Best backpacking trails in Bavarian Forest National Park

The Bavarian Forest National Park stretches along the Bavarian-Czech border between Bayerisch Eisenstein in the district of Regen and Mauth in the district of Freyung-Grafenau. The large protected area was opened on 7 October 1970 as Germany's first national park. Together with the neighbouring Šumava National Park in the Czech Republic, it forms the largest contiguous protected forest area in Central Europe. Covering more than 24,000 hectares, the Bavarian Forest's guiding principle is "Let nature be nature".

According to this philosophy, the forests with their moors, mountain streams and summits are allowed to develop into a boundless forest wilderness according to their own laws. In this way, the commercial forest of yesterday becomes the primeval forest of tomorrow. The result is a unique diversity of species. Rare animals such as the lynx, otter, capercaillie and Ural owl will once again find a home. In addition, there are 16 species of beetle alone, which are considered primeval forest relics and only occur in extremely natural forests. The particularly strong biodiversity is based, among other things, on the high proportion of dead wood, which is both a food source and habitat for hundreds of insects, fungi and birds. Natural processes of growth and decay in the forest ecosystem are permitted in the national park, in that even dead trees or trees that have fallen due to windthrow remain in their natural environment.

Thanks to around 350 kilometres of marked hiking trails, over 200 kilometres of designated cycle paths and around 80 kilometres of cross-country ski trails, the national park is wonderfully accessible for nature lovers. Circular hiking trails, which are marked by an animal symbol on a yellow background, always lead back to the starting point. Trails marked with plant symbols on a white background lead from A to B. There are also some long-distance hiking trails, for example the Goldsteig or the European long-distance hiking trail E6, with special symbols.

Behavioural tipsIn the Bavarian Forest National Park you can experience the largely untouched nature, relax and inform yourself. Please observe the following tips to protect nature and yourself:

-Always make sure you are well equipped: sturdy shoes, drink, first aid kit, bad weather clothing and mobile phone, and don't forget your helmet on bike tours. This is for your own safety.

-Please be aware of the dangers of falling trees and dead wood. Use of the paths is at your own risk. Please leave the forest in strong winds for your own protection.

-Please stay on the marked paths. This serves to protect sensitive animal and plant species.

-Cycling in the national park is only permitted on marked cycle paths. Mountain bike tours through the centre of the park or cycling on the hiking trails is strictly prohibited.

-Overnight stays in the countryside are prohibited in the national park. Please use the designated shelters and accommodation in the National Park region for overnight stays.

-Please do not leave any rubbish behind in the area! Dog faeces bags and handkerchiefs have no place in nature either. Help us to keep our wild forest clean.

Please also observe the following rules:

-Do not take anything with you

-Park only in signposted car parks.

-Fire only in designated car parks.

-Do not let dogs run free.

-Bathing not permitted.

-Do not feed animals.

-Do not disturb animals.