One of Lower Bavaria's Most Scenic Ridge Walks
Mount Pröller: A Scenic Hike in the Bavarian Forest near Sankt Englmar
Some of the most memorable experiences in the Bavarian Forest are found away from the region's best-known viewpoints. This walk passes through a landscape shaped by both nature and tradition, from a rare juniper heath and granite boulder fields to whimsical wooden carvings hidden among the trees. Together, they reveal a lesser-known side of Lower Bavaria.
Wandering the High Ridges
The hike from Pröller (1,048 m) to Käsplatte (978 m) offers a wonderful introduction to the landscapes of the Bavarian Forest in Lower Bavaria. While neither summit ranks among the highest peaks of the Bavarian Forest, this scenic walk connects two distinctive viewpoints and showcases the varied character of this corner of the region.
Pröller is known for its far-reaching views across the forested ridges of the Bavarian Forest, while Käsplatte feels quieter and more rugged. Its summit is home to a field of granite boulders, a protected geological feature that gives the mountain a character quite different from its larger neighbors. Along the way, forests, open slopes, and occasional panoramic viewpoints create a landscape that feels both welcoming and distinctly Bavarian Forest.
For hikers exploring this part of Lower Bavaria, the walk offers a glimpse of what makes the Bavarian Forest so appealing: forested ridges, quiet viewpoints, and a landscape that rewards curiosity more than ambition.
Exploring from Sankt Englmar
Sankt Englmar makes a practical base for exploring this part of the Bavarian Forest in Lower Bavaria. Located within the Bavarian Forest Nature Park, the village sits between the peaks of Predigtstuhl and Pröller and is surrounded by forests, ridges, and a dense network of hiking trails.
One of the main advantages of staying here is its location. Many of the area's most rewarding hikes begin nearby, including routes to the summits of Pröller, Hirschenstein, Predigtstuhl, and Hochberg. With more than 125 kilometers of marked trails, there is plenty to explore, from easy woodland walks to longer ridge hikes with far-reaching views.
The Bavarian Forest is a large region, but Sankt Englmar provides easy access to some of its most scenic landscapes while retaining the feel of a small mountain village. For hikers planning to spend several days exploring Lower Bavaria, it is a comfortable and well-positioned place to stay.
Unexpected Trail Companions
One of the more whimsical features of the hike to Pröller is a series of carved wooden figures hidden along the trail. As you make your way through the forest, these smiling faces seem to appear unexpectedly among the trees, adding a playful touch to the walk.
Created from old tree stumps left beside the path, the sculptures transform what would otherwise be decaying wood into small works of folk art. Some depict characters from traditional German nursery rhymes and folk songs, while others simply invite hikers to pause, look closer, and smile. Their weathered appearance allows them to blend naturally into the forest, making each discovery feel a little like finding a secret hidden among the trees.
Although the route to Pröller is already one of the most popular hikes around Sankt Englmar, these carvings add an extra layer of character to the experience. For families, children, and curious hikers alike, they are memorable companions on the journey through the Bavarian Forest.
The Juniper Heath of Ahornwies
One of the more unexpected sights along the hike is the Ahornwies Juniper Heath, a small but remarkable landscape shaped by centuries of pastoral land use. While dense forests dominate much of the Bavarian Forest today, open heathlands like this were once a familiar part of the region.
The heath takes its name from the Common Juniper (Juniperus communis), a protected species that once played a defining role in the area's historic grazing landscapes.
Developed on rocky, nutrient-poor soils, the site was used as pasture rather than farmland. Juniper shrubs thrived here because their prickly branches protected them from browsing livestock. Over time, they created a distinctive habitat that supported a wide variety of plants, insects, and birds. Today, Ahornwies is one of the few remaining examples of this historic cultural landscape.
As the trail passes by the heath, it is easy to imagine how different the region once looked. Scattered junipers, flowering meadows, and exposed granite boulders create a striking contrast to the surrounding forests, offering a glimpse into a landscape that has largely disappeared from Lower Bavaria.
Getting There
The official starting point for the hike to Mt. Pröller is the hikers' parking lot at the Markbuchener Sattel (901 m), near Sankt Englmar. Surrounded by forested hills and mountain ridges, the pass serves as a popular starting point for several scenic walks.
From here, marked trails lead toward Pröller and Käsplatte, passing some of the area's most interesting natural and cultural features along the way. Highlights include the Ahornwies Juniper Heath, a rare remnant of a historic grazing landscape, and a collection of carved wooden figures hidden among the trees. As the trail climbs through the forest, occasional openings reveal views across the surrounding hills and valleys.
If you are staying in Sankt Englmar, the trailhead can be reached within a few minutes by car, making it an easy starting point for a day's hiking in this part of the Bavarian Forest.
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