Hike Whitewater Trail in Bodenmais

The Wildes-Wasser-Weg (Wild Water Trail) in Bodenmais combines the two highest waterfalls in the Bavarian Forest on a single circular hike — and was voted Germany's most beautiful hiking trail 2026 in the day tour category by the renowned Wandermagazin. Over 52,000 hikers cast their vote, with more than 23 per cent choosing this trail. From the town hall in Bodenmais, the route leads through the spa park to the Klause car park and on to the Hochfall, where the Moosbach plunges over a rock ledge into a cauldron-shaped pool. From a small wooden bridge, you experience the roar of the water up close.

Via the Sturmriegel into the Rißloch Gorge

From the Hochfall, narrow trails climb upward. At the Sturmriegel, two benches and a photo spot invite a rest — the view sweeps over Bodenmais and the southern peaks of the Bavarian Forest. Via the Hofwirtsteig, you then reach the centrepiece of the tour: the wildly romantic Rißloch gorge. Here, four streams merge to form the Rißbach, which plunges over five main cascades and a total of 55 metres. The main fall is 15 metres high. The Rißloch nature reserve has been protected since 1939 and is home to rare species such as the white-backed woodpecker and the brown long-eared bat.

Descent Through the Gorge

The descent through the Rißloch gorge follows steep, stony paths — with the crashing water cascading into the depths on either side. Sure-footedness is essential here. At the bottom of the gorge, information boards point to the historic ski jump, whose outlines can still be traced with a little imagination. The Rißlochweg then leads back to the centre of Bodenmais.

There are no refreshment stops directly on the trail. In Bodenmais itself, numerous inns and cafés await before and after the hike.

The tour opens with the Hochfall, a natural monument since 1965: over millennia, the water has carved an almost perfectly round pool into the hard rock. At the Sturmriegel, a viewpoint offers sweeping views over Bodenmais and the surrounding peaks — one of the best photo spots on the trail. The undisputed highlight is the Rißloch waterfalls in the gorge of the same name: 55 metres of total drop across five cascades, framed by ancient beech, maple and spruce trees. And an insider tip: the more it rains, the more impressive the waterfalls become — this is one of those rare hikes that is even better in bad weather.

Those wanting to shorten the tour can start at the Klause car park and hike only to the Hochfall or only to the Rißloch waterfalls in a shorter loop. The Rißloch falls alone can be reached from the Rißloch car park in a roughly 90-minute circuit of around 3.8 kilometres.

Sturdy footwear with good grip is essential — the descent through the Rißloch gorge follows steep, stony and potentially slippery paths. Trekking poles are recommended. Since there are no refreshment stops on the trail, bring plenty of water and provisions. Don't forget a rain jacket — and if it does rain: all the better.

By Car

There are several parking spots right next to the starting point.

By Public Transportation

The Bodenmais train station is just under 100 meters from the starting point. The RB37 stops there regularly.