Östliche Chiemgauer Alpen, nature reserve in Bavaria, Germany
The Östliche Chiemgauer Alpen is a large protected area covering about 12,700 hectares in the Bavarian Alps, accessible from Ruhpolding, Reit im Winkl, Inzell and Schneizlreuth. The landscape combines forested slopes, open alpine meadows, mountain lakes, high-altitude bogs and rocky peaks into a varied mountain terrain.
The area was officially protected in 1955 and has preserved its natural habitats since then. Before this, farmers and herders used the land for livestock and mountain agriculture before conservation became the priority.
The region takes its name from the Chiemgauer Alps, a mountain range in the northern Alps. For local people, this area has long been an important part of their landscape and connection to the mountains.
The area suits hiking, bird watching and simple nature exploration from the surrounding towns. Stay on marked trails, pack out all litter and be prepared for the quiet and remoteness of this mountain landscape.
The reserve is home to rare birds including golden eagles and peregrine falcons soaring over rocky peaks, along with protected species like capercaillie and goshawks. Many of these birds also use the area as a stopping point during their seasonal migrations between north and south.
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