The best national parks in the world. The most beautiful national natural parks in the world

There are enough stunning places on our planet that have retained their pristine beauty for centuries, despite all human attempts to destroy it.

Almost every country has its own examples of nature reserves and national parks, however, only a few of them can boast of being included in the list of the largest on earth.

Greenlandic national park

The largest national park in the world is located closest to all its competitors from North Pole. Its territory is 972 thousand km². As an example, one hundred and sixty-three countries of the world have a smaller area than this reserve.

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It was founded in 1974. Ordinary people No people live here, only staff. It is inhabited by about 10,000 musk oxen - at least 40% of the total world population. In addition, here you can meet a walrus and polar bear, reindeer, stoats, Arctic hare, etc. Vegetable world The area is represented mainly by lichens and mosses. In some places there are even birches and dwarf willows.

Rangel St. Elias (USA)

The list continues largest reserve America, which is located in Alaska, is protected by UNESCO. Occupies 53 thousand km² - 9 states could be located on the lands of St. Elias.

Formed in 1980. It is home to nine of the sixteen highest mountain peaks in the United States, and the 2nd highest mountain in Canada. Rangel St. Elias receives 60,000 tourists a year. They are attracted by spacious plains, snow-capped mountain peaks, and glaciers, of which there are more than one hundred and fifty.

Limpopo Transfrontier Park

The territory covers the lands of several African countries (Zimbabwe, Mozambique, South Africa) and consists of ten different zones, forming one of the largest national parks in the world (37,000 km²). To date, the territory of the reserve has not yet been fully established; the 2nd phase of its development involves expansion to 100 thousand km².

The Limpopo Transfrontier Park was created relatively recently, in 2000. And representatives of the fauna began to appear here a year later. Here you can see leopards, giraffes, African elephants, spotted hyenas, cheetahs and other, no less exotic, animals.

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Kruger (South Africa)

Kruger National Park is a typical example of African wildlife. One of the most beloved nature reserves among travelers (a million guests a year) brings in quite a good profit. Founded in 1898, it is the oldest in South Africa and is located in the north-eastern part of the country. Length – 340 km, total area- 19 thousand km². Formed from three parts located between the Sabie and Olifants rivers. Included in the UNESCO heritage list.

The Kruger Nature Reserve boasts interesting variety African "unarmed" safari. Most animals can be seen in the central part of the huge national park. Here you can meet hippos, giraffes, elephants, leopards, crocodiles, white rhinoceroses, as many as 17 species of antelope, more than 400 different birds.

Serengeti (Tanzania)

One of the most famous and largest national parks in the world is considered an example of perhaps the most holistic ecosystem on the planet. The oldest reserve in Africa was created in 1929. The territory is almost 15,000 km².

3 million large animals and nearly 500 species of birds live here. The Serengeti is also famous for the annual migrations of a million wildebeest, two hundred thousand gazelles and zebras - during the migration the animals travel over 3,000 km.

Yellowstone (USA)

The next largest and oldest national park in the world was founded back in 1872 in the American Rocky Mountains. First of all, it is known for its geothermal springs, geysers and eruptions. About 3 million tourists visit Yellowstone every year. different countries Fortunately, all conditions have been created for this.

On the huge area of ​​the reserve you can see rivers, waterfalls, lakes, caves, mountains, canyons, and even a volcano. Almost 2000 grow here different plants. The local fauna is no less diverse: 311 species of birds, nearly 60 examples of mammals, including pronghorns, moose, deer, grizzly bears, bison...

Snowdonia (UK)

The next reserve on the list is in the north of Wales. Named after the highest point in Wales - Mount Snowdon (1085 meters). Created in 1951. Area - over 2,000 km². Snowdonia is home to 26,000 people and receives 6 million tourists every year.

One of the largest national parks in the world, there are more than 2,000 km of open hiking trails, as well as 260 km of hiking and horseback riding trails. The summit of Mount Snowdon can be reached either by cable car or by a 13 km long walking trail. Several historic railway routes run through Snowdonia.

Bwindi (Uganda)

The area of ​​the reserve is 331 km², it is the “smallest” of the list of the largest national parks in the world. Located in the jungle in the southwest of the country. You can travel through it only on foot. It consists of forests located in the mountains and on the plains. Included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

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This reserve is the largest example of an African ecosystem. About 340 gorillas (almost half of their population), 120 species of mammals, and 346 different birds live here. Bwindi is famous for its exotic butterflies, of which there are over 200 varieties. The fauna is also multifaceted - 163 types of trees and more than a hundred species of ferns grow on the local land.

