If you are visiting with family, be sure to take the canopy walk, one of the most common family activities. Rail transport is undoubtedly one of the best ways of getting across the most extraordinary cityscapes and landscapes in this country. In some areas, the woodland dates to over 250 years old, and is as intact an example of virgin European forest as youll find. With countless species of flora and fauna to be admired here, there is nowhere better to get close to nature in the whole of western Germany. Explore the past and the present of the park with activities such as walking, jogging and swimming. It also gives you a chance to take in the magical view of the beautiful Thuringian Forest, Rhon Mountains and Wartburg Castle on a platform raised 17 meters above the ground. On the other hand, those who prefer to have guidance when exploring, the office of Mritz National Park regularly organises guided walks with certified guides. For instance, animals like the dipper, the black stork, the European wildcat and the famous Eurasian lynx can be seen at these grounds. Once an active hotspot of volcanism, the scenery within the Eifel National Park has been mostly defined by the brutal forces of nature. Hunsrck-Hochwald National Park proudly shows off its panorama cycling and walking routes that feature appealing valleys and lovely lakes. That is to say, this wild mountain landscape is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, some of which are endangered. This is the place where world history becomes one with nature. Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea National Park, Western Pomerania Lagoon Area National Park, Map/list of German National Parks (unofficial), Map of German National Parks with various filtering options, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_national_parks_of_Germany&oldid=1076563269, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 11 March 2022, at 19:08. The Kellerwald-Edersee National Park, home to vast beech forests, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Not unless, that is, youre in the architectural glass box of the National Park Centre, or touring the park with one of the on-site rangers. Cycle beside the jaw-dropping orchards or go cruising on the lake Rur, either way youll have a fantastic time. If you spot a mistake please let us know. Saxon Switzerland National Park is the only national park in Saxony and also one of the most spectacular in the country. Its all forest as far as the eye can see, with crystal-clear mountain streams leading to glacial Lake Rachelsee. Of all parks in Germany, the Bavarian Forest Park can be described as the most untamed. In addition, Harz National Park is the first national park in Germany that, Hainich National Park is a place where visitors can enjoy the preserved wilderness with, Berchtesgaden National Park is the only national park in the German Alps, where wildlife and plants, Jasmund National Park is the smallest national park in Germany. From a height of 100 metres, you can look out over a water reservoir and the woodlands. You might spot a terrapin, osprey or beaver if you are lucky enough as you explore and connect with nature. Head north from Berlin and in a couple of hours you can be gazing at the clear, still waters of lovely Lake Mritz: along its eastern shoreline, Mritz National Park is a 660km (410mi) network of trails through an enchanting landscape of ancient beech and mysterious marshes, not to mention more than 130 lakes. You do not have to wander much into the Palatinate Forest before encountering incredible Religious architecture. Watch out for golden eagles, horned ibex and many species of butterfly, which pollinate wild orchids. The former military exclusion zone is now the largest unbroken area of mixed deciduous forest in Europe. Take time to tour Tondermarsk if you are touring the parkland in autumn and enjoy a magical scene of millions of starlings converging in the sky, forming an incredible display referred to as the black sun. Jasmund National Park is the smallest national park in Germany. The on-site information centre is an excellent source of information on the national park, as well as Rgen island. The Feensteig is one of the most interesting adventure trails, especially for those visiting with children. As the hit composed by German easy-listening maestro Horst Janowski suggests, Germans adore the great outdoors and, unsurprisingly, the countrys 16 federal states are peppered liberally with national parks some mountainous, some coastal, all heavenly that preserve landscapes and wildlife for our enjoyment. Protection of these lands has resulted in rich vegetation and heaps of wildlife, such as eagles, owls, and black grouses. The park was designed as, Wadden Sea National Park in Lower Saxon can rightfully brag of its, Lower Oder Valley National Park is the first riverside national park in Germany, which stretches 60 kilometres on both the German and the Polish banks of the river Oder. Bird spotters will feel at home in the protected areas near Belum, where large colonies of aquatic birds gather to feed and breed. Kellerwald-Edersee National Park