Local Area - Naturpark Südschwarzwald

HUMANS FOR THE RECOVERY OF NATURE – NATURE FOR THE RECREATION OF HUMANS

The “South Black Forest” Nature Park, the largest sanctuary of its kind in Germany, is covered by 3,940 square kilometres of woodlands. This may sound awesome, however, you will be even more impressed learning more about the nature park. Please read the following to get further information.

 

THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE NATURE PARK: “HUMANS, LAND MANAGEMENT AND NATURE IN HARMONY”

The definition of the “Nature Park” as sanctuary is established in the federal law (§ 27 BNatSchG, federal nature conservation act). However, the detailed regulation of wildlife conservation is left to the Federal States. According to § 27 BNatSchG a “Nature Park” is defined as follows:

• a large area to be maintained and developed as a whole

• an expanse which predominantly consists of protected landscapes and nature reserves

• home to a great diversity of species and biotopes

• landscapes assigned to various activities

Nature parks are actually the larger and less stringent counterpart of nature reserves. There underlying maxim is “Conservation by Use”: the protected area may, or rather shall benefit the population, for example, through sustainable touristic and recreational activities.

The “South Black Forest” Nature Park can be considered as an outstanding example. It is one of the most popular tourist regions in Germany, combining nature conservation, genuine hospitality and attractive eco-friendly leisure facilities.

The “South Black Forest” Nature Park was set up with the aim to preserve the landscape of the southern part of the Black Forest and to ensure its sustainable development involving and benefitting the local population.

 

THE LARGEST NATURE PARK IN GERMANY – EVERY SQUARE METER DEDICATED TO ENJOYMENT

The “South Black Forest” Nature Park extends from the towns of Herbolzheim and Triberg in the north to the towns of Waldshut-Tiengen and Lörrach in the south. The western part includes the Black Forest foothills down to the cities of Freiburg and Emmendingen, whereas the eastern boundary is marked by the towns of Donaueschingen and Bad Dürrheim, situated on the “Baar” plateau. It would take innumerable visits to discover all the beautiful sights of the region, and even guests, who visit the same place again and again, report that they enjoy each time new fascinating discoveries.

 

DISCOVER THE DIVERSITY OF WILDLIFE

The “South Black Forest” Nature Park is home to red and roe deer, chamois and many other wild animals. You can also see here rare birds, threatened with extinction, such as the wood grouse and the three-toed woodpecker.

Given the varied microclimate and soils, the flora is particularly rich. Wild orchids, known from Mediterranean regions, grow in the mild climate of the wine-growing area in the foothills and the Rhine valley, whereas the heights of the Black Forest are populated by species dating back to Ice Age, which cannot be found elsewhere in Germany, except in the Alps.

Thanks to the various protective measures, the village of Höchenschwand is a very interesting destination for nature lovers.

NATURPARK-SÜDSCHWARZWALD.DE

 

Image source: © Naturpark Südschwarzwald / © VDN