Top 19 Natural Monuments around Staatswald Galm
Best natural monuments around Staatswald Galm include a diverse range of natural features within this unique woodland, directly owned by the Canton of Fribourg. The forest is characterized by its ancient oaks, some over 300 years old, and a rich offering of flora and fauna. Its car-free environment ensures that its natural beauty and tranquility can be experienced on foot, making it ideal for extended forest walks. The Staatswald Galm is recognized as a significant contiguous forest complex in the Seebezirk region.
Best natural monuments around Staatswald Galm
- The most popular natural monument is Mont Vully, a summit that offers panoramic views of the Alps, Jura, and three surrounding lakes. It is a popular destination known for its vineyards and historical sites.
- Another must-see spot is Auried Nature Reserve, a nationally important area known for its rich biodiversity. It hosts one of Switzerland's largest tree frog populations and serves as a significant bird resting and breeding ground.
- Visitors also love Confluence of the Sense and Saane, where two rivers meet, forming a notable natural landmark. This spot provides a peaceful rest area and opportunities for riverside relaxation.
- Staatswald Galm is known for its ancient trees, diverse wildlife habitats, and significant river confluences. These natural features offer a variety of landscapes to explore and appreciate.
- The natural monuments around Staatswald Galm are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 500 upvotes and over 150 photos shared.
Last updated: July 10, 2026
Mont Vully
Highlight • Summit
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Auried Nature Reserve
Highlight • Natural
As a former gravel mining area, this area was acquired by Pro Natura.
One of the largest tree frog populations in Switzerland has its home in the Auried. The frog species, which has become very rare today, appreciates the well-sunlit waters in the former gravel mining area as spawning grounds. The wet meadows with individual trees serve as a summer habitat. But also other amphibians, waders, dragonflies and other invertebrates feel completely at home in the structurally rich landscape.
The area is considered a resting and breeding area for an enormous number of birds.
To ensure that this remains the case in the future, Pro Natura is grazing Scottish highland cattle against bushes. In addition, the areas are kept open with additional maintenance measures.
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Magdalena Hermitage, Räsch
Highlight • Religious Site
Open and free of charge from April to September.
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Confluence of the Sense and Saane
Highlight • River
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Niederried Hydroelectric Power Plant and Niederried Reservoir
Highlight • Structure
The Niederried hydropower plant is located about 3 km below the mouth of the Saana into the Aare. It was built between 1959 and 1963 next to the existing weir of the Kallnach power plant.
The mechanical equipment is practically identical to that of the Aarberg hydropower plant, which was built a short time later 5 km down the Aare. The 1.5 km long Niederriedstausee was built in 1913 for the Kallnach power plant and is now under protection. A large part of the original lake content has now landed. The beaver lives here today and around 10,000 water birds spend the winter there. BKW supports this nature reserve and maintains the fish pass to ensure fish migration in the Aare.
Source: bkw.ch
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Tips from the Community
Awesome approach from Sugiez, then a further descent via Lugnorre. The view of 2-3 lakes is fantastic!
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Cycling around Mont Vully offers an unforgettable experience with stunning views of Lake Murten and Lake Neuchâtel. You’ll pass through vineyards, charming Swiss villages and rolling hills, providing a picturesque landscape ideal for a leisurely ride.
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Great view over Lake Murten to the Alps or the other way around over the Seeland to the Chasseral
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A hermit's dwelling in the hamlet of Räsch was first mentioned in 1448. The hermit Johann Dupré and his assistant Johann Liecht expanded the rock dwelling to its current size between 1680 and 1708. In order to prevent the hermitage from collapsing and to preserve it for the general public, the parish of Düdingen carried out extensive renovation work in 2005/2006. Open and free of charge from April to September.
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Beautiful view over Lake Murten to the Valais Alps and over Lake Biel to the Chasseral. If you want to see the view from Mont Vully, you should do the climb from Sugiez. Over 2.3km you have to overcome 210m of elevation with a gradient of 7-13%. For this reason alone it makes sense to roll from Sugiez ↗️ and over Lugnorre ↘️.
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It also has several tables and benches to relax
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The Magdalena Hermitage in Büdingen is a historic hermitage that was built in the 18th century. It is picturesquely located on the edge of the forest and consists of a small chapel and a residential building for the hermit. The hermitage served as a retreat for religious hermits and is now a popular destination for visitors seeking peace and historical atmosphere.
