Hiking trails in the most beautiful part of the Bavarian Forest. The National Park offers a range of descriptions for easy and more challenging tours, including guided hikes. You can find an overview by following the link http://www.nationalpark-bayerischer-wald.de/zu_gast/wandern_und_erleben/wandern/index.htm

Our Ant Trail (marked with the ant symbol, starting directly from the house) invites you to your first exploration around the Zwieslerwaldhaus. A pleasant, leisurely walk of just under an hour around our little village will already show you the full beauty of the high forest on this short stretch. We recommend stopping at our property management office, the friendly Scharnagl family at their Waldgastof Scharnagl. Delicious bread spreads, tempting daily specials, and the "Riesenfransen" (Giant Pastry), which is famous far beyond our borders, invite you to linger in one of the most beautiful beer gardens in the Bavarian Forest. Further information can be found at: http://www.hotel-scharnagl.eu/

Right behind our house, starting on the Großen Rundweg and heading downhill, but then following the marked path instead of turning left, and keeping right at the first fork, the Bilderweg (Pictures Path) begins. A small, almost unknown walking path runs along our "Hausbach" (house stream) down to the Deffernik. The path’s name comes from our granddaughter Maria. Along the entire path, you’ll find pictures, religious figures, crosses, and nativity scenes, hidden in tree cavities or under roots. Children especially enjoy searching for and discovering the hidden figures, which have been placed here by visitors and locals (as a memorial?), and continue to be added to this day.

The National Park administration has developed a new and, in our opinion, interesting circular hiking trail through Lindberg, Zwieslerwaldhaus and Bayrisch Eisenstein, which also passes through the hunting grounds of a lynx family. With a great deal of luck and at the right time in the right place, you might be able to spot a lynx in the wild. (Our daughter managed to capture a rare snapshot near our customs house last winter). The trail runs directly past our house. Here’s the link for more information: http://www.gemeinde-lindberg.de/images/pdf/luchspfad.pdf

This unique primeval forest area can also be explored directly from the house. You can either walk 300m across the street towards the Zwieslerwaldhaus guesthouse and follow the signs, or take the "Ant Trail" towards the Gasthof and then take the path leading up towards the Falkenstein Mittelsteighütte.

History

• 1914: The area was declared a protected zone.
• 1939: By government decree, the 37.8-hectare, later expanded to 45.75-hectare Mittelsteighütte Nature Reserve near the Zwieslerwaldhaus was established.
• 1997: The area became part of the expanded Bavarian Forest National Park.

Vegetation

• The tree population consists mainly of: beech, silver fir, and common spruce. Since 2010, the woolly wine cap mushroom (Volvariella bombycina) has been documented.

Wildlife

• Birds: Tawny owl, spotted flycatcher, white-backed woodpecker, and three-toed woodpecker.
• Beetles: Rare deadwood inhabitants have been observed here, including the horned beetle, the oak sapwood borer, and the Russel beetle (Hexarthrum duplicatum).

Hiking

• The marked hiking trail can be used from various starting points.
• Further hiking trails crisscross the area with its majestic firs, beeches, and spruces, such as the hiking route with the Green Triangle (from the Zwieslerwaldhaus guesthouse) or the hiking route with the Yew, the shortest connection from Zwieslerwaldhaus (P1) to the summit of the Great Falkenstein.

On the way to the Schwellhäusel (if you take the main path), you’ll find the Hans Watzlik Grove at the height of the ridge, named after the local folk poet. This is where the primeval forest experience trail begins, leading past the largest spruce tree in the Bavarian Forest. Throughout the trail, you can admire impressive giant trees. As the forest is left to its own devices here, caution is advised in strong winds (deadwood).

One of the most popular destinations in our area is the Schwellhäusel. Many paths lead from our house to it. From the house, turn right towards the Deffernik; after crossing the bridge, you can either turn right up over the hill (Watzlik Hain) or go straight through the forest (past the spring enclosure) along the Schwellsteig, or turn left initially to follow the renatured Deffernik and then, at the first opportunity, turn right onto a completely secluded forest path to reach Lindberg’s, the most popular excursion destination.

The world’s largest treetop walk was built in the Bavarian Forest National Park. The official opening of the treetop walk took place on Tuesday, September 8, 2009. It opened to visitors starting September 9, 2009.

