First, the good news: “There are no bad bike parks in Germany!” At least that’s what Diddie Schneider says—and he should know. The 58-year-old bike park designer is Europe’s number one trail shaper and is mainly responsible for the fact that tens of thousands of mountain bikers flock to German bike parks every year to have the time of their lives. If you ever feel out of place on a trail, Diddie says it’s probably because “the trail’s character just doesn’t suit you.” Still, we asked the bike park guru which MTB parks in Germany he considers the best and what it takes to make an excellent playground for bike enthusiasts.

“That’s not an easy question to answer,” Diddie admits. “But one thing’s for sure: a lift with two trails doesn’t make a real bike park for me, and one or more trails without a lift definitely doesn’t. Those are more like trail parks in my opinion.” The same goes for pump tracks, of course. For the Stuttgart native, infrastructure is key: “A proper restaurant, a shop, and a service station are essential. Ideally, there’s also a bike school, rental service, and of course, sanitary facilities.”

It’s also helpful if there are alternative activities available so the whole family can enjoy their time, even if someone doesn’t feel like biking or loses interest quickly. “That’s the kind of concept I see as future-proof,” says the former BMX pro.

When it comes to the trails themselves, it’s vital to offer a good mix so that everyone, from beginners to park veterans, can enjoy them. “The perfect line is one where both a bike pro and a beginner can have fun together.” This is especially important for families, where skill levels can vary widely.

“Biking is kind of like music,” Diddie reveals. “Everyone has their own taste—some go to a folk music festival, others to a rock concert.” Thankfully, there are now bike parks with different focuses. “If you go to Willingen, for example, you’ll find very flowy, easy, well-built trails with a solid surface—perfect for a relaxed day with the family without worrying about getting hurt,” the trail designer grins. “Then there are other parks that are just more demanding, like Bad Wildbad or Todtnau, where the trails are very technical. But those have their own appeal too.”

In the end, a park should be able to put a permanent smile on every visitor’s face! Whether that always works is debatable, but the following bike parks definitely have what it takes:

Located in Bischofsmais, Bavaria, Geisskopf is one of the most established and diverse bike parks in Europe. With 16 carefully shaped trails totaling around 20 kilometers, it offers something for mountain bikers of all skill levels.

Diddie’s Take:
“Geisskopf stands out for its spirit and family-friendly vibe. The park truly has something for everyone—from barrier-free trails to jump lines and downhill tracks. The highlight for me is the Flow Country Trail, which is one of the most popular flow trails in Germany.”

Trail Characteristics:
Geisskopf’s trails cater to every riding style. Beginners can safely get started on the practice course, while casual riders will enjoy the smooth descents with berms and rollers on the Flow Country Trail. More experienced bikers can tackle the downhill track with its technical sections, root carpets, and rock gardens. A standout feature is the internationally renowned Uphill Flow Trail—the world’s first uphill trail explicitly designed for e-bikes, complete with berms, rollers, and technical elements. The park also includes a jump line and slopestyle area with big jumps, tables, berms, and a wallride—perfect for airtime and gravity fans. For the hardcore riders, there’s the Evil-Eye 2.0 with Northshore elements in various heights and styles.

Infrastructure:
The park features a modern chairlift that quickly and comfortably transports riders and bikes to the top. There’s also a bike station with rentals, a workshop, and a shop, plus a bike school offering courses for all levels.

Conclusion:
With its variety of trails, innovative concepts like the Uphill Flow Trail, and comprehensive infrastructure, the MTB ZONE Bikepark Geisskopf delivers a top-tier experience for mountain bikers of all abilities.

Located in North Rhine-Westphalia’s Sauerland region, Bikepark Winterberg is one of Germany’s most well-known and versatile bike parks. With 17 trails and over 20 kilometers of riding, it offers a wide range of options for everyone from beginners to pros.

Diddie’s Take:
“Winterberg is super attractive because of its versatility, especially everything around the park. There’s a suspension bridge across the park, rope sliding, and a climbing area with a high ropes course for those who don’t want to bike. That’s great for families. The park itself has everything from really easy to very challenging trails.”

Trail Characteristics:
The trails range from flowy beginner routes like the SRAM Flow Country to technical challenges like the North Shore or Jump Line, and even demanding descents like the iXS Downhill track.

Infrastructure:
Three chairlifts with bike mounts ensure quick and comfortable transport back to the top, minimizing wait times. There’s a rental station for bikes and protective gear, riding technique training, on-site snacks, and affordable accommodations just a few meters from the park. Its proximity to the Ruhr area makes it easily accessible from cities like Dortmund, Münster, or Siegen in under two hours, perfect for day trips.

Conclusion:
Bikepark Winterberg impresses with its diverse trails, modern infrastructure, and central location. Whether you’re just starting in downhill or looking to refine your skills on technical trails, you’ll find the perfect setup here.

Located in the Upland region of Hesse, the Bikepark Willingen is one of the most versatile bike parks in Germany. With ten trails totaling 15.6 kilometers, it offers a wide range of options for all mountain bikers, from beginners to pros. The park is not only renowned for its diverse trail options but also for events such as the annual Bike Festival and various downhill races, including World Cup competitions.

Diddie’s Take:
“Extremely family-friendly and ideal for beginners, thanks to three flowy trails that aren’t too long and are perfect for anyone looking to have fun without needing to be super sporty. On the other hand, there’s also the World Cup downhill track and the Enduro Trail for more demanding riders. But the focus is definitely on beginners and fun riders.”

