Excellent hiking experiences in quality regions

Expansive views, deep forests, gently swaying mountains and valleys, lush meadows and romantic half-timbered villages in between - in Germany's first "Wanderbares Deutschland" quality region, hikers will find attractive trails, warm hosts, great service and plenty of worthwhile destinations. The Sauerland hiking villages have dedicated themselves entirely to hiking with their entire infrastructure and range of accommodations. They are characterized by an extensive network of certified hiking trails. Among the best known trails are the Rothaarsteig, the Sauerland-Höhenflug and the Sauerland-Waldroute. The list is completed by numerous day and half-day circular hiking trails, some of which are also certified.

The Räuberland, a part of the Bavarian Spessart, is located in one of the largest contiguous deciduous forest areas in Central Europe. This was, as the name suggests, in ancient times a hiding place for the robbers who made their mischief along the trade routes through the Spessart. The unique beech and oak forests are crossed by 450 km of sustainably maintained hiking trails, some of which follow historical paths, although today there are no robbers. Meanwhile, the hikers experience a unique nature, passing fairy-tale castles and ruins. Those who want to be on the road longer can walk the two quality hiking trails (Spessartweg 1 and 2) through the Räuberland.

In the middle of the region Upper Franconia and away from mass tourism, the nature park Frankenwald impresses with its authentic originality and pure nature. The 242-kilometer long FrankenwaldSteig long-distance circular hiking trail and the 31 shorter FrankenwaldSteigla are flagship trails. On 13 stages, ranging in length from 11 to 29 kilometers, hikers explore quiet and wildly romantic valleys, unique views and dense forest areas - enriched with picturesque villages, medieval old towns, castles and fortresses.

Along natural spectacles such as the Zweribach waterfalls and the wildly romantic Teichschlucht gorge, the journey takes you through partly alpine terrain, lush mountain meadows, forests and vineyards to ever new high plateaus, from where you can enjoy magnificent distant views over the mountains and valleys of the nature park. In addition to the ZweiTälerSteig, the hiking region's flagship trails are the Herzenswege through the Elztal and Simonswäldertal valleys. The ten circular trails between seven and 22 kilometers are not quite as challenging, but at least as scenically varied. The destination of the Black Forest HüttenWinkel tour are six huts that invite you to stop for a hearty snack in a rustic atmosphere.

The Land of Hermann stretches from the Senne at the southern foot of the Teutoburg Forest to the Weser Arc in the north, from the Lippe Mountains in the east to the lowlands and hills in the west. The Hermann Monument and the Externsteine are the most famous, but not the only tourist highlights. In addition to the unique nature, hikers can get to know the medieval alleys and buildings in the seven historic town centers while exploring the region's culinary offerings. Due to the numerous spas and health resorts, the region is also known as "Germany's healing garden." The long-distance hiking trail Hermannshöhen, which consists of the hiking trails Hermannsweg and Eggeweg, was already used by the ancient Germanic tribes.

In the south of Lower Saxony, shaped by the Weser River, steep paths alternate with gentle trails and open up to far-reaching views with the character of wanderlust. At the heart of the region are 16 quality tours that could not be more diverse. From long-distance hikes and day tours to relaxing nights in one of the numerous accommodations or the 17 quality hosts, the region offers everything a hiker's heart could desire. The two long-distance hiking trails, the Weserbergland Trail and the Ith-Hils Trail, can be experienced without any luggage at all. The various paths and views can be enjoyed even more effortlessly.

The Kellerwald-Edersee Nature and National Park protects one of the last large red beech forests in Central Europe. A multitude of winding paths and trails stretch through jungle-like forests, past steep slopes and gorges around the bluish-green Edersee. The nature park region is a paradise for hikers and is ideal for active vacations, both on water and on land. Numerous hiking trails cross the national park. In addition to the Urwaldsteig and Kellerwaldsteig, there are numerous panoramic trails, a total of four quality trails and two premium trails to discover.

Mossy coniferous forests, healthy air, bubbling springs, clear heights, extensive orchards and diverse flora and fauna characterise the landscape of the Northern Black Forest. It enjoys great popularity as a hiking region surrounded by unspoilt nature. Hikers are offered a wide range of options: from walks and challenging tours to multi-day hikes, for example on the Westweg. In addition to its impressive nature, the Black Forest, which has been recognised as a sustainable travel destination by TourCert, is also known for its rich tradition and culture: You have certainly heard of the Bollenhut or the Black Forest cake.