Surrounded by woodland and nature Our proximity to the Bavarian Forest National Park not only shapes the landscape – it defines the entire playing experience. No traffic noise, no urban hustle and bustle, just peace and quiet, fresh air and nature that you can experience with all your senses. Ancient trees line the course, the songs of rare birds accompany your round, and the entire site is designed so that nature and sport coexist harmoniously. Here, golf goes beyond the game – it becomes an experience in harmony with the surroundings.

The Mitterfirmiansreut (“Mitterdorf”) Ski Centre on the Almberg is a family-friendly ski resort with several lifts and mainly easy to moderately difficult slopes; thanks to its location, it is considered to have particularly reliable snow conditions. The Großer Arber is the largest and best-known ski resort in the Bavarian Forest and, as the “King of the Bavarian Forest”, offers a variety of slopes of all difficulty levels, modern lifts and a comprehensive range of activities for families and keen skiers. At Geißkopf near Bischofsmais, you can look forward to around eight kilometres of perfectly groomed runs, a fun park, a toboggan run and floodlit slopes – ideal for anyone seeking variety. In addition, the Bavarian Forest boasts many smaller, quiet ski slopes and lifts that are easily accessible from Villa Barka and are perfect for relaxed days on the slopes away from the hustle and bustle.

Passau is the famous ‘City of Three Rivers’, situated at the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz, and boasts an impressive Baroque old town on a narrow spit of land between the rivers. St Stephen’s Cathedral, home to one of the world’s largest church organs, the Veste Oberhaus fortress and the Three Rivers Corner are among the city’s most famous sights. Its southern charm, narrow streets and squares, as well as numerous cafés and boats, make Passau a worthwhile destination during your holiday in the Bavarian Forest.

Krumau (Český Krumlov) is a small, picture-perfect town in South Bohemia, situated picturesquely in a bend of the Vltava River, with its old town almost entirely surrounded by the river. The historic town centre, with its narrow streets, colourful Renaissance and Baroque townhouses, and the imposing castle and palace complex overlooking it, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992. Thanks to this unique combination of a river bend, medieval architecture and a lively café and cultural scene, Krumau is considered one of the most romantic destinations in Central Europe.

Rachel, Lusen and Arber are three of the most famous peaks in the Bavarian Forest and are easily accessible from Villa Barka as day trips. They combine scenic hikes with a rustic mountain hut atmosphere and authentic “Bavarian Forest moments” – perfect for active holidays. Rachel captivates visitors with its tranquil primeval forests, Lake Rachel and sweeping views stretching as far as the Alps on clear days. The hike is somewhat challenging and therefore ideal for experienced walkers seeking that authentic national park experience. On the Lusen, you’ll discover the famous boulder field summit and the nature trail through forests that are regenerating following the bark beetle infestation. A hike at sunrise or sunset is particularly atmospheric, when the rocks glow in the warm light. The Großer Arber, known as the ‘King of the Bavarian Forest’, offers a well-developed hiking and skiing area with a cable car, restaurants and panoramic trails. Both leisure hikers and active sports enthusiasts will find something to suit them here – hiking in summer, and skiing or winter hiking in winter.

The region around Spiegelau, Mauth and Grafenau, together with Neuschönau, forms one of the most extensive and snow-sure cross-country skiing areas in the Bavarian Forest. With the Mauth-Finsterau cross-country skiing centre, the area is a paradise for cross-country skiers, offering everything from easy beginner trails to challenging long-distance routes

Deggendorf lies directly on the Danube near the mouth of the Isar and is regarded as the ‘gateway to the Bavarian Forest’ – making it an ideal base for exploring the region. The historic old town, with its Gothic Old Town Hall, the Grabkirche and many lovingly restored town houses, is perfect for a leisurely stroll and a stop for refreshments. On the banks of the Danube, the Donaupark, with its promenade, play areas and green spaces, as well as events such as the Donaufest and Christmas market, offers further reasons to pay a visit to Deggendorf.

waldwasser – healthy water straight from the tap waldwasser stands for securing a future of safe drinking water for the people of our region and ensuring that the water supply remains in local authority hands, managed under a single umbrella organisation. waldwasser stands for the sustainable management of a precious resource – our local drinking water.

Since 2006, Gut Aiderbichl has been located not only in Salzburg and Iffeldorf, but also in Eichberg near Deggendorf. Nestled amongst rolling hills on the edge of the Bavarian Forest, a new place where people and animals can come together has been created – a symbol of humanity.

The Goldene Steig is a historic salt-traders’ route between Bavaria and Bohemia that winds through the low mountain ranges of the Bavarian Forest, combining the experience of nature with fascinating history. Across several routes totalling around 145 kilometres, you’ll hike along ancient trade routes, past forests, meadows and small villages – perfect for day trips and multi-day tours.[Bavarian-Forest +2] The Buchberger Leite is considered one of the most impressive gorges in the Bavarian Forest and runs between Freyung and Ringelai along the Wolfsteiner Ohe. Along an approximately eight-kilometre themed hiking trail, you’ll experience a wild and romantic stream gorge with rock faces, footbridges, bridges and information boards on nature and former timber use – a real highlight just a few minutes’ drive from Villa Barka.[bayern +4] Hiking in the Bavarian Forest means a vast network of around 7,000 kilometres of marked trails, ranging from leisurely strolls and themed trails to challenging summit hikes. Between the National Park, the Nature Park and historic routes such as the Goldsteig and Goldener Steig, you’ll find suitable tours for every season – always accompanied by plenty of woodland, tranquillity and authentic low-mountain scenery.

Regensburg lies on the Danube and boasts one of the best-preserved medieval old towns in Europe, which, together with Stadtamhof, is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is characterised by the Gothic St Peter’s Cathedral and the almost 900-year-old Stone Bridge, which is regarded as a masterpiece of medieval architecture and connects the old town with Stadtamhof. Amidst narrow streets, squares, cafés, bars and shops, the city combines a lively university atmosphere with historic charm – often affectionately referred to as ‘Italy’s northernmost city’.