The highest mountain in the Bavarian Forest. Velký Javor reaches an elevation of 1,456 metres and, in good weather, offers views deep into Bavaria and towards the Czech Šumava mountains. You can hike to the summit or make the ascent easier by taking the cable car. In winter, the surrounding area becomes one of the region’s most important ski resorts.

1,456 m above sea level | hiking in summer, skiing in winter

A glacial lake beneath Velký Javor. Großer Arbersee was formed during the last Ice Age and has retained its wild character to this day. A roughly 1.6 km trail runs around the lake, whose most distinctive feature is its floating peat islands, which are gradually spreading across the surface of the water.

1.6 km | easy walk

A small town divided by the state border, known in Czech as Bavorská Železná Ruda. The most interesting place can be found right at the railway station. The historic Grenzbahnhof straddles the Czech-German border and is now home to NaturparkWelten. Five floors of exhibitions explore nature, railways, skiing and the history of the border region.

Ideal for a shorter trip | history, architecture, museums

The highest waterfalls in the Bavarian Forest. Near Bodenmais, several mountain streams come together to form the Rißbach, which cascades down the Rißlochschlucht gorge in five main stages. The area has been protected since 1939, and several hiking trails of varying lengths and difficulty lead to the waterfalls.

7–14 km | 2–5.5 hours depending on the route

In the nature reserve near Bayerisch Eisenstein, you’ll find one of the most valuable remnants of the original forests of the Bavarian Forest. It is also home to Germany’s oldest fir tree. A place to visit when you want to escape into the world of ancient trees for a while and leave civilisation behind.

Nature reserve | peaceful walk