Top 20 Natural Monuments around Spatzenhausen
Natural monuments around Spatzenhausen offer a variety of impressive natural landscapes in the Upper Bavarian region. While no specific natural monuments are designated directly within the municipality, the surrounding area provides access to significant natural attractions. These areas are characterized by expansive moorlands, glacial lakes, and unique spring formations. The region serves as a base for exploring diverse ecosystems and recreational opportunities.
Best natural monuments around Spatzenhausen
- The most popular natural monuments is Langer Filz boardwalk in Murnauer Moos,…
Last updated: May 28, 2026
Langer Filz boardwalk in Murnauer Moos
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Great Ostersee
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Murnauer Moos Nature Reserve
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Lake Staffelsee
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Blue Gumpe Spring (Osterseen)
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There is a lot to experience at the market in Murnau...
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Great paved cycle path through the Murnauer Moos, with beautiful views over the moor towards the mountains
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Seven tree-covered islands make it the most island-rich lake in the foothills of the Alps. It is located “in the middle of a pre-Alpine moor landscape west of Murnau. The Toteissee, whose basin was formed by the Loisach Glacier, was formed during the Würm Ice Age.
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The Osterseen are a group of bodies of water south of Lake Starnberg in the Weilheim-Schongau district in Upper Bavaria. The southern and central Osterseen with the Großer Ostersee belong to the municipality of Iffeldorf, the northern Osterseen from the Stechsee and the Frechensee to the municipality of Seeshaupt. Iffeldorf is around five kilometers by road northwest of Penzberg, 20 km southeast of the district town of Weilheim and 50 km south-southwest of Munich city centre. The 20 larger individual lakes have a total area of around 225 hectares and an average depth of a good nine metres. The Kleiner Gröbensee and about 15 unnamed smaller lakes, each with an area of only a few hundred square meters, are not included here, seven of which are already heavily silted up. The Osterseen and the silting-up zone bordering to the west are located in the landscape protection area "Protection of the Osterseen and their surroundings in the communities of Frauenrain, Iffeldorf and Seeshaupt". The area received this protection status as early as 1955. Since 1981 there has also been the Osterseen nature reserve with an area of 1,083 hectares. About a third of this is on the surface of the water bodies, 494 hectares are high, low and intermediate moors, 172 hectares consist of semi-natural mixed forest. Around five percent of the Osterseen landscape consists of riparian regions, silted-up areas and meadows. The nature reserve is divided into three parts, which are separated from each other by the train line of the Kochelseebahn and the state road 2063: Südliche Osterseen, Nordliche Osterseen and Frechensee. In May 1997, the Osterseen were reported to Brussels as a SPA (European bird sanctuary) and FFH area according to the Fauna-Flora-Habitat Directive. In addition to the Eggstätt-Hemhofer lake district and the Seeoner lakes, the area is the largest and most structured icefall landscape in the Bavarian Alpine foothills. The complex of boggy and nutrient-poor lakes, low, transitional and raised bogs alongside bog and swamp forests with its extraordinary diversity of species in the networked habitats, biotopes and ecological niches is of Europe-wide importance for basic scientific research. The beauty of this landscape has always attracted artists. The painter Georg Schrimpf in particular, a main representative of the New Objectivity art movement, created several oil paintings of the Osterseen in the 1930s. Source: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osterseen
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Always a dream to go here to enjoy nature
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The boardwalk is about 60 cm wide and some boards are no longer so trustworthy. But the path is really great! Heath and moorland landscape. Always the mountains in the background. There is a sheltered rest area approximately in the middle. In contrast to the groundwater-fed, mineral-rich fens, rain-fed, mineral- and nutrient-poor raised bogs show a completely different type of vegetation. Sphagnum mosses and grasses (especially sour grass and wreath grass) form a low moss and herb layer. Of course, if they are not drained, they remain forest-free. Peat mosses are the most important part of every raised bog. They grow up to 15 cm per year, while at the same time they die in the resulting peat. As a result, raised bogs grow on average 1 mm per year. The dead peat moss then condenses into pure peat. https://www.murnauermoos.de/index.php/natur-u-landschaft/das-moor
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This of many other springs in the Osterseen is located in the shore area. You can go directly over this groundwater source via a footbridge. Crystal clear water lets you see down to the bottom. Very beautiful!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the most popular natural monuments to visit near Spatzenhausen?
Visitors frequently enjoy the Langer Filz boardwalk in Murnauer Moos, which offers a unique walk through a natural moor landscape with panoramic mountain views. Another favorite is the Great Ostersee, the largest of the glacial Osterseen lakes, known for its wide vistas and tranquil waters. The expansive Murnauer Moos Nature Reserve itself is also highly rated for its unique ecosystem and diverse plant and animal life.
