The environment and tourism were the focal point of this project, notably sustainable tourism, with 215 metres added to a treetop walk in Thüringen, Germany.
- 11 October 2011
Platform and adventure features offer tourists and scientists exciting opportunities for studying the treetop environment and enjoying a unique experience of life up in the trees.
Preserving a rich ecosystem
The Hainich national park, known as a ‘jungle in the middle of Germany’, was awarded the status of natural world heritage site by UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee in Summer 2011, and is home to one of the most unique beech forests in Germany. As illustrated by this project, one of the many tasks of the national parks in Germany is to ensure the conservation of biological diversity.
Unique visitor experience
A so called Treetop walk, which saw construction begin in August 2008 and end in September 2009, offer visitors an opportunity to enjoy not only a great view but also a spectacular first-hand experience of the rich ecosystem found among the treetops. Funding through the ERDF was used to expand the existing Treetop walk. A total of 215 metres of pathway at a height ranging from 20 to 30 metres was built among the treetops of the old beech forest.
Platforms for sustainable tourism
Two ‘experience platforms’, a ‘research platform’ and two ‘adventure features’ were integrated into the existing walk for tourists and the science community. On the one hand, tourists are able to learn about the ecosystem of the beech forests, while on the other, scientists can conduct research using the platform set up. Apart from scientific studies into the treetop environment, the walk is at the centre of a developing tourism industry in this rural area and supports the idea of tourism in accordance with requirements covering nature conservation.