No matter whether Harz or Saxon Switzerland: there are wonderful hiking trails in all corners of Germany. You must follow these instructions when hiking.
- The warm weather makes you want to hike * in Germany .
- Many excursion destinations can be reached again thanks to the Corona Virus * loosening .
- Tips and recommendations for hikes in every corner of Germany.
Most have probably already said goodbye to the big dream of a summer vacation in the South Pacific. This year, the interest in a holiday in Germany is all the greater. At the top of the list is hiking as a popular outdoor activity . The German Hiking Association (DWV) expects "significantly more hikers in Germany in the coming months".
Hiking trails on your doorstep: In this article you will read a selection of popular routes throughout Germany.
Hiking in Bavaria and the Bavarian Alps
The largest federal state in terms of area stretches from the low mountain range to the Alps and has a lot to offer along its entire length. In the north of Bavaria the Franconian Switzerland with its many rocks and good Franconian cuisine beckons. In many places, day tours of all levels of difficulty are possible.
Of course, the Alps in southern Bavaria also have a lot to offer. The "local mountains" around Tegernsee, Spitzingsee or Schliersee * are popular destinations among Munich residents. A little further west, the Allgäu with Neuschwanstein Castle offers a wonderful hiking backdrop .
Cloud game in the mountains
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Saxon Switzerland and the Ore Mountains: hiking between Saxony, Bavaria and Thuringia
Saxon Switzerland * is one of the classic hiking experiences for German and international tourists. The towering rocks and the famous photo motif of the bastion are a real eye-catcher, especially in the sparkling red autumn light. But the ridge path *, which leads over the entire Ore Mountains , is also a bit more western . The 285 km route leads from Altenberg-Geising in the Eastern Ore Mountains through the Vogtland via Bavaria to Blankenstein in Thuringia.
Hiking in Lower Saxony: Harzer Hexenstieg
This route leads through Germany's northernmost forest mountains across the Harz National Park *. Of course, there should not be missing the Brocken as a legendary mountain popular with tourists. There are a total of five stages, which make a total of 94 kilometers. Highlights in addition to the Brocken are the green deciduous and mixed forests, gorges, cliffs and raised bogs. In addition, the medieval towns with their half-timbered houses tempt.
Lüneburg Heath: Hiking near Hamburg, Bremen and Hanover
There are no high mountains in northern Germany, but it is in no way inferior to the south on natural hiking trails. A special highlight is hiking through the Lüneburg Heath . Most hiking trails are easily accessible for a day tour from Hamburg *, Bremen or Hanover . Whether short or long distances, child-friendly, barrier-free or for several days: in the Lüneburg Heath every hiker gets his taste.
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Wutach Gorge and Swabian Jura in Baden-Württemberg
At the south-western end of Germany, the Black Forest offers excellent opportunities for hiking . The Wutachschlucht * is particularly popular. The wild river Wutach has eaten a deep ditch in the Black Forest over the millennia. The rock walls rise up to 180 meters. Hiking enthusiasts can challenge themselves on the Schluchtensteig with almost 3,000 meters of altitude. There are also exciting routes through the gorge for families with children .
The Swabian Jura stretches east of the Black Forest between Stuttgart and Ulm . Medieval castles and extensive valleys can be explored through a variety of easy to difficult hiking trails.
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Read also: Relaxation of the corona rules for hotels and swimming pools - the current status in the federal states
Hiking in the Bergisches Land
Surrounded by the cities of Wuppertal, Düsseldorf, Cologne and Bonn , over 4,000 kilometers of marked hiking trails in the Bergisches Land are waiting to be conquered. Both short day trips and multi-day tours on the "Bergische Panoramasteig" are possible in all degrees and lengths. The historic Neandertal along the Düssel is particularly popular in the far north . A little further south a popular circular route to the Dhünntalsperre starts from Altenberger Dom .
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Eifelsteig in North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatinate
Between Aachen and Trier , the Eifel low mountain range can be fully hiked over 313 kilometers. Divided into 15 daily stages, hikers can get started in many places and enjoy the unique natural landscape from volcanic rock to moor and heathland. Thanks to the Eifelsteig hiking bus and other public transport offers, the stages are also well suited for day tours.
Corona virus guide from the German Hiking Association
The large rush on the hiking trails at home also gives many day trippers to think. How safe is hiking during the coronavirus pandemic ? What does every hiker have to consider? To clarify many of these questions, the German Hiking Association (DWV) has published a "Corona Guide" that defines these rules, among other things.
In addition to the risk of coronavirus, the classic dangers continue to lurk on a hiking trail. The DWV reminded at this point you once again to stay on marked trails and take them seriously closures due to hunting or animal welfare. There is also an increased risk of forest fires this year .
Read more: FlixBus is returning to these destinations - and what bus travelers have to watch out for
Wool, warmth and hiking in the Sarntal
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* Merkur.de and 24hamburg.de are part of the nationwide Ippen-Digital editors network.
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