The Most Beautiful Nature in Germany? Start with These 13 Spots

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I’ve lost track of how many kilometers I’ve driven across Germany, but I know it’s at least enough to have worn through a few rental car tires. Over six trips in the past decade, I’ve explored this country from the jagged peaks of the Bavarian Alps to the windswept beaches of the North Sea, and what keeps pulling me back—beyond the castles and beer gardens—is the sheer variety of its landscapes.

I’ve hiked through the fairytale rock formations of Saxon Switzerland near the Czech border, cruised along the deep, glassy waters of the Black Forest’s lakes, and stood on the chalk cliffs of Rügen Island with the Baltic Sea stretching endlessly ahead. In the south, the Alps deliver drama in every direction, while central Germany hides lush river valleys and volcanic lakes most travelers never see. Germany’s natural beauty will amaze you!

• Read also: My Guide to Germany’s Most Beautiful Destinations

Best Nature Spots in Germany (At a glance)

Trying to plan the ultimate nature-filled itinerary in Germany? Here’s a quick-hit list of the most epic outdoor spots, including my favorite mountain lakes, mystical rock formations, fairytale forests, and more.

• Most Magical Alpine Lake: Lake Hintersee
• Best Hike-to-Reward Ratio: Schrecksee
• Top Island Escape: Rügen Island
• Most Mystical Rock Formation: Externsteine
• Best Lake for Peace & Reflection: Königssee Lake
• Bluest Natural Spring: Blautopf
• Best Hidden Waterfall: Urach Waterfall
• Most Legendary Hike: Teufelsmauer (Devil’s Wall)
• Coolest Rock Formations: Elbe Sandstone Mountains
• Top National Park for Adventure: Saxon Switzerland National Park
• Best Forest for Fairytale Vibes: The Black Forest
• Most Epic Mountain Views: Bavarian Alps
• Top All-Season Playground: Berchtesgaden National Park

Here’s how I’d do it: Base yourself in Bavaria and explore places like Königssee, Lake Hintersee, and Berchtesgaden. Add in a road trip up north to Rügen and the Elbe Sandstone Mountains for the full wild Germany experience. Let’s dive into the details below!

1. Lake Hintersee

Lake Hintersee is honestly one of those places that looks exactly like those ridiculously perfect Instagram shots – except it’s actually real. I was blown away when I first saw the crystal-clear water reflecting the massive mountain walls of Reiteralm and Hochkalter. The whole place has this fairy-tale vibe that’s hard to find anywhere else in Germany.

Getting there is pretty straightforward – just drive about 12km west of Berchtesgaden on the St2099, and you’ll hit the parking area near Ramsau. Parking doesn’t cost anything, which is rare these days. The easy 1.6-mile loop trail around the lake takes about 35 minutes and is totally manageable for families. You can rent rowing boats or swan pedal boats if walking isn’t your thing, though no motor boats are allowed (thank god – keeps it peaceful).

The Zauberwald (Magic Forest) trail from Ramsau to the lake is actually my favorite way to approach it. Plus, there are 26 reproduction paintings scattered along the route showing exactly where 19th-century Romantic artists set up their easels. Early morning is when you’ll get the best photos and smallest crowds. Summer brings warm weather for swimming, but autumn’s golden colors are honestly unbeatable.

• Read next: Awesome Things to Do in Germany

2. Schrecksee

Schrecksee is Germany’s highest alpine lake at 1,813 meters, and getting there is no joke – this isn’t for casual hikers. The 9.9-mile round trip with 3,812 feet of elevation gain will absolutely wreck you, but the turquoise lake with its tiny island is worth every painful step. I’ve done some tough hikes, but this one had me questioning my life choices about halfway up.

You’ll need to park at “Auf der Höh” parking lot in Hinterstein (€10 for the day – bring cash or card). Smart move is taking Bus 50 to Kraftwerk Auele (€3.30 one way) to shave off 6km of walking. The bus runs hourly and saves your energy for the real brutality ahead. The trail is relentlessly steep for 4.5km – think dry riverbed terrain through forest, then exposed rocky switchbacks that’ll leave you gasping.

