Preparation of the National Park Plan - Nationalpark Bayerischer Wald

Nationalparkverwaltung 

Bayerischer Wald 

National Park Plan 

MAIN VOLUME 

Concept and Objectives 

www.nationalpark-bayerischer-wald.de

Concept and Objectives

2 NATIONAL PARK PLAN 2010 

Dr. Marcel Huber MdL 

Staatsminister 

Melanie Huml MdL 

Staatssekretärin 

There is hardly another country in Central Europe with 

such a variety of species and habitats as can be found in Bavaria. 

Alongside social security, unspoilt nature and a healthy 

environment play an increasingly important role for its people. 

Bavarian environment policy sets high standards in its pursuit 

of an intact environment, nature and landscape conservation as 

well as the sustainable use of resources. Protected areas, and in 

particular the national parks in Bavaria, play a significant role in 

this regard. 

"Let nature be nature" is the objective of the Bavarian Forest 

National Park, and in fact, there is nowhere else between the 

Atlantic and the Urals where such a large area of forests, bogs, 

mountain streams and lakes is allowed to develop according to 

its very own laws, into a unique wild forest landscape. Founded 

on 7 th October 1970 as the first national park in Germany it 

was extended on 1st August 1997, and now covers an area of 

24,250 hectares. Together with its immediate neighbour, the 

Šumava National Park in the Czech Republic, the Bavarian 

Forest National Park comprises the largest continuous area of 

forest in Central Europe. 

Protection is afforded above all to the spruce rich high 

forests, the mixed mountain forests of beech, fir and spruce as 

well as the bogs and meadow spruce forests in the hollows and 

valleys. Particularly valuable are the remnants of primeval 

forests at the foot of the Rachel and the Falkenstein, as well as 

the Schachten, former cattle grazing grounds which with their 

striking individual trees, remain witness to earlier human usage. 

Evidence of the high importance attributed internationally to 

the Bavarian Forest National Park includes its official recognition 

by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of 

Nature) and the award of the European Diploma by the 

Council of Europe. 

With around 760,000 visitors annually, the Bavarian Forest 

National Park, with its extensive network of hiking trails, 

numerous information facilities and wide range of environmental 

education courses, is also an important economic factor 

in the region. A study by the University of Würzburg has 

shown that the annual value generated by the national park is 

around €28 million. 

Based on the national park decree, the national park plan 

presented in this document sets out the medium term objectives 

and measures for the development of the Bavarian Forest 

National Park. It provides the national park administration 

with guidelines for its day to day work and other organisations 

and institutions involved with the national park as well as 

interested citizens with important information. 

Through coordination with the Bavarian State Ministry for 

Food, Agriculture and Forests, the Bavarian State Ministry for 

Economy, Infrastructure, Transport and Technology, the Local 

Government National Park Committee and the National Park 

Advisory Board, the National Park Plan has been placed on 

a firm footing. We are convinced that it will make a significant 

contribution to furthering the development of the national park 

in the spirit of nature protection to the benefit of local people 

and visitors.

Content 

CONCEPT AND OBJECTIVES 3 

Introduction 4 

Concept of the Bavarian Forest National Park 8 

Objectives for the Development 

of the Bavarian Forest National Park 10 

1. Nature Protection 11 

2. Education, Information and Public Relations 14 

3. Research 18 

4. Recreation 20 

5. Integration of the National Park in the Region 24 

The Rachel Lake – the only natural 

glacial lake in the National Park 

(Photo: Hans Kiener)


Introduction 

Transformed by a competitor – a beech seedling on rotten wood. 

(Photo: Karl Friedrich Sinner) 

The purpose of national parks across the world is the 

preservation of unspoilt landscapes as national natural heritage 

for future generations. Nature in national parks should be 

allowed to develop according to its own laws and without 

human interference. National parks offer visitors the 

opportunity to experience nature (wilderness) largely 

uninfluenced by man and to get to know nature and how it 

works. 

National parks originated in North America, where the 

Yellowstone National Park was founded in 1872. Nearly 100 

years later in 1970, the Bavarian Forest National Park became 

the first national park to be founded in Germany. Since then, 

the number of national parks in Germany has risen to 14. 

A national park does not exist in isolation, but is an integral 

part of the region where it is located. There are numerous 

ecological and socio-economic interactions between the 

protected area and its surroundings. Within the statutory 

objectives of national parks there are competing aims. One of 

the functions of a national park plan is to set out priorities in 

the management objectives of the national park and to lay down 

medium term measures as a basis for an annual action plan. In 

this way, the gradual development of a landscape hitherto used 

by man into a natural landscape can be followed in a targeted 

way. National park plans are essential particularly in Central 

Europe, where because of the centuries-long human use, the 

current population density and the multiplicity of interests and 

land usage requirements, make them the only way to ensure the 

development and continued existence of internationally 

recognised national parks. 

The current National Park Plan was prepared and compiled 

on the basis of the Bavarian Forest National Park ordinance of 

22 nd July 1997 (NP-VO), amended on 17 th September 2007, by 

the National Park Administration in conjunction with the Local 

Government National Park Committee. 

After review by the advisory board, the National Park Plan 

was approved by the Bavarian State Ministry for Environment 

and Health and came into force on the 22 nd December 2011. 

