Family experiences in the forest
Off into the cool forest
One third of Switzerland is covered by forest. These forests are home to around 30,000 species of animals, plants and fungi. There is much to experience in the paradisiacal green sides of our country.
The diversity of Switzerland is also reflected in a total of 124 different types of forest in our country. Depending on the area, different plant species grow and characterize the image of the forest. However, what looks so stable is actually on the move. Climate change is shifting the vegetation zones 500 to 700 meters upwards. For example, in a few decades, deciduous trees will increasingly grow where conifers are still predominant today. How this will affect us in detail is still unclear in many respects. What will not change is the magic and attraction that forests exert. Today there are around 535 million trees in the Swiss forest and the forest areas are even increasing! This is a good thing. The forest is becoming increasingly important as a place of recreation. Especially in summer, it is wonderful to spend time in a cool forest. At the same time, considerate forest use is a matter of honor and a necessity. The forest forgets nothing. It is therefore a good teacher. It sharpens the senses. The cycles of nature can be experienced here. So let's go - off into the cool woods. You can observe a lot under the trees. There is no shortage of ideas and great opportunities for beautiful experiences; some of them are presented on the following pages. Whether you choose to meditate in the tranquillity of the forest, listen quietly to the murmur of a stream, actively follow the tracks of animals, discover the diversity of plants with fascination or simply enjoy a nice picnic, you will emerge from the grove enriched.
Tips for family adventures in the forest
Peter and Paul Wildlife Park, St. Gallen
The wildlife park is located above St. Gallen. The park is beautifully laid out, the enclosures are well-kept and spacious. Admission is free of charge. You will receive lots of information about the local forest animals. There is a restaurant and a small self-service beer garden. The location and the view of Lake Constance and the Alpstein are magnificent.
How to get there: take the Voralpen-Express, the Alpenrhein-Express or the S-Bahn to St. Gallen, take the bus to the Sonne stop, walk: 15 minutes
Forest adventure trail in Sihlwald
Twelve adventure stations allow you to immerse yourself in the wilderness of a natural forest: count tree rings on a tree, a wooden footbridge leads over glistening moor water, past bizarre rootstocks, over fallen tree trunks, or you can do without shoes and socks and feel the different surfaces with bare feet.
Arrival: with the Treno Gottardo or the Aare Linth to Zurich, with the S4 to Sihlwald
A leap from the Little Big City into the forest
This forest excursion takes you out of the city to the Zurich and Adlisberg mountains. The trail leads from the mountain station of the Rigiblick cable car through a species-rich forest. On the Loorenkopf observation tower, you can let your gaze wander over the peaks at a height of 32 meters. The Dolderbahn takes you back to the city.
How to get there: take the Treno Gottardo or the Aare Linth to Zurich, take the VBZ to the Rigiblick cable car
“Find all forest dwellers": ‘Forest diversity’ campaign
The Federal Office for the Environment's campaign invites you to discover native species on the “Find all the forest dwellers” exploration tour. A great excursion idea for the whole family. Trails in many forests in all regions. Great prizes are raffled off every month.
Information and participation www.wald-vielfalt.ch
Hochwacht observation tower, Hausen am Albis
This is a perfect place for a short excursion. It is less crowded, but no less beautiful. The tower and the path to it offer very beautiful views with panoramic views over Lake Zurich on one side and as far as Lake Zug on the other. And to the south there is a fantastic mountain panorama.
Getting there: with the Treno Gottardo or the Aare Linth to Zurich, with the S4 to Sihlwald Walk: 1 hour
Beech forests in the Valle di Lodano
In the Valle di Lodano, beech trees have been spreading ecologically since the last glaciation. They are on the official
list for recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover the many magnificent old beech trees on four hiking trails through the little-known Valle di Lodano.
How to get there: by Treno Gottardo to Locarno, by bus to Lodano
Bödmerenwald: a primeval forest in primeval Switzerland
In the Muota Valley, the largest spruce forest with a primeval forest character in the entire Alpine region grows on a furrowed karst landscape. Parts of it have hardly been influenced by man. A rugged, wild world where every third tree is between 250 and 400 years old.
Arrival: with the Treno Gottardo to Schwyz, by post bus to Stalden
Chiemenwald circular wall on Lake Zug
This path in the countryside and forest offers wonderful views, beautiful barbecue and bathing spots. From the Immensee boat station, you can stroll along a paved path for about 15 minutes to Baumgarten, where the “Wurzelweg” begins along the Chiemen peninsula to Itelfingen. It takes about 30 minutes to return via the forest road.
Directions: take the Voralpen-Express to Küssnacht am Rigi, then bus 22 to Immensee
Tree quiz solution
1. Which are the most common trees in Switzerland? Answer: Spruce (Norway spruce), fir and beech
2. how many tree and shrub species are there? Answer: There are over 130 native species
3. what is the breakdown of the wood stock (softwood, hardwood)? Answer: The breakdown is as follows: Softwood ⅔ and hardwood ⅓
4. how old are our trees on average? Answer: 100 years
5. how many leaves does a 100-year-old beech tree have? Answer: Approx. 500,000 leaves
6. how old are our oldest trees? Answer: 1,500 years (yew trees)
7. how tall is the largest tree in Switzerland? Answer: 61 m (Douglas fir)