Plan 7-8 hours total, starting early because overnight camping is absolutely forbidden and enforced. Bring hiking poles – you’ll thank me on the descent. The lake’s ice-cold year-round (hence the name “Schreck” meaning fright), but swimming is possible in summer if you’re brave. No huts along the way, so pack plenty of food and water. Best hiking months are July through October, though June can work if you don’t mind some snow higher up.

3. Rügen Island

Rügen Island feels like Germany’s best-kept secret, even though it’s actually the country’s largest island. The star attraction is definitely Königsstuhl, the 118-meter chalk cliff that towers over the Baltic Sea like something out of a fantasy novel. I couldn’t believe how dramatic these white cliffs look against the dark blue water – no wonder Caspar David Friedrich painted them obsessively.

Getting to Königsstuhl in Jasmund National Park requires parking 3km away (typical Germany), but there’s a shuttle bus or you can hike through the ancient beech forest. Entry to the National Park Centre costs €13 for adults, €7 for kids, and includes access to the Skywalk viewing platform that replaced the old cliff-edge viewpoint in 2023. Much safer, though maybe less adventurous.

The seaside resorts like Binz and Sassnitz are pretty charming, with Binz having that classic German beach town vibe with white sand and those iconic beach chairs. Summer’s obviously peak season, but I actually prefer spring and fall when you’re not fighting crowds for selfie spots. The “Königsstuhl ticket” includes all-day transport on island buses, which is handy since driving and parking can be a nightmare in summer.

4. Externsteine

Externsteine looks like someone dropped a Stonehenge wannabe right into the middle of North Rhine-Westphalia. These massive sandstone pillars shooting up from the Teutoburg Forest are genuinely mystical – I get why people have been coming here for spiritual vibes since ancient times. The rock formations are about 40 meters tall and you can actually climb them for killer views.

Admission is pretty reasonable at €4 for adults, €2 for kids (6-14), and the site’s open daily 10am-6pm in summer, 11am-3pm in winter. The combo ticket with Hermannsdenkmal costs €6 and makes sense if you’re doing both. I went during summer solstice and the place was buzzing with people soaking up the “mystical energy” – it’s definitely touristy but genuinely cool.

There’s a small museum nearby that dives into all the legends and theories about the site. Some people think it was a Saxon sanctuary, others claim astronomical significance. Honestly, the history’s pretty murky, but climbing to the top and looking out over the forest is worth it regardless. The carved relief on one rock showing the Descent from the Cross is pretty impressive too. Just don’t expect to have the place to yourself – these rocks are Instagram famous now.

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5. Königssee & Berchtesgaden National Park

Königssee is hands-down one of the cleanest lakes in Germany…and I mean pristine. The water is so pure that only electric boats are allowed, gliding silently between steep alpine walls that make the place feel more like a Norwegian fjord than the Bavarian Alps. The lake sits at the heart of Berchtesgaden National Park, a stretch of alpine perfection with pristine lakes, towering peaks, and trails that feel like they’ve been lifted straight from a nature documentary.

The classic experience here is the electric boat ride (€20.50 for adults to Salet, the far end of the lake) with a stop at St. Bartholomew’s Church. From Salet, a short 15-minute walk brings you to Lake Obersee, a smaller, glassy lake that’s even more spectacular and far less crowded.

If you’re visiting in summer, get here before 9am to snag a parking spot (€8 for the day) and beat the boat queues. Swimming is allowed and refreshing (borderline chilly), and the lakeside restaurant at St. Bartholomew’s serves freshly caught fish that tastes even better after a day in the mountain air.

Beyond the lake, Berchtesgaden National Park offers miles of hiking trails, from easy walks to panoramic viewpoints of the mighty Watzmann peak, one of Germany’s nicest mountains. For history and sweeping vistas, take the €20 bus ride to the Eagle’s Nest. But my favorite moments came on the quieter alpine paths leading to hidden meadows and glacial lakes. Summer is ideal for hiking and boating, while winter turns the entire park into a snowy wonderland. It’s one of those rare places where every season feels like a completely new destination.