is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it one of the hidden gems in Germany. Finally, they lead to a secret entrance to a magical world. This information helps us to understand how our visitors use our website. This national park is not only rich in nature, but in history as well. Most eye-catching are the dramatic rock formations, that rise like chimneys over the rivers and valleys of this eastern German state. The sea has turquoise shades, and the beaches are almost Mediterranean-like. Its home to 700-years-old ancient forests that are under the protection of UNESCO Natural Heritage Site. Thank you for your support. Uckermark National Park also lures culture and history lovers with old cobbled streets, moors, small charming villages and alleys. This gem in the north of Germany merely reminds travellers of a subtropical destination, rather than a German reserve, and youll find this national park on the coast of the Baltic Sea. The untamed beauty of the vast Black Forest National Park attracts visitors in their swathes. Eifel National Park contains endless hiking trails that lead to natural wonders at every turn everything from dormant volcanoes to lovely waterfalls. Black Forest National Park boasts 15 skiing areas around its vicinity and 30 others in the surrounding regions. Germanys not automatically associated with the sea, but it has dramatic coastline on its northern flank, and this national park is the proof. Daredevils can cross the Titan RT suspension bridge, which at 458 metres is one of the longest pedestrian suspension bridges in the world. We use cookies to offer you a better browsing experience, to analyse our traffic, and to serve personalised content and advertisements. user settings, watch lists, etc.). The Black Forest National Park (Schwarzwald) contains ancient woodlands in Germans southwest and is near the border with France and Switzerland. Rock and boulder fields emerge as you explore, remnants of the Ice Age, edged by limes and oaks, some almost a thousand years old. For a bit of action, walk the Wildnispfad (wilderness path), a trail on which youll have to find your way by scrambling over and ducking under countless trees. Marked trails allow you to explore the ruins and surrounding forest. By the number of its national parks, Germany is ranked 10th in Europe and 42nd in the world. The park was designed as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, consisting of many salt marshes, coastal mudflats, dune islands and sandbars. You will also see the bride and groom formation resembling a couple. On the other hand, for hikers, there are two excellent routes: Kellerwaldsteig and Urwaldsteig-Edersee. In total, the Bavarian Forest Park has over 300 kilometres of hiking trails and more than 200 kilometres of biking tracks. At least 4 meters below sea level, you will find a ship graveyard where numerous vessels that sailed on this side perished and ended up on the seafloor. Hence, take in the wonderful Baltic Sea views as you cycle or walk your way along the promenade. For that reason, the national park provides frequent river cruises and weekly cycle and walking tours along the river, making the exploration of the park easy. When travelling to these places, youll be soaked up in a magical world of waterfalls, mysterious walking trails and some of the rarest animals in Europe. Here you will find an overview of the types of cookies used on the website. Overall, this national park is popular for its uneven land and ancient legends full of superstitions and witchcraft. Top 7 lakes to visit in Germany. Stalking these woods is a small, but stable population of lynx and European wildcat (which looks like a domestic cat, only slightly larger, with a bushy tail), roe and red deer. Please check official websites for most up to date information. Pictures used are either created and owned by travelanddestinations.com, are creative commons, provided by an author, or purchased via stock sites. In addition, more than 7.000 animal and plant species found refuge here, such as wild cats, black storks and eagle owls. The Eifel National Park has gorgeous mountain biking and hiking trails, thanks to the hilly prospects, the presence of beech forests, and the possible interactions with wildlife. Today, the previous military exclusion area is home to Europes largest mixed deciduous forest. This park provides ideal observation spots for, Hamburg Wadden Sea National Park is the smallest of the three. The provider may set cookies for its part. Neuwerk has a small population of approximately 40 and interesting heritage including a fortified tower in the Elbe estuary, a relic from the days of, Like so many of Germany's national parks, Berchtesgaden National Park offers fairytale views of the country's varied natural landscape. Triberg Waterfalls is particularly worth visiting, as this cascade drops from a height of 163 metres, spread over 7 levels. Advertisements and Affiliate Link Disclosure. The Eifel National Park boasts majestic beech forests, gnarled oak woods and babbling brooks. You might even spot some porpoises along the way. Similarly, the park is also appealing for horseback riding, horse-carriage rides and bird watching. Required fields are marked *. