Trips

The Bavarian Forest not only inspires with its untouched nature and numerous hiking trails, but also offers a variety of exciting excursion destinations and cultural attractions.

“Baumwipfelpfad”
Just a few kilometers from our hotel, a special highlight of the Bavarian Forest awaits you: the treetop walk in Neuschönau. This impressive path takes you up to a height of 44 meters and offers unique views of the untouched nature of the Bavarian Forest National Park.

The gently sloping, barrier-free wooden walkway winds its way 1.3 kilometers through the treetops and offers exciting experience stations along the way with interesting information about the flora and fauna of the region. The absolute highlight is the architecturally impressive observation tower, from which you can see as far as the Alps on a clear day.
Whether as a leisurely walk, an adventure for the whole family, or a special nature experience, the treetop path is an unforgettable destination in every season.

Best of all, you can hop on the Igelbus right outside your front door and ride to the treetop path for free with your guest card.

Grafenau summer toboggan run:
Just 5 km from the Wieshof, the “Bärenbob” summer toboggan run in Grafenau awaits you. The run is great fun for the whole family, young and old alike. With a length of 1,250 meters, it is one of the longest runs in the region and promises an exciting combination of thrills, action, and breathtaking nature. The leisurely ascent by sled to the mountain station is complemented by a rapid descent along winding tracks and four exciting roundabouts, which provide additional riding fun. Whether for a family-friendly outing, a group visit, or a spontaneous day trip, the summer toboggan run is guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience. The offer is rounded off by an adventure playground and the cozy Café Rodelhütt’n, where you can take a well-deserved break with regional delicacies.

Glasscherben Köck:
Florian Köck’s impressive glass garden is located right in Riedlhütte. Divided into different areas, you will find the largest glass trees in the world, animals, the Wilderertor (poacher’s gate), and much more. A path that leads through the entire garden gradually reveals the attractions of the forest glass garden.
Unique glass pieces are also produced for true glass lovers. In accordance with old glassmaking traditions, each piece of glass is mouth-blown, freely formed, and fire-finished.
From Wednesday to Friday, Erhard and Florian Köck demonstrate their skills in the studio glass hut. You can purchase the works of art and unique pieces in the shop.

Forest playground:
In the forest playground near Spiegelau, children love the numerous play stations and nature trails. Swinging, sliding, climbing, and much more. True to the motto “Understanding nature through play,” the 50-hectare forest playground offers play and nature experiences for the whole family. Visitors can expect a nature trail, a forest meadow, and various playgrounds.

Circular trail through the forest playground: walking time approx. 1 hour | Nature trail with ten stations: 2 km

Sporty and active

Are you looking for exciting and exhilarating sports? No problem! The Bavarian Forest offers a wide range of opportunities for active pursuits.

Golf:

Golfing surrounded by unspoiled nature
The 18-hole golf course in Haslach combines sporting challenge with a unique nature experience. Nestled in the idyllic landscape of the Bavarian Forest, the fairways blend harmoniously into rolling hills, dense forests, and natural water hazards. Numerous protected areas preserve biodiversity and make the course a paradise for wildlife and birds.
Each fairway is inspired by the regional nature and requires strategic skill with individual challenges. Whether on a spacious fairway with an unobstructed view or a narrow forest passage, every round promises variety and exciting moments of play.
Best training conditions

Experience golf at its best and enjoy a round surrounded by the impressive nature of the Bavarian Forest!

Tennis:
The 3-court tennis hall in Grafenau can be booked for €20 per hour.
https://tennishalle-grafenau.ebusy.de/

Bolzwerk Spiegelau:

Bolzwerk offers a varied mix of sports, skill, and entertainment. Whether it’s bouldering, foosball, darts, or table tennis—fans of exercise and games will get their money’s worth here.

Bouldering – climbing with an adrenaline rush
The bouldering wall is a fun way to test your strength, technique, and endurance. Without ropes or harnesses, you can climb up bit by bit, secured by soft mats. It’s an ideal challenge for beginners and experienced climbers alike.

Foosball – excitement at the table
Foosball ensures fast ball exchanges and exciting duels. Whether as a casual leisure activity or a heated tournament game, reaction speed and team spirit are at the forefront here.

