Lusen

Lusen is a 1,373‑metre (4,504 ft) high mountain situated on the border between Bavaria, Germany, and the Czech Republic. It is part of the Bohemian Forest (Böhmerwald) range and lies within the Bavarian Forest National Park, one of Germany’s oldest protected areas. The summit is a popular destination for hikers and skiers, offering panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, including the nearby Großer Arber and the Czech landscape of the Šumava National Park.

Geologically, Lusen consists mainly of gneiss and granite formations dating back to the Paleozoic era. Its slopes are heavily forested with spruce, fir, and beech, while alpine meadows appear near the summit. The mountain supports a diverse wildlife population, including red deer, European pine martens, and a variety of bird species such as the black woodpecker and capercaillie.

A notable feature on the German side is the Lusen Tower, a wooden observation platform built in 2011 that provides an elevated viewpoint for visitors. Several marked trails lead to the summit, the most frequented being the Lusen Trail, which is maintained for both summer trekking and winter cross‑country skiing. The area is also a focal point for environmental education, with the park’s visitor centre offering information on the region’s natural history and conservation efforts.

Lusen’s location on the German‑Czech border makes it a symbol of trans‑national cooperation in forest management and tourism, contributing to the cultural and ecological continuity of the Bohemian Forest.