The largest forest landscape in Central Europe awaits your visit. A vacation in the Bavarian Forest, one of Germany's most beautiful natural landscapes, is an experience for young and old alike. This popular mountain range stretches between Bavaria and the Czech Republic over an area of 6,000 km². Travelcircus travel experts have been exploring the Bavarian Forest and have compiled the highlights of this region. The impressive natural landscape, the variety of excursion destinations, and numerous attractions offer optimal conditions for a short vacation in the Bavarian Forest.
Due to the multitude of recreational opportunities, it's not easy to create a list of the top attractions. With our selection, we aim to assist you in making your decision. It's already clear, however: hikers and wellness enthusiasts will definitely find everything they need for a great vacation in the Bavarian Forest.
Key Facts
In the Bavarian Forest, you're in the right place if you enjoy being active on vacation or if you're looking for relaxation. You definitely shouldn't miss the Bavarian Forest National Park, the oldest national park in Germany, which is perfect for a vacation with your dog or a holiday with the whole family. Here are the key facts about the Bavarian Forest:
- The Bavarian Forest, also known as Bayerwald, stretches 100 kilometers between Lower Bavaria and the Czech border.
- The majority of this fascinating forest area is located in Lower Bavaria.
- The Bavarian Forest and its associated national park is the top destination for hikers in Germany - thanks to more than 320 km of well-marked hiking trails and viewpoints showcasing the beauty of the region - pure enjoyment for the eyes!
- In total, more than 130 mountains rise up to 1,000 meters high in the sky above the 'Green Roof of Europe', as the Bavarian Forest is also affectionately called.
- Be sure to marvel at the 'King of the Bavarian Forest' - the Großer Arber is the largest mountain in the region, standing at 1,456 meters tall.
Sights and Popular Destinations
The Bavarian Forest offers a wealth of sights and excursion opportunities. A vacation in the Bavarian Forest promises variety and will never be boring. Whether you take hikes amidst picturesque landscapes, relax in a wellness hotel, or enjoy fun and adventure with the whole family - almost anything is possible in the Bavarian Forest. Here's what you can discover during your vacation in the Bavarian Forest:
- Nature: Absolutely unique - stunning landscapes as far as the eye can see. Throughout the Bavarian Forest, you'll find a colorful mix of hiking trails and ski resorts nestled in beautiful mountain panoramas and amidst the finest river and lake landscapes. Covering 6,000 m², the Bavarian Forest is the largest forest area in Central Europe. The Bavarian Forest National Park is at the heart of the 'Green Roof of Europe'. Explore the diverse flora and fauna of the region through extensive walks in the charming nature reserves.
- Active Exploration: The Bavarian Forest is a true paradise for hiking and cycling enthusiasts. Well-marked and diverse hiking and biking routes spanning over 10,000 kilometers invite you to embark on a sporty outing through the Bavarian Forest. Discover breathtaking landscapes and the finest attractions in the region. Even in winter, you can enjoy the magnificent winter scenery. For endless snow fun, there are around 2,000 kilometers of cross-country skiing trails - go skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, or tobogganing and snowkiting. The ski area at Großer Arber is considered the most family-friendly of its kind in all of Germany. So let's go!
- Family Vacation: The Bavarian Forest is not just an adventure for adults. There's plenty for the little ones to explore too. Summer tobogganing at EGIDI-Buckel in Sankt Englmar offers thrills, and in Bodenmais you can witness the magic of glass-making at JOSKA's Glass Paradise. In the spectacular Western town Pullman City, everyone can step back into the history of the Wild West and feel like a cowboy or Native American. Kids can spend their vacations in Bavaria also playfully exploring, discovering, and having fun at the Bayerwald Xperium hands-on museum and at the adventure world Flederwisch.
