Nature Reserve Guide
Upper Bavaria is home to more than 30 nature reserves, protecting a wide array of landscapes from the high alpine regions to expansive moorlands. These protected areas encompass the dramatic peaks and deep valleys of the Alps, the vast fenlands and wetlands of the Alpine foreland, and the alluvial forests along river corridors like the Isar. The region's extensive network of trails supports a range of outdoor activities, primarily hiking, mountain biking, and mountaineering.
This…
5649
Routes
4.6
(91264)
Average rating
515K+
Explored with komoot
Last updated: April 23, 2026

4.6
(9270)
61,425
hikers
Ammergebirge is Bavaria's largest nature reserve, offering diverse landscapes for hiking, mountaineering, gravel biking, and mountain biking routes. Explore wild rivers, forests, mountains, and moors.
Hiking
Running
Mountaineering
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling

4.7
(11062)
53,209
hikers
Arnspitze is a nature reserve in Tirol, Austria, offering diverse terrain from rugged limestone peaks to high-alpine regions for hiking, mountain biking, and gravel biking routes.
Hiking
Running
Mountaineering
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling

4.6
(9105)
47,564
hikers
Naturschutzgebiet Schachen und Reintal offers diverse alpine landscapes, from majestic peaks to deep gorges, ideal for hiking, gravel biking, and mountaineering routes.
Hiking
Running
Mountaineering
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling

4.6
(8541)
43,034
hikers
Karwendel Und Karwendelvorgebirge is Austria's largest nature park, offering rugged peaks, ancient forests, and pristine rivers for hiking, gravel biking, and road cycling.
Hiking
Running
Mountaineering
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling

4.6
(7591)
38,674
hikers
Murnauer Moos is Central Europe's largest Alpine fen, offering diverse routes for hiking, cycling, gravel biking, and mountain biking through its unique moorland and varied landscapes.
Hiking
Running
Mountaineering
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling

4.6
(5295)
29,257
hikers
Östliche Chiemgauer Alpen is Bavaria's fourth-largest nature reserve, offering diverse terrain from lowlands to mountains for hiking, cycling, and mountain biking.
Hiking
Running
Mountaineering
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling

4.7
(4948)
26,535
hikers
Geigelstein is a Bavarian Alps nature reserve offering diverse alpine terrain for hiking, road cycling, and mountain biking routes across valleys, pastures, and peaks.
Hiking
Running
Mountaineering
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling

4.5
(3701)
22,570
hikers
Ellbach- und Kirchseemoor is a nature reserve near Bad Tölz, offering diverse terrain for gravel biking, cycling, mountain biking, and hiking routes.
Hiking
Running
Mountaineering
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling

4.6
(2906)
19,813
hikers
Kendlmühlfilzen is Bavaria's largest raised bog, offering flat paths for hiking and cycling amidst unique flora and fauna between Lake Chiemsee and the Chiemgau Alps.
Hiking
Running
Mountaineering
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling

4.6
(3908)
19,746
hikers
Westlicher Staffelsee Mit Angrenzenden Mooren is a Bavarian nature reserve offering diverse routes for hiking, cycling, and mountain biking through unique moors and lakeside paths.
Hiking
Running
Mountaineering
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling

4.5
(2725)
17,362
hikers
Isarauen Zwischen Schäftlarn Und Bad Tölz is a nature reserve featuring a dynamic wild river landscape and diverse terrain for hiking, cycling, and gravel biking.
Hiking
Running
Mountaineering
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling

4.7
(2268)
13,073
hikers
Aschau is a nature reserve in the Bavarian and Chiemgau Alps, offering diverse terrain for hiking, cycling, and more. It features majestic peaks, forests, and valleys with extensive routes.
Hiking
Running
Mountaineering
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling

4.6
(2454)
12,974
hikers
Vogelfreistätte Ammersee Südufer is a nature reserve at Ammersee's southern end, offering diverse habitats and flat terrain for cycling, hiking, and jogging routes.
Hiking
Running
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling

4.5
(2056)
9,198
hikers
Moore Um Die Wies is a nature reserve in Upper Bavaria featuring unique moorlands, forests, and lakes. It offers diverse routes for gravel biking, hiking, road cycling, and mountain biking.
Hiking
Running
Mountaineering
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling

4.5
(1040)
9,112
hikers
Osterseen is a nature reserve in Upper Bavaria with interconnected lakes, moorlands, and forests, offering diverse routes for hiking, cycling, and mountain biking.
Hiking
Running
Mountaineering
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling

