Nature Reserves in Landkreis Garmisch-Partenkirchen

The nature reserves in Landkreis Garmisch-Partenkirchen are protected areas safeguarding significant alpine and moorland ecosystems. This page aggregates 5 major reserves, including Bavaria's largest, the Ammergebirge, and the high-alpine Naturschutzgebiet Schachen und Reintal. The district contains a total of 16 designated nature reserves.

The primary activities are human-powered outdoor sports on designated trails. This includes hiking, mountain biking, and cycling, with over 900 routes available across the featured reserves. Mountaineering is also a key activity in the high-alpine areas.

The Ammergebirge offers a wide variety of trails through its forests and mountains. There are approximately 99 hiking trails, 16 mountaineering routes, and over 40 routes suitable for mountain biking. The area also features routes for gravel and road cycling.

The Naturschutzgebiet Schachen und Reintal is characterized by high-alpine terrain within the Wetterstein Mountains. Landscapes include deep gorges, rugged peaks, and scree fields, with trails that often require sure-footedness and a head for heights. It is a popular area for experienced hikers and mountaineers.

Yes, several reserves offer routes suitable for families and beginners. The Murnauer Moos features gentle paths through moorland, including a well-known circular trail of about 7.5 miles (12 km). The Buckelwiesen area near Mittenwald also provides easy walks through its unique hummock meadows.

There are hundreds of hiking trails across the reserves, ranging from easy walks to challenging alpine ascents. The Naturschutzgebiet Schachen und Reintal has over 100 hiking routes, while the Ammergebirge offers nearly 100. The terrain varies from the flat moorlands of Murnauer Moos to the steep paths of the Wetterstein mountains.

Yes, designated mountain bike trails are available in several of the nature reserves. The Ammergebirge has over 40 MTB routes, and the Murnauer Moos offers around 47 routes suitable for both standard and easy mountain biking. Trails exist for various skill levels, from gentle forest tracks to more demanding alpine paths.

Cycling is possible on many designated routes within the reserves. The Murnauer Moos and Westlicher Staffelsee Mit Angrenzenden Mooren are particularly well-suited for touring bicycles, with over 25 routes each. These paths often follow gentle gradients through moorlands and alongside lakes.

Regulations regarding dogs can vary by reserve and specific trail to protect wildlife and sensitive habitats. Visitors should check the rules for each specific area before visiting. In many protected areas, dogs are required to be kept on a leash at all times.

The best time to visit depends on the chosen activity. Summer and early autumn (June to October) are ideal for hiking and cycling in most areas. High-alpine routes in places like Schachen und Reintal may only be snow-free from July to September. The Murnauer Moos offers distinct scenery year-round, with notable wildflower blooms in spring.

The Murnauer Moos is one of the largest contiguous and preserved moorlands in Central Europe. It is an important habitat for around 1,100 plant species and 4,000 animal species. The area is known for its gentle hiking and cycling paths, including a popular circular trail that offers views of the moor against an alpine backdrop.

Yes, these are protected areas with specific regulations to conserve their sensitive ecosystems. Visitors are generally required to stay on marked trails. Activities such as camping, making fires, and water sports are typically forbidden to protect wildlife and vegetation. It is important to follow all posted signage and local guidelines.