The Baumwipfelpfad Bavarian Forest (Treetop Walk Bavarian Forest), nestled in the heart of the Bavarian Forest National Park, stands within Central Europe’s largest continuous woodland. This woodland stretches into the Czech Šumava National Park. Known as the “green roof of the continent,” this expansive forest is best experienced from above, where the trail floats through the canopy of centuries-old beeches, firs, and spruces.
The elevated route spans 1,300 meters, rising between eight and 25 meters above the forest floor. It concludes with an iconic, egg-shaped tower that rises 44 meters and offers sweeping views of rolling hills, Bohemian woods, and the Alps on clear days. The gently inclined ramp, with an incline of less than 6%, ensures wheelchair and stroller access throughout the path and into the tower, with only the final few steps up to the observation deck.
More than seven interactive stations and a wooden Forest Island platform midway through the walkway invite visitors to pause and engage. Here, themed exhibits about biodiversity, the water cycle, and forest ecology bring the environment to life. A suspended grid lounger offers a tranquil resting point 20 meters high amid the canopy.
Adjacent to the trailhead is the Hans-Eisenmann-Haus Visitor Center, which has forest exhibitions, a cinema, and educational installations. Just outside, an animal reserve houses around 40 native species, such as lynx, bears, deer, and owls, in a spacious enclosure that evokes natural habitats. It’s a thoughtful extension of the forest story that children and adults alike enjoy.
Next to the Baumwipfelpfad Bavarian Forest is a lovingly crafted wooden children’s playground. Located next to the beer garden, it offers space for energetic play before or after the walk. Families can enjoy forest immersion alongside slides and climbing areas, making it a multi-generational experience.
Most guests spend 90 to 120 minutes enjoying the walkway, exhibits, and forest surroundings. The Treetop Walk Bavaria trail is open year-round, rain or shine, only closing in severe weather. Snow adds a magical touch to the branches above.
After exiting the trail, visitors can step into the center’s Waldwirtschaft beer garden or Café EISENMANN. Both offer regional dishes and forest-side views.
Tours and guided group programs—such as "From the Ground to the Crowns", offer deeper insight into forest life and conservation efforts. Discounted family tickets, free entry for accompanying persons with disability passes, and wheelchair rentals make the experience accessible.
For lodging near the Treetop Walk, the villages of Neuschönau and Grafenau offer comfortable options. Choose from rural guesthouses, boutique hotels, or family-friendly inns. Consider the Euler Neuschönau Naturhotel, a spa hotel with plush rooms, an indoor pool, and a buffet breakfast. It's just a short stroll from the trailhead. Another solid choice is the Hotel Vitalesca, which offers golf-course views, free Wi-Fi, sauna access, and simple comfort. These accommodations provide not only cozy rest, but also easy access to the Treetop Walk, the Hans Eisenmann House, and the surrounding national park.
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