Darß Forest

The Darß Forest covers an area of 5,800 hectares and is part of the Western Pomeranian Lagoon Region National Park.

This area was formed during the development of a graded shoreline from rows of beach berms, which are recognisable today as a system of embankments (locally known as Reff) and damp depressions (Riegen).

Three thousand years ago the sea level was higher, so that old cliffed coastlines like the Alte Meerufer ("Old Seashore") may be found within the Darß Forest itself.

Prussian foresters reforested the areas affected with fast-growing softwoods such as spruce, larch and Douglas fir.

Bracken covers much of the ground and, together with the high density of game, prevents the natural rejuvenation of the tree population.