BirdLife-Naturzentrum

The Klingnauer Stausee is a reservoir on the lower Aare in the canton of Aargau, close to the small towns of Klingnau and Döttingen, and it has become one of the most important places for birds in Switzerland. The lake was created in the 1930s when a dam was built across the river for hydroelectric power. What began as an engineering project has produced a large, shallow body of water with reed beds, mudflats and wooded banks, and the combination turned out to be ideal for waterbirds, particularly on migration. It is now protected as a wetland of international importance, and it is part of a network of sites under the Ramsar Convention.

The reason for the area's value is its position and shape. Birds travelling between northern Europe and the Mediterranean follow river valleys and stop to rest and feed where there is water. The Klingnauer Stausee lies on a major migration route, and its shallow edges expose mud in autumn when the water level drops, creating feeding grounds for waders such as sandpipers, plovers and snipe. In winter, thousands of ducks, including tufted ducks, pochards, goldeneyes and shovelers, gather on the open water, together with grebes, cormorants and coots. In spring and summer, reed warblers and other songbirds breed in the reeds, and herons, kingfishers and ospreys may be seen. More than three hundred species have been recorded here over time, which is a remarkable figure for a reservoir in a densely populated country.

The BirdLife nature centre works as a gateway to the reserve. It is run by BirdLife Switzerland, the national bird conservation organisation, and it offers exhibitions about the wildlife of the lake, educational programmes for schools and families and information on how to watch birds without disturbing them. Nearby are observation hides and a viewing tower along the shore, from which you can watch with binoculars or a telescope, and there are paths along the water and through the reserve. Guided tours are offered at certain times, led by experts who can identify species and explain the ecology of the wetland.

Birdwatching is best at dawn and dusk, when birds are most active, and the changing seasons offer different spectacles. Autumn and spring bring the greatest variety, as migrants pass through, while winter brings large numbers of ducks. Visitors should bring binoculars, warm clothes and waterproof shoes, since the shore can be muddy and exposed. Rules in the reserve protect the birds, so it is important to stay on marked paths, keep dogs on a lead or leave them at home and avoid loud noises. Fishing, boating and other activities are restricted in sensitive areas.

The centre is accessible by public transport, with a walk from the station at Döttingen or Klingnau, and there is a footpath along the lake. Entrance to the centre and opening times vary by season, so check the official website before you go. The place suits birdwatchers, families, school groups and photographers, and it is a good choice for anyone who wants a quiet nature outing in northern Switzerland. Allow two to three hours for the centre and a walk.