Lost in thought, have you ever wondered about Munich’s hidden green escapes? This is Allacher Lohe. It is a precious nature reserve in the city’s northwest. Allacher Lohe is a reminder of what this area once was.
Once upon a time, a vast forest belt stretched across Munich’s northern reaches. Today, Allacher Lohe represents nearly 150 hectares. It marks one of the largest remnants of this once characteristic landscape. The term “Lohwald” describes this. It refers to a light woodland that includes open areas. Think of the heathlands typical of Munich’s north.
In 1770, the Allacher Forest marked the northernmost point of a continuous woodland. It ran almost directly north-south. Over time, much of the forest was cleared. This was done to make way for buildings and agriculture. Today, remaining parts include the Angerlohe. Other parts are the Hartmannshofer Forest, and the Kapuzinerhölzl. Even the Nymphenburg Landscape Park has large Lohwald remnants.
Glaciers from the Würm Ice Age left behind gravel deposits. Loess, a fine-grained sediment, gathered on these. This created fertile soil. The Lohwald thrived here with its unique species.
Allacher Lohe is ecologically rich. It boasts diverse plant and animal life. The oak-hornbeam forest is especially important. It exemplifies a near-natural deciduous forest. The forest’s structure offers habitats for native species. Among the 400 plant species, 25 are endangered. They appear on Bavaria’s Red List. Protected species include the Turk’s cap lily and fringed gentian. Over 1000 animal species live here. You might spot rare creatures. There is the ermine, gray woodpecker, green woodpecker. You may see the sand lizard, and swallowtail butterfly.
Today, Allacher Lohe sits at the edge of Munich’s gravel plains. It marks the transition to Dachauer Moos’s fenlands. Together with adjacent heaths, it forms a valuable mosaic. This area is rich in species and structures. It became a designated nature reserve.
Due to roads, industry, and railways, it is now isolated. Think of it as an ecological island. It is cut off from the surrounding areas. Allacher Lohe is part of the Natura 2000 network. This protects important European habitats.
The area has regulations to protect this treasure. These rules cover vehicle use, horseback riding, and cycling. They ensure conservation-friendly recreation.
The bathing ban at the Baggersee is vital. It helps maintain water quality. It also protects the shorelines. These areas are important for amphibians. Allowing swimming would harm this delicate environment.
So, as you wander through Allacher Lohe, remember its past. It’s a survivor. It is a haven for nature. It is a testament to the importance of preserving green spaces.