National Parks in Germany
Blessed with beautiful landscapes full of forests, meadows, mountain ranges and rivers, Germany counts 16 national parks that together with Biosphere Reserves and nature parks cover over 25% of the country! By the number of its national parks, Germany is ranked 10th in Europe and 42nd in the world. Several of them are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites or UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, making them important on a large cultural and ecological scale. Without further ado, here’s a list of all national parks in Germany.
Saxon Switzerland National Park
Saxony, Germany
Saxon Switzerland National Park provides more than 400 kilometres of paths and trails stretching throughout the park, marking a paradise for all lovers of hiking and cycling. Those looking for an adrenaline rush can visit one of the 700 rock summits to go rock climbing. However, if you prefer a relaxing walk on the Bastei Bridge or the exciting exploration of the ancient Königstein Fortress, you can always go on a guided tour. Explore the unique rock formations along with various flora and fauna, free of charge!
Popular bus routes to Dresden
Bavarian Forest National Park
Bavaria, Germany
Bavarian Forest National Park is the oldest of all national parks in Germany. There are numerous trekking, jogging and cycling routes of more than 200 kilometres, marked especially for sport lovers. In addition, multiple cliffs and mountains allow visitors to practice the art of climbing. On the other hand, those who wish to take it easy, swimming, geocaching and bird-watching are great options. During the wintertime, Bavarian Forest National Park is a paradise for cross-country skiing, tobogganing and snowshoeing. Overall, this natural gem is a must-see at any time of the year!
Popular bus routes to Deggendorf
Eifel National Park
North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
Eifel National Park contains endless hiking trails that lead to natural wonders at every turn – everything from dormant volcanoes to lovely waterfalls. In addition, more than 7.000 animal and plant species found refuge here, such as wild cats, black storks and eagle owls. Cycle beside the jaw-dropping orchards or go cruising on the lake Rur, either way you’ll have a fantastic time. This national park is not only rich in nature, but in history as well. Explore the past and the present of the park with activities such as walking, jogging and swimming.
Popular bus routes to Cologne
Harz National Park
Lower Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt, Germany
Harz National Park is the first national park in Germany that covers two federal states, Lower Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt. That is to say, this wild mountain landscape is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, some of which are endangered. For instance, animals like the dipper, the black stork, the European wildcat and the famous Eurasian lynx can be seen at these grounds. Overall, this national park is popular for its uneven land and ancient legends full of superstitions and witchcraft.
Popular bus route to Wernigerode
Hainich National Park
Thuringia, Germany
Hainich National Park is a place where visitors can enjoy the preserved wilderness with cycling and hiking routes, adventure trails and exhibitions throughout the year. The Feensteig is one of the most interesting adventure trails, especially for those visiting with children. Following the marked trail, walkers are presented with many clues and riddles. Finally, they lead to a secret entrance to a magical world. Walk through the rich forest and observe the cliffs and crystal-clear lakes to see the magic that awaits you.
Popular bus routes to Erfurt
Berchtesgaden National Park
Bavaria, Germany
Berchtesgaden National Park is the only national park in the German Alps, where wildlife and plants remain untouched for centuries. In order to take a look at this preserved piece of past, the National Park provides a hiker’s bus that takes passengers from Hintersee to Bindalm Königsbachalm and all the way to Hirschbichl. However, the most interesting walking tour is on the trail of St Bartholomew. Filled with views of the impressive rock formations, deep dark forests, peaceful meadows and colourful orchids, the park is surely a beauty to behold.
Popular bus routes to Rosenheim
Jasmund National Park
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany
Jasmund National Park is the smallest national park in Germany. It’s home to 700-years-old ancient forests that are under the protection of UNESCO Natural Heritage Site. Rich in flora and fauna, the Jasmund Walking Trail is a favourite among visitors. Therefore, the Hamburg-Rügen Cycle Route is perfect for bike lovers who wish to look at the beautiful blue sea as they ride along. For culture enthusiasts, multiple excursions are organized daily, for instance to Lake Hertha, the Pirate Gorge in Sassnitz and the Caspar David Friedrich exhibition in Greifswald.
