THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Bavarian Forest National Park wilderness guide
National Park · Bavaria, Germany

Bavarian Forest National Park

Bavarian Forest National Park offers a unique wilderness experience in southeastern Germany with its diverse ecosystems and stunning landscapes.

National Park92,7354+ Trails

Designation

National Park

Total Wilderness Area

92,735

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Bavarian Forest National Park

Bavarian Forest National Park offers a unique wilderness experience in southeastern Germany with its diverse ecosystems and stunning landscapes.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Established in 1970, Bavarian Forest National Park is Germany’s first national park, covering nearly 93,000 acres of protected wilderness. Located on the border of Germany and the Czech Republic, it merges with the Šumava National Park in the Czech Republic, forming the largest continuous forest area in Central Europe. The park is renowned for its large tracts of pristine woodland, made up of beech, fir, and spruce trees. It is home to a wide diversity of wildlife including lynxes, wolves, and capercaillie. Educational trails and wilderness camps offer a hands-on experience of the park's rich biodiversity. The history of forest protection here dates back to the park’s creation, focusing on letting nature take its course. The park attracts outdoor enthusiasts for hiking, snowshoeing, wildlife photography, and learning about different species at the animal enclosures. The park's attractions, such as the Forest Trail and the Lusen Summit, offer breathtaking views and an immersive natural experience.

Field Guide · National Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Bavarian Forest National Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Discover the Wilderness of Nationalpark Bayerischer Wald★ 8.8⌖ 4 miWildlife Viewing
Nationalpark Bayerischer Wald

Discover the Wilderness of Nationalpark Bayerischer Wald

Explore the expansive 240 sq km Nationalpark Bayerischer Wald in Bavaria, Germany. A haven for wildlife enthusiasts, enjoy hiking, wildlife watching, and a unique Tree Top Walk in this serene park. Open year-round, it offers a quiet, natural retreat with ample scenic and wildlife photography opportunities.

Wildlife ViewingView Details→
Majestic Views at Schafberg, Austria★ 8.7⌖ 81 miHiking
Schafberg

Majestic Views at Schafberg, Austria

Explore the Schafberg in Austria, with its moderate hiking trails and exhilarating paragliding opportunities. Accessible by the historic cog railway, it offers breathtaking panoramas. Best visited in spring or fall for impressive views and fewer crowds.

Nature's Panorama at Rabenwand★ 8.5⌖ 97 miHiking
Rabenwand

Nature's Panorama at Rabenwand

Rabenwand, located near Schönau am Königssee, Germany, offers breathtaking views over Königssee and the Berchtesgaden Alps. Ideal for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts, the site offers hiking and boating activities. Best visited in spring or fall for a serene experience.

Gosauseen's Alpine Majesty★ 8.8⌖ 98 miHiking
Gosauseen

Gosauseen's Alpine Majesty

Explore Gosauseen's alpine lakes in Austria. Great for hiking and canoeing, this serene area offers stunning views of the Dachstein Glacier. Enjoy birdwatching in this UNESCO World Heritage Site with less crowds year-round. A must-visit for photographers.

Chilling Wonders in Austria★ 8.7⌖ 98 miIce Cave Tour
Dachstein Giant Ice Cave

Chilling Wonders in Austria

Explore the stunning Dachstein Giant Ice Cave near Obertraun, Austria. Known for ice formations and frozen waterfalls, accessible by cable car. Best visited from May to October. Bring warm clothing and sturdy footwear for this unforgettable adventure.

Ice Cave TourView Details→
Discover Nationalpark Berchtesgaden★ 9.2⌖ 100 miHiking
Nationalpark Berchtesgaden

Discover Nationalpark Berchtesgaden

Explore the scenic beauty of Berchtesgaden National Park in Bavaria. Enjoy hiking trails of moderate difficulty along with boating on Königssee. Best experienced in summer, this park offers excellent photography opportunities and wildlife viewing.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Lusen Summit with panoramic mountain views✦ The Bavarian Forest's unique animal enclosures✦ The diverse ecosystems along the Forest Trail✦ Peaceful winter snowshoe hikes in undisturbed nature
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Bavarian Forest National Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Bavarian Forest National Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Bavarian Forest National Park
Park Recreation

Snow Sports

Available in Bavarian Forest National Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Bavarian Forest National Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Bavarian Forest National Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free access

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Bavarian Forest National Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Bavarian Forest National Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Spiegelau
⌖ 5.16 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Spiegelau, Bavaria

A quiet Bavarian town offering forested mountain landscapes and a gateway to outdoor activities in the Bavarian Forest National Park.

Late Spring to Early Autumn for hiking and biking; Winter for cross-country skiingExplore Town
Modrava
⌖ 5.51 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Modrava, Plzeň Region

A tranquil mountain village offering authentic outdoor experiences deep in the Bohemian Forest with vast natural landscapes and seasonal outdoor activities.

Late Spring to Early Autumn for hiking and paddling; Winter for cross-country skiingExplore Town
Grafenau
⌖ 7.06 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Grafenau, Bavaria

A gateway town to the Bavarian Forest offering tranquil forests, rolling hills, and opportunities for year-round outdoor adventures in a serene, natural setting.

Late Spring to Early Autumn for hiking and biking; Winter for cross-country skiingExplore Town
Freyung
⌖ 10.42 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Freyung, Bavaria

A scenic gateway town immersed in the Bavarian Forest offering diverse year-round outdoor adventures in a tranquil natural setting.

Late Spring to Early Autumn for hiking and paddling; Winter for cross-country skiingExplore Town
Zwiesel
⌖ 11.45 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Zwiesel, Bavaria

A charming Bavarian town at the gateway to the Bavarian Forest, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts seeking hiking, skiing, biking, and paddling in lush natural settings with traditional Alpine culture.

Late Spring through Early Autumn for hiking and paddling; Winter for skiing and snow sports.Explore Town
Kašperské Hory
⌖ 14.20 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Kašperské Hory, Plzeň Region

A historic mountain town offering a peaceful base for outdoor activities across forests, rivers, and mountains in the Šumava National Park region.

Late spring to early autumn; winter for skiingExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Bavarian Forest National Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

Private One-Way Transfer: Cesky Krumlov to Linz — Scenic Door-to-Door RideCesky Krumlov, South Bohemian Region · 39.86 mi away
All Adventures· Jan Stehlik - Pension Sebastian Tours & Transport

Private One-Way Transfer: Cesky Krumlov to Linz — Scenic Door-to-Door Ride

Skip the ferrying of bags and trains: this private one-way transfer delivers door-to-door comfort between Cesky Krumlov and Linz in roughly 90 minutes. Ideal for travelers who want a punctual, private connection with room for luggage and a local driver to guide the route.

1.5 hours

Check dates & book

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.