The approval was effected in agreement with the State 

Ministry for Food, Agriculture and Forestry as well as 

Economy, Transport and Technology.

Preparation of the National Park Plan 

(Stages of Development) 

National Park Administration 

Preparation 

Local Government National Park Committee 

Assistance 

National Park Advisory Board 

Review 

Ministries for Economic Affairs & Agriculture 

Ministry for Environment 

and Public Health 

Action, Agreement 

A pine marten – a furtive resident of the mountain forest 

(Photo: Karol Kaliský) 

Approval, Implementation 

CONCEPT AND OBJECTIVES 5


The prime function of the national park plan is to set out, 

in the medium term, the objectives and measures for the 

national park which arise from the purpose and tasks set out in 

the national park regulation. In addition, the national park plan 

sets out the network of paths to be maintained, the forest 

conservation and forest stewardship measures, as well as the 

development of zoning. 

The national park plan has initially been prepared for a 

planning period of 10 years. The detailed planning will be 

continued as necessary. 

Annexes 

The national park administration, in conjunction with the 

local government national park committee, uses the national 

park plan as the basis for planning the individual measures and 

programmes within the operating plans. Supervisory control is 

exercised by the Bavarian State Ministry for Environment and 

Public Health. The publication of the national park plan is 

intended to inform the various departments and institutions 

concerned with the park of the objectives, tasks and legal basis 

as well as the current plans and measures. 

The national park plan is divided into a section on 

Objectives (Concept and Objectives) and Annexes (Sectoral 

and Detailed Plans): 

Structure of the National Park Plan

County of Regen 

The terms ‘Altpark’ (original park) and ‘Erweiterungsgebiet’ 

(park extension) are no longer used in the national park plan. 

After more than 10 years since the extension of the original 

national park (‘Altpark’) in 1997 to include the areas of 

Klingenbrunn Forest and that of the former Zwiesel Forestry 

Office, with various areas bought in addition (‘Erweiterungsgebiet’), 

the terms are now out of date. 

Instead, the terms Falkenstein-Rachel-Area (Regen District 

Council) and Rachel-Lusen-Area (Freyung-Grafenau District 

Council) are used throughout. The border between the two areas 

is determined by the district council borders. This new division 

has resulted in some slight changes to the existing border: 

• The so-called Klingenbrunn Forest, which was within the 

extended area, now belongs to the Rachel-Lusen-Area which 

otherwise consists of the original National Park area of 1970 

County of Freyung-Grafenau 


National Park towns and villages 

Falkenstein-Rachel-Area 

Rachel-Lusen-Area 

National Park Border 

(the ‘original park area’). This is actually not a contradiction as 

the new nature zones had already been established here so 

that this area was already comparable with the original 

national park area with regard to zoning and management. 

• The Rachel Forest area on the north side of the Rachel 

Mountain now belongs to the ‘Falkenstein-Rachel-Area’. This 

area in the District of Regen has been part of the National 

Park since 1971. Otherwise, the ‘Falkenstein-Rachel-Area 

covers the areas of the former Zwiesel Forestry Office with 

various areas bought in addition, which used to be known as 

the ‘Erweiterungsgebiet’. 

As a result of these reforms, there are also changes in the 

area and zoning proportions. In addition, this new 

nomenclature does not mean any changes in respect of status 

and management of the areas.


Concept of the Bavarian Forest National Park 

The Bavarian Forest National Park is responsible for protecting a typical Central European, mainly 

forested, low mountain range with its natural and semi-natural ecosystems as national natural 

heritage for present and future generations, in accordance with the Bavarian Law on Nature 

Protection and the National Park ordinance. The work of natural environmental forces and the 

undisturbed dynamic of ecosystems are thereby ensured above all. The forests of the national park will 

therefore revert in the long term without human interference to natural forests. Events of nature such 

as wind and snow damage, together with insect and fungus infestations, are important factors in the 

natural development of the forest. 

Storm damage and insects determine the evolution of the mountain forest as ‘ecosystem engineers’ (Photo: Reinhold Weinberger)

The Three-toed Woodpecker benefits in the short term from the increase in insects after a bark beetle attack 

and can be easily seen at ‘work’ (Photo left: Rainer Simonis, Photo right: Maria Hußlein) 

In the border areas of the national park it is ensured that the 

natural forest development will not have any negative effects on 

the neighbouring areas. 

There is no commercial use of natural resources within the 

national park. Existing usage which is not compatible with the 

protective purpose of the national park should cease as soon as 

possible – provided there are no overwhelming reasons of 

public good for allowing it to continue. Transitional periods are 

necessary for cultural and socio-economic reasons. 

As well as protecting natural processes the national park is 

also responsible for protection of species and habitats. The 

natural local animal and plant world should be retained and 

reintroduction made possible. Habitats surrounded by forest, 

such as bogs, areas of rock and water need to be protected or 

restored. 

Areas and monuments of cultural and historical importance 

are to be preserved in their typical appearance. 


The Bavarian Forest National Park is open for people to 

experience wilderness and for sustainable educational and 

leisure activities. This allows the objectives of the national park 

and the ecological relationships of natural processes to be 

communicated to the general public. As an institution for 

environmental education, it promotes the understanding of 

nature and environmental protection. Educational and 

recreational facilities also contribute to the guiding of visitors. 

