The Goldsteig Trail
Across the Peaks of the Bavarian Forest into the Heart of the Wilderness 🌲🏔️🥾
Endless forests, mighty mountain summits, and mysterious moorlands. The Goldsteig Trail in the Bavarian Forest takes you into one of Germany’s most pristine natural regions. On this eight-day hiking tour from Bodenmais to Mauth, you will experience the so-called "Green Roof of Europe" from its most impressive side 🌿. Amidst ancient mountain forests, roaring waterfalls, and scenic peaks, a fascinating landscape unfolds where nature still sets its own rhythm.
A special natural spectacle awaits right at the beginning. The Rißloch Waterfalls cascade over moss-covered rocks into the valley, setting the mood for the hiking days ahead 💧. Afterwards, your trail leads up to the Großen Arber, which at 1,456 meters is the highest peak in the Bavarian Forest. From its summit, your gaze sweeps far across the wooded ridges all the way to Bohemia ⛰️. The idyllic Großer Arbersee (Great Arber Lake), nestled between dense forests and steep mountain slopes, forms a charming contrast to the rugged world of the peaks.
With each day of hiking, you immerse yourself deeper into the fascinating nature of the Bavarian Forest. Along shaded forest paths, past babbling brooks, and through quiet valleys, the route leads to the Großen Falkenstein 🌲. Along the way, you will encounter the so-called Schachten—former mountain pastures that today lie like small green islands amidst the vast woodlands. These unique landscapes tell stories of the region's centuries-old history and repeatedly open up surprising views 🌄.
The Goldsteig reveals its most untamed side inside the Bavarian Forest National Park, where nature is left largely undisturbed to develop freely. Surrounded by towering ancient trees, weathered trunks, and mysterious moorlands, you will experience a true wilderness that has become rare in Central Europe 🍃. The Zwieselter Filz raised bog delights visitors with its unique plant life, while the ascent to the Großen Rachel rewards you with impressive panoramas. A detour to the idyllic Rachelsee Chapel overlooking the tranquil Lake Rachel makes this section a truly special nature experience 💚.
Another highlight awaits you at the Lusen, whose summit is covered by a massive sea of granite boulders 🪨. You will climb to the top via the famous Himmelsleiter (Stairway to Heaven) and enjoy a fascinating 360-degree view across the seemingly endless forests of the national park. Especially in the light of the low sun, this extraordinary rocky landscape unfolds a magic all of its own ✨. Afterward, varied forest trails and idyllic resting spots lead you to the destination of your hiking trip in Mauth.
Bavarian hospitality is not neglected along the way either. Cozy inns and traditional places to stop invite you to recharge your batteries with a hearty Brotzeit (traditional Bavarian snack) or regional specialties 🥨🍺. After an eventful day of hiking, the tranquility of the Bavarian Forest is especially wonderful to enjoy.
The hiking stages follow varied forest trails, stony mountain paths, and panoramic ridges 👣. A very good basic level of fitness, sure-footedness, and sufficient hiking experience are required for this sporty tour with its longer ascents. In return, you will be rewarded with impressive summit experiences, quiet moments in nature, and the special feeling of hiking right through one of the last great forest landscapes in Central Europe.
The Goldsteig from Bodenmais to Mauth is a hiking tour full of authenticity, vast expanses, and genuine mountain experiences. It is a journey that opens up new perspectives with every summit, lets you feel the beauty of untouched nature, and creates memories that will resonate for a long time 🌲💚🥾.
Day 1
Individual Arrival in Bodenmais
You arrive in the well-known spa town of Bodenmais. After your arrival, take a leisurely stroll through the town and its spa gardens, visit the JOSKA Glasparadies glassworks, or experience a guided tour of the historic Silberberg visitor mine, where ore was already being mined back in the 12th century.
Hotel (example): „Das Arber-Hotel“ am Rothbach
Day 2
Bodenmais – Großer Arber – Großer Arbersee
Your first highlight is the Rißloch Waterfalls, whose main cascade plunges up to 15 meters. The trail then leads uphill to the Chamer Hütte. From here, it is only a short detour and ascent to the Kleiner Arber. The Goldsteig then guides you to the "King of the Bavarian Forest" – the Großer Arber at 1,456 meters. Enjoy the magnificent panoramic view before descending to the Großer Arbersee (Great Arber Lake), or shorten the tour by taking the comfortable Arber cable car down to the valley station (additional cost). With either option, you will use public transport to return to your accommodation.
Optional extension as a circular tour from Großer Arber (from km 9) via Hochzellberg (approx. 9.5 km, walking time: approx. 3 hrs, +60 m, –830 m): You hike down from the Großer Arber to reach the Schachtenwiese meadow. At Mittagsplatzl, enjoy the view across the 400-meter steep Arberseewand cliff down to the Großer Arbersee. At Hochzellberg (1,208 m), you will not only be rewarded with a wonderful view of Bodenmais, but you might also spot paragliders taking off.
