Wandern(Hiking) How I Fell in Love with Hiking in Germany

Being born and brought up in Pune, walking was never really my thing. Until I was about 23, I hardly walked anywhere. It was always an auto-rickshaw, my beloved scooty, or a car. Walking just for fun? Not a chance!

Everything changed when I moved to Germany. I didn't have a German driving licence, I didn't own a car, and taxis were (and still are!) quite expensive. That left me with only one option—walk... and walk... and walk. 🙂

One day at my gym, I noticed a poster for an event called "Wandern on 1st May." That was the first time I had ever heard the word Wandern. A German friend explained that it's a long-standing tradition in Germany for families and friends to go hiking on May 1st, which is a public holiday. I instantly loved the idea. The weather is usually beautiful in May, so spending the day outdoors with loved ones, surrounded by nature, sounded perfect.

That year, I signed up for the hiking event organised by my gym. It turned out to be an unforgettable experience. We were a group of around 40 people, walking through forests and green fields under a bright blue sky. The route was about 15 km long, and in the afternoon we stopped at a cosy little restaurant in the middle of the forest for coffee and cake. It was simply wonderful. From then on, I made sure to join the May Day hike every year.

My interest in hiking grew even more after I got married. My husband is a complete sports enthusiast. Whether it's cycling, hiking, snowboarding, or almost any outdoor activity, he's always ready for an adventure! We bought a hiking map of the trails around our city and soon started hiking almost every Sunday during spring and summer.

Before long, I got used to walking up to 20 km over seven or eight hours without much difficulty. Every Sunday morning we'd pack our backpacks with water and snacks, put on our hiking boots, and head out. I even had my hiking poles for extra support on steep climbs and descents. We explored mountain trails, forests, and open fields, and every hike offered something new. The scenery was always breathtaking.

I'm really grateful to my husband for introducing me to this wonderful hobby. Thanks to him, hiking became something I genuinely look forward to. After every hike, I felt refreshed, relaxed, and full of energy.

One thing I truly admire about hiking in Germany is that it's for everyone, regardless of age. I've seen many people in their seventies and even older enjoying long walks through forests and mountains. Their energy and positive attitude towards life are truly inspiring.

My husband's grandmother is a perfect example. Even though she's over 80 years old, she still goes for 6–7 km walks during summer and enjoys swimming regularly. She believes in staying active and making the most of every day, and I think that's a wonderful way to live.

Some people even go on multi-day hiking trips with just a backpack. They hike a certain distance each day and spend the night in simple mountain huts (Hütten) built especially for hikers. These huts aren't luxurious hotels—they usually have basic dormitory-style accommodation and breakfast—but they provide everything you need after a long day on the trail. I haven't tried a multi-day hike yet because I'm still not sure if I'm fit enough for it, but maybe one day I'll give it a try.

So far, my favourite hiking experience has been in Ischgl, Austria. My husband and I spent three days hiking through the Alps, and it was absolutely incredible. It was my first time hiking at such high altitudes, where the weather could change within minutes. Sometimes the fog became so thick that we could barely see more than 50 metres ahead. It was both exciting and unforgettable. The mountain landscapes were simply breathtaking.

Spring is here again, which means it's almost time to lace up our hiking boots and hit the trails once more. Let's see how many hiking adventures we can fit into this season. One thing is certain—I never imagined that someone who once hated walking would one day fall in love with hiking!