Are there family-friendly natural monuments around Spatzenhausen?
Yes, several natural monuments are ideal for families. The Great Ostersee and the surrounding Osterseen area are perfect for discovery tours with diverse scenery. The Murnauer Moos Nature Reserve offers easy hiking trails with almost no inclines, making it suitable for all ages. The Blue Gumpe Spring (Osterseen) is also considered family-friendly, offering a fascinating natural phenomenon to observe.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see in the natural monuments around Spatzenhausen?
The region is characterized by diverse natural features. You'll find expansive moorlands, such as the Murnauer Moos Nature Reserve, with unique heather, birch, and pine stands. There are also numerous glacial lakes, including the Great Ostersee and the wider Osterseen group, offering glistening waters, swamps, and serene forests. Unique spring formations like the Blue Gumpe Spring are also prominent.
Are there good hiking opportunities near the natural monuments?
Absolutely. The natural monuments around Spatzenhausen offer excellent hiking opportunities. The Langer Filz boardwalk provides a unique hiking experience through the moor. The Osterseen area is known for its fantastic hiking trails, and the Murnauer Moos Nature Reserve has easy, enjoyable paths. For more extensive options, you can explore various hiking routes in the region, including those found in the Cycling around Spatzenhausen guide, which often share paths with walkers.
Can I go swimming or enjoy water activities at these natural monuments?
Yes, the region is home to several lakes perfect for swimming and water activities. The Great Ostersee has a small beach where you can refresh yourself. The nearby Staffelsee is a popular swimming lake known for its mild water temperatures, and Riegsee offers a bathing beach with a sunbathing lawn. These lakes provide excellent opportunities for a refreshing dip or leisurely time by the water.
What makes the Osterseen area special for visitors?
The Osterseen are a captivating group of 19-24 lakes that form a fantastic hiking area. This glacial landscape is considered one of the most varied and instructive in the northern foothills of the Alps, showcasing diverse typical landscape forms. Visitors can enjoy wide vistas, glistening waters, quaint swamps, and serene forests, making it ideal for extensive discovery tours and peaceful immersion in nature. The Blue Gumpe Spring is a notable highlight within this area.
Are there any natural monuments suitable for beginners or easy walks?
Yes, many areas are suitable for beginners and offer easy walks. The Langer Filz boardwalk in Murnauer Moos is a flat, accessible trail. The Murnauer Moos Nature Reserve features easy hiking trails with minimal inclines. Additionally, the circular hiking trail around the Riegsee is considered family-friendly and offers beautiful views without significant difficulty.
What is the best time of year to visit the natural monuments around Spatzenhausen?
The natural monuments around Spatzenhausen can be enjoyed year-round, but each season offers a different experience. Spring and autumn are ideal for hiking and birdwatching, with pleasant temperatures and vibrant colors. Summer is perfect for swimming and water activities in the lakes like Staffelsee and Riegsee. Even in winter, the moorlands and frozen lakes offer a tranquil and unique landscape for quiet walks, though some paths might be less accessible.
What wildlife can I observe in the natural monuments near Spatzenhausen?
The Murnauer Moos Nature Reserve is a significant habitat for numerous endangered plant and animal species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. The northern part of the Riegsee is a protected bird sanctuary, offering excellent opportunities for bird lovers. Throughout the moorlands and forests, you can expect to see various bird species, insects, and potentially smaller mammals native to wetland and forest ecosystems.
Are there any circular walking routes around the natural monuments?
Yes, there are options for circular walks. The area around the Osterseen, including the highlight Along the Osterseen, provides diverse scenery for extensive discovery tours that can be structured as loops. Additionally, a dedicated circular hiking trail around the Riegsee offers beautiful views, resting spots, and bathing opportunities, making it a great option for a complete loop.
How can I explore the natural monuments by bike?
The region offers excellent cycling opportunities. The Murnauer Moos Nature Reserve has beautiful paths suitable for enjoyable and easy bike rides. You can find various cycling routes, including road cycling and gravel biking, that pass through or near these natural attractions. For detailed routes, refer to the Road Cycling Routes around Spatzenhausen, Gravel biking around Spatzenhausen, and Cycling around Spatzenhausen guides.
Are there any unique natural phenomena to see?
Yes, the Blue Gumpe Spring (Osterseen) is a unique natural phenomenon. It's one of many spring pots in the Osterseen area where calcareous groundwater emerges from the ground, feeding the lakes. These funnel-shaped spring pots were formed at the end of the last ice age, and the crystal-clear water allows you to see right to the bottom, offering a truly special sight.
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