
  • Lübeck – Wismar area along the Baltic coast of Germany at 1:50,000 from Kümmerly+Frey in a series GPS compatible, double-sided maps printed on durable, waterproof and tear-resistant plastic paper; contoured, with hiking and cycle routes, other recreational activities, etc.Maps in this series are at a scale of either 1:50,000 or 1:35,000.... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Venice to Rome Cycle Route (900km) Bikeline Map/Guide
  • Venice to Rome Cycle Route - a 900-km long route taking in Ravenna, Florence, Arezzo, Perugia, Spoleto and Terni - presented by the Verlag Esterbauer in a guide with maps at 1:75,000. Extensive information is conveyed by symbols, indicating road surface, campsites and other accommodation, repair workshops, recreational facilities, places of... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Central Moselle Valley - Trier to Zell K+F Outdoor Map 22
  • The central Moselle Valley between Trier and Zell at 1:35,000 from Kümmerly+Frey in a series GPS compatible, double-sided maps printed on durable, waterproof and tear-resistant plastic paper; contoured, with hiking and cycle routes, other recreational activities, etc.Maps in this series are at a scale of either 1:50,000 or 1:35,000. Contour... Read more
  • Also available from:
  • De Zwerver, Netherlands
» Click to open
De Zwerver
Netherlands
» Click to close
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Fischland - Darß - Kühlungsborn 50K Kümmerly + Frey Map No. 13
  • Fischland - Darß - Kühlungsborn area along the Baltic coast of Germany at 1:50,000 from Kümmerly+Frey in a series GPS compatible, double-sided maps printed on durable, waterproof and tear-resistant plastic paper; contoured, with hiking and cycle routes, other recreational activities, etc.Maps in this series are at a scale of either 1:50,000 or... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Müritz Lake - Neusterlitz 50K Kümmerly + Frey Map No. 16
  • Müritz Lake - Neusterlitz area of eastern Germany’s lake district at 1:50,000 from Kümmerly+Frey in a series GPS compatible, double-sided maps printed on durable, waterproof and tear-resistant plastic paper; contoured, with hiking and cycle routes, other recreational activities, etc. An inset extends coverage to the Wolin Island in Poland.Maps... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
Stanfords
United Kingdom
Stanfords
United Kingdom
More books…

