Experience “NaTour” up close – the best hiking apps
In 2021 we introduced you to the best hiking apps. Four years later, much has changed: Komoot has new owners, AllTrails has grown, and prices have risen in some cases. Here’s the update for your next adventure.
Which hiking app is worth it in 2025? Short answer: for most trips, Komoot is the simplest choice, Outdooractive shines in the Alps, and for trips outside Europe, AllTrails impresses with its community. We’ve updated our 2021 article to reflect the latest changes in pricing and features.
- Komoot: most intuitive interface, one region free, the world package costs €29.99 (often on sale for €19.99).
- Important 2025: since March 2025, Komoot has been owned by Italian company Bending Spoons. The one-time world package is still available, and an annual Premium subscription (€59.99) has been added.
- Outdooractive: largest tour database, closely linked to tourism associations, ideal for challenging mountain hikes.
- AllTrails: strong community ratings, new Peak subscription (€79.99 per year) with AI-powered route suggestions.
- Safety: a dedicated emergency and avalanche app is essential in alpine terrain-no hiking app can replace it.
Stepping out of your four walls and into nature: hiking remains one of the easiest ways to clear your head. In the past, you needed topographic maps and a hiking guide; today, your smartphone suffices. A good app plans your route to match your level, navigates you along the way, and provides elevation profiles, weather updates, and dining options. Which app suits you best depends on where and how often you hike.
Komoot: the all-rounder with a new owner
For years, Komoot has been the most widely used outdoor app in the German-speaking world and scored top marks with Stiftung Warentest. Clear directional arrows, voice prompts for navigation, and intuitive controls make it the best choice for beginners. You can plan routes yourself or follow ready-made ones from the community, with additional suggestions from Komoot and tourism boards. Besides hiking, the app also covers road cycling, mountain biking, and jogging.
When it comes to pricing, you’ll need to take a closer look-it’s here that the biggest changes have occurred since our last review. A single region, including offline maps and voice navigation, remains permanently free. If you want more, the World Package unlocks for a one-time fee of €29.99, often available during promotions for €19.99. New this year is the annual Premium subscription at €59.99, which adds multi-day planning, live tracking, weather forecasts, and sport-specific maps.
The most significant shift, however, is behind the scenes: in March 2025, Italian tech giant Bending Spoons completed its acquisition of Komoot. The company has a track record of raising prices after acquisitions, such as with Evernote. The one-time World Package remains available for now, so if you’ve been eyeing the lifetime model, now might be the time to act.
An app plots the route; your gut feeling and the weather decide the rest.
Outdooractive: the database for the mountains
Outdooractive shines with the largest tour database in the German-speaking world and tight integration with tourism associations. That’s what makes the app so powerful when you’re tackling challenging routes in the Alps: the map detail is superior, tour descriptions are more professional, and many regions upload their official trails directly. Basic route search and navigation are free; offline maps and advanced features require a Pro subscription.
For casual hikers, the sheer volume of features can feel overwhelming. But if you’re a regular in the mountains and demand reliable cartography, this is where you’ll find the deepest resource.
AllTrails: strong for travel and community
New to our recommendations is AllTrails. The app thrives on community reviews and is invaluable when you’re hiking in unfamiliar regions outside Europe. Route viewing and community functions are free; offline maps come with a Pro subscription. In 2025, AllTrails introduced the Peak subscription at €79.99 per year, a premium tier featuring AI-powered route suggestions. Whether the extra cost is justified depends on how often you travel.
If you’re already investing in the right gear, don’t overlook your footwear. Our colleagues at InspiredBySports have tested the new 2026 trail-shoe generation.
Safety first: emergency and avalanche apps
No matter how good route planners are, they can’t replace a dedicated safety app in alpine terrain. Providers like Ortovox offer features covering emergencies, first aid, and avalanche education, plus regularly updated mountain weather and hazard reports. Download your route as an offline map before you set out, check your battery level, and tell someone where you’re going. A power bank is inexpensive and has saved more than one hike from turning into a nighttime scramble.
Looking for more outdoor inspiration? Check out our hidden gems for your next European road trip or plan a relaxed bike tour to Munich’s most beautiful lakes.
Good to Know
▸Which hiking app is best for beginners?
For beginners, Komoot is the right choice. The interface is intuitive, voice navigation guides you reliably, and you get one region including offline maps for free-permanently. That lets you test it out before spending any money.
▸How much will Komoot cost in 2025?
One region is free. The world package for all regions costs a one-time €29.99, often on sale for €19.99. A new premium subscription at €59.99 per year adds multi-day planning, live tracking, and weather. Since Bending Spoons took over in March 2025, the model may change in the future.
▸Do hiking apps work without a signal?
Yes-if you download the route as an offline map beforehand. Komoot, Outdooractive, and AllTrails support this in their paid tiers. Plan ahead; once you’re in a dead zone, it’s too late.
▸Do I need a separate safety app?
In flat terrain, a solid route planner is enough. In the high mountains, add an emergency and avalanche app like Ortovox. It won’t replace common sense, but in an emergency it tells you exactly what steps to take.
