Bavaria (Bayern) is Germany's largest and most diverse state, stretching from the Danube lowlands in the north to the soaring peaks of the Alps in the south. Home to Munich, one of Europe's most livable cities, Bavaria enchants visitors with fairy-tale castles, pristine Alpine lakes, ancient beer halls, and UNESCO World Heritage towns. The state blends rich Catholic traditions, a proud regional identity, and world-class cultural institutions with stunning natural scenery.
Top trails
Routes worth lacing up your boots for.
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1
König Ludwig Way (Königsweg)
A 120-km multi-day trail through the foothills and low Alps of Upper Bavaria, passing through landscapes associated with King Ludwig II. The route connects Starnberg (Lake Starnberg) to Füssen (near Neuschwanstein Castle), passing through the Ammersee, Ammer Gorge (Ammerschlucht), and the royal hunting grounds around Linderhof. Waymarked with the Bavarian blue-white diamond (Rauten) symbol.
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2
Zugspitze Ascent (Stopselzieher Route)
The classic route to Germany's highest peak (2,962m) on foot via the Garmisch-Zugspitze trail, ascending through the dramatic Zugspitzplatt glacier basin. The Stopselzieher route approaches from Garmisch-Partenkirchen via Eibsee, passing through the Reintal valley and Zugspitzplatt glacier. This is a serious mountain route requiring experience, proper equipment, and an early start.
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3
Partnachklamm Gorge
A dramatic gorge walk in Garmisch-Partenkirchen through a narrow limestone canyon carved by the Partnach river, with footpaths blasted into the cliff face and wooden walkways overhanging the torrent below. The gorge is magnificent in all seasons — in winter the walls are coated in ice formations. The 700m gorge walk can be extended into a half-day circular hike to the Ferchensee mountain lake.
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4
Watzmann Traverse
The Watzmann traverse from the Hocheck (2,651m) to the Südspitze (2,713m) via the central Mittelspitze is one of the most celebrated mountaineering routes in the German Alps, traversing the three main summits of Bavaria's most dramatic massif. The Watzmann's 2,000m east face is the largest rock face in Germany. This is expert mountaineering — only for those with significant Alpine experience.
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5
Berchtesgaden National Park — Königssee Loop
A beautiful circular route around the Königssee area in Berchtesgaden National Park, combining the electric boat trip to St. Bartholomä and Obersee with forest trails through the national park. The route can be combined with a longer hike to the Archenkanzel viewpoint or the Eiskapelle (ice chapel natural phenomenon) above the southern Königssee.
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6
Alpsee Circular Walk (near Neuschwanstein)
An easy and beautiful circular walk around the Alpsee lake near the foot of Neuschwanstein Castle in Schwangau. The 4.5 km circuit follows the peaceful shoreline of this clear Alpine lake with views of both Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau castles. A perfect gentle walk to combine with a castle visit.
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7
Bavarian Forest — Arbersteig (Großer Arber)
An ascent to the Großer Arber (1,456m), the highest peak in the Bavarian Forest National Park and the highest peak in Germany north of the Alps. The Arbersteig trail passes through ancient spruce and beech forest characteristic of the Bavarian Forest, with the summit offering panoramic views into the Czech Republic's Šumava National Park. A completely different experience from the High Alps.
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8
Zugspitz Arena — Eibsee Circular Walk
A beautiful easy walk around the Eibsee mountain lake (973m altitude) at the foot of the Zugspitze, with the snow-capped Zugspitze massif reflected in the turquoise-green water. The 7 km circuit follows the forest shoreline and offers spectacular mountain views. The Eibsee is one of Bavaria's most photographed lakes.
Trail difficulty levels
Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.
Mostly flat, well-marked paths. Suitable for families and casual walkers.
Some elevation gain, longer distances. Requires basic fitness.
Significant climbs and exposure. Requires good fitness and route-finding.
Technical terrain, scrambling, or alpine conditions. Experience essential.
Local hazards
What to watch out for on the trail.
Sudden weather changes — always carry rain gear and warm layers.
Wildlife encounters — make noise on the trail and store food properly.
Trail conditions can deteriorate after rain — check recent reports before setting out.