14 Excellent Hiking Trails for Families

"Are we there yet?" This relentless question may sound familiar for parents out hiking with their kids. Not every trail that parents enjoy is also suitable for their children. And so the German Hiking Association (DWV) has nominated a series of hiking trails that are specially tailored to whole-family holidays. The "Germany Quality Hiking Trails – Family Friendly" trails are available across many different regions of Germany and each one is uniquely designed.

The criteria: Only trails between two and ten kilometres in length and with a route that is as barrier-free as possible are eligible for certification. Family-friendly places to stop for refreshments are also taken into account. Safety is another key factor: routes must be free from hazards such as steep drop-offs or heavily trafficked roads. This allows children to explore freely while parents can enjoy nature with peace of mind.

In addition to the German Hiking Association, the German Hiking Institute (DWI), based in Marburg, has been certifying Premium Hiking Trails and Premium Walking Trails for many years according to strict experiential quality standards. The family-friendly premium (walking) trails presented here meet particularly high requirements for families with children, offering interactive features, short to medium distances, and gentle elevation profiles.

To keep young hikers entertained, these routes feature engaging information points, play areas, and hands-on activities along the way, ensuring that children—and parents—never get bored. Here, we introduce a selection of these family-friendly tours. The starting points of all hikes are easily accessible by public transport.

Wildcat Forest Adventure Trail, Baden-Württemberg

Encountering a real wildcat in the forest is undoubtedly a special experience. Although unlikely, it can happen because these elusive predators have been sneaking through the dense forests of the northern Black Forest for a few years now. On the Forest Adventure Trail, which starts at Bad Herrenalb and leads for about six kilometres through this region, the probability is particularly high. The trail goes cross-country and sturdy shoes are recommended – at one point you'll even need to cross a small stream. If you pay close attention on this "family fun" Quality Trail and answer the ten questions at its interactive stations correctly, you can print out your own personal Wildcat Diploma at home after the hike.

Start: Talwiese 50, 76332 Bad Herrenalb (circular route)
Duration: 2 hours
Length: 6 kilometres
Public transport: The S1 S-Bahn runs twice an hour from Karlsruhe to Bad Herrenalb. The journey through the Alb Valley takes about 40 minutes. Then change to bus 116 (Gaistal Talwiese).
Certification: Quality Trail "Familienspaß" (Family Fun)

Forest Giant Marble Run Trail, Baden-Württemberg

Your children can follow the giant marble run as it winds its way between the centuries-old trees for over 300 metres. In line with the theme "On the wooden path", the marble rolls past 31 stations and takes keen visitors on a tree's journey, from the forest to the final wood product. If you want to extend your walk, you can follow the approximately four-kilometre-long circular trail , which feels more like a large adventure playground for nature explorers of all ages. It travels along the Naturatum Adventure Forest Path to the "Himmelsgarten" (Heaven's Garden), a landscaped family park on the plateau near Wetzgau , and is classified as an easy walk. The forest explorer trail is also completely accessible with a pushchair and offers wonderful views along the way.

Start: Bahnhof, 73525 Schwäbisch Gmünd (Circular route)
Duration: 2 hours
Length: 4 kilometres
Public transport: Bus: Central bus station at Schwäbisch Gmünd
Certification: Quality Trail "Familienspaß" (Family Fun)

Traufgängerle Hexenküche, Baden-Württemberg

Small but full of surprises: the Traufgängerle Hexenküche in Albstadt-Ebingen, on the Swabian Jura, is the newest and most compact of the Traufgänge hiking trails – and one of the most exciting routes for families. Covering around four kilometres, this circular walk around the Ebingen Castle Hill leads through enchanting beech forests, past towering rock formations and mysterious caves. The highlight is the aptly named Hexenküche (“Witches’ Kitchen”): two massive rock formations frame the entrance like a gateway, revealing caves where, according to local legend, traces of a witches’ cauldron can still be found. A wild boar enclosure with a viewing platform, an adventure playground, and a lookout tower on the Schlossfelsen offering spectacular views over Albstadt complete the experience. Certified as a Premium Walking Trail by the German Hiking Institute, the Traufgänge were the first premium hiking trails in the Swabian Jura.

