Naturzentrum Schollenmühle
Former peat factory from 1918 in the Bannriet nature reserve, with an exhibition on nature and peat, a circular trail, an underwater cube and observation huts.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Schollenmühle is a former peat factory in the middle of the Bannriet nature reserve between Altstätten and Oberriet. Its oldest buildings date back to 1918. Until the operation was shut down in 1998, the peat dug in the surroundings was processed here into peat litter and special soils. The irregular timber buildings recall that peat extraction shaped today's landscape.
In the winter of 2009/2010 the association Pro Riet Rheintal converted the former factory into an information center for visitors to the nature reserve. At the same time the site was ecologically enhanced, including a pond and numerous small bodies of water from which dragonflies and amphibians benefit. Project partners were BirdLife Switzerland and the Schweizerische Vogelwarte Sempach (Swiss Ornithological Institute). The Schollenmühle belongs to the network of Swiss nature centers.
Today an exhibition informs about the nature reserve, peat cutting and the ecological improvements; original machines and viewing windows make the former processing understandable. On the grounds and along a circular trail there are information cubes, an underwater cube and a peat cube, plus two observation huts and the observation tower opened in 2004 at the edge of the area.
Highlights
- Former peat factory from 1918 in the Bannriet nature reserve
- Exhibition on nature, the nature reserve and peat cutting
- Original machines and viewing windows into peat processing
- Underwater cube and peat cube
- Circular trail with 13 information cubes, observation huts and observation tower
Permanent exhibition
- Ausstellung zu Natur und Torf – The exhibition at the Schollenmühle informs about the nature reserve, peat cutting and the ecological improvements; it includes original machines and viewing windows into the former peat processing.
- Founded
- 2010
- Operated by
- Verein Pro Riet Rheintal
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
| “Schollenmühle, Natur & Torf” guided tour for school classes | CHF 120per class; about 1.5 hours including free access to the exhibition |
|---|---|
| “Schollenmühle, Natur & Torf” guided tour for other groups of up to 20 people | CHF 180each additional person CHF 4; demonstration of peat cutting for around CHF 60 extra |
Admission is free.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
On the “Türli & Flidari” adventure trail, six cubes on the grounds and nearby introduce children aged about 4 to 7 to nature conservation and peat in a playful way; guided tours for school classes are available on request.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
The bus stops are at the edge of the area; from Altstätten SG SBB station it is a 30-minute walk or an 8-minute bike ride to the Schollenmühle.
By car
Parking available
The Schollenmühle and Schollenriet lie in a large no-driving zone for motor vehicles. Cars must be parked outside on an approved parking area (according to the overview map, among others the ARA on weekends and evenings, Landi Oberrheintal, the SAK power plant, the Montlingen industrial area, and the Baggersee gravel pit lake, Monday to Friday only).
Travel by public transport and getting around on foot or by bike are recommended; a circular trail of about 8 km opens up the area.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 1.5 hrs |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | On request, the association leads visitors through the Schollenmühle and the nature reserve from April to October: the “Schollenmühle, Natur & Torf” walk (1.5 hours), a bicycle tour through the Riet (2.5 hours), “Auf Spurensuche des Bibers” and “Wer quakt denn da?” (each 1.5 hours). Early inquiry required. |
