Search a hike or location

search
Best difficult hikes in Germany
Share:

Best difficult hikes in Germany

Got your game face on? These difficult hikes are designed for hikers who are looking for a serious adventure.

Here are some great hikes to explore in Germany.

Most popular hikes

1

Difficult

Malerweg

Pirna, Germany · star 4.7 (20) · 110.8 km · Est. 7 days

2

Difficult

Rheinsteig

Wiesbaden, Germany · star 4.7 (3) · 312.0 km · Est. 17 days

3

Difficult

Mittelweg

Pforzheim, Germany · star 4.0 (6) · 220.6 km · Est. 13 days

4

Difficult

Goldsteig

Wunsiedel im Fichtelgebirge, Germany · star 4.3 (7) · 666.1 km · Est. 38 days

5

Difficult

Camino Konstanz-Geneva

Konstanz, Germany · star 4.8 (9) · 440.9 km · Est. 24 days

6

Difficult

Harzer Hexen-Steig

G枚ttingen, Germany · star 4.3 (6) · 93.0 km · Est. 5 days

7

Difficult

Querweg Lahr - Rottweil

Verwaltungsgemeinschaft Lahr/Schwarzwald, Germany · star 4.5 (6) · 93.7 km · Est. 6 days

8

Difficult

Camino Blumberg-Geneva via Frauenfeld

Schwarzwald-Baar-Kreis, Germany · star 4.7 (10) · 493.9 km · Est. 27 days

9

Difficult

Interregio-Wanderweg

Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald, Germany · star 5.0 (4) · 205.9 km · Est. 11 days

10

Difficult

Alemannenweg

Odenwaldkreis, Germany · star 5.0 (6) · 131.0 km · Est. 8 days

SHOW MORE HIKES

Reviews for difficult hikes in Germany

avatar

Malerweg

OutbackCairntracker88 路 reviewed over 1 year ago

star star star star star

Such an incredible, picturesque fantasy of a hike. We did stage 1 & 2, and 3 & 4 in one day which made for a really tough start but overall it was amazing. Be warned that there are a lot of stairs up and down, but they always lead to something worthwhile. The trail on Hiiker diverges from the official trail a bunch of times, often to go around a point of interest like Bastei. I would stick to the official trail as much as possible because you might miss some incredible views.

Melanie Hennessy avatar

Rheinsteig

Melanie Hennessy 路 reviewed over 1 year ago

star star star star star

Melinda Hughes avatar

Mittelweg

Melinda Hughes 路 reviewed almost 5 years ago

star star star star star

Alexis Faure avatar

Goldsteig

Alexis Faure 路 reviewed about 5 years ago

star star star star star

noah smith avatar

Camino Konstanz-Geneva

noah smith 路 reviewed over 5 years ago

star star star star star

Frequently asked questions for hikes 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.

More hikes in Germany

by difficulty

by type

by activity