In a nutshell
- As the name suggests, you’re right in the heart of nature here. The region is defined by its many hiking trails and stunning natural landscapes.
- The Bavarian Forest isn’t just for relaxing — you can also have a real adventure, from canoeing to skiing to treetop walks.
- Our top pick in the Bavarian Forest: the Treetop Walk in Neuschönau — seriously impressive, and great for families too.
Feeling the travel bug? Then let us share the best Bavarian Forest travel tips with you right away.
Our expert Nadine was born and raised in the Bavarian Forest and knows the region like the back of her hand. As part of our Heimatliebe series, she answers 22 questions and shares her insider tips on the best sights, hikes, restaurants, and much more.
Tips and Info for a Vacation in the Bavarian Forest
Before we get to our interview, here’s the most important info you need before heading to the Bavarian Forest.
Location
The largest part of the Bavarian Forest is in Lower Bavaria, with a smaller portion in the Upper Palatinate.
The Bavarian Forest National Park is a mountain region on the border of Bavaria and the Czech Republic, stretching over more than 100 kilometers.
At the southern end of this low mountain range, the Bavarian Forest borders Austria.
Our Hotel Recommendations
Here are our hotel picks in the Bavarian Forest for every budget:
Guidebooks
Sometimes it’s just nice to have a book in hand — or maybe you simply want even more tips. Here are three we can recommend:
Marco Polo Travel Guide Bavarian Forest: The Marco Polo guides are classics for a reason. They’re beautifully designed and pack all the essentials into a compact, easy-to-follow format — perfect for a short trip.
Discovery Tours Bavarian Forest: If you’re planning to hike, this one is a must. You’ll find 33 loop trails leading into remote gorges and through mysterious forests, plus tips for mountain huts, maps, and GPS tracks you can download.
111 Places in the Bavarian Forest You Shouldn’t Miss: This one’s great when you want to go beyond the usual highlights and discover quirky stories and off-the-beaten-path spots that most visitors walk right past.
Interview with a Local: Insider Tips for the Bavarian Forest
Our Expert
Servus! My name is Nadine and I’m from Stamsried. It may not be right in the heart of the Bavarian Forest, but it’s still somehow in the “Woid,” as we locals affectionately call it.
The Bavarian Forest is my home and I know it inside and out — which means I know where to find the most beautiful hikes and the best viewpoints.
The Bavarian Forest in Three Words
Let nature be nature — the Bavarian Forest is a vast mountain region, and when you come here, you’re surrounded by greenery and an incredible mountain panorama. If you’re after a big-city vibe, this probably isn’t the place for you. But if you love nature, charming small towns, or just need to properly unwind, the region is perfect.
Why Go There?
From serious hiking adventures for outdoor enthusiasts to leisurely strolls, or a day at the wildlife enclosure with the family — there’s genuinely something for everyone in the Bavarian Forest.
What Makes the Bavarian Forest Unique
Inside the Bavarian Forest National Park, there’s what’s known as the trail obligation. The national park is a defined area along the Czech border covering 24,000 hectares, and the trail obligation means visitors must stay on designated paths to protect the flora and fauna.
But the idea goes much further than that: it’s about letting nature simply be nature. Fallen trees are left where they lie, and in time, new ones grow in their place. The natural cycle is just allowed to run its course — and you can really feel that when you’re there.
Things to See in the Bavarian Forest
Must-Sees
If I had to narrow it down to my top three highlights in the Bavarian Forest, they’d be these:
Treetop Walk in Neuschönau
First up is the Treetop Walk in Neuschönau. Over 1.3 kilometers, you walk at heights between six and 25 meters on platforms and walkways among the treetops. There are information panels, interactive stations, and a massive viewing platform every few meters. The Treetop Walk is a real standout, especially for families with young kids.
Wildlife Enclosure in Lusen National Park
Number two on my list is the wildlife enclosure in Lusen National Park. Across 200 hectares, more than 45 different animal species call it home. On a walk through, you can spot brown bears, wildcats, wolves, and deer in their natural habitat.
The Großer Arber
And of course, the one thing you absolutely can’t skip: the “King of the Bavarian Forest,” the Großer Arber. At 1,455.5 meters, it’s the highest peak in the region. Countless hiking trails lead up to the summit, and in winter you can enjoy great skiing here too.
On a Rainy Day
A great option is a trip to Joska’s Glass Paradise in Bodenmais. Here you’ll learn everything there is to know about glass. Glass? Sounds like a strange attraction at first — but trust me, it’s a genuinely one-of-a-kind experience.
You can try glass blowing yourself, discover glass art for your garden, or stroll through the crystal garden — a veritable forest of glass flowers several meters tall.
Glass blowing has a long tradition in the Bavarian Forest, dating back to the 14th century. There are many such glassworks in the area, and each one has its own charm.
With Kids
The Treetop Walk, the wildlife enclosure, and Joska’s Glass Paradise are all fantastic for a day out with the kids.
Beyond those, I’d also recommend the forest play area in Spiegelau. There’s a nature discovery trail where little ones can learn about the forest through play at ten different stations, plus several playgrounds with swings, climbing structures, and even a zip line. In winter, kids can build igloos and snowmen on the forest meadow — it’s a real paradise.
The Bavarian Forest in Winter
Oh yes, absolutely! Winter is actually my favorite season here. There’s no more beautiful place when the trees are blanketed in thick snow and the Arbermandl takes hold on the Arber. That’s what we call the strange figures that form when wind-blown snow freezes on the tips of the trees.
Winter here is extra special because the skiing on the Arber is seriously good. There’s even a dedicated kids’ area for the little ones. Not far away is the Bretterschachten, which is perfect for cross-country skiers — international biathlon competitions have even been held here.
