Bavarian Forest: All destinations, advice & information for your holidays!

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Bavarian Forest

The Bavarian Forest entices with vast forests that stretch over gentle hilltops and magnificent mountain ridges, featuring numerous small mountain lakes. The region is a paradise for hikers and nature lovers, offering plenty of cultural and sporting opportunities, from wild mountain biking to relaxing wellness.

Table of contents

Bavarian Forest - The most beautiful cities
Bavarian Forest - 4 most beautiful natural sights
Bavarian Forest - Climate

Bavarian Forest - The most beautiful cities

Passau

On the left bank of the Danube rises the Veste Oberhaus. The castle, perched on the Georgsberg from the 13th century, now houses a museum that deals with the city's history. The permanent exhibitions include collections of Passau porcelain and exhibits from the Middle Ages. In St. Stephen's Cathedral in Passau's old town, you can admire the world's largest cathedral organ with 229 registers and almost 18,000 pipes. It is more sophisticated on the Inn promenade, where numerous cafés entice. Ludwigsstraße, together with its side streets, forms the pedestrian zone where most of Passau's shops are located.

Lohberg

The Schwarzauer House presents old glass art, paintings, ceramics, and sculptures of the region. Families will love the Bayerwald Zoo with its moose, bison, wolves, eagle owls, and vultures. Start at the zoo with the Little Arber Lake Railway to the lake of the same name, located over 900 meters high. A hike around this natural gem is an impressive experience. A few kilometers from Lohberg is the valley station of the Arber cable car. From the summit of the 1,456-meter-high Great Arber, you can enjoy a magnificent view up to the Bohemian Forest and, in suitable weather, up to the Alps. In summer, the natural swimming pool Huber Weiher with a large sunbathing lawn offers relaxation for young and old.

Sankt Englmar

Several hiking and cycling routes lead around Sankt Englmar, which can be quickly reached from the town center. Around the turn of the year, you have opportunities for skiing and snowboarding as well as cross-country skiing and tobogganing in the Bavarian Forest. A highlight is the 50 km of cleared and groomed winter hiking trails. In addition to the many local recreation areas, Sankt Englmar also offers some cultural highlights. For example, visit the late Gothic parish church from the 17th century or take a look at the St. Leonhard Chapel, which dates back to the late Middle Ages. A summer toboggan run also promises unforgettable moments.

Falkenstein

Among the numerous churches in Falkenstein, the parish church of St. Sebastian stands out. It dates back to a building from the 17th century. The landmark of the place is the medieval Falkenstein Castle on a granite cone amidst a primeval rock park. From the keep of the fortress, you have magnificent views up to the Great Arber. Falkenstein Castle houses an interesting hunting museum with trophies and weapons. The annual cultural highlight of the region is the castle courtyard games from June to August in the courtyard. Families find relaxation and fun in the adventure outdoor pool with a great water slide and large sunbathing lawn. In winter, well-prepared cross-country ski trails lead through snowy meadows and forests around Falkenstein.

Deggendorf

Gourmets take note, Deggendorf is one of 100 culinary destinations in Bavaria. The city is famous for its dumpling variations. The Knödelwerferin fountain commemorates the legend that the mayor's wife in the 13th century drove away enemy troops by throwing dumplings at them. Located on the Danube, Deggendorf offers numerous green oases: Stroll through the Danube Park, from where boats depart for excursions. Enjoy a magnificent view of the river and the city during a hike through the city forest. A Kneipp pool and the romantic pilgrimage church Geiersberg invite you to take a break.

Drachselsried

If you feel like cooling off in the summer, the Zelltertal natural pool near Drachselsried is ideal. With free admission, you can use the swimming pool, sunbathing lawns, and the beach volleyball court. For hikes, the Hochfall Tour to the second-largest waterfall in the Bavarian Forest is recommended. You can combine culture and sports on the Zellertal Sculpture Cycling Path. Drachselsried has a lot to offer for winter vacations. On the ski slope at Riedlberg, you will always find the best slope conditions thanks to modern snowmaking systems. The Frath/Drachselsried cross-country skiing center is an ideal spot for Nordic sports. There are new trails available in various levels of difficulty. A highlight is the scenic Auerhahn high-altitude trail.

