Top destinations around Bodenmais

Our local mountain, the Silberberg, lies directly east of the town of Bodenmais. With its rocky, double peak, also called the Bischofshaube (bishop’s hood), it is one of the most famous mountains in the area. The Silberberg is a worthwhile destination for excursions all year round: its summer toboggan run, numerous hiking trails, and mine, as well as its wintertime ski and toboggan runs, make it an experience for the whole family. In good weather, you can see as far as the Alps from the summit.

Distance: 2km

Experience the history of mining on a guided tour of the Barbara Gallery. Equipped with a helmet and overalls, you will set off, accompanied by the miner’s greeting, “Glück auf!” The path leads you through the Barbara Gallery, which is over 600m long, deep into the interior of the Silberberg to a huge cavern, the Großer Barbaraverhau. The tour takes place in all weather, but be sure to bring a jacket even in summer: the temperature in the mine is a constant 5°C.

Distance: 2km

With an elevation of 1,546m, the Großer Arber is the king of the Bavarian Forest and a sight for young and old. The main summit, with its large cross, offers a magnificent view. In winter, the Großer Arber offers a wonderful natural spectacle when the east wind and ice snow combine to create the well-known “Arbermandl”, freezing the large mountain pines and spruces into whimsical sculptures. No matter the time of year, the Großer Arber is a popular destination for holidaymakers, hikers, and winter sports enthusiasts.

Distance: 14km

At 1,384 metres above sea level, the Kleiner Arber is the highest mountain in the Upper Palatinate. Lower Bavaria’s border runs directly over its summit. From there, the beautiful view stretches across the Lamer Winkel to the Zellertal valley. Below the summit, you will find the Chamer Hütte mountain hut. It was built in 1952 by the Cham section of the Bavarian Forest Association and was once a restaurant. In 2008, it was reopened as a mountain hut where you can enjoy a cosy stop. In winter, it is possible to toboggan from the Chamer Hütte to Bodenmais.

Distance: 7km

The Großer Arbersee is located at the foot of the Großer Arber and is the most visited lake in the Bavarian Forest. The lake, which was formed during the last ice age, is surrounded by dense primaeval and high forest. To the west of the lake, the Arberseewand, which is about 400m high, rises steeply. Here you will find one of the most impressive primaeval forest remnants of the Bavarian Forest, with small waterfalls, marshy hollows, and impressive biodiversity.

Distance: 10km

On the northern slope of the Arber, in the middle of a 403-hectare nature reserve, lies the Kleiner Arbersee. In the 19th century, the lake was used for timber drifting, for which purpose a one-metre dam was constructed. As a result of the damming, peat blankets detached from the bottom of the lake, creating three floating islands. Explore the lake via the approximately 1.5km loop hiking trail: this leads along the steep rock faces and is easily accessible with prams or wheelchairs in dry weather.

The Rißloch falls, located in a protected nature reserve, is the largest waterfall in the Bavarian Forest. This special natural monument is one of the highlights of the Arber region. The Arberbach, the Schwellbach, the Kleinhüttenbach, and the Wildauerbach streams join together in a gorge to form the Rißbach. The water tumbles spectacularly down the Rißlochschlucht gorge in five smooth main stages. The natural spectacle is particularly impressive during heavy rain or after snow has melted. You can reach the waterfalls via various hiking trails of varying degrees of difficulty.

Distance: 7km

Woid Woife, alias Wolfgang Schreil, a Bodenmais local, is known throughout Germany for his radio and television appearances. The seasoned man with his ruffled beard, felt hat, and plaid shirt is a hiking guide and animal whisperer. He is the godfather of the new nature discovery trail in Bodenmais. An oversized wooden figure of Woid Woife greets guests from afar. Here, children can discover and learn all kinds of interesting facts about forests, meadows, and water – and have fun doing it!

Distance: 2km

The Schwellhäusl near Zwieslerwaldhaus in the Bavarian Forest can be reached via numerous hiking trails. Choose, for example, a short walk along the Schwellsteig trail or an extended hike starting from one of the surrounding villages. Some paths are also suitable for prams. Here you can experience the wild, unspoilt nature of the Bavarian Forest National Park. Stop at the Schwellhäusl for a cosy meal and enjoy Bavarian delicacies and a magnificent view of the pond. Fancy some local specialities? We recommend the Triftkasbrot bread with cheese and, as a thirst quencher, a Trifter Dunkel beer.

Distance: 23km

At JOSKA, you can experience the magic of glassmaking up close. Here, glass artists create their famous products in the best tradition of craftsmanship. You can even try your hand at glass-blowing yourself! In the adjacent shop, you can buy crystal glass in different variations as well as decorations and gifts to take home. Afterwards, enjoy a delicious snack in the beer garden and café. Don’t miss the Christmas market that opens at JOSKA in early November!

Distance: 1km

Try the various specialities at the Bärwurzerei Hieke: a sweet Käferl, Schachtenfeuer, Forsthäusler, or Bärwurz are not to be missed. We also recommend the tasting room. From sweet liqueurs or tart-fruity berries to high-proof herbal liqueurs or root schnapps, there is something for everyone. Find out more about the individual products in the 15-minute Bärwurz video.

Distance: 16km

Here, the shepherd gives you a peek inside his daily work. Accompany him around the sheep farm (a short walk) and discover the 15 different breeds that are raised here. Feeding, petting, and cuddling the sheep is expressly permitted! You will also learn all kinds of interesting facts about the processing and properties of the wool, as well as interesting facts about the sheep themselves and other sheep products. Afterwards, you will be offered a small taste of sausage and cheese and a piece of fine sheep’s milk chocolate.

Distance: 22km