Waldhäuser - Großer Rachel
16.7miLength
3,484ftElevation gain
8.5–9.5hrEstimated time
Loop
Varied hiking trail between Waldhäuser and Rachel in Bavaria.
The best starting point for the hike is the fire brigade in Waldhäuser. There is a parking lot across the street next to a small playground. From Martinsklause to Teufelsloch, the lower route offers a much longer and perhaps gentler climb and is very beautiful. From Teufelsloch it is shorter and steeper uphill at the beginning. This leads to a long trail along the mountain side and through the forest which is then fairly level. Eventually, both paths meet for the final ascent to the summit. Slightly hidden in an uphill bend, away from the main path, is a charming wooden chapel. There is a beautiful vantage point at the Waldschmidthaus. There are wooden benches on the lake shore that invite you to take an idyllic break before continuing the descent. The Great Rachel is the highest mountain in the Bavarian Forest National Park. The path enchants through the fairytale forest, a lot of peace and beautiful nature.
Highlights of the hike:
- Teufelsloch
- Lake Rachel
- Great Rachel
- View of Lake Rachel
- Varied nature
- Rachel chapel
This text has been translated.
Top sights
Rachelsee
Lake
Großer Rachel
Peak
Martinsklause
Reservoir
Bergwacht-Hütte
Hut
Seeblick
Viewpoint
Teufelsloch
Attraction
Schutzhütte Rachelsee
Weather shelter
Popular times
When is the trail busiest?
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Frequently asked questions
What’s helpful to know about this trail?
Discover this 16.7-mile loop trail near Neuschönau, Bavaria. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 8 h 26 min to complete. This trail is great for birding and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are May through October.
What is the expected weather this week for Waldhäuser - Großer Rachel?
Expected weather for Waldhäuser - Großer Rachel for the next 5 days is:
- Tue, September 22 - 59 degrees/clear
- Wed, September 23 - 54 degrees/drizzle
- Thu, September 24 - 55 degrees/clear
- Fri, September 25 - 62 degrees/clear
- Sat, September 26 - 71 degrees/clear
Where is Waldhäuser - Großer Rachel located?
Waldhäuser - Großer Rachel is a trail located in Bavarian Forest National Park.
How hard is Waldhäuser - Großer Rachel?
Waldhäuser - Großer Rachel is considered a hard hike that covers 16.7 mi, with an elevation gain of 3,484 ft. It takes about 8.5–9.5 hr to complete. Hard trails usually cover longer distances, and may have long or steep climbs or more difficult obstacles.
What is the elevation gain for Waldhäuser - Großer Rachel?
Waldhäuser - Großer Rachel is considered a hard hike that covers 16.7 mi, with an elevation gain of 3,484 ft. It takes about 8.5–9.5 hr to complete. Hard trails usually cover longer distances, and may have long or steep climbs or more difficult obstacles.
Is Waldhäuser - Großer Rachel a loop?
Waldhäuser - Großer Rachel is a loop trail that covers 16.7 mi, with an elevation gain of 3,484 ft. It takes about 8.5–9.5 hr to complete. Loop trails have the same starting point and endpoint. You'll follow a single route without retracing your steps.
How long is Waldhäuser - Großer Rachel?
Waldhäuser - Großer Rachel is a loop trail that covers 16.7 mi, with an elevation gain of 3,484 ft. It takes about 8.5–9.5 hr to complete. Loop trails have the same starting point and endpoint. You'll follow a single route without retracing your steps.
Are dogs allowed on Waldhäuser - Großer Rachel?
Dogs may be allowed on Waldhäuser - Großer Rachel. Be sure to check regulations before heading out.
When is the best time of year to hike Waldhäuser - Großer Rachel?
May to October is the most popular time of year to visit Waldhäuser - Großer Rachel.
How busy is Waldhäuser - Großer Rachel?
According to trailgoers, Waldhäuser - Großer Rachel is usually not too busy. May to October is the most popular time of year to visit Waldhäuser - Großer Rachel.
Are there lakes at Waldhäuser - Großer Rachel?
Yes, Waldhäuser - Großer Rachel is near Rachelsee.
Are there scenic views at Waldhäuser - Großer Rachel?
Yes, Seeblick is located on Waldhäuser - Großer Rachel.
Is there birding at Waldhäuser - Großer Rachel?
Yes, trailgoers have said that Waldhäuser - Großer Rachel is good for birding. Various bird species have been spotted on the trail and in the surrounding area.
Are there forests at Waldhäuser - Großer Rachel?
Yes, Waldhäuser - Großer Rachel is a forest trail in Bavarian Forest National Park.
Are there wildflowers at Waldhäuser - Großer Rachel?
Yes, trailgoers have reported a variety of wildflower types on Waldhäuser - Großer Rachel, though the specific types can vary from month to month.
Is there wildlife at Waldhäuser - Großer Rachel?
Yes, many trailgoers have spotted wildlife at Waldhäuser - Großer Rachel in Bavarian Forest National Park. Always observe wildlife from a safe distance.
Last updated on September 16, 2026 at 11:03 pm GMT+0