Brian of Pizzaspotz
Seven Natural Wonders of Germany
If you’ve visited Germany, you’ll know it’s so much more than great shopping in Berlin or Munich. It’s even much more than quaint rural villages. Germany is filled with natural wonders and we want you to see in a bit more detail, the Seven Natural Wonders of Germany. In keeping with our theme, of course, these natural wonders should be visited after eating pizza at an international airport. By the way, some airports have great pizza. Enjoy this list and add any of your favorite wonders which didn’t make our list.
Suggested Reading (affiliate links):
Lonely Planet Discover Germany (Full Color Travel Guide)
The Berlin Book of Lists: An Insider’s Guide to Europe’s Coolest City
1. Black Forest
The Black Forest is an area in southwestern Germany, it consists of a total of 4,600 sq. miles. In German, it is called Schwarzwald which references the Romans naming it the “Black Forest” originally because the conifers were so dense in areas of the forest that sunlight couldn’t be seen. Many rivers are found within the confines of the Black Forest. The Danube begins in the Black Forest. Other rivers found in the Black Forest are the Brigach and Breg (where the Danube begins), the Enz, the Kinzig, the Murg, the Nagold, the Neckar, the Rench, and the Wiese. The largest mountain in the beautiful Black Forest is the Feldberg, the largest mountain in Germany outside of the Alps.
Suggested Reading:
Lonely Planet Munich Bavaria & the Black Forest (Travel Guide)
2. Bavarian Alps
The term Bavarian Alps does not refer to all mountains in Alpine region of Germany. The term doesn’t even refer to all of the Alps in the state of Bavaria in Germany. The Bavarian Alps are only those ranges that lie between the Lech River and the Saalach River in Germany. Not only are the Bavarian Alps one of the most beautiful of the seven natural wonders in Germany, they are considered by many to be one of the most beautiful places in all of central Europe. Glacial lakes, wildlife beyond belief and dense fir tree forests make up this rural area that has become famous for its non-natural wonders of lederhosen and bratwurst. This area is also the birthplace of Pope Benedict XVI.
Suggested Reading:
Walking in the Bavarian Alps: 85 Mountain Walks and Treks
3. The Chalk Cliffs of Rügen
If you’re ready for a long, yet, satisfying trip, get ready to a German island in the Baltic Sea called Rugen. This is where you will find Jasmund National Park and it’s white chalk cliffs. You will not only find the chalk cliffs on the island of Rugen, but also pristine beaches and crystal blue waters. This is a great place for hiking, a wellness retreat or just a place to enjoy and paint or photograph the natural beauty of Germany. We were pleasantly surprised to find the Isle of Rügen in our search of the seven natural wonders of Germany. We’re glad we found this wonderful German destination.
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4. The Teutoburg Forest
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The Teutoburg Forest is probably more famous for a historic battle between the Romans and Germanic peoples than it is for its natural beauty. Don’t let that stop you from visiting this amazing area of Germany which is too often overlooked. On your journey through the Teutorburg Forest you’ll see the Dörenthe cliffs, a 4km-long sandstone formation, and the Externsteine fissured rocks near Horn-Bad Meinberg. In addition to those natural wonders, you’ll also be able to visit the Berlebeck Eagle Sanctuary. This sanctuary for eagles and falcons is the oldest in Europe.
5. The Barbarossa Cave
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There are many great caves in Europe, but the Barbarossa Cave is the only Anhydrite show cave in Europe. The cave has a number of large lakes, some of which have a unique green color due to the gypsum rich water. Legend says that German emperor Frederick I (Barbarossa) lies sleeping here in an underground palace. When the right time comes, when Germany needs him most, he will return and bring better times.
6. The Mudflats of the Wadden Sea
Public Domain Photo by Oldobelix
Number six in our seven natural wonders of Germany list is the largest area of mudflats in the world. They are located in Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea National Park, Central Europe’s largest national park. Almost 3200 different animal species are provided a healthy habitat in the Wadden Sea mudflats. Visitors can find mussels, crabs, starfish, oysters, sturgeon and snails in abundance. The mudflats and the surrounding park land also is home of flora such as sea lavender, red fescue and sea plantain. Located on the northern coast of Germany, the closest large city is Hamburg.
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7. Elbe Sandstone Mountains
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One of the most stunning of the seven natural wonders of Germany can be found in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains in the Saxony region. Among some of the beauty found here are sandstone needles, beech forests and mesa-like mountains. Wildlife seen here ranges from fire salamanders, dippers and otters in the gorges and valley floors and in the pinewoods look out for the Eurasian Pygmy-owl, the smallest owl in Europe. Rarely, will anyone find, in any natural wonders in the world, a better place to climb than in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. There are over 1000 sandstone towers which climbers can conquer via 14,000 climbing routes.
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Your Suggestions Wanted
Let us know if you think we should add your favorite holiday or vacation spot to our seven natural wonders of Germany list? Start listing them below in the comments section and maybe, just maybe, your favorite spot could replace one of the locations above.
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