Bärnsee, Nature reserve lake in Aschau im Chiemgau, Germany.
The Bärnsee is a nature reserve lake in Aschau im Chiemgau that encompasses three distinct types of moorland: raised bog, lowland moor, and spring moor. These different habitats are closely connected within the protected boundaries and form a complete ecosystem.
The lake formed approximately 15,000 years ago when glaciers from the last ice age retreated and created a natural water retention basin. This long-term process allowed the moorlands surrounding it to develop into their present-day state.
The meadows surrounding the lake support rare plant species including primrose, bog bean, and globeflower that flourish in the moorland. These plants shape the landscape and demonstrate how important the place is for natural conservation.
A circular path starting from the Aschau natural moor bath goes around the entire lake and takes about one and a half hours at a regular walking pace. The trail is straightforward to follow and requires no special skills or equipment.
The water surface gradually shrinks as floating bog vegetation grows inward from the edges, slowly filling the basin. Swimming and boating are prohibited to allow this natural transformation to continue undisturbed.
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