Kleiner Rachel

The Kleiner Rachel is a mountain in the Bavarian Forest range, standing near the Czech border. It reaches 1,399 metres and is the third highest peak in the Bavarian Forest. About 900 metres northwest lies the higher Großer Rachel. The summit has a cross and a register on the rocks just below the top. From there walkers see Zwiesel, the Großer Arber, the Großer Falkenstein and the Frauenau Dam. The mountain is climbed far less often than its neighbour. No marked path leads to the summit cross, so navigation is needed. The unmarked route is only open from 15 July to 15 November under national park rules. Walkers usually start from Oberfrauenau, Klingenbrunn railway station or the Großer Rachel. The final stretch to the cross is over open rock and through spruce forest. The view stretches across the treetops to distant towns and dams. On clear days the Arber and Falkenstein ridges stand out clearly. The quiet slopes and limited season give the Kleiner Rachel a solitary feel.