Hiking trail in Germany 1: For coastal walkers
Hiking trail: long-distance hiking trail E9
Total length in Germany: approx. 900 km
Start & end point: Ahlbeck to Weener
What to expect: The salty scent of the sea in your nose, its glitter often in your eyes - along fashionable seaside resorts, idyllic fishing villages and proud Hanseatic towns such as Wismar, you will pass through Germany's largest national park, the Vorpommersche Boddenlandschaft. The cliffs (e.g. between Heiligendamm and Kühlungsborn) and the wild nature on the Darß prove that not all coasts are the same.
Stage highlight: If you hike from Stralsund to Barth (42 km), you can find great souvenirs such as amber, fossilized sea urchins or chicken gods (stones with a hole) on the wild and romantic beaches. The delicious smoked sausage on the fishing trawler Johanna in Barth harbour promises refreshment.
Difficulty level: easy
Insider tip: A breathtaking panoramic view over the Strelasund can be enjoyed from the Rügen Dam. It connects the mainland with Germany's largest island, Rügen.
Info: www.outdoorseiten.net/wiki/E9
Hiking trail in Germany 2: For romantics
Hiking trail: Rennsteig
Total length: 170 km
Start & end point: Hörschel to Blankenstein
What to expect: An almost Mediterranean flair near Eisenach, the spicy scent of the mountain meadows on the Rennsteig and the lively babbling of the Werra. With views over picturesque mountain ranges, ancient rock formations and mirror-smooth reservoirs, the motto is clear: slow down.
Stage highlight: From Hörschel to Hohe Sonne (14.3 kilometers). The route leads through varied forests, across mountain meadows and fields. The Großer Eichelberg offers a wonderful view of Wartburg Castle. From the end point, be sure to make a detour to the Dragon Gorge - a natural geological monument with a 198-metre-long gorge that you can hike through.
Difficulty level: medium
Insider tip: In the village of Lauscha, where the first Christmas tree decorations were once made, you can still see the elegant craftsmanship of glassmaking today (www.farbglashuette-lauscha.de).
Info:www.rennsteig.de
Hiking trail in Germany 3: For castle fans
Hiking trail: Rheinburgenweg
Total length: 200 km
Start & end point: Bingen to Remagen-Rolandseck
What to expect: Along the way - as the name suggests - there are castles galore. But nature also has a lot to offer on one of our most beautiful hiking trails, such as the view from the Reutersley into the Siebengebirge or the famous vineyards of the Bopparder Hamm. Along the way, you will also pass through the Ahr valley, one of the northernmost wine-growing regions in Germany, and can admire the world's largest cold-water geyser in Andernach. A journey through time in hiking boots!
Stage highlight: The 10th stage of the Rhine Castle Trail from St. Goar to Oberwesel is not very long at 12 km, but it offers wonderful views of the Rhine Valley and the legendary Loreley. The Oelsbergsteig also provides a little thrill.
Difficulty level: easy
Insider tip: Hardly any other town on the Middle Rhine offers as many discoveries from over 2000 years of cultural history as Boppard (www.boppard-tourismus.de).
Info: www.rheinburgenweg.com
Hiking trail in Germany 4: For water lovers
Hiking trail: 66-lake trail
Total length: 416 km
Start & end point: Potsdam
What to expect: Countless lakes, ponds, pools and rivers in the midst of unspoiled landscapes. And not only nature lovers, but also culture lovers will get their money's worth here. The circular route connects no fewer than eight regional parks along its long route, as well as cultural assets such as Marquart Palace and Sanssouci Park. Because of the many bird species that can be observed in the nature reserves, binoculars are a must in your hiking luggage!
Stage highlight: The second stage leads from Marquardt to Brieselang (19.3 km) along the Havel Canal. Ancient legends tell of "a mysterious light" in the Brieselang forest that can still be seen today. Perhaps you will discover it?
Difficulty level: easy
Insider tip: The 17-hectare Rüdersdorf Museum Park is located in the largest limestone quarry in northern Germany. You can take a tour of this place or visit wonderful concerts, exhibitions or theater performances in the adjacent park.
Info:www.seenweg.de
Hiking trail in Germany 5: For explorers
Hiking trail: Heidschnuckenweg
Total length: 223 km
Start & end point: Hamburg-Fischbek-Celle
What to expect: The natural beauties are just one after the other here: from the butterfly park in Buchholz to the Wilseder Berg, the mystical Pietzmoor in Schneverdingen or the Heide-See in Müden (Örtze). The Heidschnuckenweg, which was recently voted Germany's most beautiful hiking trail, also touches the famous heath village of Wilsede, which can only be reached on foot, by bike or in a carriage.
Stage highlight: The section from Buchholz to Handeloh (15 kilometers) offers two major highlights: From Brunsberg you can see as far as Hamburg in good weather, and the Büsenbach valley is considered one of the most picturesque heathland valleys anywhere.
Difficulty level: easy.
Insider tip: Want to take a breather? Then we recommend a carriage ride. The coachmen will take you to the most beautiful places and tell you a few juicy heath insider stories along the way. You have to hear them!
Info:www.heidschnuckenweg.de
Hiking trail in Germany 6: For fairytale lovers
Hiking trail: Nibelungensteig
Total length: 125 km
Start & end point: Zwingenberg to Freudenberg
What to expect: The most legendary hiking trail in Germany is named after the famous Song of the Nibelungs - and of course there is a reason for this: everywhere along the Rhine Valley you will come across places from the heroic saga. Fantastic picture-book panoramas alternate with shady forest passages, legendary rock formations (including the impressive Reichenbacher Felsenmeer) make up for many a drop of sweat on the 4,000 meters of altitude.
Stage highlight: From Zwingenberg to Lindenfels (approx. 25 km). From the sun-drenched winegrowing town, you climb the highest mountain on the South Hessian Bergstrasse: the Melibocus. It is a proud 517 meters high and a challenge even for many well-trained cyclists.
Difficulty level: medium
Insider tip: On October 4 and 5, the Lindenfels Museum comes to life. There are old crafts to see and marvel at in a unique atmosphere - plus a wide range of handicrafts and Odenwald specialties.
Info: www.nibelungenland.net