The findings of scientific studies and research on natural 

processes in forest ecosystems not touched by man also 

contributes to nature conservation, natural history education 

and natural forestry beyond the park boundaries. 

The national park shapes the appearance and character of 

the region. As flagship for environmentally and culturally 

friendly tourism it strengthens the economic infrastructure. The 

national park is interconnected with its surroundings either side 

of its borders, from ecological, economic, political and cultural 

points of view. The interests of the local population are taken 

into account by the national park in its planning and actions. 

This is intended to encourage the integration and acceptance of 

the national park in the region.


Objectives for the Development 

of the Bavarian Forest National Park 

The national park is managed and developed in such a way as to give priority to the requirements of 

nature conservation. At the same time, it is to promote environmental education, scientific knowledge 

and the experience of nature within the framework of nature protection. The national park should 

also contribute to the structural development of the region. 

In the following sections, the objectives within the individual areas of work are set out and expanded 

upon in order of importance. Where conflicts arise between competing objectives of equal value in the 

areas of work, these can only be resolved on a case by case basis. 

The gradual opening of the leaves means that not all trees are damaged by late frosts (Photo: Sven Zellner)

1. Nature Protection 

1.1. Preservation of a typical central European, 

mainly forested, low mountain range landscape 

National parks are, according to nature protection laws, the 

most effective way of protecting large areas of natural or nearnatural 

landscape. In the densely populated landscapes of 

central Europe, heavily influenced by human use, unspoilt and 

unfragmented areas of nature have become rare. The forested 

area of the inner Bavarian Forest along the Bavarian-Czech 

border is one of the few landscapes which can still be regarded 

as near-natural. This was also the reason for creating the first 

German national park in the Bavarian Forest in 1970 and 

extending it in 1997. The prime objective of the Bavarian Forest 

National Park is therefore to preserve this characteristic low 

mountain range landscape, with its natural and near-natural 

ecosystems, as a representative part of the nation’s natural 

heritage and to retain its essential character. 


The Honey Buzzard - a rare bird 

of prey in this area - hunts its prey 

on the ground 

(Photo: Rainer Simonis) 

1.2. Protection of the natural forest development, 

undisturbed by people 

According to the national regulations (Federal Law on 

Protection of Nature, Bavarian Law on Protection of Nature, 

National Park Ordinance) and international requirements 

(Habitats Directive, Birds Directive, IUCN Guidelines) the 

first priority of the Bavarian Forest National Park should be to 

protect the natural dynamic of the ecosystems (protection of 

natural processes). This means that, in the long term, at least 

three quarters of the forested area should be allowed to develop 

without human interference. Only in the border area of the 

national park will there be intervention in the natural 

development for the protection of forests bordering the park 

and also in the visitor attractions such as the animal enclosures. 

If forest regeneration in the high altitude areas is patchy or 

delayed, support should be given to the development of 

appropriate natural vegetation. In the Falkenstein-Rachel area, 

natural forest development is being carried out on 75% of the 

area during a transition period lasting until 2027.


1.3. Conservation and reintroduction of native animal 

and plant species 

The large near-natural habitats in the national park are of 

national and international importance for species protection. 

The national park places particular emphasis on the 

preservation and reintroduction of the natural biological 

diversity. This happens to a great extent through the natural 

development of the ecosystem. 

In the course of history, settlement and use of the Bavarian 

Forest have permanently changed the animal and plant world. 

For example, hoofed game animals currently have to be 

managed because of the lack of natural predators and disruptive 

environmental factors, (see Appendix ‘Schalenwildmanagement’). 

Other species were deliberately eliminated or are now 

under serious threat because of changes to their habitats and 

other disturbances. In these cases, supportive measures are 

required, in order to prevent a stark reduction in numbers or 

even complete disappearance from the region (see Appendix ‚ 

Arten- und Biotopschutz ). The designation of peaceful zones 

(core areas with no access) supports these species protection 

measures. 

The Höllbachgespreng and waterfall 

in the Falkenstein area have been 

a protected nature area since 1941 

(Photo: Hans Kiener) 

1.4. Preservation and Reestablishment of Natural, 

Unforested Habitats 

From a nature protection point of view, unforested habitats 

such as moors and areas of rock and water represent 

a significant enrichment of the diversity of habitats. An 

undisturbed development of these naturally tree-free areas is 

also an objective. However for reasons of species and habitat 

protection, especially where there has been human interference, 

positive measures can be necessary (see Appendix ‘Renaturierung 

/ Renaturalization’). 

Disruptive influences by visitors, in particular, need to be 

avoided in these sensitive habitats. The direction of visitors 

should achieve the minimum of damage.

The Knotenbachklause near Altschönau – a timber rafting cultural 

heritage site (Photo: Hans Kiener) 

1.5. Socially responsible phasing out of existing uses that 

are in conflict with national park objectives 

A natural ecosystem development can only be guaranteed 

if existing uses that are in conflict with the national park 

objectives are phased out. Because of socio-economic 

requirements this happens within a socially responsible 

transition period. When the existing uses end, the 

infrastructure connected with them can also be removed. This 

does not affect special rights and measures permitted when the 

national park law came into force, such as water usage. (see 

Appendix ‘Nutzungen und Gestattungen’). 

