Do you sometimes dream of observing wild animals in their natural environment? Then we have good news for you: You don't even have to travel to Africa! Our German forests offer you an amazing variety of fascinating wild animals. In this detailed guide, we'll show you how to become a successful wildlife spotter.
Table of contents
The amazing diversity of German forests
The most important equipment for wildlife spotting
The 7 golden rules of wildlife watching
The most exciting animals in our forests and where to find them
Special observation techniques
The best observation sites
Seasons and their special features
Conclusion
The amazing diversity of German forests
Germany is home to a real treasure trove of biodiversity that surprises many people. With around 48,000 different animal species, which accounts for a remarkable 4% of all known animal species worldwide, our native forests offer incredible diversity, making our native forests a true paradise for nature watchers.
If you are interested in a more detailed report on which animals live in our German forests, you can find the right article here!
Animals in German forests: These wild animals live in our forests
The native mammal world
When we talk about German wildlife, many people first think of familiar forest dwellers such as deer, wild boar and foxes. But did you know that we are home to around 100 different species of mammals? In the treetops of our trees, no fewer than 25 different species of bat buzz through the night. Shy creatures such as pine martens and wildcats sneak around in the undergrowth, while little masters of camouflage such as dormice and dormice hide on the forest floor. Our "comeback artists" are also particularly exciting - wolves and lynx are slowly returning to their old home. And where water flows, you'll find industrious builders like beavers and skilled hunters like otters.
Did you know? You can find the following mammals in our forests:
- 25 different bat species
- Shy forest dwellers such as pine martens and wildcats
- Comeback artists such as wolves and lynxes
- Water-loving species such as beavers and otters
- Smaller mammals such as dormice and dormice
Our feathered friends
The skies above our forests belong to an impressive flock of feathered inhabitants. High above, majestic birds of prey such as buzzards and red kites circle in search of prey. Various species of woodpecker hammer away at the tree trunks, while the mysterious call of the tawny owl and long-eared owl can be heard at dusk. The treetops are filled with the cheerful chirping of numerous species of songbirds, and with a bit of luck you may even spot rare treasures such as the black stork or the shy hazel grouse.
Did you know? You can find the following bird species in our forests:
- Majestic birds of prey such as the buzzard and red kite
- Woodpeckers of various species and sizes
- Owls such as tawny owl and long-eared owl
- Numerous species of songbirds
- Rare species such as black stork and hazel grouse
The most important equipment for wildlife watching
Before you rush off into the forest full of enthusiasm, let's talk about your equipment for a moment. Don't worry - you don't need expensive professional equipment! But you should have a few well-chosen basics with you.
The be-all and end-all: good binoculars
Your most important companion when observing animals will be a pair of high-quality binoculars. They're your window into the world of wildlife, so to speak! But I can already hear you asking: "Which binoculars should I choose? There are so many different ones!" Don't worry, we'll help you choose.
The right magnification
If you're just starting out, an 8x magnification is just right for you. This allows you to make great observations and hold the binoculars steady. If you want to see more details, you can go for a 10x magnification - but be careful, it takes practice! A 12x magnification is more for the professionals among us.
- 8x magnification: Ideal for beginners and mobile observations
- 10x magnification: More detail, but more difficult to hold steady
- 12x magnification: Only recommended for experienced observers
Important features
When buying your binoculars, you should pay attention to a few important features: It should definitely be waterproof and fog-free so that you can enjoy them even in damp weather. Robust rubber armoring protects them from knocks and provides a good grip. Also make sure it has good twilight performance - after all, many animals are particularly active at dusk. Ergonomic handling and a low weight are also important so that you can also enjoy longer observations.
- Waterproof and fog-free
- Robust rubber armoring
- Good twilight performance
- Ergonomic handling
- Low weight for longer observations
Clothing and equipment
The right clothing
The right clothing is almost as important as good binoculars when observing animals. It is best to choose clothing in muted colors such as brown, green or grey - this will make you less conspicuous in nature. The materials should be as quiet as possible so that no telltale rustling gives you away. Weatherproof and breathable clothing based on the onion principle will keep you warm and dry whatever the weather. And don't forget sturdy, quiet hiking boots - you'll need them!
- Muted colors (brown, green, grey)
- Low-noise materials
- Weatherproof and breathable
- Several layers according to the onion principle
- Sturdy, quiet hiking boots
Other important equipment
Your rucksack should not be without a few other important items: A notebook with pen for your observations, identification books or corresponding apps on your smartphone (in flight mode of course!), and a comfortable cushion to sit on for longer observations. A thermos flask with warm tea and a few snacks will keep you going. A hat will protect you from the sun and rain. If you want to stay in one place for longer, a camouflage tarpaulin can be very useful.
