Grafenau’s rise was closely linked to the historic salt trade. As an important packhorse-trading town, it was located directly on the Golden Trail, also known as the Gulden Straß. Salt was transported from the Upper Innviertel to Bohemia along one of Europe’s oldest and most important trade routes. This history gives a visit to the town a clear focus: in Grafenau, you can explore historic sites on foot and delve deeper into the themes covered by the town’s museums. At the same time, Grafenau lies right by Bavarian Forest National Park, bringing cultural and natural attractions together in one destination.

Discover the Salt Trade and Town History

You can explore the town on your own, take a guided tour or follow an interactive route. Stops include the historic town square, the statue of St. John of Nepomuk, the packhorse-trader fountain, the Old Town Hall and the last remains of the old town wall. The square itself, with its packhorse-trader and Luitpold fountains, the statue of St. John of Nepomuk, colorful townhouses and the Old Town Hall, invites you to stroll and linger. The route connects individual historic landmarks with the surviving traces of the town wall.

Grafenau’s museums each have a different focus. The Bauernmöbel Museum showcases painted farmhouse furniture and traditional life in the Bavarian Forest. The Grafenau Snuff Museum explores the custom of taking snuff, with exhibits and information covering its history. The Town Museum presents local history, from old trade routes to the everyday lives of earlier generations. Those interested in the salt trade will also find a link to the history of the Golden Trail at the Town Museum.

Friday Market and Outdoor Trails

The Grünwochenmarkt (Green Weekly Market) is held on the town square every Friday morning. There, you can sample and take home fresh local produce. If visiting the market is important to your trip, plan around this day of the week and confirm the date locally before you travel. The market is a specific Friday option; the town walk and museums offer other ways to explore Grafenau’s history.

South of Grafenau, the Dreifaltigkeitsweg (Trinity Trail) combines hiking, reading and reflection. The route runs mostly along natural forest paths. If you’d also like to read and reflect along the way, this offers a different focus from a tour of historic buildings and squares.

Grafenau lies right by Bavarian Forest National Park, Germany’s oldest national park, founded in 1970. Cycling can also be combined with a visit to the national park: Grafenau’s network of trails can be linked to the park’s cycling network and connects directly to the National Park Cycle Route. Cycling is another way to include the town and the national park in your travel plans.

In winter, the range of activities includes classic groomed cross-country trails and skating trails, various route combinations, and connections into the national park area. Difficulty levels range from easy to intermediate; snow conditions may vary. If you’re traveling in winter, it’s a good idea to check snow and trail conditions before setting out. The options therefore vary by season: in winter, cross-country trails take center stage, while the Dreifaltigkeitsweg combines hiking, reading and reflection.

Discover more destinations: Sankt Oswald-Riedlhütte, Jandelsbrunn, Hinterschmiding, Neureichenau, Röhrnbach, Philippsreut, Perlesreut, Mauth.

Go to the regional travel overview: Freyung-Grafenau.