North Rhine-Westphalia (Nordrhein-Westfalen) is Germany's most populous state, home to vibrant cities like Cologne, Düsseldorf, and Dortmund. The region blends industrial heritage with world-class museums, Gothic cathedrals, baroque palaces, and sweeping natural landscapes from the Eifel hills to the Sauerland highlands.
Top trails
Routes worth lacing up your boots for.
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1
Eifelsteig (NRW Section)
The NRW section of the famous Eifelsteig long-distance trail winds through the Eifel National Park, past volcanic lakes (Maare), ancient beech forests, and historic monasteries. The route from Kornelimünster near Aachen to the Rurtalsperre reservoir offers constantly changing scenery.
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2
Hermannshöhen Trail
The Hermannshöhen is a premier long-distance hiking trail traversing the Teutoburg Forest ridge from the Externsteine rocks to the Osnabrücker Land. The trail passes the Hermannsdenkmal monument, dramatic rock formations, and sweeping forested views across the Westphalian plain.
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3
Panoramasteig Sauerland
The Sauerland's extensive trail network around Schmallenberg and Winterberg offers superb circular hikes through mixed forests, past traditional farmhouses, and with wide open ridge panoramas. The area is particularly spectacular in autumn with golden beech foliage.
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4
Rothaarsteig
One of Germany's most beautiful long-distance trails, the Rothaarsteig follows the Rothaar mountain ridge — the watershed between Rhine and Weser rivers — through dense forests, across heathland, and past the sources of major German rivers. Consistent quality premium hiking.
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5
Eifel National Park Wildnispfade
The Eifel National Park maintains a network of marked nature trails through its protected old-growth forests and volcanic landscapes. The Kermeter and Wilder Kermeter trails offer excellent wildlife spotting opportunities — wild cats, eagle owls, and black storks have been recorded.
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6
Panoramaweg Siebengebirge
The Siebengebirge (Seven Mountains) nature reserve above Königswinter and the Rhine offers superb hiking with spectacular Rhine Valley views. The trail passes Drachenburg Castle, the Drachenfels ruin (the highest point at 321m), and vineyard terraces overlooking the river.
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7
Externsteine Circuit
A manageable circular hike through the Teutoburg Forest incorporating the famous Externsteine rock formations. The walk explores the mystical sandstone pillars from multiple angles, passes through beech forest, and can be extended along the broader Teutoburg Forest network.
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8
Aachen-Venn Trail
Trails through the Hohes Venn moorland near Aachen, extending into the Belgian Ardennes. The high moorland plateau offers dramatic open skies, rare wetland flora, and the distinctive landscape of peat bogs and birch woodlands. Part of the Eifel National Park.
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9
Münsterland Radweg (Cycling/Walking Route)
The Münsterland is one of Germany's flattest regions, with a vast network of cycling and walking paths connecting historic castle estates (Wasserburgen) through farmland and forest. The flat terrain makes it ideal for leisurely hiking or cycling for all fitness levels.
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10
Ruhrtalweg
The Ruhrtalweg follows the Ruhr River from its source in the Sauerland highlands all the way to Duisburg on the Rhine. The trail passes historic industrial heritage sites, nature reserves, and the beautiful Ruhr reservoirs — a fascinating blend of natural and industrial NRW.
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.
When to hike
Seasonal conditions in North Rhine Westphalia.
- Spring
- April–May: Wildflowers, mild temperatures (10–18°C), fresh green forest. Eifel and Sauerland are beautiful but trails can be muddy after winter
- Summer
- June–August: Best conditions for long distance hiking; hot on exposed ridges — start early and carry plenty of water
- Fall
- September–October: Spectacular golden beech foliage especially in Teutoburg Forest and Sauerland — arguably the best hiking season in NRW
- Winter
- November–March: Some upland trails (Sauerland above 600m) can be icy or snow-covered; Eifel and Münsterland accessible year-round. Bring poles and waterproofs.
Local hazards
What to watch out for on the trail.
Hazard: Ticks (Zecken) are common in forest areas from March–October — wear long trousers and check for ticks after hiking; Lyme disease vaccination recommended for frequent hikers
Hazard: Sun exposure on open Rothaarsteig and Hohes Venn plateau — use sun protection in summer
Hazard: Rapidly changing weather in Sauerland and Eifel highlands — always carry a waterproof layer
Hazard: Icy paths in the Sauerland above 500m in winter — crampons recommended December–February
Hazard: Hunting season (Jagdzeit) in NRW forests October–January — avoid forest trails at dawn and dusk, wear bright colours