The Bodenmais Schachtenweg trail combines beautiful nature with over 500 years of tradition. Immerse yourself in the world of forest pastures!

The sound of cowbells and the sight of cattle grazing in the middle of the forest are almost impossible to experience anywhere in Central Europe these days. However, this is not the case on the Schachten in the Arber region near Bodenmais. The Schachten are witnesses to a tradition dating back over 500 years, species-rich open land in the seemingly endless forest areas and unique places to enjoy the view and find peace and quiet in the Arber region. Learn interesting facts and background information about the life of the forest herders on the Schachten, their importance for nature conservation, and experience the long history that is still alive today on the new Bodenmais Schachtenweg trail.

The Schachtenweg trail: You can experience the unique, idyllic Schachten on the Bodenmais Schachtenweg trail. This challenging hike, which is just under 32 kilometers long, connects the Schachten in the Arber region near Bodenmais. With an overnight stay at the Chamer Hütte hut, located in the middle of the high forest on the Kleiner Arber, the tour can also be comfortably completed in two days.

The “Eternal Forest Law,” from which forestry rights later developed, was essential for the creation of the Schachten. In order to populate the Bavarian Forest with its barren agricultural soils, settlers were attracted with various rights. As early as 1345, the settlers of the Bavarian Forest were granted the “Eternal Forest Law” in the inheritance deed. This allowed them to “clear the forest, erect buildings, cultivate the land (...)”.

On the Bodenmais pastures, the “Blumbesuch” (flower visit) period was fixed for centuries at exactly 132 grazing days from June 1 to October 10. Nowadays, with early snowmelt and warm spring weather, the pasture drive can be brought forward to the end of May.

Throughout the summer and late summer, the forest herders lived in seclusion on the Schachten in small, sparse wooden huts. Since most forest pastures are located at an altitude of over 1,000 meters, the herders were exposed to wind and weather. Their wages consisted of food, mainly bread and soup, rarely a “Sterz.” This “Hüterschmarrn” was the festive meal and a nutritious dish made from eggs, flour, and fat, prepared over an open fire in a heavy iron pan with a handle. It tasted delicious and smoky. From time to time, messengers brought fresh food from the village to the shepherds in the forest.

In the past, forest herders and farmers had to contend with wild bears and wolves around Bodenmais. The following is recorded in the Bodenmais mountain office archives 

Nowadays, the Schachten pastures are mainly grazed by Lower Bavarian Fleckvieh cattle. This breed of cattle is robust in cold, wet weather, enduring and tough in terms of fitness, and quite undemanding when it comes to grass. It is also calm and relaxed. Just like a real Waidler. The herd on the Bodenmais mountain pastures consists mainly of two- to four-year-old young bulls. Although the local dialect always refers to them as bulls, they are actually castrated cattle, i.e., oxen. In the past, these were used for heavy work as draft oxen on the farm and in the fields. The herd also includes a strong ox as the “lead animal.”

Numerous customs are associated with pastoral farming in Bodenmais. The cattle drive to and from the mountain pastures was a big, busy day in the village. The return in particular was celebrated extensively. The custom of releasing the wolf in Bodenmais, which always takes place on Martini on November 10 and 11, is closely linked to the pastoral rights holders and shepherds.