5 Beginner-Friendly Hikes in the German Alps

 You don’t need climbing experience to hike in the Alps — just a train pass, a good pair of shoes, and a waterproof backpack.

Over the past few years, I’ve explored dozens of trails across southern Germany. But the ones I keep coming back to aren’t always the steepest or most remote — they’re the quiet, beginner-friendly lake hikes that combine stunning views with low effort.

Here are five scenic alpine trails that are perfect for your first hike in the German Alps, all accessible by public transport and easily done in a day with a 20L waterproof backpack for hiking.

St. Bartholomä chapel by the shore of Königssee, with dramatic alpine cliffs rising behind a still green lake


① Königssee

A mirror-still lake surrounded by towering cliffs and the iconic St. Bartholomä chapel. Most visitors take the boat across, but the shoreline walk is peaceful and easy, with plenty of places to stop and admire the views.

 🕒 2–3 hours | 🚆 Train + boat from Munich | ⭐ Mid-level (wear hiking shoes)


② Hintersee

A short, gentle loop with magical morning light and frequent mist over the water. One of the easiest hikes in the Alps, and great for testing new gear or enjoying a relaxing photo walk.

 🕒 40 minutes | 🚍 Bus from Berchtesgaden | ⭐ Easy


③ Seebensee

Reachable by cable car and a short uphill walk, this lake is a dream in summer. The color changes throughout the day, and the forest-lined path makes it great for shaded afternoon hikes.

 🕒 1 hour | 🚠 Cable car + hike | ⭐ Easy to Moderate


④ Koblatsee

Tucked in a high alpine valley, this trail starts gently through green meadows and leads to a quiet, rock-rimmed lake. Wear proper footwear — some loose gravel toward the end.

 🕒 1h 20min | 🚞 Train + chairlift | ⭐ Moderate


⑤ Engeratsgundsee

Remote and peaceful, this is where I go to be offline. The reflections on the water are perfect on a still day, and you can continue on to other nearby lakes or mountain huts.

 🕒 ~2 hours | 🚞 Same route as Koblatsee | ⭐ Moderate

Obersee lake with cows grazing on a green meadow, framed by towering cliffs and forested peaks in southern Germany

🎒 What I Packed

- 20L waterproof hiking backpack

- Trail shoes

- 1L water

- Lightweight jacket

- Sunglasses + lens cloth

- Printed map + Outdooractive app


You don’t need to hike hard to go deep. These trails remind me that lightness — in your pack, in your pace — is sometimes the best way to experience the mountains.

➡️ Check the waterproof hiking backpack I use here

评论

发表评论

此博客中的热门博文

A Scenic Hike from Loch Lomond to Helensburgh with Just a Travel Waterproof Backpack

图片
If you’re near Glasgow and craving a quick escape, this one’s for you.  The trail from Balloch to Helensburgh is around 12km, mostly easy walking—but the scenery feels much bigger than that. One side is Loch Lomond. The other, the Clyde coast. And if you go in winter, you just might spot Ben Lomond covered in snow. 📍 Getting There 🚆 Take the train from Glasgow Queen Street to Balloch Station (50 mins)  🚶 Walk 10 minutes to the trailhead at Old Luss Rd & Lower Stoneymollan Rd (search “Bos Steel” on Google Maps)  📱 Search for “Helensburgh to Balloch” on AllTrails for a map  🏁 End the hike in Helensburgh Central or Craigendoran, then take the train or bus back 🎒 What I Packed There are no shops, toilets, or shelters along the way, so I brought my usual: - A travel waterproof backpack - Windbreaker - Water + snack - Tissues, sunglasses, and my AllTrails screenshot It was just enough—and it kept everything dry when clouds rolled in. 🏞️ Why This Hike Stays With ...
阅读全文

The Hike That Changed My Mind About Tenerife (And Myself)

图片
I used to think Tenerife was all about beaches and seafood. But then I found myself hiking across volcanic rock under a sky full of stars, gasping for breath and awe at the same time. I wasn’t here for a challenge—but I got one. And it stayed with me longer than any sunset. The Trail: Roques de García It starts from Mirador de la Ruleta, a viewpoint facing the towering Las Cañadas crater. The loop is only 4.2 km, but don’t be fooled—altitude (2183 m) and dry air make it feel longer. You walk on lava fields, between sculptural rocks, with the silhouette of Mount Teide in the distance. It’s one of the few trails open even in winter. Why I Hiked at Night Locals told me the sunrise was worth the cold, so I started at 1:30 AM. It was pitch black, freezing, and silent except for the sound of my steps. I could see constellations, the Milky Way, even a few meteors. I was exhausted—but awake in a way I hadn’t felt in a long time. The Climb to Teide From 2200 m to 3718 m, the full summit hike is...
阅读全文

🧳 What’s in My Everyday Bag: The Expandable Edition

图片
I don’t have a fixed desk. Some days I’m at a café, sometimes a friend’s apartment, or like today—a sunny corner of the local library with decent Wi-Fi. My routine moves with me, and often, so do my plans: a few hours of laptop work, a cycle through the park, and a detour to catch up with someone. On ride days, I tuck my helmet into the expandable front pocket of my backpack. It fits snugly, doesn’t shift, and stays out of the way until I need it again. When your workspace is mobile, your gear needs to be too. But your bag? Ideally, that stays the same. Everyday rhythm: flexible, light, real This photo sums it up. Urban errands, café stops, library corners. I don’t plan around my bag—it adapts around me. What’s inside, usually? - 13" MacBook Pro (3 years strong, still running smooth) - iPhone 14 (used for nearly every photo I take) - iPad Pro (for sketches, notes, and PDFs) - Kindle Oasis (helps me wind down) - Beats Fit Pro (never leaves my ears) - Power bank (because I live on d...
阅读全文