Starting hiking on your own can be a daunting experience, so choosing the right destination is essential.
Where can you make sure you feel safe, free from harassment, and enjoy the beautiful scenery without worry?
Germany is one of the most productive destinations in Europe for a woman walking alone: English is widely spoken (though a little less in rural areas), the trails are well signposted, and you’ll most likely run into other solo travelers along the way.
Laura Anna Schütt is a qualified consultant who has explored Germany far and wide.
She uses her experience with hikers at the Merrell Hiking Club, a women-focused network that aims to “empower, inform and motivate hikers. “
Schütt recommends those interested in hiking in Germany to use the club’s Facebook group.
“You’ll find inspiring contributions from our experienced pioneers and other stunning mountain women,” she says, “as well as anything noteworthy about outdoor women. “
You can also participate in one of the club’s free, non-competitive, community-focused guided attractions.
If you prefer to spend alone, here are Schütt’s favorite hiking trails in Germany.
Eifel National Park offers many stunning trails in all seasons, but spring is sensational. If you stop at the Perlenbachtal on the edge of the park between March and May, you will enjoy a breathtaking view.
Wild daffodils cover the meadows and transform this valley into a burst of sunny yellow and violet in spring. It’s more productive to start the hike early in the day, as the trails can be filled with wildflowers.
There are options for touring the flourishing prairies, ranging from simple three-hour hikes to full-day adventures.
This picturesque ridge hike was voted by Schütt as the most beautiful day hike in Germany in 2023. Over the course of approx. On this thirteen-kilometre-long trail you will find several viewpoints with views of the northern peaks of the Black Forest. If you’re lucky, you’ll even be able to see France.
Climbing the ridge trail is a pleasure not for the faint of heart, as in some places the difference in altitude reaches several hundred metres. Fortunately, there are also trails without a vertipass to go around the ridges.
A highlight of this walk is the “forest bars”, where locals have set up self-service refreshment stands. Cooled by streams that pass through a wooden cupboard, water, beer or even schnapps can be collected.
Located at the foot of the Zugspitze in the Bavarian Alps, this mountain lake is characterized by its crystal clear, yet cold, waters. Lake Eibsee and its 11 islands were formed a thousand years ago when a component of the Zugspitze massif collapsed into a glacial valley. .
Lake Eibsee and its 11 islands were formed a thousand years ago when a component of the Zugspitze massif collapsed into a glacial valley.
Surrounded by rugged limestone peaks and lush forests, the region around the Eibsee offers hiking trails for all levels. Whether you need to take a leisurely stroll around the lake or embark on challenging alpine trails, it’s all here. You can simply take a refreshing dip in the icy waters to cool off after the hike.
This domain is very popular for hiking and hiking, so be sure to head out early in the day into the crowds.
One of the most famous hiking regions in Germany is Saxon Switzerland. Characterized by rock formations towering over dark forests, this eastern German landscape deserves a year-round stopover.
The national park offers a variety of trails, all surprising but quite demanding, as they involve a lot of slopes.
The national park offers a variety of trails, all surprising but quite demanding, as they involve a lot of slopes.
One of the most popular is the circuit that starts at “Schrammsteine”, a scenic trail, and returns to a mystical, moss-covered gorge called “wild hell”. If you only have one day to explore the area, this is the trail to choose. .
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