- The longest summer toboggan run in the Bavarian Forest: The summer toboggan run in Grafenau is the longest and most spectacular in the Bavarian Forest at 1,250 meters downhill, with 4 spirals making it unique in Germany. Learn more about the Grafenau toboggan run here: http://www.sommerrodelbahn-grafenau.de/
- For Animal Lovers: The Bayerwald Animal Park Lohberg is home to local wildlife from the Bavarian-Czech border region with 400 animals representing 100 species. The naturally designed enclosures seamlessly integrate into preserved forest areas with old trees and streams. Visit lynxes, wolves, moose, reindeer, wildcats, otters, capercaillies, owls, woodpeckers, and much more. Young visitors are especially fascinated by the petting zoo and the new playground. Find out more about the Bayerwald Animal Park here: https://www.bayerwald-tierpark.de/
- For Peace Seekers: Wellness made easy in the Bavarian Forest. There are 18 air spa resorts and more than 60 4-star hotels. Many hotels are focused on providing intensive breaks from everyday life and ensure a relaxing stay. In the thermal and spa baths of the region, you can also indulge yourself completely. Breathe deeply and return home healthy and fit after your vacation in the Bavarian Forest. A holiday on a farm is also a combination of leisure and adventure. The rural surroundings, fresh air, and high-quality organic nutrition create perfect conditions for a holistic and healthy vacation in the Bavarian Forest.
- Cultural Program: In the Bavarian Forest, you can experience pure history and tradition. Numerous museums, galleries, churches, castles, and palaces are waiting to be explored. When it comes to tradition and customs, one thing cannot be missing on a vacation in the Bavarian Forest: folk festivals! All year round, there's a vibrant event program that attracts visitors from near and far every year. A thrilling adventure is also the craft of glass-making, one of the oldest crafts in the Bavarian Forest. To learn more about the history of glassmaking, a visit to the Glass Road, the most significant glass region in Germany, is recommended.
Top Excursion Destinations in the Bavarian Forest
The following top destinations received the Travelcircus recommendation seal in 2017:
Welcome to the most visited spa resort in the Bavarian Forest! The former mining town has transformed into a popular vacation paradise over the years. It not only attracts visitors with its long history.
The following attractions and sights await you in Bodenmais:
- The location in the heart of the Bavarian Forest with views of the Großer Arber and the Alps
- The Silberberg, named after the silver mines that were previously located here
- 14 different species of bats that roost here in winter
- The historical visitor mine at Silberberg
- Fresh air and wellness offerings in the health-resort climate zone
- The old town hall with special exhibitions about the history of mining
- Several glassblowing studios, including the famous Joska Glassblowing Studio
- Numerous hiking and biking trails around the Großer Arber and to the most beautiful regions of the Bavarian Forest
For more information about the vacation idyll Bodenmais, visit http://www.bodenmais.de/[/agg_accordion_item]
Welcome to the Dragon-stitch city Furth im Wald! In this traditional city, you can expect cultural highlights, picturesque landscapes, and numerous museums. At every corner, you'll also encounter the long-standing tradition of the place: the Further Dragon stitch.
In addition, here in the Bavarian Forest, you can expect:
- The oldest folk play in Germany, 'Drachenstich', first mentioned in 1590 and still attracts numerous visitors to the city today
- The Dragon Cave, where the world's largest four-legged walking robot can be visited
- Numerous museums that also deal with the mythology of dragons
- The historical hammer forge located right at the Czech border
- A reservoir covering 175 hectares, also called Dragon Lake
- The Further Rock Paths, which are visitable during the summer months
- The picturesque old town
For more information about Furth im Wald, visit http://www.furth.de/
Let's go to the Bear City in southern Germany! Discover the diverse nature in the Bavarian Forest, the extensive wellness offerings of the spa resort, and the many leisure opportunities.
In the heart of the Bavarian Forest, you can also expect:
- the BÄREAL, a newly created spa & adventure park that attracts visitors with year-round programs
- the traditional folk festival, which begins on the first Friday in July
- the annual pack horse festival on the first weekend in August
- only a few kilometers distance from the Bavarian Forest National Park with bear cubs and wildcat offspring in the animal-free area
- the spectacular summer toboggan run with four monster spirals in the Bavarian Forest
- the wave pool BÄRENWELLE with mega slides, wave pool, sports pool, two children's pools, and much more
- the oldest town in the Bavarian Forest
For more information about Grafenau, visit http://www.grafenau.de/
The charm of the Bavarian Forest is also experienced in Rötz in the Upper Palatinate. Discover picturesque landscapes, culture, and traditional festivals in the heart of this beloved vacation region.
