Winter holidays · Bavarian Forest · Lower Bavaria
A peaceful base at our organic farm, with winter days at Lake Rannasee, cross-country skiing, sledging and a ski trip to Hochficht.
Explore winter ideasWinter in the Passau countryside
Our organic holiday farm is in Glotzing near Untergriesbach, in the Passau district and southern Bavarian Forest. It is a peaceful base for a winter holiday in Lower Bavaria: combine walks by Lake Rannasee with cross-country skiing, sledging or a ski day at Hochficht. Whether trails are groomed, sledging slopes usable or ski lifts open depends on snow, weather and the latest information from each operator.
Winter scenes from Höfler farm
Snow-covered rooftops, the courtyard and small details along the way: our winter photographs show another side of the farm.
Snow rests on the trees and rooftops, bringing winter into the quiet corners of the courtyard.
Warm timber tones and snow-covered branches give this winter view its own distinctive character.
Stacked logs, green twigs and a little snow: winter details are waiting to be noticed beyond the wider views.
Twinkling lights & Advent magic
When the evenings draw in, two special Advent destinations are waiting nearby.
By St Stephen’s Cathedral · Passau
Between the cathedral and the old town, Advent feels especially festive. Discover crafts, regional treats and the Christmas programme beside St Stephen’s Cathedral. Dates and opening hours are published by the organiser.
Discover the Passau Christmas Market (opens in a new tab)At the Granite Centre · Hauzenberg
A Christmas market in a remarkable setting: at the Bavarian Forest Granite Centre, Granitweihnacht brings together crafts, regional food, music and a programme for children. It takes place on Advent weekends; the organiser has the latest details.
Discover Granitweihnacht in Hauzenberg (opens in a new tab)These markets are seasonal events. Please check dates, opening hours and programmes on the linked organiser websites.
Five ideas for cold days
Alpine skiing · Austria
For a day on skis, head to the Hochficht ski area in the Bohemian Forest. Check the official website for the latest snow report, open lifts and ticket information before setting off.
Current information at Hochficht (opens in a new tab)Cross-country · Three-Country Region
The Adalbert-Stifter trail near Neureichenau is a classic-style route graded easy. The regional tourism board describes it as 29 kilometres long, with several access points, so you can plan a section to suit your fitness and snow conditions.
Trail details and access points (opens in a new tab)Outdoor time · when snow is sufficient
With enough snow, an open and designated sledging slope makes an easy family outing. Which slopes are open and safe depends on the weather and local conditions. Please check the region's current information first.
Bavarian Forest winter information (opens in a new tab)Winter walk · by the lake
The scenery around Lake Rannasee is worth exploring even without winter sports. Passauer Land lists an easy winter walking route of 2.87 kilometres, taking around 50 minutes with about 20 metres of ascent and descent.
Lake Rannasee winter walk details (opens in a new tab)Only when ice is officially declared safe
If Lake Rannasee freezes sufficiently and local authorities officially declare the ice safe, ice skating and Bavarian curling may be possible. Check local notices first and never step onto ice that has not been officially approved.
Information about Lake Rannasee (opens in a new tab)Snow, groomed trails, lift operation and safe ice are not guaranteed. Please check the latest information from local authorities and operators before setting off.
Cross-country skiing & winter scenery
Two tracks, an open snowy landscape and a lone tree invite thoughts of a day in the crisp winter air. Choose a trail that is currently open for your outing and check the local trail reports before setting off.
AI imageWhen there is enough snow, sledging makes a lovely family winter outing. This AI image does not depict a confirmed sledging slope.
AI imageBavarian curling is only possible when local authorities have officially declared the ice safe. This AI image does not indicate current ice or safety conditions.
AI imageBy Lake Rannasee near Wegscheid
Lake Rannasee is one of the best-known day-trip destinations in the Passau countryside. In winter, an easy route of just under three kilometres leads through the landscape – a gentle contrast to an active day on skis or cross-country trails.
Your base for winter days
Families planning a winter holiday in the Bavarian Forest can return to their own holiday apartment or our distinctive timber house near Passau. Explore our accommodation and enquire about your preferred dates.