6 Best Hikes In Bavarian Alps: Trails Really Worth Your Time

We first came here expecting a couple of nice mountain walks — and ended up finding some of our favorite hikes in Germany. Between the dramatic gorges, ridgeline views, and lakes that honestly look unreal in person, the variety surprised us more than anything.

Since we’ve now explored several trails in the region (some more than once), we wanted to put together this guide with the ones that actually stood out to us — not just the famous names, but the hikes we’d genuinely recommend if you want views, a fun trail, and an experience that feels worth your time.

Whether you’re looking for an easy scenic walk or a more adventurous route, these are the Bavarian Alps hikes we think are truly worth doing.

Best hikes in Bavarian Alps

1. Höllentalklamm

Höllentalklamm was one of the biggest surprises of our time in the Bavarian Alps. We hadn’t even heard of it before planning the trip, and since it gets far less attention than nearby Partnachklamm, we arrived without expectations. That changed within minutes.

The trail quickly pulls you into a dramatic world of roaring waterfalls, dripping rock tunnels, and narrow ledges carved straight into the cliffs. It feels raw, loud, and immersive.

We combined the gorge walk with a longer mountain route starting from the Kreuzeckbahn cable car, hiking toward Hupfleitenjoch before descending into the valley.

That section turned out to be one of the most exciting stretches we’ve done in Germany: a narrow mountainside path with occasional cables, constant views, and just enough exposure to feel adventurous without being extreme.

What makes this hike special is how flexible it is. The classic gorge route alone is already memorable and manageable for most hikers, while the longer variation adds a proper alpine feel for those wanting more challenge.

The gorge itself is only about 1.2 km long, but it took us almost an hour to pass through because we kept stopping for photos and videos. Water drips from above, the air is cool and misty, and sometimes the rock walls rise so steeply you only see a thin strip of sky overhead.

One thing we didn’t expect: you will get wet. Not soaked, but definitely sprayed — so a rain jacket makes a big difference.

If you’re choosing between hikes in this region and want something dramatic but still accessible, this one stands out. It delivers adventure, scenery, and variety without requiring technical skills — which is exactly why it ended up being one of our favorite hikes in Bavaria.

Official Website: hollentalklamm-info.de

2. Herzogstand

We’ve hiked Herzogstand twice now, and both visits felt completely different. The first time it felt like a peaceful, hidden gem; the second was noticeably busier — clearly, people have started discovering just how good this hike is.

The biggest highlight is how quickly the scenery opens up. Within minutes of starting, you’re already looking down at the turquoise waters of Walchensee and Kochelsee, with distant peaks — including Zugspitze on clear days — stretching across the horizon.

What we loved most is that the trail is manageable for most reasonably fit hikers.

Taking the cable car up makes this one of the highest reward-for-effort hikes in the region. From the upper station, the route starts on a wide path before climbing steadily toward the summit. There’s a mountain hut Berggasthaus Herzogstand along the way — a perfect excuse for a coffee stop with a view.

If you skip the cable car and hike from the lake instead, the experience changes completely. The longer ascent runs mostly through forest with steady elevation gain, making it quieter and more physical.

This is one of those hikes that works for almost everyone. Want a relaxed scenic walk? Take the cable car. Want a proper workout? Start from the valley. Either way, the views alone make it unforgettable.

Official Website: herzogstandbahn.de

3. Eibsee Loop Trail

We’ve walked the loop around Eibsee several times now, and honestly, it’s one of those trails that impressed us just as much on the third visit as it did the first.

The moment we saw that crystal-clear water with Zugspitze towering above it, we understood why it’s considered one of the best easy hikes in the Bavarian Alps.

What we loved most is that you don’t have to wait for a viewpoint. The entire walk is the viewpoint. The trail hugs the shoreline almost the whole way, constantly revealing new angles of tiny islands, reflections, and mountain backdrops.

Every few minutes we found ourselves stopping again for photos, even when we thought we were done.

