Читать книгу Walking in the Bavarian Alps. 70 mountain walks and treks in southern Germany онлайн

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Below 1700m the forests are characterised by conifers such as spruce and fir, but large stands of beech are still found in those areas which have not been over-exploited by the forestry industry. Relatively untouched mountain forests are dominated by a mixture of pine and beech (800–1400m), and in recent years efforts have been made to establish healthier mixed forests (less susceptible to disease and insect pests) by planting more deciduous species along with the quick-growing conifers. In autumn the sycamore and European larch are especially noticeable as their leaves turn to a striking golden-yellow.

Human influence on the local plant communities is most evident on the lower mountain slopes and in the valleys. Fields of wildflowers – that many may think represent a natural, undisturbed environment – in fact result from the grazing of alpine pastures over many centuries. Without this grazing, or the mowing of grass for hay, the mountain pastures would soon be overgrown by weeds and eventually forest would take over. Various species of orchid, gentian and globeflower are just a few of the many that can be seen in the course of a walk through alm pastures. Probably the best known and most characteristic of the flowering plants at higher altitudes (up to 2800m) is the alpenrose with its pink-red flowers. Among the rarest plants found in the region are the famous edelweiss and the beautiful lady’s slipper orchid.