Harz hiking paradise: Protect biological diversity in autumn!

Harz hiking paradise: Protect biological diversity in autumn!

Anyone who visits the Harz region can currently experience the splendor of autumn's colors in all their glory. The trees present themselves with bright yellow-red leaves and the entire nature literally shines. A good time to explore the region's hiking trails, which are particularly attractive right now. But while the hiking enthusiasts enjoy the beautiful landscape, important measures to protect species are taking place in the background.

Comprehensive species surveys are planned in the old Osterode district from mid-September 2025 to autumn 2026. These actions aim to document a variety of species such as reptiles, fish, brook lampreys and dragonflies. It is very important to employees of the nature conservation authority and a contracted company to record the condition of the habitats in this unique region. According to news38.de, special maps are created and animal populations are closely examined.

Species protection in the Harz

To accommodate the diverse habitats, special hiding places such as wooden boards and dark mats are placed in the landscape for reptiles to use. There are stickers on these hiding places that point out the action and ask hikers not to touch them. Property owners are also being asked to assist in allowing mappers access. An important goal of these surveys is to protect the biological diversity that the Harz has to offer.

The region is known not only for its hiking trails, but also for its extraordinary wildlife. Over 4,000 arthropod species such as insects and spiders have been identified in the Harz National Park. Around 1,400 species of beetles, almost 900 species of butterflies and 42 species of dragonflies are just a few examples of the high biodiversity that can be found in the Harz. Particularly rare species, such as the arctic emerald dragonfly, have suitable living conditions here and are real treasures of the region, as described on nationalpark-harz.de.

A paradise for hikers and nature lovers

The varied landscape of the Harz, which alternates between the Brocken plateau and the hill ranges of the foothills, makes the region a popular destination for outdoor activities. The last days of autumn, when the deciduous, mixed and coniferous forests shine in full color, attract numerous nature lovers. A visit to the UNESCO Global Geopark or to one of the three UNESCO World Heritage sites - such as the old town of Quedlinburg or the Rammelsberg mine - expands the experience to include historical and cultural highlights, as the page content of [nationale-naturlandschaften.de](https://nationale-naturlandschaften.de/ areas/naturpark-harz) shows in detail.

There are numerous routes available for a successful day trip, such as a hike through the picturesque Bodetal during the Harzer-Hexen-Stieg. Leisure activities such as animal parks or mountain theaters in Thale are also popular places to round off the nature experience. Valuable information about this can be found in the tourist information centers in Wernigerode or Stolberg, which are ideal contact points for all hiking enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Overall, the Harz is a diverse paradise worthy of protection, which not only invites you to linger, but also shows serious efforts in the field of species protection in order to preserve the fascinating biodiversity for future generations.