Stroll through untouched nature 8 to 25 meters above the forest floor and experience unique perspectives – this is what the treetop walk in the Bavarian Forest National Park offers you. Access to the world’s largest path of its kind is via an entrance tower located at the parking area near the wildlife enclosure, which, thanks to its elevator, allows seniors, wheelchair users, and parents with strollers to enjoy a comfortable and carefree visit. The structure, predominantly made of wood, is gently integrated into the magnificent mixed mountain forest and provides an authentic nature experience.

http://www.nationalpark-bayerischer-wald.de/zu_gast/einrichtungen/npz_lusen/baumwipfelpfad/index.htm

The Glass Museum in Frauenau takes visitors on a journey through the cultural history of glass, from its origins in Mesopotamia to the present day. The permanent exhibition presents a remarkable collection of unique exhibits of international standing; the “Glass of the Modern Era” section showcases artistic glass from the 20th and 21st centuries. In addition, the museum presents visitors with the cultural significance of glass for the neighboring regions of Bavaria and Bohemia. http://glasmuseum-frauenau.de/#

Directly next to our house is the circular hiking trail “Hirsch,” which allows you to comfortably walk to the Hirschfreigehege Scheuereck enclosure. You can either take the route past the old school and reach the enclosure 20 minutes later, or walk the path above the house through the Hochwald forest, past the Totenkopfwiesen meadows. The enclosure is maintained by the National Park and offers impressive opportunities to observe these imposing animals under almost natural conditions. The Scheuereck guesthouse with its children's playground is unfortunately currently closed, so it makes sense to pack a small snack. http://www.nationalpark-bayerischer-wald.de/zu_gast/einrichtungen/npz_falkenstein/hirschgehege_scheuereck.htm

One of the most beautiful natural swimming areas in the surrounding region is the lovely natural pool in Spiegelau. The address is Waldschmidstr4, 94518 Spiegelau. https://www.spiegelau.de/lichtblicke/reisethemen/natur-und-wellness/

The Little Arbersee (Little Arber Lake), five kilometers south of the municipality of Lohberg, is one of three kettle lakes in the Bavarian Forest. The lakes are relics of the Ice Age and surrounded by partially dense high forest. In 1882, Joseph Partsch was the first to recognize the glacial origin of the lakes. The lake is accessible via wonderful hiking trails. Directly on the lake, you’ll find opportunities for a hearty meal.

https://www.bayerischer-wald.de/Media/Attraktionen/Kleiner-Arbersee

Small but perfectly formed. That’s how you could describe the Lindberg Farmhouse Museum. It’s the only farmhouse museum in Lower Bavaria that can be visited in its original, centuries-old location. The houses weren’t dismantled, transported, or reassembled; they were inhabited until 1974, exactly where they stand today. This has created an authentic insight into rural life in the Bavarian Forest. Located in the heart of Linberg’s town center, it invites you not only to look around but also to stop for a pleasant break. The Lindberg Farmhouse Museum

A section of the forest north of the Falkenstein was uprooted by the storm Kyrill in 2007. The windthrow was cleared up, except for a relatively small area; the wood was largely removed in accordance with the transitional regulations. In the untouched area, the Windwurf Erlebnisweg (Stormthrow Experience Trail) has been created. At an altitude of 1275 meters, you can imagine how the area would develop without human intervention. Exposed root plates, fallen trunks, and large tree crowns offer a variety of small habitats. Information boards explain the natural dynamics unfolding here. "It looks like a fantasy film here," commented one of our guests. Ascent to the experience trail is possible both via Zwislerwaldhaus and Spiegelhütte. Follow the 'Eibe' marking and the 'Green Triangle' / 'Goldsteig' marking towards Falkenstein; ascent takes approximately 2 1/2 hours.

The Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is located in the municipality of Lindberg, north of Zwiesel in the Bavarian Forest. The parish church is an interesting excursion destination for art and church enthusiasts. Its neo-Romanesque silhouette with the typical rounded arches, as well as the partly unconventional, thematically related motifs of its church paintings, have given it recognition beyond the region. At the end of the 19th century, Johann Baptist Schott, a builder whom we would now call a star architect, created the church building inspired by Byzantine and early Christian designs. The painter Hofstötter from Munich was commissioned to paint the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus: on a large scale, following a sequence written down by Pastor Johann Baptist Wolfgruber. Each of the many hundreds of details in the pictorial world had its place in the theological context of the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

It’s a bit of a drive, but especially worthwhile with children. The Waldspielgelände (forest playground) in Spiegelau. Besides several beautifully designed playgrounds located in the forest, you'll find a fantastic exploration and adventure trail for children (and adults too!), which playfully and engagingly conveys a great deal about the forest and the National Park. Numerous "experience stations" invite you to participate and discover. Our grandchildren and we really enjoyed our visit. Address: Trosselweg 7, D-94518 Spiegelau Waldspielgelände Spiegelau

