Long distance hiking routes germany the 20 best vacation routes express

The "Schluchtensteig" is one of the best long-distance hiking trails in Germany.

Unspoiled nature, breathtaking views and historical monuments: Here are the best long-distance hiking trails in Germany.

Whether it's the Black Forest, the Bavarian Forest or the Luneburg Heath, long-distance hiking trails can be found all over Germany. They run through green meadows, ancient forests, deep gorges and past rushing rivers. In addition to unspoiled nature, there are numerous historic towns, churches and castles along the way.

This is what makes hiking in Germany the perfect active and cultural vacation. Each route has its own level of difficulty. Easy trails are the ideal excursion for the whole family. The optimal start for beginners.

For a safe migration, all paths are signposted, divided into feasible stages and retrievable via any GPS tracker. What's missing now is the right route – so here come the best long-distance hiking trails in Germany.

An overview of all long-distance hiking trails in Germany

Most beautiful long-distance hiking trails:

– Moselsteig – Saar-Hunsruck Climb – Saxon Wine Trail – Hermannsweg – Goldsteig

Best long-distance hiking trails:

– Rennsteig – Altmuhltal-Panoramaweg – Harzer Hexenstieg – Sintfeld-Hohenweg – Schluchtensteig

Easy long-distance hiking trails:

– Heidschnuckenweg – Rothaarsteig – Jagst Culture Trail – 66 Lakes Trail – Lech Trail

Challenging long-distance hiking trails:

– Painters' Trail – Salzalpensteig – Danube-Zollernalb Trail – Jurassic Trail – Eifelsteig

Germany's most beautiful long-distance hiking trails

1. The Moselsteig along the Moselle

– Length: 365 km – Stages: 24 – Start: Schengen – Finish: Koblenz – Difficulty: medium

On 365 kilometers and 24 stages, the "Moselsteig" starts from Schengen with its journey in nature and history to Koblenz. Highlights include the Roman amphitheater. The old thermal baths as well as the vineyards on the Moselle river. The romantic Cochem convinces with its castles Thurant and Eltz, one of the last stages before the German Corner in Koblenz.

The "Moselsteig" is one of the most beautiful river hiking trails in Germany.

2. The Saar-Hunsruck Climb in Saarland

– Length: 421 km – Stages: 27 – Start: Perl an der Mosel – Finish: Boppard am Rhein – Difficulty: medium

This long-distance hiking trail leads over a proud 421 kilometers from Perl on the Moselle to Boppard on the Rhine through the Saarland. The special thing here is the great variety. For in addition to secluded and idyllic routes, various rest areas, water treading opportunities and the Losheim reservoir are located directly on the path and provide a refreshing change of pace.

Long-distance hiking trails in Germany like the "Saar-Hunsruck-Steig" lead through idyllic forests.

3. The Saxon Wine Trail

– Length: 90 km – Stages: 6 – Start: Pirna – Finish: Diesbar-Seublitz – Difficulty: easy

On a distance of 90 kilometers and six stages, the hiking trail leads through the most beautiful vineyards of Saxony. From Pirna to Dresden. Meissen to Diesbar-Seublitz. In addition to beautiful viewing platforms, historic cities, Pillnitz Castle and the famous Dresden Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady) await you.

On the "Saxon Wine Trail" lies the Pillnitz Castle.

4. The Hermannsweg through the Teutoburg Forest

– Length: 156 km – Stages: 8 – Start: Rheine – Finish: Horn-Bad Meinberg – Difficulty: medium

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I agree that external content of the external platform Glomex is displayed to me. Personal data may be transmitted to third-party platforms in the process. Read more in our privacy policy. The "Hermannsweg" is one of the most beautiful long-distance hiking trails in Germany. Follow the tracks of the historical Hermann. This Teuton had defeated the Roman commander Varus in the Teutoburg Forest in the year 9 A.D. The hiking trail runs for 156 kilometers. Eight stages through the same forest. From Rheine in the Munsterland it goes to Horn-Bad Meinberg, where the famous Hermannsdenkmal stands.

Long-distance hiking trails in Germany such as the "Hermannsweg" have a historical focus.

5. Goldsteig in the Bavarian Forest

– Length: 660 km – Stages: 23 – Start: Marktredwitz – Finish: Passau – Difficulty: medium

With its length of 660 kilometers, the "Goldsteig" is Germany's longest long-distance hiking trail. The trail begins in Marktredwitz in the Upper Palatinate region of Germany. Subsequently divides into two stretches. The northern trail leads on 13 stages through the Bavarian Forest National Park to the Dreisesselberg mountain in the border triangle and finally ends in Passau. The southern route leads through the anterior Bavarian Forest on an easier path and also ends in the Three Rivers City before the trail continues to the Czech Republic.

