Rotes Wasser von Olfen, Nature reserve in Odenwald, Germany
Rotes Wasser von Olfen is a nature reserve with peat bogs, wet meadows, and heathland areas in the Odenwald region. The landscape shows different habitats that connect together, creating a mix of wet and drier zones.
The area was officially protected in 1973 after detailed biotope mapping showed its ecological importance for the Odenwald landscape. This recognition helped ensure the survival of its sensitive habitats.
The name comes from iron-rich streams that flow through the area and give the water a reddish color. This natural process shapes how the reserve looks and feels when you visit.
The reserve is accessible through marked trails, and visitors should stay on designated paths to protect the sensitive ecosystem. Wear appropriate footwear since the ground is often wet and muddy.
The reserve is home to carnivorous sundew plants, cotton grass, and specialized peat moss species that thrive in nutrient-poor conditions. These rare plants depend on the bog's special conditions and form much of the biodiversity you will encounter.
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