Getting to Bavarian Forest National Park
Bavarian Forest National Park sits in Bavaria, Germany, with Spiegelau the nearest town of any size — about 5.7 km (3.5 mi) out, or roughly 9 min of driving.
Drive times from Bavarian Forest National Park
Bavarian Forest National Park sits close enough to Berchtesgaden National Park, Saxon Switzerland National Park, Triglav National Park, and Hainich National Park that one drive from home can cover more than one park.
| Park | Apart | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Berchtesgaden National Park | 160 km (99.3 mi) | 2 hr 48 min |
| Saxon Switzerland National Park | 225 km (140 mi) | 3 hr 46 min |
| Triglav National Park | 289 km (180 mi) | 4 hr 42 min |
| Hainich National Park | 316 km (196 mi) | 5 hr 6 min |
Towns to base yourself in
| Town | Distance | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Spiegelau | 5.7 km (3.5 mi) | 9 min |
| Grafenau | 11.4 km (7.1 mi) | 19 min |
| Zwiesel | 13.4 km (8.3 mi) | 22 min |
| Regen | 19.9 km (12.4 mi) | 33 min |
| Freyung | 19.9 km (12.4 mi) | 33 min |
| Neureichenau | 34.6 km (21.5 mi) | 49 min |
| Deggendorf | 34.7 km (21.6 mi) | 49 min |
| Viechtach | 39.8 km (24.7 mi) | 55 min |
How to read these numbers
Distances are straight-line between the town and the park centre. Drive estimates add a road factor and an average speed, which is close enough for planning but wrong wherever mountains, ferries, or seasonal closures are involved.
Inside a large park, getting from the entrance to the part you came to see can add another hour or more.
Region pages
Common questions
What is the closest town to Bavarian Forest National Park?
Spiegelau, about 5.7 km (3.5 mi) away — roughly 9 min of driving.
Where should I stay when visiting Bavarian Forest National Park?
The practical bases are Spiegelau, Grafenau, and Zwiesel — all within a reasonable drive of the park.