Zwing, Nature reserve near Neresheim, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
Zwing is a 102-hectare nature reserve south of Neresheim, where the young Egau river's wide valley narrows into a winding one reaching the Härtsfeldsee. Its front section at 530 m is juniper heathland, followed by spruce plantings and, near Auernheim, a mosaic of heaths, mown limestone meadows and fields.
The area was designated as a protected zone in 1992 to safeguard its valuable plants and animals. This decision reflected a commitment to preserve this special landscape for future generations.
The open juniper heaths and mat-grass pastures of the Zwing exist because sheep have grazed them for a long time; the source names sheep grazing as the force behind the open areas. The name Buchhalde for the wood to the south recalls the former tree cover there. The Härtsfeld-Museumsbahn stops at Steinmühle on the eastern edge.
The reserve is opened up by hiking trails; the L 2033 state road and the Härtsfeld-Museumsbahn heritage railway run along its eastern edge, where the Steinmühle stop lies. The juniper heath at the entrance to the narrowing Egau valley sits at about 530 m above sea level.
A special area of about 35 hectares is home to European bison that manage vegetation through grazing. These animals help attract and support rare bird species such as partridges.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 94,359 contributors worldwide.
