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Fichtelseemoor Natural Forest Reserve

Explore the ancient Fichtelseemoor Natural Forest Reserve in Bavaria, a unique high moor landscape with rare bog pine forests and diverse wildlife, perfect for nature enthusiasts.

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The Naturwaldreservat Fichtelseemoor, nestled in the Fichtel Mountains near Fichtelberg, Bavaria, is a captivating natural preserve. This 55.2-hectare reserve, part of the larger Fichtelseemoor nature reserve, showcases a unique high moor landscape, a relic of the last ice age. Established in 1978, it protects a diverse ecosystem of rare plants and animals adapted to the nutrient-poor, acidic environment. Visitors can explore the area via well-maintained trails and wooden footbridges, discovering the largest and best-preserved bog pine stands in Upper Franconia, along with transition and fen moors, sedge swamps, and heath vegetation. The reserve plays a vital role in climate stability due to its carbon and water storage capacity. It's a haven for nature enthusiasts seeking tranquility and unique biodiversity.

A brief summary to Naturwaldreservat Fichtelseemoor

Local tips

  • Wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots, as the trails can be wet and uneven, especially in the moorland areas.
  • Bring binoculars to enhance your wildlife viewing opportunities, especially for spotting birds and other moorland creatures.
  • Visit during different seasons to witness the changing colors of the landscape, from vibrant greens in spring to golden hues in autumn.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    If arriving by car, navigate to Fichtelberg and follow signs for Fichtelsee. From the center of Fichtelberg, head west on Hauptstraße towards Am Fichtelsee. Continue for approximately 2 kilometers. Park at the Seehaus parking lot (Fichtelseestraße 30, 95686 Fichtelberg), which provides direct access to the reserve. Parking fees apply; expect to pay around €3 for 24 hours. Payment is possible via the Parkster app or on-site.

  • Public Transport

    To reach Naturwaldreservat Fichtelseemoor via public transportation, take bus line 329 or 369 from Bayreuth to Fichtelberg Busbahnhof. From there, it's approximately a 30-minute walk (2.5km) to the Fichtelseemoor. Follow the signs towards Fichtelsee. A single bus fare from Bayreuth to Fichtelberg costs approximately €6-8. Alternatively, from the bus stop "Neubau Fichtelsee" it is only 130m to the entrance of the hiking trail.

  • Walking

    If you are already in Fichtelberg, numerous well-marked hiking trails lead to the Fichtelseemoor and Fichtelsee. Follow the signs towards Fichtelsee. The hike from Fichtelberg to the Fichtelseemoor is approximately 2.5 kilometers and takes about 30 minutes. Ensure you wear appropriate walking shoes and carry water.

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Discover more about Naturwaldreservat Fichtelseemoor

The Naturwaldreservat Fichtelseemoor, or Fichtelseemoor Natural Forest Reserve, is a captivating destination nestled within the Fichtel Mountains of Bavaria, Germany. Located near the town of Fichtelberg, this 55.2-hectare reserve forms part of the larger Fichtelseemoor nature reserve and stands as a testament to the region's rich natural history and biodiversity. Established in 1978 as one of Bavaria's first natural forest reserves, the Fichtelseemoor protects a unique high moor landscape that dates back to the last ice age, between 8,000 and 10,000 years ago. This ancient landscape, situated at approximately 750 meters above sea level in the saddle between the Ochsenkopf and Schneeberg mountains, offers visitors a chance to step back in time and witness the remarkable adaptations of life in a challenging environment. Historically, the Fichtelseemoor was much larger, extending around the Fichtelsee. However, starting in 1792, systematic drainage and extensive peat extraction significantly altered the moor. While peat extraction has long ceased, the effects of drainage continue to influence the area's hydrology. Despite these changes, the Fichtelseemoor remains a haven for a diverse community of specialized plant and animal species. The reserve is particularly known for harboring the largest and best-preserved bog pine (Spirke) stands in Upper Franconia. These hardy pines thrive in the waterlogged, nutrient-poor conditions of the moor, forming a unique "Spirken-Moorwald" or bog pine forest. This distinctive forest type is closely associated with transition and fen moors, sedge swamps, and heath vegetation, creating a mosaic of habitats that support a wide array of life. Typical of the acidic, nutrient-poor high moor soils is a dense layer of mosses and herbaceous plants, including sphagnum mosses, heather, sundew, cranberries, blueberries, and bog rosemary. Orchids, such as the broad-leaved marsh orchid, also thrive in certain areas. The bog pine, a tall-growing mountain pine, is uniquely adapted to water-saturated peat soils, forming the characteristic bog pine forests of the Fichtelseemoor. In the peripheral areas and drier sections of the natural forest reserve, a bilberry-spruce-fir-pine forest dominates. This mixed forest type reflects the varying soil conditions and drainage patterns within the reserve, adding to the overall habitat diversity. Ecologically, the Fichtelseemoor plays a crucial role in climate stability due to its exceptional carbon and water storage capacity. Intact moors can store up to 50 tons of carbon dioxide per hectare per year, making them vital allies in the fight against climate change. The reserve also provides habitat for a variety of rare insects and moorland dragonflies, such as the alpine emerald dragonfly. Visitors to the Naturwaldreservat Fichtelseemoor can explore this unique landscape via well-maintained hiking trails and wooden footbridges. These paths allow for close observation of the moor's distinctive features, including the bog pine forests, peat moss carpets, and specialized plant life. The trails also offer opportunities to spot some of the reserve's elusive wildlife, such as adders and beavers. The Fichtelseemoor is easily accessible from the Seehaus parking lot on the B303 federal highway. A comfortable hiking trail leads through the natural forest reserve to the Fichtelsee, a picturesque lake that complements the moorland scenery. The Fichtelsee itself was created in the 17th century to provide water for mining operations in the Fichtel Mountains. Today, the Fichtelsee offers opportunities for swimming, boating, and leisurely walks. In winter, the lake transforms into a natural ice rink, attracting skaters from near and far. The northern shore of the lake marks the beginning of the nature reserve, with its transition zones, typical moor vegetation, and bog pine forest. As visitors explore the Fichtelseemoor, they may encounter the Jean Paul Fountain, a historic spring known for its iron-rich waters. The nearby Moorbad in Fleckl offers a chance to experience the moor's therapeutic properties firsthand. Several long-distance hiking trails, such as the Jean Paul Trail and the Fichtelgebirge Trail, pass through the Fichtelseemoor, making it a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts. The Bavarian Environment and Agriculture Ministries are actively working to renature former peat extraction areas within the moor, restoring the natural water balance and ecological cycles. This ongoing effort underscores the importance of preserving this unique and valuable ecosystem for future generations. While the dominant tree species in the reserve is currently the spruce (82%), the proportion of bog pine is gradually decreasing (9%). Over time, the natural succession process will likely transform the "Spirken-Moorwald" into a high moor spruce forest. The reserve also contains smaller proportions of pine, birch, and rowan trees. The amount of deadwood in the reserve currently stands at 27 cubic meters per hectare, reflecting the natural processes of forest development. The Naturwaldreservat Fichtelseemoor offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty and ecological significance of a high moor landscape. Its diverse habitats, rare plant and animal life, and ongoing renaturation efforts make it a compelling destination for nature lovers, hikers, and anyone seeking a deeper connection with the natural world.

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