Forêt de la Bettlachstock

The forest reserve Waldreservat Bettlachstock-Hasenmatt is Switzerland’s second largest natural beech forest reserve with submontane beech forests (64%), montane fir-beech forests (17%), and forests in which the beech does not dominate due to extreme site conditions (6%).

These are maple and lime forests on moving hillside debris, pine forests in very dry locations on rocks, and ash and maple forests in wet locations along the streams. The forests are very close to the natural state and have a high stock of living and dead wood compared to commercial forests. The beech is by far the most common tree species (39%), besides fir and spruce (14% each), which are also common. The oldest trees are up to 200 years old. Tree giants are still rare. However, the proportion of tree hollows and habitat trees is very high.

• UNESCO recognition: 2021
• Protected area: Waldreservat Bettlachstock-Hasenmatt
• Beech forest region: Subatlantic-Herzynic
• Area: 195.43 ha
• Number of component parts: 1
• Altitudinal range: submontane to high montane (800 – 1,300 m above sea level)
• Fauna: Grey-headed woodpecker, Eurasian eagle owl, Long-eared owl, Wood warbler, Hazel grouse, Eurasian woodcock, Fire salamander, several species of bats
• Coordinates of the Central Point: N 47° 13' 22'', E 7° 24’ 43’’