Moor & more

South of the mighty mountain massif of the Wilder Kaiser in the holiday region Kitzbühel Alps, there are still real moorlands amidst the extensive forests. They are located between the villages of Going and St. Johann and have mysterious names such as Windwehenmoos, Schwaigermoos, or Steinbichlwaldmoor.

Moorlands are relics of the last Ice Age. In Central Europe, they are already a real rarity today, most moors have been drained in the last one hundred and fifty years and transformed into agricultural land or settlement space.

Moreover, moors are of uniquely scenic charm and habitat for a variety of partly rare plants and animals. Moors are also particularly sensitive and valuable ecosystems that fulfill an important task far beyond their own area. Water-impermeable layers in connection with the soft peat soil make the moor a kind of sponge that can absorb an enormous amount of water even during heavy rain. This is then slowly released back into the surroundings, so that the moors act as a natural and extremely efficient flood protection for the entire surrounding area.

In the moors, we find a number of highly specialized plant species. The typical moor plant is the peat moss, which can store up to thirty times its own weight in water. The cotton grass, which makes the moor appear snow-covered in early summer with its white, fluffy flowers, is also a characteristic moor plant. The nutrient-poor soil has finally led to another peculiarity: The "carnivorous" sundew gets the necessary nutrients by catching insects. Among the animal species, the rare yellow-bellied toad and the many species of butterflies and dragonflies are particularly noteworthy.

The moors of the Kaisergebirge are opened up via three circular trails with different thematic focuses. The "Törfchenrunde" is especially suitable for children and families and offers information as well as numerous play opportunities and puzzles. The "Rocky Runde" is intended for teenagers, and the "Natura Trail" provides knowledge about the moor for all age groups. The trails are easy to walk and partly also suitable for strollers. Informative display boards encourage a conscious stay in nature. At the "Törfchenspielplatz" there is also a climbing tower, a labyrinth, swings, and a water playground. The best starting points for the circular hikes are the parking lots at the Going bathing lake and at the "Törfchenspielplatz" at the Gasthof Römerhof in St. Johann.