Bavaria walks

The Augsburg Forests are certainly one of the lesser-known nature reserves in Germany. The circular walk along the chain of ponds near Burgwalden offers nature-loving walkers a glimpse into one of the many different landscapes the nature reserve has to offer. Here – on a section of the Swabian-Allgäu Long-Distance Walking Trail – countless animals live that are otherwise rarely seen.

Located 70 km from Munich, the Staffelsee is one of Bavaria’s many lakes. Like many others, it is surrounded by peat bogs that have been developed for walking, allowing you to discover magnificent flora and fauna. The walk ends with a pleasant return journey by boat.

A short circular walk taking in this small peak overlooking Oberstaufen. Despite its modest altitude, the Staufner Berg offers panoramic views of the village and the surrounding area.

A route that climbs to offer views of the Goßer Alpsee. The return journey follows the Jakobsweg (Way of St James), staying as close as possible to the northern shore.

A lovely hike along a ridge path offering numerous views of the Allgäu peaks.

The Fockenstein (1,564 m) is a peak in the Bavarian Pre-Alps, to the west of Lake Tegernsee. Starting on a forest track alongside a stream, the second half of the walk offers superb views of the Bavarian Alps. Once you reach the summit, you’ll be treated to a magnificent panorama.

Froschgrundsee is a short hike in Upper Franconia, which is partially barrier-free. Start your leisurely hike at the Froschgrundbrücke car park. The trail takes you around the picturesque Froschgrundsee lake for just under five kilometres. Enjoy the idyllic landscape and the tranquillity of nature, which is particularly reflected in the mirror-like water of the lake. The route is flat and well maintained, making it ideal for families and leisurely walkers. After your walk, the Froschgrundsee restaurant, located directly on the lake, awaits you. Here you can fortify yourself with regional specialities and let your gaze wander over the water. A perfect end to a wonderful outing.

Easy walk with beautiful viewpoints You can explore this beautiful and varied landscape along narrow lanes and footpaths. The circular route leads from the lake, through fertile orchards and vineyards, to stunning vantage points and historic sights against the magnificent backdrop of the Alpine panorama.

The Röttingen Forest Nature Trail invites you to enjoy a varied walk through the woods. Along the way, you’ll find interesting information about life in the forest and different types of trees. It’s ideal for anyone who wants to experience nature whilst discovering fascinating facts.

A varied circular walk with lovely views across the surrounding countryside to Lake Deger and Lake Schlein. A very varied circular route awaits you through the ‘hinterland’ of Nonnenhorn to the beautiful Degersee and Schleinsee lakes, offering stunning panoramic views. You’ll pass through the villages of Selmnau, Poppis, Riedensweiler, Wettis, Busenhaus, Nitzenweiler, Gattnau and Retterschen. Parts of the route follow small roads, and often take you along field tracks, woodland paths and meadow paths.

The 3.4-kilometre-long hiking trail is the perfect family outing and features wooded paths, a bee hotel and 22 information boards that offer fascinating insights into nature. Thanks to the gentle gradient and plenty of shade, it’s also a pleasant walk.

A discovery walk along the Isar within the city of Munich, passing through the two large squares nearby. Highlight: crossing the Isar via a footbridge over 500 metres long.

A very pretty tour of Lake Eibsee in Bavaria. The path runs along the shores from a distance, through a beautiful mossy forest, but it is possible to take secondary paths to reach the many coves and swim in the crystal-clear water.

Short hike in the Partnach Gorge starting from the ski resort of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, then in the surrounding forest. (Entrance to the gorge costs €10 per person.) Challenging route on the first climb out of the gorge.

This wonderful circular walk in Ottobeuren combines enjoyment of nature, exercise and mindfulness and is ideal for families and anyone looking for an inspiring break in the Allgäu. Along the way, you will learn a lot about the different planets.

This circular walk takes us along an easily accessible footpath up to the world-famous Neuschwanstein Castle. Along the way, we have great views of Hohenschwangau Castle opposite. From the Marienbrücke bridge, we can enjoy a breathtaking view of the castle and the surrounding Alps. The return route follows a wide forest path along the summer toboggan run – ideal for nature and culture lovers. This path is also much less frequented than the paved main path.

This hike allows you to discover Königssee first, as you have to take the boat to get to the starting point. The first part of the hike is a beautiful walk through the forest with stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains, which rise to over 2,500 metres. The last part, which is more challenging, allows you to admire the Eïs Kappelle with its 30-metre-wide and 15-metre-high corridors. Impressive.