Darts – precision and competitive spirit
The classic dartboard invites entertaining competitions. Accuracy and a steady hand are required to achieve the highest scores. Perfect for a social evening with friends.

Table tennis – speed and skill
Table tennis is all about speed, reflexes, and strategic skill. The fast rallies make this classic game a popular challenge for players of all ages.
With a mix of sport, skill, and fun, Bolzwerk offers the ideal environment for exciting matches and active leisure activities.

Pure sport and action
For those who want to really burn off some energy, Bolzwerk offers even more sporting opportunities. The brand-new SOCCER5 pitch creates the perfect conditions for ultimate indoor soccer fun. On the modern artificial turf pitch, which is surrounded by a barrier, the ball always stays in play – for action-packed matches and maximum dynamism.
In addition to indoor soccer, there is a wide range of outdoor adventures on offer: e-bikes, sleds, and snowshoes are available for you to explore the beautiful landscape of the Bavarian Forest on your own. Whether in summer or winter – exercise is a top priority here.

Hiking

Whether you’re looking for relaxed walks or extended mountain tours, the Bavarian Forest has the right route for everyone. Discover dense forests, challenging summit tours, and well-signposted hiking trails in one of Germany’s most beautiful natural landscapes.

Rachel:
The Großer Rachel (1,453 m) is the highest mountain in the Bavarian Forest National Park and a true paradise for nature lovers. Surrounded by rustic forests and mystical landscapes, it has always captivated hikers and explorers. The legendary Rachelsee lake in particular makes the ascent an unforgettable experience.

Hiking around the Großer Rachel
The Großer Rachel (1,453 m) is a popular hiking destination in the Bavarian Forest National Park. Various routes lead through the impressive natural landscape from Sankt Oswald-Riedlhütte.
One highlight is the Buntspecht circular trail (7.7 km), which leads from the Racheldiensthütte hut via the picturesque Rachelsee lake to the Felsenkanzel rock formation. Along the way, information boards provide fascinating insights into the Ice Age landscape. If you want to avoid the climb to the Racheldiensthütte hut, you can use your guest card to take the Igelbus bus.
Hikers should remember to wear sturdy shoes and weatherproof clothing to enjoy the nature experience to the fullest.

Difficulty: medium
Duration: 2:45h
Distance: 7.7km
Ascent: 295m
Descent: 295m
Highest point: 1156m
Lowest point: 866 m

Rest and refreshments at the Racheldiensthütte
The Racheldiensthütte (876 m) is the perfect starting point for hikes to Lake Rachel and the Großer Rachel (1,453 m). After extensive renovation, it reopened in August 2017 and offers hikers a cozy place to stop for refreshments.
Opening hours:
May–October: daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Winter season: closed

Accessibility:
Accessible during the day by the Igelbus bus, outside operating hours by car.
Barrier-free access following renovation.

Cuisine:
Enjoy hearty snacks, traditional dishes such as roast meat and lumberjack steak, or vegetarian specialties. Sweet treats are also on the menu.
The Racheldiensthütte is located directly on the European long-distance hiking trail E6 and has been tested according to the “Travel for All” barrier-free labeling system.

Lake Rachel – pure mysticism and nature
At the foot of the Großer Rachel (1,453 m) lies Lake Rachel, considered the quietest lake in the Bavarian Forest. Accessible only on foot, it is dominated by an imposing cliff face and offers a unique atmosphere.
Formed as a glacial cirque lake, the 5.7-hectare lake with a depth of 13.5 meters is now surrounded by unspoiled forest that has been left untouched for decades. Due to the special water quality, the lake is poor in fish and aquatic animals, but all the richer in nature experiences. A jungle nature trail leads hikers through this protected area and offers a fascinating insight into the pristine wilderness of the Bavarian Forest National Park.
Lake Rachel is not only a natural wonder, but also the setting for numerous myths and legends. It is said to be a “throat of death” in whose depths the damned dwell. Another legend tells of an old castle lady whose ghost had to walk across the lake in a red skirt as penance.
The 106.5-hectare Rachel Nature Reserve has been under protection since 1950 and is now an important part of the Bavarian Forest National Park – a magical place that combines nature and history.

