Wildlife photography in Germany offers a surprising variety – not only in the vast national parks, but also in the middle of our cities. As enthusiastic nature photographers, we know this: This special form of photography is an experience, adventure and recreation all in one.
The perfect photo location for wildlife photography in Germany is often closer than you think. From foxes in urban areas to deer on the Darß or sea eagles on the Müritz – there are fascinating animals to discover in their natural environment everywhere. Even gardens can serve as thriving mini nature reserves for birds, mammals and insects.
In this insider guide, I take you to the secret spots for wildlife photography across Germany. Together we will explore the hidden corners of Munich, the bird paradises at Federsee and Altmühlsee, the unique wildlife on Heligoland, the majestic sea eagles in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and the mystical foggy landscapes of the Bavarian Forest. Discover with me where the best motifs are hidden and which techniques make for unforgettable shots.
- Munich and the surrounding area: Unexpected wildlife hotspots
- Federsee: paradise for bird and swamp photography
- Altmühlsee: Focus on beavers and waterfowl
- Heligoland: Seals, gannets and seabirds
- Mecklenburg-Vorpommern: Experience white-tailed eagles and cranes
- Bavarian Forest: lynxes, deer and foggy moods
- Conclusion: Discover the best spots for wildlife photography in Germany
Munich and the surrounding area: Unexpected wildlife hotspots
The Bavarian capital surprises with an astonishing variety of wildlife right on its doorstep. If you don’t want to travel far for spectacular shots, you will find numerous hidden photo spots in Munich itself.
English Garden and Flaucher
The English Garden – one of the largest inner-city parks in the world – is home to a surprisingly diverse range of wildlife. Badgers, which normally avoid settlements, can regularly be seen here. The mighty old trees in particular offer ideal nesting opportunities for tawny owls. These nocturnal birds breed here so early in the year that they can easily be observed raising their young in the still leafless trees. For photographers, this offers a rare opportunity to capture even shy owl species on camera.
However, conservationists are concerned about the future of these biotopes, as there are fewer and fewer old trees with hollows. Those who explore the park more closely will also discover a total of 32 different wild bee species, including endangered species such as the red-winged sand bee. The nutrient-poor nutrient-poor grassland in the northern part of the park provides suitable forage plants for these important pollinators.
The Flaucher – an idyllic stretch of the Isar between Thalkirchener Brücke and Candidstraße – is home to an impressive population of swans, often numbering over a hundred, especially in winter. They have become accustomed to walkers and can be photographed at close range. This is a true Eldorado for wide-angle and telephoto shots.
The area above the Mühlbach dam is particularly worthwhile, where the landscape opens up and is only disturbed by a single bridge in the background, which is easy to photograph. In addition to swans, nature photographers can also take pictures of greylag geese, goosanders and other water birds here.
Join me on my photo tours and immerse yourself in the world of wild landscapes and unique encounters. Together we will hone your photographic skills – practical, creative and full of inspiration. Secure your place now and rediscover the magic of light and nature.
Cemeteries as retreats for wild animals
Urban cemeteries are important retreats for various animal and plant species. What makes them ideal locations for wildlife photography is that they are free from artificial light and are closed at night, making them particularly low-disturbance habitats.
The forest cemetery – at 161 hectares the largest cemetery in the city – surprises with its biodiversity. Foxes live here with their young in burrows under gravestones, but stone martens, dormice, deer and hedgehogs are also at home here. Many different bird species can also be found here, even rare and endangered ones such as the redstart and the pied flycatcher.
A decisive advantage for wildlife photographers is that people generally stay on the paths in cemeteries, which means that animals are less likely to be disturbed. There are no barbecues or picnics, and you are not allowed to jog or cycle across fields.
The Waldfriedhof offers the best photo opportunities early in the morning. If you are quiet, you can observe some really beautiful birdlife in the Waldfriedhof – in the middle of Munich.
The heathens
The Fröttmaninger Heide, the largest and most valuable heathland area in southern Bavaria, is located in the Munich city area, with a sparse pine forest and gravel ponds. This unique biotope is surprisingly located at the foot of the FC Bayern soccer arena.
350 plant species thrive here, including thyme, fringed gentian, mullein and viper’s bugloss. A special highlight for macro photographers in spring is when the bright purple pasqueflowers bloom in the Garching Heath. The downy flowers with their fine hairs make for spectacular close-ups.
