Federsee
A vast moorland lake in Upper Swabia, Federsee is one of Southern Germany’s largest groundwater-fed wetlands and a sanctuary for migratory birds and endangered species.
At a glance
Federsee covers 33 km² of reed-fringed moorland in the heart of Upper Swabia. The shallow lake—measuring just 2 metres at its deepest point—is encircled by the town of Bad Buchau and five surrounding villages. Its name, derived from the Celtic word “pheder” meaning marsh, reflects the landscape’s wetland character rather than the feather-shaped body of water it resembles.
History
The Federsee basin has yielded rich archaeological discoveries spanning the Stone Age and Bronze Age, with artifacts prominently displayed at the Federsee Museum. These excavations reveal an ancient human presence in this landscape shaped by water and bog.
What you see
Since dense reeds and bogs form an impenetrable barrier around the lake, access is carefully managed through infrastructure. A wooden boardwalk approximately 1.5 km long begins near the Federsee Museum and traverses the reed belt to open water, where an observation platform and boat rental facility await visitors. Additional piers extend into the protected areas, offering views otherwise inaccessible on foot. In winter, when the lake freezes, it becomes passable between Tiefenbach and Bad Buchau.
Cultural significance
Federsee ranks among Europe’s most important bird sanctuaries. The site supports approximately 265 bird species, with 107 breeding here regularly. Two endangered species thrive in particular: 200 breeding pairs of whinchats and 18 pairs of marsh harriers. The lake’s designation as a Special Protection Area under the EU Birds Directive and its inclusion in the Natura 2000 ecological network underscore its continental importance for wildlife conservation.
Key facts
- Location: Bad Buchau, Upper Swabia, Southern Germany
- Coordinates: 48.08°N, 9.63°E
- Area: 33 km² (8,155 acres)
- Maximum depth: 2 metres
- Status: EU Special Protection Area; Natura 2000 site
- Bird species: approximately 265; 107 breeding
Practical information & getting there
Access to the lake is via the wooden boardwalk near the Federsee Museum parking area. From there, a 1.5 km walk through reeds leads to an observation platform and boat rental. For detailed visiting information and current conditions, consult the museum directly or local tourism offices in Bad Buchau.
Sources & resources
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