Lynx family in the Harz: Hiker discovers rare animals in the forest!

Lynx family in the Harz: Hiker discovers rare animals in the forest!

The majestic forests of the Harz Mountains are a true paradise for nature lovers and hikers. Every year, numerous visitors flock to the region to treat themselves to the wonderful views. An impressive example of the animal world of the Harz was provided by Manfred Werner, a hiker from Oberkirch in Baden-Württemberg, who recently discovered a family of lynxes on his hike from Schierke to the Brocken. His photo, which shows a lynx with four young animals, caused a stir and documented the positive development of the lynx population in the national park. According to Silvester Tamás, coordinator of the NABU lynx project in Thuringia, the settlement of lynx in the Harz is a real success. With around 150 animals, this region has the highest density of lynx in Central Europe.

These sightings are not only gratifying, but also give hope. Tamás emphasizes that the healthy population shows that the animals are doing well. The lynx needs quiet, low-disturbance forests and safe hiking trails to raise their animals. But the protected forest areas are under pressure from forestry and timber use, which poses a challenge for the lynx's habitat. Nevertheless, developments in the Harz region are encouraging.

Bad Harzburg lynx enclosure

To find out more about the impressive lynxes, it's worth visiting Lynx enclosure at the Rabenklippe near Bad Harzburg. It is accessible at any time and offers exciting insights into the lives of these unique animals. Public feeding events take place every Wednesday and Saturday at 2:30 p.m., giving visitors the opportunity to see the lynxes up close. Registration is not required, which makes the whole thing particularly uncomplicated. Admission is also free – a welcome opportunity for family and friends to spend a wonderful day in the Harz Mountains.

The enclosure itself offers numerous hiding places for the animals so that they are not always visible. However, you can get an excellent view of the enclosure landscape from a high-up visitor platform. Access by car is not possible, but the hike from Bad Harzburg along signposted hiking trails, which is approximately four kilometers long, is a wonderful experience for nature lovers. If you prefer something a little more comfortable, you can use the Burgberg cable car to save around 200 meters in altitude. From the mountain station it's about 60 minutes to the lynx enclosure.

Public arrival and events

If hiking isn't your thing, there is a convenient bus connection. The “Grüner Harzer” bus line (KVG bus line 875) runs directly between Bad Harzburg and the lynx enclosure from April to the beginning of November. The feeding sessions were particularly well received by visitors; An employee of the national park will provide information about the reintroduction project and the characteristics of the lynx. In addition to free entry, donations are accepted to support the valuable work with the animals. Those interested can find information about the exact feeding times in the event calendar.

Whether you go on an exciting hike or visit the lynx enclosure, the Harz beckons with unforgettable experiences. Experience the fascinating wildlife and breathtaking nature of this region and let yourself be enchanted by the beauty of the lynxes. Because in the middle of the forests and mountains there is always something new to discover - and maybe even catch a glimpse of the shy lynx! After these impressions and experiences, every outdoor adventure becomes a unique experience.