It’s no secret that I love hiking in Bavaria.
But a recent knee injury has kept me out of the mountains the past couple of weeks 
. I personally hike year round, but for a lot of people, spring is the start of hiking season, so dust off those boots, and get yourself onto one of these trails which are among my favorites in Bavaria:
Höhentalklamm (Hell Valley Gorge)
This is probably my favorite hike that I’ve done in Bavaria to-date. The 1000m long gorge filled with raging water and waterfalls has hikers directly about the water on catwalks and navigating the gorge through tunnels, all while looking up at the Zugspitze – the highest peak in Germany. There are so many different options you have for hiking the Höhentalklamm, but my favorite is hiking up one side, then descending down through the Höhentalklamm – saving the best for last. Note the Höhentalklamm is only open from May – Oct. so you’ll have to wait until later in spring to hike it.
Herzogstand to The Herzogstand to the Heimgarten
The Herzogstand isn’t just an ordinary mountain summit, it’s one that even the royals favored – heck it even has a royal name “Herzog” is German for “Duke”. Perhaps the stunning views of the Walchensee (the deepest lake in Germany) had something to do with it? Despite the view, it was the razor-thin ridge walk between the Herzogstand and the Heimgarten that made it such a fun hike. But not to worry, if heights aren’t your thing, you can go down the same way you came up and avoid the ridge. And if you’re feeling really lazy, you can even take a cable car up most of the way to the Herzogstand. Cable cars=crowds though, so spring or fall is the best time to go when it’s not as busy.
Roß and Buchstein
Dubbed the “stone twins”, the Roß and Buchstein are two peaks very close together with the Tegernseer Hütte located between them. They offer a “two peak” day which is my idea of a perfect day, but be warned to reach the top of the Buchstein it’s a steep scramble – meaning you’ll be using your hands as well as your feet. If you like this kind of stuff, like I do it’s a blast. If you don’t you still get incredible views from the Roßstein which is an easier scramble and the views from the Tegernseer Hütte are among the best I’ve had from a hut.
I’m always on the lookout for new hikes, so let me know what your favorite hikes in Bavaria are.
View Hikes in Bavaria in a larger map
Be sure to check out Spring Fever on Traveling with Sweeney for more posts that will put a spring in your step.
Thanks for the tips on spring hiking in Bavaria – I haven’t hiked there yet! I just love your blog and its title is so charming (monkeys and mountains are two of my favorite things).
Sonya recently posted..Mountain Photos: Snowshoes
@Sonya – Thanks so much Sonya and I highly recommend hiking in Bavaria.
I hope your ankle is feeling better! All look like great hikes, especially the gorge hike.
Jennifer recently posted..Simplon Pass: One of the Most Scenic Drives in Switzerland
@jennifer – Unfortunately not, but thanks. The gorge hike is my favorite one in Bavaria to-date.
Can I come hiking with you in Bavaria? These hikes look amazing. I’m a bit down as I’ve come back from the most incredible hiking trip – and still have months before the real hiking here starts. My husband says I’m not allowed to complain about things like this after I’ve just been away.
Lovely post.
Leigh recently posted..Day 2 of Hiking in Colombia: High Passes and Heavy Breathing
@Leigh – Yes, please, anytime! I think you’re allowed to complain, the real hiking season in the Rockies is really short. I’m also feeling down since I’m not allowed to hike for 6 weeks due to a knee injury
Very nice! Thanks for sharing. We were in Garmisch last year and managed a couple of hikes at the end of our tour:
http://www.pbase.com/peterdudley/image/144932641
We will be hiking in Switzerland & France this June with three days in Munich at the end to unwind and drink great beer! Prost!
@Peter – Glad that you were able to get some hiking in near Garmisch. I haven’t been hiking in Switzerland or France yet, but hope to do so this year as well.
What wonderful photos of Bavaria. Enjoy your spring hikes.
santafetraveler recently posted..Blooming: spring in Santa Fe
@Santafetravler – Thank you! Unfortunately I just found out that my knee injury means no hiking for 6 weeks, so it will have to wait
I’d love to go hiking in Bavaria, in fact, it gives me spring fever just thinking about it. Although that razored-edge hike and the scramble up the rock face will have to wait for a younger, nimbler hiker who isn’t afraid of heights.
Donna Hull recently posted..Enjoy a Southern California spring road trip
@Donna – I definitely recommend hiking in Bavaria and there’s lots of hikes that aren’t on the edge of a ridge
Wow the Höhentalklamm sounds wonderful and beautiful! Would love to spend some time hiking on my next trip to Bavaria.
Debbie Beardsley @ European Travelista recently posted..Whimsical Salzburg
Wow, the views are breathtaking, Laurel. Not sure if I’d be able to look down.
InsideJourneys recently posted..A Jamaican Spring
@InsideJourneys – The one hike is definitely not for those who are afraid of heights
I love the sound of that second hike! Hmm, maybe we could tack that on to the end of our Slovenia hiking plan
The photo of the ridge walk is great. Hope your knee heals quickly so you can get back out in the wilds again soon!
Cherina recently posted..Hiking in Alaska: Lion’s Head, Glacier View
@Cherina – You’re on! I’m missing hiking, it’s been 3 weeks and I’m going crazy already and still have another 3 more weeks to go.
These hikes look great. Nice to know there are options in case anyone gets a little panicky with the steep, scary parts. The second photo has me imagining a hike with the Sound of Music songs playing in my head.
@Cathy – There are such a wide variety of hikes in Bavaria, there truly is something for everyone. Funny you mention Sound of Music – I have been known to break into song occasionally while hiking