Such high temperatures have never before been measured on the Brocken, according to the management of the Harz National Park. Records began in 1895 and in 2011 the average temperature was 4.8 degrees Celsius - only breaching the 5 degrees Celsius (41 degrees Fahrenheit) mark in 2014 for the first time.

The Brocken is the tallest mountain of the northern highlands, measuring 1141 meters (3743 ft). Even minute temperature fluctuations have a significant impact on the flora and wildlife of the region, National Park spokesperson Friedhart Knolle explained. "Native spruce grows poorly in warm and damp conditions." As a result of the warmer climate, there has also been a marked increase in infestation of pests such as the bark beetle.

Tourism in the region naturally suffers from the consequences of this warming, according to Knolle. "If the winter doesn't fully eventuate it has unthinkable consequences." Snow canons can be employed on the ski slopes to alleviate the situation to an extent, but could never totally recreate a winter idyll.

With a total area of 247 square kilometers, the Harz National Park is one of the largest forested national parks in Germany - 95 percent of which is covered with beech and spruce forests. The park receives 1.5 million visitors each year.

ks/jt (epd, mdr)