Solo travelling

Travelling alone? Solo travellers can experience nature and enjoy the quiet on these hiking trips.

You are never alone here. A fluffy donkey trots at a comfortable speed next to you, carrying your belongings. At Beratzhausen in the Upper Palatinate you can experience how well this works – either on short tours or multiple-day long hiking trips. Something particularly interesting if you’re a solo traveller: a tour with other animal lovers is an excellent way to meet people. You definitely won’t run out of conversation topics!

Near the small town of Ebersberg in Upper Bavaria, a slightly more taxing and very winding hiking trail goes past enchanting little ponds and through a picturesque avenue to the observation tower in the Ebersberg forest. There, you’ll be treated not only to a wonderful view over the countryside, but also a forestry and environment museum, and a cosyinn that you won’t regret stopping by.

Germany’s highest nature exhibition can be found directly next to the mountain station of the Karwendelbahn cable car. Not only will you learn interesting facts about the flora and fauna in the Karwendel mountains, but you’ll also be treated to an unparalleled view over Mittenwald and the foothills of the Alps. The nature information centre is also the starting point for shorter and longer trails, for example an over 45-minute-long round trip to the Karwendelgrube (Karwendel mine).

Leaving the stress of everyday life behind, and letting the mind wander over 87 kilometres and 15 stations: The meditation trail between the Wieskierche (Pilgrimage Church of Wies) in Steingaden and Linderhof Palace near Ettal will take you on a pilgrimage to find yourself. A guided, multiple-day meditation hike along this stretch makes for a beautiful hiking trip for solo travellers.

Starting at Marktredwitz station, simply follow the blue and white signs for about ten kilometres – these will take you to the peak of the Große Kösseine massif and the Kösseinehaus, a quaint, cosy and shingle-roofed inn nestled between granite rocks. Franconian camaraderie or enjoying the sun undisturbed? The choice is yours. You can relax after the climb with regional snack specialities, share a Franconian beer with the regulars or other hiking enthusiasts, or simply enjoy the view from the sun terrace.

The wild Partnach stream near Garmisch-Partenkirchen has carved 800 metres down into the cliffs. The gorge that this created is one of the most beautiful in the Alpine region, and has been drawing in visitors since 1912. When the waterfalls and rapids turn to ice in the winter, a visit to the Partnachklamm gorge is transformed into an enchanting, fairy-tale experience.