The park was founded by Prince Salm-Salm in 1893 as a private landscape garden.
It is one of the few places in the region where visitors can observe the rare European wildcat.
The landscape was created by shifting massive amounts of earth to imitate the Swiss Jura region.
The park serves as a refuge for fallow deer, red deer, and wild boars living in large, semi-natural habitats.
The site includes a protected bird sanctuary that supports indigenous forest species.
Anholter Schweiz is a 56-hectare nature preserve and wildlife park established in 1893, designed to replicate the rugged landscape of the Swiss Jura mountains within the German flatlands. The park features a central lake and extensive wooded paths hosting indigenous European wildlife species. It functions as a biotope preserve, focusing on the conservation of native animals in expansive enclosures. Visitors follow a circular walking route that traverses various forest and meadow habitats. The site includes a historic 'Schweizerhaus' restaurant architecture reflecting the 19th-century fascination with alpine aesthetics. It serves as a regional center for environmental education and outdoor recreation. The park is characterized by its hilly topography, artificially created during its development to mimic alpine terrain.
The wooden bridge overlooking the central lake, providing a reflection of the historic Schweizerhaus.
Wear sturdy, waterproof footwear as paths can become muddy during wet weather.
Bring binoculars for better visibility of deer and birds in the larger enclosures.
Walk the full perimeter trail to ensure you see the most secluded animal habitats.
Do not attempt to stray from the marked paths or cross into animal enclosures for photographs.
Closed during the winter months; park operations are strictly seasonal.
Dogs must be kept on a short leash at all times to avoid disturbing the wildlife; feeding the animals is strictly prohibited.