1.6. Preservation of valuable cultural landscapes and 

monuments 

Pastures, sites of former glassworks, logging dams and 

canals as well as to some extent also former forest workers’ huts 

and logging tracks are evidence of the cultural and historical 

development of the region. Such valuable objects are therefore 

to be preserved for the education of future generations. 

Furthermore, the grazing areas enrich the diversity of habitats 

within the forest ecosystem. They are therefore to be preserved 

in their present extent. 

Monitoring of nature protection regulations and providing 

information to visitors are major tasks of the 

National Park Administration (Photo: Chris Gat) 


1.7. Consolidation of the national park area with areas 

valuable for nature protection 

The process of developing the national park includes 

consolidating additional areas valuable for nature protection 

through acquisition which significantly contribute to the legal 

duty of the national park for nature protection. Priority is given 

to areas within the stipulated external borders of the national 

park, which have stood in the way of renaturation measures so 

far, which are in protected areas that existed prior to the 

foundation of the national park (e.g. Klosterfilz), which 

contribute to reducing the border area of the national park 

and/or are valuable for species and habitat protection. 

1.8. Guaranteeing the observation of protection 

regulations in the national park 

The Bavarian Forest National Park can only fulfil its 

objective of protection if the observation of protection 

regulations can be guaranteed. Primarily responsible for 

monitoring the protection regulations is the National Park 

Ranger Service. Their presence at places where there are many 

visitors and in areas sensitive to disturbance counters damaging 

behaviour. Explaining, informing and advising visitors are the 

main elements of their work.


2. Environmental Education, Information 

and Public Relations 

2.1. Communication of the purpose and objectives of 

national parks, in particular the Bavarian Forest 

National Park 

The most important task of the work in environmental 

education, information and public relations is to communicate 

the purpose of the national park – the protection of natural 

processes (see Appendix „Bildungs-, Informations- und 

Öffentlichkeitsarbeit“). Every visitor who takes part in 

a National Park educational activity should gain an understanding 

of the basic concept of nature conservation in the 

national park, of protecting nature for its own sake. Interest in 

and understanding of the workings of undisturbed nature in its 

various forms should be nurtured in and made accessible to 

visitors. The national park visitor should grapple with the 

relevant themes as actively as possible. 

A particular focus of the work in education, information 

and public relations is to inform visitors about the particular 

natural processes of forest development and regeneration within 

the Bavarian Forest National Park. In addition, the necessary 

commands and prohibitions should also be explained and the 

reason and necessity for them made clear, thereby increasing the 

acceptance of the whole national park. Results of current 

research should also inform the educational work. 

The wide variety of educational options should appeal to 

the largest possible range of people and should be designed as 

far as possible according to technique (e.g. guided tours, 

lectures, exhibitions, media) and facilities (e.g. information 

points, educational trails) for specific target groups (e.g. local 

people, tourists, children). 

Snow shoe walks – an increasingly popular way of experiencing the forest wilderness of the National Park in winter (Photo: Maria Hußlein)

2.2. Environmentally friendly accessibility of the 

national park for educational purposes 

In accordance with the national park regulations, the 

Bavarian Forest National Park should be made accessible to the 

public for educational and recreational purposes. Natural 

history education and nature-based recreation are connected in 

that the recreational facilities always fulfil an educational role 

and vice versa. 

Educational and other information is communicated in the 

open air as well as in special visitor and information facilities 

(see Appendix „Bildungs- und Erholungseinrichtungen”). The 

information facilities in the area include a network of marked 

paths and nature trails as well as guided tours organised by the 

national park administration. The main educational centres of 

the Bavarian Forest National Park are the Lusen National Park 

Centre (Hans-Eisenmann-Haus with tree top walk, animal 

enclosures, plant and rock displays), the Falkenstein National 

Park Centre (Haus zur Wildnis with animal enclosures and 

Stone Age cave), the Jugendwaldheim (forest youth house), the 

Wilderness Camp at the Mount Falkenstein as well as the forest 

playground. These information and educational centres were 

built on the edge of the national park and serve environmental 

education as well as visitor management purposes. 

The national park administration’s educational programme 

also includes facilities close to the national park such as the 

Forest History Museum in St. Oswald and the national park 

information points in Bayerisch Eisenstein, Zwiesel, Frauenau, 

Mauth and Spiegelau. 


2.3. Promotion of general environmental education 

The educational work of the Bavarian Forest National Park 

is not just confined to the aims and objectives of national parks; 

it should also encourage a general understanding of nature and 

environmental protection, as well as stimulate action. The 

educational work of the national park with its fascinating 

natural environment provides a unique natural experience. It 

provides an active experience of nature and raises the question 

of whether this experience can be transferred to other areas of 

life; it’s not just about nature but also about people’s personal 

development. 

Increasingly, elements of education for sustainable 

development are being implemented. Education for sustainable 

development is not a subject but a process. It goes further than 

ecological questions and covers also economic and social issues. 

In relation to education for sustainable development and in 

keeping with its model role, the national park tries to direct its 

activities and facilities to provide a model for excellent 

environmental management, with the objective of achieving 

EMAS certification. 

The Bavarian Forest National Park as part of a worldwide 

network of protected areas also has the opportunity to apply 

elements of global knowledge. 