The Hausberg of Zwiesel. We hiked to the Hennenkobel on a misty day. Advantage: we were completely alone. Disadvantage: the fantastic view from the summit was denied to us. But a beautiful hike starting from the parking area below Hotel Robenstein; initially, it goes moderately uphill on a paved forest road (if you prefer it steeper, turn left immediately after the gate and follow the marked path "Hennenkobel, steeper route") always following the signs for Hennenkobel/Gläserner Kreuzweg (Glass Cross Path). There’s a small shelter at the summit cross where you can rest. You can either choose to take path 4 (steep path) or more or less retrace your steps. A highly recommended short hike (approx. 3 hours) or a proper hike:--> Hennenkobel circular hike – all the information | in the Bavarian Forest (bayerischer-wald.de)

Another real recommendation for a moderately challenging 12 km circular hike: the Kreuzotter trail. It leads through the two moors of Klosterfilz and Großer Filz, and through the Filzwald forest, where you can see rare bog pines for the National Park. In addition, you can observe rare moor plants and numerous birds. A fantastic trail with many interesting explanations about moors along the way. Unfortunately, there are no places to eat on the route.

Whether from the customs house or the forest ranger’s station; a hike along the Regen is always a wonderful thing.

From the customs house, it’s best to start the hike at the intersection of Zollhausstr. B11. Turn left at the intersection and take the foot and cycle path, and after about 400m you’ll reach the river hiking trail where you can decide whether you’d prefer to head towards Bayerisch Eisenstein or Zwiesel (Regen). Both routes are approximately 12 km long, and those who don’t fancy walking back can take the forest railway either in Zwiesel or in Bayerisch Eisenstein to the Ludwigsthal station and walk from there to their car.

From the customs house, it’s a good idea to drive or cycle back to Ludwigsthal along the short route and park in the Ludwigsthal car park, then walk a few meters towards the church and follow the fork in the direction of the sports field. At the sports field, a bridge has now been built over the Regen, making it very easy to reach the river hiking trail. Again, you can choose whether to hike towards Zwiesel or towards Eisnestein. Both are picturesque routes along the river. There are places to eat in Ludwigsthal at the Ludwigsthal restaurant or at Cafe Hoolzscheidel (weekends only). In Bay. Eisenstein, the restaurants on Bahnhofstr. are recommended.

Whether from the customs house or the forest ranger’s station; a hike along the Regen is always a wonderful thing.

From the customs house, it’s best to start the hike at the intersection of Zollhausstr. B11. Turn left at the intersection and take the foot and cycle path, and after about 400m you’ll reach the river hiking trail where you can decide whether you’d prefer to head towards Bayerisch Eisenstein or Zwiesel (Regen). Both routes are approximately 12 km long, and those who don’t fancy walking back can take the forest railway either in Zwiesel or in Bayerisch Eisenstein to the Ludwigsthal station and walk from there to their car.

From the customs house, it’s a good idea to drive or cycle back to Ludwigsthal along the short route and park in the Ludwigsthal car park. Then walk a few meters towards the church and follow the fork in the direction of the sports field. At the sports field, a bridge has now been built over the Regen, making it very easy to reach the river hiking trail. Again, you can choose whether to hike towards Zwiesel or towards Eisnestein. Both are picturesque routes along the river. There are restaurants in Ludwigsthal at the Gasthätte Ludwigsthal or at the Cafe Hoolzscheidel (weekends only). In Bay. Eisenstein, the restaurants on Bahnhofstr. are recommended.

Whether from the customs house or the forest ranger’s station; a hike along the Regen is always a wonderful thing.

From the customs house, it’s best to start the hike at the intersection of Zollhausstr. B11. Turn left at the intersection and take the foot and cycle path, and after about 400m you’ll reach the river hiking trail where you can decide whether you’d prefer to head towards Bayerisch Eisenstein or Zwiesel (Regen). Both routes are approximately 12 km long, and those who don’t fancy walking back can take the forest railway either in Zwiesel or in Bayerisch Eisenstein to the Ludwigsthal station and walk from there to their car.

From the customs house, it’s a good idea to drive or cycle back to Ludwigsthal along the short route and park in the Ludwigsthal car park, then walk a few meters towards the church and follow the fork in the direction of the sports field. At the sports field, a bridge has now been built over the Regen, making it very easy to reach the river hiking trail. Again, you can choose whether to hike towards Zwiesel or towards Eisnestein. Both are picturesque paths along the river. There are places to eat in Ludwigsthal at the Ludwigsthal restaurant or at Cafe Hoolzscheidel (weekends only). In Bay. Eisenstein, the restaurants on Bahnhofstr. are recommended.