Bavarian Forest National Park with kids: animals and walks
Bavarian Forest National Park with the family: wildlife area, treetop walk and tips for the perfect day trip.
Bavarian Forest National Park with kids: wildlife area, treetop walk and more
Watch wolves, marvel at bears from a safe distance and gaze out over the treetops at 44 metres in the air: the Bavarian Forest National Park offers families a day trip that thrills both kids and adults. From Waldmünchen, you are right in the middle of Germany's oldest national park in around 80 minutes.
The wildlife area: experience wild animals up close
The wildlife area near Neuschönau is the heart of any family visit to the national park. On 250 hectares, around 40 native species live in 16 generously sized enclosures designed to mirror their natural habitat. The loop is about 7 kilometres long and entirely stroller-friendly.
Which animals can you see?
The undisputed stars of the wildlife area are the large predators: brown bears, wolves and lynxes. Especially for kids, it is fascinating to watch these animals in near-natural enclosures. Wild horses, European bison, wild boar, otters, eagle owls and many other species round out the experience.
A tip: come early in the morning or in the late afternoon. That is when the animals are most active and you have the best chance of spotting wolves and lynxes on the move. Around midday many animals rest and are harder to find.
Practical info on the wildlife area
- Admission: free, open all year
- Duration: plan for at least 3 to 4 hours; with breaks more like half a day
- Stroller: the entire loop is barrier-free and easily passable with a buggy or stroller
- Shortcut: if you do not want to walk the whole loop, you can shorten the route at several points
For children from around the age of 6 there is a special kids' audio trail with 11 stations. At each stop, kids learn about the animals and their habitats in a playful way. You can borrow the audio devices at the visitor centre in Neuschönau.
The treetop walk: high above the forest canopy
Right next to the wildlife area lies the treetop walk, one of the most popular destinations in the Bavarian Forest. The 1,300-metre-long walkway gently rises through the treetops until you reach the egg-shaped viewing platform at 44 metres above the ground.
What awaits you up top?
The view from the platform is magnificent. In clear weather, your gaze stretches far over the canopy of the national park to the peaks of the Bavarian Forest. The egg-shaped wood-and-steel structure is architecturally striking and offers panoramic views in every direction across several levels.
The entire treetop walk is barrier-free. That means you can easily push a stroller up and down. The incline is so gentle that even smaller children can manage the walk on foot.
Tips for the treetop walk
- Fear of heights: the path is wide and the railings are high. Most kids have no problem with it. If you are unsure, you can turn back at any point.
- Duration: allow about 45 to 60 minutes for the full walk including the viewing platform
- Combination: the treetop walk pairs perfectly with the wildlife area, both are right next to each other
The Neuschönau visitor centre
The starting point for both attractions is the Hans-Eisenmann-Haus, the visitor centre near Neuschönau. Here you will find an interactive exhibition on the national park, designed to be exciting for kids too. Admission to the visitor centre is free.
Right next to the visitor centre there is also an adventure playground where the kids can let off plenty of steam after the walk. Kiosks and a restaurant take care of food and drink in between.
Planning the day trip from Waldmünchen
From the Sonnenhotel Bayerischer Hof in Waldmünchen, it is around 90 kilometres to the national park visitor centre in Neuschönau. The drive takes about 80 minutes via the B20 and B85. The route runs through the rolling landscape of the Bavarian Forest and is scenic in its own right.
Recommended itinerary
- 8:30 a.m.: set off after breakfast at the hotel
- 10:00 a.m.: arrive at the Neuschönau visitor centre, brief visit to the exhibition
- 10:30 a.m.: start at the wildlife area, explore the loop at your own pace
- 1:00 p.m.: lunch break at the visitor centre or a picnic on one of the benches along the trail
- 2:00 p.m.: treetop walk, then on to the adventure playground
- 4:00 p.m.: drive back to Waldmünchen
- 5:30 p.m.: back at the hotel, just in time for dinner
What should you pack?
- Sturdy footwear (parts of the wildlife area trail are gravelled)
- Rain jackets, the weather in the Bavarian Forest can change quickly
- Binoculars for spotting the animals
- Snacks and drinks, especially handy on the 7-km loop
- In summer: sun protection and insect repellent
More day trip ideas for the Bavarian Forest
The national park is just one of many destinations easily reachable from Waldmünchen. In our Bavarian Forest Guide you will find more ideas for family outings, hikes and activities in the region.
Read more
Discover the Bavarian Forest from Waldmünchen
The Sonnenhotel Bayerischer Hof is the ideal base for your family outings. Fuel up at the all-inclusive breakfast buffet in the morning, explore the national park during the day, and come back relaxed in the evening while the kids let off some more steam at the hotel. That is what a successful family holiday looks like.
Want to plan your next family holiday in the Bavarian Forest? Have a look at our current offers and secure your preferred date.