- Notebook and pen for observations
- Identification books or apps
- Small rucksack with seat cushion
- Thermos flask and snacks
- Headgear to protect against sun and rain
- Possibly a camouflage tarpaulin for longer hides
The 7 golden rules of animal observation
Before we venture into the wilderness, we would like to give you the most important basic rules for successful wildlife watching, which will help you to experience unforgettable encounters with our native wildlife.
1. patience is your best friend
The first and most important rule of wildlife watching is also the most difficult: you need a lot of patience! Wild animals cannot be rushed or persuaded to make an appearance. Sometimes you sit in one place for hours and nothing seems to move. But it is precisely in these quiet moments of waiting that something magical happens: you become one with your surroundings and suddenly the forest reveals its secrets. These special moments are worth all the waiting!
2. quiet like a ninja
Silence is your greatest ally in the forest. Move slowly and deliberately, as if you were walking on eggshells. When walking, roll your feet carefully - a true professional avoids making any unnecessary noise! Pay attention to your clothes too: synthetic materials can rustle annoyingly. It's best not to speak at all or only in a whisper. And remember to put your cell phone on silent - nothing scares wild animals away faster than a sudden message or call!
3. choose the right time of day
Timing is everything when it comes to wildlife spotting! You have the best chance of exciting encounters at dusk and dawn. The early morning in particular, around 1-2 hours before sunrise, is a magical moment in the forest. Late dusk also lures many animals out of their hiding places. Night owls will enjoy observing nocturnal species. On cloudy days, you can also try your luck during the day - some animals are more active then than when the sun is shining brightly.
The most active times for wildlife are
- Early morning (1-2 hours before sunrise)
- Late dusk
- At night for nocturnal species
- During the day when the sky is overcast
4. pay attention to the wind
The wind is your most important guide in the forest. Most wild animals have an excellent sense of smell and can smell you long before you see them. You should therefore always walk into the wind - this will carry your scent away from the animals. Check the wind direction regularly and adjust your position if the wind shifts. Elevated positions are ideal as your scent will spread less.
5. stay on the paths
Even if it is tempting to explore every hidden corner of the forest - stay on the marked paths! This has several advantages: You are less likely to disturb the animals in their retreat areas, you avoid getting lost and you can concentrate better on observing them. Always keep at least 50 meters away from the animals. If you notice that an animal is stressed, increase the distance even further.
6. use all your senses
Successful wildlife watching means using all your senses. Listen to the different bird calls - they can tell you a lot about the presence of other animals. Look for tracks in the ground, recognize feeding traces on plants and perceive the different smells of the forest. A small movement in the undergrowth or the cracking of a twig often reveals the presence of a shy forest dweller.
7. observe respectfully
The most important rule of all is to treat nature with respect. Nature conservation always comes first. This means that you must be very careful, especially during the breeding season, and also show special consideration in winter when the animals need to conserve their energy. Don't feed wild animals - it does them more harm than good. If you take photographs, only do so from a safe distance and without a flash.
The most important elements of nature conservation when observing wildlife:
- No disturbance during the breeding season
- Consideration in the winter season
- No feeding of wild animals
- Only photograph at a sufficient distance
The most exciting animals in our forests and where to find them
Now let's take a look at the fascinating animals you might encounter on your forest expeditions. From common species to rare treasures - our local forests have a few surprises in store for you. We'll tell you when and where you can encounter which animal!
Frequently observed species
Roe deer and stags
- Best observation times at dusk
- Often at forest edges and clearings
- Particularly active in the fall during the rutting season
- Cautious and attentive, but regularly seen
Wild boar
- Active at night, but also out and about at dusk
- Tracks easy to recognize (burrowing spots)
- Often in family groups (packs)
- Caution: keep your distance, especially with bucks with young boars
Foxes
- Active at dusk and at night
- Clever and adaptable
- Can also be observed near settlements
- Particularly active during the mating season (January/February)
Rarer highlights
Wild cats
- Extremely shy and rare
- Mainly found in the Hainich National Park
- Nocturnal and very cautious
- Often mistaken for domestic cats
Lynx
- Largest European cat species
- Mainly found in the Harz Mountains and Bavarian Forest
- Extreme sensory abilities
- Can only be observed with a lot of luck
Wolf
- Increasing populations in Germany
- Main areas in Lusatia
- Mostly traveling in packs
- Very intelligent and cautious
Special observation techniques
What's the best way to track down these shy forest dwellers? Let us introduce you to three tried-and-tested techniques that will help you make successful animal observations.