Hotel (example): „Das Arber-Hotel“ am Rothbach
Day 3
Großer Arbersee – Bayerisch Eisenstein – Zwieslerwaldhaus
After a bus ride back to the Großer Arbersee, you rejoin your hiking route and hike comfortably down into the valley. Following the Großer Regen river, you reach the climatic spa town of Bayerisch Eisenstein, where you can visit the Local Railway Museum (Localbahnmuseum) and the NaturparkWelten exhibition at the border railway station. Slightly uphill, the trail continues below the Hochberg. After a refreshing break at the traditional Schwellhäusl inn, you walk past the Triftbach stream to Zwieslerwaldhaus.
Hotel (example): Hotel-Gasthof Zwieseler Waldhaus
Day 4
Zwieslerwaldhaus – Großer Falkenstein – Ludwigsthal
Today you hike up the Großer Falkenstein and pass the historic Ruckowitzschachten, the oldest former mountain pasture (Schachten) in the Bavarian Forest. Enjoy wonderful views of the Großer Arber and take a well-deserved break at the summit. Afterwards, the trail leads down to the Falkenstein National Park Center in Ludwigsthal. In the animal outdoor enclosure (additional walking distance), you might be lucky enough to spot wolves or lynxes. Finally, take the Waldbahn train (free of charge) to the glassmaking town of Zwiesel, where the spa gardens and the impressive crystal glass pyramid await you.
Hotel (example): Pension Sonneneck Zwiesel
Day 5
Buchenau – Zwieselter Filz – Waldschmidthaus - Gfäll
After a short morning transfer, you reach Buchenau. The trail now leads uphill to rejoin the Goldsteig. Alongside the pristine Zwieselter Filz raised bog, you will experience more historic Schachten pastures today. Follow the hiking trail to the Waldschmidthaus, located just below the summit of the Großer Rachel. There, you leave the trail and take the bus (free of charge) to your overnight stay in Spiegelau.
Hotel (example): Landhotel Tannenhof
Day 6
Gfäll - Waldschmidthaus – Großer Rachel – Raum Waldhäuser
Today you climb up to the summit of the Großer Rachel, the second-highest mountain in the national park. A short detour to the picturesque Rachelsee Chapel overlooking Lake Rachel is highly recommended! The trail continues across the Felsenkanzel viewpoint and winds through varied mixed mountain forests to the Teufelsloch gorge. There, you leave the Goldsteig and hike past the Martinsklause reservoir down into the village of Waldhäuser.
Hotel (example): Berggasthof Lusen
Day 7
Raum Waldhäuser – Lusen – Mauth
The long ascent to the Lusen (1,373 m) via the rocky Himmelsleiter ("Stairway to Heaven") is rewarded with an impressive view across the Blockmeer, a massive sea of granite boulders. The remainder of the stage consists of a relaxed, gradual descent to Mauth. The forest meadow at Tummelplatz, below Mount Großalmeyerschloß, as well as the Steinbachklause reservoir, are ideal spots for a cozy rest and a wonderful conclusion to your hiking tour.
Hotel (example): Wirtshaus – Pension Säumerpfad
Day 8
Departure or extension
After an unforgettable hiking trip along the Goldsteig, you begin your journey home today. Alternatively, you can extend your hiking holiday with an extra night in Mauth or at one of the other stage towns.
For individual departure by train:
The departure town of Mauth is not connected to the railway network. Your individual return journey regularly takes place by bus to the nearest train station. Alternatively, we offer a minibus transfer to your desired train station (e.g., Plattling, Regensburg, or Passau) and would be happy to provide you with a corresponding quote.
Requirements for hikers
The hiking tour on the Goldsteig from Bodenmais to Mauth is classified as demanding. The stages mostly follow natural forest trails, narrow mountain paths, as well as partially rocky and root-covered sections. Especially the ascents to the summits of the Großer Arber, Großer Rachel, and Lusen require a very good level of fitness, sure-footedness, and hiking experience. The daily hikes last approximately 4.5 to 6.5 hours and include ascents of up to 850 meters in elevation. Individual passages, such as the rocky Himmelsleiter leading up to the Lusen, demand special attention and steady footing. Technically high-alpine sections are not to be expected, yet you should be physically fit and accustomed to longer mountain hikes.
Summary
- Total approx 97 km over 6 hiking days
- 7 nights
- Breakfast
- Luggage transfer
- Shared transfer from Zwiesel to Buchenau
- Travel documents and GPS data
- Service hotline
- from € 869 per person
Facts about the Goldsteig Trail
- The Goldsteig is located in the Upper Palatinate Forest and the Bavarian Forest
- Covering around 660 kilometers, it is Germany’s longest certified quality hiking trail (Qualitätswanderweg)
- The entire trail leads from Marktredwitz to Passau
- The route splits into a Northern Route and a Southern Route
- The more demanding Northern Route leads right through the Bavarian Forest National Park
- The hiking trip from Bodenmais to Mauth covers approximately 110 kilometers
- The Großer Arber at 1,456 meters is the highest mountain in the region
- The Großer Rachel at 1,453 meters is the highest mountain within the national park
- The Bavarian Forest National Park was founded in 1970 as Germany’s very first national park
- Pristine forests, raised bogs, mountain lakes, and former forest pastures (Schachten) are characteristic features of the area
- The Goldsteig is one of the renowned Top Trails of Germany