Starting point: Waldheim car park, Waldheim 1, 72458 Albstadt-Ebingen (circular route)
Duration: approx. 1.5–2 hours
Distance: approx. 4.1 km
Public transport: Accessible via on-demand bus 7421 (booking required at least 60 minutes before departure). Get off at Albstadt-Ebingen, Süßer Grund, then follow the access path for approx. 1.5 km.
Certification: Premium Hiking Trail

Crayfish Circular Route, Bavaria

Clamber over rocks, paddle through water, enjoy the fairytale forest: on the "Crayfish" circular trail through the Bavarian Forest National Park , children explore how a primeval forest slowly emerges: when the trees die due to storms, snow damage or a bark beetle infestation, new life develops on the deadwood – and these habitats are particularly important for fungi and insects. Children can discover wonders large and small along this circular route and understand the connections between these cycles. There are also plenty of opportunities to play along the way, so even younger children won't get bored. The little ones can have a wonderful time (practising) climbing at the end point of this hike: the Ochsenriegel rock formation in the Bavarian Forest National Park is perfect for their first attempts!

Start: Am Sagwasser 2, 94556 Neuschönau, Sagwassersäge (circular route)
Duration: 2 hours
Length: 2 kilometres
Public transport: Igelbus stop Sagwassersäge (Finsterau bus, line 6115). The bus stops right at the car park where the hike sets off.
Certification: Quality Trail "Familienspaß" (Family Fun)

Fine & Nemo Adventure Trail "Animal Phenomenal," Brandenburg

Just outside Prenzlau , the focus here is on the particularly keen senses of the forest dwellers in the various levels and habitats of this forest. On this adventure path there are nine stations for playing and learning, where quiz questions help children learn fun facts and try out exciting tasks to do with the forest's inhabitants and their "super senses". The trail explains that the forest functions like a natural skyscraper, in which different animals live together as neighbours. Each of them has special abilities that make them real-life superheros in their own habitat: from ants and migratory birds, to dragonflies and water frogs. By providing correct answers to the "Who knows what to do?" questions, children can crack the code for their Kids Adventure Pass at the end. This trail is accessible with a pushchair.

Start: 17291 Prenzlau, trail car park Kleine Heide (circular route)
Duration: half an hour
Length: 2.17 kilometres
Public transport: Take the bus to Kleine Heide or Schmachtenhagen (UM) Dorf bus stop
Certification: Quality Trail "Familienspaß" (Family Fun)

Eddi's Edersee Adventure Tour, Hesse

Eddi is a little raccoon who leads the youngest hikers on a journey through nature. He knows the answer to almost every question – such as how long the roots of a beech tree can grow, whether there are warm and cold trees, and much more. Nobody will be bored on this family hike in the Kellerwald-Edersee National Park, whose main route spans 4.8 kilometres. There are 13 free experience stations along this route, which are listed on Eddi's adventure map: children and adults alike can actively engage and explore this realm of ancient beech trees. You can go climbing, compete in long jumps with animals and, last but not least, find out where and how Eddi lives. This hiking trail runs mostly along natural paths and trails from the Edersee Wildlife Park to the treetop walkway and back again.

Start: Am Bericher Holz 1, 34549 Edertal-Hemfurth (circular route)
Duration: 2 hours
Length: 4.8 kilometres
Public transport: Call-and-collect taxi, or bus: bus stop at Edertal-Hemfurth, Wildpark
Certification: Quality Trail "Familienspaß" (Family Fun)

BergerErlebnisMomente, Hesse

History, religion, geology, and nature come together within a remarkably small area on the BergerErlebnisMomente Trail in Amöneburg, making this 3.9-kilometre circular route an exceptional family adventure. The well-maintained path circles the basalt massif known as the “Berger,” formed by volcanic activity around 18 million years ago, and rewards hikers with spectacular panoramic views in every direction. Amöneburg itself is a small medieval town rich in history: two castle ruins, the old circular town wall, several tower remains, and the remnants of two medieval town gates line the route. Three playgrounds and a woodland path reminiscent of a primeval forest ensure that younger hikers are entertained throughout the walk. A few short but steep climbs and a staircase section add a little challenge, but the views are well worth the effort.

