The Earth System Observatories of GFZ have a regional focus and combine an instrumental time axis with geological long-term observations. They do not only focus on one type of signal, but on coupled processes and many signals and are run by a cooperation of several GFZ sections. Our Earth System Observatories are a backbone to our research activities. They are optimally suited for a systemic study of coupled Earth processes and their impact on the human habitat. Combining instrumental observation with high-resolution geological archives, we particularly strive to embrace a range of different time scales to assess the temporal variability of processes, their rates and amplitudes. Curretnly, GFZ is operating five Earth System Observatories: (1) IPOC Integrated Plate Boundary Observatory Chile; (2) GONAF Geophysical Observatory at the North Anatolian Fault; (3) DESERVE Dead Sea Research Venue; (4) GCO Central Asian Global Change Observatory; (5) TERENO-NE Northeastern German Lowland Observatory.