Großer Filz and Klosterfilz Nature Reserve:
“In the footsteps of the adder” circular hike
This circular hike, which is around 10 km long, takes around 2.5 to 3 hours and leads through the largest moorland area in the Bavarian Forest. In addition to impressive nature, the route offers exciting insights into the history of the Golden Trail and passes old gold panning hills.

Highlights of the hike:
• Marking: adder
• Boardwalk with viewpoint in the moor
• Fascinating wafts of mist over the Ohewiesen meadows
• Historic quartz tunnel in Guglöd
• Diverse nature with mixed forests, moorland, and river landscapes

Route:
The hike starts either at the Riedlhütte sports field, in Siebenellen, Guglöd, at the Filzwald rest area, or at the Diensthüttenstraße parking lot. The trail leads along Ziegelhüttenweg to the Filzwald refuge, through the moor via a boardwalk, and on to Guglöd and the quartz tunnel. The return route follows the historic Goldenen Steig trail and passes the Große Ohe stream. The tour ends at the Hartl weir, where the old Trift canal joins the stream.

Bienstand Reichenberg:
A beautiful and varied circular hike in the Bavarian Forest leads from Reichenberg via the Bienstand (865 m) to Höhenbrunn. On this hike, you can not only enjoy the summit of the Bienstand with its impressive summit cross and a bench to rest on, but also discover the valley of the Große Ohe, the Wolfsgrubenfilz and Klosterfilz.
Hiking route and sights:
• Bienstand: The summit offers a magnificent view and invites you to take a short break on the bench.
• Höhenbrunn: A beautiful district with traditional charm.
• Wolfsgrubenfilz and Klosterfilz: These moorlands are a paradise for nature lovers.
• Gold panning site: A historic place where gold was panned in the past.
• Goldberg: Before returning to the parking lot, you will learn interesting information about the former Goldberg.
Hiking trail details:
• Starting point: Reichenberg Bienstand hiking car park (300 meters after Herzogstraße 91, 94566 St. Oswald-Riedlhütte, in the direction of Höhenbrunn)
• Length: approx. 7 km
• Duration: approx. 2 to 3 hours, depending on pace and breaks
• Markings: “Bienstand & Großer Filz und Klosterfilz” themed hiking trail
Highlights:
• Summit cross and Bienstand viewpoint
• Natural landscapes such as the Wolfsgrubenfilz and Klosterfilz
• Historic gold panning site
Enjoy this varied hike with beautiful views and an exciting insight into the history of the region!

Lusen:
At a height of 1,373 m, the Lusen is one of the most striking mountains in the Bavarian Forest. Located directly on the border with Czechia, it impresses with its unique sea of boulders – a collection of rocks created by glacial weathering.
Hiking experience Lusen
Numerous hiking trails lead through the fascinating forest wilderness around the Lusen. Particularly impressive is the high forest area, where a new forest of beech and rowan trees is developing after bark beetle damage.
Sights on the Lusen
• Glass Ark: An impressive work of art at the foot of the mountain.
• Lusenschutzhaus: A cozy place to stop for refreshments below the summit.
• Marchfleckl: A historic point where three territories once met.
• Border with Czechia: Only 0.25 miles north of the summit.
Legends & myths
There are numerous legends surrounding the formation of the boulder field. One tells of a devil who was collecting stones for the road to hell. As he flew over the Lusen, he was startled by a hermit with a cross, lost his load—and thus the boulder field was created.

Hike along the Summer Trail:
The hiking trail leads from Waldhäuser via Lake Martinsklause, the Teufelsloch (Devil’s Hole), the Glasarche (Glass Ark), and the Himmelsleiter (Stairway to Heaven) to the summit of the Lusen. Along the approximately 5 km route, you can expect magnificent views and geological highlights such as the “Stone Sea.” The descent is via the Winterweg trail, which is about 6 km long and takes you past the Lusenschutzhaus. The entire hike takes about 4 to 5 hours.
Winter trail to Lusen:
The winter trail leads via the Waldhausreibe car park and is ideal for less experienced hikers and families. The ascent is via a wide forest path and offers beautiful views along the way. The steep climb to the summit is made easier by the Lusenschutzhaus, where you can stop for refreshments.

