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Germany
Bavaria
Lower Bavaria
Freyung-Grafenau

Sankt Oswald

Attractions and Places To See around Sankt Oswald - Top 20

Best attractions and places to see around Sankt Oswald are concentrated within the Bavarian Forest National Park, a region defined by its mountainous landscape and extensive forests. This area features prominent summits, such as Großer Rachel and Lusen, which provide panoramic views. The local attractions also include historical reservoirs and unique glass art installations, showcasing both natural beauty and cultural heritage. Visitors can explore a range of natural monuments and man-made structures.

Best attractions and places to see around Sankt Oswald

  • The most popular attractions is Großer Rachel Summit, a summit that is the highest mountain in the Bavarian Forest National Park. It offers views across the Bavarian and Bohemian Forests.
  • Another must-see spot is Martinsklause Reservoir, an artificial reservoir and historical site. This 19th-century structure was originally built for timber rafting and is now preserved as a cultural monument.
  • Visitors also love Lusen Summit, a granite dome offering panoramic views of the Bavarian Forest. It is recognized as one of Bavaria's most beautiful geotopes.
  • Sankt Oswald is known for its summits, historical sites, and unique art installations. The region offers a variety of natural monuments and cultural points of interest to see and explore.
  • The attractions around Sankt Oswald are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 2400 upvotes and over 3500 photos shared by visitors.

Last updated: June 22, 2026

Lusen Summit

Highlight • Summit

Many myths and legends entwine around the third highest mountain in the Bavarian Forest National Park - the Lusen (1,373 meters). The devil himself is said to have played a role in the creation of this popular excursion mountain ...

The granite dome on the summit (one of the 100 most beautiful geotopes in Bavaria) and the breathtaking view of the Bavarian Forest, on a clear day even as far as the Alpine ridge, are impressive.

The summit of the Lusens can be reached via well-developed hiking trails in summer and winter. On the ascent you can discover such mystical and beautiful places as the Teufelsloch, the Martinsklause, the Himmelsleiter or the fascinating Glass Arche.

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Großer Rachel Summit

Highlight • Summit

In a ZDF survey on the most popular excursion destinations in Germany, the Great Rachel was number 1 in the mountain category at 1,453 meters! The highest mountain in the Bavarian Forest National Park can now officially adorn itself with the title “Germany's most popular excursion mountain”.

The name of Rachel is said to come from the Celtic and mean "rough". For the effort of the ascent, however, you will be rewarded with fantastic views of the Bavarian Forest and the Bohemian Forest.

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Lusen Shelter

Highlight • Mountain Hut

Quaint and cozy hut. The menu and drinks menu is designed so that everyone can find something. It is definitely worth stopping at after climbing the summit and enjoying the beautiful view.

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In 2003, regional glass artists created this four and a half meter long ship. It consists of countless thin sheets of glass and weighs more than three tons. From 2003 to 2005 it traveled to the most important places for traditional glass production in the Bavarian-Bohemian border area. In the meantime, the glass ark has found its last resting place in the sea of forests of the Bavarian Forest. It lies on the slope of the Lusen in a huge, wooden hand.

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Martinsklause Reservoir

Highlight • Lake

The Martinsklause is one of the best preserved Klausen (also called thresholds) in the Bavarian Forest National Park. As an artificial reservoir, the water was created in the 19th century for the wood drift. Outside the snowmelt times, the mountain streams did not have enough water to transport wood into the valley. That is why the water was dammed up and flooded out up to two times a day. The building is now preserved as a cultural monument.

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Popular around Sankt Oswald

Hiking tips for the Bavarian Forest

Discover the wild nature in the Bavarian Forest National Park on leisurely hikes

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Tips from the Community

Alwin
July 25, 2025, Martinsklause

Small, picturesque reservoir. It reminds me a lot of the Harz Mountains.🫶

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9

0

Beautiful shelter, certainly serves its purpose 👍🏻😉

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14

1

Looks fascinating. It's worth a visit!

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18

1

Ingo Weiß
February 26, 2022, Lusenschutzhaus

Information at: https://www.lusenschutzhaus.de/

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21

2

Opened from Friday to Sunday in winter.

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34

0

Solid protection, nicely made. On the walls is useful information about the region and the mountain.

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33

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A 1373 m high vantage point in the Bavarian Forest. When the weather is good, there are views of the surrounding area and as far as the Alps

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30

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A great hiking destination in winter. The ascent is rewarded with a fantastic view. Top

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Frequently Asked Questions

What natural features can I explore around Sankt Oswald?

The region around Sankt Oswald, particularly within the Bavarian Forest National Park, is rich in natural beauty. You can visit prominent summits like Großer Rachel Summit, the highest mountain in the park, offering expansive views. Another notable feature is Lusen Summit, a granite dome recognized as one of Bavaria's most beautiful geotopes. The area also features the scenic Rachelsee and the historic Martinsklause Reservoir, an artificial lake originally used for timber rafting.

