Harz National Park

Harz Overview

Harz National Park, or Nationalpark Harz in German, is a stunning protected area located in northern Germany, spanning across the federal states of Lower Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt.

Covering approximately 96.3 square miles (249.3 square kilometers), the park encompasses a vast stretch of the Harz mountain range, Germany’s northernmost highlands. Established in 1990 and later expanded in 2006, Harz National Park is renowned for its rugged landscapes, dense forests, and dramatic peaks, with the Brocken, the highest mountain in northern Germany at 3,743 feet (1,141 meters), serving as the park’s most iconic feature.

The park’s terrain consists of steep granite cliffs, deep valleys, and fast-flowing streams, all shaped by centuries of natural erosion and glacial activity. Throughout the park, visitors will find extensive spruce and beech forests, as well as subalpine meadows and moorlands, which provide a unique and diverse ecological setting.

The park’s diverse habitats support a rich array of wildlife, with several species that have become emblematic of conservation efforts in the region. The Eurasian lynx, once extinct in the area, has been successfully reintroduced and is now a symbol of the park’s biodiversity. Red deer roam the forests, while wild boars and foxes are common sights throughout the region.

Bird enthusiasts can spot a variety of raptors, including the majestic Eurasian eagle-owl and the peregrine falcon, which soars above the park’s rocky outcrops. Woodpeckers, hazel grouse, and black storks also find refuge in the park’s forests. The park’s rivers and wetlands support amphibians such as fire salamanders and various frog species, further adding to the park’s ecological richness.

Harz National Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide range of activities that allow visitors to experience its breathtaking landscapes. The Brocken, shrouded in myths and legends, is one of the park’s biggest attractions, drawing thousands of visitors who hike its many trails or take the historic Brocken Railway, a nostalgic steam train that ascends to the summit.

Hiking is one of the most popular ways to explore the park, with over 370 miles (600 kilometers) of well-marked trails that traverse dense forests, high plateaus, and deep ravines. The Harzer-Hexen-Stieg, a long-distance hiking route, is particularly famous for its scenic beauty and historical significance, following ancient paths once used by medieval traders and believed to be linked to the region’s folklore about witches and spirits.

Cycling and mountain biking trails also wind through the park, offering a more adventurous way to experience its diverse landscapes. In the winter, cross-country skiing is a favored activity, with snow-covered trails providing a peaceful and picturesque setting.

Conservation remains at the heart of Harz National Park’s mission, as efforts continue to restore and protect its natural ecosystems. The reintroduction of the Eurasian lynx stands as one of the park’s greatest successes, symbolizing the restoration of predator-prey dynamics in the region.

However, challenges persist, particularly concerning forest health. The park’s vast spruce forests have suffered from bark beetle infestations, exacerbated by climate change and rising temperatures, leading to widespread tree die-offs. Rather than intervening extensively, park management has adopted a strategy of natural regeneration, allowing the forest to recover on its own and transition to a more resilient mixed woodland.

This approach aligns with the park’s philosophy of allowing nature to take its course, creating a more sustainable and biodiverse environment for the future. Through ongoing conservation efforts, public awareness programs, and sustainable tourism initiatives, Harz National Park continues to serve as a model of ecological preservation and a sanctuary for wildlife and nature lovers alike.

Park Map

Harz National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

Harz National Park is also a haven for birdlife, with its diverse habitats supporting a range of fascinating avian species. From majestic birds of prey to striking songbirds, the park is a paradise for birdwatchers.

Eurasian Eagle-Owl
One of the largest owls in the world, the Eurasian eagle-owl is a top predator in Harz National Park. With piercing orange eyes and powerful talons, it hunts mammals and birds during the night.

Common Raven
These highly intelligent birds are often seen soaring over the park’s rocky outcrops or foraging in open areas. Ravens are known for their problem-solving skills and complex vocalizations.

Black Stork
Unlike its more common white cousin, the black stork is shy and prefers secluded wetlands and forested streams. It feeds on fish, amphibians, and small invertebrates.

Eurasian Pygmy Owl
As one of Europe’s smallest owls, the Eurasian pygmy owl is a skilled hunter despite its size. It is often found in coniferous forests, preying on small birds and rodents.

Great Grey Shrike
This striking bird, also known as the “butcher bird,” impales its prey on thorns or barbed wire for later consumption. It hunts insects, small mammals, and birds in open landscapes.

White-throated Dipper
A fascinating aquatic songbird, the white-throated dipper is often seen along fast-flowing streams, diving underwater in search of insects and small fish.

Northern Goshawk
A formidable bird of prey, the northern goshawk is an agile hunter that thrives in the dense forests of Harz National Park. It preys on medium-sized birds and mammals.

Golden Oriole
With its bright yellow plumage and melodic flute-like song, the golden oriole adds a splash of color to the park’s deciduous woodlands. It feeds mainly on fruit and insects.

