The new EWILPA is a learning and adventure centre that is all about the power of native wild plants. On an approximately 12-kilometre-long path through the lovingly designed areas, visitors discover plants that were once a natural part of everyday nutrition - before they were forgotten. Now they are back in their rightful place: as food, as medicinal plants and as a silent plea for more mindfulness towards nature. Information boards and other stations make a visit to the EWILPA an exciting experience for anyone who enjoys natural cuisine or is planning a nature holiday in Germany.
New Ewilpa opening in Bad Neualbenreuth: another edible wild plant park invites you to discover it
It was a special day for the region: on Saturday, 17 May 2025, a new Edible Wild Plant Park (EWILPA) was officially opened in Bad Neualbenreuth, Bavaria's youngest spa town in the Upper Palatinate district of Tirschenreuth. It is another project close to the heart of the foundation under the direction of Dr Markus Strauß and Hollerhöfe host Elisabeth Zintl, where wild plants can not only be admired, but also understood, appreciated - and eaten.
What exactly is an EWILPA?
An edible wild plant park is much more than just a botanical garden. Only native wild plants that are edible and have health benefits grow here. Visitors can not only look and smell - they can also touch, taste and learn. On the one hand, the parks offer a sensory experience of nature and, at the same time, impart practical knowledge about the use and effects of native wild plants in cooking and medicine.
Nature conservation meets education: a project with a future
Behind the concept is the ‘EWILPA Foundation’ with its founder Dr Markus Strauß, who has set up a network of edible wild plant parks across Germany. The aim is to preserve the ancient knowledge of native plant species and make it possible for future generations to experience them again. The new location in Bad Neualbenreuth impressively demonstrates how this vision can be realised in practice - with regional commitment and a great deal of passion.
Also in Waldeck: An EWILPA directly at the Hollerhöfe farms
In Waldeck near Kemnath, the EWILPA has been around for some time - created by host and herbalist Elisabeth Zintl, who has played a key role in shaping the project with her expertise and passion. The park is a real highlight for guests of the Hollerhöfe - be it on a guided herb hike and an exchange with Mrs Zintl, at workshops with a culinary focus or simply as an inspiring walk through the local plant world.
The EWILPA Waldeck offers guided herb walks, wild herb workshops and exciting hands-on activities for young and old. Especially in the warmer months, the park is a lively place for curious visitors who want to learn more about wild plants and enjoy the tranquillity of nature. Many of our guests who spend their nature holiday in the Upper Palatinate report how much they enjoy taking knowledge about wild herbs home with them. They then use it at home: in the form of homemade ointments, wild herb pestos and much more. The park is also very popular as part of our team events or as a programme item during a conference in the countryside.
Nature holidays in Germany: Learn, relax, enjoy
The combination of mindful nature experiences and a relaxing retreat is what our guests at the Hollerhöfe appreciate so much. Anyone planning a nature holiday in Germany with us can look forward to a holistic experience - be it hiking through the Steinwald forest, excursions to regional markets or dinner with herbs from our own garden.
With the EWILPA parks in Waldeck and now also in Bad Neualbenreuth, the region is a real paradise for nature lovers, herb enthusiasts and anyone looking for an original nature experience in Germany.
Plan your nature holiday now and rediscover wild plants. We look forward to seeing you!
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