Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Upper Palatinate Forest Nature Park (Naturpark Oberpfälzer Wald) covers an extensive area along the border between Germany and the Czech Republic, in the eastern part of Bavaria. The park spans approximately 1,080 square kilometers and features a landscape characterized by gently hilly terrain, large mixed forests dominated by spruce, fir, and beech, pristine streams, and moorlands. The park follows the mountain range of the Upper Palatinate Forest (Oberpfälzer Wald), a part of the Bohemian Massif. Its diverse ecosystem supports a variety of wildlife including lynx, red deer, wild boar, and many bird species, attracting nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers alike. Historically, this area was a border region with former iron ore mining and glassmaking industries which have left cultural traces. Today, the nature park serves as a haven for outdoor recreation with a well-developed network of hiking and cycling trails interconnecting picturesque villages and natural landmarks like the Velká Javořina hill and the scenic Waldnaab River. Visitors can explore quiet forest paths, cross-country skiing routes in winter, and enjoy traditional Bavarian hospitality in the surrounding communities. The park also focuses on nature protection, environmental education, and sustainable tourism, making it favorable for families, adventure seekers, and those interested in cultural heritage combined with natural beauty.
