Swabian Alb Biosphere Reserve - UNESCO Biosphere Reserve

Rolling hills with patches of forest and grass, under a partly cloudy sky, bathed in soft sunlight.

Swabian Alb biosphere reserve

The Swabian Alb Biosphere Reserve is an 85,270-hectare biosphere reserve covering large parts of the central Swabian Alb and its foothills. It was established in January 2008 as a biosphere area of the state of Baden-Württemberg. Since May 2009, the area has also been recognized as a UNESCO biosphere reserve.

Person in a beanie gazes at a scenic landscape of rolling hills and forests from a wooden balcony.

What is a biosphere area?

A biosphere area is a model region initiated by UNESCO in which sustainable development is to be realized in an exemplary manner in ecological, economic and social terms. A biosphere area thus ideally combines nature conservation with the requirements of the population.

A person practices yoga on a grassy hilltop, arms outstretched, with a scenic view of rolling hills and a cloudy sky in the background.

Reutlingen: A major city in a UNESCO biosphere reserve

Reutlingen is one of the few major European cities in a UNESCO biosphere reserve. Parts of the districts of Gönningen, Ohmenhausen, Betzingen and the Wasenwald forest are part of the biosphere reserve. The Listhof Environmental Education Center is the center of excellence for environmental education, renewable energies and biodiversity in the Swabian Alb biosphere reserve.

A long yellow building with solar panels on the roof, surrounded by greenery and pathways.

Listhof Environmental Education Center

The Listhof nature reserve is located in the immediate vicinity of the environmental education center. Until 1992, the area was used by the French military as a training ground.

Snow-covered hill under a blue sky with scattered clouds, people dotting the landscape, enjoying winter activities.

Become a partner

The partner initiative represents the close, trusting cooperation between the biosphere area office and regional residents, businesses and service providers with a tourist offer. The basis is a quality promise based on an agreed catalog of criteria, compliance with which is regularly monitored.

A wooden observation hut stands amid autumn foliage, overlooking a grassy field under a cloudy sky.

The myth of the Swabian Alb

Situated between Stuttgart and Lake Constance, the district of Reutlingen in the Central Swabian Jura offers everything for an individual vacation for the whole family.

A bunch of fresh carrots on display at an outdoor market, with blurred people and produce in the background.

Date 2025 still open

Biosphere Week

The Biosphere Week has been an integral part and one of the annual highlights in the calendar of events of the Swabian Alb biosphere area for 12 years and is popular with residents and guests alike. The aim of the Biosphere Week is to make the first biosphere area in Baden-Württemberg understandable and experienceable in all its different facets - with all senses!