Best trails in Bavarian Forest Nature Park
The Bavarian Forest Nature Park borders the Upper Bavarian Forest Nature Park to the north and both the Czech border and the Bavarian Forest National Park to the east. The park with its Danube floodplains, high-altitude spruce forests and raised bogs has existed since 1967, making it one of the oldest nature parks in Bavaria. The defining landscape element of the park is the forest - it covers 50% of the nature park. It is a refuge for many endangered animal species such as capercaillie, lynx, otter, corncrake and freshwater pearl mussel.
A special highlight in the Bavarian Forest Nature Park is the NaturparkWelten - a museum experience in the Bayerisch Eisenstein border railway station. There are 7,000 kilometres of hiking trails and 35 nature experience trails awaiting visitors. Information is available at 6 nature park information centres.
Top sights
Top trails
- 4.5 (143)·Moderate·7.4 km·Est. 2.5–3 hrPopular circular route to the Riesloch waterfalls in the Bavarian Forest. This excellent hike begins at the Riesloch Falls hiking car park and leads the Riesbach folden steadily uphill past the Untere Wasserstube until you finally reach the famous Riesloch Falls. After enjoying this natural spectacle to the total, return on the Arberhochstrasse until the circuit closes again at the starting point. The second part of the hike is designed as a relaxed descent. Highlights of the hike: -...
- 4.7 (91)·Moderate·11.6 km·Est. 4–4.5 hrPanoramic circular route to the summit of the Lusen in the Bavarian Forest National Park near Neuschönau, Bavaria. Starting at the Waldhäuser car park, it soon goes steadily and steeply uphill. After a short while the refuge on the Böhmweg is reached. From there it continues on the summer path, followed by a steep climb over the "Himmelsleiter" ("ladder to heaven ")- a stone staircase consisting of mighty boulders. From here it goes directly to the Lusen summit. A geological peculiarity: The...
- 4.7 (67)·Moderate·10.8 km·Est. 4–4.5 hrPopular hiking trail in the Bavarian Forest Nature Park. This route goes around the large Arbersee and up to the highest peak in the Bavarian Forest, the Großer Arber. From there, it offers a beautiful view and the possibility to stop off comfortably. The Arbersee is ideal for a pedal boat ride on warm summer days. Highlights of the hike: - Big Arber - Big Arbersee - magnificent views - Arber chapel - Bodenmaiser Mulde
- 4.8 (70)·Moderate·12.1 km·Est. 4.5–5 hrPopular circular hike in the Bavarian Forest Nature Park near Bodenmais. The hiking route leads through the "Großer Arbersee and Arberseewand" nature reserve. The nature reserve is characterised by its low mountain range landscape, multi-century-old trees and rocky vegetation, which are home to numerous plant and animal species. There are refreshment stops at the Großer Arber summit station. --- Accessible by bus and train
- 4.9 (29)·Moderate·7.4 km·Est. 2.5–3 hrPopular hike in the Bavarian Forest Nature Park, Bavaria. At 1455 metres above sea level, the Großer Arber is the highest mountain in the Bavarian Forest and Bohemian Forest. The start and finish of this hike high up to the "King of the Bavarian Forest" is the car park at the valley station of the Arber mountain railway. Depending on your wishes, the outward or return journey can be replaced by a leisurely ride on the Arber mountain railway. Highlights of the hike: - Summit of the Großer...
- 4.5 (52)·Moderate·7.9 km·Est. 2.5–3 hrPanoramic circular hike in the Bavarian Forest Nature Park from Spiegelau. Via the Großarmschlag reservoir to the wild and romantic Steinklamm gorge. This natural jewel is a popular excursion destination and enchants visitors with its rocky gorge, roaring water and moss-covered rocks. As it can quickly become slippery around the gorge, sturdy footwear and sure-footedness are essential. Highlights: - Stone gorge - Großarmschlag reservoir
- 4.7 (48)·Moderate·8.9 km·Est. 3–3.5 hrDemanding and scenic circular route in the Bavarian Forest. The circular route to the Lusen via the summer trail in the Bavarian Forest is very impressive. Not only the striking peak, but also the accumulation of bizarre rock around the hiking trail make this route something special. Before it could be scientifically explained how these block seas, which are typical for the area, came about, people blamed giants or even the devil for the creation of this landscape. In fact, however, the...
- 4.6 (37)·Easy·2.3 km·Est. 0.5–1 hrSpectacular tour near Bodenmais in the Bavarian Forest. This short walk leads to the "Hochfall" natural monument, which consists of a 1 km long, largely untouched flow section of the Moosbach. This piece has been a natural monument since 1965, which can be explored from a small bridge that leads across the stream. Highlights of the hike: - family-friendly - Waterfall
- 4.3 (32)·Easy·1.8 km·Est. 0.5–1 hrFamily-friendly walk in the Bavarian Forest Nature Park between Bodenmais and Bayerisch Eisenstein. The loop leads along the shore once around the Großer Arbersee, which together with the Arberseewand is a designated nature reserve. The unspoilt natural landscape is characterised by the mixed mountain forests, the impressive Arberseewand and the floating silting moor. Dogs must be kept on a lead throughout the nature reserve and there is a ban on swimming and sunbathing around the lake....
