After a long period without hiking - the autumn was rainy and foggy - we are heading to Bad Leonfelden on the Czech border for a few days. In addition to plenty of relaxation in the sauna, a few hikes and runs in the surrounding area are planned.
The town became famous in the 19th century. The nearby moor attracted bathers hoping to alleviate their physical ailments. The fresh air of the high-altitude town (750 metres) on the edge of the Bohemian Forest also attracted big city dwellers looking to escape the smog of the blast furnaces and factories. Unfortunately, the weather on arrival is not much better than in the lowlands – fog – but at least there is snow.
The Moorwald#
The Moorwald is located on a hill opposite Bad Leonfelden. The hike is a short round course, mainly on forest roads, with slight inclines, only the start is a short ramp. The route is therefore not very difficult. It is ideal for a leisurely walk.
Wisps of mist drift through the forest. Silence. Almost a little eerie. The forest floor is covered in freshly fallen snow. It is no longer fluffy, but a little damp and therefore slippery. The temperature sits just above 0 °C.
Along the trail there are small stations that provide information about the usage of the forest and its flora and fauna. Different tree species are labelled with small signs. The forest is mainly populated by firs and spruces, which are of great importance to the local forestry industry. A lumberjack’s hut with a wood storage made of felled trees confirms this impression.
A barefoot path also invites me to explore the forest floor. But due to the cold and the snow cover, I don’t try this. Summer is certainly better suited.
Around the midpoint of the trail, I reach the highlight of the hike: the bog. I have already written extensively about the uniqueness of this natural landscape on my hike through the Leckermoor near Göstling.
In Bad Leonfelden the bog is covered in snow this time. There is not much to see of the low vegetation. The standing water is reflected between the snow fields. A wooden footbridge allows a dry crossing of the moor. The historic moor bath still exists. It allows you to wade through the bog water, but it is too cold for me. Brrrr.
After the moor, I continue walking at a brisk pace. The eerie silence is only interrupted by the footsteps of a couple and their dog. Otherwise, I am completely alone in the forest and return to the starting point swiftly. I’m looking forward to a sauna visit and some delicious herb tea at my accommodation.