Hiking Tours in Germany

Germany is a top destination for hiking vacations, offering incredible variety in a compact country. Our Germany walking tours showcase the best of it—there’s something for every type of traveler.

Castles & Fairy Tales
Hike past storybook castles like Neuschwanstein Castle on the King Ludwig Way, or follow the Moselle River where medieval castles line the hillsides.

Legends & Culture
Germany is the home of the Brothers Grimm. For a unique hike, explore the Harz Mountains and the famous Witches’ Trail.

Epic Scenery
From the Bavarian Alps to the dramatic rock formations of Saxon Switzerland, Germany delivers unforgettable views on every trail.

Beer, Coffee & Cake
Finish your hike with a cold German beer, or enjoy the classic reward: Kaffee und Kuchen.

• Unmatched expertise – Since 2003, we’ve helped tens of thousands of travelers hike Germany independently, with routes carefully checked and refined.
• Thoughtfully designed itineraries – Each trip is built to show off the best of the region, whether that’s hiking in northern Germany along rivers and forests or tackling classic southern Alpine routes.
• Hand-picked accommodations – Stay in small hotels, B&Bs, and guesthouses that capture real German character, not big anonymous chains.
• Luggage transfers included – You hike light while we move your luggage between overnights, so “self-guided” never means “carrying everything on your back.”
• Turn-by-turn GPS navigation – Use our Macs Adventure app for offline maps, daily route notes, and local tips straight in your pocket.
• Expert local insights – Our specialists and partners know these trails, and we share recommendations on things to do, viewpoints not to miss, and where to enjoy your post-hike dinner.

For most hiking in Germany, the main season runs from May through October:

Late spring (May–June) – Trails are quieter, wildflowers are out, and temperatures are comfortable. This is a sweet spot for hiking trails in Germany in the Black Forest, Rhine, and Moselle.
Summer (July–August) – Long daylight hours and lively towns make this the most popular time. Ideal for higher Alpine routes like E5 and the Trans-Alpine Crossing, though you’ll want to book early.
Fall (September–October) – Cooler temperatures, colorful forests, and grape harvest in the wine regions.

Many US travelers love this period for hiking trips in Germany along the Moselle and Rhine.

Explore some of Germany's best walking regions, with each boasting its own unique characteristics and customs. From sacred lakes, enchanting forests to the otherworldly peaks reaching for the sky, you are spoilt for choice. Walk in Bavaria, the gateway to the Alps in the south with its panoramic views of the mountains, uncover the mystical Black Forest, discover the Moselle and the Rhine river valleys, which offer relaxed walking  (and plenty of hidden vineyards calling out to be discovered) or head off the beaten track to explore the lesser-known areas, such as Saxon Switzerland. In Germany, you will find something for everyone.

The Black Forest

Germany’s iconic Black Forest has been the inspiration for the famous Brothers Grimm fairy tales and other German myths and legends. Located in the southwest, in the state of Baden-Württemberg, it is one of the most popular hiking locations. The area is packed with mountainous terrain, miles of breathtaking forest and dotted in between are charming little villages. Choose from our Hiking in the Black Forest trip or Walking and Wellness in the Black Forest, both of which highlight the region.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen

This little town, located in the Bavarian Alps, is a hiker’s dream. The town lies near the Zugspitze, Germany’s highest peak. It is the perfect starting point for an alpine walking tour in the Bavarian Alps. For the more adventurous, cross the Tyrolean Alps into Austria and Italy on our challenging Tyrolean Alps: Garmisch to Sterzing.

Moselle and Rhine Valley

Quieter and stunning regions are the Mosel and Rhine Valley. The hiking is less challenging than some of our other German trips as on either; you wander between quaint villages and local vineyards. You can follow the Rhine as it cuts deeply through the Rhenish slate mountains, meandering between hillside castles and steep fields of wine-producing grapes. Or discover our Moselle Trail tour, which will take you through forested hillsides, along craggy cliffs and through near-vertical terraced vineyards.

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. Hikes in this region ensure a day well spent in the mountains. 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 also recommended, all of which you can explore on our Bavarian Alps: Hiking the Salt Trail.