Excursions in the Bavarian Forest

Welcome to the largest forest landscape in Central Europe! Those spending their vacation in the Bavarian Forest can expect unparalleled moments of tranquility and unique attractions. And that's not all! Adventure seekers will also love the Bavarian Forest, as where else can you find over 10,000 km of cycling and hiking trails to explore?

As you can see, the Bavarian Forest has many specialties for its visitors - including the only untouched primeval forest in Germany. Explore the vast mountainous landscape of the Bavarian Forest and be inspired by one of Germany's most popular destinations.

Area: 6,000 km²

State: Bavaria

Visitors: 1.24 million overnight stays in 2017

Highest mountain: Großer Arber (1,456 meters high)

Largest cities: Straubing, Deggendorf, and Passau

How to get to the Bavarian Forest:

Dense forests, endlessly vast mountain landscapes, and idyllic towns - the Bavarian Forest impresses with both urban highlights and natural wonders.

Culture enthusiasts will love the Oberhaus Museum in Passau, while nature lovers and those seeking relaxation should definitely visit the treetop path in Sankt Englmar.

But the well-known Glass Barn in Rauhbühl also offers every visitor an impressive experience. In short: The Bavarian Forest is bursting with highlights you simply cannot miss.

Not only do large visitors find a place full of highlights in the Bavarian Forest, but smaller visitors do too. No wonder the Bavarian Forest is a very special destination for families. For example, the House on the River features an interactive exhibition and a year-round program for families with children.

If you are looking to attend exciting events in the Bavarian Forest, you are in the right place. Numerous events take place throughout the year, such as:

The Bavarian Forest and its Names Did you know that the Bavarian Forest was not always called that? Around 853 AD, during the times of King Ludwig the German, the mountain was called Nordwald. In the 16th century, the name was changed through numerous traditions to the Bohemian Forest, which developed into what we now call the Bavarian Forest.

Are you in the mood for a short vacation in the Bavarian Forest? Travelcircus gives you a sneak peek at the special sights and attractions that await you.

Welcome to one of the largest castle complexes in Europe! In eight exhibitions, you will take a tour through the history of the city of Passau and the region. Here you will find over 4,000 m² of information about Passau in the Middle Ages and the development of the Bavarian Forest, once known as the Bohemian Forest.

The highlight of the museum is the observation plateau, which not only offers an unparalleled view of the city of Passau but also the confluence of the three rivers Danube, Ilz, and Inn, which are distinct in color.

Address: Oberhaus 125, 94034 Passau

Opening hours: March 15 - December 23 Monday to Friday 9 AM - 5 PM Saturday, Sunday & holidays 10 AM - 6 PM

December 25, 2019 - January 6, 2020 Daily 10 AM - 4 PM Closed on December 24 and 31.

Want to experience the forest differently? How about a view from above? On the Treetop Path, you can enjoy incomparable views from 30 m high. Whether you are planning a trip with your family or exploring the heights of the Bavarian Forest on your own, everyone will find something to enjoy here. An observation platform allows you to view the famous Danube Valley all the way to the Alps.

Address: Maibrunn 9a, 94379 Sankt Englmar

Opening hours:

February / March / October: 9 AM - 5 PM April to September: 9 AM - 7 PM November to January: 9 AM - 4 PM

Get more information here about this destination.

The perfect destination for the entire family is the House on the River. Here every visitor finds the perfect experience. The House on the River is not just the environmental station of the Passau district, but also offers an interactive exhibition for children where they can explore nature playfully.

But that's not all! The House on the River also delights with a 3.5 km adventure path featuring a bee hotel, millstone, and graphite station. Fun, games, and adventure for the whole family!

Address: Am Kraftwerk 4, 94107 Untergriesbach

Opening hours: May 1 - September 16: daily 9 AM - 6 PM September 17 - April 30: Tuesday to Sunday: 10 AM - 5 PM

For every art lover, the Glass Barn in Rauhbühl is the perfect destination. Here you will find impressive stained glass artworks, sculptures of all kinds, and numerous other glass objects. The building was opened by artist Rudolf Schmid in 1980. Since then, various themed glass exhibits have continually amazed visitors. From stained glass related to the famous outlaw Heigl to that of Saint Francis - there is no limit to the variety here.

Address: Rauhbühl 3, 94234 Viechtach Opening hours: Monday - Sunday: 10 AM - 4 PM

Culinary enthusiasts should not miss the well-known Liebl distillery in Bad Kötzting. This small but fine family-run business has been in operation since 1970 and produces numerous specialties like Bärwurz and Höllensteiner. Since 2006, visitors can also taste delicious whiskey at the distillery.

Address: Jahnstraße 11-15, 93444 Bad Kötzting

Opening hours: January - April Monday - Friday: 9 AM - 6 PM, Saturdays: 9 AM - 1 PM May - October Monday - Friday: 9 AM - 6 PM, Saturdays: 9 AM - 4 PM November/December Monday - Friday: 9 AM - 6 PM, Saturdays: 9 AM - 1 PM (on the four Advent Saturdays until 4 PM)

If you want to go on an underground discovery tour, you should visit the Kropfmühl Graphite Mine. This is the only graphite mine that not only offers underground tours but has also housed a graphite museum since 2016. Here you will experience 350 m² of all the fascinating facts around mining and the raw material graphite.

Address: Langheinrichstraße 1, 94051 Hauzenberg

Opening hours: April / May / June Wednesday - Sunday: 10:30 AM - 4:30 PM July / August / September Tuesday - Sunday: 10:30 AM - 4:30 PM October / November Wednesday - Sunday: 10:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Discover one of our TOP destinations, the Granite Center in the Bavarian Forest! Here sustainable uses for the application of regional natural stone are of utmost importance! Especially the ancient stone walls immediately captivate you, giving you an impression of the former Liberation Hall in Kelheim.

Perfect selfie spot: The massive sign 'GRANITE' right at the entrance of the facility is simply ideal for a quick snapshot to share with friends back home.

A special highlight is a visit during the Christmas season, when the superb architecture of the building turns into a festive beauty. Snag unique craftsmanship for your loved ones or treat yourself to culinary delights at the Christmas market in Stoabruch.

Address: Passauer Str. 11, 94051 Hauzenberg

Opening hours: January to April, daily 10 AM - 4 PM, last entry at 3 PM May to October, daily 10 AM - 6 PM, last entry at 5 PM daily from 2 PM to 8 PM