Bavarian Forest Guide
Everything families need to know. From locals.
The Bavarian Forest for Families
The Bavarian Forest is the largest contiguous forest area in Central Europe. Right on the Czech border, peaceful, green and surprisingly varied.
For families, the region is perfect: hiking trails for every age, swimming lakes, wildlife parks, glass galleries, and in winter, ski areas and toboggan runs.
We've put together the best tips. All from personal experience, all nearby.
- Family Holidays in the Bavarian Forest: Tips
- Bavarian Forest with Kids
- Day Trips for Families
- Discovering Waldmünchen
- Family Holiday Packing List
- Getting to the Bavarian Forest
- Planning a Weekend Trip
On our website you'll find everything about rooms, kids' club, pool & wellness, all inclusive and activities.
Perlsee
5 minutes from the hotel
Perlsee Lake is the local recreation area right on our doorstep. Bathing area with sunbathing lawn, playground, pedal boat rental.
In summer, the perfect half-day trip. Our kids' club takes regular excursions there.
More about Perlsee: The complete Perlsee guide for families | Swimming lakes in the Bavarian Forest
Hiking with Kids
The right tour for every age
Dozens of hiking trails start around Waldmünchen. From flat strolls suitable for prams to longer tours for older children.
The Upper Bavarian Forest Nature Park offers marked themed trails, nature paths and viewpoints.
More on hiking: The best hiking routes from Waldmünchen
Wildlife Parks & Animal Enclosures
Children love animals. The Bavarian Forest has plenty of them:
• Wildgarten Furth im Wald — Native wildlife up close • Bayerwald-Tierpark Lohberg — Over 400 animals in natural surroundings • Bavarian Forest National Park — Lynx, wolf and bear in the open-air enclosure
More on wildlife parks: Wildlife parks in the Bavarian Forest: A comparison | The National Park with the family | Treetop walk with kids
Glass Galleries & Culture
The Bavarian Forest is famous for its glass art. Several glassworks and galleries in the region offer guided tours and hands-on workshops.
Especially good for families: children are often allowed to blow glass spheres themselves.
Waldmünchen also hosts the open-air festival plays — outdoor theatre in summer.
More on this: The Glass Road with kids | Open-Air Festival Plays Waldmünchen
Winter in the Bavarian Forest
When the snow falls, the forest turns into a winter playground:
• Toboggan runs — Several nearby, also suitable for small children • Ski areas — Hohenbogen, Arber, Eck — all within an hour • Cross-country skiing — Trails starting right from Waldmünchen • Snow hiking — Quiet forest paths in the snow
Afterwards: warm pool, sauna and dinner. All inclusive.
More on winter: Planning a winter holiday with the family | Ski areas for beginners and kids | Tobogganing with kids | Bad weather tips