Are there any unique cultural or historical sites to visit?

Yes, Sankt Oswald offers a blend of natural and cultural attractions. The Martinsklause Reservoir is a significant historical site, a 19th-century cultural monument built for timber rafting. You can also discover the unique Glas Ark in Bavarian Forest National Park, a large glass sculpture created by regional artists, symbolizing the area's glassmaking tradition. The Forest History Museum in St. Oswald also provides insights into the region's past.

What kind of outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?

The area around Sankt Oswald is ideal for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy extensive hiking on trails like 'On the Lusen via Teufelsloch and Himmelsleiter' or 'Circular route Buntspecht - From Racheldiensthütte to Rachelsee'. For more challenging adventures, there are mountain hikes such as the 'Glass Ark in the Bavarian Forest – Lusen Summit loop'. Gravel biking is also popular, with routes like the 'Frauenau Drinking Water Reservoir loop'. Find more details on these activities at Hiking around Sankt Oswald, Gravel biking around Sankt Oswald, and Mountain Hikes around Sankt Oswald.

Are there family-friendly attractions or activities in Sankt Oswald?

Yes, Sankt Oswald offers options for families. The Martinsklause Reservoir is listed as family-friendly, providing an idyllic spot for a rest. The Ilztal adventure forest, mentioned in region research, features themed trails like a treetop path and a barefoot path, which are great for children. Additionally, easy hiking routes like the 'Libelle Circuit - Barrier-free nature experience in the Großer Filz' and 'Adventure Trail Seebach - Barrier-free nature experience at Seebach' are suitable for families.

Where can I find the best panoramic views in the Sankt Oswald area?

For breathtaking panoramic views, head to the summits. Großer Rachel Summit offers views across the Bavarian and Bohemian Forests, and on clear days, even the Alpine ridge. Lusen Summit also provides magnificent vistas of the Bavarian Forest. The Bienstand viewpoint is another spot known for scenic views.

What is the Lusen Summit and what makes it special?

The Lusen Summit is a 1,373-meter granite dome, recognized as one of Bavaria's most beautiful geotopes. It offers impressive panoramic views of the Bavarian Forest, and on clear days, you can even see the Alpine ridge. Many myths and legends surround this mountain, and its unique granite rock formations on the summit are a sight to behold, making it a popular excursion destination.

Is there a place to rest or get refreshments during a hike?

Yes, after climbing the Lusen Summit, you can stop at the Lusen Shelter. This quaint and cozy hut offers a menu with food and drinks, making it a perfect spot to enjoy a hearty snack and a cool drink while taking in the beautiful views. It is typically open from Friday to Sunday in winter.

What is the 'Glas Ark' and where can I find it?

The Glas Ark in Bavarian Forest National Park is a unique art installation. Created by regional glass artists in 2003, this four-and-a-half-meter-long sculpture, made of countless thin sheets of glass and weighing over three tons, now rests in the forest of the Bavarian Forest National Park within a large wooden hand. It commemorates the region's traditional glass production and encourages contemplation about nature.

Are there any easy or barrier-free hiking trails available?

Yes, for those seeking easier walks or barrier-free options, Sankt Oswald has suitable trails. The 'Libelle Circuit - Barrier-free nature experience in the Großer Filz' is an easy route spanning about 1.7 km. Another accessible option is the 'Adventure Trail Seebach - Barrier-free nature experience at Seebach', which is around 1.4 km long. These trails provide an opportunity to experience nature comfortably.

What is the significance of the Großer Rachel Summit?

The Großer Rachel Summit is the highest mountain within the Bavarian Forest National Park, standing at 1,453 meters. It was voted Germany's most popular excursion mountain in a ZDF survey. The summit offers fantastic views stretching across the Bavarian Forest and into the Bohemian Forest, with a magnificent panorama ranging from Osser and Arber to Dreisesselberg.

What is the best time to visit Sankt Oswald for outdoor activities?

While specific 'best time' details are not provided, the region is known for its natural landscapes and outdoor activities in both summer and winter. The summits, like Großer Rachel and Lusen, are accessible via well-developed hiking trails year-round. Summer offers opportunities for hiking and exploring the adventure forest, while winter provides a different charm for snow-covered trails.

Can I find information about the region's history beyond specific landmarks?

Yes, beyond individual landmarks, the region's history is deeply intertwined with its natural resources. The Martinsklause Reservoir, for instance, highlights the historical importance of timber rafting. The presence of the Glas Ark also points to a rich tradition of glassmaking in the Bavarian-Bohemian border area. The Forest History Museum in St. Oswald offers further insights into the local history.

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