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Bavarian Forest – Lynxes

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Animal habitat
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Bavarian Forest – Lynxes (Germany)

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The Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) is the largest predator in the Bavarian Forest and is known as a secretive hunter of the night. After being driven to extinction in the region during the 19th century, the lynx was successfully reintroduced in the 1970s through targeted conservation projects. The national park's protected area, with its dense forests and rugged rocky outcrops, provides the convenient habitat for these solitary cats. An adult lynx requires a vast home range of up to 100 square kilometers to find sufficient prey, such as roe deer or chamois. Its distinctive features include the prominent tufts of black hair on its ears and a short, bobbed tail, which distinguish it from other feline species. Despite its successful return, the population remains fragile due to illegal poaching and road traffic, which pose constant threats. Research projects utilize camera traps to monitor the population and gain insights into their migratory behavior and reproduction patterns. Today, the lynx serves as a vital symbol of species conservation in Germany's oldest national park.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-3-227121618181383-2
Rain mm664959509010510210368605458

📋 Practical info

📅
Best season
The Bavarian Forest is suitable year-round for lynx observation, but best chances are in winter from December to February when tracks in the snow are clearly visible. In summer, lynxes are shyer and harder to spot.
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Best time of day
Lynxes are crepuscular - the hours around sunrise and sunset are well-suited for sightings. At night they are active but hardly visible without special equipment.
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Etiquette
Do not disturb the lynxes - stay on the trails and avoid loud conversations. The enclosure at Falkenstein features a safe viewing opportunity without disturbing the animals.
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What to bring
Binoculars with good low-light performance are important, as lynxes are often active at twilight. Warm, quiet clothing and sturdy boots are recommended for winter stalking.
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Getting there
Bavarian Forest National Park is easily reachable via the A3 and B85 roads. The lynx enclosure at Falkenstein is near the town of Zwiesel and is signposted.
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What to expect
Spotting lynxes in the wild requires great patience - most visitors only see them in the enclosure. Tracks and scat hint at their presence, even if the animal stays hidden.

Geography

Coordinates
48.90000, 13.30000

Facts

  • An adult Eurasian lynx weighs between 18 and 30 kilograms.
  • The characteristic ear tufts are approximately 4 centimeters long.
  • Lynx can perceive prey from a distance of up to 500 meters.
  • In the 1970s, the first 5 to 10 animals were reintroduced to the wild.
  • A lynx's night vision is six times better than that of a human.
  • A lynx consumes on average one roe deer or chamois per week.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

📍Grafenau9 km · SEExplore →
📍Zwiesel14 km · NExplore →
📍Regen15 km · NWExplore →
Bayerischer WaldBayerischer Wald15 km · NExplore →
Šumava National ParkŠumava National Park18 km · NEExplore →
Bohemian ForestBohemian Forest18 km · NEExplore →
📍Freyung21 km · SEExplore →
KvildaKvilda24 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Bavarian Forest – Lynxes (3)

St. Katharina

Building in Eppenschlag, Lower Bavaria, Germany. Church in the village.

Hessenstein

Mountain in the Bavarian Forest, rock formation at the summit.

Maria, Hilfe der Christen

Parish church in Klingenbrunn, Spiegelau, Germany. Place of worship in the village.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How likely is it to see a lynx in the wild?
Very low, as lynx are extremely shy and mostly nocturnal. Use the wildlife enclosures.
Where are the lynx enclosures in the Bavarian Forest?
In the Lusen National Park Center (Neuschönau) and the Falkenstein National Park Center (Ludwigsthal).
When is the best time to visit the enclosure?
At dusk or early morning, the animals are more active and often easier to spot.
What do lynxes eat?
Their main prey in the Bavarian Forest are roe deer and red deer.
Are there guided lynx hikes?
Yes, the national park administration regularly gives themed tours about the lynx.
Bavarian Forest – Lynxes: where is it located?
Bavarian Forest, Lynxes is located in Bavaria, Germany.
Bavarian Forest – Lynxes: what is there to see?
Highlights include St. Katharina, Hessenstein, Maria, Hilfe der Christen.
Bavarian Forest – Lynxes: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Bavarian Forest – Lynxes: why is it worth visiting?
The Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) is the largest predator in the Bavarian Forest and is known as a secretive hunter of the night.
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