Goldsteig N 17 Rachel – Lusen

Natural steps lead to the summit cross of the Rachel, at 1452 m the second highest mountain in the Bavarian Forest. Right at the start of the descent on the south-east side, there is a wonderful view of the Rachel Chapel and the Rachelsee lake below. A detour to the Rachelsee lake is also possible on the way to the Felsenkanzel - again with a magnificent view. Narrow paths through mixed mountain forests then take the hiker quickly forward. Many of the once majestic spruce trees fell victim to the bark beetle, which is certainly a good thing: the now dead tree skeletons offer protection and breeding ground. New forest in its most natural form is growing underneath. After the primeval forest-like area at the Teufelsloch, the long ascent follows via the rocky "Himmelsleiter" staircase to the Lusen summit (1373 m) with the geotope "Blockmeer am Lusen": one of the most impressive rock formations in the Bavarian Forest National Park, where granite blocks pile up on top of each other over an area of more than 200,000 m². Shortly below the summit, you reach today's destination, the refuge.