Say ‘Ja’ to Germany’s Great Outdoors: 4 Great Day Hikes

If you like hiking, Germany is your jam. Nearly one-third of the country is forested. Well-marked walking trails are everywhere. Organized groups of jolly Volksmarchers wander purposefully during every season of the year. The Alps are just right there. If you’re looking for world-class scenery, and you don’t mind a bit of a physical challenge, then here are four day hikes that are guaranteed to give you a taste of the best summer hiking that Germany has to offer.

Wine Country Special: Ehrbach Gorge Dream Loop

This is indeed a Dream Loop. Located in a beautiful, heavily forested part of Germany that sits almost equidistant between the Mosel and Rhine rivers (and thus, not far from wine country in either direction), this hike seems like something that shouldn’t quite be real.

But it is real. The hike begins and ends at a very conveniently located parking lot next to the trailhead then winds its way east along a wooded ridge for less than two miles. Cute little waterfalls and streams are also yours to enjoy, as well as frequent opportunities for off-trail scrambling. You’ll gain a couple hundred meters of elevation as the trail bends back west. But the views are worth it!

Length/approximate hiking time: 10 kilometers, 3 hours

Level up: Book a post-hike room and a meal at Sankt Goar. Watch the sun set over the Rhine and enjoy a glass of chilled Riesling.

Distance to Parking: 1.5 hours from K-town; Wanderparkplatz Traumschleife Ehrbachklamm, Mittelstraße, 56154 Boppard, Germany

Incredible Eifel: The Green Hell Tour

Ironically, this ‘hell’ hike is the easiest hike in this bunch. With just a little over 100 meters of ascent, the Na-tur-park Südeifel Trail #55 won’t have you huf-fing and puffing too much. But that doesn’t mean your breath won’t be taken away.

Located in a lovely valley just outside of Bollendorf, in the sparsely populated Eifel region, the ‘Green Hell’ gets its name from the sheer-walled gorges that are covered in green moss. One of Germany’s most beautiful hikes, you will be tempted to stop constantly to snap photos of bizarre rock formations and cool gorge views. But don’t forget to just enjoy being in this amazing place!

Length/approximate hiking time: 5.5 km / 2 hours

Level up: Download the ‘Green Hell’ loop tour audio guide and have a listen…surprisingly entertaining! https://www.felsenland-suedeifel.de/a-audiotour-gruene-hoelle

Distance to Parking: 1 hour 45 minutes from Kaiserslautern

Black Forest Fun: Schliffkopf Loop Trail

The Black Forest gets lots of attention as a driving destination, especially for motorcyclists. It is also an amazing hiking destination. One of the best is the loop trail that begins at the parking lot next to the Allerheiligen church ruins and then climbs fairly steeply for 500+ meters up and over the Schliffkopf, which is a round, beautiful, sort-of mountain.

So why take this hike? First of all, hiking in the Black Forest is epic. Even on the clearest days, the place has a hazy mystique about it that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. Second, the foliage, waterfalls, and views are outstanding, especially once you gain some elevation: You’ll get a different perspective on the Rhine Valley here than you will closer to home. And finally, you’ll get a solid physical challenge without it being too difficult.

Length/approximate hiking time: 13 km / 5.5 hours

Level up: Book a room at an Alsatian wine village across the border in France. Once your hike is complete, treat yourself to an amazing meal and a pastry or two afterward.

Distance to Parking: 2.5 hours from Kaiserslautern

Top of Germany: Zugspitze Summit Trail

We’re going to finish with a hike to Germany’s highest point: The peak of the Zugspitze. A disclaimer: You don’t technically have to walk this one. Lots of people prefer to take the Gletscherbahn cable car to the peak (and back) instead.

But it’s more fun — and rewarding — to do it the hard way. And one of the best things about the Zugspitze is that there are many routes, for all levels of hikers, to the top of the mountain. You can do an all day up-and-back or combine an up route with a cable car ride down (or vice versa). The trails are incredibly well marked.

Take note, though: This hike is very different than any of the other hikes in this list. It’s high altitude, high intensity, and the weather can change quickly. So prepare well before you go.

Length/approximate hiking time: can range from a few kilometers (if you ride up and spend some time scrambling at the peak) to 20+ kilometers; times can range from a few hours to all day

Level up: Book a room at the Edelweiss Hotel in Garmisch, and use it as a home base for your hike.

Distance to parking: approximately 5.5 hours to parking areas