Goldsteig N 17 Rachel – Lusen

Natural steps lead to the summit cross of Rachel, at 1,452 m the second-highest mountain in the Bavarian Forest. Right at the start of the descent on the southeast side, there is a beautiful view of Rachel Chapel and the lower-lying Rachel Lake. On the further way to the Felsenkanzel - again with a magnificent view - a detour to Rachel Lake is also possible. Narrow paths through mixed mountain forests then take the hiker quickly onward. Many of the once majestic spruces fell victim to the bark beetle, which has its positive side: the now dead tree skeletons provide shelter and a breeding ground. Beneath them, new forest is emerging in its most natural form. After the primeval-forest-like area at Teufelsloch comes the long ascent over the rocky staircase "Himmelsleiter" to the summit of Lusen (1,373 m) with the geotope "Block Sea at Lusen": one of the most impressive rock formations in the Bavarian Forest National Park, where granite blocks pile up over more than 200,000 m². Just below the summit, today's stage destination, the mountain hut, is reached.