Bayerischer Plöckenstein

Bayerischer Plöckenstein is a 1,366-metre peak straddling the border between Germany and the Czech Republic, part of the Bavarian Forest and Bohemian Forest range, close to the Czech village of Nová Pec. It sits right next to Plechý (German: Plöckenstein), the highest summit of the Czech side of the Bohemian Forest, from which it takes its name.

Where exactly is Bayerischer Plöckenstein?

The peak lies deep in the border woodlands that stretch across both sides of the German-Czech frontier, surrounded by vast, sparsely populated forest tracts of the Bohemian Forest (Šumava) and the Bavarian Forest. This is a region famous for wild, undisturbed nature, peat bogs and old-growth stands of spruce and beech — for decades during the Cold War the border ran straight through the range and the frontier zone was closed to hikers entirely. Today it's one of the quietest corners of Central Europe, valued precisely because the crowds never found it.

Nová Pec, the nearest sizeable settlement on the Czech side, sits in a valley above Lake Lipno and works as a natural base for exploring the mountains. Trails from the village head straight for the border and on toward the higher Bohemian Forest summits.

How to get there?

The easiest approach is to reach Nová Pec by car or train and continue on foot or by bike — there's no direct road to the summit itself, which is typical for this stretch of the border range. The forest section can be demanding underfoot, but it is well marked, in line with the usual Czech and Bavarian trail standards. Plan for a full day out: distances in this area tend to be longer than they look on a map, since the terrain is rolling and the forest cover is dense.

What will you see there?

Bayerischer Plöckenstein is a landscape experience more than a single sight — sweeping coniferous and mixed forest, a silence broken only by wind in the treetops, and the simple fact of standing exactly on the line between two countries that, for decades, marked a division running through the middle of Europe. Its proximity to Plechý, the highest point of the Czech Bohemian Forest, means the route connects naturally to longer ridge walks on both sides of the border. The surrounding area falls within protected land — Šumava National Park on the Czech side and Bavarian Forest National Park on the German side — which keeps the forest in excellent condition and gives walkers a real chance of spotting wildlife if they keep quiet.

When to visit?

The best window for hiking runs from May to October, when trails are dry and passable and daylight is long enough for a comfortable there-and-back trip. In summer, start early: much of the terrain is exposed to full sun and midday heat can be tiring on the climbs. In autumn, the Bohemian and Bavarian forests turn striking shades of gold and red, making the season especially rewarding for photography. In winter the summit is often snow-covered and access far harder — this becomes a route for experienced hikers equipped for winter conditions rather than a casual outing.

Frequently asked questions

Are Bayerischer Plöckenstein and Plechý the same mountain? No — they are two neighbouring peaks. Plechý (German: Plöckenstein) is the highest point of the Czech Bohemian Forest, while Bayerischer Plöckenstein sits right beside it on the German side of the border and is slightly lower.

Is the route suitable for families with children? With reasonable fitness and proper footwear, yes, though the distance and rolling terrain make it better suited to older children and experienced walkers than to very young ones.

Can you cross the border on foot here? Yes — the area lies within the open Schengen zone, and hiking trails link the Czech and German sides freely without any border formalities.

Where's the best place to start the hike? Nová Pec on the Czech side is the most convenient starting point, thanks to its train connection and accommodation options above Lake Lipno.