Freyung-Grafenau lies in the border region where Bavaria, Bohemia and Austria meet. Nature and history come together particularly vividly at the Buchberger Leite: the wild-stream gorge showcases a striking landscape of rock and river, while traces of centuries of human use have also been preserved there. If you want to discover different aspects of the region, you can reflect on its landscape and culture through tangible features here.
Buchberger Leite: Gorge and timber-floating traces
In the wild-stream gorge, steep rock ridges force the boulder-strewn, cascading Wolfsteiner Ohe into a deep, narrow channel. Remnants of primeval forest have survived in the gorge’s moss- and fern-rich woodlands. An eight-kilometre themed hiking trail runs through the Buchberger Leite between Freyung and Ringelai; information panels and an accompanying brochure are provided. Historic timber-floating walls, tunnels cut into the rock and open-air channels bear witness to centuries of human activity in the same gorge. At the Buchberger Leite, you can therefore take in both a distinctive river-and-gorge landscape and the visible traces of earlier human use.
National Park and Wildlife
Bavarian Forest National Park extends into the district of Freyung-Grafenau. It opened on 7 October 1970 as Germany’s first national park. In the 2024 zoning map, 75.37 percent of its area is designated as natural zones. The opening date and area share offer two different perspectives on the national park: its history and how its land is divided into zones.
Near Neuschönau, the treetop walk is part of the Lusen National Park Centre. The wildlife enclosure near Neuschönau gives visitors the opportunity to learn about the national park and its native wildlife. The wildlife enclosure’s circular trails are suitable for young children who cannot yet manage long distances. This provides a clear distinction when choosing an outing: the Buchberger Leite offers an eight-kilometre themed trail, while the wildlife enclosure’s circular trails are suitable for young children who cannot yet manage long distances.
Schramlhaus: Farmstead and Reverse-Glass Painting
In Freyung, Schramlhaus adds a distinctive cultural theme to the exploration of the landscape and national park. Built around 1700, the house is now the oldest farmstead in Freyung and, in terms of its original character, one of the oldest in the district of Freyung-Grafenau. Schramlhaus houses the Wolfstein Local History Museum. The building is also home to more than a hundred original examples of reverse-glass painting, which is classified as sacred folk art. Two distinct cultural themes come together here: the history of a farmstead and a collection of sacred folk art.
Celtic Reconstructions at Gabreta Adventure Park
The Gabreta Archaeological Adventure Park features buildings reconstructed from original Celtic structures. They symbolise Celtic artefacts found on the hill of Paul Freund. Gabreta thus offers a different perspective on the past from Schramlhaus: here, the focus is on reconstructions and their connection to archaeological finds; there, it is on a historic farmstead and reverse-glass painting. Bread baking is one of the practical activities available to visitors. Expert-led tours about Celtic life can also be booked. As details of the visitor programme may change, check the current offerings before your visit.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Freyung, Grafenau, Mauth, Neureichenau, Neuschönau, Spiegelau, Thurmansbang, Waldkirchen, Haidmühle, Schöfweg, Saldenburg, Ringelai, Röhrnbach, Grainet, Hohenau, Jandelsbrunn, Perlesreut, Zenting, Schönberg, Philippsreut, Innernzell, Sankt Oswald-Riedlhütte, Hinterschmiding, Eppenschlag, Fürsteneck, Sankt Oswald
For the overview of the wider region: Bavaria.
