The Hochberg is a modest but charming peak in the Bavarian Forest, rising directly above the village of Bayerisch Eisenstein at the very edge of the Bavarian Forest National Park. While its true summit stays hidden from hikers, its slopes hold a real gem — the panoramic Hochfels lookout.

This is classic Bavarian Forest scenery: dense spruce and beech woods, rocky outcrops, and a peaceful, remote atmosphere. From the Hochfels viewpoint (875 m) you get lovely views over Bayerisch Eisenstein, the striking Großer Arber, and Železná Ruda across the border in the Bohemian Forest. In autumn the forests turn brilliant shades of gold and copper, while winter blankets the region in snow, perfect for a quiet snowshoe outing.

How to reach the summit

• Bayerisch Eisenstein (reachable by the Waldbahn train) — short approach, easy
• Zwieslerwaldhaus or Gasthaus Schwellhäusl — via trails including a stretch of the European long-distance path E6, moderate

Practical information

• The actual Hochberg summit (943 m) has no marked trail — hikers instead head for the scenic Hochfels (875 m)
• Bayerisch Eisenstein is conveniently accessible by the scenic Waldbahn railway
• The western slope once held the Johannisruh nature reserve, now absorbed into the Bavarian Forest National Park

Fun fact: the former Johannisruh reserve was known for its dramatic rock formations, which still give this corner of the forest a wild, mysterious feel.