Standing at 1315 m in the heart of the Bavarian Forest National Park, Großer Falkenstein is the kind of summit that ticks every box: sweeping views, a cosy mountain hut right at the top, and trails that lead through genuinely wild terrain. It's a favourite day-hike destination, yet rewarding enough to make you want to stay the night.

From the summit cross you get a wide open view to the west and south — the Großer Arber, Großer Osser, the town of Zwiesel and the Großer Rachel all spread out before you. Just 125 metres lower to the west sits the Kleiner Falkenstein, another fine viewpoint worth the short detour. The landscape around the peak is quintessential Bavarian Forest: dense woodland, granite outcrops and silent valleys. In winter the mountain takes on a fairytale quality, and with the hut open on weekends year-round, a snowy hike here is absolutely on the cards.

• Zwieslerwaldhaus, Kreuzstraßl or Scheuereck — trails Heidelbeere, Eibe, Silberblatt and Esche, approx. 2 hours, moderate
• Via Höllbachgspreng — a spectacular route through a rocky gorge with waterfalls and cascades tumbling down to the small lake Höllbachschwelle; very demanding, recommended for experienced hikers only

• The Falkensteinschutzhaus hut (Zwiesel section of the Bavarian Forest Association) sits right on the summit — open daily in summer, weekends in winter
• 60 overnight places available — advance booking recommended
• The summit rocky ridge is listed as a significant geotope by the Bavarian Environment Agency (no. 276R022)
• The entire area lies within the Bavarian Forest National Park

The hut on Falkenstein has a story of its own — first opened in January 1933, rebuilt and reopened in 2019, it represents nearly a century of mountain hospitality on this very spot.