Germany’s landscapes and massive rock mountains have inspired artists for several generations and even centuries. On the contrary, the country is widely popular for breathtaking architecture and historical landmarks.
But it has so much to explore beyond that. There is an endless list of breathtaking national parks in Germany that are worth numerous adventure activities.
The country is admired by many travelers for its natural beauty and majestic rocky mountains. These are not found anywhere else on the planet.
There are a total of 16 national parks in Germany covering around 25% part of the country. According to a recent survey, the country is placed 10th in Europe and 42nd in the world for the number of national parks it has.
Read further, to know more about the top 10 national parks in the country.
Top 10 National Parks In Germany
Saxon Switzerland National Park
Popular for rock climbing and plenty of historical ruins, the Saxon Switzerland National Park is one of the largest national parks in Europe combining two countries together i.e Germany and the Czech Republic.
It stretches up to 89,000 acres and offers hiking paths of more than 400 kilometers.
The major highlights of this park are the Elbe River, Bastei Bridge, Ruzovsky Vrch, Pravcicka Brana, and the rock formation and sandstone mountains.
For those seeking rock climbing, there are more than 15,000 routes that one can choose from.
Best Time To Visit: Early Morning throughout the year
Things To Do:
- Visit the Bastei Bridge
- Explore the Konigstei Fortress
- Take a bike tour or come on foot through-hike
- Spend some time in Saxon Switzerland pool
Location: the Free State of Saxony, 30 few km away from the city of Dresden
Also Read: 5 Best Adventurous Places In Germany You Must Visit For An Enthralling Trip
Black Forest National Park
As the name suggests, the Black Forest National park has been long known for various myths and folklore.
In spite of this, it is one of the most beautiful national parks in Germany and is encompassed by stunning lakes, waterfalls, and open mountains.
The forest offers some of the best trails and pathways for cycling and hiking.
With an area of more than 100 square km, the black forest is like a wonderland for outdoor activities.
By following the wilderness trail, explore places like Triberg waterfalls and Feldsee lake either on foot or via bicycle.
It is one of the most haunted forests in the world, some people often claim to have seen a headless man riding on horseback between the woods.
Best Time To Visit: Early Spring or Autumn
Things To Do:
- Hike Through the Ravenna Gorge
- Visit the lovely city of Freiburg
- Visit The tallest waterfall in the country “Triberg Waterfall”
- Boating in Titisee Lake
- Taste local food at the restaurant capital “Baiersbronn
- Discover the Hidden Feldsee Lake
Location: Baden-Wurttemberg
Eifel National Park
If traveling with family, then head towards the Eifel national park which is bordered 20 km east of Belgium.
The national park was established in 2004 and covers a total area of 110 square km including lakes & rivers, beech forest, and plenty of amazing wildlife species.
There are more than 7,000 wildlife species including plant species such as wild cats or bobcats, eagle owls, and black storks.
Besides natural surroundings, Eifel is also famous for its vast history which you can explore while indulging in one of the adventurous activities.
Best Time To Visit: Early April to Early November
Things To Do:
- Hiking
- Take a route to Volcano
- Cruise tour
- Explore the 300 old Monschau Museeum
- Visit the historical Burg Elts Castle
Location: North Rine-Westphalia, near cities like Duren, Mechernich and Aachen
Also Read: 5 Reasons Why Germany Is One Of The Best Travel Destinations
Hainich National Park
Hainich National park is a well-known UNESCO World Heritage and is the largest deciduous forest in the country.
It is one of the well-preserved forests and is accessible throughout the year either via hiking, or cycling.
Those coming with children are suggested to use the Feensteig trail which is one of the easiest yet most adventurous trails.
You would be amazed to know that Hainich national park once served as an exclusion zone for the military.
Today it is home to a variety of wildlife species and here you can spot wildcats, bats, and black storks.
Furthermore, there is a Wildcat Children’s Forest which is worth exploring with kids.
Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year
Things To Do:
- Bird View from the 530 meters long and 44-meter high bridge
- Spot Wild Cat
- Camp under the stars
- Cycling tour at a 50 km trail
- Horse riding on 16 km pathway within woods
Location: Thuringia
Berchtesgaden National Park
The Gorgeous national Park of Berchtesgaden is an ideal place to visit in Germany if one is seeking breathtaking scenic views. The Biosphere Reserve of UNESCO houses the second-highest mountain in the country.
