Page 210 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Germany

208  SOUTHERN GERM AN Y INTRODUCING SOUTHERN GERM AN Y  209

The German Alps Alpine Flora and Fauna

Part of Germany extends into a fairly moderate section of Alpine vegetation varies according to height above sea level. On
the Alps, Western Europe’s highest mountain range. They the lower slopes are mixed deciduous forests. Higher up are Alpine
stretch from the Bodensee (Lake Constance) to Berchtesgaden. forests, generally coniferous. Above the tree line, dwarf mountain
pines grow and higher still are stretches of high-altitude
A section of the northern calcareous Alps belonging to the meadows. Beyond this is bare rock. Wild goats are found
Eastern Alps of Allgäu, Bavaria and Salzburg falls within Germany. above the tree line and chamois in the foothills.
The mountains are a holidaymaker’s paradise all year round.
In the summer mountain walks can be enjoyed, with well-
marked trails, as well as climbing, hang-gliding and paragliding;
in the winter skiing is possible in superbly equipped resorts.
Alpine meadows are rich
Mountain peaks pasture lands, providing
Mountain streams with their premium quality hay. They The Zugspitze, at 2,962m
have, over the breathtaking are also home to a rich variety (9,700 ft), is the highest peak
years, cut a path jagged rocks. of wildflowers. in all of Germany. The Alpine ibex lives only in the The mouflon is a wild
through the Italian and Swiss Alps. This wild goat sheep with large horns.
rocks to create with long, backward-curving horns It is also found in Corsica
picturesque is a rare sight. and Sardinia.
ravines. One of
the most beautiful
is this one at The Alpine
Wimbachklamm. pasqueflower is a
white variant of the
species that
tolerates the
harsh soil
Local architecture Alpine rock jasmine forms and climatic
blends happily into carpets of colour on the conditions of
the landscape. mountain slopes. its Alpine habitat.

The peacock
The Alpine Lakes butterfly is
a common
A melting glacier created many lakes in Eurasian
Bavaria. Their clear, unpolluted waters attract species that
all kinds of watersports enthusiasts, while the has adapted Alpine thrift, with its round
picturesque surroundings are equally popular successfully to the harsh heads of pink and purple
with other recreational users. Alpine environment. flowers, is a delightful sight.
The Königssee, with Schliersee Tegernsee Garmisch-Partenkirchen is one Alpspitze
its crystal-clear waters, The Watzmann is Steinplatte Reit im Winkl of the venues of the annual Four The Zugspitze is
is located high in the Germany’s second- Walchensee is overlooked by Ski Jumps competition. the highest peak
Berchtesgaden highest peak. Oberaudorf one of the largest hydroelectric in Germany.
National Park. Schwarzeck power stations in Germany. Kochelsee

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