In the Bavarian Forest National Park, methods from the 

experience oriented communication of knowledge have been 

developed and put into practice under the motto of “Experience 

the Forest – Understand Nature”. These have since been taken 

up by many other educational establishments. Our role as 

a pioneer in environmental education should be maintained and 

further developed. 

Emphasis in the environmental education programme is on 

youth work. An objective is also to work closely together with 

the Bavarian Forest Nature Park.


The detail of a clump of moss and the delicate beauty of its 

features can only be truly appreciated through the lens 

of a magnifying glass (Photo: Thomas Stephan) 

2.4. Promoting integration and acceptance of the 

national park amongst the local population 

The nature protection objective of national parks („Let 

nature be nature“) is in conflict with the thinking which has 

dominated in Germany since the beginning of nature protection 

in the 19th century, which takes a very static view of the 

preservation of certain situations (e.g. the appearance of some 

agricultural landscapes). As this idea is almost totally based on 

cultural heritage (on what is “man made”) it is extremely 

difficult to get local agreement on protection areas where nature 

should be allowed to develop according to its own laws. 

In the Bavarian Forest National Park, the national park 

objective mostly requires the rejection of active or guiding 

measures, whilst allowing forests to develop, grow and die 

naturally. For the local population, their image of the forest is 

still strongly influenced by the farming of the forest. The fact 

that the forests of the national park are now governed by a quite 

different objective and the dying of individual trees or even 

whole areas of old trees is regarded as a natural development, 

At exhibitions and other national events, the Bavarian Forest 

and Šumava National Park regions use the joint brand ‘tierisch wild’ 

(untamed wilderness) (Photo: Britta Baums) 

makes acceptance of the national park by sections of the local 

population very problematic. The national park administration 

takes the concerns, fears and requirements of the local 

population seriously. Without a degree of consensus amongst 

the local population in favour of their nature protection 

objectives, national parks cannot survive in the long term. 

The most important function of public relations work is that 

the employees of the national park administration communicate 

the importance and objectives of the national park to the local 

population. Each one is expected to contribute to enhancing the 

image of the national park. 

In addition, the acceptance and integration of the national 

park should be promoted through work with existing local 

organisations and educational institutions (especially with the 

nature park) as well as through greater openness and 

involvement of the local population in decisions on the future 

development of the national park. The local government 

national park committee and the national park advisory board 

also play an important role in this process.

2.5. Informing the population of the activities and plans 

of the national park administration 

Central to the public relations work is reporting on plans, 

developments and current operations in the national park as 

well as the activities of the national park administration. The 

public relations work should contribute to the realisation of the 

objectives of the national park as well as enhance understanding 

of the work of the national park administration. Successful 

external public relations work also requires appropriate 

communication of information internally. As all employees in 

contact with the population carry out public relations work, 

it is essential that all staff receive the necessary information and 

pass it on. 

The local government national park committee and the 

national park advisory board also play an important role here. 


2.6. Portrayal of the national park and the work of the 

national park administration in the media 

Public relations work in and for the national park is 

interpreted in the widest sense. This includes on the one hand 

working with media such as newspapers, magazines, radio and 

TV and on the other hand individual events such as 

anniversaries, open days, presentations of the national park at 

exhibitions or local festivals. Drawing on the background of the 

national park idea and its special aims and role in nature 

conservation, the priority of the national park’s public relations 

work is to present the work of the national park administration, 

as well as the natural evolution in the national park, to the 

widest possible audience. Public relations work in the future 

should be as active as possible, in order to strengthen positive 

representation and reporting in the media. 

Guided tours and other events give guests a wide range of opportunities to experience wilderness (Photo: Maria Hußlein)


3. Research 

3.1. Formulation of the scientific principles for the 

implementation of national park objectives 

In order to realise long term planning objectives and 

optimum efficiency of the national park administration, it is 

necessary to undertake a careful appraisal of the animate and 

inanimate natural environment of the national park (inventory). 

The research into this basic information should provide results 

on the landscape, natural and cultural history of the area, the 

settlements and infrastructure, the former and existing uses as 

well as the current research situation. 

When carrying out research in the national park, it is 

important to take care that the research methods applied have 

as little impact as possible on the natural development of the 

ecosystem. Observational research should normally take priority 

over experimental research methods in the area being studied. 

3.2. Monitoring the efficiency of the management of the 

national park 

It is of fundamental importance for effective management of 

the national park that the effectiveness of measures to achieve 

objectives is monitored continuously. The optimisation of these 

measures requires continuous use of scientific observation and 

research. The results of the research work should serve to 

formulate scientific recommendations for further support and 

improved implementation of measures for nature protection. 

This research work also needs to take account of the 

surrounding area as there is considerable interaction between 

the development of the national park and its surroundings. 

3.3. Research and documentation of the development of 

the forest ecosystems without human influence 

The main emphasis of scientific observation in the Bavarian 

Forest National Park is the research and documentation of the 

development of the forest ecosystems in predominantly natural 

ways, uninfluenced by man. The development of the forest, the 

ecosystems and the range of species should be documented by 

long term monitoring of representative sectors (long term 

observation areas, inventories). Special questions are dealt with 

in supplementary project research. In the interests of 

effectiveness these can also be awarded to third parties (e.g. 

universities, scientific institutes). As a result of the death of 

large areas of old mountain spruce, research into natural forest 

succession in the areas of higher altitude is particularly 

important. 