There are few things that compare to the magic and splendor of the African wilderness. Hardly any other national park in the world in terms of its pristine rural areas The wildlife and vastness of the area rivals that of the Kruger Game Reserve in South Africa.

The Kruger National Park is capable of offering some of the best safaris in the world. In one place you can see wide range largest mammals on the ground, a large number of birds, large predators and their victims. If you are a wildlife lover, then this is definitely the place for you.

Sagarmatha National Wildlife Refuge, Nepal

Perched high and majestic in the Himalayas, Nepal's Sagarmatha Wildlife Sanctuary contains three of the world's ten tallest mountains, including Everest. Endless glaciers, breathtaking valleys with untouched snow make natural Park Sagarmatha part World Heritage UNESCO. And, of course, for wildlife lovers, not visiting this high-mountain reserve means losing something important.

Fiordland Game Reserve, New Zealand

If you are a lover of magnificent fjords and boat trips, then this is a must-see place. The main attraction is Milford Sound, but in addition, the other 14 fjords with the most romantic landscapes make this park a unique place, unlike any other nature reserve in the world.

Galapagos Islands National Park, Ecuador

With stunning scenery surrounded by clear blue waters, the Galapagos Islands are a paradise for exotic animals and wildlife. The unique atmosphere of the islands is of historical and scientific value. IN Lately ecotourism initiatives are strongly supported here.

Tikal National Park, Guatemala

Traveling to Tikal National Park is first and foremost a means to explore Mayan heritage. Nestled in the wild jungle, Tikal hides fantastic Mayan ruins that date back to approximately 250-900 AD. Even what remains from those times amazes tourists with the amazing architecture of temples and the variety of different wild animals. Tikal is a place for amazing adventures and unforgettable experiences.

Yellow Dragon Nature Reserve, China

The calcium deposit here creates the illusion of gold, which gives the place its name - “Yellow Dragon”. This reserve is also home to the cute, world-famous panda - the symbol of WWF.

The area features a unique closed ecosystem of waterfalls, hot springs, virgin forests and snow caps on mountaintops, home to endangered species such as the Sichuan gold-bearing monkey and the giant panda. “Yellow Dragon” is a real mecca for photographers from all over the world.

Iguazu National Reserve, Argentina

The protected area, which is a World Heritage Site, is the most impressive site in Brazil and Argentina. Breathtaking waterfalls over 70 meters high and 1500 meters wide are home to best views fauna of South America. Surrounding views sub rainforests will not leave anyone indifferent.

Kakadu National Reserve, Australia

Kakadu National Reserve is located in Northern Australia. This quintessentially Australian landscape is one of the few places listed as a World Heritage Site for both its natural and cultural significance.

The reserve spans more than 3.2 million acres and includes several of the continent's traditional indigenous territories. Wonderful South Alligator rivers, coastal beaches, rainforests and monsoon winds do national reserve Kakadu is a desirable place to visit.

People's Nature Reserve, Switzerland

Although Switzerland is best known for the magic of the Alps, it is home to the only national park that is still worth visiting. The Swiss national park was created in 1914 and is inhabited by a huge variety of interesting animals, such as the chamois, ibex, golden eagle or bearded vulture. Rivers, peaks snowy mountains and the Alpine valleys represent nature in its most picturesque manifestations.

Machu Picchu, Peru

The majestic Machu Picchu has been the most popular tourist destination in Peru for many years. No matter how many times a tourist has been here to enjoy the grandeur of ancient monuments, traveling in the footsteps of the Incas always brings excitement, adventure and mystery.

Bali Barat is a national park in the north-west of the island of Bali, which has received the status nature reserve in 1917. In 1941 it became an Indonesian National Park.

On an area of ​​760 sq. km there are tropical forests, jungles, dry savannas, mangrove swamps, as well as acacia thickets and alpine forests. To the north of the park is the jutting peninsula of Prapat Agung. It is surrounded by protected beaches and Coral reefs, as well as the small coastal island of Menjangan - popular destination for diving. There are several extinct volcanoes in the east. The highest of them are Mount Patas (1,412 meters) and Merbuk (1,388 meters).

One hundred and sixty bird species have been recorded in the park, including the critically endangered Bali starling. First of all, it was for this reason that the park was created. In 2001 There were only six individuals of this bird left in the world, and all of them were in this park.