- 4.8 (24)·Hard·6 km·Est. 2–2.5 hrPopular hiking trail in the Bavarian Forest Nature Park, Bavaria. Access trail no. 18 meets the Goldsteig long-distance hiking trail at the Kleiner Arber. You start at the railway station in Bodenmais. The scenic highlight is the Riesloch nature reserve, which is famous for its waterfalls. Highlights of the hike: - Riesloch Falls - Riesloch nature reserve - Cham hut - Little Arber
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Visitor info
Accessibility
Facilities
The Sonnenhaus information centre in Zwiesel is open daily from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm. Naturparkwelten is always open Wednesday to Sunday from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm, during the Bavarian holidays and from July to October from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm daily.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to hike in Bavarian Forest Nature Park?
According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Bavarian Forest Nature Park is Riesloch Falls which has a 4.5 star rating from 143 reviews. This trail is 7.4 km long with an elevation gain of 364 m.
What is the longest trail in Bavarian Forest Nature Park?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Bavarian Forest Nature Park is MTB tour: Trans Bavarian Forest. This trail is estimated to be 679.0 km long.
How many trails are in Bavarian Forest Nature Park?
There are 361 trails in Bavarian Forest Nature Park.These trails have an average 4.2-star ratingfrom NaN AllTrails community reviews.
Which trail has the most elevation gain in Bavarian Forest Nature Park?
Goldsteig (Fernwanderweg) has the most elevation gain with 21,697 m of total ascent. The park's runner-up is MTB tour: Trans Bavarian Forest, which has 18,141 m of elevation gain.
Are there camping trails available in Bavarian Forest Nature Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 44 camping trails in Bavarian Forest Nature Park and the most popular is Schwellhäusl via Schmalzbach with an average 4.3 star rating from 7 community reviews.
Are there running trails available in Bavarian Forest Nature Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 47 running trails in Bavarian Forest Nature Park and the most popular is Big Arber and Arbersee with an average 4.7 star rating from 67 community reviews.
Are there biking trails available in Bavarian Forest Nature Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 60 biking trails in Bavarian Forest Nature Park and the most popular is Viechtach and Pröller Loop with an average 4.0 star rating from 2 community reviews.
Are there any trails with waterfalls in Bavarian Forest Nature Park?
Yes, there are 19 trails with waterfalls in Bavarian Forest Nature Park, including Riesloch Falls, Big Arber and Arbersee, Großer Arbersee - Gschwendet - Großer Arber, Hochfall from Bodenmais and Goldsteig Access No. 18: Bodenmais - Kleiner Arber.
Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Bavarian Forest Nature Park?
Yes, there are 250 trails with scenic mountain peak views in Bavarian Forest Nature Park, including Lusen Circular Route from Waldhäuser, Big Arber and Arbersee, Großer Arbersee - Gschwendet - Großer Arber, Big Arber and Steinklamm Circular Route.
Are there any trails with ponds in Bavarian Forest Nature Park?
Yes, there are 33 trails with ponds in Bavarian Forest Nature Park, including Danube Cycle Path (D-Route 6) Stage 12: Regensburg - Straubing, Rund um die Talsperre Frauenau, Schwellhäusl via Schmalzbach, Haidmühle - Dreisessel - Hochwald and Von Zwiesel nach Bayerisch Eisenstein.
Are there any trails with rivers in Bavarian Forest Nature Park?
Yes, there are 64 trails with rivers in Bavarian Forest Nature Park, including Steinklamm Circular Route, Danube Cycle Path (D-Route 6) Stage 12: Regensburg - Straubing, Buchberger Leite, Rund um die Talsperre Frauenau and Zu den Schachten und Filzen.
Are there any trails with springs in Bavarian Forest Nature Park?
Yes, there are 42 trails with springs in Bavarian Forest Nature Park, including Falkenstein Cicular Route, Goldsteig: From Grandsberg to Hirschenstein, Vom Zwieslerwaldhaus auf den Großen Falkenstein, Goldsteig South Route Stage 16: Sankt Englmar - Hirschenstein and Viechtach and Pröller Loop.
Are there any trails with huts in Bavarian Forest Nature Park?
Yes, there are 61 trails with huts in Bavarian Forest Nature Park, including Big Arber and Arbersee, Großer Arbersee - Gschwendet - Großer Arber, Big Arber, Talstation - Großer Arber and Falkenstein Cicular Route.
Are there any trails with castles in Bavarian Forest Nature Park?
Yes, there are 64 trails with castles in Bavarian Forest Nature Park, including Danube Cycle Path (D-Route 6) Stage 12: Regensburg - Straubing, Ochseneben Trail, A trip to the stone age, Perlbachtal from Mitterfels and Zu den Schachten und Filzen.
Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Bavarian Forest Nature Park?
