The Ebersberger Forst is one of the largest continuous forests in the lowlands of Germany, a vast expanse of spruce, beech and oak east of Munich, crossed by straight roads and tracks. It was once a royal hunting ground, and it is still full of roe deer, boar and many birds. The town of Ebersberg sits on its edge, with a large church that holds a relic said to be the skull of Saint Sebastian, the object of a pilgrimage for centuries.
Ebersberg is a pleasant market town with a lake, an old centre and views over the surrounding countryside. A wooden lookout tower on the Ludwigshöhe hill above the town gives a wide panorama over the forest and, on clear days, the Alps. The landscape around is a mix of forests, meadows and small villages, part of the rolling Alpine foreland.
From the saddle it is relaxed and pleasant. The roads through the forest are straight and fast, but speed limits are enforced, and wildlife can be a hazard. The roads around the town and towards the south are more winding, with gentle curves and views of the Alps. Traffic can be heavy on the main roads towards Munich, especially at rush hour. In autumn, the forest is beautiful, with the beeches turning gold.
Fuel, groceries and somewhere to eat are all easy in Ebersberg. A beer garden or a café by the lake is a pleasant place for a break. The German Alpine Road and the Walchensee lie to the south, with the mountains growing closer with every kilometre.