Nature Reserves in Landkreis Rosenheim

Landkreis Rosenheim contains 14 designated nature reserves (“Naturschutzgebiete”), which are protected areas for regional flora and fauna. These range from the ice-age lake district of the Eggstätt-Hemhofer Lakenplatte to the alpine meadows of Geigelstein and the wetlands along the Inn river.

The primary activities are hiking, cycling, and mountain biking, with more than 400 routes available across the aggregated reserves. Komoot offers curated collections of Hiking around Landkreis Rosenheim and Cycling around Landkreis Rosenheim.

The Eggstätt-Hemhofer Lakenplatte is Bavaria's oldest nature reserve, characterized by an ice-age moraine landscape. It features a mosaic of 17 individual lakes, kettle holes, rolling hills, and fens. This topography supports a network of hiking and cycling trails.

The Südufer Des Simssees reserve protects the southern shore of Lake Simssee. Its landscape is defined by extensive reed beds, fen woods, and the open water of the lake. The area is an important habitat for birds and offers trails for hiking and cycling.

This nature reserve, whose name translates to "Bird Sanctuary at the Inn Reservoir," is a crucial breeding, resting, and wintering site for many water birds. The landscape at Vogelfreistätte Innstausee Bei Attel Und Freiham is dominated by the Inn River, with siltation zones, reed beds, and alluvial forests. Access to certain zones is restricted to protect the wildlife.

Yes, several nature reserves offer routes suitable for families. The areas around the Eggstätt-Hemhofer Seenplatte and Simssee feature trails with gentle gradients. A collection of Family-friendly hikes around Landkreis Rosenheim provides specific route suggestions.

Dog-friendly hiking is possible on many trails, but regulations vary by reserve to protect wildlife and sensitive habitats. In areas like Auer Weidmoos, dogs must be kept on a leash, especially during bird breeding season. Always check local signage and rules for the specific area.

The Geigelstein reserve, known as the "Flower Mountain," offers a network of well-marked alpine and sub-alpine hiking trails. Routes lead through mountain forests and across alpine meadows to summits like the Geigelstein peak at 1,808 meters. Visitors must stay on designated paths to protect the sensitive flora.

Yes, there are numerous easy circular routes, particularly in the flatter reserves. The area around the Eggstätt-Hemhofer Seenplatte offers several loops around its many lakes. The SUR Rundweg also provides a walking path near the Kalten nature reserve.

The reserves offer a variety of cycling options, from gentle touring routes to road cycling and mountain biking. The Vogelfreistätte Innstausee Bei Attel Und Freiham is popular for touring and road cycling along the river, while the Eggstätt-Hemhofer Lakenplatte has trails suitable for mountain bikes and touring bicycles.

Swimming is permitted only in designated bathing areas to protect the sensitive ecosystems of the lakes. Within the Eggstätt-Hemhofer Seenplatte, for example, the Hartsee and Pelhamer See have specified areas for swimming. Other lakes may have restrictions.

Some trailheads and access points for the nature reserves can be reached via regional bus services. For example, routes around Simssee are accessible from nearby towns. Komoot provides a guide for hikes from bus stations in the district.