Dwellings in the region's wilds: The aquatic environment of Lake, teeming with trees and beavers.
Nature Photographer Ronja Illich's Year-Long Journey at Lake Federsee Comes to an End
Ronja Illich, a passionate nature photographer, has been documenting the unique ecosystem at Lake Federsee for a year as part of her federal voluntary service at the Federsee Nature Protection Center. With only three weeks left, she will continue to educate visitors about the lake's biodiversity with her mobile information stand, Ried-Rad.
Located near Bad Buchau, Germany, Lake Federsee is a tourist destination that is historically and ecologically significant. The lake and its surrounding landscape have been home to prehistoric pile-dwelling settlements, which are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the "Prehistoric Pile Dwellings around the Alps." These ancient stilt houses, such as the shady house adjacent to the Federsee Museum, provide valuable insights into early human life in the region[1][2].
The Federsee Museum, a tourist attraction in Bad Buchau, Biberach district, houses artifacts preserved from thousands of years ago due to the mud. It offers tours, including a trip around the museum in a dugout canoe, to help visitors understand the prehistoric period and the significance of the Federsee settlements[1][2].
The lake itself is ecologically unique, characterized by wetland habitats, peat bogs, and reed beds that provide a vital refuge for many rare and endangered species of plants and animals. The shallow waters and surrounding moorlands support a variety of bird species, some of which are internationally protected. The area is also home to over 100 species, including beavers that can be seen and heard regularly[1][2].
The Federsee Nature Protection Center plays a crucial role in educating visitors about the unique ecosystem and wildlife at Lake Federsee. Volunteers, such as Ronja Illich, are essential for landscape care, including mowing the reed meadows. Their work is vital in preserving the habitat for these rare species[1][2].
In addition to its ecological importance, Lake Federsee is also historically significant. The buildings in the past were likely cramped with people, tools, and supplies, and did not stand high above the water like those at Lake Constance. The pile dwellings, built with the help of piles in the marsh, did not stand high above the water either[1][2].
The Wackelwald ("Wobbly Forest"), a forest known for its unusual, unstable ground that causes a characteristic "floating" or wobbling effect underfoot, is another unique natural feature attracting many visitors.
In conclusion, Lake Federsee and the Federsee Museum in Bad Buchau are important both archaeologically and ecologically. The area preserves rare prehistoric settlements recognized by UNESCO, while its wetlands and forests support unique and diverse biodiversity, making it a destination of significant cultural and natural heritage in Germany[1][2].
[1] Federsee Museum. (n.d.). About Federsee Museum. Retrieved from https://www.federseemuseum.de/museum/geschichte-und-zielsetzung
[2] Lake Federsee. (n.d.). UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Retrieved from https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/174/documents/
Exploring the unique lifestyle, Ronja Illich plans to showcase outdoor-living and home-and-garden aspects of Lake Federsee through her photographs, even as her voluntary service ends. Visitors to the Federsee Museum, situated among the historically and ecologically significant surroundings of Bad Buchau, can learn about ancient human life, early home-and-garden practices, and observe endangered species thriving in the lake's vibrant outdoor-living habitat.