European Honey Buzzard
This raptor specializes in feeding on wasps and bees, using its thick feathers to protect itself from stings. It migrates to Africa in winter but breeds in the park’s forests.

Spotted Nutcracker
Closely associated with coniferous forests, this bird plays a key role in dispersing pine seeds. It has a distinctive harsh call and a speckled brown and white appearance.

Harz National Park’s wildlife, from its majestic mammals to its diverse birdlife, makes it a truly special place for nature lovers and conservationists alike.

Harz National Park, located in northern Germany, is a stunning wilderness area characterized by dense forests, rugged mountains, and misty valleys. This park is home to a rich variety of wildlife, including large mammals, elusive carnivores, and unique amphibians. The diverse ecosystems provide an ideal habitat for many species, making it a prime destination for nature enthusiasts.

Eurasian Lynx
Once extinct in the region, the Eurasian lynx has been successfully reintroduced to Harz National Park. This elusive predator, with its tufted ears and powerful build, hunts deer and smaller mammals in the dense forests.

Red Deer
The largest native deer species in Germany, red deer are commonly seen in open meadows and along forest edges. During the autumn rut, males can be heard bellowing as they compete for mates.

Wild Boar
Wild boars roam the park in large groups called sounders. These intelligent and adaptable animals forage for roots, insects, and small animals, often using their strong snouts to dig into the forest floor.

European Wildcat
A rare and secretive resident of the Harz forests, the European wildcat resembles a large domestic cat but is more robust with a thick, striped coat. It hunts small mammals and birds, avoiding human contact.

Western Capercaillie
This large woodland grouse is known for its dramatic courtship displays. Males fan out their tails, produce deep calls, and perform elaborate dances to attract females in the park’s dense coniferous forests.

European Pine Marten
A nimble and arboreal carnivore, the European pine marten has a distinctive yellowish throat patch and thrives in the old-growth forests of Harz National Park, preying on rodents, birds, and berries.

Fire Salamander
Easily recognized by its black body with bright yellow spots, the fire salamander is commonly found in damp forested areas near streams. It secretes toxins as a defense against predators.

Harz Brocken Upland Cattle
This hardy cattle breed, traditionally used for grazing in the Harz region, plays an important role in maintaining open landscapes by preventing forest overgrowth.

Raccoon
Originally introduced to Germany, raccoons have established a significant presence in Harz National Park. These nocturnal omnivores are highly adaptable and can be found scavenging near water sources.

Hazel Dormouse
This small, nocturnal rodent is known for its long hibernation period, often sleeping for more than half the year. It feeds on nuts, berries, and insects in the park’s dense shrubbery.

Birds

Black Stork
Unlike its more common white cousin, the black stork is shy and prefers secluded wetlands and forested streams. It feeds on fish, amphibians, and small invertebrates.

Eurasian Pygmy Owl
As one of Europe’s smallest owls, the Eurasian pygmy owl is a skilled hunter despite its size. It is often found in coniferous forests, preying on small birds and rodents.

White-throated Dipper
A fascinating aquatic songbird, the white-throated dipper is often seen along fast-flowing streams, diving underwater in search of insects and small fish.

Northern Goshawk
A formidable bird of prey, the northern goshawk is an agile hunter that thrives in the dense forests of Harz National Park. It preys on medium-sized birds and mammals.

Golden Oriole
With its bright yellow plumage and melodic flute-like song, the golden oriole adds a splash of color to the park’s deciduous woodlands. It feeds mainly on fruit and insects.

Spotted Nutcracker
Closely associated with coniferous forests, this bird plays a key role in dispersing pine seeds. It has a distinctive harsh call and a speckled brown and white appearance.

Harz National Park’s wildlife, from its majestic mammals to its diverse birdlife, makes it a truly special place for nature lovers and conservationists alike.

Birds

Black Stork
Unlike its more common white cousin, the black stork is shy and prefers secluded wetlands and forested streams. It feeds on fish, amphibians, and small invertebrates.

Eurasian Pygmy Owl
As one of Europe’s smallest owls, the Eurasian pygmy owl is a skilled hunter despite its size. It is often found in coniferous forests, preying on small birds and rodents.

White-throated Dipper
A fascinating aquatic songbird, the white-throated dipper is often seen along fast-flowing streams, diving underwater in search of insects and small fish.

Northern Goshawk
A formidable bird of prey, the northern goshawk is an agile hunter that thrives in the dense forests of Harz National Park. It preys on medium-sized birds and mammals.

Golden Oriole
With its bright yellow plumage and melodic flute-like song, the golden oriole adds a splash of color to the park’s deciduous woodlands. It feeds mainly on fruit and insects.

Spotted Nutcracker
Closely associated with coniferous forests, this bird plays a key role in dispersing pine seeds. It has a distinctive harsh call and a speckled brown and white appearance.

Harz National Park’s wildlife, from its majestic mammals to its diverse birdlife, makes it a truly special place for nature lovers and conservationists alike.