Harz National Park
Sachsen-Anhalt
Harz National Park is one of Germany's largest forest national parks, spanning approximately 24,700 hectares across the federal states of Lower Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt. It encompasses about ten percent of the Harz mountain range, including the highest peak, Brocken, rising to 1,141 meters. The park features predominantly spruce and beech forests, along with bogs, granite cliffs, and pristine mountain streams. It is part of the Natura 2000 network, reflecting its ecological significance. The park was formed in 2006 by merging two previously separate parks and is known for its rare fauna such as the Eurasian lynx, reintroduced successfully after local extinction in the 19th century, as well as species like the white-throated dipper and black stork. The park’s landscape is shaped by natural processes, with areas allowed to evolve freely, showcasing a transition from managed forest to wilderness. Visitors can explore over 600 kilometers of trails, experiencing diverse habitats and the mystical atmosphere of the Brocken summit. The park also plays an important role in conservation, education, and sustainable tourism within Germany and Europe.
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Astuce: The best time to visit Harz National Park is from late spring to early autumn when hiking trails are fully accessible and wildlife is most active. Visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets or book guided tours in advance during peak seasons to ensure availability. The park offers discounts for groups, families, and seniors. Check the official website for current information on trail conditions and any seasonal closures, such as temporary restrictions at the Auerhuhn enclosure. Ranger-led tours provide valuable insights into the park's ecology and history.
Faits intéressants
- •The Brocken is the highest peak in the Harz range at 1,141 meters above sea level.
- •The park covers about 10% of the entire Harz mountain area.
- •The Eurasian lynx was reintroduced to the park in 1999 after being extinct locally since 1818.
- •The park contains the source regions of several rivers including the Bode, Oder, and Ilse.
- •Large parts of the park were previously restricted areas due to the inner German border, preserving its natural environment.
Histoire
Harz National Park was officially established in its current pan-state form on January 1, 2006, merging the Lower Saxony park founded in 1994 and the Upper Harz park from Saxony-Anhalt created in 1990.
The eastern part of the Harz was once part of the former inner German border, which limited human activity and helped preserve its natural state.
During the GDR era, the Brocken mountain was inaccessible from 1961 until German reunification.
The park's creation was motivated partly by forest health issues such as bark beetle infestations in the 1980s and a growing conservation movement around reunification.
Since its formation, the park has been managed to promote wilderness and biodiversity, including reintroducing the Eurasian lynx in 1999.
Guide du lieu
Brocken Summit
The highest point in the Harz National Park, the Brocken offers panoramic views and is steeped in folklore and natural beauty. Visitors can hike or take a historic steam train to the summit, where rare alpine flora and fauna thrive.
Forest Wilderness Areas
These zones within the park are left largely unmanaged to allow natural processes to shape the ecosystem, resulting in a rich biodiversity and dynamic habitats with deadwood, old-growth trees, and natural regeneration.
Historic Dams and Reservoirs1722
The park includes historic water management structures like the Oderteich reservoir, built in 1722 to supply mines, along with the Oder and Ecker dams, highlighting the region's mining heritage and hydrological significance.
Contact
Téléphone: 03943 26280
