Schwarzeck (1,235 m) is one of those quietly rewarding summits in the Bavarian Forest that most hikers walk straight past — and those who stop are glad they did. A rocky ridge, a summit cross, and sweeping views over the surrounding valleys make it a genuine highlight on the Arberkamm ridge.

The peak sits on the municipal boundary between Lohberg and Arnbruck, and also marks the border between the districts of Cham (Upper Palatinate) and Regen (Lower Bavaria). From the two rocky summit outcrops you can look out over the Lamer Winkel basin, towards Osser, the Zeller valley and Kaitersberg. Since Hurricane Kyrill felled many trees here in 2007, the views from the stony ridge crest have opened up beautifully. In summer the ridge walk is leisurely and pleasant; autumn brings spectacular forest colours; and in winter the area takes on a raw, wild character all its own.

• From Lohberg or Arnbruck — via the long-distance trail E6 (Arber – Kaitersberg), moderate difficulty.
• Via the Hüttensteig and southern ridge — partly pathless, solid footwear required, some easy scrambling, demanding.
• Approach also possible from Schareben.

• A summit cross stands on the main peak, first erected in 1970 and renewed in 2006.
• The south ridge variant is partly off-trail — sturdy boots and route-finding experience recommended.
• The peak lies on the administrative boundary between Upper Palatinate and Lower Bavaria.

Schwarzeck may be one of the lesser-known Bavarian Forest peaks, but its position on the Arberkamm ridge between Heugstatt (1,262 m) to the south and Ödriegel (1,156 m) to the west-northwest puts it right in the heart of the range — an honest, unhurried mountain worth every step.