Bavaria: The best hiking trails for your holidays!
Bavaria, one of the most beautiful federal states of Germany, is a paradise for hikers. The region offers a variety of hiking trails through breathtaking nature. They lead through forests, over mountains, and along rivers and lakes. There are both challenging and easy routes for beginners and experienced hikers alike, along with their four-legged friends.
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Bavaria - 8 special hiking trails
Narrow path
In the Reintal near Garmisch, the wild stream Partnach has carved an 80 m deep gorge over millions of years. Follow the approximately 700 m long path through the gorge along steep rock walls and gurgling water holes. The gorge is particularly exciting in winter when bizarre ice sculptures adorn the watercourse. The Partnach Gorge can be visited during the day all year round. A rain jacket and sweater are recommended, as it is always cool in the gorge. The starting point is the ski stadium in Garmisch. An exciting adventure, especially for children, is the eventful lift ride to the mountain inn Eckbauer with a great view of the Wetterstein Mountains and back through the gorge.
Neuschwanstein Castle Circular Trail
The circular route is a total of nine kilometers long, first leading through the rugged gorge to Neuschwanstein Castle and further along the upper winter path to Alpsee. In the gorge, the Pöllat stream thunders down. A popular photo spot is the Marienbrücke with the waterfall. The route continues in a serpentine through the forest. From here, there is a magnificent view over the deep blue Alpsee. Above the lake runs the winter path, from which you can see Hohenschwangau Castle. Especially in autumn, a hike around Neuschwanstein Castle is an unforgettable experience.
In the footsteps of the painters of Romanticism
The Hintersee fully corresponds to the idea of a romantic mountain lake: it is surrounded by densely forested mountains, and moss-covered rocks frame the water. No wonder it inspired famous painters like Ferdinand Waldmüller and Carl Rottmann. A signposted themed trail tells of the artists' work. You get to know the Hintersee from a completely different perspective when you rent a pedal boat. The view of the impressive Göll west wall is unique. Annerl is the name of the small electric boat that takes over ferry services in the summer. On hot days, many hikers dare to jump into the refreshingly cool water.
Schleierfälle circular hike in the Ammertal
The Schleierfälle are among the impressive natural wonders of the Ammergau. The hike takes you directly along the Ammer, which is an upper course of the Amper. The first highlight on the route is the Soyermühle. The Schleierfälle live up to their name. They fall like a veil over rocks. The Schleierfälle are under special nature protection: after all, the water falls over moss-covered stones, which are very sensitive. After you have had your fill of the natural spectacle, the route continues to the Kammerl hydroelectric power plant. At Gut Acheleschwaig, there is a farm shop with regional products and a restaurant.
Altmühltal Panorama Trail
The Altmühltal Panorama Trail was awarded as a quality hiking trail by the German Hiking Association and runs in Bavaria for about 200 kilometers from Gunzenhausen to Kelheim. It follows the Altmühl through magnificent juniper heaths and wild rocky landscapes, offering a beautiful natural idyll to immerse in, alongside other cultural and historical sights. In addition, there are plenty of historical towns to discover along the route. Former castles and fortresses, as well as various remnants of the Celts and Romans, join them. The main route is complemented by 27 loop trails. Thanks to good transport connections and signage, individual sections can be easily hiked as part hikes.
Circular hiking trail
A five-hour hiking classic leads from the Rissloch hiking car park near Bodenmais past the impressive Rissloch Falls to the Mittagsplatzl with a great view of the Großer Arbersee. Then it goes to the summit of the Arber, where a cozy inn invites you to a hearty rest. The return path leads to the Chamer Hut and then along the Schwellbach. On the southeast flank of the Arber lies the lake of the same name. Stroll around the nature-rich body of water from the last ice age, past the 400 m high Arberseewand, and marvel at the impressive remnants of the Bavarian Forest's primeval forest. Information boards provide details about the lake's history. And how about an enjoyable pedal boat ride?
Long-distance hiking trail Frankenweg, Stage 1
In the village of Hölle, the Frankenweg reaches the Höllental, whose entrance is adorned with a large deer sculpture. At the spring house, you can refresh yourself with a sip of iron-rich mineral water from Bavaria's deepest mineral spring. Then you hike over many small bridges, always along the Selbitz, through a wild and romantic natural landscape, surrounded by bizarre rock formations and steep forest slopes. At the exit of the Höllental in Blechschmidtenhammer, the visitor mine Friedrich-Wilhelm-Stollen, the only one in the Frankenwald, awaits the hiker. Join a one-hour guided tour with an exciting mine exploration. As a souvenir, children receive a pretty mineral stone. A must in Blechschmidtenhammer is also the Nature Park Information Center, which introduces you to the wildlife and plant life of the Frankenwald.
Dream Tour Castell
The noble seat with its current buildings was constructed in the 17th century. Both the interior areas of the three-wing complex and the formally designed castle park are open to the public on certain occasions. Additionally, you can wonderfully combine your visit to the castle with the DreamRound Castell - a circular hiking trail for wine enthusiasts that begins and ends in Castell. On 12.3 kilometers and about a four-hour hike, you follow the traces of a historically significant grape: in 1659, the first Silvaner was planted here, and to this day, the charming wine village remains true to this tradition. On the DreamRound Castell, discover not only the impressive vineyards but also enchanted castle ruins and a high plateau.