7 Most Breathtaking Mountains in Germany You Need to See

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Germany isn’t just one of my favorite countries…it’s practically my second home. I’ve visited six times over the years, and each trip has pulled me deeper into its alpine magic. From hiking the rugged trails of the Berchtesgaden Alps, to skiing fresh powder in the Allgäu, and soaking up postcard views in the Black Forest, I’ve experienced the best of Germany’s mountain regions firsthand. Every peak on this list, I’ve personally climbed or explored…and trust me, they’re worth the trip. Whether you’re chasing epic hikes, ski runs, or just jaw-dropping scenery, these are the best mountains in Germany to visit this year.

The best mountains in Germany to visit in 2025

Here are my picks for the 7 best mountains to visit in Germany at a glance. I’ll cover each mountain in more detail below:

• Best for Adventure Seekers: Zugspitze
• Most Scenic Views: Watzmann
• Best Winter Sports Destination: Schwarzwald – Feldberg
• Most Enchanting Legends: Brocken – Harz Mountains
• Best for Tranquil Retreats: Hochfelln
• Best for Rock Climbers: Alpspitze
• Best for Outdoor Enthusiasts: Wurmberg

1. Zugspitze

Zugspitze isn’t just the tallest mountain in Germany…it’s honestly one of the coolest experiences you can have without leaving the country. The cable car from Eibsee gets you to the 2,962-meter summit in about 10 minutes, and yeah, it’s pretty expensive at around €65-70 for a round trip, but the views are actually insane. You’re looking at four countries from up there: Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy. I’ve been up there on both clear and cloudy days, and even when it’s foggy, there’s something magical about being literally above the clouds. 

The platform can get crowded (especially on weekends), but if you go early morning, you’ll have way better photo opportunities. Pro tip: the Zugspitze Glacier area lets you ski even in summer, which is pretty wild. The whole experience takes about half a day, and you can either take the historic cogwheel train down or stick with the cable car (both are included in your ticket). If you’re staying in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, the cable car base is just a 15-minute drive away.

• Read next: My Favorite Attractions in Bavaria

Where to stay around Zugspitze

• Hotel Zugspitze: Located in the charming town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, this traditional 4-star hotel blends Bavarian hospitality with modern luxury. 
• Das Graseck – My Mountain Hideaway: This modern-style hotel is set in the hills above Garmisch-Partenkirchen and offers a serene retreat amid nature. 
• Alpenhof Grainau: This 4-star hotel in Grainau provides cozy lodgings and stunning mountain views.

2. Watzmann

Watzmann is no joke. This is Germany’s third-highest mountain and definitely the most technical one on this list. The full traverse across all three peaks (Hocheck, Mittelspitze, and Südspitze) is a serious alpine undertaking that takes 10-12 hours and requires actual mountaineering skills. I’m talking exposed ridges, some scrambling, and sections where one wrong step could be your last. 

Most people split it into two days with an overnight at Watzmannhaus hut (which you absolutely need to book way in advance). The east face is legendary among climbers – it’s one of the biggest walls in the Eastern Alps. But here’s the thing: you don’t have to be a hardcore climber to experience this mountain. I’ve hiked just to the Watzmannhaus from Königssee, which takes about 5 hours and gives you incredible views without the death-defying stuff. 

The hiking season runs June through September, and seriously, don’t attempt the full traverse unless you’re an experienced mountaineer with proper gear. The mountain literally has a body count, so respect it.

• Read also: The Best Local Things to Do in Berchtesgaden

Where to stay in the Watzmann Mountains

• Hotel Edelweiss Berchtesgaden: Located in the heart of Berchtesgaden, this 4-star-Superior hotel provides a mix of modern luxury and traditional charm. 
• Alpenhotel Kronprinz Berchtesgaden: This traditional 4-star hotel offers panoramic mountain views and a relaxing atmosphere.  
• Hotel AlpinaRos: This centrally-located hotel boasts a tranquil location, perfect for unwinding after a day’s exploration.

3. Feldberg

Feldberg in the Black Forest might only be 1,493 meters high, but it’s the crown jewel of German skiing outside Bavaria. The Feldbergbahn cable car runs year-round (about €16 for adults in summer 2025), and in winter, you’ve got access to over 30 kilometers of slopes across 16 runs. I love that it’s way less crowded than the Bavarian Alps…you can actually get some peaceful runs in. 