The Fröttmaninger Heide is also home to the blue-winged grasshopper, which is considered endangered in Germany, but is more common in Munich than anywhere else in Bavaria. Of particular interest to wildlife photographers: Bavaria’s most important remaining populations of the red-listed species of tree frog and green toad can be found here.
Environmentalists are confident that large biotopes such as the Fröttmaninger Heide will be preserved in the future and thus offer a refuge for numerous animal and plant species. Nevertheless, it will soon be worth exploring these unexpected wildlife hotspots with your camera.
Federsee: paradise for bird and swamp photography
After the urban treasures of Munich, Lake Federsee in Baden-Württemberg offers a completely different kind of wildlife photography. This natural gem in Upper Swabia offers photographers a true paradise for bird and swamp motifs during all seasons.
Federsee, not far from Bad Buchau, is the second largest lake in Baden-Württemberg at 1.4 km² and is located in the middle of the largest contiguous moorland area in southwest Germany (33 km²). This place is particularly valuable for nature photographers, as it is home to around 268 documented bird species – an absolute Eldorado for bird photographers.
Bearded tits – fantastically beautiful birds
Among nature photographers, Federsee has long since established itself as a hotspot for observing and photographing bearded tits. These rare birds, which are much sought-after by photographers, come to the region from the north, especially in the fall and winter months. However, some stay all year round and even breed at Federsee.
What makes bearded tits so interesting is that the males, with their grey-blue heads and characteristic black “beard”, are much more conspicuous than the females, whose plumage is predominantly light brown or cinnamon-colored. These lively birds are constantly on the move and communicate with each other with a nasal “pschin” and rolling “tschirr”.
In the fall, bearded tits make a remarkable dietary change from insects to reed seeds. In order to digest these better, they also ingest small grains of sand. Photographers can take advantage of this fact – more on this when photographing from the footbridge.
In addition to the feathered inhabitants, the Federsee moor is also home to beavers. With a bit of luck, these shy rodents can be observed and photographed, especially in the early hours of the morning or at dusk.
Taking photos from the jetty
The centerpiece for wildlife photographers at Federsee is undoubtedly the 1.5-kilometer-long wooden footbridge that leads from Bad Buchau directly into the lake and through the dense reed belt. This offers unique perspectives and allows a respectful approach to the wildlife without disturbing their habitat.
The footbridge is particularly photographer-friendly – it has no steps (except to the viewing platform) and is therefore easily accessible along its entire length, even with heavy photographic equipment. It is also accessible for wheelchair users and people with baby carriages.
The following areas are particularly productive for photography:
The footbridge in the reeds: bearded tits, reed warblers, reed warblers, reed warblers, reed buntings, water rail and, with luck, even the rare bittern can be photographed here.
The observation tower: offers a panoramic view of the entire Federsee basin, even with a panoramic view of the Alps on a clear day. Ideal for taking pictures of water birds, hen harriers flying in and flocks of starlings.
The visitor platform in the lake: perfect for taking pictures of common terns, up to 17 different species of duck and breathtaking sunrises and sunsets.
A special tip for bearded tit photographers: The best time to take photos is between 9 and 11 am, when the birds are actively searching for sand. For optimal conditions, a visit in the fall is recommended, ideally between September and October. Nevertheless, Federsee is worth a visit at any time of year.
However, nature photographers should be aware that they are in a sensitive nature reserve. NABU would like to point out that paths are prohibited throughout the nature reserve all year round. However, this is not a disadvantage – the animals have become accustomed to visitors and show shorter flight distances than in the wild.
For technically demanding shots, I recommend being there early in the morning. On foggy autumn days, particularly atmospheric pictures are taken when the sun breaks through the haze. A telephoto lens is also a must in your photographic equipment to capture small birds impressively from a distance.
Altmühlsee: Focus on beavers and waterfowl
In the Franconian lake district, the Altmühlsee offers a special highlight for wildlife photographers. This man-made body of water has developed into an amazing natural paradise over the decades and offers ideal conditions for wildlife and nature photography.
Using morning light and fog
The Altmühlsee is particularly photogenic in the early hours of the morning. When the mist settles over the water, magical moments are created for photography. These atmospheric conditions create a unique setting for animal motifs. Greylag geese gliding over the surface of the water in the morning mist are particularly impressive. The wafts of mist, broken by the morning light, create an almost picturesque backdrop.
