WeltWald Harz, Botanical garden and arboretum in Bad Grund, Germany

WeltWald Harz covers about 100 hectares between 305 and 448 metres above sea level northwest of Bad Grund, planted since 1975 with 285 tree and 238 shrub species, some 113,000 woody plants in all. The stands are grouped by climatic region rather than as single-species blocks, and a narrow wooden-plank suspension bridge with dark metal ropes crosses a wooded slope on the grounds.

The garden was founded in 1971 by the Lower Saxon Forestry Commission to show how different tree species from other parts of the world grow in the Harz region. In the early years, thousands of trees were planted to demonstrate forest diversity.

The site teaches visitors about forestry practices and how plants from distant regions thrive in the local conditions of the Harz mountains. You see information signs throughout explaining which trees come from where and how they have adapted to the climate.

You can reach the grounds from parking areas at several entrances, and signs throughout show you which direction leads to different plant sections. The paths are well marked, making it easy to find your way even without a map.

Researchers regularly measure tree heights here and document seasonal changes to understand how non-native species adapt to the Harz climate. These measurements help experts learn more about forest resilience under changing conditions.