Kleiner Rachel, Mountain summit in Bavarian Forest, Germany
Kleiner Rachel is a mountain summit in the Bavarian Forest standing at 1,399 meters, located about 900 meters southeast of its neighboring peak, Großer Rachel. The mountain is heavily forested, and from its top you can see across the surrounding landscape.
The forest around Kleiner Rachel underwent major changes in the late 1990s when a severe bark beetle infestation destroyed large areas of woodland. This natural disaster shaped the appearance of the mountain for years to come.
A traditional mountain cross stands at the summit, reflecting the regional custom of marking significant peaks in the Bavarian Forest. These crosses represent the deep connection between local people and their highland environment.
Hiking trails to the summit start from the Gfäll car park and vary in difficulty. In winter, you will need extra equipment like snowshoes because heavy snow covers the mountain.
On clear days, you can spot the nearby Rachelsee lake from the summit and sometimes even the distant Alpine peaks. These rare long-distance views make the climb particularly rewarding.
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