Popular bus routes to Stralsund
Kellerwald-Edersee National Park
Hesse, Germany
Kellerwald-Edersee National Park is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it one of the hidden gems in Germany. In the heart of the park lies Lake Edersee, which is ideal for many recreational activities, like swimming, canoeing and sailing. Above all, the national park provides regular bikes and e-bikes that make comfortable day tours a lot easier. On the other hand, for hikers, there are two excellent routes: Kellerwaldsteig and Urwaldsteig-Edersee. At the Edersee Wildlife Park, you can come close to the native animals of this territory, like wild wolves and wild horses.
Wadden Sea National Parks
The Wadden Sea is the largest unbroken area of mudflats in the world, also recognized by UNESCO World Heritage. The landscape is popular for its fascinating sand dunes and beaches, filled with all kinds of wildlife. Most importantly, the German part of The Wadden Sea is formed with three national parks listed below.
Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea National Park
Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
Wadden Sea National Park in Schleswig-Holstein is by far the largest of all national parks in Germany. This park provides ideal observation spots for bird and seal watching, perfect for all animal lovers. The area is easily explored by scenic promenades for cyclists, hikers and walkers.
Hamburg Wadden Sea National Park
Lower Saxony, Germany
Hamburg Wadden Sea National Park is the smallest of the three. The park was designed as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, consisting of many salt marshes, coastal mudflats, dune islands and sandbars. Hence, activities include swimming in the sea, hiking through mudflats and walking beside the salt marshes. Similarly, the park is also appealing for horseback riding, horse-carriage rides and bird watching.
Lower Saxon Wadden Sea National Park
Lower Saxony, Germany
Wadden Sea National Park in Lower Saxon can rightfully brag of its large diversity of wildlife. Above all, the park also serves as a site of international importance for breeding waterbirds, especially waders and wildfowl. Generally, visitors go birdwatching, mudflat hiking or cycling beside the numerous beaches and salt marshes. From the available lodging and campsite posts seal observations are available.
Lower Oder Valley National Park
Brandenburg, Germany
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. Full of diverse wildlife, this national park is one of Germany’s most species-rich habitats. 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. After that, meadow landscapes offer a wide range of attractions, such as the medieval Stolpe Castle and the late Gothic church in Criewen.
Müritz National Park
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany
Müritz National Park is located along the shoreline of Lake Müritz, the second largest lake in Germany. The national park has a 660-kilometres-long network of cycling and walking trails, therefore easily connecting to all parts of the park. In addition to that, boats and canoes are great options when one wishes to observe ancient beech forests, marshes and more than 130 lakes. On the other hand, those who prefer to have guidance when exploring, the office of Müritz National Park regularly organises guided walks with certified guides.
Western Pomerania Lagoon Area National Park
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany
Western Pomerania Lagoon Area National Park is famous for its beautiful coastal dunes and forests. Hence, take in the wonderful Baltic Sea views as you cycle or walk your way along the promenade. In that case, be prepared to see plenty of birds circling around the park and other wildlife, like red deers and wild boars. The national park offers individual and group tours that introduce visitors to the rich flora and fauna of the park.
Hunsrück-Hochwald National Park
Rhineland-Palatinate and the Saarland, Germany
Hunsrück-Hochwald National Park proudly shows off its panorama cycling and walking routes that feature appealing valleys and lovely lakes. Therefore, many activities like walking, cycling, trekking and hiking make sure there’s something of interest for everyone. Join a tour to see relics from the Celtic times or visit the spacious enclosure to watch wild animals in action. Besides guided walking tours, the national park also offers a Tour of Discovery, awakening the adventurer in many of us.
Popular bus routes to Kaiserslauter
Black Forest National Park
Baden-Württemberg, Germany
Black Forest National Park has long been associated with folklore, magic and fairy tales, thanks to the famous Grimm brothers! Filled with attractive waterfalls, peaceful lakes, deep forests and open mountains, this place served as their place of inspiration. Using The Wilderness trail, you can walk or cycle to places like The Triberg Waterfalls and The Hidden Lake Feldsee. Other activities include boating on Lake Titisee and hiking on The Ravenna Gorge.
Popular bus routes to Offenburg
Hi, Germany’s national parks do not cover 25% of it’s land. They account for barely 0,6% of the terrestrial land and even with the sea portions, it still only sums up for less than 2%.
Hi,
thank you for your comment, we appreciate it!
That is true, the author didn’t highlight that the percentage includes NPs, Biosphere reserves and nature parks altogether.
We will update it accordingly.
Best,
GBB Team