Highlights of the hike:
• Martinsklause, Teufelsloch, Glasarche
• Felsenmeer and Blockmeer at Lusen
• Himmelsleiter and summit plateau with the best views
• Lusenschutzhaus for refreshments and a rest
Starting points and directions:
• Fredenbrücke (summer trail): P+R parking lot Fredenbrücke (Lusenstraße 1, 94556 Neuschönau)
• Waldhäuser (winter trail): Parking lot opposite the fire station in Waldhäuser (Lusenstraße 21, 94556 Neuschönau)
• Lusen parking lot Waldhausreibe: Lusenstraße 41, 94556 Neuschönau

Glass Ark
The Glass Ark, an impressive work of art made of glass and wood, traveled through the Bavarian Forest and Šumava National Parks from 2003 to 2005. The glass ship, which is almost five meters long and weighs three tons, commemorates the region’s centuries-old importance as a center of glass art. It is located in the middle of the forest wilderness at Lusen in the Bavarian Forest National Park.
The significance of the Glass Ark
• An ark for nature: symbol of the protection of the forest wilderness
• An ark across borders: created in the wake of the Czechia’s accession to the EU in 2004
• An ark for the glass tradition: a memorial to structural change in the glass industry
Current location
Today, the Glass Ark is located in the Lusen area, surrounded by wild nature. Until 2022, it rested on a wooden hand, which had to be removed for safety reasons.
Who created the Glass Ark?
The project was realized by the WaldZeit association in cooperation with the Bavarian Forest and Šumava National Parks. The glass structure was created by glass artists Ronald Fischer and Hubert Stern, while the original wooden hand was made by Czech sculptors Tomás Indra and Libor Kuzdas.

Lusenschutzhaus
The Lusenschutzhaus is located at an altitude of 1,343 m, directly below the Lusengipfel peak, and is a popular destination for hikers in the Bavarian Forest National Park.
Opening hours:
Summer: April 11 to the end of the fall holidays, daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
◦ Hot meals from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
◦ Snacks outside of hot meal times
Winter: daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Culinary offerings:
At the Lusenschutzhaus, guests can enjoy Bavarian snacks, soups, regional and seasonal dishes, and homemade cakes. It is an ideal place to relax after a hike and indulge in culinary delights.

Cycling

Whether you’re looking for leisurely bike rides or challenging mountain bike trails, the Bavarian Forest has the right route for everyone. Discover well-maintained bike paths, idyllic river valleys, and challenging trails amidst impressive natural landscapes.

The Bavarian Forest National Park offers over 200 kilometers of well-marked bike paths that provide varied tours for gravel and touring bikers. Challenging routes lead through impressive landscapes and offer unforgettable nature experiences.
As a protected area for sustainable tourism, mountain bike tours off the official trails are strictly prohibited. Cycling—whether on a classic bike or an e-bike—is therefore only permitted on clearly marked bike paths.

From Riedlhütte to Racheldiensthütte
The tour begins in Riedlhütte on cycle path 93, which leads into the national park forest on the outskirts of the village. After a short while, impressive views of the Großer Filz high moor and the beaver dams on the Ölbach stream open up. The route continues along the National Park Cycle Path towards Mauth/NP Center Lusen, past the Filzwald forest to the Diensthüttenstraße car park.
On Diensthüttenstraße, the route runs flat to the Taferlruck measuring station, where various environmental measurements are taken. Along the Tiefen Seige, the route continues to the Racheldiensthütte, which offers an ideal opportunity for a break.
The route then leads downhill to Neuhüttenwiese, crossing the Seebach stream at the Grübenbrücke bridge. After a short climb, the descent to the forest playground at Spiegelau follows. From there, the route returns to the starting point along the familiar path.

