The Augsburg - Western Forests Nature Park is a 1,175 square kilometer nature park in the Swabian administrative district of Bavaria. It includes the wooded hills west of Augsburg and is characterized by idyllic river valleys, wide forests and picturesque villages. The nature park is a paradise for hikers, cyclists and nature lovers and offers numerous opportunities for recreation in nature.
Landscape and nature
The nature park consists largely of mixed forests and alluvial forests along streams and small rivers such as the Schmutter, the Mindel and the Wertach. Typical landscapes are rolling hills, meadow valleys and ponds that provide a habitat for numerous animals and plants. The Anhauser Valley with the Anhauser Bach, which meanders picturesquely through the park, is particularly well known.
Leisure activities
• Hiking and cycling: There are well-developed hiking and cycling trails, including the Swabian-Allgäu hiking trail and the Staudenbahn cycle path. The paths lead through varied landscapes, past rivers, chapels and viewpoints.
• Culture and sights: Numerous small chapels, monasteries and historic mills such as the Oberschönenfeld Monastery, the church in Violau and the Staudenhaus provide insight into the regional history and culture.
• Forest adventure trails: Several adventure trails, such as the Oberschönenfeld Forest Adventure Trail, offer families the opportunity to discover nature in a playful way.
Highlights in the nature park
• Oberschönenfeld Monastery: A center for culture and history that also houses the Oberschönenfeld Museum, where visitors can learn more about the rural culture of Swabia.
• Wellenburger Allee: This historic avenue leads to the Wellenburg castle restaurant and is very popular with walkers.
• Ice cellar in Gessertshausen: A historic building that was once used to store ice and can now be visited.
Nature and protection
The Augsburg - Western Forests Nature Park is designed to protect the natural landscape while allowing recreation. The nature park includes numerous biotopes and nature reserves where endangered animal and plant species such as beavers and rare orchid species can be found.
This nature park is a valuable area for recreation and encounters with nature and offers an impressive variety of landscapes that both the local population and tourists can enjoy.