Berlin is a city where families will feel welcome.
30.07.2023 - 19:11 / lonelyplanet.com
There is a long and rich tradition of rambling in Germany.
Take to your heels in this broad, beautiful and many-splendored country, and you’ll quickly see why. From the whispering spruce stands of Bavaria’s fabled Black Forest to the wind-whipped loveliness of its Baltic shore, Germany has some of the most varied and appealing hiking to be found anywhere in Europe.
It helps that the infrastructure is outstanding. Overseen by the German Hiking Association (Deutscher Wanderverband, or DWV, a collective of over 70 mountaineering and hiking associations) the Germans cater to their Wanderlust with over 150 long-distance hiking trails, and countless shorter routes. Well maintained and signposted, these routes combine to create a network more than 200,000km (124,000 miles) in length. It’s nearly impossible to isolate the rarest gems amongst these riches, but we’ve chosen six of the best. The longer, multi-day hikes are all easily broken up into smaller, more manageable stages.
Best for gorge rambling 13km (8 miles), 3–4 hours, easy
The dynamic Wutach river in Baden-Württemberg is responsible for this delightful gorge walk through the High Black Forest. Sheer rock faces of up to 170m (558ft) create a microclimate harboring rare ferns, orchids, lizards and butterflies.
Rather than attempting to traverse the entire, challenging 119km (74 miles) of the gorge, take it easy on the 13km (8 mile) section from Schattenmühle, an old mill turned rustic hotel, to Wutachmühle, a log cabin serving refreshments and hot meals. Schattenmühle is a 30-minute walk south of Göschweiler, a southern district of Löffingen, near the Swiss border.
Best historic German hike 169km (105 miles), 7–10 days, moderate
This ancient ridgetop ramble through the Thuringian Forest and the valley of the Saale river is Germany’s oldest and most popular long-distance trail. Named a "cultural monument" in 1999, it’s been followed since at least the 13th century.
The Rennsteig runs from Hörschel near Eisenach to Blankenstein on the Saale, is generally attempted in seven or more days and is suitable for those of at least moderate fitness. Marked by distinctive "R" signs, it’s at its best in the shoulder seasons of April/May and September/October, when mild weather and thinner crowds generally coincide. It’s customary for hikers to collect a pebble from the Werra River at the beginning of the trail and throw it into the Saale at the other end.
Best for German castles 176km (110 miles), 9–11 days, moderate to hard
There are other Burgenwege (Castle Trails) in Germany, but this 176km (109 mile) trail in the north west offers perhaps the best combination of isolated beauty and sights of historical interest. Commencing near Marktredwitz, it falls mostly
Berlin is a city where families will feel welcome.
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For grand castles and gritty industrial architecture, half-timbered taverns and edgy techno nightclubs, head to Germany.
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