Großer Arber

Mountain Highest peak in Bavarian Forest with ski facilities

The Großer Arber crowns the Bavarian Forest at about 1,456 metres and supports a year‑round outdoor circuit. Hikers use marked trails and summit paths; in winter the Arber ski area draws alpine skiers.

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Großer Arber is the highest peak of the Bavarian Forest in Bavaria, Germany, with a summit at about 1,456 metres. It is a prominent local landmark and a regional centre for hiking, nature walks and winter sports.

Trails lead to the summit and to nearby features including a small alpine lake and nature areas; the summit area provides panoramic views of the surrounding forested highlands. In winter the mountain hosts ski runs and resort infrastructure serving local and regional visitors.

The mountain grew in importance as a recreational destination during the 20th century with trails, cable car access and protected natural areas put in place to manage tourism. Conservation measures protect the subalpine habitats around the lake and upper slopes.

Großer Arber lies in the Bavarian Forest near the Czech border in eastern Bavaria; the nearest towns with visitor services include Bodenmais and Bayerisch Eisenstein, and the mountain is part of a broader protected upland landscape.

  • Summit access: The summit at 1,456 metres is the highest point in the Bavarian Forest and accessible by marked hiking trails and a cable car on the eastern side.
  • All-season activities: The area combines summer hiking and winter skiing facilities, with established trails connecting nearby villages and visitor centres.

What to See #

  • Summit: The summit reaches 1,456 metres and has an observation point that gives panoramic views over the Bavarian Forest and across to the Bohemian Massif on clear days.
  • Arbersee: Großer Arbersee is a small subalpine lake on the mountain's southern slopes formed in a glacial cirque and is a popular short walk from the main visitor facilities.
Großer Arber
49.1123, 13.1357

Tips for Visiting Großer Arber #

  • Access Großer Arber most easily from Bodenmais on the Bavarian side-the town is the usual base with marked trails that give a relatively short ascent to the summit area.
  • To avoid weekend crowds, start your hike early on weekdays or use less-frequented trails on the mountain's southern flanks; in winter the area operates local ski and cross‑country facilities, so check lift and trail status beforehand.
  • If you plan to use the summit for panorama photography, aim for late afternoon light for the best colors; many visitors stay only at the main ridge, so continue a little further to the true summit and viewpoints for quieter vistas.

Best Time to Visit Großer Arber #

Summer is best for hiking and clear views; winter is the prime season for snow sports on Großer Arber.

Summer (hiking)
June-September · 10-20°C
Warm, stable weather on trails and panoramic views; the summit and ridge walks are at their most accessible.
Winter (snow sports)
December-March · -5-5°C
Reliable snowpack and resort operations for skiing, with colder conditions at altitude.
Autumn
September-November · 0-12°C
Crisp air and colorful foliage; quieter on trails though weather becomes variable later in the season.

Weather & Climate near Großer Arber #

Climate

Großer Arber's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -7°C to 16°C. Abundant rainfall (1390 mm/year), wettest in July.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
16°
Warmest Month
-7°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of -1°C and lows of -7°C. Significant rainfall (124 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

-4°
Feels Like Freezing
-4°C
Temperature
-7° -1°

Weather

124 mm
Rainfall
6.3 m/s
Wind
Breezy

February

February is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -7°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm).

Comfort

-4°
Feels Like Freezing
-4°C
Temperature
-7° -1°

Weather

96 mm
Rainfall
5.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -4°C. Significant rainfall (113 mm).

Comfort

-2°
Feels Like Freezing
-2°C
Temperature
-4°

Weather

113 mm
Rainfall
5.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -2°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-2°

Weather

90 mm
Rainfall
4.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°

Weather

98 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (135 mm).

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cold
10°C
Temperature
14°

Weather

135 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (156 mm).

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
16°

Weather

156 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (122 mm).

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
16°

Weather

122 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°

Weather

104 mm
Rainfall
4.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

94 mm
Rainfall
5.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -3°C. Significant rainfall (112 mm).

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-3°

Weather

112 mm
Rainfall
5.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -5°C. Significant rainfall (146 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

-3°
Feels Like Freezing
-3°C
Temperature
-5°

Weather

146 mm
Rainfall
6.3 m/s
Wind
Breezy

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