Summer’s pretty sweet too, especially the Feldbergsteig hiking trail, which is this 12-kilometer loop that takes you past the mystical Feldsee (a glacial lake where swimming is banned to protect rare underwater plants). The Feldberg Tower has an observation deck that gives you panoramic views all the way to the Swiss Alps on clear days. 

What makes this place special is how accessible it is. You can drive right up to 1,277 meters, so even if you’re not super fit, you can experience genuine mountain vibes. The ski season typically runs December through March, and lift tickets are way more reasonable than Zugspitze area.

• Read next: Black Forest Itinerary

Where to stay in the Schwarzwald-Feldberg

• Haus Sommerberg: This small, family-run country guest house is in the Black Forest Nature Park.  
• Hotel Diana Feldberg: This 3-star hotel offers comfort and traditional charm with splendid views of the Black Forest and the Titisee Valley.
• Hotel Schlehdorn: Surrounded by the Southern Black Forest, this 4-star hotel boasts a wellness area perfect for relaxing after hiking or skiing.

4. Brocken – Harz Mountains

Brocken in the Harz Mountains is pure German folklore come to life. This 1,141-meter peak is famous for its witches’ legends (especially on Walpurgis Night), and the Brockenbahn steam railway is honestly the most atmospheric way to get there. 

The train from Wernigerode takes about 1 hour 45 minutes each way and costs around €49 for a round trip. Yeah, it’s pricey, but you’re riding a legit steam locomotive through a national park. I did this in winter once, and the snow-covered forests looked like something out of a fairy tale. The Brocken is shrouded in mist about 300 days a year, so don’t expect crystal-clear views, but that’s part of the mystique. You can also hike up from Torfhaus or Schierke (about 3-4 hours), but the train ride is the real experience here. 

At the summit, there’s a visitor center, restaurant, and some short walking trails. Fun fact: this was off-limits during the Cold War because of Soviet surveillance equipment. Now it’s just tourists and the occasional “Brocken fox” that hangs around the station looking for snacks.

Where to stay in Brocken / Harz

• Hotel Torfhaus Harzresort: This hotel in Torfhaus is a large resort with a variety of amenities, including a swimming pool, a sauna, and a fitness center.
• Das Schierke Harzresort: This resort is located in the village of Schierke, just below the Brocken summit. 
• REGIOHOTEL Am Brocken Schierke: This hotel is located in the village of Schierke at the foot of Brocken Mountain in the heart of the Harz National Park.

5. Hochfelln

Hochfelln is what I call the “locals’ secret” of the Chiemgau Alps. At 1,674 meters, it’s not the tallest, but the panoramic views of Lake Chiemsee and the surrounding peaks are spectacular. 

The cable car from Bergen runs summer through fall and costs about €25 for adults. What I love about this mountain is how chill it is compared to the crazy crowds at Zugspitze. The hiking trails are well-marked and range from easy family walks to more challenging summit routes. I hiked up from the valley once (about 4 hours), and honestly, it’s a solid workout with incredible payoff views. The Tabor Chapel near the summit is this tiny historic chapel that’s perfect for photos. There’s a mountain restaurant at the top where you can grab traditional Bavarian food while soaking in the views. 

This is one of those places where you can actually have a peaceful mountain experience without fighting for photo spots. The area is also great for mountain biking if that’s your thing, and winter brings cross-country skiing opportunities.

• Read next: Best German Foods

Where to stay in the Hochfelln Mountains

• Bründling-Alm Berggasthof: This mountain inn is located directly on the Hochfelln mountain, offering stunning views of the surrounding area.
• Hotel Mariandl: This traditional Bavarian guesthouse is situated at the foot of Hochfelln mountain, surrounded by scenic hiking routes, mountain bike trails, and cross-country ski runs of the Chiemgau region.
• Bergener Hof: Located at the foot of the Hochfelln mountain, this is a unique hotel in an idyllic location.

6. Alpspitze

Alpspitze might not be the tallest peak in the Wetterstein Mountains, but it’s definitely the most dramatic. The AlpspiX viewing platform is this insane X-shaped steel structure suspended over a 1,000-meter drop – it’s not for anyone with height issues, but the photos you’ll get are absolutely epic. You can reach the area via the Alpspitzbahn from Garmisch-Partenkirchen (about €35 for a round trip). 

The actual summit requires some serious climbing skills, but most people just go for the platform and the surrounding hiking trails. I’ve been here in both summer and winter. Summer gives you the best visibility, but winter transforms it into this ethereal snowy landscape. The Osterfelderkopf area has some easier hiking trails if you want to explore without tackling the technical climbing routes. 