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. With its mudflats, typical for the Wadden Sea, this national park is one of the few places in Europe where you can actually walk on the bottom of the sea at low tide. However, if you prefer a relaxing walk on the Bastei Bridge or the exciting exploration of the ancient Knigstein Fortress, you can always go on a guided tour. In north-central Germany, Harz National Park is a virtually uninhabited, nearly 62,000-acre (25,000ha) carpet of forests, rivers and mountain peaks. Over in Germanys far eastern corner, the Saxon Switzerland National Park extends over more than 89,000 acres (36,000ha) of the Elbe Sandstone Massif, bizarre eroded rock formations dating back to the Cretaceous Period. Your visit to Haimich National Park is never complete without touring Hutscheroda Wildcat Village dedicated to the conservation of the European wildcat. If you have time, the old town of Waren is a beauty, at the northern end of the lake. The Lower Oder Valley National Park is a special place Germanys first riverside meadow national park, it covers 60km (37mi) on the German and Polish banks of the Oder River. Those looking for an adrenaline rush can visit one of the 700 rock summits to go rock climbing. Understandably so the sight of more than 13,000 cranes descending to their migration roosts is unforgettable. Those who seek peace in nature are in the right spot when wandering through this Central-German national park. Your email address will not be published. If youve admired the works of German artist Caspar David Friedrich, you might have glimpsed the beauty of Jasmund National Park. We also use Google Analytics (with IP Anonymization) so as to understand our website performance, detect bugs and issues, and to optimize and make improvements to our content and your user experience where possible. Part of Germanys World Heritage Site, Hainich National Park is located in Thuringia between Eisenach and Bad Langesalza in Germany. Numerous volcanic remnants, creeks, lakes, and waterfalls along this route illustrate the Eifelsteig slogan Just you, the water and the rocks. Here they are, the most beautiful national parks in Germany. The more you pay attention, the more they excite you with their natural beauty. Wadden Sea National Park in Lower Saxon can rightfully brag of its large diversity of wildlife. Privacy Policy Change Settings Youd never believe it now, but this national park used to be a military exclusion zone in western Thuringia midway between. To get deep into nature, familiarise yourself with the guided and independent walks through the park, which have some great view points: haul yourself up Hohe Dne and youll get the picture. How about visiting the worlds largest Playmobil park equipped with knights, miniature castes and everything else Playmobil. Apart from these exciting mammals, the Bavarian Forest Park can easily compete with other parks in terms of scenery. Wadden Sea National Park in Schleswig-Holstein is by far the largest of all national parks in Germany. Explore the unique rock formations along with various flora and fauna, free of charge! Your email address will not be published. Each of Germanys national parks has its own unique identity and features, from the mudflats in the Wadden Sea and the cliffs on the Baltic Seacoast, to the ancient woodlands elsewhere. Always joined by his favourite travel companions: a camera and notebook. Other activities include boating on Lake Titisee and hiking on The Ravenna Gorge. Stunning mountain scenery, picturesque lakes and lush green forests are the hallmarks of the Berchtesgaden National Park, one of the oldest conservation areas in the Alps. Filled with views of the impressive rock formations, deep dark forests, peaceful meadows and colourful orchids, the park is surely a beauty to behold. Without these insights, it would be very difficult to run this website. After that, meadow landscapes offer a wide range of attractions, such as the medieval Stolpe Castle and the late Gothic church in Criewen. The trail has many picturesque spots to take short quiet breaks throughout your journey. Wild cats and black storks are some of the rare and exciting animals that also roam around in the dense woodlands. Several of them are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites or UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, making them important on a large cultural and ecological scale. Try a variety of walks and cycle routes. Content TravelAndDestinations.com - Please do not republish our articles. We also use. Generally, visitors go birdwatching, mudflat hiking or cycling beside the numerous beaches and salt marshes. Bavarian Forest National Park is the oldest of all national parks in Germany. This stone bridge connects several rock pillars for tourists to get perspectives of the alien formations and the lush vegetations all around. The landscape is unique, from sandstone cliffs to deeply carved valleys, table mountains and gorges. Zip up your boots there are 300km (185mi) or more of clearly marked footpaths, almost 200km (120mi) of trails for cyclists and 80km (50mi) of cross-country