One of the most beautiful mountains in the Bavarian Forest is undoubtedly the Großer Falkenstein
With waterfalls, shafts and remnants of primeval forest, it is an impressive mountain that can be hiked on a variety of routes. From the Hotel Bergknappenhof you can reach the Zwieslerwaldhaus, the starting point for several hikes, in just 24 minutes. The large Falkenstein is 1315 m high and from its summit plateau you have an excellent view of the Great Arber, the Osser, the Hohen Bogen, Rachel and Lusen.
At the foot of the Great Falkenstein you will find Bayerisch Eisenstein, Frauenau, Lindberg, Ludwigsthal and Zwiesel. The Great Falkenstein offers something for every hiker, so you can choose easier routes, but also routes that are only recommended for experienced hikers. Ask at the reception of the Wellness Hotel Bergknappenhof for an overview map. The main hiking route (green triangle) begins at the Zwieslerwaldhaus, goes over the Ruckowitzschachten and continues to the European long-distance hiking trail (E6) or through the Höllbachgspreng towards Spiegelhütte, Frauenau.
With a two and a half hour ascent (approx. 600 m difference in altitude), the Eibe hiking route is the shortest and fastest route. Here you can see the primeval forest area of Mittelsteighütte, the large yew tree (natural monument, approx. 1000 years old) and the Steinbach Falls. You reach the summit in approx. two and three-quarter hours via the south side of the Falkenstein massif. Here you follow the signs for the ash tree. A wonderful tour awaits you if you follow the Silberblatt. Here you reach the summit in approx. three hours (approx. 650 m difference in altitude). You walk through the original forest, walk along the Höllbach to the Höllbachschwelle. You hike steeply uphill through the rocky part of the Höllbachgspreng primeval forest relic. The last section is only moderately steep to the summit. The probably longest route stretches for three and a half to four hours (blueberry) from the Zwieslerwaldhaus over the Ahornriegel. Here you have an impressive view of the Grosser Rachel (1453 m). Even before the First World War, Höllbachgspreng and the primeval forest area of the Mittelsteighütte were declared a nature reserve. Since 1, the Grosser Falkenstein has been part of the Bavarian Forest National Park. At the summit you will find the Falkenstein refuge, which is only open on weekends in the winter months and continuously from 1997 a.m. to 10 p.m. in the summer months. Mountain bikers also have the opportunity to take various tours to the summit on the Grosser Falkenstein. Your team at the Bergknappenhof wellness hotel will be happy to advise you.
Image source: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f5/Gro%C3%9Fer_Falkenstein.JPG