Best Time To Hike In Bavaria's Scenic Trails

Bavaria, the largest region in Germany, is a haven for hiking enthusiasts, offering a plethora of trails that cater to all tastes and skill levels. With its vast expanse of over 70,000 square kilometres, Bavaria boasts pristine natural areas and a diverse range of terrains, from hillwalking to trail running and summit chasing. The best time to hike in Bavaria depends on the region and the desired hiking experience. For instance, the Kramerspitz trail in the Ammergebirge Nature Preserve is a relatively demanding route that can be hiked year-round, but it is especially popular in winter due to the challenges and beauty that the snowy conditions present. On the other hand, the Höllentalklamm Gorge usually closes during the colder months, so it is advisable to check its availability beforehand.

Spring hikes

Spring is a great time to hike in Bavaria, with the snow melting and wildflowers blooming. Here are some spring hike suggestions in Bavaria:

Malerwinkel Rundweg am Koenigssee

This is a short and easy hike that takes about an hour to complete. The trail offers breathtaking views of the Königssee and the pilgrimage church of St. Bartholomä, which is four kilometres away. Along the way, you can enjoy the picturesque Königssee boat sheds and take a break at the Malerwinkel Cafe for refreshments. This trail is a must-do for nature lovers and photographers.

Eibsee Loop – Grainau

The Eibsee Loop is a beloved trail near the picturesque town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. It is considered one of the most beautiful hiking routes in Bavaria and offers a variety of breathtaking views. The loop is relatively easy and can be completed in less than two hours. Along the way, you'll see small islands in the northern part of the lake, the towering Zugspitze, and the pristine, secluded Untersee. End your hike with refreshments or a meal at the lakeside Eibsee Pavilion.

Alpsee Loop – Schwangau

The Alpsee Loop is the easiest and most family-friendly route on this list. It takes you around the idyllic Alpsee Lake, where you can take a dip in the crystal-clear water or relax on one of the many lakeside benches. The loop also offers views of two of Germany's most famous castles, Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau. It's a great option if you're looking for a relaxing day outdoors with the family.

Partnachklamm Weg – Garmisch-Partenkirchen

The Partnachklamm Weg is a moderately difficult hike that takes you through the Partnach Gorge, one of the most beautiful gorges in the Alps. Declared a natural monument in 1912, the gorge fascinates visitors with its roaring waterfalls, white water rapids, tunnels, and pools. The route also has numerous rest areas and huts for refreshment breaks. This hike is a great choice for families, and it's even more spectacular in winter when the gorge is covered in snow and ice.

Höllentalklamm (Höllental Gorge) – Garmisch-Partenkirchen

The Höllental Gorge is another stunning and easy-to-moderate hike that can be accessed by bus or train from Garmisch-Partenkirchen central station. The entrance fee is affordable, and the gorge offers a variety of landscapes and route options. You can walk through the dense forest and along a chirping river, or take the alternative route that includes a bridge with beautiful views. This hike is a great choice for those who want to add more walking to their Eibsee visit and enjoy the area with fewer crowds.

Summer hikes

Bavaria is a hiker's paradise, with its pristine natural areas and varied terrain. Here are some of the best summer hikes to explore:

Malerwinkel – Berchtesgadener National Park

This trail is enormously popular and for good reason. Leading to the Malerwinkel viewpoint, it offers breathtaking scenery overlooking Königssee. Along the way, you'll pass the picturesque Königssee boat sheds and catch a glimpse of the pilgrimage church of St. Bartholomä in the distance. The Malerwinkel Cafe is a great spot to take a break and enjoy the surroundings.

• Difficulty: Easy
• Length: 3.2 km
• Duration: 1 hour 1 minute
• Elevation Gain: 160 m
• Route Type: Loop

Eibsee Loop – Grainau

The Eibsee Loop is often referred to as "balm for the soul," and it's easy to see why. This trail takes you around the Eibsee lake, treating you to stunning views of the small islands in the northern part of the lake, the majestic Zugspitze, and the pristine Untersee. It's a great option for all fitness levels and offers a chance to dip your toes in the crystal-clear water or relax on the lakeside benches.

• Difficulty: Easy
• Length: 6.9 km
• Duration: 1 hour 56 minutes
• Elevation Gain: 215 m
• Route Type: Loop

Alpsee Loop – Schwangau

The Alpsee Loop is the perfect choice for a family-friendly hike. This idyllic route takes you around the Alpsee lake, where you can enjoy views of two of Germany's most famous castles, Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau. It's also a great spot for a dip in the clear water or a relaxing break on the lakeside benches.

