Summer is approaching and more and more families and couples are going on adventures. Some unique places are the national parks where people can experience the beauty and value of nature. These protected areas are not only important habitats for animals and plants, but also places for adventure, recreation and education.
In this article we will introduce you to the top national parks in Germany and what they have to offer.
Bavarian Forest National Park
The oldest national park in Germany was founded in 1970 and is located in the Bavarian region. Covering over 24,000 acres, the park offers an abundance of hiking trails that lead through scenic landscapes and dense forests. Here you can also explore the largest contiguous forest area in Central Europe.
The national park is also an important habitat for many endangered species such as lynxes, wild cats and bats.
A special highlight in the Bavarian Forest National Park is the treetop path. The trail takes visitors through the forest and up to a height of 44 meters, where they can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and forests. The trail ends in an observation tower that offers 360-degree panoramic views of the park.
Eifel National Park
The Eifel National Park was founded in 2004 and is an important habitat for endangered species such as wild cats and black storks. A special feature of the Eifel National Park is the diversity of landscape types that can be found within the park. There are forests, meadows, lakes and rivers, all of which are characterized by impressive fauna and flora. Visitors can observe rare animal species such as the black stork, the wild cat and the capercaillie.
The flora here is also very varied and includes, among other things, orchids, wild garlic and gentian. With its spectacular rocky landscapes, river valleys and wildflower meadows, it is a paradise for hikers and nature lovers.
Harz National Park
This national park in the northern low mountain ranges of Germany is known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich wildlife. Here you can also find the highest mountain in the Harz, the Brocken, which is known for its impressive views of the surrounding landscape and a height of 1,141 meters.
Over 7,500 animal and plant species live here, including some rare and endangered species such as the lynx, the eagle owl and the wild cat.
By creating wilderness areas in the national park where there is no human use, the animals and plants can develop undisturbed.
Nationalpark Jasmund
The Jasmund National Park on the island of Rügen is known for its impressive chalk cliffs and picturesque beech forests. Visitors can also observe rare animal species such as the sea eagle and the eagle owl.
The national park is also known for its idyllic hiking trails: One of the best-known hiking trails in Jasmund National Park is the Königsstuhl circular path, which leads along the famous chalk coast and offers breathtaking views of the sea and the landscape. Another highlight is the treetop path, which leads through the treetops of the beech forests and offers a unique view of nature.
Müritz National Park
The Müritz National Park is located in the federal state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and was founded in 1990. The national park covers an area of 318 square kilometers and is home to many endangered animal and plant species.
This park covers a huge area of lakes, forests and moors and is an important habitat for endangered species such as otters and sea eagles.
Visitors can also enjoy a variety of water sports activities here, such as canoeing and boat trips on the lakes.
Black Forest National Park
The Black Forest National Park was founded on January 1, 2014, making it one of the youngest national parks in Germany. It covers an area of around 10,000 hectares and is located in the central Black Forest. The national park is home to an abundance of wildlife including deer, wild boar, foxes, badgers, beavers and eagles. Some species, such as the lynx, have been deliberately reintroduced and can be observed here in the wild.
It has a well-developed network of hiking trails that lead through untouched nature. Visitors can choose from a variety of routes, from short walks to challenging day tours.
Saxon Switzerland National Park
The Saxon Switzerland National Park is a protected area in eastern Germany that was founded in 1990 and has been attracting more and more visitors ever since. It is located in the districts of Saxon Switzerland-Eastern Ore Mountains and Meißen and covers an area of 93 km². The national park is known for its impressive rock formations, including the famous Basteifelsen, as well as for its untouched nature and biodiversity.
One of the highlights in the Saxon Switzerland National Park is certainly the Bastei Rock.
This is a huge sandstone rock that rises 194 meters above the Elbe valley. From there you have a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape. The rock can be reached via a well-developed hiking trail and is a popular destination for tourists.
There are also some special protected areas where rare animal and plant species occur. These include the Luchsbach, a refuge for the lynx, and the Wilde Pack, an area where wild boars and red deer live. In total there are over 700 endangered species in the national park, including many birds and insects.
2024-03-22 19:00:36