The 20 Most Amazing Peaks around Spiegelau

The region around Spiegelau, nestled in the Bavarian Forest National Park, offers several captivating peaks. Among the most prominent are the Großer Rachel Summit, the highest peak within the National Park, and the Lusen Summit, known for its unique granite boulder field. Both offer extensive panoramic views.

The Großer Rachel Summit is renowned for its spectacular long-distance views across the central Bavarian Forest and into the Bohemian Forest. Below the summit, you'll find the picturesque Rachelsee, a glacial lake, and the serene Rachelkapelle. The area also showcases impressive natural forest regeneration, with new growth emerging amidst dead trees from a past bark beetle infestation, reflecting the National Park's 'let nature be nature' philosophy.

Yes, for those seeking a challenge, the ascent to the Lusen Summit via the 'Teufelsloch' (Devil's Hole) and the 'Himmelsleiter' (Stairway to Heaven) offers a moderately to challenging hike with steep granite slab stairs. The Kleiner Rachel also presents a challenging ascent, especially as the path directly to its summit cross is unmarked and requires good pathfinding skills.

The summer months are ideal for hiking, with well-marked trails and convenient 'Igelbus' services to trailheads for peaks like the Großer Rachel. However, the region offers beauty year-round. In winter, deep snow often necessitates snowshoes or touring skis for ascents, providing a different kind of experience. The Kleiner Rachel is only accessible between July 15 and November 15 to protect wildlife.

While some peaks offer challenging ascents, many trails around Spiegelau are suitable for families. The Großer Rachel Summit has well-marked trails, and the unique granite boulders on the Lusen Summit are often enjoyed by children. For accessible views, the Poledník Observation Tower provides extensive panoramas from its platform.

From the summits like Großer Rachel and Lusen, you can expect breathtaking panoramic views across the Bavarian and Bohemian Forests. On exceptionally clear days, the vista can extend as far as the Alps, including the Zugspitze. The Poledník Observation Tower also offers expansive views from its restored radar tower.

Yes, near the Lusen Summit, you'll find the Lusenschutzhaus, a mountain hut that provides a place for hikers to rest and enjoy refreshments after their ascent.

The area around Spiegelau offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, including loops around the Fatima Chapel or longer, more difficult routes like the Großer Rachel Summit – Frauenau Drinking Water Reservoir loop. For mountain biking enthusiasts, there are MTB trails ranging from easy to difficult, such as the challenging Frauenau Drinking Water Reservoir – Ruckowitzschachten loop. Additionally, there are dedicated mountain hiking routes, including the Rachel Summit (Rachel Peak) – Waldschmidt Hut loop.

The Lusen Summit is particularly unique due to its 'Blockmeer,' a distinctive expanse of granite boulders that forms its peak. Legend has it that the devil himself piled up these blocks. The ascent via the 'Teufelsloch' and 'Himmelsleiter' also adds to its unique character, offering a memorable hiking experience.

For the Großer Rachel, numerous well-marked hiking trails lead to the summit from various starting points like Gfäll and Klingenbrunn-Bahnhof. During summer, an eco-friendly 'Igelbus' service provides convenient transportation to and from trailheads. Parking is generally available at these starting points for those traveling by car.

The Kleiner Rachel, at 1,399 meters, is known for offering a more peaceful and solitary hiking experience compared to its larger counterpart. From its summit cross, hikers can enjoy expansive views of Zwiesel, the Großer Arber, and the Frauenau Dam. It is also part of a protected area, accessible only during specific months (July 15 to November 15) to safeguard wildlife.

Yes, the Wagensonnriegel summit cross features a beautiful chapel. Additionally, the Poledník Observation Tower is a restored former radar tower, offering a glimpse into the region's more recent history while providing extensive views.