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National Parks, Biosphere Reserves Highlight European Travel Adventure
The Signal - Business Section, May, 2005
Europe is so much more than fabulous cities, historic architecture and great food. It is also home to some of the finest open spaces and natural outdoor beauty anywhere in the world. So if you’re planning a trip across the pond this summer, consider incorporating national parks and biosphere reserves into your list of things to see and do while you’re there.
From protected mountain tops, on through the forests and grasslands, all the way down to the costal tide pools, Europe offers scenic beauty with a capital “B.” Hikers, cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts will be right at home trekking the trails and back roads of Europe’s finest cities. For an unparalleled nature experience, be sure to hop off the Eurorail to discover the outskirts of Germany.
Who knew there were 13 national parks, 13 biosphere reserves and more than 90 nature parks throughout this country best known for Volkswagens, blondes and beer? The Eifel National Park, Hamburg Wadden Sea National Park and Bavarian Forest National Park are among the many scenic land and seascapes offering the ideal diversion from city sightseeing. An integrated vacation like this can satisfy everyone in your group by providing the entertaining combination of serene nature visits and urban museum and shopping excursions.
In some instances, you can actually do both. The renowned chalk cliffs are a highlight of Germany’s northern coastline and Jasmund National Park. A day touring the flora and fauna of this region which includes a six-mile beach below the impressive chalk cliffs and 13th century forests, can also include guided visits to the historic Granitz hunting lodge or fishing museum in Sassnitz, or riding on the area’s steam-engine railroad cars. Another area attraction is to see the works of artist Caspar David Friedrich, whose paintings capture the chalk cliffs, on exhibit at the Greifswald Museum.
Or, go visit one of the many biosphere reserves throughout the country. A progressive-sounding term that many of us are unsure if it’s meaning, biosphere reserves are areas of government-protected land and sea habitats that are living studies on how to best conserve and sustain the development of the environment. The biosphere reserves allow experts to explore the integration of social, environmental and economic development as a sustainable long-term solution. Understanding and managing these biospheres is a local priority for the Germans, as well as a forefront global issue that affects the future of our planet.
From a traveler’s point of view, the biospheres are also a great place to see how nature works together. For a down-to-earth German experience, kick off your clogs and roll up your jeans for a stroll on the beach, through a green meadow, or across a creek. Observe the native wildlife, including the rare White-Tailed Eagle and the House-Martin which breeds in the chalk reefs, and gaze at the bizarre rock formations of Wissower Klinken. Then after experiencing the German version of “Call of the Wild,” return to the traditional sightseeing activities we all think of when planning a European vacation.
Head to Berlin, Frankfurt or Munich for local culture and cuisine, explore historic landmarks and enjoy a night on the town. Who says you can’t have it all in one travel experience. By getting off the beaten path and adding a bit a natural wonder to your next vacation, you will quickly realize how much more there is to Europe than you ever imagined.
Commentary provided by Eric Maryanov, president and founder of All-Travel.com, the Los Angeles-based travel management company with an office in Valencia. He can be reached at 661.775.7511..
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