Magazin EN 2024

19
The harvesting of the reeds – which interested
visitors can observe if they want – likewise makes
a contribution to preserving this unique habitat:
It helps to prevent rotting and eutrophication.
It also combats the overgrowth of trees.
And amidst it all: A pond. Visitors who have strolled
along the jetties in the belt of reeds already know
that Lake Kaltern also has a pond area. No, not
a pond in the lake: Rather, a pond in the belt of
reeds. It’s small and inconspicuous, but serves an
important biological function. In the summertime,
the water is heated up, as a consequence of which
its oxygen content sinks. The water evaporates,
causing the water level to drop. By the same token,
the concentration of dissolved mineral substances
in the remaining water rises. This enables various
water plants – from the micro-algae all the way up to
the bullrushes – to thrive. They, in turn, represent
a source of nutrition for animal life.
Hiking, strolling, gourmet dining, and culture. One
can stroll, jog, cycle, or even push a baby carriage
around the lake – an exhilarating, relaxing, contemplative,
or exciting experience, depending upon your
frame of mind. While circumnavigating the lake,
you’ll discover all kinds of different perspectives,
different views of the lake, the mountains, the
looming Leuchtenburg, the village, the meadows
full of apple trees, the hills covered with vineyards.
Along the way, you’ll come to three different information
panels dedicated to specific themes, where
you can pause, rest, and learn interesting things
about wine, about “Plent” (a delicious local dish
based on cornmeal), and about apples. And just
as the wine trail gives you insights into the local
wine-making sector, the trip around the lake will
familiarize you with the wine village of Kaltern >