The Naturpark Spessart is one of the largest continuously wooded areas of Europe. Situated at the heart of Germany it reaches from the Main River in Bavaria to the Kinzig River in Hessen covering an area of approximately 2.500 km². The softly rising hills are widely covered with forests of oak, beech and fir, divided by valleys with winding creeks and man made meadows.
In the Naturpark Spessart the traditional and the modern life meet. The diversity and beauty of the landscape which has developed over the centuries are being maintained by persistent human activity. In a healthy environment like the Spessart, numerous outdoor recreational possibilities are tempered by the offerings of the Nature and Landscape Guides for hands-on nature activities. The sum of all of these different aspects makes the Spessart a great experience for visitors. Additionally, they increase the quality of life for the local residents by its contribution to regional development.
Already in the year 1963 the Bavarian Society “Naturpark Spessart e.V.” was founded in order to take care of the various tasks to secure this unique biosphere. Besides numerous individual members, counties, cities and communities help to continue this work.
Since June 2005, the Bavarian society, together with its colleagues from the Hessian society of the Naturpark and the Research Institute Senckenberg, have been financial supporters of a ground breaking project to connect the habitats. Further impetus for creating this biosphere is granted by the generous contributions of the Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt Foundation. Through the joint efforts of all involved we hope to protect endangered animal and plant species, thereby providing the public with a valuable national treasure they, their children and their grandchildren will enjoy forever.
