Nature Reserves in Bavaria

Bavaria has over 800 designated nature reserves (Naturschutzgebiete), which are protected areas safeguarding significant biodiversity, landscapes, and ecosystems. This page aggregates over 100 of these reserves, featuring more than 16,000 routes for activities like hiking, cycling, and mountain biking. These areas range from alpine peaks and moorlands to river valleys and forests.

Based on visitor data, some of the most frequented nature reserves include the Ammergebirge, which is Bavaria's largest, and the Murnauer Moos, a large alpine fen. Other highly visited areas are the Naturschutzgebiet Schachen und Reintal with its dramatic alpine terrain, and the Arnspitze reserve on the border with Austria.

The primary activities are human-powered and include hiking, cycling, and mountain biking on designated trails. Many reserves also offer routes for trail running and mountaineering. The varied landscapes provide options for different sports, from leisurely cycling in river valleys to challenging alpine hikes.

Bavaria's nature reserves offer thousands of hiking trails across diverse terrain. For example, the Ammergebirge has nearly 100 documented hiking routes through its forests and mountains. The Naturschutzgebiet Schachen und Reintal provides over 100 trails in a high-alpine setting.

Yes, there are numerous routes for cycling, gravel biking, and road cycling. The Murnauer Moos offers over 30 touring bicycle routes through its unique moorland landscape. The Lange Rhön is also popular, with routes for both road and gravel cycling across its open plateaus.

Mountain bikers can find a variety of trails, from easy forest tracks to technical alpine descents. The Ammergebirge features over 40 routes suitable for both standard and easy mountain biking. Similarly, the Karwendel Und Karwendelvorgebirge reserve has around 40 designated mountain bike trails through its rugged terrain.

Yes, many reserves offer routes suitable for families and beginners. The Murnauer Moos, for instance, has relatively flat terrain with numerous trails ideal for leisurely hikes and bike rides. Many reserves feature well-maintained valley trails that are less strenuous than the alpine routes.

The Ammergebirge, Bavaria's largest nature reserve, is characterized by its diverse alpine and pre-alpine landscapes. It contains wild rivers, dense forests, rugged mountain peaks, and expansive moors. This variety of terrain supports a wide range of activities, including hiking, mountaineering, and mountain biking.

The Murnauer Moos is Central Europe's largest contiguous moorland of its kind, located in the Alpine foothills. Its landscape is a mosaic of fens, meadows, and small patches of forest, providing a unique habitat for many plant and animal species. The area is predominantly flat, making it very accessible for hiking and cycling on its extensive network of trails.

Both are protected areas, but they have different primary goals. National Parks, like Berchtesgaden, are large, minimally disturbed areas where natural processes unfold without human intervention. Nature reserves (Naturschutzgebiete) are often smaller and are designated to protect specific habitats, species, or geological features, while still allowing for compatible recreation on designated paths.

Many nature reserves in Bavaria are accessible via the region's public transportation network of trains and buses. For example, trailheads in areas like the Ammergebirge and Murnauer Moos are often located within walking or cycling distance of a local train station or bus stop. Planning routes from public transport hubs is a common way to access the trail networks of access these protected areas.