The first, rather large protected areas in Germany were created in 19th century under the influence of romanticism, requirements to national definition and proceeding from a socioeconomic situation. It occurred before national parks in USA were created and the German nature protection program formed. The article presents those of them which as much as possible resemble modern nature parks in their problems and organization. The history of their development as protected areas is characteristic for Germany thanks to private, public and state initiatives.
