Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Mangfallgebirge Nature Park is located in the Bavarian Alps just south of Munich and encompasses a diverse range of landscapes dominated by forested mountains, alpine meadows, clear rivers, and dramatic rock formations. The park stretches primarily across the Mangfall mountain range, a subrange of the Bavarian Prealps, offering elevations that reach up to around 1,838 meters at Rotwand, one of its most popular peaks. The ecological richness of the park is reflected in its mixed coniferous and deciduous forests, home to wildlife such as deer, chamois, foxes, and a variety of birds including the rare black grouse. The region has a long history of traditional alpine agriculture balanced with protected natural habitats, resulting in a mosaic of cultural landscapes interspersed with wild areas.
Visitors are drawn to Mangfallgebirge Nature Park for its extensive network of hiking and biking trails, panoramic viewpoints, and the quaint alpine villages nestled in valleys like Schliersee and Tegernsee. In winter, the park transforms into a playground for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and alpine skiing, particularly around the Rotwand and Spitzingsee areas. Attractions such as the historic Tegernsee Abbey and natural features including waterfalls, rock faces, and crystal-clear mountain lakes add to the park’s appeal. As a nature park rather than a strict national park, Mangfallgebirge supports sustainable tourism and outdoor recreation while emphasizing environmental education and conservation.