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Protected Areas in Germany

Discover

Protected Areas in Germany

Protected Areas in Germany

Protected Area Guide

Germany is home to a network of protected areas that safeguard a wide range of natural and cultural landscapes. These areas span the country, from the tidal flats of the North Sea coast to the alpine peaks of the south. The geography includes dense forests, volcanic hills, dramatic river valleys, and glacial-carved terrain. Across these varied landscapes, a vast number of routes are available for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and mountain biking.

Protected Areas in Germany

This list of protected areas in Germany aggregates more than 7,000 routes for hiking, cycling, and mountaineering. More than 438,000 visitors have shared their experiences, contributing to an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars. Some of the best protected areas in Germany for hiking and cycling include Feldberg-Schluchsee in the Black Forest, which features glacial landscapes and offers more than 80 hiking routes. In the heart of the country, the Lsg "Bayerische Rhön" is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with volcanic landscapes and more than 90 designated hiking trails. Further west, the iconic river bend at Saarschleife Und Leukbachtal is surrounded by forested mountains with numerous cycling and hiking opportunities. These designated areas, which include National Parks, Biosphere Reserves, and Nature Parks, focus on conservation while providing extensive infrastructure for human-powered outdoor recreation.

7288

Routes

4.6

(86731)

Average rating

439K+

Explored with komoot

Last updated: April 23, 2026

4.6

(14234)

60,731

hikers

#1.

Feldberg-Schluchsee

Feldberg-Schluchsee is a protected Black Forest area featuring Germany's highest peak and largest lake, offering diverse glacial landscapes for hiking and cycling.

Hiking

Running

Mountaineering

Mountain biking

Gravel riding

Road cycling

Cycling

4.7

(11087)

42,601

hikers

#2.

Lsg "Bayerische Rhön"

Lsg "Bayerische Rhön" is a protected UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with diverse volcanic landscapes, offering numerous routes for hiking, mountain biking, and cycling.

Hiking

Running

Mountaineering

Mountain biking

Gravel riding

Road cycling

Cycling

4.5

(5672)

28,709

hikers

#3.

Volkacher Mainschleife

Volkacher Mainschleife is a protected area in Franconia, Germany, featuring Bavaria's largest river meander, vineyards, and diverse terrain for cycling and hiking routes.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Gravel riding

Road cycling

Cycling

4.5

(3632)

26,793

hikers

#4.

Oberwald-Rißnert

Oberwald-Rißnert is a protected area near Karlsruhe with extensive forests, lakes, and flat terrain, perfect for cycling and hiking routes.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Gravel riding

Road cycling

Cycling

4.6

(4058)

18,668

hikers

#5.

Saarschleife Und Leukbachtal

Saarschleife Und Leukbachtal, a protected area, offers diverse routes for hiking and cycling through its iconic Saar River bend and forested mountains.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Gravel riding

Road cycling

Cycling

4.6

(3990)

16,431

hikers

#6.

Lsg Innerhalb Des Naturparks Steigerwald (Ehemals Schutzzone)

Lsg Innerhalb Des Naturparks Steigerwald (Ehemals Schutzzone) is a protected area in Bavaria with diverse forests, hills, and valleys, offering varied terrain for hiking and cycling routes.

Hiking

Running

Mountaineering

Mountain biking

Gravel riding

Road cycling

Cycling

4.6

(3154)

15,567

hikers

#7.

Lechtal-Nord

Lechtal-Nord is a protected area in Tyrol, Austria, offering diverse terrain for cycling and hiking routes along the wild Lech River and through the Alps.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Gravel riding

Road cycling

Cycling

4.6

(2586)

13,126

hikers

#8.

Untere Murg (Lsg)

Untere Murg (Lsg) is a protected area in Germany's Northern Black Forest, offering diverse terrain for hiking, mountain biking, and road cycling routes.

Hiking

Running

Mountaineering

Mountain biking

Gravel riding

Road cycling

Cycling

4.6

(1836)

12,992

hikers

#9.

Freisinger Moos Und Echinger Gfild

Freisinger Moos Und Echinger Gfild is a protected low moorland in Bavaria with flat terrain, perfect for cycling, hiking, and other outdoor sports on its extensive route network.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

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Road cycling

Cycling

4.5

(2357)

11,566

hikers

#10.

Lsg-Ratinger Stadtwald Süd-West

Lsg-Ratinger Stadtwald Süd-West is a 105-hectare protected area with mixed forests and stream valleys, offering diverse routes for hiking, cycling, and mountain biking.

Hiking

Running

Mountaineering

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Cycling

4.5

(1603)

11,315

hikers

#11.

Feldflur Gatow / Kladow

Feldflur Gatow / Kladow is a protected landscape in southwest Berlin, offering diverse terrain for road cycling, gravel biking, jogging, and more across open fields, woods, and agricultural land.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Gravel riding

Road cycling

Cycling

4.6

(2255)

11,025

hikers

#12.

Um Den Eichelberg Und Mahlberg (Lsg)

Um Den Eichelberg Und Mahlberg (Lsg) is a protected Black Forest area with diverse, mountainous terrain, offering routes for hiking, cycling, and mountain biking.

Hiking

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Mountaineering

Mountain biking

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Cycling

4.5

(1554)

10,576

hikers

#13.

Brucker Lache Mit Langenaufeld

Brucker Lache Mit Langenaufeld is a protected wetland area in Bavaria, Germany, offering flat terrain and numerous routes for cycling, hiking, and mountain biking.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Gravel riding

Road cycling

Cycling

4.6

(1982)

9,130

hikers

#14.

