Käsplatte is a modest 979-metre peak in the Bavarian Forest that hides a truly striking surprise. Instead of the usual summit tower or clearing, hikers are greeted by a sprawling sea of granite boulders covering thousands of square metres — a sight rarely found elsewhere in these mountains.

Much like the famous Lusen, the summit of Käsplatte is scattered with hundreds of massive rock blocks, inviting you to scramble around in search of the best viewpoint. From several of the boulders, fine views open up to the north and west. The atmosphere here is wonderfully peaceful, making it a great choice for those seeking quiet away from the crowds that gather at the nearby Pröller, just two kilometres to the south. In autumn, the grey boulders set against rust-coloured forests create a striking contrast, while in winter, snow-covered rocks give the summit an almost otherworldly feel.

• Ahornwies — marked trail, moderate hiking time, easy to moderately demanding
• Münchshöfen — alternative approach trail
• Kolmberg — another marked starting point

• The boulder field on the summit is protected as an official geotope (No. 278R010) and natural monument by the Bavarian Environment Agency
• The block field covers roughly 60,000 square metres
• The neighbouring, slightly lower peak of Hanichelriegel lies about 400 metres to the east — well worth combining into one hike

This sea of granite and anatexite boulders formed back in the Pleistocene, making it one of the most fascinating geological curiosities of the Bavarian Forest — a summit that surprises anyone expecting just another forested hilltop.