Schwattet Gatt

Schwattet Gatt is a nature reserve covering roughly 62 hectares of protected land near Vreden. The area contains several water bodies, moor habitats, and old pine forests with wooden paths for nature observation.

The area received protection in 1959 and was expanded to its current size in 1992. These two designations reflect long-term recognition of its ecological importance.

The name refers to the boggy conditions that have shaped this landscape for centuries. Visitors experience this directly when walking the wooden paths over wet areas and observing the vegetation typical of moor habitats.

The reserve is accessible via cycling routes from the North Rhine-Westphalia network, though bicycles must be left off the wooden paths. This restriction protects the reptiles and amphibians living in the wet areas.

The reserve contains a well-preserved remnant of raised bog with wet heathland, surrounded by ancient-looking pine forests. This rare combination provides habitat for black woodpeckers and honey buzzards that visitors may spot.

Location: Vreden

Inception: 1959

GPS coordinates: 52.08300,6.86600

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:43