4.6
(41620)
172,314
hikers
84
hikes
Hiking in Kerngebiet Im Nationalpark Bayerischer Wald offers diverse landscapes characterized by dense, wild forests and granite and gneiss hills. The region is committed to minimal human intervention, allowing nature to develop into primeval-like environments. Key features include raised bogs, mountain streams, and the prominent peaks of Großer Rachel and Lusen. This area provides a variety of trails for different skill levels.
Last updated: May 11, 2026
4.8
(501)
2,202
hikers
11.2km
03:43
510m
510m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.8
(795)
2,607
hikers
11.5km
03:04
130m
120m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Sign up for free
4.8
(131)
451
hikers
7.62km
02:21
270m
270m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.9
(183)
916
hikers
Moderate hike. Great for any fitness level. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.6
(11)
37
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Kerngebiet Im Nationalpark Bayerischer Wald
The Goldsteig – 38 stages between Upper Palatinate and Passau
Hiking tips for the Bavarian Forest
Classic Dahoam in the Bavarian Forest
Discover the wild nature in the Bavarian Forest National Park on leisurely hikes
Lovely hikes in the Bavarian Forest National Park
Let nature be nature – hiking in the Bavarian Forest
Eight thousand meter high mountains in the Bavarian Forest
Trans Bayerwald – A mountain bike adventure through Bavaria's finest nature
Trans Bayerwald Kurztour: Hüttentour, Romantik und wilde Natur
Triathlon around Germany
always beautiful here, whether on foot or by bike
0
0
Boardwalk through the moor, but it gets slippery when wet.
1
0
Boardwalk through the moor, but it gets slippery when wet.
2
0
Spacious free parking, good starting point for hikes and tours.
0
0
⚠️ Attention!!!!Since July 2025 parking fees @Waldhausreibe!!!!Better park for free in the Graupsäge and take the free bus every half hour to Waldhausreibe
0
0
The Waldhausreibe can be reached by the Igelbus (Igel Bus), and by car before 9 a.m. and after 4 p.m. Parking is limited!
0
0
When it's wet, you can learn to waltz here, the floor is really slippery
2
0
A little bit of education while resting and marveling
1
0
The Kerngebiet Im Nationalpark Bayerischer Wald offers a wide selection of hiking opportunities, with over 80 trails documented on komoot. These range from easy strolls to challenging summit ascents, catering to various fitness levels.
Yes, the region provides numerous options for beginners and those seeking easier walks. There are over 20 easy trails available. Many paths in the lower areas, such as around the Lusen and Falkenstein National Park Centers, are suitable for less experienced hikers or families.
Hikers can experience diverse landscapes, including dense, wild forests, granite and gneiss hills, and ecologically valuable raised bogs (Filze). You'll also find mountain streams and prominent peaks like Großer Rachel and Lusen. The park's commitment to minimal human intervention means you'll witness nature evolving into primeval-like environments.
Yes, the national park features many circular routes, often marked with animal symbols. An example is the Circular route Buntspecht - From Racheldiensthütte to Rachelsee, which leads through forested areas to the scenic Rachelsee mountain lake.
The region is rich in natural landmarks. You can visit the Großer Rachel Summit, the Lusen Summit, or the Großer Falkenstein Summit Cross for panoramic views. The Rachelkapelle near Großer Rachel also offers a popular viewpoint towards Rachelsee. Additionally, unique geological features like the Teufelsloch: granite boulder field with an underground stream are worth exploring.
Absolutely. The park offers various trails suitable for families, including adventure trails like the 'Natur-Erlebnis-Pfad' in the Spiegelau forest playground. The National Park Centers at Lusen and Falkenstein also feature outdoor animal areas and educational exhibitions, making them great starting points for family outings.
Yes, the park is accessible for winter hiking. An extensive network of rolled or cleared winter hiking trails is maintained, particularly in the lower areas around the Lusen and Falkenstein National Park Centers and the Spiegelau forest playground. Snowshoe tours are also a popular activity.
The hiking experiences in Kerngebiet Im Nationalpark Bayerischer Wald are highly regarded by the komoot community, holding an average rating of 4.7 stars from over 6,000 reviews. Hikers often praise the wild, untouched nature, the well-maintained trails, and the stunning views from the peaks.
Yes, the park is known for its raised bogs, locally called 'Filze.' A great way to experience these ecologically valuable areas is by hiking through routes like Hiking through Klosterfilz and Großer Filz, which allows you to explore these unique habitats.
The highest peaks within the national park's core zone are Großer Rachel (1,453 m), Lusen (1,373 m), and Großer Falkenstein (1,305 m). These offer challenging climbs and rewarding panoramic views.
The park is a habitat for diverse wildlife, including rare animals such as lynx, otter, capercaillie, and Ural owls. The high percentage of deadwood also supports a rich diversity of insects, fungi, and birds, offering good opportunities for observation, especially in quieter areas.
The Bavarian Forest National Park is well-served by public transport, including the 'Igelbus' system, which connects various trailheads and visitor centers. It's advisable to check the current bus schedules for specific routes and access points within the Kerngebiet.


Browse the best Hikes in other regions.