5 Beginner-Friendly Hikes in the German Alps
The beauty of hiking in Germany’s Alps is that not everything demands crampons and five-hour climbs. Some trails feel more like walks through storybook forests — especially if you know where to look. And if you’re carrying just a waterproof backpack for hiking, you won’t be weighed down by the idea of “doing it right.”
These are six lake hikes I did without a car, all beginner to mid-level, with beautiful water, forests, and enough silence to recharge after a workweek. I planned every route using DB’s app and the Outdooractive trail planner — perfect for adjusting distances and transport based on mood, weather, or how much coffee I’d had.
🏞 1. Königssee
📍Best: May–October
🕒 Time: 2–3 hours + optional boat to Obersee
🚉 Train + 2 bus transfers (~2h 52min)
Königssee feels alpine in scale but gentle in rhythm. I spent the morning walking the shore, then boarded a boat toward St. Bartholomä, which took me into quieter stretches of water and photo-perfect chapels. You’ll want decent shoes here — the terrain stays easy, but getting to Obersee means hiking past boulders and waterfalls.
🌿 2. Hintersee
📍All seasons
🕒 Time: 40-minute loop
🚉 Train + bus 846 (~3h 47min from Munich)
This lake is incredibly photogenic. Misty mornings are common, and the entire walk can be done before lunch. It’s great for slow walkers, kids, or anyone testing new gear. I packed a light tripod, waterproof shell, and a 20L hiking backpack — just enough for camera gear and a snack. Worth every transfer.
⛰ 3. Seebensee + Drachensee (via cable car)
📍Best: July–September
🕒 Time: 50min up, 20min down
🚉 Train to Oberstdorf + bus + cable car
This route includes a chairlift ride and stunning views at the top. After a 35€ lift ticket, I hiked 20 minutes more to reach Seebensee, and another 20 to reach the deep-blue Drachensee. If you want epic photos without extreme elevation gain, this is it. My day hiking gear included only the essentials — and even that felt light.
🔹 4. Koblatsee
📍Same area as Seebensee
🕒 Time: 1h 20m
🚉 Same train and cable route
This smaller lake is quieter. The path is a bit rocky, so actual hiking shoes are a must. I sat by the water for nearly an hour, just journaling and watching clouds drift over the waterline. The trail isn’t marked as clearly, but the Outdooractive app made it easy to stay on track.
🌊 5. Engeratsgundsee
📍All seasons
🕒 Time: ~50 minutes from the previous lake
🚉 Same public transport, plus a bit more walking
The best part about this lake? You can stay overnight nearby in a cozy alpine hut — just call ahead to book. I didn’t stay this time, but I noted the route for a future weekend when I need more stillness than signal. This area is perfect for low-stress hiking days with a lightweight waterproof pack and no itinerary.
🧭 Packing Tips (What I Actually Brought)
-
Good hiking shoes (even easy trails have gravel)
-
1L water bottle + light waterproof jacket
-
Polarized sunglasses + lens cloth
-
Offline route map (DB Navigator + Outdooractive)
-
A small waterproof backpack for hiking — mine was 20L, with enough room for layers, food, and a camera cube
You don’t need to be a mountaineer to enjoy the Alps. Sometimes, a train ticket and a willingness to wake up early is enough. These trails reminded me that hiking doesn’t have to be hard to be rewarding — and that lightness, in both pack and plan, is what keeps me going back.
➡️ This is the waterproof hiking backpack I’ve been using — big enough for the lakes, small enough for the S-Bahn.
