Natural Wonders of Germany

The nature of Germany has gifted this country with impressive natural wonders that simply have to be seen. From waterfalls to cliffs, here are the most interesting natural wonders of Germany that leave an unforgettable impression:

Urach Waterfall

The waterfall near the town of Bad Urach in the Swabian Alb (Baden-Württemberg) drops 37 metres over a tufa ledge. A footpath leads to it along the valley, and the walk can be continued to the ruins of Hohenurach Castle.

The chalk cliffs of Rügen

The white chalk cliffs on the Jasmund Peninsula formed from marine sediments, and erosion shapes their outline. The best-known viewpoint, the Königsstuhl, rises 118 m above the Baltic Sea. The beech forests of Jasmund National Park are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the cliffs were painted by Caspar David Friedrich.

The Elbe Sandstone Mountains

The rocks of Saxon Switzerland on the Elbe formed from sandstone over millions of years. The region's main sight, the Bastei Bridge, runs between the rocks about 190 m above the river, and hundreds of peaks attract climbers.

Lange Anna on Heligoland

The 47-metre Lange Anna stands apart off the coast of Heligoland in the North Sea. The stack is made of red sandstone, and seabirds, including gannets, nest on the neighbouring cliffs.

The Devil's Wall in the Harz

This ridge of sandstone rocks runs for about 20 km between Blankenburg and Ballenstedt on the northern edge of the Harz. Legend says the devil built the wall to divide the land with God. It was placed under protection as early as 1833, making it one of the oldest nature reserves in Germany.

The Fairy Grottoes in Thuringia

The Fairy Grottoes in Saalfeld formed in a former alum slate mine. After the mine closed, mineral-rich water created colourful dripstone formations, and the grottoes have been open to visitors since 1914. They are in the Guinness World Records as the most colourful show caves in the world.

These natural wonders make Germany a destination worth visiting to enjoy its natural beauty and uniqueness.