• Read next: My Absolute Favorite Activities in Berchtesgaden

6. Blautopf

Blautopf is this crazy blue spring that looks like someone dumped food coloring into the water. The intense azure color comes from limestone particles and algae, and it changes intensity depending on light and weather – sometimes it’s almost neon blue, other times more turquoise. I spent way too long just staring at it trying to figure out if it was real.

The spring is right in Blaubeuren and completely free to visit, which is refreshing after paying entrance fees everywhere else in Germany. There’s a small Blautopf Museum nearby if you want to dive into the local folklore – apparently, there are legends about a water nymph living in the spring. The whole area is perfect for a day trip, especially combined with exploring Blaubeuren’s charming old town.

Best time to visit is actually mid-morning when the light hits the water just right and makes that blue color really pop. The spring is the source of the Blau River, and there are nice walking paths along the water. It’s definitely more of a quick stop than an all-day destination – you can see everything in about an hour. But it’s so unique and photogenic that it’s worth the detour if you’re exploring the Swabian Jura region.

7. Urach Waterfall

Urach Waterfall drops 50 meters down a cliff face and creates this perfect swimming hole that’s absolutely freezing but totally worth it. The hike to get there through the Swabian Alps is about as scenic as it gets – lush forests, meadows full of wildflowers, and the sound of rushing water getting louder as you get closer.

The trail starts in Bad Urach and takes about 45 minutes each way through some seriously pretty countryside. Spring and early summer are when the waterfall is at its most dramatic – I went in May and the water flow was intense. There are picnic spots near the base where you can eat lunch and watch the water crash down.

Swimming in the pool below is popular with locals, though the water’s cold enough to give you instant brain freeze. I lasted about 30 seconds before jumping out, but it felt amazing on a hot day. The area around the waterfall can get crowded on weekends, so weekday visits are definitely better. Parking in Bad Urach is usually free, and the town itself is worth exploring with its thermal baths and traditional German architecture.

8. Teufelsmauer (Devil’s Wall)

Teufelsmauer in the Harz Mountains looks like some giant creature tried to build a stone wall and gave up halfway through. These jagged sandstone formations stretch across the landscape and honestly do look supernatural – I can see why medieval people thought the devil built them. The rock wall rises up to 20 meters high in places and creates this dramatic silhouette against the sky.

The hiking trail along the Devil’s Wall is well-marked and takes about 2-3 hours to complete. Spring and autumn are perfect for this hike – fewer crowds and the weather’s ideal for scrambling over rocks. Some sections require basic climbing skills, but nothing too technical. The views from the top stretch across the Harz region and are absolutely worth the effort.

There’s free parking at several trailheads, and the whole area is accessible year-round though winter can be tricky with ice on the rocks. Local legends say the wall marks the boundary between God’s land and the devil’s territory. Whether you believe that or not, the geological formations are genuinely impressive. I’d recommend sturdy hiking boots since some sections are pretty steep and rocky.

9. Elbe Sandstone Mountains & Saxon Switzerland National Park

The Elbe Sandstone Mountains look like they were dreamed up by someone who had never seen “normal” mountains before. I love the massive sandstone pillars and towers rising out of deep valleys, creating a landscape that feels straight out of a fantasy film. At the heart of it all is Saxon Switzerland National Park, where you’ll find the park’s star attraction, the Bastei Bridge. Walking across it feels like you’re suspended in mid-air above a stone kingdom.

The bridge is free to access and about a 20-minute walk from the parking area near Rathen. Spring and autumn bring morning mist that swirls through the valleys, giving the whole scene a mystical glow. Summer offers the best hiking weather, while autumn’s colors make the white sandstone formations even more striking.

The park is a paradise for hikers and climbers, with trails ranging from gentle walks to challenging climbs up natural rock walls that attract climbers from all over Europe. I spent three days here and still barely scratched the surface. Remote trails lead to hidden viewpoints, while the more accessible paths near the Bastei offer unforgettable panoramas.

Easily reached from Dresden in under an hour by train, this is one of Germany’s most otherworldly landscapes and a must for nature lovers.

