From Fredenbrücke to Racheldiensthütte

This family-friendly tour connects the starting point Fredenbrücke with the Racheldiensthütte and leads along the so-called "Unterer Horizontalsteig ". As this name reveals, the path runs parallel to the slope and thus without great differences in altitude. Nevertheless, it is not boring, because we cross small streams and the wild forest nature shows its varied side. The Racheldiensthütte serves as a great resting point.

 
Advice:
Easy tour with little differences in altitude. Refreshment point at Racheldiensthütte (Please inform about the opening Hours). Open from the beginning of May until the end of October during the summer season. Attention: no circular walk, but the great local public transport network may bring you back to the starting point.
Use the Igelbus (Rachel-Bus line 601 and the Lusen-Bus line 602) from the parking area Diensthüttenstraße to the stop called Fredenbrücke (direct change at stop Graupsäge). Way back: Take the Igelbus (Rachel-Bus line 601) at the stop Racheldiensthütte back to the parking area Diensthüttenstraße.

Local public transport network:
How to get there: Igelbus stop Diensthüttenstraße (Lusen-Bus line 602 and Rachel-Bus line 601)
Return: Igelbus stop Racheldiensthütte (Rachel-Bus line 601, every hour) Igelbus traffic from May 15 to October 31
For timetables see: www.bayerwald-ticket.com

Navigation:
Parking area Diensthüttenstraße, Nationalparkstraße 94566 Sankt Oswald-Riedlhütte
Parking area Fredenbrücke at Waldhäuser, 94556 Waldhäuser, district of Neuschönau (not cleared in winter).
 
Stages:
Fredenbrücke –Racheldiensthütte
 
Descrition:
Leaving the Igelbus at Fredenbrücke, we cross the street and  choose the route on the left of the information panesl, which is marked with the signpost 'Grünes Dreieck’. After crossing the stream Kleine Ohe on a bridge, we have to go uphill for about 200 meters and cross a forest road. Next, the path leads us uphill for another 400 meters to a left bend. After that section, we will continue to hike on a natural path without bigger differences in altitude. We cross small streams, windthrow and bark beetle areas and young forests. The path is continuously marked with the signpost 'Grünes Dreieck’.
 
After about 3 kilometers, we reach Racheldiensthütte, which is open during the summer months and serves as a refreshment point with a small playground for children.
When we want to start the return journey, we continue towards bus stop Racheldiensthütte. We can find it about 200 meters below the shelter. The path is signposted with the green Igelbus symbol. The bus stops every hour. Please inform about the departure times. The Rachel-Bus line 601 takes us back to the stop / parking area Diensthüttenstraße.
 
 
Correct on the go – all the time:

• Always ensure to have good equipment: card, sturdy shoes, something to drink, first aid kit, bad weather clothing.
• Beware of falling trees and deadwood! The use of the path is at your own risk. At strong wind, please leave the forest for safety reasons!
• Path regulations in order to protect endangered plants and animals in certain areas of the national park

 
Did you know it?

A new native forest area emerges in the national park
Within the national park, there is no interference with natural development processes on most of its surface. Natural disturbances, such as windthrow, bark beetle and snow break, change the appearance of the landscape enormously within a relatively short time. Old trees die and remain in the forest. Between their remains, a new and stable native forest area with great biodiversity is created. Standing and lying deadwood is very important, as it offers a wide variety of habitats for a variety of life. Insects and fungi benefit from deadwood, for example. Young trees grow up under great living conditions in the area around deadwood with a good supply of water, nutrients and substrate.
 
Racheldiensthütte
The Racheldiensthütte is located at an altitude of 876 meters above sea level. The shelter is an ideal starting point, as well as rest and refreshment point on hikes towards Rachelsee and Großer Rachel at an altitude of 1453 meter above sea level. It was reopened as a daytime restaurant in August 2017 after a general refurbishment. During the summer season from May to October, hikers and cyclists welcome to have a rest.