For such shots, I recommend being on location at least one hour before sunrise. The light conditions change quickly and the most atmospheric pictures are often possible at sunrise. However, the autofocus can have problems in dense fog – manual focusing is sometimes more advantageous here. Mirrorless cameras can play to their strengths when shooting against the light in fog, as the screen magnifier in the viewfinder enables precise focus control.
From a photographic point of view, the Altmühlsee is particularly productive in fall and spring. The combination of clear air, low sun and frequent fog creates ideal conditions for atmospheric wildlife shots.
Photography on the bird island
The heart of the lake is undoubtedly Bird Island, a nature reserve covering around 200 hectares and taking up almost a quarter of the entire lake. This area is a real Eldorado for photographers, as over 300 different bird species have been recorded here to date. The bird island can be easily reached from Muhr am See via a footbridge.
There are numerous photo opportunities on the approximately 1.5-kilometer-long, barrier-free circular trail. The observation tower offers a comprehensive overview of the entire nature reserve. Various water areas, shallow water areas, reed zones and wet meadows can be seen from here.
The bird island is not only known for its biodiversity, but also for its accessibility. The circular trail and observation tower are fully wheelchair and baby carriage accessible. This makes the bird island an ideal destination for wildlife photographers with extensive equipment.
The variety of birds to be found here is remarkable. In addition to classic water birds, you can also observe rarer species:
Osprey and white-tailed eagle hunting
Pouched and bearded tits in the reeds
Bluethroat in the riparian zones
Rare migrants such as spoonbills and brown ibises
For the best shots, you need a telephoto lens from 400mm, binoculars and possibly a spotting scope are also helpful. At weekends and during vacation periods, it can get quite crowded during the day – early in the morning and in the evening from around 8 p.m. onwards, however, it is much less busy.
Animal behavior in spring
Spring brings special photographic opportunities at the Altmühlsee. During this time, many birds are busy mating and breeding, which makes for exciting behavior to observe. Spring also offers the chance to photograph migratory bird species that only rest at the lake for a short time.
A special highlight is observing the beavers that live here. The LBV (Landesbund für Vogelschutz) offers special guided tours where, with a bit of luck, you can see these shy rodents in the wild. The beaver tours typically start in the evening hours, when the crepuscular animals go in search of food. The habits of these fascinating animals are also explained on the basis of the beaver tracks.
If you want to photograph beavers on your own, you should lie in wait in the early hours of the morning or in the evening. With a bit of luck, these impressive master builders can be photographed during their activities.
The strict separation of recreational and nature conservation zones at the Altmühlsee has allowed the artificially created nature reserve to develop into an important breeding and resting place for birds. This well thought-out design makes the lake one of the most productive spots for wildlife photography in southern Germany.
Heligoland: Seals, gannets and seabirds
Germany’s only high seas island, Heligoland, attracts visitors with extraordinary motifs for wildlife photography. Over 400 bird species have already been recorded on an area of just 1.7 square kilometers – a photographic Eldorado between red rocks, white sand and green land.
Planning a photo trip: Best time to travel
The ideal travel time for wildlife photography on Heligoland depends heavily on the desired motifs. For gannets, we recommend the period from April to July during the breeding season. These impressive birds are an absolute highlight with their only German breeding colony on Lummenfelsen. Around 1000 pairs now breed here every year, after the first pair of gannets nested on Heligoland in 1991.
For the best lighting conditions, you should take photos early in the morning or in the evening. Particularly beautiful light moods are created shortly after sunrise, when the birds are illuminated by the sun from the front. Therefore, at least one overnight stay on the island is essential.
The mating rituals, fights, nest-building activities and take-offs of the gannets are particularly photogenic. The viewing platforms on the guillemot cliffs offer ideal locations with an unobstructed view of the colony. Spectacular diving actions of the gannets, which plunge into the water at up to 100 km/h to catch fish, can also be captured from here.
However, winter is the best time to photograph grey seals and their pups. The whelping season takes place from November to January, with December being the best time. During this time, several hundred animals can be observed on Heligoland.
The dune
The absolute highlight for wildlife photographers is the small neighboring island of Düne, which can be reached by ferry in just a few minutes. In winter, the ferry runs every half hour between 8 am and 12 noon and 1 pm and 4:30 pm. A return trip costs 5 euros.