What makes Alpspitze special is its distinctive pyramid shape…you can spot it from all over the valley. It’s also part of the same massif as Zugspitze, so you’re getting serious Alpine scenery. The lifts typically run from late May through October, weather permitting.

Where to stay in the Alpspitze Mountains

• Hotel Königshof: This modern hotel in Garmisch-Partenkirchen offers luxurious rooms and a wellness area in a great location. 
• Biohotel Garmischer Hof: This family-run eco-hotel in Garmisch-Partenkirchen offers great views of the Bavarian Alps, a spacious spa, and a great location. 
• Hotel Alpspitz B&B Superior: This 3-star, family-run hotel provides a homely atmosphere with beautiful mountain views.

7. Wurmberg

Wurmberg in Lower Saxony is all about that 1.6-kilometer cable car ride up to 971 meters – it’s the longest in northern Germany and runs year-round. What makes this mountain unique is how bike-friendly it is. They’ve got this whole network of mountain bike trails ranging from family-friendly to pretty gnarly downhill stuff. 

In winter, Wurmberg becomes a proper ski area with about 12 kilometers of slopes, and the lift tickets are way more affordable than the Alpine resorts (usually around €30-40 for a day pass). I really like this place because it doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s just good, honest mountain fun without the pretension. 

The Wurmberg-Seilbahn cable car can handle bikes, so you can ride up and bomb back down the trails. Summer also brings hiking opportunities, though honestly, the biking is the main draw here. The surrounding Harz National Park means you’re in proper wilderness, and the small town of Braunlage at the base has decent restaurants and accommodation. It’s way less touristy than the Bavarian mountains, which means better prices and fewer crowds.

Where to stay in the Wurmberg Mountains

• StrandBerg’s Designhotel Viktoria: This 4-star hotel in Braunlage, Germany, is just a short walk from the Wurmberg mountains.
• Hotel Panoramic: Situated at the foot of Wurmberg, Hotel Panoramic offers comfortable rooms and breathtaking views of the mountain.
• Relexa Hotel Harz-Wald Braunlage: This 4-star hotel is located in Braunlage, Germany, and offers stunning views of the Wurmberg mountains.

FAQs about the best mountains in Germany

Here are some common questions I get from travelers looking to visit Germany’s coolest mountains.

What is the most beautiful mountain in Germany?

In my opinion, Zugspitze is the standout. It’s the tallest peak in Germany, and the views from the summit are absolutely insane. That said, I’m also a huge fan of Watzmann in the Berchtesgaden Alps, especially for hiking. Feldberg in the Black Forest is another favorite, especially during winter. Each one offers something totally unique.

What are the best mountains in Germany for hiking?

I’ve hiked all over Germany, and the Berchtesgaden Alps are hard to beat. The trails around Königssee and Jenner blew me away. I also loved hiking Tegelberg near Neuschwanstein Castle. If you want gentler hikes, the Black Forest and Harz Mountains are packed with scenic trails that are beginner friendly and super peaceful.

Where can I ski in the mountains of Germany?

I’ve gone skiing at Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Oberstdorf and both were awesome. Zugspitze is especially great for snow and elevation, while Feldberg in the Black Forest is ideal for quick weekend trips or beginner runs. You don’t need to cross into Austria to find great slopes in Germany.

Are the German Alps worth visiting compared to the Swiss or Austrian Alps?

Yes, 100 percent. I’ve visited all three regions, and the German Alps are stunning in their own right. They’re usually less crowded and way more affordable. Plus, towns like Berchtesgaden, Füssen, and Mittenwald offer that classic alpine charm you’re probably dreaming of.

Can I visit Germany’s mountains without a car?

Yes, and I’ve done it myself. The train system in Germany is fantastic. You can easily reach places like Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Oberstdorf, or Berchtesgaden by train, and then use local buses or cable cars to reach trails or viewpoints. It’s super doable without a rental car.

What is the best time of year to visit the mountains in Germany?

I’ve been in every season and honestly, it depends on what you’re after. For hiking and sightseeing, late spring to early fall is perfect. If you’re into skiing or want that cozy winter vibe, go between December and March. Personally, I love September for the perfect balance of weather and fewer tourists.

Are the mountains in Germany good for beginner hikers?

Definitely. I’ve taken friends who had never hiked before to the Black Forest and Harz Mountains, and they had a great time. Even in the Alps, there are plenty of well-marked trails and cable cars that can take you up to amazing viewpoints without a long climb. It’s a great destination for all levels.