The fauna is represented by deer, black monkeys, flying foxes, wild boars, macaques, squirrels, snakes, reef herons, black Indian cuckoos, etc.

90 percent of the area is closed to the public, and only a few routes are accessible to tourists accompanied by official guides.

The most popular route running through the tropical jungle is climbing Mount Gunung Klatakan. In addition to the stunning scent emanating from the many orchids, the path will be graced by black monkeys, hornbills and even flying foxes.

No less popular water routes, passing along Gilimanuk Bay through the mangrove forests bordering the coast. Several graceful dusky Pacific Reef Herons can be spotted here.

Protecting natural societies appeared in the 16th century. However, the first national park was discovered only at the end of the 19th century in the USA. This truly high honor was given to the unique Yellowstone Plateau, rich in geysers and hot mineral springs, where Yellowstone National Park was opened in 1872. In 1916, the Service was created in the USA national parks. US national parks such as the Grand Canyon, Jasper, Olympic and others are now well known outside of North America.

The best nature reserves and national parks in the world

Since then, many have been discovered on all continents national parks. The first national park in Europe was created in 1914 in the canton of Grisons, Switzerland. Then in 1922 the Gran Paradiso National Park in Italy was opened. First national park in France there was Vanoise, created in 1963. It borders the Italian Gran Paradiso for 14 kilometers. There are seven national parks in France, three of which are located in the Alpine crescent that stretches from France to Austria. The Alpine Crescent also contains other famous national parks of the world: Berchtesgaden in Germany, Hohe Tauern in Austria, Stelvio in Italy and Triglav in Slovenia.

Yellowstone - US national park

Yellowstone National Park- probably the most world famous national park. It is located on the border of the American states of Wyoming, Montana and Idaho. The park, founded on March 1, 1872, is famous for its numerous geysers, and Yellowstone Lake is one of the largest alpine lakes in North America– located in the crater of the largest supervolcano on the continent. Therefore, most of the park is covered with solidified lava.

Yellowstone is home to nearly three thousand geysers, which is two-thirds of all geysers in the world. It is home to the world's largest geyser, Steamboat Geyser, as well as one of the most famous geysers in the world, Old Faithful Geyser. The last one throws out jets hot water to a height of more than forty meters, and the interval between eruptions ranges from 45 to 125 minutes. Besides Yellowstone, there are only four geyser fields in the world - the Valley of Geysers in Kamchatka, as well as fields in Iceland, Chile and New Zealand.

In addition to geysers, the park is home to about ten thousand different geothermal springs, including hot and hydrogen sulfide springs and mud volcanoes. Yellowstone is home to half of all geothermal springs in the world. In addition, about two thousand species of plants grow here, and several hundred species of mammals, birds, reptiles and fish are found.

Plitvice Lakes, Croatia

Name " Plitvice Lakes" was first recorded in 1777, in 1949 the lakes received the status national park, and 30 years later they were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. There are 16 large karst lakes, 140 waterfalls, and 20 caves in the park. Moreover, Plitvice Lakes is one of the few national parks a world where new waterfalls are born every year. What is especially characteristic of the park is the color of the water. The pictures of the lakes look like a photo montage, but the water here really has an azure color. You can admire it from wooden decks, the total length of which reaches 18 km.

There are also walking routes throughout the park, the shortest of which takes two hours, and the longest takes eight. A boat also runs along the lakes, and mountain roads can be viewed using an electric train with observation cars. It is strictly forbidden to swim in the lakes of the park, as well as to have picnics, make fires, and bring dogs. In addition, a unique beech and coniferous forest, preserved from ancient times and possessing the ability to self-heal.

Snowdonia, UK

Snowdonia National Park, located in north Wales, was created 60 years ago and became one of the three original national parks in England and Wales. The park owes its name to Mount Snowdon (1085 m), which is the highest point in Wales.

Unlike nature reserves in other countries, Snowdonia, like other national parks around the world, includes both public and private lands. Moreover, about 26 thousand people live in the park, while about 6 million tourists visit it annually. Snowdonia has 2,381 km of open footpaths, 264 km of trails for walkers and riders and 74 km of other open roads. Moreover, Mount Snowdon can be reached either along a picturesque 13 km long walking trail or by cable car. At the same time, the routes of several historical railways pass through the park.

Grand Canyon, USA

The Grand Canyon is one of the deepest canyons in the world located on the Colorado Plateau, in American state Arizona. Its length is 446 km, and its depth reaches 1600 m. The canyon was cut by the Colorado River through limestone, shale and sandstone about 5-6 million years ago. These are perhaps the most complete geological outcrops in the world, representing the history of the Earth over 1.5 billion years. Moreover, the canyon continues to grow today.