Grey seals and harbour seals can be photographed at close range on the dune – however, a minimum distance of 30 meters should be maintained. This distance can easily be bridged with telephoto lenses and offers excellent photo opportunities. The shy harbor seals are mainly seen in summer, while grey seals mainly populate the island in winter.
The northern beach of the dune is particularly productive for seal photography. This is where most of the animals are concentrated. Photographically interesting: the newborn grey seals with their thick white fur weigh around 10 kilograms at birth and gain weight so quickly thanks to the extremely fatty mother’s milk (60% fat content) that they already weigh 50 kilograms after three to four weeks.
The best light conditions prevail on the north beach in the afternoon. For particularly impressive shots, the camera should be positioned as low as possible – ideally at eye level with the seals. This creates an interesting foreground and background situation.
Migratory birds in October
October is considered the highlight of the year on Heligoland by birdwatchers and nature photographers. During this month, hundreds of different migratory bird species stop off on the island on their way south. Heligoland’s isolated location in the German Bight makes it a real magnet for migratory birds.
On good days, the island is teeming with meadow pipits, robins and goldcrests. There is also the chance of catching sight of rarer species such as the yellow-browed warbler, little flycatcher, little bunting or wood pipit. Many of these birds can be photographed at close range – ideal conditions for improving identification skills and taking impressive photos at the same time.
Along the paths of the main island, you can also look out for sparse migrants such as the little snipe, short-eared owl, horned lark, great grey shrike, sparrowhammer and snow bunting. On the beaches, bar-tailed godwits, sanderlings, knots, sandpipers, lapwings and golden plovers search for food.
Even on the dune, a photographic detour away from the seals is worthwhile in October. In addition to meadow pipits and wheatears, rarer birds such as horned larks, spur-winged and snow buntings can also be found here.
A guided tour of the famous Helgoland bird observatory also provides valuable insights into the secrets of bird migration and bird ringing. Over 370 bird species have been recorded on Heligoland to date – a photographic potential that is second to none.
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern: Experience white-tailed eagles and cranes
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern turns out to be a true paradise for wildlife photographers. The lake-rich landscape with its extensive forests and wetlands offers unique opportunities to get impressive birds of prey and majestic cranes in front of your lens.
Photographing white-tailed eagles at the Müritz
The white-tailed eagle, with an impressive wingspan of up to 2.40 meters, is the largest native eagle and a popular subject for nature photographers. Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is considered the most important white-tailed eagle state in Germany with around 510 breeding pairs. Nowhere else in Germany do so many of these majestic birds of prey breed.
The region around the Müritz National Park is particularly productive for white-tailed eagle photography. Here, the elegant hunters can be observed foraging for food – a spectacular spectacle when they swoop down and grab fish from the water. The population of white-tailed eagles has increased considerably since the 1990s, which has significantly improved the photo opportunities.
For authentic shots, I recommend the Feldberg lake district, especially the Breite Luzin. This hot spot allows photographers to observe birds of prey hunting from a hide. However, you should bear this in mind: Photographing without disturbance is the top priority, as white-tailed eagles are sensitive to disturbance.
Crane migration in the fall
Equally impressive is the crane migration, which brings thousands of birds through Mecklenburg-Vorpommern every year from September to the end of October. The Darß-Zingst Bodden chain and Rügen are among the best-known observation areas. Up to 70,000 cranes rest here on their way south.
Lake Galenbeck with the Friedländer Große Wiese has developed into the second largest crane resting area in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, with up to 25,000 birds resting at the same time. The daily ritual of the cranes – when they fly with loud trumpeting to their feeding grounds in the morning and back to their roosts in the evening – offers spectacular photo opportunities.
The Kranorama at Günzer See is a real insider tip for photographers. This observation station provides direct views of heavily frequented resting areas. At peak migration times, 500 to 1000 cranes can be observed here at the same time. For the best light conditions, you should be there early in the morning or in the evening.
Photo workshop offers in the region
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern offers numerous professional workshops for anyone who wants to take their wildlife photography to a new level. The multi-day courses on white-tailed eagle photography in the Müritz National Park and in the Feldberg Lakeland are particularly popular.
A typical workshop includes morning boat trips to the sea eagle with experienced rangers, where the birds of prey can be photographed from a distance of between 10 and 30 meters. In addition, hideouts on land are offered to provide a different perspective.