The great diversity of Rötz includes...
- the annual festival 'Fairy Tale Time for Young and Old' at Schwarzenburg Castle, including fairy tales by the Brothers Grimm and the Augsburg Puppet Theater
- the landmark of the city, Schwarzenburg itself
- the Rötz Heritage Festival, which attracts visitors from all over Germany in May
- the tranquility of the state-recognized health resort
- a wide network of hiking and cycling trails
- pure culture during the Rötz Cultural Festival at Fürstenkasten
For more information, visit http://www.roetz.de/
Welcome to Bogen! At the foot of the Bavarian Forest, you'll discover picturesque mountain landscapes and a town square lined with civic houses. All around, hiking trails lead along Bogenberg and to other attractions. Here's a small selection of attractions and events in Bogen.
What you can also experience includes:
- Gable houses and baroque churches in the old town of Bogen
- Bavarian traditions in its purest form: numerous city and cultural festivals throughout the year
- The Nepomuk Bridge over Bogenbach
- The recreational area Europapark Bayern-Böhmen
- The pilgrimage church of the Assumption of Mary
- The parish church St. Florian, adorned with late Gothic frescoes
- The Danube with its picturesque meadows and river landscapes
Want to know more about the quaint Bogen? Here you can find further information: http://www.bogen.de/
Let's go to the vacation region Lamer Winkel in the Bavarian Forest! Vacationers encounter picturesque landscapes and historic town centers in the three towns of Arrach, Lam, and Lohberg. Enjoy the tranquility of the spa town of Lam and discover countless attractions in and around Arrach and Lohberg. Here's what you can also experience:
- The Bavarian Forest Animal Park in Lohberg
- The historical silver and fluorspar mine Fürstenzeche
- The Lambach Ghost and Fairy Tale Castle
- The glassworks 'Old Church'
- The 'Little Arber Lake' with its floating islands
- The Bayerischer Wald Art Gallery in the Schwarzauer House
- The natural backdrop, interrupted only by streams and rivers
- The Bayerwald Skywalk in Arrach with a view of Zellertal
- Annual festivities in Lam, which is one of the most visited villages in the Bavarian Forest
Want to know more about the quaint Lamer Winkel? Here you can find further information: http://www.lamer-winkel.bayern/
Top Vacation Region for Young and Old
High mountains, quiet valleys, mysterious forests, colorful meadows, and clear lakes - that is nature in the 'Bavarian Forest - at the top'. Between Gibacht (934 m), Cerchov (1,042 m), and Hohenbogen (1,079 m), nature shows many faces: switch off, enjoy the peace, and rejuvenate. Wander through nature with open eyes - alone or guided by professionals - discover new things and experience nature with all your senses.
Families will find what they need in the 'Bavarian Forest at the top'. Our many nature experience offerings are just right for little explorers. With our educational trails, the family can explore the forest and nature together, and participate in the activities of the children's holiday program for exciting days. In our region, there are not only many opportunities for families around the dragon, but also the Kingfisher Trail, the Wild Garden, the recreation centers in Althütte and Hohenbogen (tubing track, toboggan run, grass karting) and the beautiful swimming lakes (Dragon Lake, Silver Lake, Eixendorfer Lake, Pearl Lake) offer fun for all ages.
In the newly opened AQUA-Fit adventure pool, with a separate children's area and a 60 m long slide, a visit to the swimming pool becomes a great adventure for little guests. Parents can wonderfully relax in the sauna area and the brine pool. There are also plenty of cultural offerings in 'Bavarian Forest at the top', such as the festival summer (Drachenstich, Guttensteiner, Trenck der Pandur), fairy tale performances, culture in the castle, or the numerous museums in the region. For more information for a trip to this vacation region, visit www.bayerischer-wald-ganz-oben.de
Events
In addition to natural landscapes, impressive mountain panoramas, and recreational paradises, the Bavarian Forest also hosts a variety of events that you can attend. Year-round, experiential tours and special sports events are offered in our top vacation destination.