3.4. Recording of human influences and their impact on 

the ecosystems 

Worldwide there are no natural landscapes left which are 

completely unaffected by humankind. In comparison with 

commercial forests, the forests in the national park can develop 

without any direct human exploitation. Thus the forests of the 

national park can be drawn on as zero areas for the recording of 

man-made influences and their impact on the ecosystems for 

purposes of comparative research. 

Research proposals of the national park in the area of pure 

research and environmental monitoring (e.g. ECE - „Integrated 

Monitoring“ in the trout stream area) should be included in 

national and international research projects.

3.5. Recording of socio-economic and socio-ecological 

interrelationships 

Research in the Bavarian Forest National Park should also 

identify the interrelationship between the national park, the 

surrounding area, national park visitors and the population of 

the region. Important aspects are, on the one hand, the 

socioeconomic effects, i.e. the significance of the national park 

for the economic development of the region. On the other 

hand, the socio-ecological effects for the implementation of 

nature protection objectives are vital, that is, the extent to which 

the natural processes in the national park are impacted by 

visitors and recreational users of the national park and by 

developments in the surrounding areas. 

3.6. Exploitation and processing of research results for 

nature protection, science and forestry practices as 

well as environmental education and public relations 

The scientific studies in the national park enable insights 

into pristine ecosystems as well as for cultivated areas outside 

the national park to be derived and especially the recognition of 

the correlations between man and nature. Knowledge of natural 

processes in forests not used by people is particularly valuable 

for nature protection, science and nature-oriented forestry. The 

research results should be made available to the towns and 


Systems for automatic measurement of meteorological and olfactory data (Photo: Heiner Rall) 

villages close to the national park and also the members of the 

national park advisory board. In addition, the research should 

underpin the educational and public relations work of the 

national park. The research results should be formatted in such 

a way that they can be available at short notice and generally be 

easy to understand. The methods and opportunities of data 

processing (databases, geographical information systems, 

networks etc.) should be used in the documentation of research 

results. 

3.7. Interpretation and overview of research results 

important for the national park 

The national park administration can only carry out its 

functions as far as nature protection, education and public 

relations are concerned if the necessary information and findings 

converge at their offices. It is incumbent upon the administration 

that they have a complete overview. The basis for completion of 

the various research tasks is a research concept (see Appendix 

“Forschung”). This is essential for setting the priorities for the 

research plan, the coordination of the work (potentially by third 

parties) and for excluding research proposals which compromise 

the purpose of protection or lie outside the national park’s 

specific areas of interest. It is also important, that research 

results from outside the national park are tied in with the 

research work of the national park and discussed.


4. Recreation 

4.1. Opening of the national park to environmentally 

sustainable forms of recreation and nature 

experience 

According to current legal rules as well as the IUCN 

guidelines, national parks are responsible for education and 

recreational objectives as well as nature protection. As these are 

in essence conflicting objectives, the national park ordinance 

stipulates that the establishment of the national park is for 

recreational activities which protect nature and that these 

activities may not adversely affect the protective purpose of the 

national park. The compatibility of recreational activities with 

nature will be measured primarily against effects on the 

ecosystem, in particular the animal and plant world. 

A perfectly structured network of paths makes a significant 

contribution to environmentally sustainable recreation in the 

national park. Visitors to the park are brought to the special 

features and wild forest on well marked paths. The number and 

condition of the paths as well as the signposting have to reflect 

the protective purpose of the national park. Areas of the 

national park which are particularly sensitive cannot be 

included. The path network for the various recreational 

activities can be found in the Appendix “Wegeplan”. 

The mountain summits of the National Park – this is on the Lusen – are amongst the most popular destinations (Photo: Alice Alteneder)

4.2. Creating opportunities for experiencing unspoilt 

nature (“Wilderness”) 

As there are hardly any areas in central Europe with 

unspoilt nature, the image of nature is strongly influenced by 

the picture of cultural landscapes. The aim of the Bavarian 

Forest National Park is therefore to create opportunities to 

experience unspoilt nature (“wilderness”). As the alienation 

from nature takes hold in the large conurbations and industrial 

centres, so the need for untouched nature grows. With 

resources such as the “Seelensteig” nature trail or programmes 

such as the “nature experience days” the Bavarian Forest 

National Park helps to meet this need. 


4.3. Construction and further development of modern 

visitor facilities for environmental education and 

recreational activities 

As well as an attractive network of paths, special visitor and 

other facilities increase considerably the attractiveness of the 

national park. The most important visitor facilities in the 

Bavarian Forest National Park are the National Park Centres 

Lusen (Hans-Eisenmann-Haus with tree top walk, and animal, 

plant and rock enclosures) and Falkenstein (Haus zur Wildnis 

with animal enclosures and Stone Age cave). These facilities are 

not just for visitor recreation but also above all for 

environmental education. 

The latest teaching methods were taken into account during 

the establishment and in the subsequent development of these 

facilities in order to maintain and enhance their attractiveness. 

In addition, the visitor facilities make a considerable 

contribution to visitor management thereby helping to protect 

sensitive natural areas. For this reason, most of the visitor 

facilities are located around the edge of the national park. 

