Hartberger Gmoos, bog and protected area in Austria

Hartberger Gmoos is a nature reserve in the southern part of Hartberg that sits in a flat depression. The roughly 65-hectare area features willows, alders, reed beds, and water surfaces that provide habitat for birds, frogs, dragonflies, and butterflies.

The flat moor arose from the silting-up of the Edelsee, whose remnants survive in the deepest spots. The roughly 65-hectare area has been a nature reserve since 1992 and was declared a European protected area in 2005.

The name Gmoos comes from the Bavarian-Austrian word for a marshy meadow, a term common in the region. The reserve lies directly against the built-up edge of Hartberg, and the flat 3.5 km loop around it is used by locals for cycling, running and walking. A bird ringing station operates in the southern part.

The reserve is easily accessible via a flat loop path about 3.5 kilometers long that circles the area. The path works well for walking, jogging, and cycling and is lined with open spaces and trees that provide orientation and shelter.

A bird-ringing station operates in the southern part of the reserve. Its 2012 activity report recorded 13,325 birds caught and banded, belonging to 88 species.