ski trails the best way to explore this pristine wilderness on a bright white winter day. Tours provided through our partner. The landscape is popular for its fascinating sand dunes and beaches, filled with all kinds of wildlife. Including the national protected areas, about 25% of Germany's area is national parks or nature parks. Above all, the national park provides regular bikes and e-bikes that make comfortable day tours a lot easier. Full of diverse wildlife, this national park is one of Germanys most species-rich habitats. Blessed with beautiful landscapes full of forests, meadows, mountain ranges and rivers, Germany counts 16 national parks that cover over 25% of the country! Intriguing as they are, the rugged landscapes are a playground for rock climbers, fit hikers, and mountain bikers who are up for a challenge. There are many cycle trails, or you could sign up for a regular guided walk. It takes in around 30,000 acres (12,000ha) of coastal mudflats and a small group of islands in the North Sea: the green island of Neuwerk, the dune island of Scharhrn and the artificial bird island of Nigehrn (the last two closed to the public). Lower Oder Valley National Park is the first riverside national park in Germany, which stretches 60 kilometres on both the German and the Polish banks of the river Oder. Visit the magnificent Romanesque Speyer Cathedral, which has been in existence since the 11th century. Learn how your comment data is processed. The most exquisite wine you will ever taste is made in the Palatine Forest Biosphere Reserve. Unique features of the Western Pomerania Lagoon Area include lagoons and prairie-like heathlands behind the dunes. If you are an adventure lover, there are numerous hiking trails and cycling paths you can explore in this park. Besides guided walking tours, the national park also offers a Tour of Discovery, awakening the adventurer in many of us. Overall, this natural gem is a must-see at any time of the year! Home Destinations Europe Germany 10 Beautiful National Parks to Visit in Germany. Full of diverse wildlife, this national park is, Mritz National Park is located along the shoreline of. Filled with attractive waterfalls, peaceful lakes, deep forests and open mountains, this place served as their place of inspiration. For the use of the website with all functions (e.g. You wont have seen the Alps like this before: a vast, 52,000-acre (21,000ha) swathe of rugged limestone peaks, towering over a gem-blue glacial lake. With its mixture of ancient myths and rugged terrain, it is a popular travel destination in Saxony-Anhalt and Lower Saxony all year round. When hiking the green trails, youll be accompanied by prosperous wetlands, waterfalls and vistas of the ever-rolling landscapes of the Black Forest. Accommodation provided through our partners. There are orchid-filled meadows that help create a gorgeous canvas of unspoiled nature. The walkways are constructed along the top of towering trees and meander to the observation tower, 44 meters above the ground. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The national park covers 146,600 hectares making it the largest national park in Denmark, attracting many visitors worldwide. Hidden among trees in some parts of the park, sense benches invite you to take a moment, stop, lie down and take in the sounds and smells of this extraordinary place. How best to explore the beautiful woodland? Authors [Read full bio]. This allows us to provide content to you and run the site. The Hamburg Wadden Sea National Park in the north of Germany surrounds a small group of islands located in the Elbe estuary just off the coast of Cuxhaven. Spread across Germany are numerous national parks, all waiting to be explored by nature and adventure travellers. The forest the primary habitat here hosts the largest population of the shy European wildcat on the continent and stunning flora like carnivorous sundews and orchids. Without further ado, heres a list of all national parks in Germany. Rare and endangered birds breed here, drawing nature lovers and ornithologists. Jasmund National Park also consists of an ancient beech forest, with several walking trails. Walk through the rich forest and observe the cliffs and crystal-clear lakes to see the magic that awaits you. Natural beauty awaits visitors on the island of Rgen. If you are a foodie, treat your taste buds to some incredible culinary delights as you step out for relaxing evening walks, on castle visits and during climbing expeditions. In the heart of the park lies Lake Edersee, which is ideal for many recreational activities, like swimming, canoeing and sailing. Disclaimer, 14 Best Things to Do on the Big Island, Hawaii. If your main goal is to see magnificent landscapes, Berchtesgaden National Park might be the most compelling pick from this list and a must-visit. In winter, the Black Forest becomes a favoured hub for ski and snowboard enthusiasts. During the wintertime, Bavarian Forest National Park is a paradise for cross-country skiing, tobogganing and snowshoeing. The 530-meter-long canopy walk is a rare chance for you and your loved ones to enjoy breathtaking views of the entire national park.