Austrian nature reserve
The Biosphere Reserve Großes Walsertal (German: "Biosphärenpark Großes Walsertal") is a protected nature reserve in the Austrian state of Vorarlberg.
The area of the nature reserve covers 19,231 ha. There are 3,420 inhabitants and around 180 farms (42 % of which are organic). The reserve strives for a sustainable economy and tourism in the region and provides a platform for discussion about society, politics and science. The Biosphere Reserve Großes Walsertal has been a UNESCO biosphere reserve since November 2000.
Geography.
The Biosphere Reserve Großes Walsertal is situated in the eponymous Großes Walsertal. It stretches across the municipalities of Blons, Fontanella, Raggal, Sonntag, St. Gerold and Thüringerberg.
The northern part is characterised by the flysch mountains of the Walserkamm, the southern part by the rugged peaks and scree slopes of the Kalkhochalpen.
Zones.
In order to fulfill the diverse tasks of protection of natural diversity, sustainable development, education and research, biosphere parks are divided into zones. Different focal points are assigned to each of these zones.
Culture.
The biosphärenpark.haus is the visitor center of the biosphere nature reserve. The Biosphere Reserve Exhibition inside the biosphärenpark house offers background information in the form of films, interactive modules, showcases and a herbarium.
The Walserherbst ("Walser autumn") is a music, literature and culinary festival located in the nature reserve. The festival is held every other year in August/September and lasts for three weeks.
The Walderlebnispfad Marul ("Forest Adventure Trail") is a hiking trail with games of skill, points of interest for nature, information about flora and fauna and culture and history about the mountain environment. Hikers can choose between the short (3.4 km length, walking time approx. 1½ hours, approx. 300 meters in altitude) and the long route (5.6 km in length, walking time about 2½ hours, about 450 meters in altitude).
The Deanery St. Gerold is the cultural center in the valley. Since the 10th century, the Deanery has been in the possession of the Benedictines. At the bottom a footpath leads along lakes through the forest.
References.
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