Exploring Bavaria's Forest: A Natural Paradise

The Bavarian Forest National Park is Germany's first and largest national park, located on the southeastern border of Germany, running alongside the Czech Republic. Covering 93.50 square miles (242.2 sq km) of dense forest, the park features three key peaks: GroBer Rachel, Lusen, and GroBer Falkenstein. The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including lynx, bears, wolves, deer, European bison, beavers, and otters. Visitors can explore the park through hiking trails, cycling paths, skiing trails, and even geocaching. The park also offers a tree-top walk, mirror lakes, and sports opportunities. With its untouched wilderness, breathtaking landscapes, and abundant wildlife, the Bavarian Forest National Park is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts.

Peaks: Lusen, Großer Rachel, and Großer Falkenstein

The Bavarian Forest National Park features three key peaks: Lusen, Großer Rachel, and Großer Falkenstein. Lusen, at 4,505 feet (or about 1,373 metres), is the second-highest peak in the park. It is accessible via a 1,300-metre treetop walk, which offers a unique perspective of the forest from up to 44 metres above the forest floor. The peak is also home to the Lusen National Park Centre, which features the Hans-Eisenmann-Haus, a permanent exhibition that offers insights into the secrets of the park.

Großer Rachel, the highest peak in the park, stands at 4,767 feet (or about 1,453 metres) above sea level. It is the second-highest summit in the Bavarian Forest and Bohemian Forest, after the Großer Arber. The summit boasts a panoramic view, extending from the Osser and Arber to the northwest, to the Dreisesselberg to the southeast. On clear days, the Alps can be seen from the Totes Gebirge to the Zugspitze. A wooden cross and a mountain rescue hut stand on the rocky peak. The shortest route to the summit is a 1.5-hour hike from the Gfäll car park.

Großer Falkenstein is the third prominent peak in the Bavarian Forest National Park, reaching 4,281 feet (or about 1,305 metres) in height. The peak is located in the northwest of the park and is a part of the main ridge of the Bavarian Forest. The park's Falkenstein National Park Centre is also named after this peak.

Wildlife: lynx, bear, wolf, deer, European bison, beaver, otter, eagle owl, Ural owl, and wood grouse

The Bavarian Forest National Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including the following species:

Lynx

The Eurasian lynx, also known as the Eurasian bobtail, is the largest cat species on the continent. Once extinct in the region due to human persecution, the lynx was reintroduced to the Bavarian Forest National Park in the 1970s and 1980s through release projects. They are now native to the forest again, along with other primary predators.

Bear

Although brown bears are not found in the wild in the park, they are one of the primary predators that call the Bavarian Forest home.

Wolf

Wolves are another key predator species in the park. After their initial eradication, a pair of wolves was discovered in the park in 2016, marking their return to the region.

Deer

The red deer is the largest mammal in Central Europe and roams freely throughout the Bavarian Forest National Park. Two-thirds of the red deer population in the park overwinter in an enclosure to prevent excessive grazing.

European Bison

Also known as wisent, European bison can be found in the Tierfreigelände, a sprawling animal enclosure that resembles their natural habitat. Visitors can observe these majestic creatures as they freely go about their lives.

Beaver

Beavers are another species that has returned to the Bavarian Forest. They play a role in shaping the landscape by building dams and lodges in the park's waterways.

Otter

Otters, along with beavers, are mammals that inhabit the Bavarian Forest National Park. They are known for their playful nature and sleek, aquatic adaptations.

Eagle Owl and Ural Owl

The Ural owl was previously absent from the region but has since been successfully reintroduced through a resettlement project. The eagle owl, on the other hand, is not mentioned in the sources provided.

Wood Grouse

The wood grouse, also known as the capercaillie, is the region's most characteristic bird. This endangered species is quite rare in Germany, and its population in the Bavarian Forest decreased during the 20th century. Stringent protective measures, especially path regulations, have helped to support its recovery.

Trails: Baumwipfeldpfad Bayrischer Wald Trail, Baumwipfeldpfad und Tier-Freigelande, Entlang des Schmalzbachs zum Schwellhausl Trail

The Bavarian Forest National Park, known as Bayerischer Wald by locals, is located in the highlands between the Danube River and the Bohemian Forest, along Germany's southeastern border with the Czech Republic. The park features a dense forest of spruce trees, European silver fir, European beech, Norway spruce, mixed mountain forest, highland forests, and water meadow spruce woods. It is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including lynx, bears, wolves, deer, European bison, beavers, and otters. The park offers a serene escape into nature with rolling hills, forests, and valleys, attracting visitors who enjoy driving through, hiking, and exploring its wilderness.

