|
|
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
|
| Biosphere Reserve Information | ||||
|
BERCHTESGADEN ALPS |
 © Photo: Han Q. |
|||
|
||||
| General Description |
This German biosphere reserve is located in the Berchtesgaden Alps (150 km south-east of Munich at the border to Austria) which belong to the northern limestone Alps. It is the only alpine biosphere reserve in Germany with an elevation up to 2,700 meters above sea level. However, the transition zone is situated in low elevated areas (about 500 meters above sea level) in the north of the mountain ranges. Therefore, the biosphere reserve encompasses submontane, montane and subalpine forests and alpine meadows. The core area and buffer zone are identical with the Berchtesgaden National Park with the famous lake Königssee. About 32,000 people live in the biosphere reserve (1998), who depends mostly on tourism and visitors of a health resort with mineral springs. Small-scale agriculture gives the landscape its characteristical features. |
|||
| Major ecosystem type | Mixed mountain and highland systems | |||
| Major habitats & land cover types | Sub-montane, montane, sub-alpine forests with mountain pine (Pinus mugo), larch (Larix decidua), sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) and Norway spruce (Picea abies); alpine limestone grasslands; distinct plant communities in cracks and on rocky debris; oligotrophic lakes and running water; grassland farming; forestry systems with spruce, larch, beech and fir | |||
| Location | 47°36'N, 13°00'E | |||
| Area (hectares) | ||||
| Total | 46,742 | |||
| Core area(s) | 16,982 | |||
| Buffer zone(s) | 3,835 | |||
| Transition area(s) when given | 25,925 | |||
| Altitude (metres above sea level) | +471 to +2,713 | |||
| Year designated | 1990 | |||
| Administrative authorities | Landratsamt Berchtesgadener Land | |||
| Last updated: 21/03/2011 |
|
