In The National Parks of Harz Moutains (8/12)

In The National Parks of Harz Moutains (8/12)

The national parks in the Harz Mountains extend over one of the most interesting low-mountain landscapes in Europe, with a great diversity of forests, with moors, lakes and the boulder-strewn slopes typical of this region. Quite unique is the subalpine vegetation of the 1,141 metre-high Mount Brocken. The harsh climate determines the state of fauna and flora on the bare peak where no trees grow. En route we encounter many rare animals such as the water ouzel, the spotted salamander, the black stork, the woodpecker and the pygmy owl. The wildcat, a smaller relative of the lynx, has found here one of its last retreats in Germany. Mount Brocken, swathed in mist for the greater part of the year, has become the scene and subject of numerous myths and legends. Tourism already began to flourish here in the second half of the 19th century.