Rachelhütte - Rachelsee - Grosser Rachel - Steinkopf
100% of reviewers say this trail is moderate
12.5miLength
2,791ftElevation gain
7–7.5hrEstimated time
Loop
Varied route in the Bavarian Forest National Park, Bavaria.
The varied loop starts at the Taferlruck parking lot. From there, the route leads uphill via the Diensthüttenstrasse and the Unterer Horizontalsteig trail through the forest to the idyllic Rachelsee lake. You can take a short break there. The Kapellensteig leads the further ascent past the Rachel Chapel to the highest point of the tour - the summit of the 1453 m high Rachel. Great views can be expected. From there, the descent begins past the Waldschmidthaus.
Around the Steinkopf and finally through the Neuhüttenwiese nature reserve back to the starting point.
Highlights:
- Rachelsee
- Rachel Chapel
- Great Rachel summit
- Great views
- Steinkopf
This text has been translated.
Top sights
Rachelsee
Lake
Großer Rachel
Peak
Bergwacht-Hütte
Hut
Seeblick
Viewpoint
Lieselbrunn
Spring
Schutzhütte Rachelsee
Weather shelter
Schuhnagelkopf
Peak
Hüttenriegel
Peak
Wasserriegel
Peak
Siebenrücken
Peak
Rehhübel
Peak
Glaserbrunnen
Spring
Hohe Scheitstatt
Peak
Feistenberg Schutzhütte
Weather shelter
Sitzbaum (Rastmöglichkeit)
Picnic site
Top sights
Rachelsee
Lake
Großer Rachel
Peak
Bergwacht-Hütte
Hut
Seeblick
Viewpoint
Lieselbrunn
Spring
Schutzhütte Rachelsee
Weather shelter
Schuhnagelkopf
Peak
Hüttenriegel
Peak
Wasserriegel
Peak
Siebenrücken
Peak
Rehhübel
Peak
Glaserbrunnen
Spring
Hohe Scheitstatt
Peak
Feistenberg Schutzhütte
Weather shelter
Sitzbaum (Rastmöglichkeit)
Picnic site
Popular times
When is the trail busiest?
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Frequently asked questions
What’s helpful to know about this trail?
Experience this 12.5-mile loop trail near Sankt Oswald, Bavaria. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 6 h 31 min to complete. This is a popular trail for hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The best times to visit this trail are April through October.
What is the expected weather this week for Rachelhütte - Rachelsee - Grosser Rachel - Steinkopf?
Expected weather for Rachelhütte - Rachelsee - Grosser Rachel - Steinkopf for the next 5 days is:
- Thu, September 24 - 57 degrees/clear
- Fri, September 25 - 65 degrees/clear
- Sat, September 26 - 69 degrees/clear
- Sun, September 27 - 74 degrees/clear
- Mon, September 28 - 76 degrees/clear
Where is Rachelhütte - Rachelsee - Grosser Rachel - Steinkopf located?
Rachelhütte - Rachelsee - Grosser Rachel - Steinkopf is a trail located in Bavarian Forest National Park.
How hard is Rachelhütte - Rachelsee - Grosser Rachel - Steinkopf?
Rachelhütte - Rachelsee - Grosser Rachel - Steinkopf is considered a hard hike that covers 12.5 mi, with an elevation gain of 2,791 ft. It takes about 7–7.5 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 Rachelhütte - Rachelsee - Grosser Rachel - Steinkopf?
Rachelhütte - Rachelsee - Grosser Rachel - Steinkopf is considered a hard hike that covers 12.5 mi, with an elevation gain of 2,791 ft. It takes about 7–7.5 hr to complete. Hard trails usually cover longer distances, and may have long or steep climbs or more difficult obstacles.
Is Rachelhütte - Rachelsee - Grosser Rachel - Steinkopf a loop?
Rachelhütte - Rachelsee - Grosser Rachel - Steinkopf is a loop trail that covers 12.5 mi, with an elevation gain of 2,791 ft. It takes about 7–7.5 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 Rachelhütte - Rachelsee - Grosser Rachel - Steinkopf?
Rachelhütte - Rachelsee - Grosser Rachel - Steinkopf is a loop trail that covers 12.5 mi, with an elevation gain of 2,791 ft. It takes about 7–7.5 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 Rachelhütte - Rachelsee - Grosser Rachel - Steinkopf?
Dogs may be allowed on Rachelhütte - Rachelsee - Grosser Rachel - Steinkopf. Be sure to check regulations before heading out.
When is the best time of year to hike Rachelhütte - Rachelsee - Grosser Rachel - Steinkopf?
April to October is the most popular time of year to visit Rachelhütte - Rachelsee - Grosser Rachel - Steinkopf.
How busy is Rachelhütte - Rachelsee - Grosser Rachel - Steinkopf?
According to trailgoers, Rachelhütte - Rachelsee - Grosser Rachel - Steinkopf is usually somewhat busy. April to October is the most popular time of year to visit Rachelhütte - Rachelsee - Grosser Rachel - Steinkopf.
Are there lakes at Rachelhütte - Rachelsee - Grosser Rachel - Steinkopf?
Yes, Rachelhütte - Rachelsee - Grosser Rachel - Steinkopf is near Rachelsee.
Are there scenic views at Rachelhütte - Rachelsee - Grosser Rachel - Steinkopf?
Yes, Seeblick is located on Rachelhütte - Rachelsee - Grosser Rachel - Steinkopf.
Are there forests at Rachelhütte - Rachelsee - Grosser Rachel - Steinkopf?
Yes, Rachelhütte - Rachelsee - Grosser Rachel - Steinkopf is a forest trail in Bavarian Forest National Park.
Last updated on September 24, 2026 at 3:07 am GMT+0