We’ve selected five of the best hiking trails and walking routes in Germany, using Wikiloc‘s GPS data to provide the most accurate trail maps.
They are all short-distance loop trails with an acceptable difficulty level, which makes them suitable for short breaks and day hikes, and for any kind of hiker or walker. You can download these GPS trails and waypoints from Google Maps.
Traumschleife Wehinger Viezpfad, near Wehingen (Saarland)
Distance: 14 km – Uphill: 519 m – Downhill: 519 m – Time: 4:40/5:40 hrs
The Wehinger Viezpfad leads from Wehingen to Kewelsberg (Upper Saargau), with wonderful views of the Schwarzwälder Hochwald and the Merzig Basin.
Teutoburg Forest, near Dornberg (Nordrhein-Westfalen)
Distance: 13 km – Uphill: 541 m – Downhill: 541 m – Time: 4:20/5:10 hrs
The Teutoburg Forest is a range of low, forested hills in the German states of Lower Saxony and North Rhine-Westphalia which comprises three ridges.
Häntzschelstiege – Schrammsteinaussicht, near Mittelndorf (Sachsen)
Distance: 11 km – Uphill: 709 m – Downhill: 700 m – Time: 4:10/5:10 hrs
Saxon Switzerland National Park, located near Dresden, covers a natural area of 710 sq km in the heart of the German part of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains.
Black Forest, near Feldberg-Ort (Baden-Württemberg)
Distance: 12 km – Uphill: 362 m – Downhill: 362 m – Time: 3:30/4:20 hrs
The Black Forest is a large forested mountain range in Baden-Württemberg and a popular tourist destination, with many options for excursions and activities.
Dahner Felsenland, near Dahn (Rheinland-Pfalz)
Distance: 12 km – Uphill: 336 m – Downhill: 336 m – Time: 3:20/4:10 hrs
The Dahner Felsenland is part of the Palatine Forest Nature Park and houses several fascinating rock formations and 16 medieval castles or castle ruins.
Best time to go to Germany: Apr-Jun and Sep-Oct
Backpacker cost per day: 67 USD = 63 EUR
For more inspiration, check out our Germany Travel Guide.
Sources: some text excerpts from Wikipedia; GPS data from Wikiloc.