Trails in the Bavarian Forest National Park:

Baumwipfeldpfad Bayrischer Wald Trail

This is an easy trail that extends 1.2 miles (1.9 km) into the forest before returning via the same route. With a modest elevation change of 167 feet (50.9 m), this trail offers a straightforward yet rewarding way to immerse yourself in the forested landscape of the Bavarian Forest National Park.

Baumwipfeldpfad und Tier-Freigelande

This trail is designed to be accessible to all, including wheelchair users. At 6.1 miles (9.8 km), it is a lengthy but manageable loop that provides an excellent opportunity to explore the Bavarian Forest. Keep your eyes peeled for glimpses of the local wildlife as you make your way along this trail.

Entlang des Schmalzbachs zum Schwellhausl Trail

This 6.7-mile (10.8 km) loop trail takes hikers through the heart of the forest and along one of the rivers within the park. With an elevation gain of 1,007 feet (306.9 m), it is rated as a moderate trail. As you traverse this path, you'll be treated to the sights and sounds of the lush forest and the gentle flow of the river.

These trails offer a unique perspective on the Bavarian Forest National Park, allowing visitors to connect with nature, observe wildlife, and appreciate the serene beauty of this protected area.

Lakes: Großer Arbersee, Kleiner Arbersee, and Rachelsee

The Bavarian Forest National Park is home to three stunning lakes: Großer Arbersee, Kleiner Arbersee, and Rachelsee. Each lake offers a unique experience and is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.

Großer Arbersee, also known as "The Pearl of the Bavarian Forest", is a lake nestled in the heart of the park. It is a remnant of the Ice Age, surrounded by dense primeval forest and towering peaks. Visitors can enjoy a well-marked 1.6-kilometre circular trail that takes them through the impressive flora and fauna of the area. The lake is also known for its crystal-clear waters, which are perfect for birdwatching and boating. The Arberseehaus, a guesthouse with a stunning view of the lake, invites visitors to take a cozy break and enjoy the natural surroundings.

Kleiner Arbersee, or "Little Arbersee", is another lake in the park that is worth visiting. While smaller than its namesake, Kleiner Arbersee offers a unique experience with its floating islands and serene atmosphere. The lake is surrounded by lush nature and provides a peaceful escape for those seeking tranquility.

Rachelsee, also known as the "Devil's Lake", is steeped in local myths and legends. Nestled deep within the forest at an altitude of 1,071 meters (3,514 feet), this crystal-clear mirror lake is believed to be named after the devil's grandmother, Rachel. The lake is said to be shrouded in darkness, with stories of an evil woman who was the last to sail on its waters. Rachelsee offers a breathtaking landscape and a glimpse into the mysterious side of the Bavarian Forest.

These lakes are just a small part of what the Bavarian Forest National Park has to offer. With its majestic peaks, extensive hiking trails, and abundant wildlife, the park is a nature lover's paradise and a must-visit destination in Germany.

Activities: hiking, cycling, skiing, geocaching, and paragliding

The Bavarian Forest National Park offers a plethora of outdoor activities for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. With its stunning landscape, majestic peaks, and abundant wildlife, the park provides the perfect backdrop for hiking, cycling, skiing, geocaching, and paragliding.

Hiking is one of the most popular activities in the park, with approximately 300 km (186 miles) of well-marked trails. These trails wind through dense forests, past gurgling streams, and under thick canopies, offering hikers a chance to immerse themselves in nature. The trails range from easy to expert levels, with the expert trails requiring very good fitness, sure-footedness, sturdy shoes, and alpine experience. Some of the notable hiking trails include the Lusen via Teufelsloch and Himmelsleiter, the Nationalpark compact – Tour through the animal free-range area, and the trail to the peak of GroBer Rachel, the highest peak in the park.

Cycling is another fantastic way to explore the Bavarian Forest National Park, with over 200 km of clearly marked and well-maintained cycling paths. Cyclists can enjoy the tourist highlights of the forest and venture into more isolated regions along the 200-km-long biking trail that connects the park with the Šumava National Park in the Czech Republic. It's important to note that mountain biking tours that go directly through the core area of the park are strictly prohibited to preserve the natural environment.

During the winter months, the Bavarian Forest National Park transforms into a winter wonderland, offering opportunities for cross-country skiing, tobogganing, snowshoeing, and other winter sports. The park boasts approximately 80 kilometers of cross-country ski trails, with Finsterau and Zwieslerwaldhaus considered the centers of this Nordic sport.

For those seeking a more adventurous activity, paragliding is a thrilling option. Bavaria's mountains offer some of the best launch sites in the Alps, and the lightweight equipment makes it easy to carry uphill. The Wallberg, for example, is known as one of the best flying mountains in the Alps, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Geocaching is another popular activity in the park, a modern-day treasure hunt that uses a hand-held GPS device to locate hidden caches in the woods. It's a fun way for people of all ages to bond with nature while also providing a sense of adventure and exploration.

Frequently asked questions