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[[File:Bayerischer Wald - Rachel 002.jpg|thumb|Scenic views are all around]]
The '''Bavarian Forest'''[http://en.bayerischer-wald.de/] or (in German) '''Bayerischer Wald''' is a mountainous region on the [[Germany|German]]-[[Czech]] border in [[Bavaria]]. This ancient forest is the largest protected forest area of Central Europe and both the woods the mountain range that forms its backbone stretch well into the Czech Republic (where it's called the [[Bohemian Forest]] and [[Austria]]. Important parts of the area are made up by the '''National Park Bavarian Forest''', which protects the most untouched and dense parts of the forest.
==Towns ==
Many of the towns in this area are fairly small, but several of them attract fairly large numbers of visitors who come to enjoy the nature and the various wellness options around.
*[[Bad Kötzting]]
*[[Bayerisch Eisenstein]]
*[[Bodenmals]]
*[[Cham]]
*[[Freyung]]
*[[Fürth im Wald]]
*[[Neureichemnau]]
*[[Passau]]
*[[Regen]]
*[[Regensburg]]
*[[Zwiesel]]
==Get in==
Getting to the edge of the area is easy enough, with several major highways getting you to the area. Depending of your location and destination, take the A3 ([[Nürnberg]] - [[Linz]]), the A92 ([[München]] - [[Deggendorf]]) or the A93 ([[Hof]]-[[Regensburg]]) to get you in the right direction. Once you're there, regional roads like the B85 or B11 that will take you further. Keep in mind that traffic jams occur during high season. When you're headed for the National Park, follow the signs for '''Nationalpark Bayerischer Wald - Zwieseler Winkel''' from the highway, which will take you to the designated parking lot.
Travelling in and around by public transport is encouraged, and indeed easy. It also allows to admire the views through the large train and bus windows while on the way. Head to '''[[Plattling]]''', which serves as the main connection point. From here, special green shuttle buses run regularly to [[Zwiesel]], [[Bayerisch Eisenstein]], [[Bodenmais]] and (once every two hours) to [[Frauenau]], [[Spiegelau]] und [[Grafenau]].
==Get around==
If you don't have your own transport, consider using the above mentioned shuttle buses, called "Waldbahn" to travel between popular destinations in the area.
==See==
The main attraction here is of course the beautiful nature and lovely scenic views. The ancient forest is a remnant of the vast Hercynian Forest that dominated the area south of the Rhine in Roman times, and was described by Julius Ceasar and Tacitus as they sought to conquer the German tribes that inhabited it. The wooded mountainous terrain, the many lush valleys and picturesque villages in them make for some excellent panoramas.
Firmly on the tourist map, the people ensure a good number of additional attractions to entertain people in their towns. There are many small museums to see as well as charming festivals and events in summer, many of which are traditional rather than invented in nature. There's the canopy walkway and small zoo in [[Neuschönau]], or the open air museum village near [[Ringelai]]. Of course the lovely little villages with their historic churches are attractions in their own right.
==Do==
As in any natural area, hiking and other outdoor activities are a popular activity. Nonetheless, the Bavarian Forest is also a known wellness-region, packed with small spa's for relaxation and therapy.
==Buy==
==Eat==
==Drink==
==Sleep==
Accommodation options are plentiful, and vary from countless hotels in all price ranges to B&B's and camp sites.
==Go next==
*The [[Czech Repulic]] is just at a stone's throw away. Even its delightful capital, at about 3hours from here, is an easy enough detour.
*[[München]] is the closest large city
[[wikipedia:Bavarian Forest]]
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{{isPartOf|Bavaria}}
[[Commons:Category:Bayerischer Wald]]