- Raising of the Maypole: This tradition is still practiced across the entire Bavarian Forest - from Bodenmais to Frauenau. In Riedlhütte, a glass version is erected every year on May 1st.
- Flederwirsch Adventure World: Have fun exploring the Flederwirsch Adventure World in Furth im Wald. Immerse yourself in mystical worlds, discover mysterious gardens, and experience the largest steam engine in Bavaria. More information about the adventurous offerings of the adventure world can be found here: http://www.flederwisch.de/
- Ultramarathon on the Goldsteig: On September 23rd, Europe's longest ultramarathon along the popular hiking trail will take place for the third time.
- Steam Beer in Bavaria: Numerous events are held in Bavaria for the 500th anniversary of the purity law. Don't miss the 1st steam beer brewery in Zwiesel, which has been brewing the top-fermented cult beer since 1889. More information about the brewery can be found here: http://www.dampfbier.de/dampfbier.html
- Canopy Walk in Bavarian Forest National Park: Discover one of the longest and most impressive canopy walks in the world and experience the Bavarian Forest from heights of up to 25 meters and from the 44-meter high observation tower. More information about the diverse offerings for young and old and particularities of the canopy walk in Neuschönau can be found here: http://www.baumwipfelpfad.bayern/bayerischer-wald/
- Historical Visitor Mine: An important part of Bodenmais's history is the mine at Silberberg, which is now open to visitors. Immerse yourself in the world of mining and walk through the 600-meter-long Barbara Tunnel. More information about the attraction in Bodenmais can be found at http://www.silberberg-online.de/.
Staying in the Bavarian Forest
A vacation in the Bavarian Forest means primarily scenic and cultural diversity. Whether a short vacation with best friends, a family holiday with kids, or a vacation with your dog - you will find a range of suitable accommodation options in the Bavarian Forest. For the most beautiful time of the year, luxurious wellness temples, family-friendly hotels, romantic mountain cabins, or adventurous farms are available in summer and winter.
Hotels in the Bavarian Forest: You will definitely find the right hotel in the Bavarian Forest. At the wellness hotels in the region, you can be pampered from head to toe and recharge your batteries for everyday life. In family-friendly hotels, you can experience fun and excitement with your entire family, and in mountain chalets, you can enjoy intimacy. The charm of the Bavarian Forest is reflected in every hotel. After extensive hiking, skiing, or cycling trips in the Bavarian Forest, you can unwind in the hotel and completely relax.
Vacation Rentals and Holiday Homes in the Bavarian Forest: For a bit more individuality, consider vacation rentals or holiday homes. This type of accommodation is particularly suitable for families with children or for a holiday with a dog. Vacation rentals in the Bavarian Forest and around the Bavarian Forest National Park are becoming increasingly popular. Rentals in Bodenmais, Zwiesel, Bayerisch Eisenstein, or Freyung are among the favorites. Most vacation rentals boast idyllic locations near forest areas or lakes, providing ample space for children to play and numerous opportunities for relaxation for adults.
Farm Stay: A special experience for the little ones is a vacation on a farm in the Bavarian Forest. Also, on a farm, you won't have to compromise on comfort. At the many child-friendly and family-friendly farms in the Bavarian Forest, you'll find excellent accommodations for your vacation. Get to know rural and farm life better, relax in the beautiful nature, and get active by petting and feeding the animals. Additionally, many farms now offer health and wellness services, ensuring you can also take a welcome break from everyday life. A vacation on a farm in the beautiful forest and natural landscape of the Bavarian Forest will stay in your memory for a long time.
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Map
"(Almost) all roads lead to the Bavarian Forest.
Getting there from Munich to the Bavarian Forest: Drive by car from Munich via the A92 via Straubing or Regensburg, taking about 2 hours. By train, you should plan for about 3 hours.
Getting there from Berlin to Regensburg: If you want to explore the Bavarian Forest from Berlin, you'll need about 5 hours by train and also by car if you take the A9.