Bavarian Forest

German wilderness with lots of wildlife

The Bavarian Forest in the south of Germany is a wonderful place to discover. A perfect spot to hike for days, but you can also go out for a day. There are numerous marked hiking trails.

The mighty Bavarian Forest was in 1970 Germany's first national park. This is a wonderful hiking spot where humans do not intervene. It can be visited in any season, although spring is extra beautiful. With various flowers and plants in full bloom colouring the forest floor.

When you walk in the forests you notice that this is still nice and rough. With lots of animals that thrive. In German this immense nature reserve is called National Park Bayerischer Wald.


A view of the Bavarian Forest.

The protected area is about 240 km². The Regen river flows through the park. It consists of the Weisser Regen and Schwarzer Regen, which together flow to the city of Regensburg. These are the most beautiful sights for your visit. I have also added some nice excursions.

Hans-Eisenmann-Haus Visitor Centre

The Hans-Eisenmann-Haus Visitor Centre is a perfect starting point to get your bearings. Ask information about the nature reserve, with lots of tips for hiking and other tours to do. Including guided tours with a park ranger. This visitor centre is located in Neuschönau.

Baumwipfelpfad Bavarian Forest

The tower of the Baumwipfelpfad Bavarian Forest.

The Baumwipfelpfad, as the Germans call it, is a wooden tree-top walkway 8-25m above the Bavarian Forest. It has 6 learning stations & breathtaking views. You walk until you reach the treeline. This viewpoint can be found at Neuschönau.

Falkenstein National Park Centre

The Falkenstein National Park Centre is for those who want to learn about nature, ecology and wildlife of the park. This visitor centre can be found in Lindberg.

Wildlife of the Bavarian Forest

Wolves in the Bavarian Forest.

In this wilderness you can encounter animals such as wolf, but also brown bear and European lynx. You also have a chance to see capercaillie, peregrine falcon, European wild cat, black stork, Eurasian eagle owl and European otter.

Lusen National Park Centre

In Lusen National Park Centre you can see which animals live in the Bavarian Forest. In spacious pens you can view the animals on a seven kilometers long path. The zoo is located at Neuschönau.

Großer Arber

The peak of Großer Arber in the Bavarian Forest.

Großer Arber is the highest peak at 1,456 meters. You can climb this, although it is more walking. You automatically walk above the tree line, which provides a beautiful view. Especially early in the morning and in the afternoon it is beautiful.

Großer Arbersee

Do not forget the Großer Arbersee, which lies to the south of the mountain. This lake is beautifully situated in the woods with several streams that feed it. This is a wonderful walking area. You will also find a so-called Waltkugelbahn. You can buy a bullet from a machine and let it roll on the wooden ball track in the forest.

The beauty of the Großer Arbersee.

Finsterau Open Air Museum

The past of the Bavarian Forest becomes visible in the Finsterau Open Air Museum. You can see how the farmers have lived in the forests for centuries. And how, among other things, sustainable wood is extracted from the forest.

Along the border with the Czech Republic

The Bavarian Forest roughly runs from Regensburg to Passau. This immense nature reserve runs along the border with the Czech Republic. On the Czech side is the Šumava National Park, where wildlife can cross without any problems.

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