The best walks and hikes around Natural Park Mallertshofer Holz

Natural Park Mallertshofer Holz offers a wide variety of hiking experiences, with over 1,100 routes recorded on komoot. This includes more than 790 easy trails, 300 moderate options, and a few challenging routes, ensuring there's something for every fitness level.

The park is characterized by its tranquil woodlands and unique heathlands, which are part of the Munich gravel plain. You'll encounter diverse ecosystems, remnants of former Lohwald (coppice forest) and heath zones like the Echinger Lohe and Garchinger Heide, and picturesque views of lakes such as Hollerner See and Echinger See.

Yes, the park is very accessible for beginners and families. Over 790 of the routes are classified as easy. A great option is the Hollerner Lake – Hollerner Lake loop from Eching, which is an easy 3.9 km path offering accessible views of the lake.

Absolutely. Many of the trails in Natural Park Mallertshofer Holz are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. A popular moderate circular route is the Hollerner Lake – Mallertshofer Lake loop from Mallertshofer Holz mit Heiden, which connects two notable lakes over 8.9 km.

Beyond its natural beauty, the park holds historical significance. You might encounter Bronze Age tumuli (burial mounds) and ancient fields. The area also includes sights like the remains of the former village of Mallertshofen, including the preserved Mallertshofen Chapel. The Heath Trail, a nature trail, also provides informative boards about the region's past.

The komoot community highly rates the hiking experience in Natural Park Mallertshofer Holz, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 2,900 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the quiet woodlands, diverse heathlands, and the well-maintained paths that offer a peaceful escape into nature.

While the park is known for its accessible trails, there are longer options for those seeking a more extensive hike. For example, the Echinger Lohe Nature Reserve – Mallertshofer Wood and Heaths loop from Unterschleißheim is a moderate 15.9 km route that allows for a longer exploration of the diverse landscapes.

The park's relatively flat terrain and well-maintained paths can make it suitable for winter hiking, offering a serene experience amidst snow-covered woodlands and heathlands. Always check local conditions and weather forecasts before heading out, and ensure you have appropriate winter gear.

Generally, Natural Park Mallertshofer Holz is a dog-friendly area. Many trails are suitable for walks with your canine companion. However, it's always recommended to keep dogs on a leash, especially in nature reserve areas or near wildlife, and to respect any local signage regarding pet regulations.

Many routes start from towns bordering the park, such as Eching or Unterschleißheim. For instance, the Heath Trail – Mallertshofer Wood and Heaths loop is easily accessible from Eching, while the Mallertshofer Wood and Heaths – Mallertshofer Heath loop begins near Unterschleißheim. These locations often provide convenient parking options.

Hike durations vary significantly depending on the route and your pace. Shorter, easy loops like the 3.9 km Hollerner Lake – Hollerner Lake loop can be completed in about an hour. Moderate routes, such as the 8.9 km Hollerner Lake – Mallertshofer Lake loop, typically take around 2 hours and 15 minutes. Longer trails can extend to 4 hours or more.