The Bavarian Forest National Park, founded in 1970 as the first national park in Germany, joins with the neighbouring Šumava National Park in the Czech Republic to form the largest continuous area of woodland in Central Europe.
The concept of letting nature run wild is at the heart of the Bavarian Forest National Park. Visitors can explore this natural space, which is left to grow without any human interference, across hiking routes, cycle paths and skiing trails spanning several hundred kilometres. The treetop trail is just one example of the fun adventure routes also available. Whichever route visitors decide to take, a view of the Alps is guaranteed. With its mysterious moors, crystal-clear streams and a glacial lake called the Rachselsee, the wooded low mountain landscape provides the perfect habitat for native animals, including eagle owls, Ural owls, otters and wood grouse. Museums and information centres are available for anyone wishing to learn about the history of the national park or find out some interesting facts and figures.