Hinterstein - Shreksee - Kirchdachsattel - Hinterstein Route starts from Hinterstein parking. We hiked, but it is possible to take the bus to Kraftwerk Auele, where the trailhead begins. It is a difficult trail with steep inclines with loose rocks and water runoff. It is possible to swim in the lake, and the view from the saddle is really nice.

The largest lake in the heart of the Fichtelgebirge is Lake Weißenstadt near Weißenstadt. An asphalted lakeside path runs around the lake, which covers around 50 hectares, and is easy to walk along even with a pram, pushchair or walking frame. No wonder it is one of the most popular day-trip destinations in the wider area.

The town of Coburg has a lot to offer in many respects. Firstly, there is the Veste, which towers high above the town and boasts a long history. Between it and the beautiful old town lies a park with magnificent old trees. At the lower end is Ehrenburg Castle, which the noble lords later had built for ceremonial purposes. And finally, the old town itself, which certainly holds its own against these two magnificent sites.

Nestled in the heart of the Northern Upper Palatinate Forest Nature Park lies the picturesque market town of Leuchtenberg. Perched high on the hill, the castle ruins – among the largest and best-preserved in the Upper Palatinate – greet visitors. At their feet, the romantic valleys of the Lerau and Luhe rivers wind their way through the forest.

Following the conquest of France, the Romans advanced across the Rhine. The Odenwald Limes was erected to secure the stretch between the Main and Neckar rivers, which were regarded as natural borders. This boundary wall, built around the year 85 AD, was intended to protect the Roman province of Germania Superior.The first stage of your walk takes you along the former border from Obernburg on the sunny banks of the Main to Michelstadt-Vielbrunn.During this scenically and culturally enriching tour, you will pass the remains of Roman watchtowers, forts (troop quarters), bathhouses and border fortifications. Informative signposts highlight the sights and provide insights into life in the former border region.

Following the conquest of France, the Romans advanced across the Rhine. The Odenwald Limes was erected to secure the stretch between the Main and Neckar rivers, which were regarded as natural boundaries. This boundary wall, built around the year 85 AD, was intended to protect the Roman province of Germania Superior.Your hike takes you along the former borderline in five stages, from Obernburg on the sunny banks of the Main, through the densely wooded Odenwald, to Neckarzimmern in the romantic Neckar Valley.During this scenically and culturally enriching tour, you will pass the remains of Roman watchtowers, forts (troop quarters), bathhouses and border fortifications. Informative signposts highlight the sights and provide insights into life in the former border region.

This short walk takes you along the historic city wall, past the Almosenturm tower to the Annakapelle chapel. Continue along the picturesque Kapellengasse to the Mittlerer Höhenweg, from where you can enjoy a magnificent view over the town and the Main Valley as far as the Spessart. On the way back, you will pass the Lower Gate, St. Peter and Paul's Church and the former Stiftshof before arriving back at your starting point at the Roman Museum.

Half-timbered houses, a castle ruin, water in abundance – the charming town of Hilpoltstein in the district of Roth has all this to offer. A beautiful and very varied circular walk takes in the finest sights.

The Rednitz-Rezat Trail from Rednitzhembach to Spalt follows the river all the way. It takes you past the varied landscapes of the Franconian Lake District. Sometimes over wooded high banks, sometimes through wide valley meadows into the famous Spalt hills with their countless hop gardens. Cultural highlights along the way range from historic old towns, Ratibor Castle, museums and many beautiful churches and monuments to art trails. Cosy Franconian pubs and beer gardens invite you to stop for a break along the way.

The Schmausenbuck, in the east of Nuremberg, is best known for the Nuremberg Tiergarten located there. What not everyone knows, however, is that this wooded hill, around 390 metres high, is also one of the quarries for the so-called ‘Burgsandstein’, which was used in many of the city’s famous buildings. The former quarries there in the Nuremberg Reichswald are now designated as a valuable geotope by the State Office for Environmental Protection.

This circular route, divided into two half-days, starts at the Oberstdorf bus station. The transport system in this region makes it easy to combine hiking with bus and cable car travel from one valley to another.

This circular route, divided into two half-days, starts from Oberstdorf bus station. The transport system in this region makes it easy to combine hiking with bus and cable car journeys from one valley to another.

A pleasant route that takes you from the Allgäu to the Kleinwalsertal in Austria. The use of buses and cable cars limits significant elevation gains.

