At the wildlife enclosure at the Lusen National Park Centre, visitors can observe around 40 species of mammals and birds across more than 200 hectares. The animals live in spacious, naturalistic enclosures and aviaries. Around the Hans-Eisenmann-Haus, further open-air areas draw attention to plants and rocks, combining nature observation with insights into the history of the Earth.
Plants, rocks and trails at the Lusen National Park Centre
The open-air plant area around the Hans-Eisenmann-Haus covers four hectares. Several hundred plant species can be seen there in their natural habitats and plant communities. The open-air rock area explores the geological history of the region; some of the rocks on display are more than 500 million years old. The permanent exhibition “Paths into Nature – A Story of Forests and People” at the Hans-Eisenmann-Haus introduces visitors to the secrets of Bavarian Forest National Park.
The treetop walk at the Lusen National Park Centre offers another perspective: it is 1,300 metres long and rises up to 44 metres above the forest floor. From there, visitors can look into and across Bavarian Forest National Park. Those who prefer a circular route will find a seven-kilometre discovery trail at the Lusen National Park Centre; shortcuts are possible. The site is suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs, cleared of snow in winter and freely accessible all year round.
Plan hiking and cycling tours
The Bavarian Forest Nature Park has around 7,000 kilometres of marked hiking trails. Local trails are marked with green signs and white lettering. Around 1,100 kilometres of long-distance hiking trails also cross the Bavarian Forest. These figures give you an overview of the trail networks; check local conditions before setting out.
The Waldbahn railway and GUTi bus routes can be used for hikes in the nature park. This makes point-to-point hikes and sections of circular routes possible. Four Waldbahn lines serve the National Park region; Igelbus buses supplement the rail network and reach key National Park facilities as well as hiking trail starting points. Nine hikes are featured along the Viechtach–Gotteszell railway line. Check the timetable and individual train connections before travelling.
Cyclists can enjoy more than 200 kilometres of exceptionally well-marked cycle paths in Bavarian Forest National Park. Cycling tours from the National Park can also be used to explore neighbouring Ĺ umava National Park. Border crossings for cross-border excursions are located at Bayerisch Eisenstein, Finsterau and Gsenget. Check the availability of the crossings and route conditions in advance.
Guided tours and glassmaking
Bavarian Forest National Park offers a programme of guided tours and events almost all year round. Activities vary by season, so check before your trip which options are available on your dates.
The glassmaking tradition of the Bavarian Forest includes both historic glassmaking towns and contemporary art and craft businesses. Nearby, the Frauenau Glass Museum offers insights into glassmaking and glass finishing, the work carried out in a glassworks, and life in a glassmaking town in the past. The exhibition spans a broad period: from sand-core glass vessels of early civilisations and medieval prunted glass to Art Nouveau vases decorated with flowers and machine-made glass from the industrial age.
Discover more destinations: Altötting, Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, Nuremberg Land, Allgäu, Berchtesgadener Land, Miesbach, Altmühltal, Unterallgäu.
Go to the main travel overview: Bavaria.
