Plizio Visual Lab
Großer Arber
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Mountain
The Großer Arber, rising to 1,456 meters, is the highest mountain in the Bavarian Forest and the Bohemian Forest, often referred to as the 'King of the Bavarian Forest.' Located in eastern Bavaria near the Czech border, it is distinguished by its characteristic summit region featuring two prominent radar domes. These facilities served as air surveillance posts for Warsaw Pact airspace during the Cold War and remain operational today. The summit zone consists of gneiss and provides a habitat for rare flora and fauna, including the endangered capercaillie. As a significant winter sports center, the mountain regularly hosts Alpine Ski World Cup races. In summer, the Arber massif, including the Großer and Kleiner Arbersee lakes, is a favorite hiking destination. The Arber cable car provides easy access to the summit plateau, offering vast views across the mountain ranges.
- Location: Bavaria, Germany
- Top sights: Großer Arbersee und Arberseewand · Riesloch · Kleiner Arbersee
- Nearby: Zwiesel (13 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -3 | -2 | 3 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 13 | 8 | 3 | -1 |
| Rain mm | 78 | 58 | 64 | 49 | 89 | 99 | 97 | 100 | 68 | 64 | 63 | 73 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
The 'King of the Bavarian Forest' is easily approachable by car via scenic regional roads, or by public buses connecting from major nearby railway hubs. The base station typically serves as the primary starting point for ascents.
Best season
Late spring through autumn presents good conditions for hiking and enjoying clear, sweeping views over the Bohemian side. Winter firmly establishes the mountain as one of the most reliable and popular family ski resorts in the region.
Terrain & paths
The landscape mixes dense, ancient woodland with distinct rocky outcroppings right near the prominent summit crosses. Ascents can be quite steep in places, consisting mostly of rugged forest paths and wooden steps.
What to bring
Solid hiking footwear is strictly necessary to safely handle the damp roots and jagged rocks found along the climbing trails. Weather conditions shift rapidly, making waterproof layers and extra warmth essential items.
Parking
There are substantial parking facilities available directly at the Arber mountain railway base station. While spacious, these lots fill completely during sunny weekend mornings and the peak of the winter holiday season.
Safety
Even in mid-summer, the exposed rocky summit can be subjected to bitterly cold winds and sudden downpours. It is crucial to respect the protected nature reserve boundaries by sticking strictly to the officially marked trails.
Time needed
Hiking up and down on foot typically requires around four to five hours, making it an excellent half-day excursion. Adding breaks at the summit cabins easily extends the visit into a highly enjoyable full-day experience.
Geography
Facts
- Geologically, the Großer Arber is part of the Moldanubian basement.
- The ski resort features Germany's most modern 6-person chairlift.
- Two of the four radar domes belong to the German Air Force (Luftwaffe).
- Lake Großer Arbersee at the base is an Ice Age cirque lake with floating islands.
- An annual mountain mass is held in the Arber Chapel on the summit every August.
- The mountain lies exactly on the border between the districts of Regen and Cham.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Großer Arber (6)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
In which mountain range is the Großer Arber?
At 1,456 meters, it is the highest mountain in the Bavarian Forest.
Why is it called the 'King of the Bavarian Forest'?
Because of its prominent height, it towers over all other peaks in the region.
Are World Cup races held there?
Yes, the Arber is a regular venue for Women's Alpine Ski World Cup races.
What are 'Arber-Mandl'?
They are bizarre, snow-covered spruces that look like little men.
How do you get to the summit?
With the Arber-Bergbahn cable car or via various hiking trails.
Großer Arber: where is it located?
Großer Arber is located in Bavaria, Germany.
Großer Arber: what is there to see?
Highlights include Großer Arbersee und Arberseewand, Riesloch, Kleiner Arbersee.
Großer Arber: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Großer Arber: why is it worth visiting?
The Großer Arber, rising to 1,456 meters, is the highest mountain in the Bavarian Forest and the Bohemian Forest, often referred to as the 'King of the Bavarian Forest.' Located in eastern Bavaria near the Czech border, it is distinguished by its characteristic summit region…
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Europe
More places in Germany →
Nearby cities
München
Munich, the state capital of Bavaria, combines Bavarian tradition with modern technology and cosmopolitanism.
Nürnberg
Nuremberg is the second largest city in Bavaria and the historical center of Franconia.
Regensburg
Regensburg is located in eastern Bavaria at the northernmost point of the Danube River and is considered one of Germany's best-preserved …
Fürth
Fürth is a traditional Bavarian city, known as the starting point of Germany's first railway and for its remarkably high density of histo…
Ingolstadt
Ingolstadt is a large city in Upper Bavaria, known as the home of car manufacturer Audi and as an important university city.
Erlangen
Erlangen is an important university and medical city.
Berg am Laim
A historic district in eastern Munich, famous for its Baroque splendor and modern residential areas.
Bayreuth
Bayreuth is an independent city in Upper Franconia (Bavaria) and is world-famous for its annual Richard Wagner Festival.
Landshut
Landshut is located in Bavaria on the Isar river.
Rosenheim
Rosenheim is the economic center of southeastern Upper Bavaria.
Passau
Passau, also called the City of Three Rivers, lies at the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers on the Austrian border.
Straubing
Straubing is a Lower Bavarian ducal city on the Danube, famous for its town tower and the Gäubodenvolksfest.
Neustift (Freising)
Neustift is a historic district of Freising, famous for its magnificent former Premonstratensian abbey and its Baroque architecture.
Freising
Freising is a historic university town on the Isar river, famous as the oldest episcopal see in Bavaria.
Weiden in the Upper Palatinate
Weiden in the Upper Palatinate is the cultural and economic hub of Northern Bavaria, famous for composer Max Reger and its porcelain heri…