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https://www.pronatura.ch/de/naturschutzgebiet-auried Frog concerts can be heard in spring and early summer.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What unique natural features can I discover in Staatswald Galm?
The Staatswald Galm is renowned for its ancient natural features. You can explore the majestic 300-year-old oaks, which are considered the 'soul' of the forest, and discover the peaceful Galmbrünnli Spring. The entire forest itself is a natural monument, offering a serene, car-free environment with rich flora and fauna.
Are there family-friendly natural monuments around Staatswald Galm?
Yes, several natural monuments are suitable for families. The Auried Nature Reserve is family-friendly, offering opportunities to observe diverse wildlife. The Confluence of the Sense and Saane provides a peaceful rest area by the river, and the Niederried Reservoir is also considered family-friendly, with a nature reserve that is home to beavers and water birds.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see in Staatswald Galm?
The Staatswald Galm boasts a rich offering of flora and fauna within its mixed deciduous forests. As an unpopulated geographical municipality, it is inhabited only by wildlife. The Auried Nature Reserve, a nationally important area, is particularly known for hosting one of Switzerland's largest tree frog populations and serves as a significant resting and breeding ground for numerous bird species. You might also spot beavers and various water birds around the Niederried Reservoir.
What historical or cultural sites are near the natural monuments?
Beyond its natural beauty, the region offers historical insights. The Mont Vully area is known for its vineyards and historical sites, including Helvetian fortifications. The Magdalena Hermitage, Räsch, is a unique rock dwelling first mentioned in 1448, offering a glimpse into the region's past and a geological phenomenon of petrified sand dunes.
Are there hiking trails to explore the natural monuments?
Yes, the Staatswald Galm is ideal for extended forest walks, jogging, and peaceful contemplation, with well-maintained forest paths. An adventure trail, 'Galmelin's Erlebnispfad,' guides visitors to some of the most beautiful ancient oaks. For more structured routes, you can find various hiking options in the area, including those around the cycling guides that often include scenic paths.
What outdoor activities can I do near these natural monuments?
The area around Staatswald Galm offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can enjoy cycling with routes like the 'Avenches Roman Amphitheatre – View of Lake Murten loop' or 'Lake Wohlensee – Lake Wohlen loop' as detailed in the Cycling around Staatswald Galm guide. Mountain biking is also popular, with trails such as the 'Zannenbach Root Trail – Grabenacher singletrack loop' found in the MTB Trails around Staatswald Galm guide. Road cycling routes are also available, including the 'Murten Clock Tower – Murten Old Town loop' from the Road Cycling Routes around Staatswald Galm guide.
Is Staatswald Galm accessible by public transport?
While the Staatswald Galm itself is car-free, making it ideal for experiencing its diversity on foot, information on specific public transport access points directly to the forest is not detailed. However, the region generally has public transport options to nearby towns, from which you might be able to access the forest paths. It is recommended to check local transport schedules for the most convenient connections.
What is the best time to visit Staatswald Galm?
The Staatswald Galm and its surrounding natural monuments can be enjoyed throughout the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery for walks among the ancient oaks and along the forest paths. Summer is ideal for longer explorations and enjoying the rich flora and fauna. Even in winter, the serene atmosphere of the car-free forest can be a unique experience.
Are dogs allowed on the trails and at the natural monuments?
Many natural areas in Switzerland are dog-friendly, and the Auried Nature Reserve is specifically listed as dog-friendly. When visiting, it's generally advisable to keep dogs on a leash, especially in nature reserves or areas with wildlife, to protect the local fauna and ensure a pleasant experience for all visitors.
Where can I find panoramic views of the region?
For breathtaking panoramic views, head to Mont Vully. This summit offers expansive vistas of the Alps, the Jura mountains, and the three surrounding lakes (Murten, Biel, and Neuchâtel). It's a popular destination specifically known for its unique panorama.
What makes the Staatswald Galm forest unique?
The Staatswald Galm is unique due to its status as a woodland directly owned by the Canton of Fribourg, not affiliated with any municipality. This administrative distinction contributes to its preservation as a significant and contiguous forest complex in the Seebezirk region. Its car-free environment ensures a tranquil experience, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in its natural beauty and powerful atmosphere.
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