In the Falkenstein-Rachel Area the visitor facilities are more 

or less complete so future development is directed mainly at 

modernisation of facilities in the Rachel-Lusen area. The 

construction and running of visitor facilities also contributes to 

the attractiveness of the region to tourists and the acceptance of 

the national park amongst the local population. (see Appendix 

„Bildungs-und Erholungseinrichtung“). 

One of the major functions of the national park 

administration is ensuring the safety of all the visitor facilities 

(including the network of paths).


A hands on approach for the first experience of the fascinating world 

of untamed nature in the National park (Photo: Maria Hußlein) 

4.4. Assistance for national park visitors 

The Bavarian Forest National Park, with its unique nature 

and its visitor attractions, offers many opportunities for 

recreation and experiencing nature. Hundreds of thousands of 

visitors come to the national park every year. Providing 

assistance for these guests is a considerable task for the national 

park administration. 

As well as information about the objectives and purpose of 

the Bavarian Forest National Park, visitors are also provided 

with information with which to plan their stay in the national 

park. Visitors should be aware of the various opportunities to 

experience nature, special features and also possible dangers in 

The National Park uses distinctively carved wood to 

present itself and its facilities (Photo: Maria Hußlein) 

the national park. In addition, information is also provided on 

the educational and recreational facilities around the national 

park (and nature park). Visitors can find the information at the 

national park centres and information points, in the form of 

personal advice, flyers, books, exhibitions, films and information 

boards. The National Park Ranger Service has an important 

role in assisting visitors in the field. 

The safety of national park visitors, including care for them 

in emergencies, is covered by appropriate actions (traffic 

calming, the presence of the National Park Ranger Service at 

well-frequented visitor locations, procedures for raising the 

alarm and rescue.).

4.5. Coordination and harmonisation in the provision 

of recreational and visitor facilities 

As the size and purpose of the national park mean that it 

can only provide visitor facilities to a certain extent, more visitor 

infrastructure has been set up in the area around the national 

park. In addition, there are many recreational facilities provided 

by others (e.g. Bavarian Forest Nature Park, nearby towns and 

villages) in the area around the national park. With respect to 

“gentle” nature tourism, the provision of recreational facilities is 

best coordinated, also in a transboundary manner together with 

the Šumava National Park. 


Simple devices like bug eye viewers provide a fascinating insight into the habitat of small organisms such as the caddis fly (Photo: Joachim Hußlein)


5. Integration of the national park 

in the region 

5.1. Strengthening the ecological, cultural and economic 

basis of the region around the national park and its 

development 

When the Bavarian Forest National Park was founded and 

extended, as well as nature protection objectives, it had the 

structural development of the region in mind, particularly the 

development of tourism. Due to its visitor facilities and 

opportunities for recreation, the Bavarian Forest National Park 

has become an economic motor in the region and has therefore 

fulfilled its objective extremely well. 

Within the framework of its nature protection objectives the 

national park will make a particular effort to enhance the 

attractiveness of the region to tourists. 

The target towards which we are working is the realisation 

of a model economic ecological region with natural and cultural 

landscapes side by side. When possible, the national park 

administration will support measures (exhibitions, educational 

trails, educational facilities, concepts) in the region, when these 

correspond with the objectives of an ecological model region 

and the national park. Concerning this objective, all planners in 

the area around the national park should ensure that they avoid 

developments that damage nature and the landscape thereby 

reducing the recreational value of the national park region. 

More than 70 mainly tourism related enterprises in the national park region are partners of the national park. 

A win-win situation which also benefits holiday visitors (Photo: Ernstlhof/Kaikenried)

The first broken and moss covered branches enrich the mono-culture 

areas developed in the 150 years of cultivated forest 

(Photo: Konrad Jäger) 

5.2. Protection of the forests bordering the national park 

In the Bavarian Forest National Park the vast majority of 

the forest area is allowed to develop without human interference 

and return to its natural state. Natural occurences like wind and 

snow damage and insect and fungus infestation are part of 

natural forest development and do not require any human 

intervention. However in the area bordering the national park it 

is important to make sure that there are no negative effects on 

neighbouring land from the natural forest development in the 

national park. The national park administration takes necessary 

and effective forest protection measures in a border area at least 

500 metres wide in order to protect the neighbouring forest. 

These forest protection measures as well as the exact 

boundaries of the border area are set out in the Appendix 

“Walderhaltungs- und Waldpflegemaßnahmen”. 

The objective of protecting the neighbouring forests from 

damage is a basic prerequisite for the integration and acceptance 

of the national park in the region. The national park 

administration gives this aspect the highest priority in its 

planning of measures to be taken. 

The so-called attractant panels help to monitor 

the progress of swarming of the large spruce 

bark beetle (Photo: Hans Kiener) 

5.3. Protection of the high altitude forests 


As well as the fundamental importance of the high altitude 

forests for water supply and the genetic potential of an 

indigenous cold climate spruce species in the low mountains, 

the mountain spruce forest (the “high forest”) is also of cultural 

and historical importance. For this reason, the old high altitude 

spruce forest in the Falkenstein-Rachel area needs to be 

protected from rapid and broad extinction. In the period to 

2027, the expansion of the bark beetle in the high altitude 

forest between the Falkenstein and Rachel is to be prevented. 

