Discover Grafenried: Forest Trails, Chapels and Cycling Tours

Grafenried combines forest trails, marked hiking routes, a unique chapel history and several cycling routes to create a diverse destination. Those looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home can combine different ideas for day trips here: leisurely paths through the forest, longer hikes with elevation gain, nature experiences along the Asbach and moderately difficult cycling tours through the surrounding area.

Hiking between forest trails and named points of interest

The E6 European long-distance hiking trail reaches Grafenried via comfortable forest paths. From Grafenried, the trail climbs through mixed forests, gaining 430 metres in elevation, to the Burgstall. This information will help you with your planning: Depending on the type of tour you prefer, you can choose a quieter section on forest paths or plan a route with a significant ascent.

Another connection is provided by the Asbachtal Nature Experience Hiking Trail. It reaches Grafenried and then follows the red Dr 58 circular hiking trail via the Chapel Trail to Gabelbrücke. The return section of the hiking route runs via Frath and Asbach on the red Dr 59 hiking trail, passes the Fritz Chapel to Grafenried and then continues on the red Dr 58 to Drachselsried.

A hiking route in the Zellertal region leads from Haufenmühle up to Grafenried along a narrow trail. It then follows the blue Dr 3 marker to the Frath plateau, which is reached after approximately 45 minutes. This route may be particularly interesting if you are looking for a trail with an ascent and a clearly named point of interest.

Nature along the Asbach and orientation in the hiking area

The Asbachtal Nature Experience Trail is designated as a nature experience trail and features information boards about nature and the landscape along the Asbach. Topics include the habitats of hedges, meadows and pastures, near-natural forestry, the Eurasian otter and the cultural landscape. As a result, the trail offers not only exercise but also specific starting points for shared discoveries along the way.

Grafenried also has a municipal overview map of the hiking trails. The overview maps of the Drachselsried system provide information about hiking trails, explain the markings, point out special facilities and tourist attractions, and offer recommendations for a nature-friendly stay in the forest and hiking area. In the wider Grafenried area, around 75 percent of the municipality of Drachselsried is forested; most of these forest areas lie within the Bavarian Forest Nature Park.

Cycling tours through the surrounding area

Grafenried can also be incorporated into longer circular cycling tours. The moderately difficult Drachselsried Höhenrunde is 30.5 kilometres long. It leads via Schareben mountain hut, Riedlberg, Mais and Frath back to Grafenried and the starting point in Drachselsried. The route therefore connects several named stops and provides a practical basis for planning a day trip.

The also moderately difficult Zellertal Tour is 32 kilometres long. It runs from Arnbruck via Drachselsried, Oberried, Riedlberg, Bodenmais and Böbrach via Frath and Grafenried back to Arnbruck. Those wishing to combine hiking and cycling tours during their stay can check, when looking for accommodation in Grafenried, which of these described tours best suits their own holiday pace.

A cultural accent in the village

The Marienkapelle stands on the village green. It was built under the direction of the Grafenried village association with the support of its members and the local population, and was ceremonially consecrated in September. Since then, a mass has been celebrated there every year on its anniversary. The chapel complements the nature and trail experiences with an insight into local community life and the village’s traditions.

For the overarching travel overview: Drachselsried.