Michelbachtal (Lsg)

Michelbachtal (Lsg) is a protected area in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, offering diverse terrain for hiking, road cycling, and gravel biking.

Hiking

Running

Mountaineering

Mountain biking

Gravel riding

Road cycling

Cycling

4.5

(1365)

9,036

hikers

#15.

Lechtal-Süd

Lechtal-Süd is a protected area with a wild river, gravel banks, and alpine peaks, offering diverse routes for hiking, cycling, and more.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Gravel riding

Road cycling

Cycling

4.7

(1825)

8,934

hikers

#16.

Tegeler Forst (Nördlicher Teil)

Tegeler Forst (Nördlicher Teil) is a protected area in Berlin with diverse mixed forests, unique sand dunes, and connections to Tegeler See. It offers numerous routes for hiking, cycling, and jogging.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Gravel riding

Road cycling

Cycling

4.5

(1150)

8,763

hikers

#17.

Müggelsee Und Fredersdorfer Mühlenfließ

Müggelsee Und Fredersdorfer Mühlenfließ is a protected area in Berlin offering diverse landscapes for hiking, cycling, and jogging around a large lake, river, and hills.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Gravel riding

Road cycling

Cycling

4.6

(2120)

8,490

hikers

#18.

Lsg Innerhalb Des Naturparks Hassberge (Ehemals Schutzzone)

Lsg Innerhalb Des Naturparks Hassberge (Ehemals Schutzzone) is a protected area within Haßberge Nature Park, offering diverse landscapes for hiking and cycling.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Gravel riding

Road cycling

Cycling

4.5

(1463)

8,207

hikers

#19.

Winkler Vorbergzone

Winkler Vorbergzone is a protected area with diverse landscapes, from rolling hills to mountain ranges, offering routes for mountain biking, hiking, and road cycling.

Hiking

Running

Mountaineering

Mountain biking

Gravel riding

Road cycling

Cycling

4.6

(1353)

8,019

hikers

#20.

Mittlerer Schurwald

Mittlerer Schurwald is a protected landscape area in Germany offering diverse terrain for hiking, mountain biking, and road cycling routes between the Fils and Remstal valleys.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Gravel riding

Road cycling

Cycling

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National Parks in Germany

Frequently Asked Questions

What are protected areas in Germany?

Protected areas in Germany are designated regions that safeguard natural and cultural landscapes. These include 16 National Parks, 18 UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, and over 100 Nature Parks. This page aggregates guides for many of these areas, offering routes for human-powered outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and mountain biking.

What are some of the most significant protected areas in Germany?

Germany's protected areas range from alpine environments to river valleys. Notable examples include Feldberg-Schluchsee in the Black Forest, the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Lsg "Bayerische Rhön" with its volcanic landscapes, and the iconic river bend at Saarschleife Und Leukbachtal.

What kinds of activities are available in Germany's protected areas?

The primary activities in Germany's protected areas are hiking, cycling, and mountain biking. Across the aggregated guides on this page, there are more than 7,000 routes available. Specific guides for activities like Hiking in Germany and Cycling in Germany provide detailed route collections.

How do protected areas differ from nature reserves in Germany?

Protected areas is a broad term encompassing National Parks, Biosphere Reserves, and Nature Parks, which often balance conservation with recreation. Nature Reserves in Germany are typically smaller and have stricter conservation rules, focusing primarily on habitat and species protection with more limited public access.

What types of routes are available in Feldberg-Schluchsee?

The Feldberg-Schluchsee area offers a diverse network of trails in the Black Forest. There are more than 80 designated hiking routes and over 60 cycling routes suitable for both road and touring bicycles. The terrain includes glacial landscapes around Germany's highest peak outside the Alps.

What are the main features of the Lsg "Bayerische Rhön"?

The Lsg "Bayerische Rhön" is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve known for its volcanic landscapes and open vistas. It provides an extensive network of trails, with more than 90 hiking routes and over 65 options for cycling and mountain biking. The area is recognized for its mosaic of habitats supporting a high variety of species.

Are there family-friendly or beginner hiking trails in Germany's protected areas?

Yes, many protected areas offer routes suitable for beginners and families. For example, the Bavarian Forest National Park has a well-developed network of trails, including some accessible paths. The Freisinger Moos Und Echinger Gfild features flat terrain ideal for easy walks and cycling.

What hiking opportunities are available in Germany's protected areas?

There are thousands of hiking trails across Germany's protected areas, from gentle walks to challenging alpine ascents. For instance, Saxon Switzerland National Park is known for its unique sandstone formations and extensive trail network. The Lsg Innerhalb Des Naturparks Steigerwald offers more than 200 routes through its forests and hills.

What options exist for cycling in these protected areas?

Cycling is a major activity, with options for road cycling, touring, and gravel biking. The Elbe River Cycle Trail runs through the Elbe River Landscape Biosphere Reserve. In Franconia, the Volkacher Mainschleife area provides numerous routes through vineyards and along the river.

Are dogs allowed in Germany's protected areas?

Rules for dogs vary by the specific protected area and its conservation status. In many Nature Parks, dogs are permitted on trails if kept on a leash. However, in sensitive core zones of National Parks, such as parts of Berchtesgaden or the Wadden Sea, restrictions are stricter to protect wildlife. It is essential to check the local regulations for each area before visiting.

How can I access protected areas using public transport?

Many of Germany's protected areas are accessible via the country's public transportation network. For example, Saxon Switzerland National Park is easily reached by S-Bahn from Dresden, and the Black Forest National Park has bus services connecting to nearby towns and trailheads. Planning routes from train or bus stations can provide direct access to trail networks of trails.

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