Forest reserve Gandwald

From spa forest to primeval forest

The once park-like Gandwald, through which guests of the Elmer Kurhaus strolled, is developing into a primeval forest. This is where the heat-loving Turin maple forest grows. This type of forest, which is rare in Switzerland, only thrives in a few foehn valleys with a very mild climate. Many different tree species grow in the forest reserve. By far the most common is the sycamore maple. He loves the mild and humid climate inside the forest. In summer, the pink Turk's League lily, which is protected in the canton of Glarus, provides a nice splash of colour.

Green Woodpecker

The green woodpecker feeds on ants on the sparse forest floor. Waste wood promotes the occurrence of ants and thus also the green woodpecker. Its neighing call can be heard far and wide in the Gandwald in spring.

Protected areas

The forest reserve is located in the Freiberg Kärpf Federal Wildlife Reserve.

Experience the forest reserve

The forest reserve can be reached on foot from the car park in Elm in 15 minutes. The discovery tour on the circular trail takes two hours. The trails are usually accessible between May and October. A forest nature trail with educational boards along the circular route provides information about the Gandwald.