Description
In the heart of the Fichtelgebirge, you can get up close and personal with native wildlife. A raised walkway leads you three meters above ground, directly over the enclosures of lynxes, wild boars, and more – offering a unique perspective on the animals in their natural habitats.
Perched on a ridge in the middle of the Fichtelgebirge the "Wildpark Waldhaus Mehlmeisel" features spacious, natural enclosures instead of cages. A 1.2-kilometer circular path with an elevated boardwalk winds its way through the park, letting you look directly into the habitats of lynxes, wild boars, deer, and others. One of the highlights: at several points, you're eye-to-eye with the animals. Whether the lynx is climbing through the trees or wild boars are splashing in the water – you're right there with them.
The variety of species is impressive. In addition to the large game animals, you’ll find more elusive forest dwellers like wildcats, raccoons, badgers, and mountain hares. Other enclosures house foxes, beavers, martens, rock ptarmigans, capercaillie, geese, rabbits, and squirrels. For young visitors, there's a petting zoo with friendly animals ready to be fed and cuddled.
The paths in the park are mostly level and easy to walk. The raised walkway is stroller-friendly and has limited barriers, making it accessible to many. Along the way, educational panels provide background information on the animals and their habitats – without interrupting the flow of your walk. If you want to see more, take your time: much of the action happens quietly and in hidden corners.
Waldhaus Mehlmeisel: Experience Nature with All Senses
Before heading into the wildlife park, it’s worth stopping by the "Waldhaus Mehlmeisel" – an environmental education center located at the entrance. Here, everything revolves around the forest and its secrets. At interactive stations, you can feel tree bark, identify animal sounds, or sniff different woodland scents. You can even examine bark, leaves, and mosses under a microscope.
How to get there
The "Wildpark Waldhaus Mehlmeisel" is located in the heart of the Fichtelgebirge Nature Park, in the Bayreuth district. Nestled in dense forests at the foot of the 1,024-meter-high Ochsenkopf mountain, the park sits at the southern edge of Mehlmeisel. Thanks to its good accessibility, the wildlife park can be reached easily by car or public transport.
If you’re arriving by car, follow the B303 to Fichtelberg and turn toward Mehlmeisel – once you reach the town, signs will guide you to the park. Paid parking is available directly at the entrance.
You can also reach the park by public transport. Regional trains run regularly from Bayreuth or Marktredwitz to the area. From there, buses – such as lines from Wunsiedel or Fichtelberg – take you to Mehlmeisel. The closest stop is "Mehlmeisel Ortsmitte", from which it’s just a short walk to the wildlife park.