In 1989, the Regional Natural Park of the Vosges du Nord was granted Biosphere Reserve status. It covers 130 500 hectares, with almost 80 000 inhabitants belonging to 113 communes. Located along the Franco-German border, the reserve is characterised by forest landscapes: over 60% of the territory is covered by forests of beech, oaks, and Scots pines (Pinus sylvestris). Although montane, the area is not at high altitudes (200 to 581 metres at the Grand Wintersberg).
Sandstone is present everywhere, often emerging as rocky stacks. This accounts for the importance of the forest cover which shelters a variety of natural habitats like peat bogs, rock outcrops, forest streams. These habitats are home to some remarkable species such as the water arum (Calla pallustris), fir clubmoss (Diphasiastrum trystachium) and the daisy-leafed grape-fern (Botrychium matricariaefolium).
The fauna is also very rich with the prestigious Red Deer, the largest mammal of the Vosges, but also the Tengmalm owl, the wild cat and the lynx. The cultural heritage is very dense with thirty or so museums, 36 castles, including the magnificent Fleckenstein, numerous archaeological sites and constructions dating from the Maginot line, a reminder of the rich but not always peaceful history of the area. Ancestral craftsmanship is alive and well (crystal, stoneware, wood and iron-work).
The Vosges du Nord Biosphere Reserve works in cooperation with the Reserve of Berezinsky in Belarus, and this has led to numerous exchanges. The Vosges du Nord Biosphere Reserve is now part of the cross-border Vosges du Nord-Pfälzerwald Biosphere Reserve officially recognised by UNESCO in 1998. Joint studies are numerous, whether they concern scientific research, tourism or regional products. Between France and Germany, nature knows no borders.
Département : Bas-Rhin (67), Moselle (57) France : Altitude (min/max) : 200 m / 581 m Central area: 5 604 hectares Approximate population: 80 000 habitants out of 113 communes.
Region : Alsace/Loraine
Latitude : 48°46' à 49°11' north
Longitude : 07°17' à 07°55' eastMain ecosystems: temperate forest, wooded landscapes
Buffer areas: 117 699 hectares
Transition zone area: 7 197 hectares
Address :
Parc Naturel Régional des Vosges du Nord
Maison du Parc
Château BP 24
67290 La Petite Pierre
Tel : 03 88 01 49 59
Fax : 03 88 01 49 60
E-mail : contact@parc-vosges-nord.fr
Links to other sites :
Fédération des Parcs Naturels Régionaux : Parc Naturel Régional des Vosges du Nord
© MAB-France, 2004
Contact : webmestre