From shimmering glacial lakes and Alpine pastures to moody forests and half-timbered villages, walking holidays in Germany provide truly enchanting landscapes to explore on foot. With extensive walks through the Green Heart of Bavaria, our tours take you on scenic trails to places such as the Altmühltal Nature Park, the flower-filled meadows and lush valleys surrounding the chocolate-box village of Oberammergau, and the waterside paths along Lake Tegernsee. Each one of our itineraries is designed to immerse you in the country’s most spectacular scenery, local cuisine and cultural delights.
During our Bavaria walking holidays, you’ll also come across historic and natural sites, including the medieval ruins of Pappenheim Castle, the 140-million-year-old fossils at Solnhofen and the primaeval Danube valley on our Walking in the Altmühltal Nature Park.
If you want to see outstanding examples of Bavarian architecture on Germany trips, our walking tour in Oberammergau takes you to the 14th -century Baroque Benedictine monastery near Ettal and the Schloss Linderhof, which was inspired by Louis XIV’s chateau in Versailles.
If you love the thrill of outdoor water sports or fancy taking a dip in one of the Bavarian glacial lakes, our Walking Bavaria’s Lakes and Mountains trip gives you ample time to explore Bad Wiessee and Lake Schliersee. You’ll also enjoy a scenic hike up to the summit of Mount Wendelstein, where you can toast your trekking efforts with some local steins and Bavarian snacks in the mountain’s panoramic beer garden.
Top Four Most Beautiful Places to Explore on Walking Holidays in Germany
Oberammergau: Nestled in the quiet foothills of the Alps in Southern Bavaria, Oberammergau is a quintessential chocolate-box village, which is the starting point for many picturesque walking trails. The well-marked walking routes lead you on wonderful journeys of discovery as you embark on gentle strolls through flower-strewn meadows and more challenging hikes up into the mountains. Imagine walking through undulating landscapes interrupted only by emerald-green lakes and cascading waterfalls, where you can totally switch off from day-to-day life and immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature. Along many of the routes, you’ll also have the opportunity to explore ancient monasteries and churches, majestic palaces and pretty houses adorned with colourful frescoes.
Bavaria: Famed for its still lakes, snow-dusted mountains and fairytale castles that cling to the hillsides, Bavaria is a magical place that dreams are made of. When you enjoy Bavaria walking holidays, you’ll think you’ve just stepped into a wonderland that exists only in children’s story books. But when you pinch yourself, you’ll realise that such a place really does exist. Our guided walking tour of Bavaria lets you follow winding mountain paths and explore verdant pastures at your leisure, stopping off for a cool German beer at one of the alpine huts along the way. Visit iconic lakes such as Tegernsee andSchliersee and swim beneath immense mountain peaks.
Altmühltal Nature Park: Also located in the heart of Bavaria is Altmuhltal Nature Park where its natural landscapes present perfect walking trails for exploring on foot. The park is the second largest in Germany and is filled with interesting historical sites. Walking along river valleys and sprawling forests, you’ll uncover an ancient landscape where restored forts and ramparts pay testament to the region’s Roman and Celtic past. Later years saw the construction of ornate palaces, churches and monasteries built by nobility and princely archbishops. En route there’s also plenty of tasty Bavarian delights on offer – try one of the famous speciality sausages or a stein of Bavarian beer.
Altmuhltal Panorama Trail: Setting off from the spa town of Treuchtlingen to the town of Kelheim, the Altmuhltal Panorama Trail is an extremely varied route that meanders among the rich habitats of Germany’s flora and fauna. As you walk above river valleys and juniper heaths, you’ll come across ancient monuments, fossils and limestone rocks, not to mention the outstanding views over the River Altmuhl. Discover natural wonders such as the rock towers of the Twelve Apostles and keep your eyes peeled for the Archaeopteryx fossils. Throughout your journey, stay at medieval villages and delve into the local history and traditions of Bavaria.
We had a wonderful holiday not least because of the tour leader Miguel aka Mike who was knowledgeable and passionate about the culture and natural environment of Andalucia and thoughtful and generous in the way he engaged with every member of the group. The farmhouse provided good food, always delivered with a smile. The views across the valley are stunning. I particularly enjoyed hearing and seeing the variety of bird life, expertly pointed out by Miguel and others in the group. The walks themselves were interesting and varied. The group also bonded well together with lots of stories and laughter.
The walks were interesting and varied. My personal highlights were a picnic lunch in the Grounds of an old monastery and the final walk of the week which not only was a beautiful trek up a local mountain but also allowed us to look out on the whole area we had walked around in the week giving a real sense of completion.
Our trip was wonderful! Miguel is a excellent guide with so much knowledge of the area including the history, plants & animals. Though a bit rustic, the Cortijo Rosario was lovely & very in keeping with the beautiful olive groves surrounding it- very homey / personal & perfect for me. The staff & food were fabulous as we’re all of the fabulous acquaintances made. Thanks to all for a great trip.
This was one of my favourite treks . We saw absolutely no other tourists on this trek . In the villages , the local people were so friendly . We managed to converse in pigeon french and were shown the local toad pond by some little boys in one village , had mint tea in a villagers home in another and were dressed as brides in another village . Everyone was so hospitable .
