Hinterschmiding: Large circular trail - Bavarian Forest Nature Park

Beautifully scenic circular hike from Hinterschmiding to Herzogsreut with a visit to the Schwendreuter Chapel on easily accessible forest paths and trails through a wonderful forest and meadow landscape with moderate differences in altitude. The tour offers great panoramic views of the mountains of the Lower Bavarian Forest (Rachel, Lusen, Almberg, Haidel, Oberfrauenwald). From Hinterschmiding (Möselstadion) at the Kesslerkreuz we hike down the valley with a good view of the Almberg. After passing the beautifully situated Hinterschmiding landscape pond we head into the forest. After an easy climb we cross the open, large forest clearing Holzwiese. As we continue to climb through the forest we pass the former Wimmer Canal (wood rafting canal, built in 1803-1805 with the help of 1000 men from the Austrian military). At the edge of the forest we come across the idyllically situated Bäckerkreuz Chapel. Originally built as a wayside cross in 1870 and a chapel built over it in 1978. The historic Herzogsreut is reached across wide meadows and the parish church of St. Oswald (built 1841-1843) with cemetery is worth a visit. Further up through open meadows, a fantastic panoramic view of the mountain ridge between Rachel and Lusen opens up. After a short climb through the forest, you pass the Brother Konrad Chapel on the forest path and continue to the deserted village of Schwendreut (with 8 houses with 80 inhabitants). Built in 1618 and abandoned by the last resident in 1957. All that remains today is the picturesque Schwendreut Chapel, built in 1755 and well worth seeing. The way back is on a beautiful, easy-to-walk path through the Kienzelberg forest and after crossing Herzogsreuter Straße, the route continues through the forest area at Steinkopf. In between, there is a short detour to the old hunting lodge in the middle of the forest and shortly afterwards the Wimmer Canal is crossed again. Finally, you reach Hinterschmiding with a view of the high Kreuzberg. PS: A visit to the light-flooded, all-round window band of the parish church, "Christ the Risen", is a nice way to end the tour. A special highlight of the altar area is the almost life-size figure of Christ.