Hike Lusen via Fredenbruecke - Bavarian Forest

You start at the Park & Ride car park Fredenbrücke, which is named after a little bridge over which you cross the river Kleine Ohne right at the beginning. An information board tells you about the various hike trails to Lusen mountain. We follow the way marked 'Ranne'. After the bridge, follow the idyllic way along Kleine Ohe. There are numerous boards along the path, informing you abuot the river and the surrounding flora and fauna.

Martinsklause

After a short time, you reach the small catchment lake Martinsklause. The lake lies quietly amidst the mixed forest, beautifully reflecting the surroundings. Although you haven't gone very far yet, this place definitely invites you for a little rest.

Teufelsloch

From Martinsklause on, the way becomes much steeper, and over some rocks it takes you to the myth-enshrouded Teufelsloch (engl. devil's hole). It is said that you can actually hear the devil here, who is supposed to have been involved in creating Lusen mountain. Spring water flows through the gorge under the giant granite rock, which might be the true origin of this particular devil's voice.

Glasarche

Finally, via wooden walkways, you get to Böhmweg hut, where a few hiking trails cross, and Sommerweg via Himmelsleiter starts. At the crossroads you can see an imposing glass boat lying inside a giant wooden hand. The Glasarche (glass ark) represents the centuries old glass tradition of the region as well as a protective ark for the endangered nature.

Via Himmelsleiter to the Summit

The way continues relatively planely, and leads through the eerie Totwald (dead forest). The forest keeps getting more sparse until all you see are dead trees. However, there are also signs of nature regenerating. If you want, you can do a little detour and learn about the causes of the forest decline on a circular path through the dead forest.

The hiking trail eventually leads into the so-called Himmelsleiter (heaven's ladder). Over typical Lusen granite blocks you climb to the summit. While there are actual stairs at first, you can soon just climb any way you please. When you've made it, you can sit down on one of the rocks and enjoy the view of the Bavarian Forest.

Descent

Go back via the winter path. AFter a short descent you rach Lusen-Schutzhaus, a hut where you can stop for a nice meal and a cold drink. The winter hiking trail is broad and easily walkable. When you've made it down, either go to the Igelbus station or through the town of Waldhäuser back to the car park.

Lusen-Schutzhaus underneath the Lusen summit offers delicious food and various drinks. You can also spend the night here.

The dead forest around Lusen as well as the unique appearance of the mountain with its granite rocks are unique, and not to miss when you are on holiday in the Bavarian Forest.

The way is easily walkable, only the section at Teufelsloch is a little more challenging. However, you still need sturdy shoes.

The hike starts at Park & Ride car park Fredenbrücke near Waldhäuser. You can get there via motorway A3 towards Passau, exiting at Hengersberg. From there, follow B533 towards Grafenau, and change onto B85 towards Eppenschlag and Waldhäuser. Just before Waldhäuser, the car park is on the left.

You can also get to the car park on an Igelbus bus between May and October.