Schorfheide-Chorin Biosphere Reserve, Biosphere reserve in Brandenburg, Germany
The Schorfheide-Chorin Biosphere Reserve is a large nature protection area in Brandenburg with beech forests, pine forests, clear lakes, wetlands, and rolling hills spanning about 129,000 hectares between the Havel and Oder rivers. The territory offers a rich mix of woodland and water landscapes with open areas marked by steppe plants.
The area received UNESCO status as a biosphere reserve in 1990 as part of East Germany's National Park Program. The Grumsin beech forest was additionally recognized as World Natural Heritage in 2011 and now belongs to a global collection of ancient European beech forests.
The Chorin Monastery from the 13th century with its brick architecture shapes the cultural identity of this region and shows how people have lived and worked here for centuries. The surrounding landscape remains intertwined with this heritage and is maintained by local communities as part of their identity.
The area divides into four protection zones, with the first prohibiting economic activities while others allow sustainable use. Visitors will find various paths and lake access here, but should follow protection rules and stay in designated areas.
The Grumsin beech forest within the reserve is part of a worldwide network of over 40 beech forests and shows how ancient European forests are protected together. This special connection makes the site a learning place for international nature conservation.
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