Bavarian Forest National Park
- Wolf im Naturpark; Bild: Templermeister/pixelio.de
The Bavarian Forest National Park was established in 1970. The ‘wilderness’ of the forest becomes accessible to visitors. An ideal starting point for an 'expedition' is either one of the two visitors' centres, both approximately 1.5.hrs drive from Regensburg. Enclosed areas offer the opportunity to take a look at wolves, wild horses, lynxes, bears and birds of prey at close range; a treetop path lets us see the wood from above. The park is a unique opportunity to get to know the Bavarian Forest first hand and experience its magnificent natural world and wildlife.
The Bavarian Forest offers a lot of walking routes, and there is always something new to discover all year round. Visitors will experience phenomenal scenery with unique, varied flora and fauna.
For more information, pictures and events go to
www.nationalpark-bayerischer-wald.de
Short Trips
Stockenfels Castle
- Burgruine Stockenfels; Bild:Ashauer/privat
- Burgruine Stockenfels; Bild:Ashauer/privat
On a granite hilltop above the Regen valley sits the ruined castle of Stockenfels. It was built in the early 14th century by Duke Louis (Ludwig) the Severe and his successor, later to become emperor Louis IV (called the Bavarian). The castle guarded a strategically important river crossing and quickly became the centre of power in the area. Changing hands repeatedly, it had a lively and colourful history until finally it was destroyed during the 30 Years`War. A picturesque footpath leads up to the reasonably well-preserved ruins of the castle. On certain days in summer, the castle is open to the general public and can be viewed from the inside. But it’s well worth a trip in any season to experience the unique atmosphere of the castle and the surrounding scenery. At the end of the walk, a special "Geisterbräu" (ghost brew) can be sampled in the beer garden (or, in winter, in the restaurant) at Marienthal on the bank of the river Regen.
Many stories are attached to the ruined castle. For example, dishonest publicans who cut their beer with water are banished here after death. They are doomed to scoop as much water from the river as they used to cheat their customers in life.
This ghostly tale, along with some others, is re-enacted every year during the “Ghost Walk of Nittenau”, a lovely local drama production that covers three castles and their ghosts in one evening.
For more information and pictures, go to www.burgenseite.de/html/stockenfels.html and www.geisterwanderung.de
Geopark Kaolinrevier Hirschau-Schnaittenbach
- Am Monte Kaolino - Freizeitpark; Bild:Danny215/pixelio.de
Since 1833 kaolin was mined in the area of today's geo park. After the mine closed, the entire district was transformed into a wetland with lakes and fields. Nowadays you will find a geo- nature trail where visitors can find out many interesting things about geology, environment and nature as well as the history of the area. A leisure park with thrilling activities caters to the adrenaline junkies: try the year-round skiing slopes of "Monte Kaolino" and the summer toboggan track, go rollerblading, play some beach sports or test your head for heights on a rope climbing course through the forest. Hot air balloon rides and paragliding facilities take you up above the gorgeous countryside of the Bavarian Forest.
For more information and pictures visit www.montekaolino.eu
Bad Kötzting
Bad Kötzting is a small town not too far away from Cham, the main city of the district. First mentioned in 1085, the town looks back on a long and eventful history. Today it is a tourist attraction for several reasons. Bad Kötzting is a spa specialising in Kneipp treatment, so that it attracts plenty of visitors for health reasons. Moreover, many cultural and folklore events grab the attention of the tourist: a lot of them centre on horses, for instance the Whitsun ride and the annual Horse Day. There’s also a “Bürgerfest” ( a big party for the whole town, essentially) every summer. An original English tea house right in the middle of the Upper Palatinate and other culinary attractions complete a memorable trip here.
You will find more information and pictures on www.koetzting.de
- Mühle bei Kötzting; Bild:TomTom/pixelio.de
- Pfingstritt; Bild:Elsa/pixelio.de
The Glass Route
- Lore in Bodenmais; Bild:Bouda/pixelio.de
Glass and its manufacture has always played a major role in the Upper Palatinate and the Bavarian Forest. This is traditional glass country, and today glass production and glass processing are still an important regional industry. The area between Neustadt on the Danube, Furth im Wald, Amberg and Waldsassen is referred to as the “ Glasstrasse” (glass route) of Eastern Bavaria. Many places here have a long standing connection to the production of and trade in glass. That is why there are numerous glassworks with show rooms, exhibitions and museums all about glass. In Passau you can see the world’s biggest collection of Bohemian glassware. The glass museum of Theresienthal and the glass manufacture there are well worth a visit. Bodenmais, also famous for its winter sport facilities, has over the last few decades developed into the Mecca of glass tourism. Here you can visit the glassworks and the new Crystal World, run by Joska glassmakers, where one can watch the entire process of making and shaping glass. You will find more information and pictures on www.dieglasstrasse.de and www.joska.com
Höllbachtal
The picturesque valley, situated within a nature reserve, begins close to Rettenbach / Postfelden . A small brook runs through it, from its source around Wiesenfelden in gentle bends, then turns into a wild mountain stream rushing through rocks and boulders and finally bursts out in small waterfalls and cascades under the mighty granite blocks. The brook flows past Dosmühle and Brennberg to Wörth where it finally joins the Danube. Explore the unique scenery and views of the Bavarian Forest on walks through the most romantic and picturesque settings.
For more information and pictures, go to bayerischer-wald-ferien.de/bilder-bayern-fotos/hoellbachtal-wandergebiet-wanderung-wandern.html