The 20 Most Amazing Peaks around Grafenau

Among the most popular peaks are Großer Rachel Summit, recognized as Germany's most popular excursion mountain in a ZDF survey, and Lusen Summit, known for its distinctive granite dome and rich myths and legends. Both offer breathtaking panoramic views of the Bavarian Forest and beyond.

For stunning panoramic views, consider Großer Rachel Summit, which provides expansive vistas across the Middle Bavarian Forest to the Bohemian Forest and even the Alps on clear days. Lusen Summit also offers impressive views of the Bavarian Forest. Brotjacklriegel and Haidel both feature observation towers that provide overwhelming 360-degree views, extending to the Alps on clear days.

Yes, Brotjacklriegel is a great option, featuring the Sonnenwald Nature Trail with ten stations about the forest and its inhabitants, making it engaging for families. In winter, Brotjacklriegel offers ski lifts, a ski school, and toboggan runs. Oberfrauenwald also has a small ski area with a ski lift and a 300-meter toboggan run, suitable for families. For general easy hikes, you can explore routes in the Easy hikes around Grafenau guide.

On Lusen Summit, you'll find a distinctive granite dome, recognized as one of Bavaria's 100 most beautiful geotopes. Along its trails, discover mystical sites like the Teufelsloch (Devil's Hole) and the Glass Arche. Below Großer Rachel Summit, you can visit the legendary Rachelsee (Lake Rachel) and observe a unique regenerating forest landscape, a result of the National Park's 'let nature be nature' philosophy.

Lusen Summit is steeped in myths and legends, with tales suggesting the devil played a role in its creation. The name 'Frauenwald' for Oberfrauenwald originated from a historical land grant to the convent of Niedernburg in Passau in 1010. Plattenhausenriegel holds somber historical significance as the site of a Czechoslovakian military aircraft crash in 1963.

Großer Rachel Summit offers trails that can be challenging and require good fitness and sure-footedness. Plattenhausenriegel provides a more remote hiking experience, with its summit only accessible from July 15th to November 15th via the unmarked Grenzsteig trail, making it suitable for those seeking a less trodden path within the National Park's core area.

Beyond hiking, the region offers various activities. Haidel is popular for mountain biking, cycling, and snowshoeing. In winter, Brotjacklriegel and Oberfrauenwald transform into small ski areas with lifts and toboggan runs. You can find more options for hiking and mountain biking in the Hiking around Grafenau and MTB Trails around Grafenau guides.

Yes, near Lusen Summit, the Lusenschutzhaus provides accommodation even in winter. Below Großer Rachel Summit, the Waldschmidthaus offers a place for hikers to rest and refuel. At the base of the observation tower on Brotjacklriegel, the 'Turmstüberl' provides refreshments.

The mountain peaks are accessible in both summer and winter. Summer offers ideal conditions for hiking and enjoying panoramic views. In winter, peaks like Brotjacklriegel and Oberfrauenwald provide excellent conditions for winter sports, including skiing and tobogganing, and trails like Lusen's are well-developed for winter hiking. Plattenhausenriegel's summit is specifically accessible from July 15th to November 15th.

Visitors frequently praise the fantastic panoramic views from summits like Großer Rachel Summit and Lusen Summit, often extending to the Alps on clear days. The unique natural spectacles, such as Lusen's granite dome and the regenerating forest on Großer Rachel, are also highly appreciated. The variety of well-developed hiking trails and the opportunity for family-friendly activities, especially in winter, are also popular.

Absolutely. Lusen Summit is famous for its distinctive granite dome, which is considered one of Bavaria's 100 most beautiful geotopes. The area around Great Kanzel Summit is known as the 'rocky hiking area,' criss-crossed by numerous trails that lead past various rock formations. The Grossalmeyer Castle (Hohlstein) is also notable for its castle-like rock formations.