Which trails are part of the NST?
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Germany is a wonderful country for hiking, enchanting with its diverse landscapes and well-developed hiking trails. From the rugged North Sea coast in the north to the majestic Alps in the south, there are numerous hiking areas to explore. Here are some popular regions for hiking in Germany:
- The Alps: The German Alps offer an impressive mountain landscape with high peaks, green valleys, and clear mountain lakes. Popular hiking areas include the Zugspitze Massif, the Wetterstein Mountains, and the Allgäu region. Here, hikers can explore alpine trails, climb summits, and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
- The Black Forest: Located in southwestern Germany, the Black Forest is one of the largest and most famous low mountain ranges in the country. With dense forests, romantic valleys, and picturesque lakes, the Black Forest provides an ideal backdrop for hiking. The Westweg and Mittelweg are popular long-distance hiking trails that traverse the Black Forest.
- The Saxon Switzerland: Located in the state of Saxony, the Saxon Switzerland region impresses with its bizarre rock formations, deep gorges, and idyllic river valleys. The Malerweg (Painter’s Path) is a well-known hiking trail in this region, taking you through the spectacular landscape of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains.
- Die The Eifel: The Eifel region in Rhineland-Palatinate and North Rhine-Westphalia is a low mountain range with a diverse landscape of volcanoes, maars (volcanic crater lakes), and dense forests. The Eifelsteig is a popular long-distance hiking trail that takes you through this picturesque region.
- The Rhön Mountains: The Rhön is a low mountain range located at the tripoint of Bavaria, Hesse, and Thuringia. With its gentle hills, wide meadows, and diverse flora and fauna, the Rhön offers ideal conditions for hiking. The Hochrhöner is a long-distance hiking trail that passes through this region.
- The Mecklenburg Lake District: In the northeast of Germany, the Mecklenburg Lake District entices with its unique water landscape. Here, hikers can explore well-developed trails along the lakes and through picturesque forests.
- The Harz: The Harz is a low mountain range that stretches across parts of Lower Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia. With dense forests, romantic valleys, and mystical rock formations, the Harz offers a diverse hiking experience. The Harzer Hexenstieg (Harz Witches’ Trail) and the Brocken are popular destinations for hikers in this region.
These are just a few examples of the diverse hiking areas in Germany. The country offers a wealth of opportunities to explore nature, breathe in fresh air, and enjoy the beauty of the German landscape. Whether you prefer hiking in the mountains, strolling through idyllic valleys, or walking along the coast, Germany has numerous varied routes for hiking enthusiasts.