Recreation
National Parks have long maintained the principle that they should be open to visitors. One of their first aims some 130 years ago was that a National Park was an area “set apart as a public park or pleasuring ground for the benefit and enjoyment of the people” (US President Grant).
For this reason one of the National Park’s top aims is to offer people recuperative and recreational opportunities. One of the ways in which this is made possible is through the 230-km-long network of hiking paths and mountain trails. During the summer months, overnight huts and mountain inns are open to hikers. In addition, many of the mountain pastures huts offer fresh dairy products in the National Park during the grazing period.
Numerous are those who are attracted to Berchtesgaden National Park’s unique mountain landscapes each year: according to one study, some 1.2 million visitors in the year 2003! In order to avoid spoiling sensitive habitats, the National Park management has taken measures to redirect the crowds of visitors with, for instance, the setting up of clear signposting and the continued maintenance of specific trails.
You, too, can contribute to protecting nature in the National Park, thus preserving the naturalness of the alpine world. Please observe the National Park’s nature protection regulations that prohibit any alteration of nature. In the following pictures ‘Clueless Otto’ demonstrates what NOT to do in a national park!
Additional information on recreational and tourist activities click on:
- Visitors’ guidance
- Tourism (FAQ)
- Collaboration with Tourism (FAQ)
- If you want to take part at German guided hiking tours have a look at the Hiking Program