Complete list of 16 national parks in Germany

Bavarian Forest

Berchtesgaden

Black Forest

Eifel

Hainich

Hamburg Wadden Sea

Harz

Hunsrück-Hochwald

Jasmund

Kellerwald-Edersee

Lower Oder Valley

Lower Saxon Wadden Sea

Müritz

Saxon Switzerland

Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea

Western Pomerania Lagoon Area

Germany National Parks

The Bavarian Forest National Park is Germany's first national park, established in 1970. It protects vast areas of mountain forest ecosystems typical of the central European highlands. The park features extensive spruce, beech, and fir forests, and shares a boundary with the Czech Republic's Šumava National Park.

Berchtesgaden National Park is the only German national park in the Alps. It features the famous Königssee lake and is dominated by the Watzmann massif, Germany's third-highest mountain. The park protects unique alpine ecosystems and offers spectacular mountain scenery.

The Black Forest National Park showcases the natural beauty of one of Germany's most famous forest regions. It features dense evergreen forests, mountain lakes, and dramatic peaks. The park is home to numerous rare species and offers extensive hiking and skiing opportunities.

Eifel National Park protects a unique landscape of beech forests, wild narcissus meadows, and former military training grounds. The park features numerous rare species and is known for its successful wildcat conservation program. It offers visitors extensive hiking trails and cycling routes.

Hainich National Park protects one of the largest continuous deciduous forests in Germany. It features ancient beech forests that are part of the UNESCO World Heritage. The park is known for its unique canopy walkway allowing visitors to experience the forest from above.

The Hamburg Wadden Sea National Park protects part of the largest unbroken system of intertidal sand and mud flats in the world. It is an important stopover for migratory birds and features unique coastal ecosystems. The park is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Wadden Sea.

Harz National Park encompasses the highest mountains in northern Germany, including the Brocken peak. It protects extensive spruce and beech forests, highland moors, and mountain streams. The park is known for its diverse wildlife and historic narrow-gauge railway.

Hunsrück-Hochwald National Park is Germany's newest national park, protecting ancient beech forests and Celtic cultural heritage. The park features extensive hiking trails and is known for its bog ecosystems. It provides habitat for numerous rare species including wildcats and black storks.

Jasmund National Park is famous for its dramatic chalk cliffs rising above the Baltic Sea. It protects ancient beech forests that are part of the UNESCO World Heritage. The park features the iconic Königsstuhl (King's Chair) cliff and rare coastal ecosystems.

Kellerwald-Edersee National Park protects one of the largest remaining ancient beech forests in Central Europe. It borders the Edersee reservoir and features unique geological formations. The park's beech forests are part of the UNESCO World Heritage.

The Lower Oder Valley National Park is Germany's only river floodplain national park. It features extensive wetlands and meadows that flood seasonally. The park is an important stopover for migratory birds and provides habitat for numerous endangered species.

The Lower Saxon Wadden Sea National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring vast tidal flats, salt marshes, and barrier islands. It provides crucial habitat for millions of migratory birds and marine life. The park's unique ecosystem includes extensive mudflats exposed during low tide and submerged during high tide.

Müritz National Park is centered around Lake Müritz, Germany's largest inland lake. It protects extensive beech forests, wetlands, and numerous lakes. The park is an important breeding ground for rare birds and features ancient glacial landscapes.

Saxon Switzerland National Park is known for its distinctive sandstone rock formations and deep valleys. The park features over 700 summits for rock climbing and extensive hiking trails. The landscape has inspired artists and romantics for centuries with its unique rock formations and pristine forests.

The Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea National Park is part of the largest unbroken system of intertidal sand and mud flats in the world. It is crucial for the conservation of numerous species of seals and waterfowl. The park includes several islands and halligen, offering unique coastal landscapes and biodiversity.

This national park features a unique coastal landscape of peninsulas, islands, and lagoons along the Baltic Sea. It is famous for its high cliffs, ancient forests, and extensive reed beds. The park provides crucial habitat for cranes and other migratory birds.