The longest hiking trail in Germany is the Goldsteig. It is located in the south of Germany and it is the only trail with the quality mark Qualitatswanderweg. In the 38 stages, you will hike from Marktredwitz to Passau. The trail consists of more than 660 kilometers of well-marked pathways. There are two variants of this trail: the more challenging northern route and the easy-going southern route. Can’t get enough of the Goldsteig? Then there is also the option to hike the Czech Republic variant just on the other side of the border. The trail crosses six nature parks and two national parks. Walk through forests, conquer many hills, and pass fortresses, whilst enjoying this amazing trail in Germany. There are many accommodation options found along the trail. Here you can enjoy some German hospitality with biergartens and the typical Bayern kitchen to make sure you are rested for the next day.
The start – Oberpfälzer Wald
Most hikers walk the Goldsteig from North to South starting in Marktredwitz. You start in an area with low elevation and pass old ruins. The fortress of Weissenstien is the most impressive one in this area. Hiking through the country of a thousand lakes and wandering through the forests of the Oberpfälzer Wald. This is a mountainous area near the Czech Republican border. The next 8 stages with a total of 150 kilometers, take you to the next forest: the Bayern Forrest. Here you have to make a decision: will you take the northern or the southern route?
The northern route
The northern route is 280 kilometers long and is slightly more strenuous. It is also called the peak route and not without reason. Here you can hike the Kings section (N12) of the Goldsteig. On this route you climb the following 8 peaks, which are all above 1000 metres: Mühlriegel (1080 m), Ödriegel (1156 m), Schwarzeck (1238 m), Reischflecksattel (1126 m), Heugstatt (1261 m), Enzian (1285 m), Kleiner Arber (1384 m) and Großer Arber (1453 m). The peaks might not be the same height as in the Alps, but the trail is a challenge of its own. You will be walking in the largest interconnected forestland in Europe, also called “the green roof of Europe.”
The southern route
If you prefer to take it easy, it is best to choose the southern route. You will walk the forest trails in the Bayern Forrest. With only 235 kilometers, the southern route is slightly shorter than the northern route. If you are lucky, you will be able to see the Austrian Alps and the highest mountain in Germany, the Zugspitze, on a clear day. You cross the Sonnenwalk, pass the mountain hills of Brotjacklriegel, and follow the river Ilz. This river is also known as the “Black Pearl” due to the dark color of the water. After 14 stages, you will reach the endpoint of the Goldsteig: Passau.
The Czech Republic variant
The Goldsteig in the Czech Republic starts in Mlaka/Bischofreiyt in South-Bohemen. In 6 stages and a total of 86 kilometers, you will hike in Sumava National Park. Here, you walk past ancient wooden houses and follow the trail into the region of Pilsen, where you pass the old royal city of Kašperské Hory. The trail follows its route through the Bohemian Forrest, and after 203 kilometers, you will reach the endpoint in Chodova Plana.
Good to know
There are plenty of accommodation options along the trail. These vary from luxury guest houses to simple mountain huts. You will be hiking in mountain regions where the weather can be unpredictable. Because of this, it is essential to prepare for all weather conditions. The Goldsteig does not reach high altitudes and can be hiked during spring or autumn. Do keep in mind that the temperatures can drop significantly.
Useful links
More info: Goldsteig
