Skip to main content
Back to Explore
Best river trails in Bavarian Forest National Park

Best river trails in Bavarian Forest National Park

4.5(378 reviews)

·

Germany
: 
#8 of 16 national parks

All photos

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. On October 7, 1970, the large protected area was opened as Germany's first national park. Together with the neighboring 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 peaks 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, as even dead trees or trees that have fallen due to windthrow remain in their natural environment.

Thanks to around 350 kilometers of marked hiking trails, over 200 kilometers of designated cycle paths and around 80 kilometers 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. Routes 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.

Behavior 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 cell 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 middle of the terrain 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 garbage behind in the area! Dog waste 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 parking lots.

-Fire only in designated parking spaces.

-Do not let dogs run free.

-Bathing not permitted.

-Do not feed animals.

-Do not disturb animals.

Top sights

Lusen
Lusen
Peak
Rachelsee
Rachelsee
Lake
Großer Rachel
Großer Rachel
Peak
Martinsklause
Martinsklause
Reservoir
Höhlenstein
Höhlenstein
Peak
Schutzhütte Rachelsee
Schutzhütte Rachelsee
Weather shelter

Top trails

  1. #1 - Lusen Loop from Waldhäuser

    4.7 (91)·Moderate·7.2 mi·Est. 4–4.5 hr
    Panoramic loop 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...

  2. #2 - Rachel Loop

    4.6 (49)·Moderate·7.1 mi·Est. 4–4.5 hr
    Picturesque loop on the Großer Rachel in the Bavarian Forest near Spiegelau. This idyllic loop starts at the P+R hiking car park in Spiegelau. It leads through rustic forests, across the legendary Rachelsee, and past impressive rock formations up to the highest mountain in the Bavarian Forest National Park - the Großer Rachel (1,453 m). The Ice Age educational trail leads through the forests largely destroyed by the bark beetle, where a new, wild mixed forest emerges. The managed...

  3. #3 - Waldhäuserriegel - Lusen

    4.7 (48)·Moderate·5.5 mi·Est. 3–3.5 hr
    Demanding and scenic loop in the Bavarian Forest. The loop 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 blocks were formed by...

  4. #4 - Lusen ab Finsterau

    4.7 (19)·Moderate·7.9 mi·Est. 4.5–5 hr
    Close-to-nature circular hike in the Bavarian Forest National Park near Finsterau. On this idyllic round trip, there are not only the picturesque forest but also spectacular views, especially from the summit of the Lusen and from the nearby Lusenschutzhaus. Here you can relax and enjoy the view on the sun terrace.

  5. #5 - Kreuzotter Loop: Hiking through Klosterfilz and Großer Filz

    4.3 (17)·Moderate·7.2 mi·Est. 3–3.5 hr
    Picturesque, idyllic loop through the largest moorland area in the Bavarian Forest near Sankt Oswald, Bavaria. This idyllic loop starts at the Diensthüttenstraße hiking parking lot and leads along the so-called "Kreuzotterweg" through the mystical Klosterfilz and Großer Filz raised bogs (fun fact: "Filz" is the old Bavarian name for raised bog). The trail runs partly on wooden boardwalks - please do not leave these to protect the sensitive flora and fauna. Following in the footsteps of the...

  6. #6 - Kingfisher Loop

    4.5 (20)·Moderate·5.3 mi·Est. 2.5–3 hr
    Certified "dream tour" and relaxed day trip in the Bavarian Forest. This quiet yet exciting hike is a little off the beaten track in the Bavarian Forest. Apart from the steep ascent to the summit cross on the Hohe Kanzel, the hike is well suited for families with children on natural paths and trails. It runs along the old railway line of the Spiegelau forest railway, which transported timber in the 1950s, alongside the rushing Steinbach stream and, with a bit of luck, beavers can be spotted....

  7. #7 - Siebensteinkopf

    4.7 (9)·Moderate·5.6 mi·Est. 2.5–3 hr
    Panoramic hiking trail in the Bavarian Forest National Park, Bavaria. The Siebensteinkopf Tour is a popular hike in the Bavarian-Bohemian border area. The 1263 m high Siebensteinkopf is one of the easier summit hikes in the Bavarian Forest National Park. Along the way are the Teufelsbachklause and the Reschbachklause, which was already used for logging in the 19th century. Highlights of the hike: - Summit of the Siebensteinkopf - Finsterauer Filz - Teufelsbachklause - Reschbachklause -...

  8. #8 - Urwaldrelikte im Norden des Nationalparks

    4.7 (10)·Moderate·7.4 mi·Est. 4–4.5 hr

  9. #9 - Zu den Schachten und Filzen

    4.7 (11)·Hard·12.9 mi·Est. 6.5–7 hr
    Varied circular hike through the Bavarian Forest. The term "Schachten" refers to forest-free mountain meadows. These areas were created during the summer months between June and September, when farmers used to take their cattle into the forest to graze. The Schachten are ecologically and historically significant areas in the Bavarian Forest National Park. A "felt" is the name given to a moor. One of the most important felts is the Latschenfilz with the mystical Latschensee. This moorland...

  10. #10 - Forest Tour around Zwieslerwaldhaus

    4.6 (9)·Moderate·5.5 mi·Est. 2.5–3 hr
    The loop trail truly lives up to its name: "Primeval Forest Tour." At Hans-Watzlik-Hain, there are enormous firs, beeches, and spruces (over 50 meters tall). The trail leads along the Schwellensteig to the Schwellhäusl (also known as the “Trifter Klause”)—a historic forest inn with a wonderful beer garden.
Showing results 1–10 of 43
Explore more trails
Parks

Headed to a park?

Take AllTrails with you

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best river trail to hike in Bavarian Forest National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best river trail to hike in Bavarian Forest National Park is Lusen Loop from Waldhäuser, which has a 4.7 star rating from 91 reviews. This trail is 7.2 mi long with an elevation gain of 1,902 ft.

What is the longest river trail in Bavarian Forest National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest river trail in Bavarian Forest National Park is Hochschachten Drinking Water Dam Loop. This trail is estimated to be 34.2 mi long.

How many river trails are in Bavarian Forest National Park?

There are 43 river trails in Bavarian Forest National Park.These river trails have an average 4.5-star ratingfrom 378 AllTrails community reviews.

Which river trail has the most elevation gain in Bavarian Forest National Park?

Hochschachten Drinking Water Dam Loop has the most elevation gain for river trails with 4,668 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Zwiesel Radweg 14, which has 3,517 ft of elevation gain.

Activities

Attractions

Suitability

Points of interest