Europe Explored » northern germany

Hamburg Wadden Sea National Park – made up of 3 islands

Claire — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 23:30:51 +0000

Upon visiting Hamburg Wadden Sea National Park (Hamburgisches Wattenmeer in German), you will find that it is made up of 3 islands. The smallest one out of all three islands is called Neuwerk. It is an island that is known to be very lush and green and the population of those that reside there is 40; a very small residence.

Hamburg Wadden Sea National Park, Germany by Vincent van Zeijst

The group of islands is located in northern Germany which is in Elbe estuary and it is the protectant of thousands of coastal mudflats. Tourists and visitors often have a wonderful time exploring this unique destination which has a variety of different attractions. The tern colonies are of a huge variation including Common, sandwich, Artic, and little. There are areas where guides will take visitors on walks throughout the terrain so that people can have a better opportunity to explore the lands. There are several natural features at this destination that are very much appreciated by the tourists. Many of these features have a historical story line to them since they have been around for so long.

Neuwerk’s affiliation with Hamburg is a very interesting one. Their affiliation reaches all the way back to the year 1299. There are paths that are located along the island of Hamburg which lead to the countryside all the way to a tower at the front of Elbe. The tower was used to fight off those that would commit piracy which occurred during the Hanseatic era. Those that visit are able to take walks in between Scharhorn and Neuwerk on the mudflats. The mudflats seem as though they are endless so the tourists are able to walk as far as they desire.

One of the main attractions that people enjoy when they visit Hamburg Wadden Sea National Park is the Seabirds. There are several colonies which were created for the seabirds to reside.

The sandbank is an area that is untouched but people can view it from afar. The bird colony that is there is closed off to those that visit there but they can take a glimpse of the colony when passing by.

Summary of Highlights

Visitors can take carriage rides across the mudflats starting in Sahlenburg and ending at Neuwerk
Take boat rides in Cuxhaven; they end in Neuwerk
Tour guides lead walks across the mudflats
Tours to view the birds, mudflats, salt marshes; in Neuwerk
Tour guides to Scharhorn
Visitors can go on a search for Amber on the island of Kleiner Vogelsand
View the Amber exhibition on the Neuwerk island

Other Things to Do

Walking along the main dyke is one suggestion that many people enjoy doing while visiting Wadden Sea National Park. While you are on this walk you can see the foreshore; there is a great view of it. The bird colonies are very popular, and many people love exploring them.

There are not vehicles allowed on the island. Tourists can either walk or ride in a horse carriage to the different locations.

If you are looking for some accommodation in or around the national park, then try trivago’s comparison tool and find the best hotels.

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Harz National Park – one of the most visited places in Germany

Claire — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:43:34 +0000

Harz National Park known in German as Nationalparkverwaltung Harz is located at the border of three provinces in central Germany. The National Park is mostly forested – Upper Harz is covered by coniferous forests, Lower Harz, on the contrary, mostly by deciduous forests (originally the area was divided into two national parks). Above the upper limit of the forest, at an altitude of about 1100 meters above sea level, you can see scree, alpine meadows and bogs. Harz National park has been established in 2006 and covers an area of 247 square kilometres.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Sebastian Fuss

Once planning your trip to Harz National Park, beware of the cooler and rainy mountains – although this is not a high mountain range, but due to its geographical location is under constant onslaught of moist ocean air from the North Sea. Local climate is therefore similar to high mountains, reaching the altitude of about 2,000 metres above sea level. Be also prepared for a huge number of tourists, Harz National Park is one of the most visited places in Germany.

Among the most beautiful places to visit are Rübeland cave, the highest peak of national park – Brocken (1,141 m) which is also the highest peak of Northern Germany, Hohneklippen crags, Eckerstausee lake, Falkenstein Castle, Harzgerode Castle, hill top resort of Sankt Andreasberg, or saltwater spa and climatic health resort of Bad Harzburg.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Mike Jentsch

The management of national park: Nationalparkverwaltung Harz, Lindenallee 35, D 38855 Wernigerode, Deutschland
Official Website: nationalpark-harz.de

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White chalk cliffs in Jasmund National Park in Rügen island, Germany

Claire — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 10:47:53 +0000

White chalk cliffs in Jasmund National Park are famous landmarks and the most popular tourist attractions of the Rügen Island in Northern Germany. The tallest cliff is up to 161m high. Jasmund National Park has been established in 1990 and with only 30 km² it is the smallest national park of Germany. Jasmund National Park protects wild fascinating coast on the Baltic Sea with rugged white chalk cliffs and undisturbed beech woods.

Best known cliffs are the Wissower Klinken and together with the Königsstuhl (King’s seat) offer an imposing view.

Hiking, cruising, horse riding and cycling are much loved options to explore the almost pristine nature of the Jasmund National Park, a picturesque place perfect for relaxing vacation everybody should have seen.

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