Treetop Walk Bavarian Forest: With Kids 44 Metres Up

The Treetop Walk near Neuschönau: what to expect

A path through the treetops, 1300 metres long, up to 44 metres high. At the end: an egg-shaped viewing platform with a view across the entire Bavarian Forest. That's the Treetop Walk in the Bavarian Forest National Park near Neuschönau. And the best part: the whole path is barrier-free, with a maximum gradient of 6 percent. Pram, buggy, balance bike? No problem at all.

From the Sonnenhotel Bayerischer Hof in Waldmünchen it's around 90 kilometres to the Treetop Walk. Reckon with about 80 minutes' driving time. That sounds like a longer journey, but the day there is worth it. Right next door is the wildlife enclosure, and together both attractions make a full, really good family day.

More excursion ideas for the region in our Bavarian Forest Guide.

The way up: 1300 metres through the treetops

The Treetop Walk starts at ground level and gradually leads you up via a gently rising wooden structure. Spruces, firs and beeches grow on the left and right. The higher you go, the more the perspective shifts. At some point you're no longer looking up at the trees but standing in the middle of their crowns.

Along the way there are several stations with information panels. They explain what happens on the different storeys of the forest: which animals live in the treetops? Why are dead trees important? How does a primeval forest work? It's prepared in an exciting way and understandable even for younger children.

The highlight: the egg-shaped platform

At the end of the path, the viewing platform awaits. It's 44 metres high and shaped like a giant egg. From the inside, a ramp spirals upwards. Once at the top, you have a 360-degree view across the National Park. On clear days you can see all the way to the Alps.

For children, the climb in the platform itself is already an adventure. The ramp winds around the open core, and you can keep looking further down. Anyone who isn't entirely free from vertigo just holds on to the railing. It's safe but exciting enough.

The kids' trail: 11 stations to listen and join in

For children there's a separate audio adventure trail with 11 stations. You can download it free to your smartphone or pick up a loan device on site. At every station there's a short story or a riddle. The kids learn why the woodpecker pecks, how ants build their roads and what happens in the forest at night.

The kids' trail makes the Treetop Walk interesting even for children from 4 or 5 years old. They don't just tag along but have their own mission. That keeps motivation high, even when little legs get tired halfway.

Tip: Download the audio content at home beforehand. Mobile reception in the National Park isn't reliable everywhere.

The wildlife enclosure: 250 hectares of wilderness

Right next to the Treetop Walk lies the National Park's wildlife enclosure. 250 hectares in size, with a 7-kilometre circular trail. And completely free of charge.

Animals native — or once native — to the Bavarian Forest live here: wolves, lynx, bears, wild horses, wisents, eagle owls and otters. The enclosures are spacious, and the animals live in near-natural habitats. This isn't a zoo with cages but a piece of wilderness with paths.

What kids especially love

• The wolf enclosure: The wolves are often near the fence and easy to observe. Early morning or late afternoon is best.
• The bear enclosure: Brown bears in a wooded area. Sometimes you see them, sometimes you don't. That's part of the deal and makes it exciting.
• The lynx: Hard to spot because they camouflage well. Whoever finds one can be proud of themselves.
• The adventure playground: Lies roughly halfway. Perfect for a break.

The complete circular trail is doable with kids in 3 to 4 hours. If you don't want to walk that far, take the shortcut on the 2.5-kilometre short loop.

Both attractions in one day: how to plan the trip

The Treetop Walk and the wildlife enclosure are right next to each other. You only need one car park and can combine both attractions. Your day could look like this:

Morning: Treetop Walk

• 9:00 am: Departure from the Sonnenhotel Bayerischer Hof (have a leisurely breakfast at the buffet first)
• 10:15 am: Arrival at the Neuschönau car park
• 10:30 am: Start on the Treetop Walk with kids' trail
• 12:00 pm: Back at the entrance

Allow about 1.5 hours for the Treetop Walk. With small children and all 11 audio stations, more like 2 hours.

Lunch break

There's a restaurant and a kiosk at the Treetop Walk. Alternatively, bring your own picnic. There are plenty of picnic spots.

Afternoon: Wildlife enclosure

• 1:00 pm: Start at the wildlife enclosure (same car park)
• 3:30 pm: Back at the car
• 5:00 pm: Back at the Sonnenhotel, in time for the dinner buffet

The short loop (2.5 km) takes 1.5 hours. For the full 7 km loop you'll need 3 to 4 hours.

Practical info: prices, parking, best time

Treetop Walk

• Opening hours: Open daily, times vary by season. Longer in summer, shorter in winter. Check the current overview on the Treetop Walk's website before you set off.
• Admission: Adults pay 12 euros, children (6 to 14 years) 10 euros, children under 6 are free.
• Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours

Wildlife enclosure

• Opening hours: Daily, year-round, accessible 24/7
• Admission: Free
• Duration: 1.5 hours (short loop) to 4 hours (large loop)

Parking

The big car park is right at the Lusen National Park Centre. From here you start both the Treetop Walk and the wildlife enclosure. In high season (July, August) and on public holidays it fills up from 10 am. Come early or switch to a weekday.

Best time to travel

Spring and autumn are ideal. Fewer visitors, pleasant temperatures for hiking, beautiful colours. In spring the forest is freshly green, in autumn it glows gold and red.

In summer it's busier, but the long days give you more time. Take plenty of water.

In winter the Treetop Walk has a special charm: snow on the treetops, clear views, hardly any other visitors. The path is also accessible in winter and is cleared.

Good to know: tips for the trip with kids

• Pram: The Treetop Walk is completely barrier-free. The short loop in the wildlife enclosure is also fine with a pram. For the large loop, a child carrier is better.
• Shoes: Sturdy shoes for the wildlife enclosure. Sneakers are enough on the Treetop Walk.
• Food: Pack snacks and water bottles. There's no kiosk in the wildlife enclosure.
• Weather: The path is walkable in light rain but slippery. In storms or thunderstorms it's closed.
• Dogs: Allowed on a lead in the wildlife enclosure.

From Waldmünchen to the Treetop Walk

The drive goes via Cham and Regen to Grafenau and on to Neuschönau. The route is well signposted. From Grafenau follow the brown signs to the Lusen National Park Centre.

The 90 kilometres through the Bavarian Forest are scenically beautiful. Plan the drive deliberately as part of the trip. The kids will see forests, hills and small villages. Maybe make a short stop in Grafenau or Regen on the way there or back.

Read on

• Wildlife enclosure in the National Park
• Wildlife parks in the Bavarian Forest

Your basecamp for trips into the Bavarian Forest

The Sonnenhotel Bayerischer Hof in Waldmünchen is the perfect starting point for day trips into the National Park. Take a leisurely breakfast at the buffet, spend the day in the forest and come back in the evening for the dinner buffet. After the trip the kids can let off steam at the pool or in the Sonnenwolfi Kids' Club, while you wind down the evening in peace.

Book your family holiday now and experience the Bavarian Forest from above.