Long-distance hiking trails in Germany such as the "Goldsteig" also lead to neighboring countries.

Best long-distance hiking trail in Germany

1. The Rennsteig in Thuringia

– Length: 170 km – Stages: 8 – Start: Blankenstein – Finish: Eisennach – Difficulty: easy to moderate

The 170-kilometer long-distance hiking trail leads in eight stages from Blankenstein to Eisennach through the Thuringian Forest. The "Rennsteig" is one of the oldest and most popular long-distance hiking trails in Germany, as it leads through natural forest sections and past historic landmarks on easy to moderately difficult routes.

Long-distance hiking trails in Germany such as the "Rennsteig" lead through idyllic forests.

2. The Altmuhl Valley Panorama Trail in Bavaria

– Length: 198 km – Stages: 10 – Start: Pappenheim – Finish: Kelheim – Difficulty: medium

The Panorama Trail offers a combination of romantic scenery and cultural attractions. From Pappenheim it goes to the Danube breakthrough in Kelheim in the heart of Bavaria. On a route of 198 kilometers and ten stages lie beautiful juniper heaths, the Bavarian Limes, historic castles and old towns, and the great dolomite cliff. According to Bavarian tradition there are several beer gardens along the way.

The "Altmuhltal-Panoramaweg" offers views of the Danube breakthrough and the Liberation Hall in Kelheim.

3. The Hexenstieg in the Harz Mountains

– Length: 94 km – Stages: 5 – Start: Osterode – Finish: Thale – Difficulty: medium to difficult

Over a length of 94 kilometers, the Hexenstieg leads through the Harz Mountains. From Osterode, the route follows the Goethe Trail to Quedlinburg, which has a lot to offer with its diverse attractions. Here you can admire the Schlossberg with the collegiate church, the Munzenberg and the Wipertikirche. Through various forests, steep cliffs and fresh mountain meadows, the trail continues to its destination, the resort town of Thale.

On the long-distance hiking trail "Hexenstieg" lies the ruins of Munzenberg Castle.

4. The Sintfeld-Hohenweg in the Paderborn region

– Length: 144 km – Stages: 7 – Start: Buren – Finish: Buren – Difficulty: medium

This long-distance hiking trail combines romantic idylls with historical and cultural sights. On 144 kilometers and seven stages it goes from Buren through the Paderborner country. On the way lies the Wewelsburg, the only triangular castle in Germany, the Dalheim monastery, the stone chamber grave in Atteln and the nature experience Aa Valley.

The "Sintfeld-Hohenweg" with its Wewelsburg is a special long-distance hiking trail in Germany.

5. The Schluchtensteig in the Black Forest

– Length: 124 km – Stages: 6 – Start: Stuhlingen – Finish: Wehr – Difficulty: medium

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This long-distance hiking trail leads on 124 kilometers length from Stuhlingen through the varied landscape in the south of the Black Forest. Rushing waters, ancient rock towers, gorges and green primeval forests await you along the way. The Feldberg offers a breathtaking view. A view of the "Rauberschlossle" (Robber's Castle).

Traditional Black Forest houses line the long-distance hiking trail "Schluchtensteig.

Easy long-distance hiking trails in Germany

1. The Heidschnuckenweg runs from Hamburg to Celle through the Luneburg Heath. Belongs to the easy long distance hiking trails in Germany. With a length of 223 kilometers, it leads through the Nordheide, to Schneverdingen and through the Pietzmoor to Celle Castle. The path is almost completely flat without any steep climbs and is therefore perfect for relaxing and switching off.

Long-distance hiking trails in Germany such as the "Heidschnuckenweg" are easy and suitable for the whole family.

2. The Rothaarsteig from NRW to Hesse

– Length: 154 km – Stages: 8 – Start: Brilon – Finish: Dillenburg – Difficulty: easy to moderate

This long-distance hiking trail promises the highest level of relaxation with a route of 154 kilometers through green forests and lush meadows. The special highlight are the bisons, which are threatened with extinction and cannot be found anywhere else in Germany. The hike starts in the old Hanseatic town of Brilon in the Sauerland region of Germany. Leads to the Orange town of Dillenburg on the edge of the Westerwald Forest.