The path itself is mostly flat and wide, which makes it feel more like a scenic nature walk than a proper hike. That’s part of what makes it so enjoyable. It’s relaxing, easy, and still incredibly rewarding.

If we had to choose one section though, we’d recommend heading along the north shore first — that stretch gives you the most dramatic perspectives of the lake with the mountains rising behind it.

Official Website: eibsee.de

4. Partnachklamm

Partnachklamm completely caught us off guard. We’d seen photos beforehand, but walking through it feels way more intense in real life — narrow tunnels carved into rock, icy-blue water crashing beside you, and that constant misty roar that makes the whole place feel almost unreal.

We went right at 8 AM, and that was easily the best decision. It was calm, quiet, and the gorge felt almost otherworldly. This is the kind of “easy walk” that still feels like a proper adventure.

What we loved most is how doable it is. You don’t need hiking fitness or special gear, yet it delivers that wow-factor you normally expect from longer mountain trails.

Just wear shoes with grip (it’s often wet and slippery), and bring a light layer — it can feel cold inside even on a warm day.

Once you cross the gorge, you can continue with one of the longer hikes.

Official Website: partnachklamm.de

5. Kampenwand (Chiemsee)

Kampenwand was one of those hikes that surprised us in the best way. It’s located near Chiemsee, and there are actually several routes to the top, but we chose the classic trail starting from Hohenaschau — a great option if you want a scenic hike that’s rewarding without being overly demanding.

We followed trail no. 20, which begins gently through forest before gradually climbing higher into open alpine pastures. The ascent felt steady rather than steep, which made it enjoyable the whole way.

Along the route, we passed traditional mountain huts Gorialm and Steinlingalm — perfect spots for a quick drink or snack break.

The higher we got, the better the scenery became. Once we reached the summit area, the views really opened up, with views over distant peaks stretching across the horizon and Chiemsee below us.

If you want to shorten the hike or save energy, there’s also the option to take the Kampenwandbahn cable car for part of the route, which makes it accessible for almost anyone.

Official Website: kampenwand.de

6. Riederstein (Tegernsee)

The hike up to Riederstein above Tegernsee is a great choice if you want a quieter trail that still delivers a rewarding summit view. The route starts right in Tegernsee village.

There are several paths leading up, but we chose trail no. 686a because it climbs steadily instead of going straight up a steep slope. It’s slightly longer than some alternatives, but much more pleasant and consistent, which made the ascent feel easier overall.

Most of the hike leads through forest, so the views stay hidden for a while. But once you get higher, the scenery finally opens up. We passed Berggasthaus Riederstein along the way, a perfect stop for a drink or quick break before the final stretch.

From there, it’s just a short climb to the summit, where you’re rewarded with beautiful views over Lake Tegernsee and the surrounding mountains.

How to get around

If you’re planning to explore Bavarian Alps, getting around efficiently really matters.

Renting a Car

We explored the Bavarian Alps with our own car, and it made the entire trip smoother and more flexible. Having a car lets you start hikes early, move between valleys without rushing, and adapt your plans when the weather shifts — which happens a lot in the mountains.

If you need to rent a car, we recommend DiscoverCars. We like the clear pricing, wide choice of local providers, and transparent conditions.

Public Transport

Public transport in Bavarian Alps is reliable and well-run. Both trains and buses are available and cover most of the region. The trains are operated by Deutsche Bahn while buses belong to MVV.

Final Thoughts

Hiking in the Bavarian Alps ended up being one of the biggest highlights of our time in southern Germany.

What surprised us most is how much variety you get in such a relatively compact area — one day you’re walking through a roaring gorge, the next you’re on a panoramic ridge, and the next you’re strolling beside a lake that looks almost unreal.

If we had to recommend just one hike for first-time visitors, we’d say it depends on what you want most: dramatic scenery, easy views, or a bit of adventure.

That’s exactly why we love this region. It works for all types of hikers, whether you’re after a relaxed walk or a more exciting mountain day.