Hainich

1 - Hainich is a large forest area. It is in the northwest of the German state of Thuringia, near the towns of Eisenach, Mühlhausen and Bad Langensalza. Hainich covers an area of around 16,000 hectares. It is therefore Germany’s largest continuous deciduous forest. A hectare is 100 m wide and 100 m long.

2 - Beech trees are especially common in the Hainich. The European beech, or simply beech, is a very successful tree species. It once covered large parts of Germany. Beeches need a mild climate and plenty of rainfall. They produce abundant foliage, and their roots reach deep into the soil. They thrive in nutrient-poor soils as well as in clay soils and on rocky ground.

3 - Besides beech, the Hainich is home to sycamore maple, English and sessile oak, wych elm, Norway maple, ash and wild service tree. In spring, sunlight can still reach the forest floor unhindered. Early-flowering plants then bloom from February to May. There are millions of spring snowflakes. Wild garlic covers large areas of the forest floor. Mezereon unfurls its pink flowers.

4 - It is estimated that a beech forest is home to around 10,000 species, including 6,000 animal species. Many animals, plants and fungi find their habitat in the hollows, cracks and cavities of old beech trees, and in the deadwood of fallen trees. Roe deer, badgers, wild boar, pine martens and hazel dormice live here. Wild cats were once widespread throughout Europe, but have become very rare. There are currently around 40 wild cats in the national park and about 600 in Thuringia as a whole. Lynx, wolves, golden jackals and cranes have also been spotted again in the Hainich.

5 - Part of the Hainich was designated a national park in 1997. It covers an area of about 7,500 hectares. Nature is left to its own devices here. Trees are not felled and plants are not mown; instead, they grow, flourish and die according to nature’s own rules. Animals are not fed. You may walk through the area on designated paths, but you must not pick plants or camp here.

6 - Hainich National Park also has a treetop walkway. It winds for 540 m from the lower canopy up to the tops of the primeval forest trees. It consists of two loops at heights of 10 m to 24 m. The walkway also includes a 44 m high tower. From its viewing platform, you can see across Hainich and the surrounding area. There are exhibitions inside the tower.