Hiking through the German Alps

Mountain hiking in the German Alps

Not long ago I told my father-in-law about a vacation plan for the German Alps. Smiling he looked at me; 'Germany has no Alps', was his answer. And that's not so strange. Because although Germany as a vacation country has grown in popularity among Dutch tourists in recent years, many more people still know how to find the 'Route de Soleil' to the South of France than the peace and quiet of the East and South German landscapes. It's high time to show some spectacular spots from the German Alps!

This route takes you from the easternmost tip of Bavaria at the border with Austria to the westernmost town. You follow the southern border with Austria and pass five typical Alpine spots, of which you'll think; is this really Germany?

Check the interactive route map below the blog

Stop 1: The Königssee (Berchtesgaden)

At a good 10 hour drive from the Netherlands, you will find the beautiful green-blue lake Königssee in the southeast of Germany. It is more than worth the trip. Completely surrounded by high mountainsides and green nature you look over the lake to the idyllic St. Bartholomew's Church. Is this really Germany? From the village Schonau-Königssee you can make beautiful walks around the lake and also up high. The surrounding area is also worthwhile. For example, just north of the Königssee you can walk the beautiful Almbachklamm, a beautiful gorge for the whole family. Where the village of Schönau am Königssee as a tourist attraction has a huge number of accommodations, you can also choose to spend the night in the town of Berchtesgaden. This is located just north of the Königssee with a beautiful view of the mountain 'Watzamann'.

Stop 2: The Alpspitze (Garmisch Partenkirchen)

Over 3 hours of westward cruising through hills, forests and mountains and you arrive at the foot of the Alpspitze. Just like the Tegelberg and Zugspitze there is a cable car that can take you to the top. Convenient for the whole family and a beautiful view guaranteed. However, this is also a mountain known for its adventurous via ferrata routes. You can choose between the Alpspitz-Ferrata via ferrata and the Nordwandsteig. If you've never done this before, it is advisable to go up with a guide, which is possible here. Guaranteed thrills!

For the real mountaineers, this hiking / climbing area is also a feast. An extra strenuous hike can be made from the Alpspitze, via the Vollkarspitze and the 3 Hollentallzpitzen all the way to the Zugspitze (see map below). This hike is really for the experienced mountaineers and has a number of emergency descents built in for good reason. It can be quite ghosts in this mountain range. However, if you prepare this well, a wonderful reward awaits you at the top of the highest mountain in Germany.

Stop 3: The Zugspitze (Garmisch Partenkirchen)

This Mount Everest of Germany should not be missing from your list. A few hours of climbing and clambering from the Alpspitze, or just an hour safe in the car and take the new cable car from the valley. It's all possible on the Zugpsitze, which with its 2962 meters is a giant landmark between Germany and Austria. Since 2017 you can use the new panorama gondola which takes you up to 2944 meters at a speed of 10.6 meters per second for €28 (one way). On this mountain you can go hiking, via ferrata and mountain biking.

Stop 4: The Tegelberg (Fussen)

After my good experiences at the Tegelberg I definitely recommend you to visit this mountain. I chose to hike down alone, but I would recommend you to climb up and visit the famous Neuschwanstein castle on the way back. The Tegelberg valley station is less than an hour's drive from the Zugspitze valley station.

5. Lindau (Bodensee)

If you leave Tegelberg and head west to Lindau, you'll soon change the foothills of the Alps for the green rolling hills of Bavaria. The lovely landscape provides a relaxing journey back from the Alps to the lower country. All the way in the west of Bavaria you will find a beautiful town, Lindau. The historic center is located in Lake Constance and is a unique location to end your journey through the German Alps. On the other side of Lake Constance you look at the Austrian and Swiss mountains, and think back to your hiking trips. If you have money you can dive into the YachtHotel Helvetia Spa- und Wellnessdomizil for about 300 per night to completely unwind. Luckily you can also recover from your trip for about 100 euros per night at very nice locations in the historic center and get ready for the car ride to the Netherlands which will take about 8 hours.