Maps

Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • 100 Castles in Münsterland Cycle Network (1050km) Bikeline Map/Guide
  • 100 Castles in Münsterland Cycle Network, over 1050km of cycle trails and circuits around the historic town of Münster, presented by the Verlag Esterbauer in a guide with maps at 1:75,000 showing the route and its variants. Extensive information is conveyed by symbols, indicating road surface, campsites and other accommodation, repair... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Around the Brocken - Harz NP Kompass 455
  • Harz NP Around the Peak of Brocken: Goslar - Wernigerode - Braunlage (No. 455), a detailed, GPS compatible map at 1:25,000 from Kompass with local and long-distance footpaths, cycling routes, accommodation, etc, printed on durable, waterproof and tear-resistant synthetic paper.KOMPASS HIKING & RECREATIONAL MAPS:This title is part of an... Read more
  • Also available from:
  • De Zwerver, Netherlands
» Click to open
De Zwerver
Netherlands
  • Wandelkaart 455 Rund um den Brocken | Kompass
  • Goede wandelkaart met vrijwel alle topografische details als hoogtelijnen, vegetatie, schaduwtekening maar ook de ingetekende wandelroutes en in veel gevallen ook fietsroutes (MTB). Gevaarlijke routes worden als zodanig weergegeven met een bepaalde markering. Berghutten en campings zijn goed terug te vinden op deze kaarten. Daarnaast staan de... Read more
» Click to close
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Ulm and Environs
  • Ulm and Environs (No. 789), a detailed, GPS compatible map at 1:50,000 from Kompass with local and long-distance footpaths, cycling routes, accommodation, etc, printed on durable, waterproof and tear-resistant synthetic paper.KOMPASS HIKING & RECREATIONAL MAPS:This title is part of an extensive series covering Austria, much of Germany and the... Read more
  • Also available from:
  • De Zwerver, Netherlands
» Click to open
De Zwerver
Netherlands
  • Wandelkaart 789 Rund um Ulm | Kompass
  • Goede wandelkaart met vrijwel alle topografische details als hoogtelijnen, vegetatie, schaduwtekening maar ook de ingetekende wandelroutes en in veel gevallen ook fietsroutes (MTB). Gevaarlijke routes worden als zodanig weergegeven met een bepaalde markering. Berghutten en campings zijn goed terug te vinden op deze kaarten. Daarnaast staan de... Read more
» Click to close
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Dresden Freytag & Berndt Map
  • Indexed street map of Dresden at 1:20,000 from Freytag & Berndt with an enlargement of the Old Town at 1:8,000, as well as map of the environs of Dresden. Mapping is bright, colourful and clear, with one-way streets shown, as well as the S-bahn, bus, tram, cable-car and Elbe ferry networks with stops clearly indicated.Points of interest such as... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Germany: Rhineland-Palatinate 50K Topographic Survey Recreational Maps
  • GPS compatible, topographic recreational maps at 1:50,000 of the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate with cartography identical to the standard topographic survey of Germany but with additional extensive overprint highlighting local and long-distance hiking trails, cycle routes, various facilities including accommodation, places of interest,... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Hohe Mark / Münsterland West 50K Kümmerly + Frey Map No. 60
  • Hohe Mark / Münsterland West area in Germany at 1:50,000 from Kümmerly+Frey in a series GPS compatible, double-sided maps printed on durable, waterproof and tear-resistant plastic paper; contoured, with hiking and cycle routes, other recreational activities, etc.Maps in this series are at a scale of either 1:50,000 or 1:35,000. Contour interval... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Rhein-Westerwald Nature Park
  • Rhein-Westerwald Nature Park north of Koblenz on a GPS compatible, topographic recreational map at 1:50,000 from the survey organization of Rhineland-Palatinate with cartography identical to the standard topographic survey of Germany but with additional extensive overprint highlighting local and long-distance hiking trails, cycle routes,... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Hohe Mark Naturpark
  • Hohe Mark Regional Park in a detailed, GPS compatible map at 1:50,000 from Kompass with local and long-distance footpaths, cycling routes, accommodation, etc.KOMPASS HIKING & RECREATIONAL MAPS:This title is part of an extensive series covering Austria, much of Germany and the Slovenian Alps. Kompass are Europe’s largest publishers of hiking... Read more
