Diverse uniqueness
Between the Brocken plateau and the hill ranges of the foreland, the Harz reveals a great variety of landscapes within a small area. Deciduous, mixed, and coniferous forests alternate with deep valleys, wild rivers, and open mountain meadows. Pristine natural landscapes and traces of centuries of settlement lie close together.
The nature parks of the Harz are among the regions richest in species in Germany. This is due to the combination of different altitudes – from the river lowlands in the northern foothills to the tree line in the Upper Harz – and contrasting climatic influences: Atlantic in the west, continental in the east.
This diversity is also reflected in the animal world. Wildcats, fire salamanders, dippers, and grey wagtails live in the forests. The Tengmalm’s owl is considered the symbol of the nature park.