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Europe Desk, Delhi Magazine: Europe is home to some of the world’s most enchanting and ancient forests, where nature has thrived undisturbed for centuries. These woodlands offer a rare glimpse into the past, showcasing the diverse ecosystems that once blanketed the continent. From Germany’s moss-covered beech forests to Sweden’s remote wilderness, Poland’s bison-filled woodlands, Austria’s ancient mountain forests, and Italy’s historical groves, each location provides a unique window into Europe’s rich natural heritage. Join us as we explore these remarkable landscapes, where history and nature intertwine to create an awe-inspiring journey into the heart of the wild.
Germany: Jasmund Peninsula on Rügen
Nestled within the Jasmund Peninsula on Rügen, Germany’s smallest national park harbors one of the last remnants of the primeval beech forest that once blanketed much of Europe. These ancient trees cling to cliffs with long root arms, their thick trunks adorned with moss. Beneath their canopies, woodruff, wood anemones, and orchids such as the white and red helleborine flourish. This 493-hectare park is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Ancient Beech Forests and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe,” a testament to its historical and ecological significance.
Visitors often gather at the Königsstuhl, a popular viewpoint. The newly opened 185-meter-long Skywalk, inaugurated in April 2023, not only draws tourists but also protects the fragile chalk cliffs from erosion. This elevated trail offers breathtaking views of the 118-meter-high cliffs, juxtaposed against the blue sky, the verdant treetops, and the sea far below. The Königsstuhl National Park Center, featuring WWF stations, provides insights into environmental and climate protection, as well as the unique characteristics of the ancient trees.
Sweden: Muddus National Park
In the heart of Swedish Lapland lies Muddus National Park (Muttos in the Sami language), a sanctuary for untouched forests. This primeval forest, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Laponia, spans approximately 500 square kilometers and is home to semi-wild reindeer, lynx, moose, wolverines, bears, and rare birds. The pristine condition of these forests is partly due to the swamps that made logging and transport impossible, preserving trees that are now up to 700 years old.
Hiking trails wind through this vast wilderness, leading to sights such as the Muttos waterfall and the expansive Måskosgårsså gorge. The silence of the forest is profound, making it an ideal spot for forest bathing.
Poland: Borken Heath
Poland’s Białowieża Forest, shared with Belarus, is renowned as a UNESCO heritage site and a habitat for the reintroduced European bison. However, the lesser-known Borecka Forest (Puszcza Borecka) in Masuria’s hilly east also offers a glimpse into Europe’s ancient woodlands. This 230-square-kilometer forest, a remnant of the Galindian primeval forest, hosts over 300 plant species and rare animals like black storks, sea eagles, elks, and wolves. 
At the Wolisko bison breeding station, visitors can observe these majestic animals from May to October. Over 100 bison roam freely, descendants of those that escaped captivity.
Austria: Rothwald
Lower Austria’s Rothwald boasts a remarkable primeval forest, a mix of red beech, fir, yew, and spruce. This forest, preserved since the last ice age, is part of the 3,500-hectare Dürrenstein wilderness area, protected internationally for its biodiversity. The area is home to 800 fungi species, 70 bird species, and 45 mammal species, including Ural owls, golden eagles, and lynxes. 
Strict path rules ensure that the forest remains undisturbed, with marked trails offering a wonderful way to explore this natural wonder. The “House of the Wilderness” provides interactive exhibitions and guided excursions.
Italy: Cozzo Ferriero
In the Pollino National Park of southern Italy’s Basilicata region lies the Cozzo Ferriero nature reserve. This forest, untouched by human hands, contains beech trees that have stood since the times of Martin Luther and Magellan’s first circumnavigation of the world. Covering around 192,600 hectares, it is the largest wilderness area in Italy and home to Europe’s oldest known beech tree, boasting 620 tree rings.
Slovakia and Ukraine: Carpathian Beech Forests
Spanning the border between Slovakia and Ukraine, the Carpathian Beech Forests are some of the most extensive virgin forests in Europe. These forests, part of the UNESCO World Heritage site, cover over 77,000 hectares and are home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The untouched nature of these forests makes them an invaluable natural laboratory for studying ecological processes and conservation.
Romania: Șinca and Groșii Țibleșului
Romania’s virgin forests, such as Șinca and Groșii Țibleșului, are part of the larger Carpathian ecosystem. These forests have remained largely undisturbed and are home to a rich variety of species, including brown bears, wolves, and lynxes. The Romanian government and various conservation organizations are actively working to protect these last remnants of Europe’s primeval woodlands.
Bulgaria: Central Balkan National Park
Bulgaria’s Central Balkan National Park is home to some of the oldest beech forests in Europe. These ancient forests, part of the UNESCO World Heritage site, have remained largely untouched by human activity. The park is a haven for wildlife, including the Balkan chamois, golden eagles, and brown bears. Its pristine nature offers a glimpse into the continent’s ecological history.
These ancient forests across Europe offer a rare glimpse into the continent’s natural heritage, preserving the beauty and biodiversity of a bygone era. Whether you’re exploring the moss-covered beech trees of Germany, the untouched wilderness of Sweden, the bison-filled forests of Poland, the ancient woodlands of Austria, or the historical trees of Italy, these primeval landscapes provide a serene and awe-inspiring escape into nature.
This ancient forest, largely untouched by humans, forms the heart of a protected area renowned for its biodiversity and historical significance.
Historically, a significant portion of Europe was covered in forests. Estimates suggest that before extensive human intervention and deforestation, approximately 80-90% of Europe was forested. Over the centuries, activities such as agriculture, urbanization, and industrialization have significantly reduced forest cover.
As of recent assessments, about 33% of Europe is currently covered by forests. The extent of forest cover varies significantly between countries, with some, like Finland and Sweden, maintaining high proportions of their land as forested areas, while others have much lower percentages due to historical land use changes and ongoing development pressures.
Which country has the largest forest cover in Europe?
Russia has the largest forest cover in Europe. Although it spans both Europe and Asia, the European part of Russia alone contains extensive forested areas. If considering only countries wholly within Europe, Sweden has the largest forest cover, with significant portions of its land area covered by forests.
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Which country in Europe has the highest percentage of its land covered by forests?
The most forested country in Europe, considering the proportion of its land area covered by forests, is Finland. Around 75% of Finland’s land area is covered by forests, making it the most forested country in Europe by percentage of land area.
What impact has industrialization had on Europe’s forests?
hile industrialization has driven economic growth and development, it has also posed serious threats to the health and sustainability of Europe’s forests.