Starting point: P-Schlossruine car park, 35287 Amöneburg (circular route)
Duration: approx. 1.5 hours
Distance: 3.9 km
Public transport: Take the train from Marburg Central Station to Kirchhain, then continue by bus to the Ritterstraße stop in Amöneburg.
Certification: Premium Walking Trail

Traumschleifchen Junge Wald, Rhineland-Palatinate

Near Kastellaun in the Hunsrück region, in the small village of Buch, lies one of the area's most family-friendly hiking gems: the Traumschleifchen Junge Wald. This 4.6-kilometre circular route with only gentle inclines leads through woodland and open countryside and has been awarded the title of Premium Walking Trail by the German Hiking Institute. Along the route, lovingly designed adventure stations await both children and adults: an educational forest trail, a live beehive display, a barefoot path, a jumping pit, and a balancing station transform the walk into an exciting journey of discovery. An idyllic biotope beside a forest pond and several covered rest areas invite visitors to pause and relax. Beautiful views across the rolling Hunsrück landscape complete the experience. While the route is not suitable for strollers, it is ideal for children who enjoy walking.

Starting point: Sports ground car park, 56290 Buch (circular route)
Duration: approx. 1 hour 45 minutes
Distance: 4.6 km
Public transport: Bus line 620 from Simmern or Koblenz to Kastellaun, then bus line 630 to Buch.
Certification: Premium Walking Trail

Gnome Trail Sievershausen, Lower Saxony

Decipher the mysterious messages of the forest together with your children. On the 3.5-kilometre-long circular route known as the Gnome Trail or Imp's Path in the Weser Uplands , children and adults can learn about nature in a playful way. The suspension bridge, a barefoot path and a forest xylophone stimulates the children's motor skills, sense of touch and imagination. At no less than twelve interactive experience stations, even the youngest forest visitors receive inspiration, collect experiences related to the forest and nature, and are able apply them in their own environments. A friendly forest gnome accompanies hikers of all ages on this unique sensory journey.

Start: Unter den Eichen 2, 37586 Sievershausen (circular route)
Duration: 2 hours
Length: 3.5 kilometres
Public transport: From Dassel line 252, Turmstrasse stop, 1.1 km
Certification: Quality Trail "Familienspaß" (Family Fun)

EifelSpur on the Trail of Cloth Weavers, North Rhine-Westphalia

This hike focuses on the history of cloth weavers in the Eifel region, an industry that for a long time was omnipresent in Euskirchen. The well-developed, approximately 3-kilometre trail leads through a quiet forested area around the Steinbachtalsperre, which gave the recreational area its name and was originally constructed as a water reservoir for the cloth weavers. Meanwhile, the trail is also an ecological forest educational path: 92 information boards offer interesting facts about the local flora and fauna and the ecological interconnections in nature. There are also plenty of activities along the way, including mini golf, an outdoor forest pool, an adventure playground, and a barbecue hut. This EifelSpur trail is accessible with a pushchair.

Start: Talsperrenstrasse, 53881 Euskirchen (circular route)
Duration: 1 hour
Length: 2.85 kilometres
Public transport: You can reach the train station in Euskirchen by regional transport. From there, take the 873 bus to Kirchheim Steinbachtalsperre (Euskirchen).
Certification: Quality Trail "Familienspaß" (Family Fun)

