13 Hiking trails worth a visit

Explore the vicinity of Berlin on the 66 Lakes Trail, a large circular hiking route. A hike around the metropolis in the midst of Brandenburg's scenic beauty.

The Baltic Sea Coast Hiking Trail (E9) is Germany's most beautiful coastal route. The 400 kilometres from Lübeck to Ahlbeck are a mixture of shoreside lifestyle and glorious hiking routes.

At 660 kilometres, the Goldsteig Trail is the longest certified hiking trail in Germany. The trail to the north through the Bavarian Forest National Park is an athletic challenge, the trail to the south is more relaxed.

We hike like witches: through the Mines of Rammelsberg, the Old Town of Goslar and the Upper Harz Water Regale. The Harz Witches' Trail is an insanely varied 94 kilometre route through Harz National Park. Off we go on our broomsticks to the Brocken mountain…

In 2014, the Heidschnuckenweg trail through Lüneburg Heath was voted the most beautiful hiking trail in Germany by readers of Wandermagazin – a great honour for this route through northern Germany's thrilling landscape.

When the sun is scorching in the sky above, shade is especially welcome – particularly while hiking. Pleasantly cool paths, winding beneath a dense leafy canopy, at a stream or lake, or through a gorge, make summer hiking tours a joy too. These ten hiking trails – from the Altmark region to the Bavarian Forest – are mostly easy yet invigorating, and offer adventures in nature while being accessible via local public transport.

The 180 kilometre Hochrhöner premium trail takes us through three federal states in central Germany: Hesse, Thuringia and Bavaria.

Set in the fairytale-like landscape of Saxon Switzerland, the Painters' Way is one of Germany's most beautiful hiking trails.

The almost 700-year-old Rennsteig is Germany's oldest hiking trail. Every year, the ridgeway through the Thuringian Forest wows 100,000 or so hikers from all over the world.

The Rhine has been personified as a mythical god, Rhenus Pater (lovingly nicknamed "Father Rhine" by the Germans), for centuries. The river, castle ruins and rock formations have inspired generations of painters and poets to create romantic works.

The Rothaarsteig Trail really is a hike for all the senses: your ears hear the whispers of nature. Your eyes delight in the forests' green splendour. Your nose sniffs the scent of wood and your mouth tastes the regional delicacies.

No other hiking path in Europe connects so many nature trails. The Saar-Hunsrück is the European champion of the single trail. The paths are often so narrow that hikers need to walk in single file – as if they were in the jungle. It is the perfect 410 kilometre hike.