Best waterfalls in Upper Palatinate are found within a captivating natural landscape in Bavaria, Germany. The region features diverse geographic formations, from the Upper Palatinate Forest to the Bavarian Forest, where water interacts with ancient granite and creates unique natural spectacles. Visitors can explore various natural monuments, including cascading waterfalls and wild river gorges. This area offers a range of outdoor experiences centered around its water features.
Last updated: May 17, 2026
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The Otterbach The Otterbach originates in the church village of Süssenbach, in the municipality of Wald in the Chams district, at approximately 477 m above sea level, through the confluence of the Weismühlbach and Steinbach streams. From there, it flows steadily southwestward, initially also called the Süssenbach, in loops that are particularly wide at the beginning. After passing through about a dozen smaller villages in Wald, it crosses the border into the Regensburg district and enters the municipality of Altenthann, passing through the village of Forstmühle there, and then flows northwest past the large, unincorporated forest area of the Forstmühle Forest. It passes successively the Altenthann hamlet of Bruckhäusl on the left bank, its church village of Heuweg on the right bank and on the heights above the valley, the village of Oberlichtenwald, which is located on the same bank as the stream, and the village of Unterlichtenwald on the right bank of the estuary in the wide floodplain. There, the most important tributary, the Sulzbach, flows along the other side of the village. Its upper reaches, together with its own course, even exceed the length of the Otterbach main branch up to this point, but contribute about a quarter less to the catchment area. From there, the St. 2145 state road uses the valley. The valley now narrows again between steep forest slopes, and the Otterbach enters the territory of Markt Donaustauf, where it successively passes the isolated villages of Neumühle and Klammer on its banks. The valley then widens into a large field bay, where it flows between the hamlets of Hammermühle and Dachsberg. Before Scheuchenberg, the stream, which ultimately flows almost southward, deviates to the right and southwest, crosses the church village of Sulzbach an der Donau, flows under the St. 2125 state road, which follows the stream, and flows into the Danube on the left after 17 kilometers. A popular hiking trail runs along the stream between Forstmühle and Hammermühle. Source: Excerpts from www.wikipedia.de
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The Triftsteig trail toward the small Abersee is very beautiful but also quite challenging. Sturdy footwear is a must. The trail follows the stream throughout. It takes about 2 hours to walk from the parking lot to the lake.
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Beautiful little waterfall that invites you to take a break.
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A small waterfall on the path between Sommerau and the Kleiner Arbersee. A lovely spot for a hiking break.
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The Schwallohbach, 80 m above the Butterfass, flows into the Waldnaab in a hanging valley with a more or less visible waterfall, depending on the amount of water.
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Here you will not only find a beautiful little waterfall with rapids, but also a bench to sit on. Definitely a picturesque photo opportunity.
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The most famous legend is about the creation of the Devil's Butter Barrel. Located on the roaring Schwallohbach, the rock was created by whirlpools in the granite, creating hollow shapes that probably gave the place its name.
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It's really worth stopping by at Koreawirt 👍
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The Muglbach Waterfall, located near Bad Neualbenreuth, is recognized as the highest waterfall in the Oberpfälzer Wald. It features crystal-clear spring water and a tranquil soundscape. The stream originates in the Czech Republic and flows through a scenic area at the foot of the Tillenberg mountain, which holds historical significance as the center of Europe.
Yes, the Höllbach Valley (Hölle) Nature Reserve offers a wild and romantic rocky forest gorge. Here, visitors are constantly accompanied by the sound of the Höllbach as it rushes through the landscape. It's a popular spot for hikers seeking a rugged natural experience.
The waterfalls in Upper Palatinate offer different experiences throughout the year. Spring, after snowmelt, provides the most powerful water flow. Summer offers a refreshing escape from the heat, while autumn brings vibrant colors to the surrounding forests. In winter, some waterfalls, like the Muglbach, can transform into a magical ice spectacle.
Yes, several waterfalls in the Upper Palatinate are suitable for families. The Muglbach Waterfall is considered family-friendly, offering accessible trails. Additionally, the Schwallohbach Waterfall and Muglbach Waterfalls and Legends are also noted as family-friendly options.
The region is rich in unique geological formations. For example, near Falkenberg, you can find The (Devil’s) Butter Barrel, an interesting formation where whirlpools have carved swirl holes and pseudo-mud holes into the granite due to the river's strong current and significant gradient.
Yes, the Upper Palatinate features tufa cascades. You can visit the Tufa Cascades of the Weiße Laber and other Tufa Cascades, which are natural monuments where calcium carbonate deposits form unique terraced waterfall structures.
The areas around the waterfalls offer various outdoor activities. You can enjoy easy hikes, such as the 'Waldnaabtal circular route' or the 'Tirschenreuth pond route', which are part of the easy hikes in Upper Palatinate. For more challenging adventures, there are mountain hikes like those around Großer Osser, detailed in the Mountain Hikes in Upper Palatinate guide. Road cycling routes are also available, for instance, near Regensburg-Prüfening, as highlighted in the Road Cycling Routes in Upper Palatinate guide.
Absolutely. The Seilerbach Waterfalls are a small, beautiful waterfall located between Sommerau and the Kleiner Arbersee. It's an ideal spot to pause, relax, and enjoy the sound of the water during a hike.
The Rissloch Waterfalls, near Bodenmais, are set within a primeval-like mixed forest of maple, beech, spruce, and fir. This area, part of the Rissloch Nature Reserve, features wildly jagged rocks and moss-covered gorges, creating a wildly romantic scenery. It's also known for its biodiversity, providing habitat for various species.
Yes, along the Triftsteig trail, you can discover the Weiße Regen Waterfalls. This natural hiking trail features small waterfalls and weirs as the Weiße Regen river cascades in steps into the valley, offering picturesque views.
Visitors frequently highlight the tranquil soundscapes, the refreshing atmosphere, and the scenic beauty of the waterfalls. Many enjoy the well-marked hiking trails that lead to these natural wonders, appreciating the opportunity for a peaceful retreat into nature and the chance to observe unique geological formations.
The Muglbach Waterfall is notable for its historical context, being close to the Tillenberg mountain, considered the historical center of Europe. The Muglbach stream itself is part of a larger system, eventually flowing into the Wondreb (Odrava) and then the Elbe, connecting it to the North Sea.


Looking for more great places nearby? See even more amazing waterfalls in Upper Palatinate with these guides per region:
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