Prices for such specialized workshops start at around 695 euros for a weekend, including accommodation and meals. Suitable courses are offered for advanced photographers and beginners. However, it is important to understand: Nature photography is not zoo photography – no one can guarantee that the animals will appear.
In terms of equipment, a telephoto focal length of at least 300mm is recommended for photographing sea eagles and cranes. You should also be prepared to get up early – the best light conditions and animal encounters are often at sunrise.
Although no guarantees can be given for animal sightings, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern offers unique opportunities for breathtaking wildlife photography thanks to its high density of white-tailed eagles and impressive numbers of cranes.
Bavarian Forest: lynxes, deer and foggy moods
The mystical Bavarian Forest with its foggy landscapes offers wildlife photographers a special experience away from the crowded photo spots. Hidden between dense forests and rolling hills is a fascinating animal world that can be impressively captured with a little patience.
National park as a protected habitat
The Bavarian Forest National Park is home to numerous rare animal species. The return of the lynx, which had been considered extinct since 1848, is particularly noteworthy. Thanks to reintroduction projects between 1970 and 1989, a stable population was able to develop again. Currently, around 6 adult animals and their young live mainly in the park area.
You can find out more about the lynx here!
Wolves, Ural owls and wildcats have found their home here. The national park therefore offers unique opportunities for photographers looking for authentic wildlife shots. However, this requires patience – the shy forest dwellers usually only show themselves in the early hours of the morning or at dusk.
Outside the park: capercaillie reserve
The largest chicken bird in Europe – the capercaillie – is one of the region’s special photo motifs. With around 600 birds, the Bavarian-Bohemian border mountains are home to the largest non-alpine population in Central Europe. A special conservation area has been set up to protect this rare species, which stretches from the Mühlriegel over the Kleiner and Großer Arber to the Bretterschachten. Capercaillie can be easily observed there.
This means for photographers: From November 1 to June 30, there is a strict ban on walking. In addition, dogs must be kept on a lead all year round. These restrictions are necessary because startled capercaillies have to expend up to twelve times their normal energy requirements – repeated disturbances can lead to the death of the animals.
Animal photography in the animal enclosure
For guaranteed wildlife shots, we recommend the two animal enclosures in the national park. Around 45 different bird and mammal species can be photographed on a circular trail in the Lusen and Falkenstein National Park enclosures.
Winter is particularly rewarding when the Bavarian Forest is transformed into a “magical open-air photo studio”. The animals then display fascinating behavior: Wolves move through the snow in single file to save energy, lynxes use their broad paws like snowshoes. The combination of snow and fog creates unique moods for atmospheric shots.
For optimum results, it is advisable to be on site at least one hour before feeding times. The animals are particularly active in the early hours of the morning and in the evening – perfect for photographers who want to make the most of the best lighting conditions.
Conclusion: Discover the best spots for wildlife photography in Germany
Germany undoubtedly offers an impressive variety of wildlife photography opportunities. From urban surprises in Munich to majestic sea eagles in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern – our country has something special in store for every nature photographer. What is particularly remarkable is that many of these photo spots are easily accessible and still allow for authentic nature experiences.
The bird island at Altmühlsee and the wooden footbridge at Federsee prove that nature photography and nature conservation can go hand in hand. Thanks to this well thought-out infrastructure, we can photograph fascinating animal species at close range without disturbing their habitat. With its gannets and seals, Heligoland also shows that extraordinary biodiversity can be found even in the smallest of spaces.
However, successful wildlife photography also requires patience and respect. The shy lynx in the Bavarian Forest or the sensitive capercaillie can only be seen if we respect their needs and have enough time. However, this challenge is what makes wildlife photography so appealing.
The locations presented here offer ideal conditions for photographers of all levels of experience. While beginners can take their first wildlife photos in urban cemeteries or in the English Garden, advanced photographers will find challenging motifs during the crane migration in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
Ultimately, it’s not just the perfect picture that counts in wildlife photography, but also the experience itself. The moment when a white-tailed eagle glides majestically over the Müritz or bearded tits search for food in the morning mist on Federsee – these encounters remain unforgettable, even when the camera is switched off.
I would therefore like to encourage you to explore Germany’s hidden natural treasures with your camera. Getting up early and the sometimes adverse weather conditions are more than rewarded by unique photo moments. Wildlife photography is not just a hobby, but a passion that brings us closer to the beauty and diversity of our native nature.
