When you think of Bavaria, what comes to mind: beer, castles, and Oktoberfest? Or, perhaps the storybook towns and cities like Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Nuremberg, and Bamberg?
Overflowing with architectural gems, natural attractions, and the highest mountains in Germany, the state of Bavaria (Bayern) is not only an attractive travel destination, but also a premier hiking destination.
The Bavarian Alps, which form part of the Northern Limestone Alps, comprise many sub-groups including the Wetterstein Mountains, Ammergau Alps, Allgäu Alps, Chiemgau Alps, Berchtesgaden Alps, and Karwendel Mountains – all etched with well-maintained hiking trails.
For me, hiking in Bavaria is uniquely special. Trails, carved into stone, wind through narrow river gorges, which look like portals into other worlds. The most thrilling paths trace craggy, exposed ridges, whilst others wrap around immaculate mountain lakes.
I also love the close proximity between hiking destinations and atmospheric towns. You can spend the entire day hiking in pristine nature and then end the day with a beer and a Haxe in a lively, historic inn. For those that love cultural experiences as much as hiking, Bavaria delivers.
Here are our favorite hikes in Bavaria thus far. For further information about each hike (including a map), read the respective trail guides.
We hope to explore many more Bavarian mountain ranges in the years to come.
- When to Hike in Bavaria: June – October, depending on snow conditions
- Hiking Vocab: German Hiking Vocabulary
- Regional Hiking Guides: Hiking in Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Hiking in Berchtesgaden National Park
- Recommended Itinerary: 10-Day Bavarian Alps and Tyrolean Alps Road Trip
- Hiking Guidebook: Walking in the Bavarian Alps: 70 Mountain Walks and Treks in Southern Germany
1. Hochplatte, Ammergau Alps
Hochplatte, rising to 2,082 meters in the Ammergau Alps of Bavaria, is an exhilarating and challenging hike that begins at Ammerwaldalm in Austria, just a 36-minute drive from Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
This demanding route takes you along an extended and somewhat exposed ridge trail, making it suitable only for hikers who are surefooted and free of vertigo. All exposed sections are well-secured, but the hike’s intensity is not to be underestimated.
After ascending nearly 1,000 meters over the course of three hours, you’ll reach the summit of Hochplatte. From there, the trail continues along a slender ridge to the Fensterl natural window, rewarding hikers with panoramic views and exciting scrambling sections.
The adventure doesn’t end at Fensterl; from here, the route descends to Roggentalsattel and further into the Roggental Valley, eventually reconnecting with the ascent path.
This hike in the Bavarian Alps remains a hidden gem, perfect for weekends during peak season when you’re seeking a less-trodden trail.
Read our Hochplatte trail guide for a complete description.
Trail Stats
Trailhead | Ammerwaldalm, Austria
Distance | 10.6 km lollipop-circuit
Time Needed | 5:30 hours
Difficulty | Difficult
Elevation Gain/Loss | 969 meters
2. Kleine Reibn Hike, Berchtesgaden National Park
Kleine Reibn is a demanding alpine hike in the northeastern corner of Berchtesgaden National Park, often tracing the border between Salzburg and Bavaria.
Begin the day hike at either Hinterbrand car park, or the Jenner mountain station, the latter accessible by cableway from Königssee.
Starting at Jenner is recommended to conserve energy, and it also allows for a detour to the Jenner viewpoint and summit, overlooking Lake Königssee and Mount Watzmann, Germany’s third-highest peak.
The trail initially leads with ease to the Carl-von-Stahl Haus mountain refuge on the Torrener Joch saddle. From there, it follows the Salzburg-Bavaria border ridge to Schneibstein summit, where the path becomes steep and rugged, requiring surefootedness and comfort on uneven, karst terrain.
The route continues across a high-alpine karst landscape, traversing slopes, rock steps, and high valleys before reaching Lake Seeleinsee.
On hot summer days, a swim in its crisp, clear waters is pure bliss.
Beyond the lake, the trail descends the Stiergraben valley, before eventually easing into the mountain pastures around Priesbergalm.
The final stretch is a leisurely walk along the Königsweg, leading back to the Jenner Middle Station.
Read our Kleine Reibn hiking guide for a detailed account of this hike.
Trail Stats
Starting Point | Jennerbahn Talstation (valley station)
Trailhead | Jennerbahn Bergstation (mountain station)
Ending Point | Jennerbahn Mittelstation (middle station)
Distance | 16 km circuit with gondola ascent & decent
Time Needed | 6:35 – 7 hours
Elevation Gain | 753 meters
Elevation Loss | 1359 meters
Difficulty | Difficult
3. Partnachklamm Gorge, Wetterstein Mountains
Partnachklamm is a deep and narrow river gorge in the Rheintal Valley of the Wetterstein Mountains in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Carved over millions of years by meltwater and debris, this natural wonder measures 700 meters in length.
A well-maintained trail winds along the Partnach River, sometimes through tunnels, offering visitors breathtaking views of the gorge’s smooth rock walls, which are crowned by trees and draped in vibrant moss and foliage. During the summer, the gorge transforms into a misty oasis, with water cascading above.
