Nature reserves in the district of Pfaffenhofen a.d.Ilm

Nature reserves

Experiencing nature” is also very important in the district of Pfaffenhofen a.d.Ilm. In addition to the typical Hallertau hills of the largest contiguous hop-growing region in the world and the idyllic river valleys along the Ilm and Paar rivers, you can experience pure nature when you visit one of the four nature reserves.

A trip into the nature

Enjoy a walk through unique grasslands, nutrient-poor grasslands, remnants of litter meadows, moor grass meadows and snow heath pine forest as well as rare bats, beetles, grasshoppers and birds. Excursions also offer the opportunity to awaken an interest in and enjoyment of nature, to practise responsible interaction with nature and to understand ecological relationships.

Come to the district of Pfaffenhofen a.d.Ilm in the middle of Bavaria and take home fascinating impressions that you will remember for a long time to come!

Windsberg

It was placed under protection in 1985 and is located east of Freinhausen, Markt Hohenwart, with an area of 8.2 ha.

The protected area is characterized by the occurrence of various types of rough grassland on the south-facing slope of the Paartal valley. In addition to calcareous grasslands and open sandy grasslands, there are stands tending towards acidic nutrient-poor grasslands. There is a calcareous fen at the foot of the slope. The open, sometimes very steep rough grassland areas are structured in some areas by terraces. Individual trees, groves of different types and the pine forest in the north-east of the conservation area contribute to the structural diversity and scenic attractiveness of the area. The former agricultural terraces and tendrils in the northwest of the protected area are also an important part of the area.

Nöttinger cattle pasture and Badertaferl

It was placed under protection in 1943 and is located northwest of Nötting, near Geisenfeld, with an area of 148.2 ha.

The unique heathland and grassland landscape was created by centuries of grazing by sheep, pigs and cattle and dates back to the Middle Ages, when intensive use by herds of cattle caused the young trees to be browsed and a typical heathland landscape to develop. In the open areas with bizarre, free-standing old trees, the nature reserve stands out from its surroundings in a rich contrast and is of great aesthetic appeal. In addition to rare plants such as arum, arnica, wild garlic, spring knotweed, yellow wood anemone, daphne, lungwort etc., rare bats, beetles, grasshoppers and birds can also be found in the protected area.

Königsau near Großmehring

It was placed under protection in 1986 and is located east of Manching, with a size of 28.3 ha.

The protected area comprises different types of biotope. In addition to the Danube oxbow lake with a hardwood floodplain, the northwest is bordered by a Brenne with calcareous grassland, extensive sea buckthorn bushes and a snow heath pine forest. Parallel to the Danube oxbow lake in the south and west flows the “Paar” with river-side oxbow lakes, remnants of softwood and hardwood floodplains and old pollarded willows. The former flood plain of the Danube with reed beds and a sedge meadow in the protected area is considered an important breeding area for endangered bird species. The largest part of the nature reserve is located in the district of Eichstätt.

Oberstimmer shaft

It was placed under protection in 1986 and is located south of Oberstimm, near Manching, with an area of 19.5 ha.

The protected area was created by gravel extraction in the last century, but has not been recultivated. The quarry pond in the east of the protected area is a habitat of regional importance for still and flowing water organisms. Remnants of litter meadows, pipe grass meadows and calcareous grasslands can be found here. The naturally occurring forest areas are designated as forest with special significance as a biotope. Due to its structural diversity and natural forest development, the nature reserve is also of particular importance from the point of view of landscape aesthetics. This is also due to the very low proportion of woodland in the surrounding area, which is far below the Bavarian state average in the Donaumoos.