Trail Characteristics:
The trails are spread across both sides of the Ettelsberg. The left side features the more challenging trails, including downhill and freeride tracks that offer technical challenges and adrenaline rushes. The right side is home to the easier trails, ideal for beginners and families seeking a smoother ride.

Infrastructure:
The park has two lift systems: the Ettelsberg cable car for comfortable access to the higher trails, and the K1 8-seater chairlift for quick access to the easier trails on the right side of the mountain. There are also two bike rental stations at the lifts, a bike school, food options, and plenty of nearby accommodations.

Conclusion:
MTB ZONE Bikepark Willingen offers a balanced mix of challenging and beginner-friendly trails, supported by solid infrastructure and regular events. Whether you're just starting or looking to improve your skills on more demanding trails, this park has something for you.

Located in Schmallenberg-Gellinghausen in the heart of the Sauerland region, Green Hill Bikepark is one of Germany’s newer but highly ambitious bike parks. With its thoughtful trail design and modern infrastructure, it offers a varied riding experience for both beginners and seasoned mountain bikers.

Diddie’s Take:
“What I like is the construction style—it has a bit of a Canadian flair with natural trails and lots of wooden features. However, that also makes the trails quite demanding, with relatively large drops and North Shore elements—especially tricky when wet. And the drag lift takes some getting used to—it’s one of the steepest I know, and even experienced riders need some courage to use it. I wouldn’t recommend it for beginners.”

Trail Characteristics:
The park features eleven main trails that can be combined in various ways. With about 200 meters of vertical drop per run, it offers a compact but intense riding experience. The terrain is reminiscent of Canadian bike parks, with dense forests and open areas that allow for a wide range of trail options.

Infrastructure:
A modern easyLOOP drag lift takes riders comfortably to the trailheads. At the base, there’s a practice area for beginners and kids, a bike rental, a workshop, and food services. Free parking is also available.

Conclusion:
Green Hill Bikepark offers a well-balanced mix of technical challenges and flowy descents, supported by solid infrastructure. Whether for a day trip or a more extended bike weekend, it’s a worthwhile destination for all mountain bike lovers.

Located in the Northern Black Forest, the Bikepark Bad Wildbad is one of Germany’s most established and technically demanding bike parks. Situated on the Sommerberg, it offers diverse terrain that particularly appeals to experienced mountain bikers.

Diddie’s Take:
“In terms of location and setting, Bad Wildbad is one of the most interesting parks in Germany. It’s easily accessible by S-Bahn from Stuttgart, Pforzheim, and Karlsruhe. It mainly attracts skilled riders who enjoy technically demanding old-school downhill tracks.”

Trail Characteristics:
The park offers six main trails of varying difficulty. The One Family Fun Trail is ideal for beginners and families. The Wackenhut Fun Trail provides a blend of flow and technical features at an intermediate level. Advanced riders will enjoy the Rocksolid Freeride, while the Adventure Enduro Trail offers diverse terrain. The EPIC Downhill is a true test of skill, with steep descents and challenging sections that push even pros to their limits. All trails start near each other on the Sommerberg and are within 300 meters of one another. The park’s focus is clearly on technical downhill trails with natural root and rock sections.

Infrastructure:
A modern shuttle service takes riders comfortably to the trailheads. The well-equipped bike station offers rentals, protective gear, and a variety of accessories. On-site repair services are available. A bike café in town provides snacks and drinks, and the lovingly designed Cratoni Kids Area offers a safe space for children to practice and play.

Conclusion:
Bikepark Bad Wildbad delivers a challenging and varied riding experience, especially for experienced mountain bikers. With its combination of technical trails, solid infrastructure, and regular events, it’s a popular destination for those seeking an adrenaline rush.

Bikepark Todtnau
Located in the Black Forest, Todtnau is Germany’s oldest bike park and a true gem for downhill and freeride fans. Since opening in 1996, it has offered challenging trails and a stunning mountain setting. With three main trails—Downhill, Wildride, and Jumpline—of varying difficulty, Todtnau provides a thrilling and diverse experience for all skill levels. Its solid infrastructure and breathtaking scenery make it a must-visit for any mountain bike enthusiast.

MSB-X-Trail Sankt Andreasberg (Harz)
The Harz region is one of Germany’s most diverse mountain biking areas, with several parks offering trails for everyone from beginners to pros. One standout is St. Andreasberg, a cool park with nine varied trails totaling 9.8 kilometers and over 1,200 meters of vertical drop. The trails lean toward an enduro style but are still suitable for both beginners and advanced riders. The lift is on the slower side, so plan for a more relaxed pace.

Rocky Mountain Bikepark Samerberg

Located in the Chiemgau Alps, about 45 minutes south of Munich, the Samerberg Bikepark offers a versatile riding experience for mountain bikers of all skill levels. Its well-maintained main trail and numerous variants appeal to both beginners and experienced riders. The offering is complemented by natural singletracks featuring root sections, drops, and Northshore elements for advanced bikers. The Hochries cable car conveniently transports riders and their bikes to the trailhead. On-site rentals and a workshop ensure top-notch equipment and service. Additionally, over 200 kilometers of marked bike routes in the surrounding area invite riders to explore more extended rides. The combination of fun, technical riding, and solid infrastructure makes Bikepark Samerberg a popular destination for all mountain bike fans.

Diddie Schneider isn’t the only bike park expert—at Ergon, we also have several team members who live for the adrenaline rush of Germany’s bike parks, always on the hunt for the perfect berm and the biggest airtime…