Difficulty: easy
Length: 20.9 km
Duration: 1.5 hours

From Zwiesel to Schwellhäusl
From Zwiesel train station, the cycle tour heads north, past Rabensteiner Straße and over the Großer Regen river to Theresienthaler Straße. After passing under the B11, it runs parallel to the road to Theresienthal, where cycle path 7 begins. This runs past the Glasmacherkapelle chapel to Ludwigsthal.
There, the route follows cycle path 2, which runs alongside the Falkenstein National Park Center and follows the course of the Schmalzbach stream to Schwellhäusl. Along the way, you can see gnaw marks made by beavers, whose lodge is located under the terrace of Schwellhäusl.
After a short break, the trail leads back a short distance to the last junction, then continues towards Zwieslerwaldhaus. After crossing the Deffernik, there is an ascent into the village before the route leads via the Schillerstraße car park and through the forest to Kreuzstraßl. There, it first turns left onto the road, then right through Oberlindbergmühle to Lindberg.
In Lindberg, the route meets cycle path 7 again, which leads to the underpass of the B11 near Theresienthal. From there, take the familiar cycle path 1 back to Zwiesel.

Difficulty: easy
Length: 25.7 km
Duration: 2.25 hours

From Riedlhütte to the Frauenau drinking water reservoir
In a nutshell: pure enjoyment in impressive scenery! This tour is ideal for anyone who wants to enjoy the beauty of nature and the forests without having to be particularly fit or skilled at cycling. From Riedlhütte, the route leads downhill via the P+R car park in Spiegelau until, after 100 meters, a left turn leads to the crossroads (the right turn leads to the train station). The path takes us gently and evenly past the natural Kneipp facility and the Aufichtenwaldsteig trail, which is a good place for a first stop.
We continue cycling through a forest area with giant old trees to the district of Klingenbrunn-Bahnhof. On the National Park Cycle Path, we reach the Oberfrauenau estate of Baron von Poschinger, where the inn invites us to take a break. The game reserve, the falconry center, and the forest nature trail offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy nature.
Just under 3 km to the highlight of the tour, the Trinkwassertalsperre, an impressive lake with Germany’s highest natural dam. A lap around the lake is a must for every cyclist! This is followed by a rapid descent to Dörfl, which is briefly interrupted by a barrier in public transport.
In Frauenau, the route leads through the glass village, past sights such as the Eisch family’s glass gallery, the glass museum, and the glass ark. After leaving the village, continue on the main road until a turnoff leads back into nature. The Flanitzbach stream accompanies the route to Klingenbrunn train station, where the inn invites you to stop for a bite to eat.
The return journey follows the same route as the outward journey. After just under 43 km, the tour ends back at the Wieshof, where you can reflect on the impressions of this wonderful ride.

Difficulty: medium
Length: 40.6 km
Duration: 3.25 hours

Ilz National Park Route
E-bike routes 86 and 86a connect the National Park Cycle Route at Spiegelau with the Danube-Bavarian Forest Route West at Ettlmühle and offer a connection to Grafenau and Schönberg.
In the north, the route begins in Spiegelau at the P+R car park. From there, the trail leads along the National Park Cycle Route towards the National Park Information Center until the turnoff to Riedlhütte. Here, the route continues on Cycle Route 86 via Riedlhütte, Reichenberg, and Großarmschlag towards Grafenau.
After Großarmschlag, the tour switches to cycle route 86a, which leads down via Schildertschlag and Rehbruck to Große Ohe. It then continues through the forest to the Hartmannsreiter reservoir. A short section of about 1 km is particularly bumpy here and may require you to push your bike.
Via Hötzhof and Stadlmühle, the route leads to Oberhüttensölden, with a connection to cycle path 87 to Schönberg. It continues through Grubmühle, then turns left after the bridge to Mitterdorf. The route follows the Mitternacher Ohe valley via Eberhardsreuth to the historic Ettlmühle (privately owned), where the Mitternacher Ohe flows into the Große Ohe and joins the Ilz river landscape. From here, the Danube-Bayerwald Route West leads to the Danube Cycle Path in Passau.

Difficulty: difficult
Length: 24km
Duration: 1.45 hours

E-bike:
Those who prefer to enjoy nature can rent an e-bike from us via Bolzwerk in Spiegelau and explore the beautiful landscape of the Bavarian Forest​