The forest path

THE FUNCTIONS OF THE FOREST

The mosaic-like distribution of the forest characterises our cultural landscape. The trees absorb huge amounts of carbon dioxide with their leaves or needles and release oxygen, which is important for living organisms. The forest is important as a filter and reservoir for the drinking water supply. They help to purify polluted air and keep out noise.

Welfare
The forest forms a near-natural community and is home to many rare and endangered animals and plants. In the forest, people can relax, do sport and cultivate their relationship with nature.

Protection
Because forest soil and vegetation act like a sponge, the risk of flooding is reduced. The root system holds the soil together. The soil slides and erodes less.

Utilising wood
Wood is an important renewable raw material and energy source. It guarantees 90000 jobs in Switzerland. Wood is used in house construction as a building material for load-bearing structures (roof trusses, walls) and for interior fittings (stairs, floors, wall panelling). Much furniture is made of wood. In Zurzach, wood is of particular importance as a sustainable and CO2-neutral energy source. The Langwies community centre is heated together with the Langwies school building, the upper church, the Verenamünster, the rectory, the forum and the Probstei in a heating network with woodchip heating.

Forest management
Most of the Zurzach forest is owned by the local community. The forestry operation is certified according to FSC and Q-Swiss. The forest is managed sustainably. This means that the current status is maintained as a minimum and the aim is to improve all forest functions in the future. The stands are maintained and rejuvenated according to the principles of near-natural silviculture. The forest will be naturally regenerated exclusively with tree species suited to the site.

Recreational forest on the Rhine
A nature trail in the Rheinwäldchen (Rheinweg) shows around 80 native tree and shrub species.

Recreational forest
Today, the forest is more than just a place where wood is produced. The spa town of Zurzach pays particular attention to its recreational function.
- Rest areas: With fireplaces, comfortably equipped, periodically checked and maintained by the building authority.
- Hiking trail network: The yellow or red marked hiking trails are part of the cantonal and regional network. They can be walked comfortably in hiking boots all year round.
- Disabled access path: There is a wheelchair-accessible path from the Achenberg to the Rheintalblick viewpoint.
- Mountain bike routes: The forest roads that can be used by lorries and two machine paths are available for bikers.
- Vitaparcours and Laufträff: They can be used all year round.
- Riding routes: The forest roads that can be used by lorries may be used by horses and riders.
- Children's forest: The forest is an attractive leisure arena for children. They have priority in the Neuberg and Chatzensteig area.
- Forest schoolroom: Forest work day, lectures and guided tours are offered to the public by the forestry operation. "Forest", "Environment" and "Nature conservation" are the subject areas. There is also a forest classroom near the school in Zurzach (set up by the Zurzach Lions Club).

Nature conservation
The species-rich flora and fauna in the forest should be preserved and promoted. With this in mind, islands of old wood, forest meadows and wildlife rest areas have been designated. Care is taken to preserve standing and lying deadwood. Areas and objects particularly worthy of protection are designated. Rejuvenation is carried out with native and site-appropriate tree and shrub species.

Erosion protection
In consideration of the special habitats, landslide and stream obstructions are only carried out where they are unavoidable.

Landscape protection
Forest meadows are protected as characteristic elements of the landscape. Large-scale clearing is avoided in the forest.

Heritage protection
Historic sites and crosses are protected.

Source protection
As an actual water protection zone covering almost half of the municipality, the Zurzach forest is of particular importance.

FOREST TRAILS - EXCURSIONS

The forest has many faces. It changes with the seasons. There is always something new and interesting for its visitors. But the splendour only lasts for a short time and is replaced by another attraction. The forest trails through Zurzach aim to take these circumstances into account. Selected from the following themes, for example, 3-4 forest trails are activated for 14 days each year.

This is how it works:

1. publication of the respective forest trail excursion in the event calendar.

2. usually opening with a guided tour from Kurgästehaus Höfli. The tour is then open to the public for 14 days.

3. excursion guide available from the Höfli guesthouse.

Early bloomers; violets, liverworts

In March, nature awakens from its hibernation. The attentive forest walker is the first to notice the early bloomers, which catch the first warm rays of sunshine before the trees sprout. Discover 20 different types of flowers on the early bloomer trail.

Orchids; pale orchid, Handel's orchid

In April, several orchid species, some of them rare, bloom on the Zurziberg and Ämmeribuck. Get to know the magnificent and sometimes inconspicuous native orchid species on the orchid trail.

Birds; Zilp-Zalp, great spotted woodpecker

In May, all the migratory birds have returned from their wintering grounds in the south. Fully occupied with foraging and breeding, many sing at the top of their voices and lay claim to their territory. Experience a bird concert on the bird trail and discover the breeding den of a black woodpecker.

Woodland edges and hedgerows; monkshood, yellowhammer

In June, the forest edges and hedgerows offer a special spectacle. The shrubs are in bloom and many bird and insect species cavort in their special habitat. Get to know tree and shrub species as well as some hedge birds on the hedge trail.

Botany; water azalea, garlic hederich

In July, the flora is in its full splendour. Get to know the typical species of our forest on the forest plant trail.

Forest dwellers; badger, wild boar

In August, the offspring of most forest dwellers have established themselves. The foxes have already sent their pups away and the wild boar roam the woods in large packs. Discover a wild boar den and a badger den.

Mushrooms; dead trumpet, bread stubble mushroom

At the beginning of October, mushrooms shoot out of the ground. Experience the enormous variety of native mushroom species in our forests on the mushroom trail before the first frost.

Geology;

From the past to the present In November, when the leaves fall, the view from the Achenberg opens up far into the Black Forest. On the geology trail, you will learn about the history of the formation of our hills and valleys as well as the geological features of Zurzach.

Utilising wood; Femelschlag, Emballage

January is a busy month for timber harvesting. On the Timber Trail you can experience a felling and learn a lot about how and why wood is harvested.

By car:

Bad Zurzach is around 25 minutes from Baden, 35 minutes from Zurich or Kloten Airport and 40 minutes from Schaffhausen.