Whoever hears “Bavarian Forest” thinks first of rough nature: dark firs, granite summits, lonely raised bogs. Wellness is not the first word that comes to mind — and precisely there lies the appeal. Between Germany's first national park and one of the densest spa-hotel landscapes in the country there is, after all, only a short way. We show why the Bavarian Forest is worth a time out in every season.
The largest forest area in Central Europe
Together with the adjoining Bohemian Forest (Šumava) on the Czech side, the Bavarian Forest forms the largest contiguous forest area in Central Europe — around 6,000 square kilometres of woodland, bog and mixed mountain forest. Its heart is the Bavarian Forest National Park, founded in 1970 as the first national park in Germany. Here the principle is “let nature be nature”: a primeval forest of tomorrow in which lynx, capercaillie and black stork are at home again.
Wellness in the land of forests
That such a rugged landscape and extensive recreation are no contradiction is proved by the region's spa hotels. Sauna landscapes with a view into the green, swimming pools, massages and beauty treatments meet down-to-earth hospitality and forest air outside the door. Many houses bundle their treatments into multi-day wellness arrangements — the forest supplies the setting, the spa the recreation.
In every season
In winter the Großer Arber (1,456 m), the highest mountain of the region, becomes the “king of the Bavarian Forest”: snow-sure cross-country trails, lifts and descents for skiing. In summer a dense, well-signposted network of trails opens up across the mountains and through the woods, alongside mountain-bike routes and quiet lakes for rowing and canoeing. Spring and autumn belong to those who savour: quiet paths, clear air and wellness days without the rush.
The longest treetop walk in the world
A highlight for families lies in Neuschönau: at 1,300 metres its treetop walk is the longest in the world. With low barriers it climbs into the crowns of spruce, fir and beech before culminating in a 44-metre “tree tower” — from the top the view reaches as far as the Alps in clear weather. The walk connects the national park's animal enclosure area, where wolves, bears and lynx can be observed, with the visitor centre.
Glass, castles and pleasure
The Bavarian Forest is shaped by a centuries-old glassmaking tradition — along the “Glass Road” glassworks, museums and manufactories invite you to watch and to join in. Open-air museums keep old village life alive, castles such as Falkenstein throne above the valleys, and the inns serve down-to-earth regional fare. Whoever is looking for a city drives to Passau on the Danube, the “city of three rivers” with its baroque old town and cathedral.
Spa hotels in the Bavarian Forest
The range extends from the family-run country house to the large spa resort. Which houses we recommend in the region is shown on our Bavarian Forest region page — from the country house for couples to the resort with an extensive sauna landscape.