A pleasant route that takes you back to Söllereck. The route passes close to the Freibergsee lake (where you can take a short detour). You can also admire the impressive ski jump.

A magnificent route that largely follows the Austrian-German border. The use of buses and cable cars limits significant elevation gains. This ridge trail offers superb views of Austria and the mountain ranges around Oberstdorf, including the Nebelhorn.

The Nibelungensteig is a certified Qualitätsweg "Wanderbares Deutschland" (Quality Trail "Hikeable Germany") that runs for 130 km in several stages, some of which are very strenuous, with a total of more than 4,000 metres of elevation gain from west to east across the Odenwald and thus through three federal states (Hesse, Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg). Our division differs from the official stages. We have chosen some shorter tours, added a few extra metres and stayed overnight in different places in some cases. When planning your tour, please note that accommodation, refreshment and catering facilities are not always available.

The third stage of the Juniper Trail summarises all the scenic highlights on a short circular route. Magnificent beech forests above Kastl, dry grasslands and, of course, the beautiful juniper heaths. It leads across the historic market square in Kastl with the old town hall, past the monastery church and up into the Hochholz, where the trail follows a forest nature trail for a while.

The second part of the Juniper Trail also has its own special highlights. From Hohenburg, the trail leads along the slope of the Lauterach Valley through forests and juniper heaths across the sparsely populated landscape. At Ransbach, the idyllic trail switches to the other bank of the Lauterach, then leads over the ridge to Kastl. The area between Hohenburg and Kastl in the Hirschwald Nature Park has a special feature. Directly on the cycle path that flanks the Lauterach lies the Hohenfels military training area, at the top of which the ruins of the former castle complex are visible.

The Lauterach Valley, which runs between Schmidmühlen and Kastl through the northern Upper Palatinate, is one of the Jura's most special gems. On the flanks of the hilltops on both sides of the romantic Jurabach stream, bizarre rock formations originating from the sponge reefs of a tropical sea adorn the path. The trail often leads directly through fragrant juniper heaths, which have earned the Lauterach Valley the name Bavarian Tuscany. In between, there are small market towns and villages with beautiful old town halls on historic market squares, castles, ruins and, of course, churches, which are further highlights of the tour. Here in the Lauterach Valley is also the last nursery of the greater horseshoe bat, a species of bat that is found nowhere else in Germany.

The first stage of the Juniper Trail starts in Schmidtmühlen, an idyllic market town in the Lauterach Valley. In addition to three castles, the market square with its pretty half-timbered houses is particularly worth a visit. From here, the trail climbs up into the forest and finally, halfway up the slope high above the Lauterach Valley, you can hike through the juniper heaths.

One of Germany’s most beautiful half-timbered gems can be found in Churfranken. The little town of Miltenberg lies right on the ‘Mainknie’ (the bend in the Main), sheltered by a huge gatehouse at the Main bridge. Perched on the mountainside is the old castle, which now shines in new splendour and houses a museum. It isn’t the only highlight on the Greinberg, as alongside the sea of red sandstone cliffs, you’ll also find relics from the Celtic era at the summit.

A circular walk through the vineyards along the Volkach bend of the Main, including a crossing over the Main and a traverse of the ‘Weininsel’ (wine island) near Nordheim.

The Nibelungensteig is a certified Qualitätsweg "Wanderbares Deutschland" (Quality Trail "Hikeable Germany") that runs for 130 km in several stages, some of which are very strenuous, with a total of more than 4,000 metres of elevation gain from west to east across the Odenwald and thus through three federal states (Hesse, Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg). Our division differs from the official stages. We have chosen some shorter tours, added a few extra metres and stayed overnight in different places in some cases. When planning your tour, please note that accommodation, refreshment and catering facilities are not always available.

The Nibelungensteig is a certified Qualitätsweg "Wanderbares Deutschland" (Quality Trail "Hiking in Germany") that runs for 130 km in several stages, some of which are very strenuous, with a total of more than 4,000 metres of elevation gain from west to east across the Odenwald and thus through three federal states (Hesse, Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg). Our division differs from the official stages. We have chosen some shorter tours, added a few extra metres and stayed overnight in different places. When planning your tour, please note that accommodation, refreshment and catering facilities are not always available.

There are few major cities where you can escape into nature without leaving the city. This route through Munich is a fine example.The route starts in a park overlooking the zoo, then follows the Auer Mühlbach stream to the Müllerches Volksbad (public baths, a magnificent Art Nouveau building).The second part follows the Isar to the Großhesselohe bridge, then back through the Harlaching district to the starting point.