April German trip

The possibilies I listed were strictly that.
Just possible destinations for the 1 or 2 days of hiking. I will probably stay around the Rhine for 2 days, stay in Bavaria for approximately 3 days, stay in Berlin for probably 4 days. That leaves approximately 3 days as I get into Frankfurt in the early morning. I realize I will have to include travel time, but the number of days I'll stay in the various locations are only an approximation.

Thanks for any help you provide.

You probably won't be high-altitude hiking in Alpine Germany in April if you want decent weather and walking conditions. The Brocken?? Maybe but again it's an iffy time for hiking.

I'd suggest hiking the Rheinsteig or the Rheinhöhenweg paths that zig zag along the cliffsides of the Rhine from town to town. The path between St. Goar and Oberwesel is especially scenic, passing the Loreley cliffs as it does.

Dresden is probably a sound idea. If you'll be in the Harz too, then check out Goslar and the nearby towns of Hildesheim and Hameln, and Rinteln - all interesting towns , the latter for their impressive Weserrennaisance architecture.

I once hiked the Süntel, a peak near Hameln, nice views from there over the Weser River countryside.

Even just visiting the places I've mentioned you'll have quite the full trip. Innsbruck? Wouldn't bother, and I wouldn't go all the way to Garmisch or Berchtesgaden unless you can count on conditions there.

In April, the slopes above the alpine level are still open for skiing. You can hike at the lower elevations, but don't expect the soaring "Hills Are Alive" scenery. If you want to do some serious Alpine hiking, GaP or Berchtesgaden are probably the ideal bases.

If you stay in Frankfurt for a day (hint- lots to see there!) you can go up in the Taunus Mountains and hike. There is a rebuilt Roman fort there called the Saalburg along with paths that follow the Roman lines of defense that ran along the mountains here for 650 km. This may not be alpine, but it is certainly beautiful.

In addition to Jo's post: Although hiking in Swiss Saxony (Elbsandstein mountains, which offer breathtaking views) or the alps might be more spectacular you could easily do a half-day's or full day's hike in the Taunus mountains just outside of Frankfurt. Underground line U3 very frequently connects downtown Frankfurt with the town of Oberursel at the footsteps of those mountains. The terminal station "Hohemark" actually is at a hiking base. Given that those mountains are much lower than e.g. the alps it's gonna be much warmer in April and snow-free, spring like. For more information check with: http://www.oberursel.info/en/freizeit/wandern/ (Website is in English). The most spectacular hike would be to "Grosser Feldberg", the highest mountain in the entire area. Up there is a pretty good restaurant offering local food and very good views of the surrounding valleys. There is a raptor station adjacent to the restaurant so that - subject to some luck - you could see plenty of local kinds of birds of prey fly. The last part of that hike is very steep though and passes the ancient Roman Empire's Northern border wall (protecting Rome against the barbarians (not to confuse with Bavarians) ;-)...

We stayed in Saxon Switzerland in 2000 and loved it. We stayed in a little town called Wehlen, and, although this was before the change from DM to euros, paid about $22/night for our double room. The hiking was wonderful from there. I especially loved the beer/brat stand in the middle of nowhere. Gotta love the Germans!

Saxon Switzerland is easy to get to, since it's on the S-Bahn line from Dresden.

Thanks for all of your help.
I very much appreciate it.
I've found your various posts over the last couple of months or so very informative and enjoyable.