Habitats

Near-natural ecosystems dominate the national park. Various rock and forest habitats cover large areas and characterise the landscape.

The rocks naturally characterise the landscape in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. Closely associated with this are small areas of natural rock heaths on the border between forest and rock.

More than 90 % of the national park is forested. Among the forests, near-natural beech forests and pine forests should be emphasised as special features. Natural spruce forests can be found in cool valleys. Large areas of spruce have been planted since the 19th century, often under conditions that are not ideal for the growth of the trees. In recent years, many of these forests have died over large areas due to dry and hot summers and the influence of a species of bark beetle.

The near-natural watercourses are also very valuable. The Kirnitzsch and its tributaries are particularly noteworthy. Thanks to their good water quality, many species were able to survive here that had become extinct elsewhere due to the discharge of wastewater.

Utilisation-dependent habitats occur in small areas. These include meadows, pastures and fields - especially in the peripheral areas of the national park. These were created by agriculture. They contribute to the diversity of habitats and harbour species that would have no chance of survival in forests.