Rachel summit hiking in the Bavarian Forest

The Rachel is the second-highest peak in the Bavarian Forest, representing the highest mountain range in Bavaria outside of the Alps. A hiking route through the National Park highlights the area's commitment to nature, where forests are left to develop without human influence, necessitating strict adherence to marked paths to protect flora and fauna.

Access to the park is supported by a robust public transportation system. Visitors can take the Waldbahn (RB35) from Plattling to Zwiesel, transfer to the RB36 toward Grafenau and Spiegelau, and then utilize specialized 'Igel-Busse' (hedgehog buses) to reach areas closed to individual car traffic. One specific route involves taking bus line 601 to Gfäll, followed by a hike past the Waldschmidthaus to the rocky summit, which offers views of the Bavarian and Bohemian Forest and, on clear days, the Alps.