Among the top activities to do in this forest include hiking in the Berchtesgaden village and the Nazi-era Eagle’s nest.
There are various folklore and myths about the Eagle’s nest which was initially built for Adolf Hitler and now is listed among the dark-tourism destination as it represents the dark past of the Nazi era.
Best Time To Visit: June to August
Things To Do:
- Visit the Obersalzburg museum and dig into the history of World War II
- Discover the ruins of Hitler’s Berghof, the summer residence of Hitler
- A scenic boat tour in Lake Konigsseee
- Hiking within majestic mountains
Location: Berchtesgadener land, Bavaria
Also Read: 7 Unusual Things To Do In Germany You’d Not Regret
Kellerwald Ederse National Park
Kellerwald Edersee is Europe’s largest red beech forest which is also known as the Eden of Germany.
It is yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most underappreciated gems in the country.
There is a lake situated in the park’s center which is considered ideal for various recreational activities including sailing, swimming, and canoeing.
Furthermore, the are two ideal pathways for hiking starting from the Kellerwaldsteing and the Urwaldsteig.
Also, while passing the wildlife park you can spot several wild animals like wild horses, and wolfs.
Honey buzzards, red dee,r, and lynx. For a comfortable tour, rent a bike and ride along the lake and explore the forests.
Best Time To Visit: Spring and Summer
Things To Do:
- Hiking from Urwaldsteig or Kellerwaldsteig
- Spot wildlife
- Bike tour along the river
- Sailing
- Swimming
- Canoeing
Location: Bad Wildungen
Bavarian Forest National Park
Bavarian Forest is the first national park in Germany and was established in 1970.
There are a huge amount of trekking paths in this park along with routes for jogging and cycling. The park offers a footpath for walking which itself extends up to 300 km.
Surrounded by rolling hills and enormous valleys, Bavarian Forest has been inhabited by numerous species for many years.
Tourists coming here can indulge themselves in learning climbing, birdwatching, or geocaching.
During winters, it becomes a paradise for various snow sports such as snowshoeing, country skiing, and tobogganing.
Best Time To Visit: July to August
Things To Do:
- Cycling
- Hiking
- Jogging
- Climbing lesson
- Snowshoeing
- Birdwatching
- geocaching
Location: Freyunger Straße, Grafenau
Also Read: 5 Must-Visit Tourist Attractions In Germany
Jasmund National Park
One of the most artistic national parks in Germany and is the perfect spot to hang out during the summer season.
Situated in the northeastern region of the country, Jasmund covers an area up to 30 km and is home to some of the oldest forests. It is yet another UNESCO-protected and is home to diverse wildlife species.
Jasmund first came into the limelight after a painting made by Casper David was displayed in the 19th century.
The personal favorite spot of Casper David was Stubbenkammer Park due to its dramatic coastlines.
Best Time To Visit: August
Location: Stubbenkammer Sassnitz, Stralsund
Harz National Park
The only among the German national parks which lie in two states together i.e Saxony-Anhalt and Lower Saxony.
It is one of those forests which inhabits a wide range of wildlife species including some rare ones. Likewise, as black stork, European wildcat, and Eurasian Lynx. Also, the forest has woodlands older than 250 years.
Best Time To Visit: April to May
Things To Do:
- Witness the breathtaking architectures
- Visit the beech forest
- Enjoy the scenic train journey
- Indulge in various outdoor activities
- Spot Wildlife
Location: Saxony-Anhalt and Lower Saxony
Muritz National Park
Just a few distances away from the German capital “Berlin” is the Muritz National Park offering over 660 km of hiking trails.
With such a huge network of trails, the park is easily accessible in all directions. Furthermore, there are more than 130 lakes in the entire national park.
While you are on a trip to Muritz, do consider going for a boat or canoeing tour to observe the beech forests.
Visitors seeking guidance may contact the office of Muritz National Park and ask them to organize a guided tour.
Best Time To Visit: June to August
Things To Do:
- Hiking
- Boat tour
- Canoeing tour
Location: Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, between Berlin and Rocktock city