In the Rachel-Lusen area, where the old trees in the high 

altitude area have already been killed by bark beetle attack over 

a large area, the process of natural forest renewal should be 

allowed to continue unhindered. However, if the natural forest 

renewal fails to happen over a wide area and long period, 

support will be given to the development of a natural forest 

appropriate for the area. 

The relevant measures for combating the bark beetle and for 

forest protection as well as the exact boundaries of the zones are 

set out in the Appendix “Walderhaltungs- und 

Waldpflegemaßnahmen”.


Through the German-Czech Youth Forum, young people gain direct experience of nature in the Bavarian Forest 

– Šumava National Park region and the wilderness becomes a familiar environment (Photo: Hans Kiener) 

5.4. Promotion of transboundary co-operation 

The Bavarian Forest and Šumava National Parks have 

a unique opportunity to create a cross border bilateral national 

park of European importance. Close cooperation in the 

realisation of the objectives of both national parks is therefore 

essential. The most important elements in the development of 

a bilateral national park are agreed objectives and joint activities 

in nature protection, education, research, recreation and culture. 

Examples of cross border projects of the Bavarian Forest and 

Šumava National Parks include the forest hiking area in the 

Finsterau/Bučina area, the Bavarian-Czech information and 

meeting centre at the border railway station in Bayerisch 

Eisenstein / Železná Ruda, cooperation between the two ranger 

services, joint Natura 2000 management planning and the joint 

lynx research project. These and the already existing cross 

border paths can also make a significant contribution to 

understanding between peoples and acceptance of the national 

parks in the region. 

5.5. Support for measures for improving the yields in 

agriculture and forestry in the areas around 

the national park 

There are many interactions between the national park and 

its surrounding areas. The national park is home to many rare 

and endangered animal species, whose habitat does not end at 

the borders of the national park. For many of them, the 

surrounding areas are an important extension of their habitat. 

In the winter months, when there is considerable snow in the 

national park, the surrounding areas are very important to 

many animal species as areas of refuge. The farmed landscapes 

around the national park can therefore make a considerable 

contribution to the protection of species. For this reason, 

environmentally sustainable measures for improvements in 

yields from agriculture and forestry in the areas surrounding 

the national park would be sensible (e.g. direct marketing).

5.6. Improvements in local public transport 

The Bavarian Forest National Park has hundreds of 

thousands of visitors every year. Around 90% of leisure visitors 

arrive by car at present. On the one hand, this individual travel 

endangers the attractiveness of the national park region; on the 

other hand it damages the quality of life of the local population. 

A high level of individual travel stands in contradiction to the 

the main nature protection objectives of the national park. 

Therefore it has to be an objective to reduce the level of 

motorized individual travel by increasing the use of public 

transport. Public transport should also be as environmentally 

friendly as possible. The railway (“Waldbahn”) and the Igelbus 

(hedgehog bus) system are particularly important. 


5.7. Information and agreement on measures and plans 

in the national park and the surrounding area 

The bodies represented in the local government national 

park committee, the nature park association and the national 

park administration have to inform each other of the measures 

and plans which are important for the national park and the 

surrounding area and agree them in good time. This should 

above all strengthen positive development opportunities, avoid 

bad developments and encourage the integration of the national 

park in the region. 

National Park Rangers offer advice to visitors and are ambassadors for the National Park concept (Photo: Chris Gat)


On the way from the Rachel chapel to the summit of the Rachel there are spectacular views across the endless forest – here from the banks of 

the Rachel Lake (Photo: Hans Kiener) 

Impressum 

PUBLISHER: Bavarian Forest National Park Administration 

Freyungerstr. 2 

94481 Grafenau (NPBW) 

INTERNET: www.nationalpark-bayerischer-wald.de 

E-MAIL: poststelle@npv-bw.bayern.de 

GRAPHIC DESIGN: Václav Hraba, akademic painter and graphic artist 

AUTHORS: Jochen Linner, Josef Wanninger 

PHOTO EDITORS: Dr. Andrea Berger-Seefried, Maria Hußlein, Hans Kiener, Rosalinde Pöhlmann 

EDITORIAL OFFICE: Karin Hartl 

MAPS: Thomas Müller, Arthur Reinelt, Annemarie Schmeller 

PRINTER: Graphick Atelier H, Ltd; Prague 

COVER PHOTO: Among the wild rock formations of the rocky hiking area the nature of the national park 

shows off its grandiose variety of forms and colours (Photo: Günter Moser) 

PICTURE PAGE 1: When the snow melts hollows and pools fill for a while with water and become spawning grounds 

for amphibians. (Photo: Bruno D`Amicis) 

PRINTED ON: Paper made from 100% recycled paper 

DATE: December 2010 

© NPBW 

ISBN-NR.: 978-3-930977-35-2 

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The Bavarian Forest National Park is 

A holder of the European Diploma (awarded 1986); 

A certified transboundary park (awarded 2009); 

The largest terrestrial Natura 2000 site in Germany; 

A Member of EUROPARC Deutschland, the umbrella organisation 

for Germany’s large protected areas “National Natural Landscapes”. 

BAYERN | DIREKT is your direct line to the Bavarian government. By calling 

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Preparation of the National Park Plan - Nationalpark Bayerischer Wald

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