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An imposing mountain landscape

Majestic peaks, picturesque valleys – and a habitat for thousands of animal and plant species. We introduce you to the diversity of the German Alps.  

Clara KrugClara Krug , 10.01.2024
A popular travel destination: the German Alps
A popular travel destination: the German Alps © picture alliance / imageBROKER

Around one million people visit the Alps in the south of Germany every year. The mountain range stretches across several European countries. It is a region that is very popular with tourists from all over the world due to the wide range of leisure activities that can be pursued there, such as hiking, mountain biking, skiing and rafting.  

The Alps are one of the largest contiguous natural areas in Europe, providing a habitat for 40,000 plant and animal species. The water from the Alpine springs and glaciers feeds numerous streams and rivers, which is why the Alps are highly important in terms of Europe’s supply of water. But climate change is putting the biodiversity of the animal and plant world at risk. Germany has been committed to climate action and environmental protection in the region for many decades, also in connection with the Alpine Convention together with the European Union, Switzerland, France, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Italy, Austria and Slovenia. 

Discover some of the most attractive destinations in the German Alps: 

On the summit: at 2,962 metres, the Zugspitze is the highest mountain in Germany.
On the summit: at 2,962 metres, the Zugspitze is the highest mountain in Germany. © picture alliance / imageBROKER
The wild outdoors: nature conservation is the top priority in Berchtesgaden National Park. At 2,713 metres, the Watzmann is the highest mountain in the national park.
The wild outdoors: nature conservation is the top priority in Berchtesgaden National Park. At 2,713 metres, the Watzmann is the highest mountain in the national park. © picture alliance / imageBROKER
Rugged rocks: the Partnach Gorge in the Bavarian Alps is one of the deepest gorges in Germany. Some 700 metres long, it stretches along the Partnach river, which rushes through the impressive rock faces of the gorge.
Rugged rocks: the Partnach Gorge in the Bavarian Alps is one of the deepest gorges in Germany. Some 700 metres long, it stretches along the Partnach river, which rushes through the impressive rock faces of the gorge. © picture alliance / imageBROKER
Fairytale setting: the world-famous Neuschwanstein Castle is situated in Schwangau at the edge of the Alps.
Fairytale setting: the world-famous Neuschwanstein Castle is situated in Schwangau at the edge of the Alps. © picture alliance / imageBROKER
Crystal-clear lake, picturesque church: adorned with red onion domes and domed roofs, St. Bartholomew’s pilgrimage church is situated by Lake Königsee.
Crystal-clear lake, picturesque church: adorned with red onion domes and domed roofs, St. Bartholomew’s pilgrimage church is situated by Lake Königsee. © picture alliance / Shotshop
Idyllic Alpine town: Oberstdorf is a well-known centre for winter sports. Its facilities include 130 kilometres of downhill Alpine ski runs. The town is also home to the Schattenberg ski jump where the opening of the international Four Hills Tournament is held every year.
Idyllic Alpine town: Oberstdorf is a well-known centre for winter sports. Its facilities include 130 kilometres of downhill Alpine ski runs. The town is also home to the Schattenberg ski jump where the opening of the international Four Hills Tournament is held every year. © picture alliance/dpa

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