A lush green valley surrounded by trees and houses
a fallen tree in the middle of a forest
a stream running through a lush green forest

Holiday in Bavarian Forest

Area in Germany — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇩🇪

Country

Germany

Type

Area

Best time to travel

May to October for hiking, December to March for winter sports, autumn particularly colorful

Budget/day

70-120 € (good hotel, excursions)

Getting there from Germany

Car from Munich about 2.5 hours, from Nuremberg about 2 hours, from Passau about 45 minutes

About Bavarian Forest

The Bavarian Forest is Germany's wild east - an endless sea of forests stretching along the Czech border, forming together with the Bohemian Forest the largest contiguous forest area in Central Europe. The Bavarian Forest National Park, founded in 1970 as the first German national park, follows the revolutionary concept of "letting nature be nature" and has created a primeval forest landscape that is unique in Central Europe. Fallen tree giants, moss-covered rocks, and sunlit clearings tell the story of a forest that regenerates itself. The absolute highlight is the treetop path in Neuschönau - at 1,300 meters long and with a spectacular tree tower of 44 meters high, it is one of the longest and most impressive treetop paths in the world. The egg-shaped tower spirals around three mighty trees and offers a panorama that stretches from the Bavarian Forest over the Danube plain to the Alps on clear days. The path is barrier-free and thus also accessible with strollers and wheelchairs - a natural experience for everyone. The animal enclosure in Ludwigsthal covers 200 hectares and showcases animals that are native to or once lived in the Bavarian Forest: wolves, lynxes, brown bears, bison, wild horses, and otters live in spacious, nature-like enclosures. The seven-kilometer circular path through the area is one of the most popular excursions for families and nature lovers. With a bit of patience, one can observe the shy lynxes sunbathing or the wolves playing. The Großer Arber, at 1,456 meters the highest mountain in the Bavarian Forest, offers summer hikes with magnificent views and a family-friendly ski area in winter. The Arber lakes, glacial tarns at the foot of the mountain, shimmer darkly and mysteriously between the rock walls. The Glass Road and Golden Trail tell of the centuries-old tradition of glassmaking and salt trading in the region. From Munich, the Bavarian Forest can be reached in about two and a half hours, from Nuremberg in two hours. The region is a year-round destination: hiking and cycling in summer, skiing and cross-country skiing in winter, and a paradise for those seeking peace and nature in all seasons. Holiday apartments and guesthouses offer excellent value for money, and the warm Bavarian hospitality makes the stay unforgettable.

Nature
95
Safety
95
Relaxation
85
Families
85
Winter
70

Top 4 highlights in Bavarian Forest

The places you absolutely must not miss.

1

Treetop Path Neuschönau

1,300 meters long path with a 44-meter high tree tower, barrier-free panoramic experience above the primeval forest

2

Bavarian Forest National Park

First German national park with primeval forest character, motto 'letting nature be nature' since 1970

3

Animal Enclosure Ludwigsthal

200-hectare area with wolves, lynxes, bears, and bison in nature-like enclosures

4

Großer Arber

Highest mountain in the Bavarian Forest with panoramic views, hiking trails, and family-friendly ski area

Hotels in Bavarian Forest

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Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen

Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie

Best time to travel for Bavarian Forest

Recommended travel time

May to October for hiking, December to March for winter sports, autumn particularly colorful

Summer

Pleasant, 18-25°C, fresh forest air, thunderstorms possible in the afternoon

Winter

Cold, -5 to 3°C, snow-sure in higher elevations, ideal for cross-country skiing and skiing

How much does a holiday in Bavarian Forest cost?

Average costs per person per day

🎒

Budget

40-65 € (holiday apartment, guesthouse)

Hostel, Street food, Public transport

🏨

Mid-range

70-120 € (good hotel, excursions)

Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions

🌟

Luxury

130-220 € (wellness hotel, gourmet menu)

Boutique hotel, Fine dining

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5 travel tips for Bavarian Forest

Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.

Visit the treetop path early in the morning before the tour buses arrive - the light in the forest is magical then

Best to visit the animal enclosure in the morning when the animals are active - pay attention to feeding times

The hike from Lusen over the granite block sky ladder is worthwhile - at the top, there is a 360-degree panorama

Visit the glass museum in Frauenau - the tradition of glass art has been alive here for centuries

In winter, test the cross-country trails at Bretterschachten - one of the most beautiful cross-country skiing areas in Bavaria

Food & drink in Bavarian Forest

These specialties you must try!

Schwammerltsuppe - creamy mushroom soup made from fresh forest mushrooms, a Bavarian Forest classic
Pichelsteiner Eintopf - hearty stew with beef, pork, and vegetables, invented in the Bavarian Forest
Böhmische Knödel - fluffy yeast dumplings, perfect with gravy and roast pork
Zwetschgendatschi - juicy plum cake on yeast dough, a Bavarian tradition in autumn
Bärwurz - the typical schnapps of the Bavarian Forest made from the eponymous alpine plant
Suitable for:National ParkForestTreetop PathHikingFamilyWinterNatureBavaria

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