Open Travel Guide
Hiking in Munich

Munich Hiking & Trekking Guide 2026

Munich on foot: graded trails, seasonal windows, and the logistics behind each route.

By Updated

The short answer: start with Zugspitze Summit Hike (via Höllentalklamm Gorge), Herzogstand via Heimgarten Ridge Walk and Englischer Garten Circular Walk. This guide profiles 6+ hiking trails in Munich, with prices, timing, and the practical notes that decide whether each one earns a place in your plan.

Munich (München) is Bavaria's dynamic capital, blending world-class museums, royal palaces, beer gardens, and Alpine landscapes into one of Europe's most liveable cities. The city anchors southern Germany with a population of 1.56 million and serves as a gateway to the Alps, Oktoberfest, and centuries of Bavarian history.

Top trails

Routes worth lacing up your boots for.

  1. 1

    Zugspitze Summit Hike (via Höllentalklamm Gorge)

    22 km round trip9–12 hours2,220 m ascent to 2,962 m summit (highest point in Germany)

  2. 2

    Herzogstand via Heimgarten Ridge Walk

    12 km circular5–6 hours780 m ascent to 1,731 m (Herzogstand summit)

  3. 3

    Englischer Garten Circular Walk

    8–12 km (varies by route)2–3 hoursFlat; <20 m elevation change

  4. 4

    Benediktenwand Ridge Hike

    16 km circular6–7 hours1,100 m ascent to 1,801 m

  5. 5

    Schliersee to Spitzing Lake Hike

    14 km one way5–6 hours600 m ascent; 200 m descent

  6. 6

    Wallberg above Tegernsee

    8 km (or cable car up + hike down 5 km)3–5 hours940 m ascent to 1,722 m (on foot); cable car reduces to 1 hour each way

Trail difficulty levels

Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.

Easy

Mostly flat, well-marked paths. Suitable for families and casual walkers.

Moderate

Some elevation gain, longer distances. Requires basic fitness.

Hard

Significant climbs and exposure. Requires good fitness and route-finding.

Expert

Technical terrain, scrambling, or alpine conditions. Experience essential.

Local hazards

What to watch out for on the trail.

High

Sudden weather changes — always carry rain gear and warm layers.

Medium

Wildlife encounters — make noise on the trail and store food properly.

Medium

Trail conditions can deteriorate after rain — check recent reports before setting out.

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