Viechtach

Embark on an exciting journey through Earth's history at the Viechtach Crystal Museum with its over 1,000 fascinating minerals. Visitors travel to the recent past in the Nostalgia House. Impressive rarities remind of the good old days. The Glass Barn presents fascinating glass artworks. Families find relaxation and fun at the outdoor pool with a water slide. A hike up the local mountain Kronberg is rewarded with a great view over the idyllic Regen Valley. Beautiful hiking trails also wind around the rock monument and landmark of Viechtach, the "Great Pfahl" – a unique quartz reef. Or glide in a canoe on the Black Rain through the primeval nature of "Bavarian Canada."

Bodenmais

In the center of Bodenmais, you can rent a holiday home and enjoy the charm of the Bavarian town on the Regen. Baroque-inspired architecture and the many glassblowing workshops invite you to a cultural program. The company Joska is particularly popular. In the Old Town Hall, there is an exhibition on mining. If you want to learn more about the extraction of precious metals in the Bavarian Forest, the visitor mine at Silberberg is a must-see. The rock also contains therapeutic tunnels that clear the airways. Another highlight is the Vitriolhütte, which is also located here.

Bavarian Forest - 4 most beautiful natural sights

Germany - Bavarian Forest Kleiner Arbersee

Bavarian Forest National Park

The Bavarian Forest National Park is a true paradise for nature lovers. With its untouched wilderness and breathtaking landscapes, it offers a unique experience. Here you can admire the majestic forests, crystal-clear lakes, and impressive mountain peaks. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including lynxes, deer, and numerous bird species. It also offers a variety of outdoor activities, from hiking and cycling to skiing and snowshoeing in winter. The Bavarian Forest National Park is not only a place of beauty but also a place of peace and relaxation. It invites you to forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life and connect with nature.

Hochfall in Bodenmais

Immerse yourself in the untouched beauty of the Bavarian Forest and discover the Hochfall in Bodenmais. This breathtaking waterfall, majestically winding through the dense forests, is a true natural wonder. Its roaring water cascading over the rocks creates an atmosphere of tranquility and grandeur. The sight of the Hochfall, rising amidst the lush green landscape, is an unforgettable experience. Experience the power of nature up close and let yourself be enchanted by the beauty of this unique place. The Hochfall in Bodenmais is more than just a waterfall - it is a symbol of the untouched beauty and wild power of nature.

Light

The Lusen, a majestic peak in the heart of the Bavarian Forest, is a true natural paradise. With its impressive height of 1,373 meters, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of the untouched wilderness. The ascent is an adventure in itself, with paths leading through dense forests and over rocky slopes. Once at the top, you are greeted by a unique flora and fauna that thrive in this pristine environment. The Lusen is not just a mountain, but an experience that awakens the senses and touches the heart. It invites you to discover the beauty of nature and be enchanted by its tranquility and harmony. A visit here is more than just an excursion, it is a journey into the soul of nature.

Great Arber

The Great Arber, also known as the "King of the Bavarian Forest," is the highest peak in the region at 1,456 meters. This majestic natural wonder offers breathtaking panoramic views that make the heart of every nature lover beat faster. In summer, the Arber is a paradise for hikers and mountain bikers, while in winter it attracts skiers and snowboarders. The diverse flora and fauna, the crystal-clear mountain lakes, and the fresh mountain air make the Great Arber an unforgettable experience. Let yourself be enchanted by the beauty and tranquility of this place and experience nature in its purest form. Visit the Great Arber and be overwhelmed by its idyllic splendor.

Bavarian Forest - Climate

The climate in the Bavarian Forest varies due to the different altitudes of the region. The region is located in the transitional area between Central European and continental climates. In summer, temperatures can reach up to 27 degrees, while in winter, some altitudes experience double-digit negative temperatures. The cold season is therefore suitable for a skiing holiday. The good travel season for hiking and exploring begins in May. The peak season in June, July, August, and September usually offers temperatures above 20 degrees. October is already cooler but still suitable for hiking and enjoying the colorful foliage.

The following graph shows the average weather conditions for the country. Historical weather conditions may vary by region.