# German nature sites nominated for 2026 award

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/german-nature-sites-nominated-for-2026-award
> Updated: 2026-08-21T14:58:24.000Z. Sources: 15. Developments: 3.

Nine natural sites have been nominated for the ‘Naturwunder 2026’ (Nature Wonder 2026) award, a selection made by the Heinz Sielmann Foundation and the German Hiking Association. The finalists are subject to a nationwide public vote, which is open to residents of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland until September 27.

Among the nominees are the Bruchhauser Steine in Olsberg-Bruchhausen, porphyry rock formations rising over 90 meters that were created by volcanism more than 380 million years ago. Other candidates include the Zittauer Steinzoo in the Zittau Mountains, the Badberg dry grassland in the Kaiserstuhl, the Teufelsmauer in the Harz foreland, the Wiltinger Saarbogen, and the Druidenstein in the Westerwald.

Thuringia is represented by the Alperstedter Ried moorland, a habitat for over 1,280 species, and the Saalfeld Fairy Grottoes. The latter has received its first nomination for the award and is recognized by Guinness World Records as the ‘most colorful show caves in the world’, featuring mineral formations in shades of yellow, ochre, red, brown, and green.

## Claims

- The Heinz Sielmann Foundation selected nine finalists for the 'Natural Wonder of the Year 2026' award. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The Saalfeld Fairy Grottoes are recognized by Guinness World Records as the 'most colorful show caves in the world'. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The Saalfeld Fairy Grottoes have been nominated for the 'Natural Wonder of the Year 2026' for the first time. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- A jury consisting of representatives from the Heinz Sielmann Foundation and the German Hiking Association selected the finalists. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The Saalfeld Fairy Grottoes were originally used for alum shale mining. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-21: Bruchhauser Steine nominated for Nature Wonder of the Year 2026

The Bruchhauser Steine in Germany have been nominated for the ‘Nature Wonder of the Year 2026’ title, with voting open to residents of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland until September 27.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bruchhauser-steine-nominated-for-nature-wonder-of-the-year-2026

### 2026-08-11: Saalfeld Fairy Grottoes nominated for Natural Wonder of the Year 2026

The Saalfeld Fairy Grottoes have been nominated for the first time for the 'Natural Wonder of the Year 2026' award, joining nine finalists selected by the Heinz Sielmann Foundation.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/saalfeld-fairy-grottoes-nominated-for-natural-wonder-of-the-year-2026

### 2026-08-08: Eastern German nature sites nominated for 2026 Nature Wonder award

Nine natural sites in eastern Germany, including the Saalfelder Feengrotten and Zittauer Steinzoo, have been nominated for the 2026 Nature Wonder award.

12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/great-smoky-mountains-national-park-leads-us-in-hiking-trails

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Cite as: German nature sites nominated for 2026 award. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/german-nature-sites-nominated-for-2026-award