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With its typical countryside, beautiful scenery, variety and intact nature, the Naturpark Südschwarzwald (Southern Black Forest Nature Park) is one of Germany’s most interesting regions. The Southern Black Forest is unique in that wild nature and many types of economies like farming, forestry, tourism co-exist relatively harmoniously – this is the basis for the region’s Nature Park status. Covering an area of around 370,000 hectares, it is one of the largest Nature Parks in Germany!

The Naturpark Südschwarzwald Association was set up in February 1999. It is a joint project run by fife districts plus all the 110 towns and villages in these districts.

Why a Naturpark Südschwarzwald?

In contrast to National Parks, where the top priority is to protect plants, wildlife, biotopes and natural processes, a Nature Park sets out to deliberately include working communities in the overall concept. The aim is to promote the harmonious co-existence of man and nature.

The intention behind the Naturpark Südschwarzwald is to create an environment in which a balance is achieved between measures to protect the countryside an its flora and fauna, and the needs of human residents. Under the umbrella of the Nature Park, it is hoped that an enduring form of environmentally-compatible exploitation can be developed to preserve the special character of this region and its countryside in the long-term.

Projects in the Naturpark Südschwarzwald

Funded by the State of Baden-Württemberg and the European Union, the Naturpark Südschwarzwald Association supports numerous projects in connection with tourism, farming, forestry, culture, leisure, sports and environmental protection. The following examples will give you an idea of the importance of the Nature Park to the development of the rural environment and our region:

• On the right way: The new hiking trail concept, developed together with the Schwarzwaldverein, includes uniform signposting throughout for an easier orientation. With four maps published by the Land Survey of the state Baden-Württemberg you will have no more excuses for getting lost: hiking trails, day trip destinations, tourist infrastructure and sports facilities are all marked in. 
• The Cheese Route: Sixteen farm cheeseries in the Nature Park are actively involved in the Black Forest Cheese Route, which opened in December 2000. It is Baden-Württemberg’s very first cheese route and it has become a very popular attraction.
• Extremely simply – Simply extreme: In addition to beautiful views and varied scenery, the Naturpark Südschwarzwald also offers cyclists a large network of different routes. Here is fun and workout for everyone: a relaxing family tour as well as the thrills of extreme mountain bike trails on steep slopes. In addition to the new signposts, the route classification is marked on the new mountain bike maps.
• Hands-on Learning: The Naturpark Südschwarzwald has around 100 learning and adventure trails, all waiting for you to discover!
  Discover trails
• Further projects: Nature Park Cuisine – Regional Activities – Information campaigns – Development of technical guidelines for communes.