Camping in the Bavarian Forest: mountains, sights and weather – vacation in Bodenmais, Zwiesel & Co.

Camping in the Bavarian Forest – Are you planning your next vacation and want to get away from the stress of everyday life and enjoy the peace and quiet of idyllic nature?
Then the Bavarian Forest is the right place for you!
Picturesque landscapes of mighty mountains and forests await you, as well as exciting sights and wellness offers.
To make the most of your time here, you should travel with a roof tent or tent trailer.
This gives you the flexibility to visit all the beautiful places, such as Bodenmais, Viechtach or Zwiesel, and enjoy nature well into the evening hours.
Whether as a couple or with the family – here are our holiday tips.

Nature camping with children and dog

When camping in the Bavarian Forest, you can fully enjoy the closeness to nature and freedom, as it is a mighty mountain range with natural highlights, numerous hiking opportunities and a national park, as well as exciting excursion destinations and activities.
With a roof tent on your own Audi, BMW or VW, you are not tied to just one place, you always have your sleeping place ready and sleep comfortably, just like in your own bed.
Rooftop tent camping combines all the advantages you could wish for from a vacation and is therefore definitely more advantageous in the Bavarian Forest than a vacation in a hotel or vacation apartment.
To get started right away, you can buy camping accessories and your own roof tent here. [sv slug=”camping”] Before we get to our vacation tips, here is some interesting information about the Bavarian Forest:

Bavarian Forest Map

The Bavarian Forest is a 100-kilometer-long low mountain range between Bavaria and the Czech Republic.
Most of the region belongs to the district of Lower Bavaria and is visited by numerous tourists every year.
The vacation destination can be easily reached by car – ideally with a roof tent on top.

Impressions of the Bavarian Forest

Here you can get an exciting overview of the Bavarian Forest region from above.
Take a look at the following video to get some insights and inspiration for your own upcoming vacation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqxE86OBuiE Now let’s move on to our vacation tips for excursion destinations and things to do:

Excursion destinations: Sights & natural highlights

The Bavarian Forest definitely invites you to enjoy an active nature vacation thanks to its many mighty mountains and peaks.
Hikes, walks, bike tours and the like are at the top of the daily agenda here.
The “Großer Arber” and “Silberberg” mountains offer a special experience.
But the large Arbersee, a popular lake in the middle of the forest, the Ilz, a tributary of the Danube, and the Rißloch waterfalls are also definitely worth a visit.
Those interested in culture and history won’t go wrong with the Glass Museum and the outdoor animal enclosure or the Bavarian Forest Animal Park Lohberg is particularly recommended for families with children.
Popular excursion destinations in the Bavarian Forest:

• Großer Arber: Highest mountain in the Bavarian Forest
• Silberberg: Exciting leisure activities
• Großer Arbersee: Lake in the middle of the forest
• Ilz: tributary of the Danube
• Rissloch waterfalls
• Glass museum
• Outdoor animal enclosure or Bavarian Forest Animal Park Lohberg
• Nature park in Zwiesel
• Falkenstein Castle
• Egg Castle

My top 3 tips, in advance as an itinerary:

Großer Arber: Hiking, cycling & motorcycling

An absolute highlight for hiking is definitely the Großer Arber.
At 1,455.5 meters, it is the highest mountain in the Bavarian Forest, Lower Bavaria and also the second highest mountain in Germany, apart from the Alps.
The mountain is a popular destination for many tourists and its natural hiking trails are perfect for walking and hiking.
However, there are also routes for cycling and motorcycling.
So both nature lovers and sports enthusiasts will get their money’s worth here.
From the top, you have a picturesque panoramic view of the entire region.
The Großer Arber is also a popular place for skiing or snowboarding in winter, which is why many holidaymakers come here even in cold temperatures.
Information about the Großer Arber:

• Highest mountain in the Bavarian Forest and Lower Bavaria
• Second highest mountain in Germany, apart from the Alps
• 1,455.5 m above sea level
  NHN
• Numerous paths for hiking and walking
• Routes for cyclists and motorcyclists
• Picturesque panoramic view over the region
• Possibility to go skiing or snowboarding

Here is a first impression of the view from the Großer Arber:

Climb the Silberberg with idyllic panoramic views

Another popular mountain for hiking and climbing is the Silberberg.
At 955 meters, it is lower than the Großer Arber, but it is also one of the most prominent mountains in the region due to its rocky double summit.
It is located in the village of Bodenmais.
There are also some natural hiking trails leading up here, as well as a cable car.
Once you reach the top, you can expect an amazing and very extensive view.
Apart from that, the Silberberg also has many highlights for the whole family.
For example, there is a summer toboggan run, a climbing garden and playgrounds.
A special highlight, however, is the mine inside the Silberberg.
So a trip to the Silberberg should definitely be on your to-do list, as a fascinating world of nature, history and leisure fun for young and old awaits you.
The highlights of the Silberberg:

