5 Great Hikes to Do in Germany this Spring

If you’re new to our content, then one thing you’ll quickly learn is we love hiking! Plus, since we live in Germany, we are fortunate to have an abundance of free publicly accessible hiking trails. Spring in Germany is definitely one of the most beautiful times of year and there’s no better time to get back out on the trails than when the trees and flowers are in bloom.

That being said, here are 5 great hikes that you should do in Germany this spring:

4 Castle Tour in the Pfalz

• Length: 9.5 km
• Duration: 3.5 hrs
• Parking: Nothweiler Hiking Parking Lot
• Trailhead: At parking lot

We did this trail at the end of a long day of exploring which included 3 additional short hikes. We underestimated the elevation change on this hike and our legs let us know about it! That being said, this moderately difficult hike rewards you with fantastic views over the unique landscape of the southern Palatinate region. As the name suggests, the trail takes you past 4 castles in Germany and France, all of which you are welcome to explore.

This hike is one of hundreds available in our premium Germany travel maps.

Bleidenberger Ausblicke in the Moselle Valley

• Length: 13 km
• Duration: 4-5 hrs
• Parking: Oberfell Church
• Trailhead: At parking lot

This. Hike. Is. Exhausting.

However, it is extremely rewarding. Spring is definitely the ideal season for the Bleidenberger Ausblicke loop trail. The slate mountains of the Moselle keep the trail warm, while the cool spring air refreshes you. Highlights on this trail include magnificent views of the Moselle Valley, the Thurant castle and thick forests full of wildlife and running water. The trail brings you right back to where you started, but not before passing multiple family-owned wineries where you can stop for a well-earned refreshment.

This hike is one of hundreds available in our premium Germany travel maps.

Mittenwald to Ederkanzel in the German Alps

• Length: 13.6 km
• Duration: 4.5 hrs
• Parking: Anywhere in Mittenwald
• Trailhead: Anywhere in Mittenwald (trail signs are everywhere)

This loop trail is the first I, Ryne, ever did in the Bavarian Alps and it may even be responsible for the hiking addiction I have today. We took this trail on an extended Easter holiday and were enchanted by the warm sun on our faces, as we trudged through the soft snow beneath our feet. The trail takes you up the mountain, through the forest, across a gorge, past a lake, over the Austrian border and back. One of the highlights for me was the perfect lunch spot: Berggasthaus Ederkanzel.

This hike is one of hundreds available in our premium Germany travel maps.

All Saints Waterfall in the Black Forest

• Length: 4 km
• Duration: 1.5 hrs
• Parking: Klosterruine Allerheiligen
• Trailhead: At parking lot

This easy loop trail will leave you full of wonder. You start at the impressive ruins of an old monastery and make your way through the thick forest to the All Saints Waterfall. We spent so much time just exploring the ruins and taking in the beauty of the waterfall. Hikes like this are excellent for getting back in touch with nature and appreciating the short time we have on this wonderful planet.

This hike is one of hundreds available in our premium Germany travel maps.

Kirnitzsch Gorge

• Length: 9 km
• Duration: 3 hrs
• Parking: Buchenparkhalle in Hinterhermsdorf
• Trailhead: At parking lot

This hike is definitely one of our favorites in Saxon Switzerland. Located on the border to the Czech Republic, the lush forest and gently flowing Kirnitzsch river are the perfect combination for curing those winter blues. What’s more, the trail includes a rest stop with a small restaurant and a boating service that offers gondola rides through the gorge. We included a one-way trip as part of our hike on this loop trail.

Which hike are you most excited to try? Let us know in the comments!