  • Also available from:
  • De Zwerver, Netherlands
» Click to open
De Zwerver
Netherlands
  • Wandelkaart 753 Naturpark Hohe Mark - Westmünsterland | Kompass
  • Goede wandelkaart met vrijwel alle topografische details als hoogtelijnen, vegetatie, schaduwtekening maar ook de ingetekende wandelroutes en in veel gevallen ook fietsroutes (MTB). Gevaarlijke routes worden als zodanig weergegeven met een bepaalde markering. Berghutten en campings zijn goed terug te vinden op deze kaarten. Daarnaast staan de... Read more
» Click to close
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Chemnitz and Environs
  • Chemnitz and Environs (No. 817), a detailed, GPS compatible map at 1:50,000 from Kompass with local and long-distance footpaths, cycling routes, accommodation, etc, printed on durable, waterproof and tear-resistant synthetic paper.KOMPASS HIKING & RECREATIONAL MAPS:This title is part of an extensive series covering Austria, much of Germany and... Read more
  • Also available from:
  • De Zwerver, Netherlands
» Click to open
De Zwerver
Netherlands
  • Wandelkaart 817 Chemnitz und Umgebung | Kompass
  • Goede wandelkaart met vrijwel alle topografische details als hoogtelijnen, vegetatie, schaduwtekening maar ook de ingetekende wandelroutes en in veel gevallen ook fietsroutes (MTB). Gevaarlijke routes worden als zodanig weergegeven met een bepaalde markering. Berghutten en campings zijn goed terug te vinden op deze kaarten. Daarnaast staan de... Read more
» Click to close
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Augsburg - Dachau - Fürstenfeldbruck
  • Augsburg - Dachau - Fürstenfeldbruck area of Bavaria between Munich and Augsburg on a detailed, GPS compatible map at 1:50,000 from Kompass with local and long-distance footpaths, cycling routes, accommodation, etc, printed on durable, waterproof and tear-resistant synthetic paper.KOMPASS HIKING & RECREATIONAL MAPS: this title is part of an... Read more
  • Also available from:
  • De Zwerver, Netherlands
» Click to open
De Zwerver
Netherlands
» Click to close
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Hanover - Steinhuder Meer - Deister 50K Kümmerly + Frey Map No. 57
  • Hanover - Steinhuder Meer - Deister area in Germany at 1:50,000 from Kümmerly+Frey in a series GPS compatible, double-sided maps printed on durable, waterproof and tear-resistant plastic paper; contoured, with hiking and cycle routes, other recreational activities, etc.Maps in this series are at a scale of either 1:50,000 or 1:35,000. Contour... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Also available from:
  • De Zwerver, Netherlands
» Click to open
De Zwerver
Netherlands
  • Wandelkaart 890 Münstertal - Nördliches Markgräfler | Kompass
  • Goede wandelkaart met vrijwel alle topografische details als hoogtelijnen, vegetatie, schaduwtekening maar ook de ingetekende wandelroutes en in veel gevallen ook fietsroutes (MTB). Gevaarlijke routes worden als zodanig weergegeven met een bepaalde markering. Berghutten en campings zijn goed terug te vinden op deze kaarten. Daarnaast staan de... Read more
» Click to close
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Dresden - Meissen - Tharandter Wald
  • Dresden - Meissen - Tharandter Wald area of Saxony on a detailed, GPS compatible map at 1:25,000 from Kompass with local and long-distance footpaths, cycling routes, accommodation, etc, printed on durable, waterproof and tear-resistant synthetic paper.KOMPASS HIKING & RECREATIONAL MAPS: this title is part of an extensive series covering... Read more
  • Also available from:
  • De Zwerver, Netherlands
» Click to open
De Zwerver
Netherlands
  • Wandelkaart 809 Dresden-Meissen | Kompass
  • Goede wandelkaart met vrijwel alle topografische details als hoogtelijnen, vegetatie, schaduwtekening maar ook de ingetekende wandelroutes en in veel gevallen ook fietsroutes (MTB). Gevaarlijke routes worden als zodanig weergegeven met een bepaalde markering. Berghutten en campings zijn goed terug te vinden op deze kaarten. Daarnaast staan de... Read more
» Click to close
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Stuttgart - Heilbronn Region Street Atlas
  • Stuttgart - Heilbronn Region Street Atlas in a series of detailed atlases covering the whole of Germany at 1:20,000 with UTM coordinates for GPS navigation, postal codes and public transport, published by ADAC, the country’s largest motoring organization. The plans name all the individual streets and indicate all the main landmarks and public... Read more
More maps…

