Germany · HIKING & TREKKING
German summer weekends and the Christmas-market weeks sell out early, and the best hiking trips go first. Below are the 14 to get into the diary now, what each includes and where they differ.
Join Westerland-born guide Jan Krüger for a 1.5 to 2-hour walk through Sylt’s Wadden Sea mudflats. Go barefoot when conditions allow, or wear your own rubber boots in cooler seasons. Meet at the Vogelkoje bus stop between Kampen and List for stories, wildlife facts, and a close look at the tidal world.
“Der Guide hält alle bei Laune, bei jedem Wetter und kann jede Frage beantworten.”
Join a German-speaking guide such as Evi or Katja for a 2.5-hour walk up Freiburg’s Schlossberg. You’ll ride the Schlossbergbahn, taste four wines and one secco from Lena Flurbacher winery, hear about local wine and Freiburg’s hill, and keep the tasting glass as a souvenir.
Meet at Berggasthof Obersalzberg for a guided uphill hike toward Eagle’s Nest with Claudio or Pauline. Along the way, explore Nazi-era ruins, bunker remains, Hitler’s former mountain retreat, and the Obersalzberg story before reaching the tunnel and elevator to Kehlsteinhaus. Expect five to six hours, a moderate fitness requirement, and an extra €25.10 for the bus down.
“Claudio was an excellent guide with vast knowledge of the history surrounding Eagle's Nest , Hitler and the area. The hike was very interesting and had great views. Some of the inclines made it a bit challenging but the views at the top were our reward! Claudio was very attentive to each one in the group and very informative. If you are a World War II buff like my husband and in decent shape, this hike is a must!”
Spend about nine hours crossing Saxon and Bohemian Switzerland from Dresden. Your English-speaking guide leads walks to Bastei Bridge, Neurathen Castle and Pravčická Gate, followed by a Czech lunch and boat ride through Kamenice Gorge. Hotel pickup, snacks, water, entry fees and return transport are included.
“I would recommend this procude to anyone wanting to make the most out of a stay in Dresden or Prague and who wants an enjoyable nature trip. I chose the hiking option and we were the only people from our location. Pavel (our driver) was amazing and made us feel extremely welcome from the minute he picked us up. He made the drive to the park enjoyable and kept a steady conversation with us. Once at the park Josef (our guide) was also incredibly friendly and it made all of my worries disappear. The landscape in both parts of the national park are truly beautiful and it was great to…”
Start at Hinterzarten station and follow an English self-guided route through Ravenna Gorge. Your offline app leads you past streams, waterfalls, old mills, the Black Forest's oldest chapel, and the area's largest cuckoo clock. Allow 3 to 4 hours for the 8-kilometer hike, then leave time for food or shopping in Hinterzarten.
“This was a great tour and hike. Substantially more challenging than the description suggests, but completely worth it.”
Join Rich for a private beer hike from Bamberg into Franconian Tuscany. Ride local public transport, walk about five miles through villages and farmland, and stop at small breweries in Memmelsdorf and Merkendorf. Beer, lunch, and other food cost extra, and the longer version can make this a full-day outing.
“My son and I spent a day with Rich in the Bamberg countryside and it was more fun than we imagined. We were supposed to go to 5 breweries, but ended up going to ten! Three meals 17 kilometers, and 14 hours later we arrived at our hotel. We drank 15 beers and I was sober, which was shocking. We laughed the entire time and were amazed at the quality and taste of the beer. Now I know why Germans like to hike! If you want to have a once in a lifetime experience, with someone who loves what they do, then hire this wonderful man, who will throw back…”
Meet your German-speaking wine guide in Rüdesheim at noon for sparkling wine, a cable-car ride over the vineyards, and a three-kilometer walk. You will taste four wines, hear about local winegrowing, and finish at a historic restaurant. Jaqueline has led the tour, and non-alcoholic grape juice is available.
“Hätte das Wetter mitgespielt, wäre es perfekt gewesen 😊”
Spend three hours with a guide such as Felix in Stuttgart’s vineyards, tasting five regional wines between playful team and solo games. Water, snacks, and nonalcoholic options are available, with vegan food on request. The route is wheelchair accessible, reachable from the main station in about 14 minutes by subway, and includes city views and group photos.
“Felix was an amazing guide! Excellent knowledge about wine and the area. Games were fun, very good selection of wine and over all just a good time. He made sure we had enough water and shade as well. Thank you Felix! Would recommend!”
Spend 90 minutes with an alpaca at Alpakadorf Braunschweig. After a short safety briefing, you and a partner guide one animal along the Oker River, around Südsee, or through Riddagshausen, depending on the date. Meet Pepe and the herd, take photos, and learn from a German-speaking guide such as Miriam. Some Riddagshausen tours include coffee and cake.
“Es war im allgemeinen eine sehr schöne Tour vor allem, weil es geschneit hat. Die Tiere sind alle total zutraulich und gut gepflegt + Tourguide Miriam super symphatisch. Aufjedenfall empfehlenswert! 👍🏽”
Start at Riverhouse in Stuttgart, collect a chilled bag with five Kraftpaule beers and a puzzle card, then follow a vineyard hiking route while solving tasks. You finish back at Riverhouse with a chance to win a 15% Kraftpaule discount voucher. Sturdy shoes are advised.
“The walking route was well chosen and the puzzles were fun and entertaining. I would have liked information about the beers and perhaps also an order in which they should be drunk.”
Meet your German-speaking guide at Rüdesheim’s Musikkabinett beneath the red tent, then ride the cable car to Germania for wide Rhine Valley views. Taste five wines, including Riesling, learn about local vines and culture, enjoy cheese and a pretzel, and walk down to Drosselgasse for a final schnapps.
Start at Skiparadies Grasgehren for a 15-minute safety briefing, then spend three hours on snowshoes near Riedberger Horn. Your German-speaking guide chooses a route to suit the group, from rolling high ground to steeper climbs. Snowshoes, poles, gaiters, and a hot drink are included. Guide Fabian has been praised for his friendly, flexible approach.
“Such a wonderful guide supportive and flexible we were delayed arriving due to an accident and diversion on the motorway. Incredibly scenery.”
At Schönenberg Alpakas near Jettingen-Scheppach, you’ll learn about alpacas and llamas, feed the animals, choose an alpaca, and walk through Mindeltal forest and fields. The host speaks German. The detailed schedule allows about two hours, although the booking information lists 30 minutes, so confirm the exact timing before you go.
“Wonderful experience from start to finish. The Alpacas were very friendly and cute and our tour leader was the best from start to the very end. Would recommend this to anyone, really relaxing and fun experience.”
Join a small-group hike from Ebne 5 in Ehrwald and follow a weather-dependent route through the Zugspitz Arena. Your German- or English-speaking guide leads you past lakes, rivers, alpine flowers, wildlife, and traditional log cabins, with time for photos and practical hiking tips. The route suits beginners, but you need to bring your own gear.
“Glad you liked the tour so much. See you soon and best wishes from Ehrwald.”
A city, a river, a castle ridge, a brewery.
