Heugstatt is a quiet, unassuming peak in the northern Bavarian Forest, just five kilometers from the mighty Großer Arber. It's a great pick for hikers wanting open views and a peaceful ridge walk without the crowds of its famous neighbor.

The summit is crowned by a broad grassy plateau, once used as alpine pasture for young cattle until the 1950s. Today it's a peaceful spot with sweeping views across the Bavarian Forest — lovely in summer when the meadow grasses sway in the breeze, and equally rewarding in winter for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing across the ridge. Heugstatt marks the midpoint of the Arberkamm ridge, crossed by the European long-distance trail E6 and the Goldsteig, which links Großer Arber with Kaitersberg and Eck.

How to reach the summit

• Schareben mountain hut (just below the summit to the west) — shortest ascent, easy, rarely hiked as a standalone route
• Ridge trail E6/Goldsteig from Großer Arber, or onward toward Kleiner Arber, Schwarzeck, Eck and Kaitersberg — moderate difficulty, more rewarding as part of a longer traverse

Practical information

• The Schareben mountain hut is open year-round with no rest days
• Reachable by car from Bodenmais, Arnbruck or Drachselsried, partly via unpaved roads

The meadow at the top is a living reminder of the region's old alpine farming days — instead of cattle, you're now more likely to meet hikers soaking in the panoramic views of the Bavarian Forest.