• 995 m above sea level
  NN in the village of Bodenmais
• Rocky double summit
• Natural hiking trails and sweeping views from above
• Summer toboggan run and summer tubing run
• Climbing garden and playgrounds for children
• Visitor mine with an exciting history

Take a look at what you can expect here:

Visit the nature park in Zwiesel: plants, animals & waters

The Bavarian Forest Nature Park is located in Zwiesel and covers the area north of the Danube up to the border ridge with the Czech Republic.
It is one of the oldest nature parks in Bavaria and has beautiful, idyllic landscapes to offer.
There is plenty to do here in both good and bad weather.
You are offered a unique variety of flora and fauna as well as mighty peaks, bodies of water and river landscapes.
The Wildbachklamm gorge in particular is a must-see during your visit here.
Numerous trails invite you to hike, walk and explore and lead you along fabulous scenic highlights.
Information about the nature park in Zwiesel:

• Area of around 278,000 ha
• Comprises the area north of the Danube up to the border ridge with the Czech Republic
• One of the oldest nature parks in Bavaria
• Unique flora and fauna
• Mighty peaks, bodies of water and river landscapes
• Exciting adventure trails for hiking and walking

Here you will find the nature park:

If you’ve decided to take a vacation in the Bavarian Forest, you should definitely go camping!

Camping close to nature instead of a hotel or vacation apartment

You have several options when camping: For example, you can travel in a camper, with a classic tent or with a roof tent or tent trailer.
Especially with a roof tent on your own car, you have all the freedom you could wish for on a nature vacation.
On the road, the tent is hardly noticeable, while when folded up it provides an enormously large and above all comfortable area for sleeping and living.
There are various models that differ in size, material and features.
However, they can all be set up in just a few minutes and without any effort.

Why you should go camping with a roof tent

So you can travel around flexibly with your car and, unlike a vacation in a hotel or vacation apartment, you are not tied to just one place and can travel to several places worth seeing at low cost and spend the night at a nearby campsite.
Read more about different models, costs, roof load and advantages here:

• Roof tent for the car

[sv slug=”dachzelt”] A camping vacation guarantees you these advantages:

• Freedom in organizing your trip
• Close to nature until the evening hours
• Time together at various campsites
• Dog and family friendly
• Cheaper than a hotel or vacation apartment
• Roof tent can be set up in just a few minutes
• Comfortable area for sleeping
• Various models in different sizes

One of the best things about camping: not only will your kids love it, your dog will have all the freedom too!

Packing list for camping: checklist, tips & suggestions

Nowadays, most people no longer go camping with just the bare essentials.
Instead, it can be a little more luxurious.
Instead of a 2-person tent, it is more comfortable to travel in a comfortable roof tent and important outdoor equipment such as chairs, table and loungers are also a must on the campsite.
Is tidiness the be-all and end-all for you?
There is also a practical solution for this when camping.
Here you will find a checklist to make sure you have all the essential items with you on your camping vacation and can make the most of your time.
These things should definitely be on your packing list:

• Camping furniture
• Awning or awning
• Camping kitchen including gas stove
• Durable food and cool box
• Mosquito spray and mosquito net
• …
• You can find all the gadgets in the packing list here!

Are you a camping beginner? Read all about the basics of packing lists, routes, costs, tips etc. here: Camping beginners.

Campsite recommendations: Bodenmais, Viechtach & Co.

As wild camping is generally prohibited in Germany, you should choose one or more campsites or legal pitches for your vacation where you would like to spend your time.
However, as many of these, such as Camping Resort Bodenmais, are very close to nature, you are still guaranteed the feeling of nature camping.
Children and dogs are definitely more than welcome here, especially as there are also a number of attractions and leisure activities for children and there may even be a swimming pool.
I have selected some popular, central and inexpensive campsites for you here:

Camping Resort Bodenmais

4.3 stars / 266 ratings

• Address: Regener Str. 45, 94249 Bodenmais
• Phone: +49 9924 9432080

Adventure Camp Schnitzmühle

4.4 stars / 1,269 ratings

• Address: Schnitzmühle 1, 94234 Viechtach
• Phone: 09942 94810

Camping Höllensteinsee

4.2 stars / 365 ratings

• Address: Leitenweg 12, 94234 Viechtach
• Phone: +49 9942 8501

Lake camping park

4.5 stars / 450 ratings

• Address: Seestraße 4, 93426 Roding
• Phone: +49 9469 331

Hohenwarth campsite

4.3 stars / 238 ratings

• Address: Vacation center 3, 93480 Hohenwarth
• Phone: 09946 367

Camping at the national park

4.6 stars / 213 ratings

• Address: Bergstraße 44, 94518 Spiegelau
• Phone: +49 8553 727

Look forward to peace and relaxation in idyllic natural surroundings at the campsites in the Bavarian Forest!

Evaluation: Experience – What is important?

