Hiking in Southern Germany | Eurohike Walking Holidays

Hiker in the Klausbach valley with a view of the Reiter Alpe

Whether it's a dirndl or hiking boots, wine tasting or a stroll through the city – southern Germany blends the best of tradition, nature, and lifestyle.

Hiker on the Riederstein with a view of Lake Tegernsee

Bavarian Alps & Lakes

Questions and Answers about your hiking holiday in Southern Germany

When is the best time to travel to southern Germany?

Southern Germany is a year-round destination: in spring, the orchards on Lake Constance are in bloom, in summer, beer gardens and bathing lakes beckon, autumn brings golden wine landscapes, and in winter, Christmas markets and the Alps enchant with snowy splendor. In short: always a good idea - depending on your mood.

What should you never do in southern Germany?

Eating a pretzel with a butter knife (just bite into it!), overlooking the seat reservation in the beer garden or forgetting to say “Grüß Gott” when hiking. And: Lederhosen are not a carnival costume - they are a way of life!

What special festivals are there in southern Germany?

In addition to the Oktoberfest in Munich, there are countless wine festivals, Alpine cattle drives, carnival parades in Swabia, the Ulm Nabada, Cannstatter Wasen and traditional church fairs. If you want to experience southern Germany, it's best to come during the festive season.

Our hiking regions in Southern Germany

Living traditions, charming villages, and fragrant orchards.

Hikers at Lake Riegsee with the mountain panorama in the background

Alpine Foothills

Lakes, mountains, rolling hills, and alpine pastures – hiking highlights in the Alpine Foothills

Bavaria

Rustic charm and breathtaking adventures in the Bavarian Alps

Zugspitze

Pure freedom and unforgettable mountain moments on Germany’s highest peak

Hiking in the alpine foothills

The southern Alpine foothills are perfect for anyone seeking nature, variety, and relaxation while hiking. Whether you prefer a leisurely pace or something more athletic – the routes are diverse, and the views are breathtaking. On our Eurohike hiking tours, you'll discover highlights such as the Altmühltal-Panorama-Path, the Salzalpensteig - Hiking Trail 1, the charming tour from Lake Königssee to Lake Chiemsee, or the popular King-Ludwig-Way. Along the way, you'll not only experience stunning landscapes but also authentic Bavarian culture and hearty, delicious cuisine.

Walking holiday in the alpine foothills

Hikers on the King Ludwig Trail near Andechs Monastery

Hiking in the bavarian alps

If you're looking for a truly authentic hiking experience, the Bavarian Alps are the place to be. Between towering peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and rustic mountain huts, unforgettable moments in nature await. Whether it's on our hiking tour around Zugspitze – Germany’s highest mountain – the stunning route from Lake Königssee to Lake Chiemsee, or the trekking tour along the Trans Tyrol from Garmisch to Innsbruck: here, breathtaking landscapes meet Bavarian warmth. And the best part? Whether you're a relaxed leisure hiker or an ambitious summit climber – there's a perfect tour for every level of hiking.

Walking holiday in Bavaria

Hiking at the Zugspitze

If you're looking for a truly authentic hiking experience, the region around the Zugspitze is the perfect destination. Germany’s highest mountain provides a stunning backdrop for diverse hiking days in untouched nature. Whether you prefer a relaxed walk through the valley or a more challenging alpine trail – there’s a perfect route for every difficulty level. On our self-guided hiking tours, you’ll enjoy spectacular views, crystal-clear mountain lakes, lush alpine meadows, and cozy mountain huts. The blend of breathtaking scenery, Bavarian hospitality, and regional cuisine makes hiking at the Zugspitze an unforgettable experience.

Walking holiday at the Zugspitze

Top Destinations in Southern Germany

Neuschwanstein Castle

Fairy-tale castle of King Ludwig II

Blautopf

Turquoise-blue spring in Blaubeuren

Wutach Gorge

Wild and romantic ravine in the Black Forest

Mainau Island

"Flower Island" on Lake Constance

Walhalla

Monumental temple high above the Danube

One of the bridges in the Wutach Gorge in the Black Forest

What our guests say

A perfect break from everyday life. We were able to fully unwind and recharge during our four days in the beautiful Bavarian Alps. We loved the mountains, the lakes, and the Bavarian cuisine. The highlight of our trip was Lake Tegernsee.

Julia M.

A hiking tour with a highlight every single day. Whether it was breathtaking alpine meadows, roaring crystal-clear water in a gorge, or the fairy-tale panorama of Lake Eibsee – all with the impressive Zugspitze in the background. A truly perfect hiking experience!

Susanne L.

The 7-day tour in Bavaria was perfect for our family! Easy hikes, child-friendly accommodations, and amazing nature experiences made the trip unforgettable. Everything was perfectly organized – absolutely recommended!

Jessica K.

Useful information about your walking holiday in Southern Germany

Facts about Southern Germany

Location: Between the Alps, the Danube, the Black Forest, and Lake Constance
Area: Approx. 96,000 km²
Population: Around 24 million
Largest city: Munich with approx. 1.5 million inhabitants
Highest point: Zugspitze (2,962 m) – Germany’s highest mountain
Special feature: Home to the world’s oldest brewery – Weihenstephan (since 1040)

The new town hall on Marienplatz in Munich

The Climate in Southern Germany

Southern Germany delights with warm summers, colorful spring landscapes, and clear autumn days. Especially in the mountains – such as the Allgäu or the Bavarian Forest – the weather often shows its best side: fresh, crisp, and ideal for hiking. Winters regularly bring snow, particularly in higher regions – perfect for ski enthusiasts. And even if it rains now and then, the next sunshine is usually not far off.

The Culture in Southern Germany

Whether it’s the alpine cattle drive, baroque churches, Franconian castles, or Swabian “Fasnet” – in southern Germany, tradition is not just history, but part of everyday life. Culture is often celebrated outdoors: at village festivals, Christmas markets, or concerts in castle gardens. Famous names like Einstein, Hesse, and Strauss left their mark here – and many small towns tell big stories.

The Cuisine in Southern Germany

Hearty, homemade, and full of soul – that’s the taste of southern Germany. From Maultaschen, Kässpatzen, or Weißwurst with sweet mustard to sweet treats like Black Forest cake or apple fritters with cinnamon and sugar, this is a place where food is comfort and tradition. Add a freshly tapped beer or a glass of regional wine – and your day is complete.

Apple cake with cinnamon sugar and vanilla ice cream

Did you know, ...

Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the most visited attractions in Europe.
The Black Forest boasts over 23,000 km of hiking trails, making it one of Germany’s top outdoor destinations.
Southern Germany is home to some of the world’s oldest breweries – like the Weihenstephan Brewery, founded in 1040.