In winter, when the water freezes, the gorge is a wonderland of icicles.
To start your adventure, head to the Garmisch Olympia Stadium, accessible by car, or bus. From here, it’s just a 20-minute walk to the gorge entrance (fees apply).
Upon exiting the gorge, we recommend extending the hike to Kaiserschmarrn-Alm for lunch and onwards to Berggasthof Eckbauer.
Read our Partnach Gorge trail guide for a complete description.
Trail Stats
Trailhead | Parking Olympia-Skistadion, Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Distance | 12.1 km circuit
Time Needed | 4:20 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss | 549 meters
Difficulty | Moderate
4. Wimbachklamm Gorge, Berchtesgaden National Park
Wimbachklamm is a 200-meter-long gorge in the Berchtesgaden Alps of Bavaria. Despite its modest length, the Wimbach gorge enchants all who visit.
The gorge is a haven of natural beauty, where numerous waterfalls tumble down moss-covered rock walls into the misty stream below, creating a scene so magical that one might imagine transforming into an animal or plant just to call it home.
This gorge hike begins at Wimbachbrücke Car Park/Bus Stop in Ramsau bei Berchtesgaden, where you’ll follow the Wimbachweg road uphill. After a brief 10-minute walk, you’ll pass the Wimbach’s Wollstadl souvenir shop. Behind the shop, you’ll find a self-service kiosk where you can purchase a token for entry into the gorge.
As the path divides, take the lower trail to reach the gorge entrance, marked by a full-height turnstile gate. A wooden walkway, elevated above the stream, guides you through the gorge—be sure to take your time to soak in the wonder of your surroundings.
A set of stairs leads to the exit, where another turnstile marks the end of the gorge.
From here, hikers can decide to either return to the car park, or extend the hike up Wimbachtal valley to Wimbachschloss hut, a former hunting lodge, for a lovingly-prepared lunch. Bring cash.
Trail Stats
Trailhead | Wimbachbrücke Paid Car Park, Ramsau bei Berchtesgaden
Distance | 8.6 km out-and-back
Time Needed | 2:35 hours out-and-back
Elevation Gain/Loss | 311 meters
Difficulty | Easy
5. Höllentalklamm Gorge, Wetterstein Mountains
Are there places that you dream about returning to every single year? If I could, I would hike through the Höllentalklamm Gorge at least once a year.
As you may have already noted, I love river gorges. The Höllentalklamm, or the Valley of Hell Gorge, is especially dramatic, because it’s steeper, wetter, and longer (1 km), compared to other gorge trails in Bavaria.
The well-secured gorge path runs through electrically-illuminated tunnels, up and down stairs, and across bridges.
The most popular starting point is Hammersbach, a hamlet near Garmisch-Partenkirchen. From here, hikers ascend one hour to the Höllentalklamm gorge entrance and continue through the gorge and up the Höllental valley to reach Höllentaleingangshütte (managed mountain hut), before returning to Hammersbach along the same route.
We started the Höllentalklamm hike at the Kreuzeckbahn cableway mountain station. This mountain trail leads to Höllentalangerhütte via Hupfleitenjoch Saddle, Schwarzenkopf (optional detour), and the Knappenhäusern miner’s houses. From the hut, it’s a 40-minute descent to the Höllentalklamm entrance.
Read our Kreuzeck – Höllentalklamm trail guide for all the details.
Trail Stats
Trailhead | Kreuzeckbahn cableway mountain station
Distance | 13 km circuit with cableway ascent
Time Needed | 4:30 hours
Elevation Gain | 587 meters
Elevation Loss | 1476 meters
Difficulty | Moderate – Moderately Difficult
6. Lake Eibsee, Wetterstein Mountains
Eibsee is a mountain lake at the foot of Zugspitze, Germany’s highest mountain, in the Wettersteingebirge. The lake is located in Grainau, a 15-minute drive from Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
With its mountainous backdrop and emerald-green waters, Eibsee is often declared the most beautiful lake in Germany.
A well-groomed track leads around the Lake in 7.6 km.
In summer, we recommend combining the circular walk with a swim.
Here’s a complete guide to visiting Lake Eibsee.
Trail Stats
Trailhead | Eibsee Paid Car Parks, Grainau
Distance | 7.6 km circuit
Time Needed | 2:30 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss | 75 meters
Difficulty | Easy
7. Lake Obersee, Berchtesgaden National Park
Obersee, embedded in the Berchtesgaden Alps, just south of Lake Königssee, is a wildly beautiful mountain lake, only accessible by foot.
To reach Lake Obersee, hikers must first ride the silent electric boat across Königssee to Salet. From the southernmost point of the Königssee, a wide track leads through patches of forest to the northwestern shore of Lake Obersee.
The trail meanders along the lake’s edge, guiding you to Fischunkelalm, a traditional alpine pasture hut that serves fresh Buttermilch, breads, and beverages, and operates on a cash-only basis.
From here, the path continues to the valley’s end, offering a striking view of Röthbach Waterfall, Germany’s tallest.
