SHERIDAN, WYOMING – August 5, 2025 – Imagine walking beneath a sky so dark, you can count the Milky Way with your naked eye. In Bodenmais, nestled in the heart of Germany’s Bavarian Forest, that dream just became reality. The picturesque holiday town is now inviting travelers to experience the region’s untouched night skies with its newly introduced Stargazing Hike – Evening High Forest Tour — a guided adventure under the stars that blends natural wonder, Bavarian tradition, and ecological awareness.
A walk through starlight — with snacks, stories, and soul
This isn’t your average night hike. Every Wednesday in September and October 2025, visitors are whisked away by a special shuttle to Bretterschachten, one of the darkest spots in all of Central Europe. From there, the group sets out along the serene Auerhahnstraße, catching the last golden rays of the sunset before arriving at the cozy Chamer Hütte near the Kleiner Arber peak.
Once there, guests enjoy a hearty Bavarian Brotzeit (traditional evening snack) before descending under a canopy of stars. The moonlit return path weaves through the tranquil Buchhüttenschachten, offering a calming, mystical close to a truly soul-stirring evening.
Why this matters: Healing darkness in a light-polluted world
Our modern world rarely offers true darkness — but that’s exactly what Bodenmais delivers. This region, now certified by Dark Sky International as one of only three official Dark Sky Parks in Bavaria, has gone to great lengths to preserve its night. The park spans 94,000 hectares and includes both the Bavarian Forest Nature Park and National Park.
The Dark Sky certification isn’t just about romance; it represents a serious commitment to environmental protection. Local businesses, municipalities, and private homes have joined forces to combat light pollution through:
- Specialized lighting systems that minimize skyglow
- Carefully directed illumination for paths and signage
- Public education campaigns about the value of darkness
“We’re proud to be part of this future-focused project,” says Tobias Wolf, Managing Director of Bodenmais Tourismus. “The stargazing hike brings that commitment to life for our guests — and raises awareness about nighttime environmental protection.”
An off-season highlight that goes beyond skiing
As winter tourism continues to shift and evolve, Bodenmais is leading with sustainable, year-round alternatives. The Stargazing Hike is part of a broader vision to create meaningful experiences even outside the classic ski season.
It’s ideal for:
- Nature lovers seeking something more than trails and trees
- Wellness travelers craving emotional reset through silence and starlight
- Families looking for unique, educational adventures together
And the best part? If you’re staying in Bodenmais, participation is completely free.
Editorial Extra: What makes this stargazing tour unique?
Compared to other night tours:
- Bodenmais: Official Dark Sky Park status, free for guests, guided route with traditional hut stop
- Typical night hikes: Usually unaccompanied, limited visibility, few amenities
Why it’s great for wellness seekers:
- Reduces light exposure and digital fatigue
- Encourages mindfulness and sensory focus
- Deep relaxation through silence and cosmic perspective
Plan your celestial escape now
Starting September 2025, the Stargazing Hike will be offered every Wednesday through October — and starting in 2026, it becomes a permanent part of Bodenmais’s hiking program.
To learn more and reserve your spot, visit: www.bodenmais.de