Yes, there are 49 trails with scenic viewpoints in Bavarian Forest Nature Park, including Steinklamm Circular Route, Goldsteig: From Grandsberg to Hirschenstein, Goldsteig Northern Route Stage 13: Eck to Großer Arber, Geißkopf-Tour and Kreuzotter Circular Route - Hiking through Klosterfilz and Großer Filz.
Are there any trails with historical ruins in Bavarian Forest Nature Park?
Yes, there are 29 trails with historical ruins in Bavarian Forest Nature Park, including Buchberger Leite, Geißkopf-Tour, Zu den Schachten und Filzen, Wanderlinie Pestwurz and Fürstenecker Triftsteig.
Are there any trails with cliffs in Bavarian Forest Nature Park?
Yes, there are 22 trails with cliffs in Bavarian Forest Nature Park, including Rieslochfälle and Schweikl Ruhe from Bodenmais-Klause, Haidmühle - Dreisessel - Hochwald, Viechtach and Pröller Loop, Kleiner Arber ab Bodenmais and Rund um den Großen Pfahl.
Are there any trails with picnic areas in Bavarian Forest Nature Park?
Yes, there are 40 trails with picnic areas in Bavarian Forest Nature Park, including Falkenstein Cicular Route, Vom Zwieslerwaldhaus auf den Großen Falkenstein, Rund um die Talsperre Frauenau, Zu den Schachten und Filzen and Goldsteig South Route Stage 16: Sankt Englmar - Hirschenstein.
Are there any trails with weather shelters in Bavarian Forest Nature Park?
Yes, there are 49 trails with weather shelters in Bavarian Forest Nature Park, including Lusen Circular Route from Waldhäuser, Großer Arbersee - Gschwendet - Großer Arber, Waldhäuserriegel - Lusen, Little and Big Arber and Arberschutzhaus to Bodenmais.
Are there any trails with lakes in Bavarian Forest Nature Park?
Yes, there are 30 trails with lakes in Bavarian Forest Nature Park, including Big Arber and Arbersee, Großer Arbersee - Gschwendet - Großer Arber, Großer Arbersee Circular Route, Little and Big Arber and Grosser Arber - Kleiner Arber - Kleiner Arbersee.
Are there any trails with caves in Bavarian Forest Nature Park?
Yes, there are 24 trails with caves in Bavarian Forest Nature Park, including Dreisessel - Hochstein, A trip to the stone age, Haidmühle - Dreisessel - Hochwald, Viechtach and Pröller Loop and Viechtach: Loop Trail No. 3.
Are there any trails with sun shelters in Bavarian Forest Nature Park?
Yes, there is one trail with a sun shelter in Bavarian Forest Nature Park: Über Amesberg und Baumgarten.
Are there any trails with archaeological sites in Bavarian Forest Nature Park?
Yes, there are 8 trails with archaeological sites in Bavarian Forest Nature Park, including Danube Cycle Path (D-Route 6) Stage 12: Regensburg - Straubing, Donau im Wandel (Fernradwanderweg), Alternative route Goldsteig No. 31: Zenting - Ranfels - Manzenreuth, Gruselsberg and Sankt Oswald Radweg 93.
Top nature parks
Activities
- Backpacking trails in Bavarian Forest Nature Park
- Bike touring trails in Bavarian Forest Nature Park
- Bird watching trails in Bavarian Forest Nature Park
- Camping trails in Bavarian Forest Nature Park
- Cross-country skiing trails in Bavarian Forest Nature Park
- Mountain biking trails in Bavarian Forest Nature Park
- Road biking trails in Bavarian Forest Nature Park
- Running trails in Bavarian Forest Nature Park
- Snowshoeing trails in Bavarian Forest Nature Park
- Walking trails in Bavarian Forest Nature Park
Attractions
- Beach trails in Bavarian Forest Nature Park
- Cave trails in Bavarian Forest Nature Park
- Easy trails in Bavarian Forest Nature Park
- Event trails in Bavarian Forest Nature Park
- Forest trails in Bavarian Forest Nature Park
- Hard trails in Bavarian Forest Nature Park
- Lake trails in Bavarian Forest Nature Park
- Long trails in Bavarian Forest Nature Park
- Moderate trails in Bavarian Forest Nature Park
- River trails in Bavarian Forest Nature Park
- Short trails in Bavarian Forest Nature Park
- Trails with historic sites in Bavarian Forest Nature Park
- Trails with views in Bavarian Forest Nature Park
- Waterfall trails in Bavarian Forest Nature Park
- Wildflower trails in Bavarian Forest Nature Park
- Wildlife trails in Bavarian Forest Nature Park
Suitability
- Child-friendly trails in Bavarian Forest Nature Park
- Dog-friendly trails in Bavarian Forest Nature Park
- Partially paved trails in Bavarian Forest Nature Park
- Paved trails in Bavarian Forest Nature Park
- Trails for dogs on lead in Bavarian Forest Nature Park
- Wheelchair-friendly trails in Bavarian Forest Nature Park