10 Most Beautiful Mountains to hike in Germany

Staufen By Matthias Kabel – Wikimedia Commons

10 Most Beautiful Mountains to hike in Germany

Germany’s gorgeous natural beauty truly comes to play from its lakes, forests, and mountains. It looks like something out of a fairy tale book. Its beauty shows through the sacred lakes to the enchanted black forests, the coastal trails that wrap around the Baltic Sea to the otherworldly peaks reaching for the sky.

If you are an outdoorsy and nature fan then a hike through Germany’s amazing landscape and beautiful mountains should be on your bucket list. Here are 10 of the most beautiful mountains to hike for outdoor enthusiasts to come and revel in a little slice of nature’s paradise in Germany.

1. Zugspitze

On the border between Germany and Austria lies Germany the highest point.  Located in the Bavarian Alps, Zugspitze is a hiker’s dream in any season. The Zugspitze is a paradise for passionate hikers, action lovers, and pleasure-seekers. It’s quite a popular and prominent destination for skiing, hiking, and even ice-skating. 

A hike up the mountain offers breathtaking views of the small towns below and a breathtaking 360-degree-view of more than 400 summits. Take your time and breathe deeply as the summit offers fresh mountain air which is very rejuvenating.

2. Sächsische Schweiz

Sächsische Schweiz By Herr Commonsense – Wikimedia Commons

Situated close to Dresden, Sächsische Schweiz (Saxon Switzerland) is of mythical proportions and immense beauty. These ancient, fingerlike rock formations make it the perfect location for climbing and hiking.

The huge national park is known for its sandstone formations and splendid valleys and waterfalls. The best spots for hiking and climbing in the park are the Schrammsteine. the mountain is a long and jagged group of rocks and a highly distinctive Lilienstein mountain.

3. Berchtesgaden National Park

This mountainous landscape in Bavaria is referred to as the Eagles Nest. It has a network of trails for both newbies and experienced trekkers. The 7.5-mile (12km) trail from the Hintersee National Park information point to Bindalm ensures a day well spent in the mountains, through forests, and valleys. The national park is known for its impressive wildlife—especially wonderful sightings include the golden eagle and red deer. A hike to the magnificent Königssee is the epitome of this mountainous region.

4. The Heidschnukenweg Trail

People hiking By Petrit Bejdoni – Wikimedia Commons

While most people think of beautiful hikes in terms of dramatic mountainous scenery, this hike is undeniably gorgeous for its ridiculously impressive fauna. Approximately 220 kilometers, the pathway is renowned for the late summer explosion of lilac and heather; leaving you with a jewel-like sea of purple blossoms and an equally delightful fragrance to boot.

5. The Rheinsteig Trail.

This 320-km long trail was recently voted the most beautiful long-distance hike in Germany. It follows the Rhine river, beginning in Bonn and ending in Wiesbaden.

For those who are not able to complete the entire hike, it can be broken down into more manageable sections. The middle Rhine valley is infamous for its wineries as well as villages that have been restored to look as they did in Medieval Times. This same area is also home to Lorelei – the fabled home of many mythical creatures, such as gnomes and fairies, and inspiration for much German folklore.

6. Goethe’s Way

Named after the famous German poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, the most popular section of this series of trails is the 8-km hike from Torfhaus to the Brocken. Brocken is the highest mountain in Harz National Park at 1,141 meters tall. The views at the top are simply incredible. The breathtaking vie and amazing fresh air  are the perfect reward for your hard work during the hike.

The spectacular forest views below is enough to take your breath away. It is one of those places in Germany that is worth visiting! For those with limited mobility, the Brocken railway provides an easier option to check out this amazing sight.

7. the Allgäu Alps

The lake Constance region encompasses four different countries and is connected through a network of trails, mountains, gorges, and waterways in the heart of nature. Those wishing to take the challenge of a week-long trek around the lake will be rewarded with a natural splendor that transcends cultural boundaries.

In Germany, this lake is known as the Bodensee, but those wishing to go higher can opt for the Allgäu Alps, a classic hiking trail in southern Germany.

8. Baltic Coast

The Baltic Sea in the north of Germany offers hikers over 250 miles (400km) of coastal trails with periodic views of seaside living from Lübeck to Ahlbeck. Hikers can take in the smell of the sea air, the splendor of the pine forests, and the yellow rapeseed fields characteristic of the trails. Whenever you feel, swap your hiking gear for your swimming suit and take a dip in the Baltic waters.

9. Rhine River Valley

Rhine River Valley By Christianabend – Wikimedia Commons

The narrow, yet picturesque Rhine River Valley combines nature, history, and stunning views. The 320-kilometer Rheinsteig trail follows Germany’s longest river between Bonn and Wiesbaden, leading walkers past palaces, castles, monuments, forests, and vineyards. The route can be challenging – there’s even a via Ferrata to help hikers traverse the steep banks of the Middle Rhine Valley.

10. Partnachklamm

Beneath Germany’s tallest mountains is one of the best gorge hikes. The Partnachklamm gorge divides Garmisch from Partenkirchen and the trail runs 700 meters (2,305 feet) between 80 meters (262 feet) high limestone walls. Here, visitors can walk along the waterfalls until the winter when these flowing waters freeze into impressive stalactites. the view of the frozen rivers is a sight for  sore eyes and looks so magnificent and fantastical. 

This is an extremely popular walk so expect crowds coursing through narrow passageways. You can even arrange guided hikes like romantic torchlight walks, or continue to the next location.

Germany has so much to offer when it comes to hike and i hope on the next visit you’ll find this list handy. Make sure you visit a few mountains off this list  and be pleasantly surprised by the beautiful features of Germany.