Bayerischer Wald
Frequently asked questions
This area of the website lists the questions asked most frequently by our visitors (along with their respective answers). These questions are sorted by topic. Our FAQs list a whole host of basic tips on how to behave in the National Park as well as information on outdoor activities, holidays, visitor facilities, family friendliness and disabled access. In addition, there’s also plenty of general information on the Bavarian Forest National Park. Have fun reading our FAQs!
General information on the National Park
Is there an official National Park profile?
What are the missions and aims of the National Park?
Is admission to the National Park free?
Rules in the protected area
Do I have to stay on the trails in the National Park?
Is it allowed to take pictures in the national park?
Are dogs allowed in the National Park?
Can I dispose of dog waste bags in the National Park?
Am I allowed to collect mushrooms and berries?
Am I allowed to build a fire?
Is it allowed to smoke in the woods?
Are there any areas where swimming is permitted in the National Park?
Is horse riding allowed in the National Park?
Our rangers
What does a park ranger do?
What powers do rangers have?
How are violations of the rules punished?
National park nature
What types of landscapes are found in the National Park?
What animals live in the National Park?
What risks are connected to dead wood?
How should I behave if I encounter a wolf?
Hiking and cycling
What types of walking trails exist in the National Park?
Is a map available which shows all walking paths?
What is the general condition of the trails?
Are guided tours available?
Are cross-border tours into Šumava National Park possible?
Where can I find walking trail recommendations?
Am I allowed to cycle everywhere in the National Park?
Winter sports
What about skiing?
Where are the cross-country ski trails?
Is there anything special to consider for ski tours and snowshoe hikes?
Bus, train and car
How can I get to the National Park by bus and train?
Does the local public transport network effectively replace a car in the region?
Are the roads in the National Park accessible to cars at all times?
- The access road to the Waldhausreibe at the foot of Lusen from Waldhäuser (Lusenstraße) and from the Lusen National Park Centre (Böhmstraße): Only open for private traffic between 15 May and 31 October before 9 a.m. and after 4 p.m. These areas are served by the Igelbus service in the remaining periods. Closed completely between 1 November and 14 May.
- Access road to the Gfäll car park below Rachel from Spiegelau: Only open for private traffic between 15 May and 31 October before 8 a.m. and after 6 p.m. These areas are served by the Igelbus service in the remaining periods. Conditional accessibility between 1 November and 14 May as only limited snow clearance work and gritting is carried out here. Snow chains may be required.
- Access road to the Racheldiensthütte from the Racheldiensthütte car park on the Nationalparkstraße: Only open for private traffic between 15 May and 31 October before 8 a.m. and after 6 p.m. This area is served by the Igelbus service in the remaining periods. Closed completely between 1 November and 14 May.
- Access road to the Buchwald border crossing from the Wistlberg car park near Finsterau: Only open for private traffic between 15 May and 31 October before 9 a.m. and after 6 p.m. This area is served by the Igelbus service in the remaining periods. Closed completely between 1 November and 14 May.
National Park Facilities
What visitor facilities does the National Park offer?
When are the main visitor centres open?
How do I get to the tree top walk?
Is there anything special to consider when visiting the animal enclosures?
- Littering the site including the aviaries and enclosures
- Intentionally disturbing or feeding the animals in the enclosures
- Climbing onto railings or leaving marked trails
- Cycling, riding or leading horses on the trails
- Allowing dogs to roam off the lead or swim in bodies of water
- Smoking or making an open fire
- Making noise, using drones, audio and video recording equipment and musical instruments
- Using flash photography or film lamps in the area around the enclosures and aviaries
- Filming or photographing for commercial purposes, unless written permission to do so has been provided by the National Park Administration (application form for photo and/or video authorisation)
- Holding organised events and photo workshops, unless written permission to do so has been provided by the National Park Administration