Dreiweiher loop around Owingen

Meadows, water, biotopes: With few climbs, you cycle around the Hochbühl natural area in a leisurely loop. Species-rich bird protection ponds make it a delight for nature lovers – and a relaxed ride for family outings.

From Owingen, you head northwest along the forest edge at nearly the same elevation to Billafingen. In the charming basin (glacial valley) lined with orchards, a castle and the St. Mauritius Church from the 15th century invite you to a first rest. Behind the village, turn left onto a Roman road and find the first bird protection pond. Established in 2005 by the Heinz Sielmann Foundation, it is one of the first of the Lake Constance biotope network. Ponds, reed beds, and hedges create a fascinating web of habitats. Here alone, there are 340 flowering plant species, white storks, and water buffalo. An observation platform offers a view, and a nature trail invites exploration. On the southern slope opposite: a conservation garden with 150 old pear varieties.

Continue, flat in the valley, to Stockach-Seelfingen. The second conservation biotope lies on the Mahlspürer Aach, a pond of about 2,500 sqm with a ditch. In the branched wetland and alder forest around, many bird species breed.

North of Seelfingen, turn left out of the Aach valley. The only significant climb (100 m ascent) leads through the forest to Walpertsweiler, to the third body of water. The Inge-Sielmann pond goes back to a fish pond of the Überlingen hospital. The foundation reactivated it by repairing the old dam and expanded it to 1.7 hectares. Where carp were once raised, today a species-rich flora and fauna thrives, which can be observed from the lookout point.

The return route heads south via Bonndorf and Nesselwangen, then past the Nesselwanger Ried with a visitor platform. From Hödingen, you have an exquisite view of Lake Constance over the orchard meadows. The last approximately 5 km go left past the golf course back to Owingen.

(Text: Dr. Ulrich Steller)