As we established in this previous post, Germany is filled with beautiful green areas that are ripe for exploration and teeming with stunning scenery. And for those who like to get close to nature, walking or hiking are the best ways to discover places that you might otherwise have missed. Here are some fantastic walking trails in Germany.
66 Lakes Trail
Our first walk on the list proves that you don’t have to travel to the middle of nowhere in order to experience the breathtaking green spaces that Germany can offer. The 66 Lakes Trail lives up to its name by taking hikers on a tour of the many lakes in the area around Berlin – sixty-six of them to be exact. The circular route is 250 miles in total, but there is the option to split your hike into 17 different stages if you don’t fancy tackling it all at once. The best place to start is Potsdam and whether you plan to do the whole trail or just one or two sections of it there are some great little towns and villages to stop in along the way.
The Nibelung Trail
The Song of the Nibelungs is an epic poem that is etched into German folklore. This hiking trail is named after the ballad which features Siegfried (a dragon-slaying hero), his beloved Kriemhild and the murderous Hagen. It takes walkers through various different landscapes; past castles, palaces and medieval villages; and to three different spots that have all been proposed as the setting for Siegfried’s death. Situated south of Frankfurt and reachable from Darmstadt, the 77 miles of marked pathways travel through much of the Odenwald Forest and past the interesting ‘Felsenmeer’. This natural monument is a field dotted with large rocks, leading to many theories about how they came to be laid out in this way.
Franconian Red Wine Trail
If you are the type of person that likes to be rewarded for their walking, the Franconian Red Wine Trail is perfect. It starts in the small community of Grosswallstadt, in between Frankfurt and Wurzburg, and follows the path of the Main River for 45 miles, linking vineyards along the way. There will be some great opportunities to taste some of the local grapes during your hike and the route is helpfully marked out by signs that feature a little wine glass.
Eifelsteig Trail
If you want diverse scenic landscapes then this is the trail for you. Passing through woodland, valleys and sandstone cliffs and past lakes, waterfalls and mountains, it manages to squeeze all of Germany’s different natural habitats into one 200-mile long route. The Eifelsteig starts in the charming town of Aachen and leads all the way to Trier, providing some great towns and villages in which those tackling the entire trail can spend the night.
Rennsteig Trail
As one of the most famous walking routes in Germany, we couldn’t leave the Rennsteig off our list. This is the country’s oldest long-distance trail and travels a distance of 104 miles through the Thuringian Forest from Hörschel to Blankenstein. It is easily reached from Eisenach, a great town to explore before you set off, and will take you past the UNESCO listed Wartburg Castle, alongside the Spitter stream and through four different tunnels. Fantastic views can be enjoyed throughout and the route is clearly marked by signs displaying a white letter ‘R’.
If you would like to know any more information about the various hiking trails Germany can offer, contact a member of our team today. We can tailor-make your perfect trip that will allow you to enjoy beautiful scenery, charming towns and the fresh countryside air.