4.6
(1128)
7,673
hikers
Südufer Des Simssees is a nature reserve with diverse landscapes, including Lake Simssee, reed beds, and moorland, offering routes for hiking and cycling.
Hiking
Running
Mountaineering
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling

4.5
(1063)
7,310
hikers
Eggstätt-Hemhofer Lakenplatte is a nature reserve with an ice-age landscape of hills, hollows, and kettle lakes, offering diverse trails for hiking and cycling.
Hiking
Running
Mountaineering
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling

4.4
(690)
7,022
hikers
Südliche Fröttmaninger Heide is a 347-hectare nature reserve near Munich, offering diverse landscapes for gravel biking, hiking, and road cycling routes.
Hiking
Running
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling

4.6
(1516)
6,900
hikers
Ammertal Im Bereich Der Ammerleite Und Talbachhänge is a Bavarian nature reserve with a diverse landscape, offering routes for gravel biking, hiking, and road cycling through its river gorge and…
Hiking
Running
Mountaineering
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling

4.4
(668)
6,839
hikers
Panzerwiese Und Hartelholz is a 280-hectare nature reserve in Munich, offering diverse terrain for gravel biking, hiking, and road cycling across heathland and forest.
Hiking
Running
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling
Nature reserves in Upper Bavaria are protected areas designated to conserve specific landscapes, ecosystems, and biodiversity. These range from high alpine regions and moorlands to river valleys. This collection aggregates over 30 such reserves, featuring more than 5,600 routes for outdoor activities.
Notable nature reserves include the Ammergebirge, Bavaria's largest, and the Murnauer Moos, Central Europe's largest contiguous moorland. Other key areas are the alpine Naturschutzgebiet Schachen und Reintal and the Östliche Chiemgauer Alpen, which offer a mix of mountain and lowland terrain.
The primary activities are hiking, cycling, and mountain biking, with thousands of designated routes available. The region's trail network also supports trail running, mountaineering, and gravel biking. Specific guides are available for activities like Hiking in Upper Bavaria and MTB Trails in Upper Bavaria.
The Ammergebirge, Bavaria's largest nature reserve, contains nearly 100 designated hiking routes and 16 mountaineering routes. The trails cross diverse landscapes, including wild river valleys, forests, and mountain peaks. The terrain offers options for various skill levels, from moderate walks to challenging alpine ascents.
The Murnauer Moos is the largest contiguous moorland in Central Europe, known for its unique fen landscape and biodiversity. It offers relatively flat terrain ideal for hiking and cycling, with over 200 routes available. A popular circular trail of about 7.5 miles (12 km) includes a boardwalk for experiencing the ecosystem up close.
Berchtesgaden National Park, Germany's only alpine national park, features a network of 161 miles (260 km) of trails. Routes range from leisurely walks around lakes like the Königssee to strenuous high-altitude hikes to peaks like the Watzmann. The park's trails are managed to protect its pristine ecosystems while allowing for activities like hiking and mountaineering.
Yes, many nature reserves in Upper Bavaria offer routes suitable for families. Areas with gentler terrain, such as the moorlands of Murnauer Moos or the lakeside paths at Westlicher Staffelsee, are often well-suited for easier walks. For more options, consult the guide to Family-friendly hikes in Upper Bavaria.
Rules regarding dogs vary by reserve and are often stricter in sensitive conservation areas to protect wildlife. In many places, dogs are permitted on trails if kept on a leash. It is essential to check the specific regulations for each nature reserve before visiting. A selection of routes can be found in the Dog-friendly hikes in Upper Bavaria guide.
The nature reserves offer extensive cycling opportunities, from gentle paths to challenging mountain ascents. The Murnauer Moos and Kendlmühlfilzen provide flat routes through moorlands, while alpine areas like the Karwendel Und Karwendelvorgebirge feature gravel and road cycling routes with significant elevation.
This collection includes over 5,600 routes across more than 30 nature reserves in Upper Bavaria. These routes have been shared by over 516,000 komoot community members. The activities covered include hiking, cycling, mountain biking, and running.
The Naturschutzgebiet Schachen und Reintal is characterized by high-alpine terrain. Its landscape features majestic peaks, deep gorges, and rugged trails. This reserve is particularly suited for experienced hikers and mountaineers, offering over 100 hiking routes and 20 designated mountaineering routes.

