The Bavarian Forest is always worth a visit and offers a welcome change from city life in Munich. If you’re still looking for a hike for May 1st or just want to go for a walk this weekend, you’ll find plenty of potential destinations here. The Riesloch Waterfalls, in particular, offer a fascinating natural spectacle that you shouldn’t miss.
On a wild hike
With a total height of 55 meters, the Riesloch Waterfalls are the highest waterfalls in the Bavarian Forest and flow in several cascades. Over five tiers, the water cascades down the rocks into the depths below. The largest of the Riesloch Falls measures 15 meters. They are fed by the Riesbach stream, parts of which have been used to generate electricity since 1908. As a result, the falls have lost some of their water flow, though after heavy rain or snowmelt, impressive volumes of water still plunge down the rock face.
The rocks over which the Riesloch Waterfalls flow are largely covered in moss, and small whirlpools form in their hollows. Here you can linger for quite some time and simply watch the water play without ever getting bored. The waterfalls themselves are located in the Riesloch Gorge, which has been a nature reserve since 1939 and which you can explore on your way to the cascades.
The Primeval Forest in Bavaria
The Riesloch is characterized by its old spruce and mixed mountain forest with a primeval forest character. The old gnarled trees, the wild shrubs , and the moss-covered rocks lend the entire area around the Riesloch Waterfalls a mystical atmosphere. You’ll feel as if you’re in an enchanted forest where the water rushes and the wind whispers through the leaves.
If you want to experience these magical moments in person, the best way to reach the Riesloch Waterfalls is from Bodenmais. From here, there are several routes you can choose to get to the falls. Depending on your choice, the hike will take between two and five hours. You can ideally combine your visit to the Riesloch Falls with a detour to the Hochfall if you’d like to explore even more waterfalls in the Bavarian Forest.
