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Best views trails in Bavarian Forest National Park

Best views trails in Bavarian Forest National Park

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Germany
: 
#8 of 16 national parks

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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 - Open-Air Animal Enclosure Loop in the Lusen National Park Center

    4.7 (48)·Moderate·4.3 mi·Est. 2–2.5 hr
    Family-friendly circular trail in the Bavarian Forest, Bavaria. The animal enclosure is home to numerous native animal species, including wolves, bears, lynx, otters, deer, elk, wild boar, eagle owls, bison, owls and wildcats. Admission is free, but parking is subject to a fee. A snack can be taken in the Waldstüberl. The circular route in the outdoor animal enclosure is barrier-free and can be used with wheelchairs and prams. The route leads along a forest path that is easy to walk and...

  4. #4 - 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...

  5. #5 - Lynx Loop

    4.8 (21)·Moderate·4.1 mi·Est. 2–2.5 hr
    Panoramic hike in Neuschönau, Bavaria. The circular hiking trail "Luchs" leads through the beautiful Bavarian Forest National Park. It starts from the Lusen car park and takes you up to the Lusen via the summer trail and then back to the starting point via the winter trail. Highlights of the tour: - Glass Ark - Lusen (1373 m) - Lusenschutzhaus - Mountain spruce forest

  6. #6 - Treetop Path and Animal Open-Air Area in the Bavarian Forest National Park

    4.7 (27)·Moderate·5.6 mi·Est. 2.5–3 hr
    Varied loop in the Bavarian Forest National Park near Neuschönau, Bavaria. Whether otter, bear or wolf - in the animal enclosure all typical wild animals of the Bavarian Forest can be discovered: 40 species of mammals and birds live on 200 hectares! The 1300 meter long treetop path leads through the national park at a height of 44 meters above the forest floor. From up here there are completely new insights and views into and over the Bavarian Forest National Park. On the way there are...

  7. #7 - Falkenstein Loop

    4.6 (26)·Hard·9.3 mi·Est. 5.5–6 hr
    Panoramic loop to the Falkenberg, Bavaria. The loop starts at the Zwieseler Waldhaus and leads hikers uphill through the Mittelsteighütte primeval forest to the Falkenberg. It follows the Jägersteig trail past the Rukowitzberg. The effort of the ascent is finally rewarded with beautiful views. The Falkensteinschutzhaus invites you to stop for a bite to eat or stay overnight (note opening times). The detour to the Windwurf adventure trail is also particularly beautiful along the way. At an...

  8. #8 - 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.

  9. #9 - Cross-Border Tour Siebensteinkopf

    4.6 (20)·Moderate·6.4 mi·Est. 3–3.5 hr
    Panoramic hike to the Siebensteinkopf, Bavaria. The loop starts at the Wistlberg parking lot in Finsterau. From there it goes through the Finsterauer Filz to Bučina and finally to the Siebensteinkopf. The ascent to the Siebensteinkopf is relatively easy. The summit is located on the Czech border with good views of the Sumava National Park to the east and Lusen to the west. The route leads along the hiking trail border crossing where the hike can be extended by a loop to the source of the...

  10. #10 - Vom Zwieslerwaldhaus auf den Großen Falkenstein

    4.5 (14)·Hard·11 mi·Est. 7–7.5 hr
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