Mittagsplatzl (1,340 m a.s.l.) is the kind of summit that catches you off guard — in the best possible way. You arrive at what looks like a quiet alpine meadow, and then a few steps eastward to the rocky edge reveal one of the most stunning viewpoints in the entire Bavarian Forest.

The wide-open plateau, once used as alpine pasture, sits directly south of the Großer Arber — the highest peak in the Bavarian Forest — and high above the shimmering Großer Arbersee lake. From the rocky rim, the view sweeps across the lake below, deep into the Šumava (Bohemian Forest) in the Czech Republic, and across to the distinctive silhouette of Großer Falkenstein in the Bavarian Forest National Park. In summer the meadow buzzes with life, while autumn transforms the surrounding forests into a blaze of gold and amber. It is a place that rewards those who walk those extra few steps to the edge.

• Bodenmais (town centre / car park) — marked trail, approx. 1.5–2 h ascent, moderate difficulty
• Großer Arbersee (lake car park) — trail through the Seewand, rocky and exposed, suitable only for sure-footed and experienced hikers, demanding

• The Seewand route from Großer Arbersee is rocky and exposed — recommended only for experienced, sure-footed hikers.
• The summit is located next to the Bavarian Forest National Park — stay on marked trails.

Local Bavarian Forest enthusiasts — among them the well-known regional author Friedl Thorward — have called Mittagsplatzl 'the most beautiful spot in the whole forest', and once you reach that rocky viewpoint, you will understand exactly why.