Snowshoe tour to Großer Falkenstein

Stages:
Zwieslerwaldhaus - Kleiner Falkenstein - Großer Falkenstein - Ruckowitzschachten - Mittelsteighütte - Zwieslerwaldhaus
 
Tour description:
Starting from the parking area ot the entrance oft he village Zwieslerwaldhaus, we first follow the asphalted road towards the village center (Ortsmitte). Then we turn right and follow the signpost ‘Eibe’ (Yew) towards Falkenstein. (Attention: The tour runs partly on cross-country ski trails here. Please do not step in these trails, but walk on the edge). After a short stretch through the forest, we reach another parking area.

We continue with the ‘Eibe’ (Yew) and go uphill to the right on a gravel road. Soon, the ‘Eibe’ (Yew) leaves the gravel road and leads us left onto a narrow forest path. Shortly after, we meet the cross-country ski trail again, follow it for a few meters to the left, immediately leave to the right and enter the forest again. Here in the core area of the national park, it is important to use only the signposted trails, especially in winter: Wild animals have to ration their energy in order to survive the cold time, when food is scarce. Every single disturbance can mean death to animals like capercaillie! The path continues steadily uphill in direction of Falkenstein. At the next crossroads, we keep on following the ‘Eibe’ (Yew), as we did before. Past towering rocks, we finally reach the massif of Kleiner Falkenstein. On an information board, we can learn more about its special meaning for animals and plants. A detour to the rock outcrop (1190 meters above sea level) is not recommended during the wintertime because this steep and rocky trail can be dangerous when there is snow and ice. We continue the ascent to Großer Falkenstein (1315 meters above sea level) through the mountain spruce forest. Arriving at the summit, we are rewarded with an impressive view.

After a rest, or a stop at the Falkenstein shelter (the opening times in winter are limited – please inform before your trip), we descend on the ‘Goldsteig’ in direction of Zwieslerwaldhaus. Passing the Falkenstein shelter, the ‘Goldsteig’ branches off to the right. The way leads straight through large bleak areas. Here, the trees were overturned by the storm Kyrill in 2007 and the wood (within the development zone of the national park) was taken out - according to the legal transitional provisions until 2027.

At the next crossroads, we keep left and continue on the ‘Goldsteig’, walking past a crest, whose windthrow was completely refurbished except of a small area. This area gives an idea of how the area would develop without human intervention. Unfolded root plates, trunks and crowns offer a number of small habitats.

We continue our descent downhill until we reach the Ruckowitzschachten (1150 meters above sea level). After crossing the meadow, the trail drops steeply downhill. We finally cross the cross-country ski trail again and follow the ‘Goldsteig’ through the pristine forest area Mittelsteighütte (730 meters above sea level). An information board about this area can be found at the next crossroads.

We keep left and follow the signpost ‘Ameise’ (Ant) over a wooden bridge. Finally, we leave the pristine forest area. The path leads along the outskirts of Zwieslerwaldhaus until we reach the paved road again. A few hundred meters to the left and we are back at the Igelbus stop Zwieslerwaldhaus, or our parking area.

Correct on the go – all the time:

• Beware of falling trees and deadwood! The use of the path is at your own risk. At strong wind please leave the forest for safety reasons!
• Path regulations in order to protect endangered plants and animals in certain areas of the national park
• Please do not leave any trash! Dog poop bags or handkerchiefs do not belong in nature either. Please help to keep our wild forest clean. Thank you!

Always ensure to have good equipment: card, sturdy shoes, something to drink, first aid kit, bad weather clothing

Hard tour with big difference in altitude and steep, stony passages. Stamina and surefootedness required. Refreshment point at Zwieslerwalhaus and Falkensteinschutzhaus (Please inform about the opening hours).
Surface conditions: 9.0 kilometers – without winter service, 1.1 kilometers – rolled, 0.6 kilometers cleared

Parking area P1 Zwieslerwaldhaus
Waldhausstraße 22
94227 Lindberg

Parking area P1 Zwieslerwaldhaus (at the entrance of the village on the left side)

Igelbus stop Zwieslerwaldhaus, junction Wildniscamp
(Falkenstein-Bus, line 7149)

For timetables see www.bayerwald-ticket.com
Schedules on www.bayern-fahrplan.de

• Eibe (Yew)
• Goldsteig
• Ameise (Ant)

Did you know it?

With 1315 meters in altitude, the Großer Falkenstein is a popular destination. It can be accessed on a number of hiking trails and can easily be explored via a cycle path (bicycle parking spaces are available) in summer too. The rocky summit offers a panoramic view from Osser and Großer Arber to Großer Rachel. You can find the refreshment point Falkensteinschutzhaus just below the summit.

Schachten are former pastures in the middle of the wooded ridges of higher altitude. Since the 17th century, young cattle was brought onto these meadows and supervised by shepherds during the early summer. The distinctive trees (often sycamore maple) provided shadow for humans and animals. Of course, the woodland would recapture those “islands within the forest”. As they are under preservation order, they are maintained regularly and kept open.

The natural forest area Mittelsteighütte was early excluded from the woodworking industry and declared a reserve in1914. In 1939 it finally got the status of a protected area and was integrated into the Bavarian Forest National Park in 1997. The area (more than 45 ha) is characterized by a very high amount of deadwood. Due to this consistent protection measures, many rare species of animals, plants and fungi are able to survive here, especially those who need strong standing and lying deadwood trunks.

Parking area P1 Zwieslerwaldhaus, Waldhausstraße 22, 94227 Lindberg

Parking area P1 Zwieslerwaldhaus, Waldhausstraße 22, 94227 Lindberg