Attention hiking enthusiasts! Several Top Trails of Germany have something to celebrate

125 years Westweg

The Westweg, the oldest long-distance hiking trail in the Black Forest, will celebrate its 125th anniversary in 2025. Spanning 285 kilometers from Pforzheim to Basel, the Westweg offers an unparalleled hiking experience. A trek along the Westweg is a great way to experience the vast nature of Germany’s largest mountain range. Although wild camping is prohibited in Germany, there are now twenty Trekking Camps spread across the Black Forest where you can spend the night in your own tent, right in the heart of nature. Some of these camps are also located along the famous Schluchtensteig, another popular Top Trail in the southern Black Forest. Along the Schluchtensteig, you will also find several One-Night Camps, simple camping spots for the adventurous hiker.

20 years of the Altmühltal Panorama Trail

The Altmühltal Panorama Trail is celebrating its 20th anniversary and has become one of Germany’s most beloved hiking routes. This 200-kilometer trail winds through the stunning Altmühltal Nature Park, offering spectacular views, picturesque heathlands, and impressive rock formations. Along the way, you can enjoy traditional Bavarian hospitality and local delicacies in charming stage towns. Thanks to its excellent accessibility by public transport, the route is perfect for both long treks and day hikes. The anniversary will be celebrated with a special program of guided hikes.

15 years of Naturpark Vulkaneifel

The Naturpark Vulkaneifel is celebrating its 15th anniversary and is a paradise for geology enthusiasts. Stages 8 to 12 of the Eifelsteig lead you past spectacular volcanic phenomena, such as the Gerolstein Dolomites and the famous Daun Maars—round crater lakes that are often called the “eyes of the Eifel” due to their unique shape. The Naturpark Vulkaneifel has been part of the European Geoparks network for 25 years and is dedicated to nature conservation and educating visitors about the region’s geology.

Art along the Kammweg Erzgebirge-Vogtland

This year, the Saxon city of Chemnitz, together with 38 municipalities in the Ore Mountains, holds the title of “European Capital of Culture”—a distinction reflected along the Kammweg Erzgebirge-Vogtland. Two remarkable artworks from the Purple Path project can be admired here. In Seiffen, Twister Again by Alice Aycock, a dynamic sculpture, stands near the open-air museum, while in Olbernhau, Plywood by Jay Gard playfully nods to the iconic Hollywood sign. These artworks make the hiking trail even more unique.

Festival along the Rothaarsteig

Along stage 6 of the Rothaarsteig, the famous music and theater festival KulturPur takes place during Pentecost. This festival attracts more than 50,000 visitors each year and offers an impressive mix of music and theater in an idyllic setting. One of this year’s highlights is a performance by the band BAP, known for the song Kristallnacht.

So, whether you love art, nature, or music, you’re sure to find something to enjoy along the Top Trails of Germany this year. Put on your hiking boots and go!