National Parks

National Parks in Austria, France, Germany, Italy and Switzerland

To preserve the beauty of the Alps all countries have created a number of national parks. Generally spoken a National Park is a large-scale environmental conservation program that protects the entire fauna and flora of a region. As such it is a measure of a nation's willingness to forego commercial and industrial exploitation on behalf of nature. Join guided tours or explore the incomparable landscapes of these parks on your own for nature experiences way off the beaten path.

Austria: One of the best known protected territories in Austria is the Hohe Tauern National Park, covering huge areas in three provinces: Salzburg, Tirol and Carinthia. There are few regions in Austria offering so many highlights. The difference in elevation from the deepest valley to the impressive peak of the "Grossglockner", Austria’s highest mountain, adds up to almost 8530 feet. A visitors center, several learning paths and spectacular hiking paths await discovery. The Grossglockner High Alpine Road, an attraction in itself, offers breathtaking views for those traveling by car.
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France: In the mountains, French parks make up thousands of acres and hundreds of protected communes. Natural reserves harbor and protect animal and vegetative species. Rivers and waters of the mountain range, valleys and summit peaks make up the fascinating landscape that you can discover in the French Alps.
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Germany: Germany has 15 national parks, the majority of which are located in northern Germany. They all have their unique features as far as flora, fauna and landscapes are concerned. Signposts, leaflets, guided walks and information centers give visitors information on the national park's special features. The country’s first national park was founded in 1970 in Bavaria. In 1997, its total surface area was extended to now 243 square kilometers. Together with the Šumava National Park (Bohemian Forest), located on its eastern flank, the Bavarian Forest National Park represents Central Europe’s largest protected closed woodland area. A network comprising more than 300 kilometers of well-signposted hiking routes, nearly 200 kilometers of bicycle routes and about 80 kilometers of cross-country ski runs give visitors the opportunity to enjoy the beauties of the national park’s characteristic nature, both in summer and in winter.
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Italy: Of Italy’s numerous National Parks, four are located in the Alpine Region, each characterized by its unique environment--- rural landscapes in the valley, impenetrable forests of conifers, alpine pasture and so much more! Enjoy the orange-tinged larches against the first snow and explosions of flowers throughout the valley in spring. The National Park of the Gran Paradiso was the first national park established in Italy and one of the most important protected areas in Europe. The Val Grande Park fascinates with its impenetrable woods and suggestive views from Mount Rosa to Lake Maggiore. The landscape of the Stelvio Park is scattered with villages and "masi" at the bottom of the valleys and on the mountain slopes. Lastly there is the Park of the Dolomiti Bellunesi with an infinity of pathways to choose from and wildlife to admire.
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Switzerland: Located in South Eastern Switzerland, the oldest Central European and Alpine National Park is famous for its great variety of Alpine fauna and flora and its virtually intact natural landscape. Numerous Alpine plants flower between June and August. By July or August the last patches of snow disappear even at the higher altitudes, making this an ideal moment to visit these regions. With a little luck and patience, visitors are able to observe deer, ibex, chamois, marmots and golden eagles.
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