About 2 million people visit the Grand Canyon Reserve every year, and the most popular among tourists is rafting down the Colorado on inflatable rafts. The climate on the plateau and at the bottom of the canyon differs sharply - when at the top it is about fifteen degrees Celsius, at the bottom of the gorge, among the hot stones, the temperature rises to plus forty. Therefore, most tourists prefer to admire the canyon from observation platforms located on its banks. After all, in order to go down to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, it will take more than one hour.

Serengeti, Tanzania

Serengeti National Park is famous for the huge number of animals living in this territory. According to scientists, about five hundred species of birds and three million large animals live here. Moreover, a significant part of the animals (wildebeest and zebra) migrate annually from the north of the park, where drought sets in, to the south. With the onset of the rainy season in April-June, animals migrate to the west and north. It is also home to the largest population of lions on the planet of any national park in the world. The Serengeti is also home to thousands of elephants, gazelles, hyenas, hippos and rhinoceroses. And the name of the park in the Maasai language means “endless plains,” because most of the Serengeti is endless savannah.

Fiordland, New Zealand

Fiordland National Park- the largest in New Zealand, it occupies most of the mountainous southwestern part of the South Island. Here are the most deep lakes New Zealand, and the mountains in this part of the island reach a height of 2746 meters. Fiordland is still one of the most inaccessible areas in New Zealand. In addition to picturesque fjords, waterfalls and rushing rivers, the park is famous for its rich flora and fauna.

They live in dense forests rare species birds, for example, cockatoos. While visiting Fiordland, you might see bottlenose dolphins or penguins. One of the most popular places in the park is Milford Sound, which famous writer Rudyard Kipling called it "the eighth wonder of the world." The bay, about 16 km long, is surrounded by majestic mountains more than a kilometer high. Moreover, this is one of the wettest places on the planet: only every third day here is not marked by rain.

Iguazu, Argentina-Brazil

Name Iguazu Falls comes from the Guarani words y (water) and guasu (big). Legend has it that God wanted to marry a beautiful Aboriginal woman, but she ran away with her lover in a canoe. In anger, God cut the river, creating waterfalls, condemning the lovers to an eternal fall.

Today, a complex of 270 waterfalls has formed on the Iguazu River. Par is located on the border of the Brazilian state of Parana and the Argentine province of Misiones. The border between the countries is marked by the Devil's Throat waterfall, which is 150 m wide and 7000 m long. This is the largest waterfall in the complex. The height of the water fall on Igausa reaches 82 meters, but at most waterfalls it does not exceed 60 meters. You can view the waterfalls thanks to the bridges, the total length of which is about 2 km.

Banff National Park, Canada

The oldest Banff National Park Canada was founded in 1885. Two trans-Canada highways pass through the southern part of the park - a railway and a road. It is during laying railway in 1883, hot springs were accidentally discovered in caves on the eastern slopes of the mountains. Two years later, these places were recognized as unique and taken under protection.

The park was named " rocky mountain park"and became the first national park in Canada and the second created in North America, after Yellowstone National Park. Today it is one of the most visited national parks in the world. After all, here you can find everything that is associated with Canada: landscapes of extraordinary beauty and the smell of fir trees. There are glaciers, hot springs, hiking trails, and ski slopes. The center of the park is the highest locality Canada, the city of Banff, located at an altitude of 1463 m above sea level.

Torres del Paine, Chile

Torres del Paine National Park located in southern Chile, in Patagonia. The name of the park translated from the Araucan Indian language means “Blue Towers”. It is the three needle-shaped granite mountains, whose height ranges from 2600 to 2850 m, that have become the symbol of the national park. The highest point of Torres del Paine is Mount Paine Grande, whose height is 3,050 m.

There are two routes through the park. One of them takes 4 days, the second – about a week. Moreover, the park is one of the most visited tourist sites in Chile. After all, there are glaciers here, high mountains, lakes, forests, many animals and birds live, and among the flowers you can even find orchids.

Tatra Mountains, Poland-Slovakia

The two Tatra National Parks - one in Poland, the other in Slovakia - share a common border of 64 km. This is the highest part of the Carpathians, the length of which is approximately 60 km. These mountains were formed by glaciers, so there are many U-shaped valleys in the Tatras, mountain lakes with incredible clean water. Green areas and bare rocks occupy more than a quarter of the national park.

