Four East German Candidates in the Natural Wonder Contest

Several natural landscapes in eastern Germany are among the nominees for the 2026 Natural Wonder of the Year award. In total, the Heinz Sielmann Foundation and the German Hiking Association have selected nine areas. Two of these—the Saalfelder Feengrotten and the Alperstedter Ried moorland—are located in Thuringia, the Sielmann Foundation announced. Saxony is represented by the Zittauer Steinzoo, and Saxony-Anhalt by the Teufelsmauer in the Harz Mountains. Many of these sites are not only impressive for their extraordinary beauty but also serve as important habitats for rare animal, fungus, and plant species, the announcement stated.

Living Moor in the Alperstedter Ried

“In the Alperstedter Ried, a living calcareous fen is returning thanks to the rewetting of damaged areas and the conversion of farmland into species-rich grassland,” the foundation said in its description of the candidate site. Ponies and water buffalo keep the area open. More than 1,280 species have been recorded here, including ground-nesting birds such as the lapwing, corn bunting, and whinchat. 

A feast for the eyes in the Saalfelder Fairy Caves

The Saalfelder Fairy Caves are among the most colorful show caves in the world. The extraordinary play of colors is created by numerous minerals in the alum shale, according to the brief profile. Over the centuries, stalactites, sinter formations, and iridescent grotto lakes formed in the former mine. A trail leads through the underground landscape and offers insights into the history of mining.

In the Stone Zoo in the Zittau Mountains, rock formations resemble animals

The Stone Zoo in the Zittau Mountains in Saxony consists of bizarrely shaped sandstone rocks that resemble animals. Over millions of years, erosion and weathering created formations that are now known as the “Brooding Hen” or the “Turtle.” Three loop trails allow visitors to explore the landscape—featuring mixed forests, streams, and wet meadows—which provides a habitat for otters and peregrine falcons, among other species.

Striking rocks of the Teufelsmauer in the Harz Mountains

At the Teufelsmauer, striking sandstone cliffs stretch like a natural wall through the northern Harz foothills. “These formations, which are around 80 million years old, are among Germany’s most significant geotopes. Nutrient-poor soils and steep rocky areas provide refuges for specialized plants as well as peregrine falcons, bats, sand lizards, and smooth snakes,” the foundation stated. Well-maintained hiking trails offer sweeping views of the Harz Mountains and the Harz foothills.

An invitation to discover nature in Germany

“With the Natural Wonders Contest, we would like to invite everyone to rediscover the diversity of our native landscapes. This year’s nominees tell stories of Earth’s history and biological diversity, of the power of natural processes, and of the restoration of valuable habitats. Each of these places represents, in its own way, the beauty of nature, but also its vulnerability and the need to protect it,” explained Fritz Brickwedde, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Heinz Sielmann Foundation.

Until September 27, nature enthusiasts residing in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland can vote online for one of nine nominated natural sites in Germany.