• Difficulty: Easy
• Length: 5.1 km
• Duration: 1 hour 23 minutes
• Elevation Gain: 139 m
• Route Type: Loop

Partnachklamm Weg – Garmisch-Partenkirchen

The Partnachklamm Weg takes you through the rugged and romantic Partnach Gorge, declared a natural monument in 1912. This hike is a treat for the senses, with roaring waterfalls, white water rapids, tunnels, and pools. It's a moderately difficult route that is still suitable for families, with plenty of rest areas and huts along the way.

• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Length: 7.1 km
• Duration: 2 hours 23 minutes
• Elevation Gain: 410 m
• Route Type: Out & Back

Breitenstein via Kesselalm and Bucheralm – Miesbach

This multifaceted trail in the foothills of the Bavarian Alps offers a little bit of everything. You'll be treated to breathtaking views and have plenty of opportunities to relax and enjoy refreshments at restaurants along the way. The highlight is the stunning view from the summit of Breitenstein.

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Length: 8.4 km
• Duration: 3 hours 23 minutes
• Elevation Gain: 754 m
• Route Type: Loop

Höllentalanger Hut via Höllental – Grainau

This route is perfect for mountain-loving families and experienced mountaineers alike. It leads to the beloved Höllentalangerhütte, offering panoramic views and a great starting point for scaling the Zugspitze via the challenging Höllental route. Sure-footedness and a head for heights are a must on this trail.

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Length: 10.9 km
• Duration: 3 hours 54 minutes
• Elevation Gain: 738 m
• Route Type: Out & Back

Autumn hikes

Bavaria is a hiker's paradise, with its pristine natural areas and varied terrain. The best time to hike in Bavaria is during autumn, when the summer crowds have dispersed and the landscape is ablaze with colour. Here are some of the best autumn hikes to explore:

Malerwinkel Rundweg am Koenigssee

This easy hike in the Berchtesgaden National Park offers stunning panoramic views of the Königssee and the pilgrimage church of St. Bartholomä. The trail is about 3.2 km long and takes approximately 1 hour to complete. Along the way, you can enjoy a refreshing drink at the Malerwinkel Cafe before continuing on your journey.

Eibsee Loop – Grainau

The Eibsee Loop is a beloved trail that starts in the picturesque town of Grainau and leads to the Eibsee lake. This easy hike offers breathtaking views of the lake's small islands, the towering Zugspitze, and the pristine Untersee. The trail is about 6.9 km long and takes about 2 hours to complete. After your hike, you can treat yourself to a meal at the lakeside Eibsee Pavilion.

Alpsee Loop – Schwangau

The Alpsee Loop is the perfect easy and family-friendly route. This idyllic trail takes you around the crystal clear Alpsee lake, with views of high-rise mountains and two of Germany's most famous castles, Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau. The trail is 5.1 km long and takes about 1 hour and 23 minutes to complete. You can take a dip in the lake, relax on the lakeside benches, or even train for your next 5K race.

Partnachklamm Weg – Garmisch-Partenkirchen

The Partnachklamm Weg is a moderately easy hike that takes you through the stunning Partnach Gorge, declared a natural monument in 1912. The rugged and romantic gorge features roaring waterfalls, white water rapids, tunnels, and pools. The trail is about 7.1 km long and takes about 2 hours and 23 minutes to complete. There are also numerous rest areas and huts along the way where you can stop for refreshments.

Breitenstein via Kesselalm and Bucheralm – Miesbach

This moderately difficult trail in the foothills of the Bavarian Alps offers a mixture of breathtaking views and relaxing stops. At the Berggasthof Kesselalm and Hubertushütte restaurants, you can enjoy food and drinks surrounded by stunning scenery. The trail is 8.4 km long and takes about 3 hours and 23 minutes to complete. The highlight of the hike is the astounding view from the summit of Breitenstein.

Bavaria offers a multitude of hiking trails to explore during autumn, each with its own unique beauty and challenges. So, grab your hiking gear and get ready to explore the breathtaking landscapes and experiences that Bavaria has to offer during this magical season.

