Silberberg is a 955-metre mountain rising right above the town of Bodenmais in the Bavarian Forest. Its modest height belies its character — a rocky twin summit makes it one of the most distinctive peaks in the area, rewarding hikers with wide-reaching views.

What sets Silberberg apart is its blend of nature and mining history. A gold mine was already mentioned here in 1301, and the mine itself — later focused on silver and vitriol — operated until 1962, leaving behind roughly 20 kilometres of tunnels. In summer the peak is wrapped in the green forests typical of the Bavarian Forest, while in winter it turns into a small, family-friendly ski area with a toboggan run. The rocky twin peaks and the summit cross overlooking Bodenmais make for a memorable finish to the climb.

How to reach the summit

• Böhmhof (station on the Zwiesel–Bodenmais railway) — hiking trail, easy to moderate difficulty
• Alternative routes start from Brandten or the Schönebene car park
• Comfortable option: chairlift from Bodenmais via the Berggaststätte Silberberg (mid-station, entrance to the Barbarastollen mine) almost to the top

Good to know

• The show mine (Schaubergwerk) with guided tours through the Barbarastollen has welcomed visitors since 1969
• Since 1998 a speleotherapy programme has treated chronic respiratory conditions in a side tunnel of the Barbara main gallery
• The summit cross stands on the lower of the two peaks, since it twice toppled at the higher point; it's now illuminated with LED lights at night
• Around 1,300 bats of 14 species overwinter in and around the mountain — viewable from a bridge on set dates
• Silberberg is a designated National Geotope of Germany (since 2006) and won the title of Bavaria's Most Beautiful Geotope in 2002

Fun fact: in 1817 a genuine gold rush broke out in Bodenmais after a supposed gold vein was discovered — though the excitement faded almost as quickly as it began. It's stories like these that turn Silberberg from just a scenic peak into a living tale of people chasing the mountain's hidden treasures.