The flora of the Tatras consists of more than a thousand species of plants, and the chamois can be called a living symbol of the park. This is a small animal from the goat subfamily, weighing 30-35 kg, covered with thick hair. Despite conservation measures, these animals are still on the verge of extinction. The park also contains deer, wild boars, roe deer, as well as wolves, bears and lynxes. Thanks to its varied topography, the Tatras - favorite place recreation for ski lovers.

Such parks can cover vast territories with impassable forests, islands, coastal waters and even mountain ranges and volcanoes. Unlike nature reserves and reserves, the protection regime in natural parks is the least strict. And these parks are also a great opportunity for tourists to get acquainted with natural resources country or region. And here is a list of the most beautiful and impressive national parks in the world.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, Japan

The park, located southwest of Tokyo, is one of Japan's most popular parks. The park contains the active Fuji volcano with its five lakes, the Izu Peninsula and islands near it, as well as waterfalls, hot springs and ancient temples. The volcano is especially beautiful with its most symmetrical shape, shrouded in clouds in spring and summer - its grandeur is immortalized in the works of many poets and artists.

Grand Canyon National Park, USA

It is probably the most famous national park in the world, and as a result, the most photographed. The Grand Canyon in Arizona achieved national park status in 1919, three years after the founding of the US National Park Service. About five million people visit this park every year to see with their own eyes the amazing beauty of the canyon that the Colorado River has carved over millions of years. The southern edge of the canyon is the most visited; the most numerous observation platforms are located here. On the northern edge of the canyon, located 300 meters higher, there is much less people, but it is good for its wild flowering meadows, spruce forests and aspen groves. The rest of the canyon is remote and difficult to access, although some areas are accessible via hiking trails and back roads.

Guilin National Park, China

Located in southeast China, the park is famous for its karst and limestone natural formations and beautiful hills with colorful names like “Elephant Trunk” and “Dragon Head”. The nature of the park has inspired many Chinese poets and artists, and some parts of the park have even been depicted on local banknotes. To see all the beauty of Guilin, it is best to take a 50-kilometer cruise along the Lijiang River, from Guilin to Yangshuo.

Banff National Park, Canada

It is Canada's oldest national park, created in 1885 in the Canadian Rockies. Lonely Planet describes Banff Park this way: “Mountains, high mountains, mountains everywhere. Fast rivers carry their waters between beautiful hills. Huge glaciers slide down from the peaks and practically touch the ground. Lakes with turquoise water shimmer in the sun - so rich that it seems as if the water has been tinted.”

Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

The oldest and most popular national park in Tanzania is a World Heritage Site. The Serengeti is famous throughout the world for its annual migration of hundreds of thousands of wildebeest, zebras and gazelles, while buffalos, elephants, giraffes, topis, impalas, lions and leopards run between the amazing acacia trees. And here, probably, the most enchanting sunsets in the world.

Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

According to many, this is the most spectacular national park in South America. Situated on the edge of the continent, the park is known for its granite peaks and emerald forests, sparkling blue glaciers and azure lakes. Many tourists come here for walks and hikes.

Swiss National Park, Switzerland

Founded in 1914, the Swiss National Park is the oldest national park in the Alps and central Europe, as well as the only national park in the country. It is famous for its unique alpine plants - in particular, edelweiss, which grows only high in the mountains. This park is also home to alpine animals - chamois, deer and marmots. An 80-kilometer network of trails runs through the park, making the area a paradise for hikers.

Lake District National Park, England

The region, which inspired artist William Turner and writer Beatrix Potter, became a national park in 1951. The park consists of valleys with granite boulders and 16 strikingly beautiful lakes resting in the lowlands. These places are chosen by cyclists and lovers aquatic species sports - windsurfing, kayaking and fishing.

Fiordland National Park, New Zealand

Located on South Island The park is the country's largest national park. It spans rugged mountain ranges, 14 stunning fjords and world-famous waterfalls. Two of the park's most famous attractions are Milford Sound, which Rudyard Kipling called "the eighth wonder of the world", and Doubtful Sound, which can only be approached by boat. People come to the national park to watch birds, go boating, kayaking, mountain biking and hiking.

Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica

The first national park in the world, today it is one of the smallest national parks in Costa Rica. But, despite its size, it displays gorgeous nature to the world - lush tropical forests, beaches and rocky headlands. The jungle is home to sloths, iguanas and squirrel monkeys, colorful fish swim in the waters, bright butterflies flutter in the air - a real idyll!