Winter hikes

Bavaria is a hiker's paradise, with its pristine natural areas and varied terrain. While the region offers countless hiking trails catering to different tastes and skill levels, some hikes stand out as particularly magical in winter. Here are some options for winter hikes in Bavaria:

Malerwinkel – Berchtesgadener National Park

This trail in the Berchtesgadener National Park leads to the Malerwinkel viewpoint, which offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the Königssee. The route also includes a glimpse of the pilgrimage church of St. Bartholomä, located about four kilometres away. The Malerwinkel Cafe along the route invites hikers to take a break and enjoy refreshmentssection-break>

Partnachklamm Weg – Garmisch-Partenkirchen

The Partnachklamm Weg trail in Garmisch-Partenkirchen takes hikers through the rugged and romantic Partnach Gorge, declared a natural monument in 1912. The trail features roaring waterfalls, white water rapids, tunnels, and pools, making it a spectacular choice in winter when the gorge transforms into a winter wonderland of snow-frosted trees, frozen waterfalls, and massive icicles. This easy to moderate hike is about 7.1 kilometres long, with an elevation gain of 410 metres, and usually takes around two and a half hours to complete.

Eibsee Loop – Grainau

The Eibsee Loop is often referred to as "balm for the soul," and it's easy to see why. This beloved trail near the picturesque town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen offers breathtaking views of the small islands in the northern part of the lake, the towering Zugspitze, and the pristine, secluded Untersee. The trail is about 6.9 kilometres long, with an elevation gain of 215 metres, and takes approximately two hours to complete. After the hike, treat yourself to refreshments or a meal at the lakeside Eibsee Pavilion.

Höllentalklamm (Höllental Gorge) – Garmisch-Partenkirchen

The Höllentalklamm Gorge, similar to the Partnach Gorge, can be easily accessed from Garmisch-Partenkirchen Central Station by bus or train. A short 20-minute walk through a dense forest will lead you to the entrance of the gorge. The gorge usually closes during the colder months, so it's advisable to check ahead of time to ensure it's open. The trail offers a variety of landscapes and route options, making it one of the best hikes in Bavaria.

On the Kramerspitz – Ammergebirge Nature Preserve

The Kramerspitz trail, located just north of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, offers a relatively demanding route that rewards hikers with a fantastic view of the Bavarian Alps. This hike can be started from the Bayrischzell train station or one stop before in Osterhofen, adding a panoramic element to the journey. The route is about 16.6 kilometres long and takes approximately six hours to complete, making it a challenging yet rewarding winter hike.

Best times to avoid the crowds

Bavaria is a popular hiking destination, with thousands of routes to choose from. However, there are times when the trails are less crowded, and you can enjoy the beautiful scenery and peaceful atmosphere. Here are some tips to help you avoid the crowds and have a more tranquil hiking experience in Bavaria:

• Early mornings: Starting your hike early in the morning is a great way to beat the crowds. Most people don't like to get up too early, especially during vacations or weekends. So, if you're an early bird, take advantage of it and hit the trails before most hikers are even out of bed. You'll be rewarded with peaceful surroundings and the soft morning light that can make the landscapes even more beautiful.
• Off-season: Consider visiting Bavaria during the off-season, such as spring or autumn. Summer is the busiest season for hiking, so by visiting during these shoulder seasons, you'll encounter fewer crowds. The weather can still be pleasant, and you'll have more space to enjoy the trails at your own pace. The autumn foliage can also add a stunning array of colours to your hike.
• Weekdays: If possible, plan your hikes during weekdays instead of weekends. Many people can only hike on Saturdays and Sundays due to work or other commitments. By hiking on weekdays, you'll find fewer people on the trails, and you may even have some popular spots almost to yourself. This is especially true for longer or more challenging hikes that may not be as crowded during the workweek.
• Less popular regions: While some hiking regions in Bavaria are extremely popular, such as the Zugspitze or the Tegernsee-Schliersee area, there are also less-travelled regions that offer equally stunning scenery. Consider exploring regions like the Bavarian Jura, Bavarian Forest, Franconian Switzerland, or the Fichtel Mountains. These areas are just as beautiful but see fewer hikers, so you'll have more opportunities to enjoy nature without bumping into large groups of people.
• Longer or less accessible hikes: Often, the more challenging or longer hikes will be less crowded because they require a higher level of fitness and dedication. If you're an experienced hiker looking for solitude, consider tackling some of the more demanding trails that others may avoid. Similarly, look for hikes that are less accessible, perhaps requiring a longer drive or a bit of extra effort to reach the trailhead. These hikes are likely to be quieter and offer a more secluded experience.
• Winter hiking: While many hikers stick to the warmer months, winter can be a wonderful time to hike in Bavaria, especially if you want to avoid the crowds. Just be sure to check that the trails are open and safe during the winter months, as some may close due to weather conditions. Winter hiking provides a completely different perspective on the landscapes, with snow-covered trees and frozen waterfalls adding a magical touch to your experience.

Remember, even during less crowded times, always follow the principles of Leave No Trace to minimise your impact on the environment and respect the natural surroundings that you're there to enjoy.

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