Breathe in the forest
Deep in the heart of the Bavarian Forest, everyday cares grow lighter with every step. The hectic world fades away as the sublime tranquillity of the forest envelops you. Here, where nature is untamed and powerful, your soul will find peace. Simply relax. Breathe in the forest. Listen to your heart and enjoy the moment. The woods are dense and mysterious, the air is clear and pure. Rivers meander through the valley, lakes sparkle in the sunlight. Whether spring, summer, autumn, or winter, the Bavarian Forest exudes its own, special magic throughout the year. A hike in the golden autumn light, a bike tour past blossoming summer meadows, a walk through snowy winter scenery, or experiencing nature reawakening in spring – forest bliss is always close enough to touch here.
Immerse yourself in nature, soak up the wonder of the moment, and feel your soul soar. That is how you live and breathe the forest. And feel pure bliss.
Forest summer
Gliding along the Regen river in a canoe? Letting your feet carry you past an ever-changing kaleidoscope of views? Or riding along the most beautiful cycle paths on the seat of your (e-)bike? The choice is yours. It all starts right on the doorstep of your home-away-from-home. Or just a few minutes’ drive away in the nearby mountains and hills. It’s especially lovely in autumn, when the forests proudly display their brightest colours. There’s a good reason why parts of the Bavarian Forest are known as “Bavarian Canada”.
A wonderful wintertime!
The Bavarian Forest delights its guests in winter, too. The forested mountains are home to various ski areas that are well worth visiting, including nearby winter sports destination St. Englmar. Snowy winter bliss also awaits you off the ski slopes: while winter hiking, snowshoeing, ski touring, tobogganing, and more. Breathe in the fragrant forest air. Savour the refreshing chill. And then warm up with a cup of hot chocolate. Winter in the Bavarian Forest is simply sublime. Now all that’s missing is you.
Experience St. Englmar
The picturesque town of St. Englmar looks like it’s been painted onto the landscape. It’s a recognised climatic resort that has beneficial effects for health. This accolade is only bestowed on certain resorts following an expert assessment. And the region is also a feast for the eyes. In summer, the green meadows and forests are an unforgettable sight. During the cold months, snow blankets the plains and mountains, transforming St. Englmar into an enchanting winter paradise – a dream destination for skiing, snowboarding, ski touring, and winter hiking.
In summer
St. Englmar’s numerous hiking trails and bike routes make it especially popular. The summer toboggan run in the Egidi tobogganing paradise in the Bavarian Forest promises high-speed fun in summer, too: Whizz down the 1,000-metre-long descent into the valley while enjoying the stunning view. Ultramodern technology ensures a safe ride for adults and children.
In winter
St. Englmar is also well known as a winter sports destination: for skiing, winter hiking, and après-ski fun. The “Rauhnachtsparty” in the church square in St. Englmar is especially famous and one of the biggest parties in the Bavarian Forest. It’s held every year at the end of December, between Christmas and New Year, with special outdoor bars, barbecue stands, and stalls serving food and drinks.
Panoramic tower
From a 20-metre-tall panoramic tower, you can look out over the region around St. Englmar and the beautiful Danube lowlands from four different heights. When the weather is fine, you might even be able to see as far as the Alps. The panoramic tower opens up stunning views of the landscape and wildlife that are just begging to be photographed. From here, you can also look down on all the activity in the petting zoo and the amusement park.
Petting zoo
In St. Englmar’s petting zoo, for a small extra charge, you can buy food that will bring the little goats hopping towards you. They’re always happy to be petted and pose for photos for Instagram or your family album.
Circular hikes
Set off on one of our circular hiking trails and explore the hill that locals lovingly refer to as “Egidi-Buckel” (Egidi’s hump). This trail takes you past the petting zoo and toboggan run and also lets you enjoy a fantastic view of St. Englmar’s Grün area. You can also climb to the top of Mt Pröller, from where you can admire the snow-capped peaks of the Alps. The summer terrace invites you to linger and relax. The adjacent Egidi-Stüberl gives you the chance to stop off to enjoy Bavarian specialities, ice cream, and cold drinks. There’s always a good holiday atmosphere in both summer and winter, and you can spend enjoyable evenings at various events.
Family World on Mt Predigtstuhl
The Family World on Mt Predigtstuhl offers fun and games on your family holiday. The 1,300m2 play hall promises an action-packed, entertaining day for all ages. Bouncy castles, football pitches, and a climbing park beckon with sporty fun.
Customs in St. Englmar – an authentic experience
As well as the “Rauhnachtsparty” at the end of December, St. Englmar is also the venue for other spectacular events: Every year on Whit Monday, the custom of the “St. Englmar Search” or “Englmarisuchen” is celebrated, which was created to honour Saint Englmar. As part of this custom, people search for a wooden figure that represents the body of the saint, who was cruelly slain in 1100. Out of respect for his life’s work, a small chapel was built over his grave, which had to be enlarged due to the high number of visitors. Today, it’s the site of the parish church of St. Englmar, a popular place of prayer.
Skiing like in the good old days
Would you like to take part in a nostalgic ski race? Here in St. Englmar in the Bavarian Forest, participants can compete against each other on wooden skis. The entry criteria are strict to ensure that the conditions are the same for everyone. Steel edges and heel bindings are not allowed, and you can only enter the race with long poles and wearing lace-up shoes or boots.