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Best rail trail hiking trails in Germany
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Best rail trail hiking trails in Germany

All aboard for an easy, scenic adventure! These rail-trails follow old train tracks, offering smooth paths with gentle gradients that make for a leisurely day out in nature.

Here are some great trails to explore in Germany.

Most popular trails

1

Easy

Horn Lehe to Trupermoor Walk

Stadtgebiet Bremen, Germany · star 5.0 (3) · 9.3 km · Est. 1 hrs 52 min

2

Easy

Stoppenberg and Schonnebeck Loop

Essen, Germany · star 0.0 (0) · 12.6 km · Est. 2 hrs 39 min

3

Easy

Wuppertal Zoologischer Garten to Kuchhausen via Sambatrasse

Wuppertal, Germany · star 5.0 (5) · 9.1 km · Est. 2 hrs 10 min

4

Easy

Himmelmoor Loop via Moorlehrpfad

Kreis Pinneberg, Germany · star 5.0 (6) · 11.1 km · Est. 2 hrs 14 min

5

Easy

Seewiesen Loop via Heidenheimer Straße

Ostalbkreis, Germany · star 5.0 (3) · 6.9 km · Est. 1 hrs 24 min

6

Easy

Kleine Hoehe Warte via QR Weg

Ilm-Kreis, Germany · star 4.0 (3) · 13.5 km · Est. 3 hrs 7 min

7

Medium

Dreifaltigkeitsberg Loop via Heuberg and Blause Raute Gosheim

Tuttlingen, Germany · star 5.0 (5) · 9.3 km · Est. 2 hrs 39 min

8

Easy

Regenrückhaltebecken via Schaphuysen Rundweg

Kreis Kleve, Germany · star 5.0 (3) · 4.7 km · Est. 59 min

9

Easy

Harthefelsen and Bastei via Stilles Tal

Mittelsachsen, Germany · star 5.0 (2) · 13.1 km · Est. 3 hrs 15 min

10

Medium

Spitzingsee and Bockerlbahn Weg

Miesbach, Germany · star 0.0 (0) · 12.0 km · Est. 3 hrs 26 min

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Reviews for rail trail hiking trails in Germany

Kylie Davis avatar

Horn Lehe to Trupermoor Walk

ClimberAdventurer77 · reviewed over 1 year ago

star star star star star

No reviews available for Stoppenberg and Schonnebeck Loop.

Dmytro Kupchyk avatar

Wuppertal Zoologischer Garten to Kuchhausen via Sambatrasse

colonel_space · reviewed 23 days ago

star star star star star

If you’re looking for a chill walk with friends, this route is actually pretty dope. Part of the trail goes through a small section of the zoo, so you can literally spot some deer on the way kinda random but cool. There’s also a nice little pine forest vibe going on, and I swear it’s gonna look insanely good in spring or early autumn. Plus, there’s a café around the halfway point where you guys can grab a bite and just hang out.

Jonas Abbott avatar

Himmelmoor Loop via Moorlehrpfad

CliffTracker64 · reviewed about 1 year ago

star star star star star

Deja Jones Sr. avatar

Seewiesen Loop via Heidenheimer Straße

TraverseBlazer97 · reviewed about 1 year ago

star star star star star

Frequently asked questions for hiking trails in Germany

What is the climate like for hiking in Germany?

Germany has a temperate seasonal climate, with moderate to heavy rainfall throughout the year. Winter (December to February) can bring snowfall, particularly in mountainous regions like the Alps, making hiking challenging but scenic.
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) provide mild weather, lush landscapes, and fewer tourists, making these seasons ideal for exploring trails such as the Rheinsteig or the Black Forest.
Summer (June to August) offers warm temperatures, though it can occasionally be hot, especially in lower-lying regions. It's a popular time for hiking, but trails can be crowded. More info: Hiking in Germany.

Do I need a permit to hike in Germany?

Generally, hiking in Germany doesn't require permits. But certain protected areas may have restrictions, especially in national parks and biosphere reserves. It's always a good idea to check with local tourist information centers or park authorities for specific guidance. More info here: German National Tourist Board.

Is wild camping allowed in Germany?

Wild camping is generally prohibited in Germany, with exceptions for emergency bivouacs. Violations can result in fines. Instead, consider "Trekking Bayern" in Bavaria or "Waldcamping" in Brandenburg, offering legal wild camping experiences. More information: Trekking Bayern and Waldcamping.

Are there mountain rescue services in Germany?

In case of emergencies in the German mountains, the Bergwacht (Mountain Rescue Service) is responsible for rescue operations. Dial European emergency number 112 for immediate assistance. It's advised to have adequate insurance to cover potential rescue costs. More information here: http://www.opencms.org/en/modules/reference_sites/references_00070.html.

Are there dangerous plants in Germany?

Germany's diverse landscapes host an array of flora. The Black Forest is known for fir and beech trees, while the Alpine regions showcase colorful wildflower displays in spring and summer. Hikers should respect conservation efforts by sticking to marked trails. More info: https://flora.biz/en/.

What wildlife should I be aware of when hiking in Germany?

German wildlife is rich and varied, with deer, boars, and foxes common sights, especially in forested areas. Birds such as eagles, owls, and woodpeckers are frequently observed. Ticks are prevalent in spring and summer; hikers should take preventive measures. More info here: German Wildlife Information.

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