Goldsteig

From the Upper Palatinate Forest to the Bavarian Forest

Opened on 31 October 2007, this quality-certified route and "top trail of Germany" offers walking at its finest in beautiful eastern Bavaria - from the Fichtelgebirge mountains and Steinwald Forest, through the Upper Bavarian Forest, to the two Bavarian Forest ridges and into the Danube valley. Beginning in Marktredwitz, the 660km route traces the edge of the Fichtelgebirge mountains along the high ridges of the Steinwald forest, before heading down to the dramatic ruins of Weissenstein Castle on its way to Friedenfels. A thousand little lakes line the onward leg to Falkenberg Castle - a mighty fortress shrouded in myth and legend - before the route follows the part gentle, part dramatic Waldnaab valley to the lead crystal town of Neustadt.

Upper Palatinate and Bavarian Forest
As the trail continues south towards the sun, it rises and falls in rhythm with the foothills of the Upper Palatinate Forest. Shortly after Oberviechtach, the Goldsteig divides into two equally attractive routes. Fitter walkers should choose the "mountain route", which takes them past Furth im Wald, the town of dragon slayers, up the Grosser Arber, through the Bavarian Forest National Park, to the Grosser Falkenstein, Grosser Rachel and Lusen peaks. It's then onwards along the German-Czech border to Mount Dreisesselberg and Passau, the town on three rivers. This leg of the Goldsteig is one of the most spectacular walking experiences in Germany: tackle near alpine-conditions on rocky Mount Kaitersberg, enjoy the long climb up the Grosser Arber, Bavaria's highest mountain outside the Alps, and follow winding mountain paths up to lofty peaks.

The alternative option heading south follows the ridge of the Bavarian Forest foothills, offering stunning alpine panoramas from Mount Pröller, Mount Hirschenstein and Mount Brotjacklriegel. Descending to more level ground, it runs parallel to the Danube along the River Ilz, on course for a rendezvous with the mountain route in Passau.