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The article presents current approaches to rural landscape management in Europe in light of the concepts, methods and the findings of seven research projects undertaken by the Institute of Landscape Management of the Albert Ludwigs University of Freiburg (Germany). These projects are either being or were conducted in five European countries (Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Romania, Switzerland). The five main aims of landscape management comprise the sustainable production and supply of foods and raw materials by agriculture and forestry, the provision of recreational space, the conservation of ecological and cultural resources, and the restoration and reclamation of impaired landscapes or landscape compartments. In certain situations it may be possible that landscapes are not managed at all. Unhindered landscape development is an option in areas already largely abandoned. As landscapes are a public good, upon which many people stake claims, the cessation of any active landscape tending or the preparation and implementation of management concepts should be developed in participatory approaches. In order to solve the urgent problems facing European landscapes it is necessary to communicate adequately their specific values and to harmonise the actions of scientists, politicians, administrators, and local stakeholders.