Germany’s landscape is profoundly shaped by its extensive forests, covering approximately one-third of the national territory, or about 11.5 million hectares. These woodlands are deeply woven into the country’s identity, underscoring their significance to both the environment and the German populace.
Dominant Forest Types and Distribution
Germany’s forests comprise coniferous and deciduous species. Historically, beech forests naturally covered around 74% of the forest area, with oak making up another 18%. However, due to historical forestry practices, coniferous forests currently account for about 60% of the total forest area, while deciduous forests make up roughly 40%.
Spruce represents the largest share at approximately 28.2%, followed by pine at 23.3%. Among deciduous trees, beech accounts for about 14.8% and oak for 9.6% of the forest area. The distribution of these types varies geographically; pine is abundant in northern Germany, deciduous trees prevail in the lower mountain ranges and coastal areas, and spruce is concentrated in southern Germany.
Large forest zones characterize several of Germany’s mountain ranges. The Black Forest, in southwestern Germany, features dense coniferous and mixed forests. The Bavarian Forest, in southeastern Germany along the Czech border, is another large forested area, rich in spruce. The Harz Mountains in northern Germany have also been significantly impacted by environmental factors in recent years. The Pfälzerwald, or Palatinate Forest, in Rhineland-Palatinate, is recognized as Germany’s largest forest, covering over 2,000 square kilometers.
Ecological and Economic Value
German forests are important habitats for numerous species, providing substantial ecological benefits. They support approximately 2,900 plant species, 140 vertebrate species, and countless insects. Deadwood plays an important role in providing habitats for fungi, beetles, and birds. The increasing presence of mixed forests, now accounting for 79% of the forested area, further enhances biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.
These forests also contribute significantly to climate protection as carbon sinks. Germany’s forests annually sequester about 62 million tonnes of atmospheric carbon dioxide, and they store approximately 1,170 million tonnes of carbon in living trees and dead wood, or about 105 tonnes per hectare. Additionally, the soil beneath these forests holds another 850 million tonnes of carbon. Forests regulate water flow, absorb pollutants, prevent erosion, and purify the air.
Economically, the timber industry forms a substantial sector. The broader forest and timber industry, including processing, paper, and printing, employs around 1.3 million people and generates an annual turnover of approximately 170 billion euros. Domestic forestry serves as the primary raw material source for downstream timber industries.
Forests also contribute significantly to tourism and recreation, used by over 90% of Germans regularly. They are highly valued for nature, sports, and leisure activities. This recreational use, along with the timber industry, supports local economies, particularly in rural areas.
Major Threats to German Forests
German forests face significant threats, primarily from climate change. Increased frequency and intensity of droughts, storms, and wildfires have weakened trees, making them more susceptible to pests. Since 2018, extremely dry summers and high temperatures have caused widespread problems for trees across the country.
Bark beetle outbreaks represent a severe threat to spruce forests. These beetles thrive in warmer weather and can produce multiple generations annually when conditions are favorable, attacking weakened or even healthy trees. In the Harz region, where spruce constitutes about 80% of the trees, two-thirds of the spruce have already been destroyed by bark beetles. This issue is exacerbated by historical practices of planting fast-growing spruce in areas where deciduous trees would naturally thrive.
Air pollution, though a historic concern that led to forest dieback in the 1980s, continues to impact forest health. Soil degradation is another environmental pressure that can reduce the resilience of forests to other threats. These combined factors have resulted in over 300,000 hectares of forest dying, requiring extensive reforestation efforts.
Sustainable Management and Conservation
Germany employs strategies for the sustainable management and conservation of its forests. Sustainable forestry principles aim to ensure that less timber is harvested than grows back, promoting long-term forest health and productivity. This approach includes close-to-nature forest management, which utilizes natural processes to develop ecologically and economically valuable forests, largely avoiding pesticides and fertilizers.
Reforestation efforts are focused on creating stable, climate-adapted mixed forests by planting diverse native tree species. Projects replace diseased spruce trees, often impacted by bark beetles, with mixtures of Douglas fir, larch, and beech to enhance resilience and ecosystem services. This transition from pure coniferous stands to multi-layered mixed forests is an element of German forestry, increasing stability and adaptability to climate change.
Protected areas, such as national parks and nature reserves, conserve forests by allowing them to develop naturally. Government policies and funding schemes, like the Funding Scheme for Climate-Adapted Forest Management (KWM), support private and municipal forest owners in adopting management standards that strengthen climate resilience and biodiversity. These measures aim to secure the diverse benefits of German forests for future generations.