Großer Rachel
Mountain Scenic Bavarian Forest mountain within national park
Großer Rachel in the Bavarian Forest offers woodland trails, a mountain lake and viewpoints; the protected parkland draws hikers and nature observers year-round.
Großer Rachel is a mountain in the Bavarian Forest region of Bavaria, Germany, reaching an elevation commonly cited at about 1,453 metres. It is one of the highest peaks within the Bavarian Forest and lies inside or adjacent to protected forest areas.
The mountain is served by marked hiking trails and is a noted viewpoint over the surrounding woodland and toward the Czech border. Its upland terrain and alpine-subalpine vegetation make it a frequent target for day hikes and nature observation.
Großer Rachel stands in the eastern part of the Bavarian Forest near the Germany-Czech Republic border and is accessible from nearby towns and villages that act as trailheads.
- Elevation and rank: One of the highest peaks in the Bavarian Forest, commonly cited at 1,453 metres
How to Get to Großer Rachel #
Großer Rachel lies near the border between Bavaria and the Czech Republic. The usual access points are from small towns such as Spiegelau and inner-forest trailheads; by car use regional roads off the B305. In summer regional buses serve nearby trailhead villages; check seasonal timetables.
Tips for Visiting Großer Rachel #
- Ascend via the established forestry trails to avoid soft peat sections that can be boggy after rain.
- If time allows, extend the route to nearby summits for a longer ridge walk with fewer visitors.
- Check for birdlife on the north slopes - the area has breeding sites for several upland species.
Best Time to Visit Großer Rachel #
Late spring through early autumn is preferred for trail access and reliable conditions; winter needs snow equipment.
Weather & Climate near Großer Rachel #
Großer Rachel'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 (1456 mm/year), wettest in July.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -1°C and lows of -6°C. Significant rainfall (130 mm) and breezy conditions.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -7°C. Regular rainfall (100 mm).
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March
March is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -4°C. Significant rainfall (119 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -2°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm).
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May
May is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (103 mm).
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June
June is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (140 mm).
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July
July is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (165 mm).
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August
August is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (126 mm).
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September
September is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (109 mm).
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October
October is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 1°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm).
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November
November is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -3°C. Significant rainfall (118 mm).
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December
December is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -5°C. Significant rainfall (153 mm) and breezy conditions.