Teutoschleifchen Steinbecker Runde, North Rhine-Westphalia

Located in the Teutoburg Forest region, in the Tecklenburger Land near Recke-Steinbeck, the Steinbecker Runde combines nature, history, and industrial heritage along a 7.5-kilometre circular route that is also well suited to families. This Premium Walking Trail begins in the centre of Steinbeck and initially follows the Mittelland Canal, where visitors can watch passing ships and observe the Marina Recke yacht harbour. The route continues along magnificent tree-lined avenues and hedgerow-bordered country paths into the Buchholzer Forest, whose landscapes occasionally evoke a distinctly Nordic atmosphere. Numerous information panels tell the story of coal mining in the Ibbenbüren mining district, which began around 450 years ago. The most impressive reminder of this past is the historic Buchholzer Schachthütte, next to which a wooden observation tower offers panoramic views across the surrounding Steinbeck countryside. The Alte Ruthemühle, featuring a basket museum and traditional bakehouse, is also well worth a visit.

Starting point: Dorfstraße car park, 49509 Steinbeck (Recke), opposite the church (circular route)
Duration: approx. 2.5 hours
Distance: approx. 7.5 km
Public transport: Bus line R26 from Ibbenbüren (central bus station, platform A) to the stop “Steinbeck Mitte
Certification: Premium Walking Trail

Harzgeröder Kugelspaß, Saxony-Anhalt

An all-round success: the beech wood balls at Harzgeröder Kugelspaß offer fun and learning in the great outdoors. This interactive adventure trail is 9.8 kilometres long and features two playgrounds and eight information stations, where hiking enthusiasts of all ages can combine learning and play. Audio stations encourage multilingual listening in German for adults and children, Russian, Danish, English or Chinese. This trail also connects the Harzgerode Castle with the Glasebach Mining Museum near Strassberg. The Harzgeröder Kugelspaß also passes two stations of the hiking-awarded Harz Wandernadel trail network.

Start: 06493 Harzgerode, Schlossberg
End: Glasebach Mining Museum, Strassberg.
Duration: 3 hours
Length: 9.8 kilometres
Public transport: By train to Harzgerode
Certification: Quality Trail "Familienspaß" (Family Fun)

ParkSafari in Meiningen, Thuringia

A safari in an English garden? Really? In the Elisabethenburg Palace in Meiningen, you can experience it for yourself! Here, nature explorers of all ages can enjoy nature and culture alike on a 2.7-kilometre-long, accessible family hiking trail. No less than 14 interactive stations invite you to solve riddles about bodies of water, animals and plants and, of course, invite you to join in and play. In this park you'll feel like you're in another world, far from traffic noise and everyday stress. If the little ones still have excess energy after the walk, then the playground is just the thing for them. There is also a fitness trail for the grown-ups. The ParkSafari is easily accessible with a pushchair.

Start: 98617 Meiningen (circular route)
Duration: 45 minutes
Length: 2.7 kilometres
Public transport: By train to Meiningen.
Certification: Quality Trail "Familienspaß" (Family Fun)

Traumschleife Nahequelle Trail, Saarland

The Nahequelle Trail in Nohfelden, Saarland, was Germany’s first premium hiking trail designed specifically for children—and it remains one of the most popular of its kind. This approximately six-kilometre circular route leads visitors around the source of the River Nahe in the Saar-Hunsrück Nature Park. The trail offers a varied landscape of woodland sections and open countryside, complemented by viewpoints that reveal sweeping panoramas across the Schaumberg region. Along the route, 25 benches and rest areas provide plenty of opportunities to pause and enjoy the surroundings.

Children will love the climbing huts, play castles, and balancing station. A wildlife enclosure with donkeys, deer, and wild sheep, as well as an educational bee trail featuring an insect hotel, add further highlights. At the Nahe spring itself, visitors will find a playground and a unique “book tree” stocked with free books that can be borrowed, exchanged, or donated.

Starting point: Nahequelle car park, north of Selbach, Primstalstraße, 66625 Nohfelden-Selbach (circular route)
Duration: approx. 1.5–2 hours
Distance: approx. 6 km
Public transport: Train to St. Wendel or Türkismühle station, then bus R2 to the stop “An der Kapelle, Selbach”; approximately 15 minutes on foot to the Nahe spring.
Certification: Premium Hiking Trail

Find out more about Germany's family-friendly hiking trails here.