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 60 miles.

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, Bavaria
⌖ 5.16 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Spiegelau, Bavaria

Spiegelau, Bavaria offers peaceful mountain forest adventures year-round, with hiking, biking, paddling, and winter skiing amid the Bavarian Forest National Park’s scenic landscapes.

Late Spring to Early Autumn for hiking and biking; Winter for cross-country skiing
Explore Town
Modrava, Plzeň Region
⌖ 5.51 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Modrava, Plzeň Region

Modrava is a peaceful mountain village in the Bohemian Forest offering excellent hiking, mountain biking, paddling, and winter skiing. It’s an ideal base for outdoor lovers seeking unspoiled nature and tranquility year-round.

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

Grafenau, Bavaria

Grafenau is a peaceful Bavarian Forest town perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and paddling. Its proximity to the national park offers pristine trails, wildlife watching, and winter cross-country skiing for year-round outdoor adventure seekers.

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

Freyung, Bavaria

Freyung is a quiet Bavarian Forest town ideal for outdoor lovers seeking hiking, biking, paddling, and cross-country skiing. It’s an inviting basecamp to explore dense forests, mountain peaks, and clear rivers year-round.

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

Zwiesel, Bavaria

Zwiesel, Bavaria, offers year-round outdoor fun from hiking scenic forest trails to skiing nearby peaks. This Bavarian Forest town combines natural beauty, glassmaking heritage, and easy access to wilderness adventures.

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

Kašperské Hory, Plzeň Region

Kašperské Hory is a charming mountain town offering great hiking, biking, skiing, and paddling opportunities within Šumava National Park. Its historic sites and peaceful nature make it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts seeking wilderness and culture.

Late spring to early autumn; winter for skiing
Explore 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.

Renaissance Ramparts and Ossuary Shadows: A Day in Český Krumlov
ADVEXPEDITION
Český Krumlov, South Bohemia
Sightseeing TourADV Bookable

Renaissance Ramparts and Ossuary Shadows: A Day in Český Krumlov

An eight-hour guided exploration of Český Krumlov’s Renaissance castle, medieval streets and the Bone Church — a concise planning guide to a UNESCO World Heritage outing.

Sightseeing TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Walking the Shadow Lines: Český Krumlov’s 20th‑Century Story
ADVEXPEDITION
Český Krumlov, Český Krumlov
Guided TourADV Bookable

Walking the Shadow Lines: Český Krumlov’s 20th‑Century Story

A focused, two‑hour walking tour that traces the town’s WWII and Cold War history with archival black‑and‑white photographs — a concise guide to what you’ll see and why it matters.

Guided TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip