Oberkreuzberg offers a range of experiences in nature: a moderately challenging circular hike with distance and duration details, an observation tower with weather-dependent distant views, and an insight into the development of native forest communities. You can tailor your stay to what matters most to you: exercise, views or forest.

Circular Hike Starting at the Village Square

A moderately challenging circular hike of 7.5 kilometres starts at Oberkreuzberg’s village square. The route is listed as taking about two hours and covering 220 metres of elevation gain. The approximate duration is a useful guide for planning your day; be sure to factor in the elevation gain too. Check trail conditions locally before setting off. This helps you adapt your plans to the conditions, while the route provides a clear framework for a hike.

Panoramic Views from the Observation Tower

Oberkreuzberg’s 28-metre-high observation tower offers panoramic views across the Bavarian Forest free of charge. In clear conditions, the view extends as far as the Alps. Long-distance views therefore depend on the weather: if the view is your priority, take visibility conditions into account when planning. The tower offers a different focus from the circular hike, whose details relate mainly to distance, time and elevation gain.

Forest Development at Rehberg

The Rehberg circular hike passes through the Rehberg Natural Forest Reserve. There, you can observe the development of native forest communities in an unmanaged section of forest. The Große Ohe can be seen in the valley. Unlike at the observation tower, the focus here is on the forest and its development; the Große Ohe adds another aspect of the landscape. The route combines this passage through the natural forest with views into the valley, without guaranteeing any particular observation or view.

Spiegelau: Gorge, Glassmaking Tradition and Water

The wider Spiegelau destination offers further nature and culture-related attractions. The Steinklamm in Spiegelau is a rocky gorge with the rushing waters of the Große Ohe, polished potholes and a diverse plant life. It offers a different perspective on the Große Ohe from the valley visible from the Rehberg circular hike: here, the landscape is shaped by the gorge, water and rock.

The glassmaking tradition is also part of Spiegelau’s history. Since the 15th century, people in Spiegelau have used quartz deposits and wood from the Bavarian Forest to make glass. The Spiegelau Nature Kneipp Facility offers Kneipp walks in the mountain water of the Schwarzach. A paved ramp also makes the facility suitable for wheelchair users. This means that local cultural history and a specific water-based activity complement the themes of hiking and landscape.

QR codes are installed along all hiking trails in Spiegelau, allowing you to access information about sights and Spiegelau’s history on your smartphone. If you want to use this digital information for planning, check that it works before setting off. This way, you can keep a practical source of information in mind alongside the nature and culture-related attractions, without confusing it with the circular hikes in Oberkreuzberg.

For the wider travel overview: Spiegelau.