Moos Schönenhof bei Wallisellen

Moos Schönenhof bei Wallisellen is a raised and transitional mire of national importance in the municipality of Wallisellen, canton of Zürich, Switzerland. It is listed in Swiss federal wetland inventories, which places it among the country's most valuable peatland sites. It suits visitors who enjoy quiet, understated nature right next to an urban area.

What is Moos Schönenhof?

"Moos" is German for bog or mire. The site appears in the federal inventory of raised bogs and transitional mires as object no. 132, and separately in the fen inventory as object no. 868. Two entries show that several mire types meet here rather than a single uniform habitat.

Where is it and how big is it?

The mire lies in Wallisellen, canton Zürich, at about 435 m above sea level. According to the object sheet in the raised-bog inventory, the whole area covers roughly 5.8 ha, of which the actual raised-bog surface is only about 0.1 ha and the rest is a surrounding zone. The map also marks a bare peat patch and open water. The fen inventory entry covers about 4.8 ha.

What grows here?

The fen inventory sheet lists several vegetation types: purple moor-grass meadow (Pfeifengraswiese), transitional mire, reed beds and sedge fen. Such a mosaic means many micro-habitats side by side, from very wet to seasonally damp.

Why do mires matter?

Raised bogs are fed mainly by rainwater and are poor in nutrients, while fens draw on groundwater. Both types are protected at federal level in Switzerland because they are rare and sensitive to drainage and fertilisation. A site "of national importance" is one that met the selection criteria for these inventories.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Moos Schönenhof? In Wallisellen, canton Zürich, in northern Switzerland.

Is it a large mire? No. It covers a few hectares, so it is a small, valuable pocket of nature rather than a vast area for long hikes.

What is the difference between a raised bog and a fen? A raised bog lives mostly on rain and is nutrient-poor; a fen is fed by groundwater.

Is the area protected? Yes, it is listed in the federal mire inventories as an object of national importance. Check local rules on access before visiting.

Tips for visitors

In wetland areas, stay on marked paths, do not step onto bare peat and take your litter with you. Wear footwear that copes with damp ground. Avoid visiting right after heavy rain, when the ground is soggiest; in the growing season the varied vegetation is easier to appreciate. Wallisellen is close to Zürich, so a visit combines easily with other places in the region.