lake Eibsee with the Zugspitze mountains in the background. (Von Christian - Adobe Stock)
Across Germany, forests are cherished. Whether it’s a beautiful sunny day or pouring down rain, Germans will be strolling, biking and exploring in nature. In Bavaria and surrounding Stuttgart, forests become even more interesting with themed hikes.
Bärensee Forest, Stuttgart (Mustafa Masetic - Adobe Stock)
The Philosopher’s Trail | Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Distance: 4.6 km | Walking time: 1.5–2 hours
Throughout history it is often found that philosophers spent much time promenading in places of natural beauty, perhaps to help them think and conceptualize their theories on the meaning of life. The Philosopher’s Trail is a tranquil path from St. Anton to Farchant leading through meadows and forest that offers views of the Zugspitze, the highest peak in Germany, and the city of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. There are water features along the way like waterfalls and streams. You can take a break to reflect as you dip your feet in a clear canal while sitting on cooling stones.
To honor some of the world’s past greatest thinkers, benches along the trail are inscribed with famous quotes from philosophers like Nietzsche, Plato and Schopenhauer. This path is lovingly maintained during all seasons and is accessible by wheelchair.
Blueberries along a trail (Natalia-Adobe Stock)
The Blueberry Trail Enzklösterle | Baden-Wurttemberg
Distance: 12.7 km | Walking time: 3.5–4 hours
The Black Forest is famous because of Grimms’ fairy tales. I like to think a trail like this one, speckled with tasty blueberries, inspired the story of Hansel and Gretel. Much like candy, a hike where one can nibble on sweet, bright berries may result in traveling far into a forest before realizing it.
When the blueberries ripen in July, Enzklösterle, also referred to as “The Blueberry Village,” celebrates for an entire week with a Blueberry Festival. The loop trail is declared to be a Black Forest gourmet trail, where hikers can enjoy snacking on and collecting the delicious fruit along the way. Paired with the berries, the hike offers panoramic views of the Enz Valley and a pleasant walk through the pine forest. The blue forest fruit, or “blue gold” secures the livelihood of families of the village in the summer. If you can’t get enough of the fruit, the Blueberry House on Wildbader Straße sells delicacies and items made from blueberries. Visit enzkloesterle.de to find out more about the festival.
Hilly landscape of the Black Forest, with farmhouses and lush green meadows, St. Maergen, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany (Conny Pokorny - Adobe Stock)
Der Sagenhafte Bergwald | Grainau, Bavaria
Distance: 3 km | Walking time: 2 hours
Step into the legendary mountain forest and indulge in stories and tales about the Höllental, or “valley of hell,” whose scary name doesn’t match this light-hearted and enchanting family-friendly hiking trail. As you traverse along, keep your eye out for the entrance to the dwarven kingdom hidden within gnarling tree branches, stick your head through a hole in a wood-carved bear, search for guarded treasure, or perhaps you will meet a fairy who grants wishes.
The trail starts with an interactive climbing path, then there are plenty of stations to take a rest or snack break. A great resting spot is in a bark-covered Holzerkobel, or woodcutters hut, where lumberjacks used to live. Next, part of the trail leads through what used to be the Royal Bavarian Mountain Forest, belonging to kings Maximillian II and Ludwig II for hunting. The forest is full of lush trees, streams and interesting sculptures.
For those still learning German, use a translator app and pick up a free brochure from the tourist office to read about the lore and fairytales at each stop along the path. For children, the little bear from Waxenstein, Waxl, has come up with a puzzle to solve along the way. You can also download a copy at grainau.de.
