Park · Bavarian Forest
Bavarian Forest National Park
The Bavarian Forest National Park, founded in 1970, is Germany's oldest national park and, together with the adjoining Czech Šumava National Park, forms the largest contiguous forest reserve in Central Europe — a vast, cross-border 'green roof of Europe'. Under the bold guiding principle 'let nature be nature', a new primeval forest is allowed to develop freely and undisturbed over vast areas: dead trees are left lying, storms and bark beetles reshape the landscape, and from the apparent chaos a diverse wilderness grows.
Families in particular will enjoy the spacious animal enclosures by the information centres Hans-Eisenmann-Haus in Neuschönau and Haus zur Wildnis in Ludwigsthal. There, native and formerly native species such as lynx, wolf, brown bear, elk, wildcat and capercaillie can be observed in near-natural habitats — an impressive experience one could scarcely have in the open wild.
More than 350 kilometres of marked hiking trails, cycle paths and, in winter, cross-country ski tracks open up the wild upland landscape around the peaks of Rachel and Lusen. The national park lies north of Passau and is a classic day trip from the City of Three Rivers — ideal for swapping the Baroque cityscapes for the pristine nature of the Bavarian Forest.
Official website →In the district
Bavarian Forest
Germany's oldest national park — endless forests, the Lusen and Dreisessel peaks and the Treetop Walk.
View district →Touren & Tickets · GetYourGuide
Touren & Ausflüge in den Nationalpark Bayerischer Wald
Erlebe Deutschlands ältesten Nationalpark mit Urwäldern, Tierfreigeländen und ausgedehnten Wanderwegen – ideal für einen Ausflug von Passau in den Bayerischen Wald.
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More attractions in the district
Bavarian Forest
Bavarian Forest Treetop Walk
A 1,300-metre trail through the treetops with a walkable 44-metre tower shaped like a giant egg — views as far as the Alps.
from 12 EUR
Old Town
St Stephen's Cathedral
A Baroque cathedral high above the old town, home to the largest cathedral organ in the world — Passau's spiritual and visual landmark.
Free entry
Ilzstadt
Veste Oberhaus Fortress
A mighty prince-bishops' fortress above the Ilzstadt, with the Oberhaus Museum and the finest panoramic view of the City of Three Rivers.
from 8 EUR
Old Town
Three Rivers Corner (Ortspitze)
The outermost tip of the old town, where the Danube, Inn and Ilz flow together in three colours — the natural spectacle that gives Passau its name.
Free entry