Plizio Visual Lab

Kaltbrunner Riet

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

wildlife

Weather…

Kaltbrunner Riet is a significant fen and bird sanctuary located in the Linth Plain within the Canton of St. Gallen. It represents one of the last remaining fragments of the vast marshlands that characterized the region prior to the Linth correction project in the 19th century. The protected reserve covers approximately 40 hectares and serves as a critical habitat for numerous endangered bird species and amphibians. Visitors can explore the area via designated paths and an observation tower that provides panoramic views over the extensive reed beds and water pools. The flora is notable for rare sedges and orchids that thrive in the seasonally flooded meadows. Conservation of the site involves regular management practices, such as late mowing, to prevent shrub encroachment and maintain ecological diversity. It is officially listed as a site of national importance in the Swiss federal inventory of fens.

Location: Switzerland
Top sights: St. Peter und Paul · Burgruine Bibiton · Maria-Bildstein
Nearby: Glarus Nord (10 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-4	-4	1	5	10	14	16	15	11	7	2	-3
Rain mm	101	81	102	107	163	176	173	190	124	110	103	106

📋 Practical info

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Best season

Kaltbrunner Riet is a significant fen, best for birdwatching in spring and autumn. Migratory birds rest here in large numbers during migration.

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Best time of day

Early morning bird activity is highest, especially during migration. Late afternoon also has many calls and flight movements to observe.

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Etiquette

Please stay on designated paths to avoid disturbing sensitive plants and breeding areas. Entering the reed areas is prohibited.

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What to bring

Good binoculars are essential for birdwatching in the wetland. Rubber boots or waterproof shoes are recommended as it can be damp and muddy.

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Getting there

Kaltbrunner Riet is located on Lake Zurich in the municipality of Kaltbrunn. It is accessible by car via the A3, with parking available. A train station is also nearby.

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What to expect

Birds are often shy and take flight at sudden movements. Sit quietly at an observation point and wait for birds to approach again.

Geography

Coordinates

47.20150, 9.01520

Facts

Reserve covers an area of approximately 40 hectares
Located in the Linth Plain, Canton of St. Gallen
Hosts over 100 different bird species annually
Features a 10-meter high observation tower
Listed in the federal inventory of fens of national importance
Key breeding ground for the Eurasian Curlew

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Glarus Nord10 km · SEExplore →

Grünfels Castle Ruins11 km · NWExplore →

Wattwil12 km · NEExplore →

Lachen12 km · WExplore →

Rapperswil-Jona14 km · WExplore →

Rueti14 km · NWExplore →

Altendorf15 km · WExplore →

Rapperswil Castle15 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Kaltbrunner Riet (10)

St. Peter und Paul

Church in Benken, canton of St. Gallen, a Baroque building from the 18th century.

Burgruine Bibiton🏰 castle

Remaining wall of a residential tower of a moated castle, built in the 13th century, destroyed in 1444.

Maria-Bildstein

Pilgrimage site in Benken with a church, Calvary, and grottoes.

Burgstelle Wandelberg🏰 castle

Former castle on a sandstone rock, founded around 1200 by the Counts of Rapperswil.

Ortsmuseum Müllisperg🏛 museum

Local history museum in Kaltbrunn, showcasing the area's history and culture.

Katholische Kirche St. Georg

Church in Kaltbrunn, canton of St. Gallen, built in the neo-Gothic style.

Kulturzentrum Dröschi

Cultural centre in Kaltbrunn hosting events and exhibitions.

Prähistorische Wehranlage

Remains of a prehistoric fortification on the Gasterholz hill.

Benkner Büchel

Molasse hill in the Linthebene plain, a prominent landscape feature.

Bäckereimuseum🏛 museum

Museum in Kaltbrunn illustrating the history of the baking trade.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is Kaltbrunner Riet?

An important fen and nature reserve in the Linth plain.

What animals can be observed here?

Numerous bird species, dragonflies, and rare amphibians.

Is there an observation tower?

Yes, a wooden tower provides a broad overview of the protected area.

Are the paths accessible?

The main paths are mostly flat and easy to walk on.

When is the best time for bird swarms?

During the migration periods in spring and autumn, there is the most activity.

Kaltbrunner Riet: where is it located?

Kaltbrunner Riet is located in Switzerland.

Kaltbrunner Riet: what is there to see?

Highlights include St. Peter und Paul, Burgruine Bibiton, Maria-Bildstein.

Kaltbrunner Riet: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.

Kaltbrunner Riet: why is it worth visiting?

Kaltbrunner Riet is a significant fen and bird sanctuary located in the Linth Plain within the Canton of St.

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