Hainich National Park

Hainich National Park is a sprawling forest reserve in Thuringia covered by old beech trees that have grown here for centuries. The woodland interior contains numerous trails and a system of elevated walkways that let visitors move through the canopy at different levels.

The park was established in 1997, converting former military training land into one of Germany's major nature reserves. This transformation came after the Cold War when the land became available for conservation.

The name originates from a Slavic word meaning sacred place, and visitors today can see how this forest draws people seeking connection with nature. Local communities use the trails and programs to maintain their relationship with the woodland and share it with others.

The park is best explored on foot or by bicycle, with trails and platforms guiding visitors through different areas. Wear sturdy shoes and move at a leisurely pace since the terrain can be uneven and the forest rewards slow, careful exploration.

The forest contains over 1,600 fungal species, many of them rare and found in such variety nowhere else nearby. These fungi are essential to the forest ecosystem and often go unnoticed beneath the forest floor and around the ancient trees.

Location: Unstrut-Hainich

Location: Schönstedt

Location: Bad Langensalza

Location: Kammerforst

Location: Mihla

Location: Lauterbach

Location: Bischofroda

Location: Berka vor dem Hainich

Location: Hörselberg-Hainich

Inception: December 31, 1997

Part of: Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe

Website: http://nationalpark-hainich.de

GPS coordinates: 51.09670,10.39080

Latest update: December 20, 2025 12:03