To Unwind
Bodenmais is my personal haven of peace. It has a small but charming town center that’s perfect for a leisurely stroll. In the little alleyways you’ll find plenty of small cafés and restaurants where you can sit back with a coffee and let your worries melt away.
If you really want to treat yourself, check into one of the wellness hotels in the area and indulge in a proper pampering program.
Also check out our tips on more legendary places in Germany!
Most Beautiful Viewpoint
For me, the best vantage point is the “Mittagsplatzl,” sitting at 1,340 meters. It’s not far from the Großer Arber at all, and there are various loop hiking trails that take you there.
From the Mittagsplatzl, you have a simply fantastic panorama over the Großer Arbersee and the sweeping expanse of the Bavarian Forest!
My tip: Pack a few snacks for your hike, because up here is the perfect spot for a little picnic!
Best Photo Spot
Definitely the Sattelberg. It’s a smaller mountain, about 590 meters high, located just behind Stamsried. From the overlook at the summit, you get an incredible view over the mountains, the green treetops, and the surrounding valleys — a fantastic photo opportunity!
Craziest Activity
Hands down, canoeing on the Regen river in summer is just incredible. The Regen is also nicknamed “Bavarian Canada” because of its breathtaking scenery. There are no roads along the river, not even hiking trails, so you can truly soak up nature and the silence.
You can rent canoes from many different providers. I especially recommend the tour from Regen to Teisnach, which includes a fun little whitewater section.
Best Event of the Year
One of the most wonderful times in the Bavarian Forest is the Christmas season with all its beautiful markets — Christkindlmärkte, as we call them here.
I particularly recommend the romantic Christkindlmarkt in Schönblick at the Hohen Bogen. At nearly 1,000 meters, it’s the highest Christmas market in Germany.
Also fantastic is the market in Sankt Englmar at the Waldwipfelweg, where you can enjoy the festive atmosphere on a stroll along wooden walkways above the trees. That’s definitely not something you experience every day!
Food & Drink in the Bavarian Forest
Culinary Specialty
Schweinshaxa with dumplings — Bavarian cuisine is hearty, and after a long day in the mountains, that’s exactly what you need. Vegetarians can have a tougher time in Bavaria, but with Käsespätzle or bread dumplings in mushroom sauce (Schwammerlsoße), you really can’t go wrong.
Favorite Restaurants
My number one is the Berghütte Schönblick at the Hohen Bogen. As the name suggests, alongside seriously delicious food, you get a fantastic view over the surrounding valleys. The kitchen focuses on regional ingredients, and you can taste it — don’t leave without trying the house specialty, roast pork from the wood-fired oven.
I can equally recommend the Berghütte Schareben near Drachselsried, also set right in the forest with a great view. If you’re in the mood for something sweet, the Kaiserschmarrn with vanilla ice cream and applesauce here is absolutely not to be missed. So good!
And last but not least, Pizzeria Il Triangolo in Stamsried. Italian food is always a good idea, and the pizzas here are genuinely crispy and delicious.
Best Ice Cream
For me, that’s at the Dolce Vita ice cream parlor in Cham. Not only is the ice cream really good, but they also have great tiramisu, cakes, and lighter snacks. My absolute favorite: a cappuccino and warm waffles with vanilla ice cream and a little chocolate sauce. Mmm!
Day Trips from the Bavarian Forest
Best Swimming Spots
On hot days, a trip to the Satzdorfer See near Cham is well worth it. It’s easy to reach by car, and you can completely relax under the trees, swim, and watch the anglers.
If you’d rather take the kids to an outdoor pool, you have several options — like the outdoor pool in Cham or the Aqacur water park in Bad Kötzting, which also has a separate sauna area.
Most Beautiful Hike
The classic hike that everyone visiting the Bavarian Forest should do at least once leads up to the Großer Arber. The trail starts in Bodenmais, making it super easy to reach by car, and takes you all the way up to 1,453 meters.
Along the way, you’ll pass the Rißlochwasserfälle waterfalls — where five streams converge to form the largest waterfalls in the Bavarian Forest. It’s most spectacular in spring, when the streams are running highest.
For especially keen hikers, a side trip to the Mittagsplatzl or the Kleiner Arber can easily be added on.
Most Beautiful Cycling Route
You can also bike up to the Großer Arber. The best starting point is the village of Eck, from where you first ride to the Berghütte Schareben — a great spot to stop for a midday snack or a cold drink.
From there, you continue through the forest and up to the summit. The route offers an incredible number of beautiful viewpoints, so take your time and really soak in the panorama!
Where to Shop?
For a relaxed stroll through town, head to the center of Bad Kötzting. You’ll find plenty of stores and small shops alongside cafés and restaurants where you can take a break.
The town also has a long history worth exploring. While you’re there, take a look at the old town wall — a small but worthwhile highlight.
Where to Stay in the Bavarian Forest
A Special Hotel in the Bavarian Forest
The Bayerwaldhof near Bad Kötzting comes to mind right away. It’s on the pricier end, but you get a lot for your money. From the small hill of Liebenstein, you have a beautiful view over the village and the mountains. Inside, the hotel is decorated in a wonderful mix of rustic and modern.
Beyond the sauna and large bathing area, you can really treat yourself in the spa with a massage or any number of other treatments.
Best Base in the Bavarian Forest
Bodenmais or Bad Kötzting are both excellent choices. I’ve already mentioned both: they’re smaller towns with great hotels, a lovely town center with restaurants and cafés, and plenty of leisure activities. Either one puts you right on the doorstep of the mountains and the forest.
Off to the Bavarian Forest!
