Hochmoor Meloner Au

The Meloner Au near Altmelon is a unique high moor in the Waldviertel, a fascinating mosaic of raised bogs, transitional bogs and fens. This primeval moorland landscape with its mossy forests, tranquil water areas and rare plants is one of the most important nature reserves in Austria.

On the hiking trail through the Meloner Au, you can experience the mysterious world of the moors up close in summer and fall. A moor can only develop where the ground remains permanently wet. In the nutrient-poor high moors, peat grows from dead plants that hardly decompose in the absence of air, a natural "archive of nature". Low moors, on the other hand, are rich in nutrients and provide a habitat for many plant species, while transitional moors form the intermediate form.

Only particularly robust trees grow in the Meloner Au, such as spruce, mountain pine, birch and spruce. Rare animals such as the capercaillie find refuge here. Moors are also valuable carbon reservoirs and thus make an important contribution to climate protection.

Moor growth began over 11,000 years ago and peat only grows about one millimeter per year. Visitors can therefore experience a piece of the earth's history.

Tip: The Meloner Au is only open from June 20 to November 30 to protect nature. Guided moorland hikes on the popular Bear Trail offer exciting insights into this primeval landscape.