Nature & Wildlife Travel in Germany (The Best Places for Nature Lovers)

For an active vacation in Germany with a focus on experiencing nature, national parks are the first address. A total of 16 national parks in Germany are spread over the entire area of the country. Of course, there are many other outdoor activities in Germany for a successful wildlife vacation. Want some tips? Here you go:

Bavarian Forest National Park

This primeval forest is home to numerous animal species that have otherwise become rare or have disappeared altogether, such as wildcat, otter, black stork, dormouse, peregrine falcon or capercaillie. So on a hike in the Bavarian Forest National Park, you have a good chance of seeing rare animals. The tree top walk is also a spectacular highlight that is worth exploring!

Berchtesgaden National Park

In the far south of Germany, in a corner that juts far into Austria, lies Germany’s only Alpine National Park. The core of the national park is the Watzmann, at 2,713 m the highest mountain located entirely in Germany. The view from the top is breathtaking – and maybe on the way through the park the resident animals let themselves be seen?! The Berchtesgaden National Park is home to chamois, ibex, golden eagle, marmot, rock ptarmigan and snow hare. Lynx, wolves and even brown bears can also be seen here, but they are not permanent residents of the national park.

Chalk Lake Hemmor: Experience diving and underwater world all year round

Between the cities of Stade and Cuxhaven, diving enthusiasts will find a true paradise for practicing their hobby. The chalk lake Hemmor offers diving experiences of a very special kind. The lake was created from a disused chalk open-cast mine, accordingly old facilities, houses and landscapes can be discovered under water. Or how about exploring a caravan, an airplane or a sailboat? Different platforms allow diving training in the chalk lake. Both beginners and advanced skiers will find perfect conditions here.

Elbe Sandstone Mountains and Saxon Switzerland National Park

One of the most extraordinary natural attractions in Germany is the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. Here, south of Dresden, the Elbe breaks through a sandstone mountain range with impressive rocky landscapes. The rocks of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains are among the most famous natural wonders in Germany. The unique sandstone cliffs, which are also popular with climbers, alternate with deep, shady gorges and shady hillside forests. The German national park is located directly on the border with the Czech Republic, where it merges with the Bohemian Switzerland National Park.

Eifel National Park

The Eifel, a national park? Apart from the Nürburgring, which is a real crowd puller for motorsport fans from all over the world, the Eifel region indeed has a lot more to offer. How about a visit to North Rhine-Westphalia’s only national park? Beautiful mixed beech forests, rock formations and streams alternate with rough pastures. This enchanted landscape is not only an ideal environment for hiking, but also for countless animal species such as wild cats or black storks.

Hamburg Wadden Sea National Park

The Hamburg Wadden Sea National Park is located in the estuary of the Elbe River into the North Sea. With nearly 14,000 impressive acres in total size, it provides space for the Wadden Sea wildlife that is native to the area. If you want to visit this national park, you have to follow the tides. Ebb and flow determine the rhythm of this so unique landscape. By the way: “Wadden Sea” is the coastal area of a sea that consists of mud at low tide and is covered by water at high tide.

Alternative Wolf and Bear Park, Black Forest

The word “enclosure” is deliberately avoided. Spacious outdoor areas are home to wolves and bears that find a new home in the parks from poor and inappropriate husbandry. Not only with children the park is a real highlight. A lot of information about the endangered species and the animals that can be observed up close are worth the visit at any time of the year. And if you can’t get enough, visit the Alternative Bear Parkin Worbis, Thuringia.

Jasmund National Park

The small Jasmund National Park, with just over 3000 hectares, is the last of the German national parks in terms of area, but the following applies to it: small, but mighty! Located in the northeast of Rügen, it already scores points for its spectacular location. The nationally known chalk cliff is not only a highlight for beautiful souvenir photos, but also home to a unique flora and fauna, even orchids grow here. The peninsula is brimming with sensations that delight visitors.

Canyoning in the Allgäu: Fun and action for the whole family

Pure nature and up close, so to speak, can be found canyoning in the Allgäu. Where else but in the middle of it all could nature be better explored? Experienced tour guides accompany groups and families on this outdoor experience. For beginners are well suited, for example, tours at the Stubai Falls. The creek hike with optional jumps and abseiling options offers great nature impressions and is simply fun. If you want it more extreme, go to the Kobelache in the Allgäu. Sometimes narrow and oppressive, sometimes with extreme jumps and sometimes with high abseils: here is borderline, weak nerves are out of place. A must-do for action-loving outdoor fans!

Pure thrill: suspension bridge in the Harz Mountains near Elbigerode

The suspension bridge stretches over a breathtaking 483 meters across the Rappboden Valley in the Harz Mountains. The view from the bridge is spectacular – just like the fluctuations to which the bridge, with its height of up to 100 meters, is subject. If you don’t dare to go on the bridge, you can still enjoy a great view. Parallel to the bridge runs a dam, from which great souvenir photos can be taken. And if the bridge is not enough for you, you can fly over the valley in a pendulum swing on the Giga-Swing.