Walking holidays

Macs Adventure
United Kingdom
  • Saxon & Bohemian Switzerland
  • Self guided walking tour in Saxon Switzerland. Saxon Switzerland, or the Elbe Sandstone Mountains, is one of the most captivating of parts of eastern Germany. Saxon Switzerland lies either side of the River Elbe south of Dresden and crosses into the Czech Republic; the contrast between riverscapes and dramatic rock outcrops makes for a unique... Read more
Macs Adventure
United Kingdom
  • Deer Trails of the Black Forest
  • Self guided walking tour in Germany's Northern Black Forest. Deer Trails of the Black Forest is a classic self-guided walking tour through the nature reserves and woodland of the Northern Black Forest, to the north of Freudenstadt. The route includes both the largest area of upland moorland in the whole of Germany and the Mummelsee Lake, both... Read more
Macs Adventure
United Kingdom
Macs Adventure
United Kingdom
  • The Harz Witches Trail
  • Self Guided trail across The Harz, a magical region famed for fairy tales, witches and legends. One of the “Top Trails of Germany” the Harz Witches Trail long distance walking trail crosses The Harz, a magical region famed for fairy tales, witches and legends. Just a short journey from Berlin the Harz mountains rise from the North German... Read more
Macs Adventure
United Kingdom
  • The King Ludwig Way
  • Self guided walking tour through Upper Bavaria on the King Ludwig Way to Neuschwanstein Castle. Follow the King Ludwig Way, one of Germany’s best known footpaths, through beautiful Upper Bavaria to King Ludwig’s Neuschwanstein Castle. The route was featured in Julia Bradbury’s BBC German Wanderlust series and shouldn’t be missed. Beginning at... Read more
Macs Adventure
United Kingdom
  • Across the Tyrolean Alps Self Guided Walking Holiday
  • Walk from Bavaria up over the high Austrian Tyrolean Alps to Innsbruck. Walk from Bavaria up over the high Austrian Tyrolean Alps to Innsbruck. Follow the high alpine route across the imposing Wetterstein and Karwendel massifs amidst a landscape of soaring, alpine peaks, deep gorges and rich, flower filled pastures. Staying in rustic mountain... Read more
Macs Adventure
United Kingdom
  • Castles of the Romantic Rhine
  • Self guided walking tour along the best of the Rheinsteig in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley; home to more than 30 castles. The picture-book Upper Middle Rhine Valley is perfect for walkers and wine lovers. Discover countless (more than 30!) hilltop castles and stately homes as you follow the Rheinsteig hiking trail along the eastern side of this... Read more
Macs Adventure
United Kingdom
  • Castles of the Romantic Rhine In Style
  • Self guided walking tour, staying at 4-star castle and wine hotels as you walk along the best part of the Rheinsteig. Stay in authentic castle hotels and wineries as you walk along the River Rhine. Follow the Rheinsteig, one of Germany’s Top Trails, as you wind your way between over 30 castles and palaces. In our opinion this is the best part... Read more
Macs Adventure
United Kingdom
  • Bavaria & The Leutasch Valley Self Guided Walking Holiday
  • This beautiful and peaceful Leutasch Valley area on the Bavarian and Austrian border will be yours to explore. This idyllic Alpine trail meanders through the tranquil and colourful Leutasch Valley abundant with wild flowers and green pastures. Marvel at the spectacular mountain views towards Zugspitze - Germany’s highest mountain, breathe in... Read more
Snp Wandelreizen
Netherlands
  • Duitsland - Beieren
  • Vanuit de Beierse hoofdstad München fiets je op een heerlijk ontspannen wijze langs de vele meren en meertjes, gelegen in het licht glooiende landschap aan de voet van de Alpen. Gezellige dorpjes en “Seen” met mooie zwemstrandjes, gastvrije terrasjes en uiteraard genieten van de Beierse keuken. Ook mogelijk met e-bike. Read more
  • Also available from:
  • Snp Wandelreizen, Netherlands
» Click to open
Snp Wandelreizen
Netherlands
  • Duitsland - Beieren
  • Treed in de voetsporen van sprookjeskoning Ludwig en ontdek zijn kastelen in de uitlopers van de Alpen. Bezoek zijn paleis, een kopie van Versailles, op een eiland in de spiegelende Chiemsee. Wandel tussen de boomtoppen van het Bayerischer Wald en kijk uit over Tsjechische wouden en besneeuwde Alpentoppen. Volg de Glasstrasse langs Beiers glas... Read more
» Click to close
Aktivatours
Netherlands