Hiding technique
The first and probably most relaxed method is the hide technique. You look for a suitable spot - perhaps a natural elevation or an approved observation stand - and wait patiently for the animals to come to you. The trick is to camouflage yourself well and pay attention to the wind direction. Allow at least one to two hours and be as quiet as a mouse. It's like meditating in nature - you'll be surprised what happens when you just sit and wait.
Stalking
A more active variant is the stalking walk. Here you move slowly and attentively through the forest, about as fast as a snail on a Sunday stroll. Stop regularly, observe your surroundings and use natural cover such as trees or bushes. Stalking is like an exciting detective story - you collect clues and follow the tracks of your animal friends.
Reading tracks
Reading tracks is an art in itself and at the same time like exciting detective work. You learn to recognize different tracks, identify droppings (this is what animals leave behind) and interpret feeding traces. Markings such as scratch marks on trees or scent marks also tell their own story. Over time, you will develop a sense of who is where and how you have the best chance of encountering them.
The best observation spots
Natural hotspots
Nature itself creates perfect observation spots, real hotspots of wildlife life. Forest clearings are like natural stages where life takes place, especially at dusk. Waterholes are real magnets for all kinds of forest animals - they come here to drink, bathe and socialize. Forest edges offer you a perfect overview, while old tree stands with their caves and hiding places provide a home for numerous animals. Wild meadows are like a self-service restaurant for herbivores and thus also attract their natural hunters.
- Forest clearings
- Waterholes
- Forest edges
- Old stands of trees
- Wild meadows
Artificial observation points
But man has also created some great observation points. If you have permission, high seats offer a perfect overview of what is happening. Observation pulpits and nature conservation towers are like boxes in this great natural theater - from here you have a great overview and hardly disturb the animals. For photographers, there are sometimes even special photo perches from which you can get very close to the action.
- High seats (if permitted)
- Observation pulpits
- Nature conservation towers
- Photo hiding places
Seasons and their special features
Each season has its own magic and offers you special opportunities to observe wildlife. Let's walk through the seasons together and discover what awaits us in each season.
Spring
Spring is the time of great awakening! Nature literally explodes with life and there is something to discover everywhere. The air is filled with the song of birds in their most beautiful mating attire, courting their chosen ones. The first chicks take their wobbly steps into the world and the migratory birds return from their winter quarters. All animals are now showing increased activity - spring is the perfect time for exciting bird watching!
- Mating season for many bird species
- First young birds
- Return of the migratory birds
- Increased activity of all animals
- Best time for birdwatching
Summer
Life in the forest pulsates in summer. Young animals can be seen everywhere, guided through life by their parents. As temperatures are often high during the day, the main activity shifts to the early morning hours. Waterholes are particularly interesting now - this is where the wildlife meets for refreshment. The warm days also attract a fascinating world of insects, and the long days allow extended observation times until dusk.
- Rearing young animals
- Activity in the morning hours
- Waterholes as a center of attraction
- Rich insect world
- Long observation times possible
Autumn
Autumn has its very own charm. When the leaves turn colorful, the time of the deer rut begins - an impressive natural spectacle with roaring deer and exciting rank battles. The migratory birds gather for their long journey south and offer impressive formation flights. Animals are everywhere in search of food to build up reserves for the winter. The magnificent colors of nature and the pleasant temperatures make autumn an ideal time of year for extended observation tours.
- Deer rutting
- Migratory bird days
- Foraging before winter
- Magnificent colors of nature
- Ideal temperatures
Winter
Winter also has its very special moments. A blanket of snow is like an open book - you'll find tracks everywhere that tell you stories of the nocturnal goings-on of forest animals. The bare trees give you a much better view, and as there are fewer people in the forest, the animals are often less shy. You can observe various winter birds at feeding stations and, with a bit of luck, you may also spot Nordic winter guests seeking refuge from the cold in their homeland.
- Tracks in the snow
- Better visibility through bare branches
- Fewer visitors in the forest
- Watch feeding
- Winter guests among the birds
Conclusion
From the right equipment and the best observation techniques to the most exciting places - you now have everything you need to start your own nature experiences. But always remember: every encounter with a wild animal is a special gift from nature. Sometimes it's the unexpected moments that touch us the most and stay in our memories. Maybe it's the fox that suddenly scurries across the path, the woodpecker that thinks it's unobserved and lands right in front of you, or the majestic stag that appears in the morning mist.
Observing animals in German forests is a fascinating hobby that opens your eyes to the beauty of our local nature. With the right techniques, a little patience and respect for nature, you will make amazing discoveries. So pack your binoculars and head out - the wilderness is waiting for you!
The animal world still has so much to offer! Take a look at our other articles and find out more about wild animals, their habitats and exciting observation tips!
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Animals in the German forest: These wild animals live in our forests
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