The same question comes up every weekend: “What should we do today?” And often, the answer is closer than you think. A family hike in Upper Bavaria is just the thing – because this region is full of trails, big and small, that kids don’t just walk, but truly experience. Think themed nature trails, hearty food stops with Kässpatzen, or playgrounds halfway up a mountain.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up our favorite family hikes in Upper Bavaria – sorted by what families really need: stroller-friendly routes, trails with playgrounds, places to eat, or spots to cool off and swim. All tested and approved by us.
Hiking with kids in Upper Bavaria: Josefsthal Waterfalls
A short, wide path leads to one of Bavaria’s most beautiful waterfalls. Perfect for little legs, as the walk is nice and easy. After the falls, you’ll reach a spacious meadow right by the water – the perfect picnic spot, where snacks somehow taste even better.
Discover the Josefsthal Waterfalls
With a playground: Schliersbergalm
Take the cable car for a relaxed ride up – or hike your way to the top. Once there, you’ll find a playground with stunning lake views, a cozy mountain inn with a sunny terrace, and a summer toboggan run that adds the perfect thrill to your hiking adventure.
Discover Schliersbergalm
With a place to swim: Loop around Lake Spitzingsee
The scenic trail around Lake Spitzingsee in the Mangfall Mountains is just right for families who love hiking with kids. The loop is about 3 km long, and taking breaks is part of the fun – there’s plenty to explore along the way.
Hike around Lake Spitzingsee
Spring in full bloom: Duftbräu & Heuberg
The trail to the Daffnerwald-Almen is made for little adventurers – winding along a babbling brook, past waterfalls and over soft forest paths. The best part? The route from the Schweibern car park is stroller-friendly if you’re using an all-terrain buggy. At the top, two rustic alpine huts await with homemade Kaiserschmarrn, friendly cows, and views that’ll have you wanting to dance barefoot through blooming meadows. Especially in spring, when the crocuses light up the landscape, this hike becomes a real burst of color.
Hike to Duftbräu
Bonus tip: A magical mountain holiday program
If you’re visiting in summer and want to give your kids a real nature adventure, check out the Junior Ranger holiday program in the Ammergau Alps. A whole week outdoors – discovering animals, splashing in mountain streams, and roaming through the alpine summer with other kids. It’s the kind of holiday that sparks true explorer spirit.
Across the suspension bridge: Hike through Klausbach Valley
A true highlight among family hikes in Upper Bavaria is the trail to the suspension bridge in Berchtesgaden National Park. The path winds through a scenic valley floor with mountain views – perfect for little hikers. The bridge itself delivers a real wow moment, and there’s plenty to discover along the way.
Explore the suspension bridge hike
Picture-perfect hiking: To Feldlahnalm in Reit im Winkl
A gentle trail through wide alpine landscapes, with cows, a babbling brook, a few small waterfalls, and a rustic mountain hut waiting at the end. Feldlahnalm is a lovely spot to stop for food with beautiful mountain views – and along the way, there’s plenty to keep the kids busy (and hungry!).
Hike to Feldlahnalm with kids in Upper Bavaria
Hiking with kids in Upper Bavaria: Siebenhütten Trail
This hike near Munich combines forest paths, water fun, and a historic alpine hut. It’s easy enough for younger kids and perfect for splashing, balancing, and exploring along the way.
Discover the Siebenhütten hike
What makes a hike truly exciting for kids?
If you want to get kids excited about hiking in Upper Bavaria, it’s not about the distance – it’s about the stories along the way. Trails where the water bubbles, the forest whispers secrets, and every bend holds a new little adventure. It’s these kinds of experiences that give children the best gift: the feeling that being outdoors is thrilling, wild, and absolutely wonderful.
And just like that, without pressure or planning, you’re laying the perfect foundation for a lifelong love of hiking. Because out here, boredom doesn’t stand a chance – there’s too much to discover. A mountain stream, a fallen tree, a snack break with a view – suddenly, even the smallest things turn into big moments.
Snack tip: Organic snack bars & fruit pouches from Mogli – tasty, organic, and perfect for your backpack!
Looking for more hiking inspiration with kids in Upper Bavaria?
Click through our collection of favorite family hikes or explore new adventures on our discovery map. You’re sure to find your next dose of outdoor happiness – whether it’s up in the treetops, by the lakeshore, or along a winding forest trail.