  • Pertisau 8 dagen
  • Wandelen aan de Aachensee Winterwandelen in Oostenrijk is genieten! Genieten van de frisse berglucht, het knisperen van de verse sneeuw onder uw schoenen en van lekkernijen bij gezellige berghutten. Onze vakantieplaats Pertisau is dé toegangspoort voor wandeltochten naar de Achensee en door het natuurpark Karwendel. Read more
  • Also available from:
  • Aktivatours, Netherlands
» Click to open
Aktivatours
Netherlands
  • Pertisau 8 dagen
  • Langlaufen en wandelen Pertisau Nieuw in ons aanbod! Een week vertoeven in het pittoreske Pertisau, gelegen in hét langlaufgebied van Tirol. Rondom dit dorp vindt u maar liefst 95 van de 150 kilometer langlaufloipes, die u door het dal voeren en naar de bekende Achensee. Ook de wandelliefhebbers hoeven zich met vele kilometers aan geprepareerde... Read more
» Click to close
Snp Wandelreizen
Netherlands
  • Nederland - Twente
  • Verken de heuvelachtige grensstreek van Oost Twente via het meanderende Dinkelpad, verbaas u over de herrezen wijk Roombeek in Enschede, bezoek het hooggelegen en sprookjesachtige Bad Bentheim, volg het Marskramerpad naar Egheria, verwonder u over de fraaie landgoederen en vele gave Saksische boerderijen, geniet van de rust en kabbelende... Read more
Aktivatours
Netherlands
  • Lahn Wanderweg 6 dagen
  • Langs de oevers van de Lahn met een koninklijk tintje De streek waardoor de Lahn stroomt, de grens van het Westerwald en de Taunus, ligt op slechts enkele uurtjes rijden vanuit Nederland. Langs de noord- en zuidzijde van de meanderende rivier loopt de Lahnwanderweg: een met aandacht uitgezette wandelroute die perfect gemarkeerd is. De route... Read more
  • Also available from:
  • Aktivatours, Netherlands
» Click to open
Aktivatours
Netherlands
  • Lahn Wanderweg 6 dagen
  • Langs de oevers van de Lahn met een koninklijk tintje De streek waardoor de Lahn stroomt, de grens van het Westerwald en de Taunus, ligt op slechts enkele uurtjes rijden vanuit Nederland. Langs de noord- en zuidzijde van de meanderende rivier loopt de Lahnwanderweg: een met aandacht uitgezette wandelroute die perfect gemarkeerd is. De route... Read more
» Click to close
Aktivatours
Netherlands
  • Moselsteig 2 Trier-Bernkastel Kues 8 dgn
  • De scheiding van Eifel en Hunsrück Waar de rivier de Moezel, zoals wij die noemen, door Duitsland stoomt, heet die: Mosel - en dát is daar haar échte naam. En een ´´Steig´´ heeft helemaal niets met stijgen en dalen te maken maar betekent in het Duits gewoon (wandel-)pad of -route. De Moselsteig volgt afwisselend de linker- en de rechteroever;... Read more
  • Also available from:
  • Aktivatours, Netherlands
» Click to open
Aktivatours
Netherlands
  • Moselsteig 2 Trier-Bernkastel Kues 8 dgn
  • De scheiding van Eifel en Hunsrück Waar de rivier de Moezel, zoals wij die noemen, door Duitsland stoomt, heet die: Mosel - en dát is daar haar échte naam. En een ´´Steig´´ heeft helemaal niets met stijgen en dalen te maken maar betekent in het Duits gewoon (wandel-)pad of -route. De Moselsteig volgt afwisselend de linker- en de rechteroever;... Read more
» Click to close
Snp Wandelreizen
Netherlands
  • Duitsland - Eifel, Meerfelder Maar
  • Tijdens dit goed verzorgde verblijf in een gastvrij familiehotel, gelegen aan het mooiste Maar van de Eifel, maak je rustige dagwandelingen naar een aantal geologische fenomenen, zoals de koudwatergeiser van Wallenborn, de stratovulkaan van de Moserberg en de karakteristieke kratermeren, Maren genaamd. Na afloop kom je terug in het comfortabele... Read more
More walking holidays…

Forum

  3. Cancel
  • emputt 2016-02-16 01:33:51
  • Long distance hike in end of May/June?
  • Hi there,

    I am from the USA and am looking to do a long-distance hike in the end of May through early June, was thinking of doing about 21 days (give or take) and covering anywhere from 100-375km in that time (upper end would have to be an easier trail to cover the distance in my allotted time) and was initially looking into Europe (particularly Germany) but am really up to go anywhere in the world.

    What I want from it:
    - Stunning scenery - ideally GREEN landscape/rolling hills/mountains/forests to rivers to castles, etc etc.
    - Scattered small villages along the trail (they don't have to be every night but maybe every 3 nights at least?)
    - Not super overpopulated

    Any help would be much appreciated! Thank you!!
    Emily
Cancel
More questions…