7 Must Visit National Parks To Visit In Germany

Spread across Germany are numerous national parks, all waiting to be explored by nature and adventure travellers. Whether you’re interested in discovering the flatlands in the Wadden Sea or hike through the thick forests in the South, the German nature reserves offer infinite opportunities to feel at one with the great outdoors.

Here is our list of the best national parks to visit in Germany. Our list includes national parks dotted with extinct volcanoes, picture-perfect pine forests, and rare wildlife species.

# Jasmund National Park

This gem in the north of Germany merely reminds travellers of a subtropical destination, rather than a German reserve, and you’ll find this national park on the coast of the Baltic Sea. The sea has turquoise shades, and the beaches are almost Mediterranean-like. Jasmund National Park is especially admired for its chalk cliffs that rise up directly next to the sea. At some locations, the crags dominate the landscapes with heights up to 161 metres.

# Eifel National Park

Once an active hotspot of volcanism, the scenery within the Eifel National Park has been mostly defined by the brutal forces of nature. Therefore, dramatically shaped mountains and lakes are just some of the spectacular features you’ll find in this area. 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. Wild cats and black storks are some of the rare and exciting animals that also roam around in the dense woodlands.

# Harz National Park

Those who seek peace in nature are in the right spot when wandering through this Central-German national park. The Harz is a nearly uninhabited area and therefore the perfect environment for animals and wildflowers to flourish. Known for its enchanting mossy forests, Harz National Park is blessed with natural jewels such as the elusive lynx and several species of deer, as well as over a thousand types of plants. For botanists who can’t get enough, Brocken Garden on the namesake mountain peak has 1800 species of alpine plants from across the globe. Around Brocken, a seemingly endless network of trails enables you to delve into the woods and mountains.

# Black Forest National Park

The Black Forest National Park (Schwarzwald) contains ancient woodlands in German’s southwest and is near the border with France and Switzerland. Protection of these lands has resulted in rich vegetation and heaps of wildlife, such as eagles, owls, and black grouses. When hiking the green trails, you’ll be accompanied by prosperous wetlands, waterfalls and vistas of the ever-rolling landscapes of the Black Forest.

# Saxon Switzerland National Park

Saxon Switzerland National Park is the only national park in Saxony and also one of the most spectacular in the country. Most eye-catching are the dramatic rock formations, that rise like chimneys over the rivers and valleys of this eastern German state.

Bastei Bridge (seen below) is a captivating spot and provides an opportunity to make your friends at home jealous with drool-worthy photos. This stone bridge connects several rock pillars for tourists to get perspectives of the alien formations and the lush vegetations all around.

# Bavarian Forest Park

Of all parks in Germany, the Bavarian Forest Park can be described as the most untamed. Although rare to spot, animals such as the lynx, wolf, and brown bear call these woodlands their home. Apart from these exciting mammals, the Bavarian Forest Park can easily compete with other parks in terms of scenery. One of the most exceptional locations is the Rachelkapell, a wooden chapel with stellar views over the Rachelsee lake. For more aspects, head over to the Baumwipfelpfad. This stunningly designed viewing platform has several levels and looks out over the canopy.

# Berchtesgaden National Park

Berchtesgaden National Park dishes visitors with the best scenery imaginable in the German Alps. Perfectly clear glacial lakes, dramatic backdrops of mountains, and jaw-dropping observation decks are the selling points of this region. Indulge in the allure of Berchtesgaden by renting a kayak or joining a cruise to sail across the lakes Königssee and Obersee. Here the peaks of the German Alps are often reflected perfectly in the water. If you look up to the skies, you might even spot eagles circling around, or marmots and ibex jumping around on the rocks.