For additional information about visiting Lake Obersee, including the Königssee boat ride, read our guide to Lake Königssee.
Trail Stats
Trailhead | Salet Jetty, Lake Königssee
Distance | 9.6 km out-and-back
Time Needed | 3 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss | 322 meters
Difficulty | Easy
Trail Difficulty Color System
In Bavaria, trail colors signify trail difficulty. Trail colors are visible on trail signs, directly next to the signed destination. Mountain trails are usually red (moderate), or black (difficult). The blazes painted on rocks and trees along hiking trails are only directional and do not signify trail difficulty.
Yellow Trails signify developed, barrier-free pathways with no, or only slight inclines and no risk of falling.
Blue Trails signify easy mountain trails, which are often narrow and can have steep sections, but no risk of falling,
Red Trails are narrow and often steep mountain trails, containing short passages where there is risk of falling and some cable-secured passages.
Black Trails are narrow, steep, and often exposed mountain trails, where there is risk of falling. These trails contain unsecured and secured scrambling areas. Black trails are not suitable for dogs.
Where to Stay in Bavaria for Hiking
When you stay overnight in the Berchtesgaden region, you will receive a free Berchtesgaden Guest Card. This gives you free rides on regional transit. It also gives you a slight discount on specific attractions and museums including the Jennerbahn, Salzbergwerk Berchtesgaden, and Dokumentation Obersalzberg.
Berchtesgaden
Berchtesgaden along with Schönau am Königssee and Ramsau bei Berchtesgaden is the gateway to Berchtesgaden National Park.
When you stay overnight in the Berchtesgaden region, you will receive a free Berchtesgaden Guest Card. This gives you free rides on regional transit and a slight discount on specific attractions and museums including the Jennerbahn, Salzbergwerk Berchtesgaden, and Dokumentation Obersalzberg.
The old town of Berchtesgaden is a charming and lively destination filled with shops, restaurants, and beer gardens. There are two notable accommodations directly in the town center including Hotel EDELWEISS Berchtesgaden Superior (luxury) and Hotel AlpinaRos (midrange).
Just outside the town center, you’ll find Die schlafende Goass – Pub und Gästehaus (budget) and the alpine-modern Kulturhof Stanggass with an outdoor swimming pool (luxury).
Those seeking adults-only accommodations ought to check out Alpenhotel Fischer 4 Sterne (luxury).
If you’re craving a quiet mountain retreat with excellent facilities, check out Kempinski Hotel Berchtesgaden (luxury).
Schönau am Königssee is the closest settlement to Lake Königssee. The budget-midrange Explorer Hotel Berchtesgaden, designed for active travelers, and midrange Hotel Bergheimat are both walking distance to the lake.
Set in the hills above Schönau am Königssee, the 4-star Alm- & Wellnesshotel Alpenhof offers wonderful views, a rich breakfast, extensive wellness facilities, an indoor and outdoor pool, and on-site dining.
Look for accommodation in Berchtesgaden.
Look for accommodation in Schönau am Königssee.
Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Lying on the confluence of the Loisach and Partnach valleys, the resort town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a popular skiing destination in winter (late December to late March) and hiking and mountain biking in summer (June – mid/late September).
From Garmisch, hikers are well-positioned for hiking in the Wetterstein Mountains, Ammergau Alps, and the Karwendel Mountains. Additionally, the towns of Oberammergau and Mittenwald and Linderhof palace are all within reach.
Read our Garmisch-Partenkirchen hiking guide for tips on where to hike, including fantastic trails in Tyrol, just across the border.
Budget | Olympiahaus is a traditional Bavarian guesthouse located at the historical Olympic stadium (where the ski jump is) and at the Partnach Gorge trailhead. The Olympiahaus features an on-site restaurant, breakfast buffet (optional), and free on-site parking.
Upscale Apartments | Bader Suites offers tastefully-furnished apartments (1-2 bedrooms) with well-equipped kitchens in Garmisch, walking distance to the pedestrian zone. Each unit is outfitted with air-conditioning, a seating area, a flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom. Guests enjoy free underground parking (e-charging station available) and the use of lockable sports equipment and bicycle storage. Breakfast delivery boxes are available Thursdays-Mondays (8:30 am – 9 am) with pre-registration (let them know by 1 pm the day before).
Luxury | Werdenfelserei is a standout boutique hotel which artfully combines traditional and modern alpine design. Highlights of staying here include the Zugspitze-facing rooftop pool, on-site restaurant, spa and wellness area, breakfast (included), and creative architecture.
More options: Hotel Schatten (budget), Central Garden-Mountain Apartment (midrange), aja Garmisch-Partenkirchen (midrange-luxury), Obermühle 4*S Boutique Resort (luxury), Private Spa & Garden Alpi (luxury).
Look for accommodation in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
Discover More of Germany
Via Ferrata Routes in Bavaria:
More hikes around Bavaria (in Austria):
- Lake Drachensee near Garmisch-Partenkirchen
- Gaistal Valley to Rotmoosalm near Mittenwald
- Salzburg Hikes near Berchtesgaden
- Gamsjoch from Grosser Ahornboden, near Vorderriss
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