Discover the vast expanse of Central Europe's largest nature reserve, nestled near Munich. Guided tours cater to all levels, ensuring an insightful experience for everyone.
Revitalized Wetlands in the Murnauer Moos: ideal spot for birdwatching
The Murnauer Moos, located in the heart of Central Europe, is Europe's largest naturally preserved bog region. Situated in the Bavarian countryside, this extensive wetland area comes to life in late spring, boasting a vibrant array of flora and fauna. Embarking on a hike through this picturesque moorland promises an unforgettable experience.
Murnau, Germany - For a unique exploration into nature, the Murnauer Moos is an unrivaled destination, especially during the spring season. Seasoned landscape ecologist, Tim Korschefsky, leads us on a 50-minute excursion, starting from the Biological Station in Ramsachstraße. As we stroll from the quaint Ramsach Church, a myriad of botanical rarities, such as Trollblumen, wild orchids, and Siberian irises, can be found along the trail.
Discover the beauty and crucial preservation of Murnauer Moos
Bearing in mind the significance of the area's diverse ecosystem, it's crucial for visitors to tread lightly and adhere to the various conservation measures in place. From May to late July, several areas within the moor are closed to travelers to provide protection for endangered meadowbirds such as the reed bunting, tree pipit, wheatear, and avocet, all of which are relatively common in Bavaria. These migratory species settle in the tall grass, making their nests vulnerable to disturbances, potentially threatening their brood's survival.
As we continue along the scenic Ramsach river, expansive moorlands, dotted with trees, greet us. Korschefsky suddenly halts our progress, drawing our attention to the faintest of songs coming from the dense foliage. There, a tree pipit perches, its distinctive, ascending and descending song a testament to the avian life that flourishes in the Murnauer Moos. The bog also provides a suitable habitat for a variety of other bird species, including hen harriers, kestrels, and the enigmatic great bustard, which is critically endangered in Germany with only three breeding pairs within the Murnauer Moos.
Beavers hard at work and a unique biodiversity sanctuary
Reaching the next bridge, our path takes us across the Ramsach into wetter moorlands. Here, thrive species such as white clover, sweet clover, marsh marigolds, and reed grass, while other areas see taller reeds providing suitable habitat for fieldfares, whose distinct insect-like hum can be easily recognized. In one particular ditch, proof of the beaver's industrious nature can be observed as the aquatic mammals work on their dams, sometimes causing temporary flooding in the area. The local authorities allow beaver colonies to coexist with the ecosystem, maintaining a delicate balance between conserving their natural habitat and minimizing potential disruptions.
The Murnauer Moos encompasses a diverse landscape, stretching as far as the eye can see towards the Aufacker and Hoernle Massif. From this vantage point, expanses of light brown, flat terrain known as the Hohenbiogenmoos come into view, consisting of pristine calcareous fens. To the south, forested hills referred to as Koechl rise from the moor, harboring valuable biotopes with untouched bogs, springs, and small lakes, where the elusive osprey occasionally makes an appearance. The Koechl's mixed forests rich in dead wood now serve as a protected nature reserve.
Concluding the tour at the traditional Gasthaus Aehndl
Our tour concludes at the well-known Gasthaus Aehndl, offering a chance for refreshments and light-hearted conversation. The Biological Station situated nearby plays host to various projects and school classes, allowing visitors to further explore the rich biodiversity of the Murnauer Moos within its educational rooms and small interactive exhibition.
Accessibility and further exploration
Beginning Point: Parking lot at the Biological Station, Ramsachstraße 15, 82418 Murnau. To reach the starting point, head down the B2 from Murnau and follow the signs towards the parking lot.
Public Transportation: Take the call-a-bus from the Murnau train station, available for booking via app (www.omobi.de/der-blaue-land-bus) or by phone. Alternatively, a scenic 30-minute walk from the station takes you through the cultural park, Muellstraße, and Ramsachstraße to the Biological Station.
A shorter, roughly 50-minute hike takes visitors past the Gasthaus Aehndl to the Moor Bridge, then back to the starting point via a slightly flooded ditch. For a more extensive hiking experience, a 3.5-hour "Moor Loop" is also available (www.dasblaueland.de/tour/hike-moor-loop).
Guided tours provide additional insight and can be booked at https://murnauermoos.de (>Station>Events) or www.dasblaueland.de/murnauermoos.
Additional insights
The Murnauer Moos is an ideal birdwatching destination during the peak migration season (April to May) and nesting season (June). For optimal conditions, plan your visit for the early morning or late afternoon, and aim for stable weather to minimize disturbances to sensitive species.
- Embrace a unique blend of birdwatching and travel by exploring the diverse landscape of Murnauer Moos, an unparalleled destination for nature enthusiasts seeking an immersive lifestyle experience.
- The revitalized wetlands of Murnauer Moos, transcending beyond just a birdwatching spot, serve as a sanctuary for numerous rare and endangered species, offering a peek into the rich biodiversity of Central Europe and fostering an appreciation for its preservation.