10. Müritz National Park

Müritz National Park in northeastern Germany is one of the prettiest nature escapes I have ever visited. Located in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, about two hours north of Berlin, it is part of the Mecklenburg Lake District and home to Germany’s largest inland lake, the Müritz. The park covers over 300 square kilometers of lakes, wetlands, and ancient beech forests, making it a paradise for birdwatchers, hikers, and cyclists.

One of the highlights here is spotting white-tailed eagles and ospreys soaring overhead. I loved cycling along the flat lakeside paths that connect charming towns like Waren and Röbel, both perfect spots for a lakeside lunch. There are also peaceful boat tours that glide across the Müritz, offering a chance to see the shoreline from the water.

Fun fact: “Müritz” comes from a Slavic word meaning “small sea,” which feels fitting when you stand on its shore and see nothing but water stretching to the horizon. The park is also part of the UNESCO-listed Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe.

If you want to paddle a kayak, hike through quiet woodlands, or just breathe in crisp lake air, Müritz National Park offers nature at its most relaxing and beautiful.

11. The Black Forest

The Black Forest actually lives up to its fairy-tale reputation – dense evergreen forests, hidden lakes, and trails that feel like they lead to Hansel and Gretel’s cottage. Mummelsee Lake is probably the most mystical spot, shrouded in local legends about water spirits and surrounded by dark trees that block out most sunlight.

Getting around is easy with towns like Baden-Baden and Freiburg as starting points. The Panoramaweg near Baden-Baden is perfect for casual walkers, while the Westweg offers serious hiking for those wanting a challenge. Most trails are free, and bike rentals in the towns are reasonable – around €15-20 per day. The Schwarzwaldhochstraße scenic road gets you to Mummelsee with minimal hiking.

Each season offers something different here. Winter means snow-covered landscapes and cozy cabin stays with hot wine. Spring and summer are ideal for hiking and discovering those hidden forest lakes that are perfect for cooling off. I loved the mix of easy forest walks and more challenging mountain trails. The whole region feels like stepping into a Brothers Grimm story, which is exactly what you want from the Black Forest.

• Read next: Black Forest Itinerary

12. Other Favorite Spots in the Bavarian Alps

The Bavarian Alps are where Germany gets serious about mountains. Zugspitze is the star attraction – Germany’s highest peak at 2,962 meters with cable car access that costs around €60 for a round trip. The views from the top span four countries, and there’s actually a restaurant up there where you can grab a beer at Germany’s highest altitude.

Cable car operates daily from Garmisch-Partenkirchen or Eibsee, with the Eibsee route being more scenic. I’d recommend the round-trip option using both cable car and cogwheel train for different perspectives. Winter brings world-class skiing and snowboarding, while summer offers hiking, mountain biking, and those crystal-clear alpine lakes perfect for swimming.

Access is super visitor-friendly with trails for all levels. Eibsee parking costs €8 per day and fills up early – definitely arrive before 8am in summer. The region has cozy mountain huts for overnight stays, plus plenty of day hiking options. Partnachklamm Gorge near Garmisch is another must-see – a dramatic gorge with walkways carved into the rock walls. The whole area feels like outdoor adventure heaven.

• Read next: My Favorite Bucket List Spots in Bavaria

13. Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea National Park

The Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea National Park is one of the most fascinating and unique nature spots I have ever visited in Germany. Located along the North Sea coast near the Danish border, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its vast tidal flats that appear and disappear with the changing tide. Twice a day, the sea retreats to reveal a surreal landscape of sandbanks, mudflats, and shallow channels teeming with life.

What makes it so fun is the chance to walk right on the seabed during a guided Wattwanderung mudflat hike. You might spot crabs scuttling past, seals lounging on sandbars, and countless migratory birds stopping to feed. In summer, boat tours take you around the Halligen islets, tiny inhabited islands that often flood during high tides.

The park is also home to the largest continuous area of mudflats in the world, covering over 4,400 square kilometers. The ever-changing light and sky make it a photographer’s dream, and the salty air is invigorating.

Easily reached from towns like Husum and Tönning, the Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea National Park offers a rare chance to literally walk between land and sea, surrounded by one of Europe’s most extraordinary ecosystems.