Wurzacher Ried

Wurzacher Ried is an expansive moor reserve in Bad Wurzach featuring raised bogs, woodland patches, and open water areas that create multiple specialized habitats. The site is accessible through a network of wooden boardwalks that allow visitors to traverse the fragile peatlands without causing damage.

The moorland formed approximately 450,000 years ago at the end of the Ice Age when the Rhine glacier retreated, leaving a deep depression that gradually became a raised bog. Over millennia, organic matter accumulated in this basin, building the peat mass that now supports a unique environment.

The moorland draws nature enthusiasts and scientists who come to observe rare plants and specialized animal species. Visitors experience a landscape that appears little altered, with ecological importance recognized on the global stage.

The site requires sturdy footwear and weather-appropriate clothing, especially during warm months when insects are abundant. The wooden boardwalks provide clear orientation, but surfaces can be slippery, so visitors should move carefully and allow plenty of time for exploration.

The site contains one of Central Europe's largest continuous intact raised bogs, with roughly one-third of its surface remaining completely untouched. These undisturbed zones allow researchers and nature observers to study and experience bog ecosystems in their original state.