Wettenberger Ried, Nature reserve in Hochdorf, Germany

Wettenberger Ried is a nature reserve between Hochdorf and Eberhardzell featuring wetlands, raised bogs, and water-soaked soil across its protected area. Walking through reveals distinct zones with open peat formations and scattered woodlands that create a mosaic of different habitats.

The area originated from two shallow lakes that formed during the last ice age over 180,000 years ago. Through natural filling and vegetation growth, these waters gradually became the raised bogs visible in the landscape today.

The name Ried refers to the reeds and marshland that characterise the site. A 2.4 km Moor-Rundweg runs through the reserve as a Bannwald and high-moor educational trail, with numerous information boards and a viewing platform on a newly formed lake. The trailhead car park lies at the southern edge near Benzenhaus.

A marked circular path of about 2.4 kilometers loops through the reserve and allows close observation of the bog plants. The route is easy to walk and provides several points to view the different habitat zones.

On the eastern edge of the Wasenmoos, a few metres east of a track, earthworks and ditches of a former refuge castle survive. The reserve also serves as a scientific observation area for research into the development of primeval forest.