Bavarian Forest National Park

That realm, where not man, but nature rules was Germany’s first founded National Park and belongs to the most visited vacation areas in our country. Together with the Sumava (Bohemian Forest of Czech Republic) National Park, adjoining it to the east, it is the largest contiguous area of protected forest in central Europe, where nature has been left completely to its own devices. Here you can experience the fascination of ‘letting nature be nature’. Each year, thousands of visitors cycle and wander in amazement through this primeval forest and breath Germany’s cleanest air in the boundless wilderness.

The Bavarian Forest National Park is full of special adventure trails revealing many nature experiences. For example the Watzlik-Hain trail taking you through the last vestiges of pristine mixed woodlands and mountain forests with ancient fir-trees, pines and beech-trees reaching up to more than 50 m hight. It is home to the lynx and fox, deer and wild boar, otter and badger, as well as 50 species of woodland birds, which can be best observed in the wildlife enclosure. The highest mountain is “Großer Rachel” with 1453 m

Free buses called Igelbusse run frequently (15th May - 3rd Nov) between the most important information points in the Bavarian Forest National Park

First stop in the Bavarian Forest National Park should be at one of the visitor centers for maps and further information:

* Hans-Eisenmann-Haus, Böhmstraße 35, 94556 Neuschönau (Tel. 0 85 58 96 150)

* Haus zur Wildnis, Ludwigsthal, 94227 Lindberg (Tel. 09922 5002-0)

Camping and RV parking is only allowed in the designated campsites

Nature lovers should join one of the ranger guided tours, they are all for free.

The region around has a lot for everyone’s taste. Enjoy farm holidays with your whole family in tiny villages, join riding tours through romantic scenery or just spend a relaxing day playing golf. As the ‘Glass road’ (themed road) passes this region, it is famous for artistic glass blowers and painters, so you won’t go home without a nice handmade gift. Cities like Frauenau, Zwiesel or Bodenmais have great glass museums and shops offering extraordinary fine art pieces.

With over 300 km of walking and hiking trails, 200 km of cycle paths and some nordic walking routes it’s a paradise for sport enthusiasts. The Bavarian Forest is especially a winter’s paradise as the snow conditions are mostly good and the loipes for skiers are perfectly made and signed.

• Watzlik-Hain trail: leads through the primeval forest with the giant trees to the hut “Schwellhäusl” with playground and animals

• Schachten & Filze trail: 2,5 Km along former mountain pastures and high moorland on the upper levels of the forest

• Seelensteig (meditation trail): 1,3 km plank path illustrating natural processes in the forest

• Rock exploration area: a rocky mountain hiking loop through ancient forest with steps cut into the rocks and lookout points

• wildlife enclosure: 7 km path around the enclosure provides good observation points for watching bisons, birds, wild boars and bears, lynx and wolves

• adventure place: game and nature experience for children and the whole family - playgrounds, barbecue places, lots of events

Make a day trip to Regensburg, a nice World Heritage city just 107 km to drive from Zwiesel

Glass Museums in Frauenau and Zwiesel

* You should hike to the “Schwellhäusl”, that cosy hut offers good food and your kids will be happy as well as they have a little petting zoo outside

In all cities in the Bavarian Forest region fans of glas and art have excellent opportunities for shopping

Besides private offerings of holiday flats and nice hotels there are lots of comfortable mountain huts offer delicious food and accomodation for overnight stays (with advanced reservation).

Little towns like Zwiesel, Frauenau or Spiegelau are within easy driving distance of the park. All provide a full range of accommodation from campsites to luxury wellness hotels.