When choosing a campsite, you should definitely pay attention to a few important criteria in order to enjoy your time here as much as possible.
For example, a central location with enough privacy and a certain level of cleanliness of the site and sanitary facilities are important exclusion criteria that you should consider when making your choice so that you still feel comfortable and at home during your vacation.
I have listed a few factors for you here that you should keep in mind when looking for the right pitch:

1. Rest
2. Catering
3. Friendliness
4. Price-performance ratio
5. General cleanliness
6. Sanitary facilities
7. Sanitary cleanliness
8. Condition of the rental accommodation / plots
9. Infrastructure
10. Leisure time
11. Location

Activities: Wellness, hiking & co.

On a camping vacation, you are always surrounded by nature and usually have direct access to popular leisure activities and attractions.
The region around the Bavarian Forest is very unspoiled and therefore scores with some charming sights and excursion destinations.
At the same time, you can also expect fun and games as well as exciting activities for the whole family.
I have picked out some interesting things to do here:

• Hiking or going for a walk
• Ride a bike
• Ride a motorcycle
• Riding
• Sightseeing
• Swimming in the lake
• Wellness and spa offers
• Shopping

Which time of year is best for a vacation in the Bavarian Forest?

Weather: temperatures and trend

The region around the Bavarian Forest offers a mild, pleasant climate all year round with an average of 8.8 degrees.
The warmest month is July with an average of 18.5 degrees, while the coldest month is January with an average of -1.2 degrees.
The best time to go on a vacation where you can go hiking, sightseeing and explore the area is in the summer months between June and August.
However, a winter camping vacation full of wellness and winter sports, such as skiing and snowboarding, is also becoming increasingly popular in the region.

• Warmest month: July with 18.5 degrees
• Coldest month: January with -1.2 degrees
• Best time to visit: June to August

Weather today / in three days

Here you can already find a weather forecast for today and the coming days:

FAQ: Questions about the Bavarian Forest

Where is the most beautiful place in the Bavarian Forest, what is the largest town and what is a must-see?
Here are some questions and answers that are often asked in connection with the Bavarian Forest.

Where is the most beautiful place in the Bavarian Forest?

The vacation region is very natural and therefore offers numerous picturesque landscapes and places that are just waiting to be visited by you.
However, the towns of Cham and Bodenmais as well as Zwiesel and Viechtach are particularly recommended.

What is a must-see in the Bavarian Forest?

When visiting the Bavarian Forest, apart from exploring the landscapes, you should also take in some of the sights.
The most important of these include the Silberberg, the Großer Arber, Falkenstein Castle and Egg Castle.

What to do in the Bavarian Forest when it rains?

Although there are many activities in the region around the Bavarian Forest that are associated with good weather, there are also some sights and attractions that are an ideal alternative when it rains.
For example, the Bodenmais mine, the Krimse coffee roasting plant or the Finsterau open-air museum.
Of course, you can also take advantage of one of the numerous spa and wellness facilities and spend a day relaxing and unwinding.

What is the largest city in the Bavarian Forest?

The largest city is Passau with around 53,000 inhabitants.
It is followed by the towns of Deggendorf with around 34,000 inhabitants and Cham with 17,000 inhabitants.

Reading tips: Vacation in Germany

If you haven’t yet decided where to go on your next vacation, you can read more articles with alternative destinations for your vacation here. [sv slug=”reiseziel”]

Camping in the Harz Mountains

Harz – If you’re a fan of the Bavarian Forest, you’ll love the Harz too!
Whether in summer or winter – there is definitely a lot to see in the legendary Harz Mountains, so everyone will get their money’s worth here.
Whether with your partner or the whole family with children and dog – here are our vacation tips for a vacation full of exciting activities and highlights, such as the Brocken and Wernigerode:

• Camping Harz

Camping in the Black Forest

Black Forest – Dense forests, picturesque landscapes and historic architecture also await you in the Black Forest.
Apart from that, you can relax in the best possible way, but also discover and see a lot, so there is something for everyone.
Read all about a vacation in the Black Forest, which top spots and highlights you shouldn’t miss under any circumstances and where you can camp in this unspoiled region:

• Camping Black Forest

Camping on the Moselle

Moselle – Another tip is a vacation on the Moselle.
Attractive cities, exciting sights and numerous opportunities to camp in the countryside await you here.
Are you flexible when it comes to your vacation?
The Moselle offers you a wide range of options to find the perfect spot.
Whether France or Germany – the landscapes around the Moselle are all characterized by picturesque nature, colourful plants, a love of wine and peaceful tranquillity.
Here you can find out what there is to know about a vacation in the various towns around the Moselle and which highlights you should definitely not miss:

• Camping on the Moselle

Camping in Bavaria

Bavaria – Southern Germany is one of the most popular vacation destinations for German and foreign tourists.
Germany’s largest federal state in terms of area is Bavaria.
In addition to beautiful landscapes, fantastic views and the typical Bavarian charm, the state offers many interesting cities, such as Munich and Nuremberg, as well as a variety of lakes, such as Lake Constance and Lake Hopfensee, where you can relax, hike and enjoy nature.
Find out all about this multifaceted federal state here:

• Camping in Bavaria