The North-South Trail connects existing paths to form a unique long-distance hiking trail through Germany. On 2249 mi it goes from the northernmost point of the Federal Republic on Sylt to the southernmost, the Haldenwanger Eck. The NST is thus Germany’s longest long-distance hiking trail.

guarantee maximum hiking enjoyment through Germany’s most beautiful landscapes. Enjoy the probably most varied long-distance hiking trail in Europe on wonderful predicate and premium hiking trails. Included are the European Long Distance Trail E1, Heidschnuckenweg, Sigwardsweg, Weserbergland-Weg, Märchenlandweg, Kassel-Steig, Habichtswaldsteig, Urwaldsteig-Edersee, Waldecker Weg, Diemelsteig, Rothaarsteig, Lahn-Dill-Bergland-Pfad, Westerwaldsteig, Natursteig Sieg, Rheinsteig, Soonwaldsteig, Saar-Hunsrück-Steig, Fünf-Kreise-Weg, Panoramaweg Sankt Wendeler Land, Jakobsweg, Veldenz Wanderweg, Pfälzer Höhenweg, Westpfalz-Wanderweg, Pfälzer Weinsteig, Saar-Rhein-Wanderweg, Rheinauenweg 3, Odenwald Vogesenweg, Nordrandweg, Westweg, Main-Neckar-Rhein-Weg, Schluchtensteig, Querweg and the Bodensee-Rundwanderweg.

Natural landscapes as they could not be more different. Cross Germany’s national parks and nature reserves with respect and please follow the established rules.

Over 295275 ft of ascent and descent
provide a sporting challenge. While the NST’s 295275 ft of altitude is not quite on par with the other major long-distance trails, don’t let that fool you. The first 560 mi run through the North German Plain with relatively little to no climbing. This means that the elevation gain is only spread out over 1666 mi.

Only 15% of the trails are on asphalt and roads. This may seem very high compared to the Wilderness Trails, but consider that Germany is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. On the other hand, this also shows how dense the network of natural hiking trails still is in Germany.

Over 1700 people virtually followed the NST’s first Thru-Hike in 2020, and even then it was apparent what a success the NST would become and the general interest in a national long-distance trail.

10 federal states are crossed or touched by the North South Trail. Experience many different landscapes, architecture, dialects, local food and drink, villages and towns and the different mentality of the people.