3. The Jagst culture trail in the Heilbronn region

– Length: 100 km – Stages: 8 – Start: Jagstfeld – Finish: Langenburg – Difficulty: easy

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From Jagstfeld to Langenburg, the 100-kilometer hiking trail leads through quiet villages and expansive vineyards in eight stages. The route is particularly pleasant due to the many small villages with historic alleys that lie between the mountains. In addition to regional wines, there are beautiful valley views, peaceful forests, the vineyard slope at Altenberg and Mockmuhl Castle on the Jagst River.

Germany's long-distance hiking trails such as the "Jagst Culture Trail" lead through idyllic villages and valleys.

4. The 66 lakes hiking trail in Brandenburg

– Length: 400 km – Stages: 17 – Start: Potsdam – Finish: Potsdam – Difficulty: easy to moderate

This trail remains flat throughout and is ideal for beginners and the whole family with dog. The 400-kilometer route comprises 17 stages and starts in Potsdam. Around Berlin numerous lakes, ponds and small rivers are waiting in wooded areas. Among the nature, small villages, castles and park landscapes lie along the way.

Blue lakes and green forests await on Germany's "66-lake long-distance hiking trail.

5. The Lech Trail in Allgau

– Length: 125 km – Stages 6 – Start: Fromarinsee – Finish: Fussen – Difficulty: easy

The long-distance hiking trail starts at Lech am Arlberg in Austria and leads 125 kilometers and six stages to Fussen in the heart of the Allgau region. The almost continuously flat path leads through natural forests, past babbling rivers and small waterfalls. This makes the route suitable for beginners and families with children and dogs.

Germany's long-distance hiking trails like the "Lechweg" have the Allgau as their destination.

Demanding long-distance hiking trails in Germany

1. On a length of 116 kilometers. Eight stages of the Malerweg trail lead through Saxon Switzerland. Near Dresden into the Elbe Sandstone Mountains, past Konigstein Fortress and the Bastei Bridge. These stages are a special highlight, because they follow the traces of the romantic artist Casper David Friedrich. Parts of the long-distance hiking trail consist of ladders, stairs and suspension bridges and are therefore not for the faint-hearted.

Germany's long-distance hiking trails such as the "Malerweg" lead through rocky gorges.

2. The Salzalpensteig through the Alps

– Length: 233 km – Stages: 18 – Start: Prien am Chiemsee – Finish: Hallstatt – Difficulty: medium to difficult

This long-distance hiking trail leads through the Alps to Upper Austria. Opened only in 2015, it runs for more than 233 kilometers and 18 stages from Lake Chiemsee to Hallstatt. Highlights on the way are crystal clear alpine lakes like the Konigssee, the mountain Watzmann, a breathtaking view of the Berchtesgaden Alps and the health resort Bad Reichenhall.

On the long-distance hiking trail "Salzalpensteig", the crystal-clear Konigssee awaits as a highlight.

3. The challenging hiking trail leads along 160 kilometers of. A total of ten stages through the Swabian Alb. From Beuron it goes to Lemberg. Thereby over the highest part of the mountains. On the way the castle Sigmaringen, viewpoints at the Albtrauf, dry valleys, caves and the famous "Hornle" are waiting for you.

The long-distance hiking trail "Donau-Zollernalb-Weg" shows the most beautiful sides of the Swabian Alb.

4. The Jurasteig in Bavaria

– Length: 237 km – Stages: 13 – Start: Kelheim – Finish: Kelheim – Difficulty: difficult

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The Jurasteig leads over 237 kilometers and 13 stages from Kelheim through the Bavarian Jura via Neumarkt in der Oberpfalz and Regensburg. On the hiking trail are valleys, dripstone caves and the famous karst spring "Blautopf. But also numerous castles. Monasteries line up along the challenging trail.

The karst spring "Blautopf" is an absolute highlight on the long-distance hiking trail "Jurasteig".

5. The Eifelsteig in NRW

– Length: 313 km – Stages: 15 – Start: Kornelimunster – Finish: Trier – Difficulty: difficult

With a length of 313 kilometers and 15 stages, the Eifelsteig leads through North Rhine-Westphalia, starting in Aachen and passing through the "Eifel National Park" and the "Volcanic Eifel European Geopark" to Trier. Natural hiking trails through the only high moor area in NRW and the millstone caves of Gerolstein await you. Even more highlights are offered by the Roman Canal, Ramstein Castle and Himmerod Monastery.

Long-distance hiking trails in NRW lead along natural routes past ancient castle ruins.

Whether it's a relaxed hike with the whole family or a multi-day hiking tour with a high degree of difficulty: the beautiful long-distance hiking trails in Germany have something to offer for every taste.

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